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 Way back in 2011 I lived within walking distance of the UC Irvine campus and I spent many a weekend afternoon exploring the grounds. On one such day I wandered upon the Jao Family Sculpture Garden in a remote area of the campus. I was fascinated by this random garden filled with Chinese statues, so I couldn't resist taking a handful of snapshots. 

 Terri and I stumbled upon a really great travel show last night called America The Land We Live In. The show centers around two New Yorkers named Doc and Sophia who travel across the country trying to find locations that were featured in William Cullen Bryant's 19th century book Picturesque America. The premiere episode really pulled on Terri's heart strings a bit, because the first half of the episode was filmed in North Carolina.

 From Toon in With Me on Facebook: The animators initially designed Chilly Willy to resemble Woody Woodpecker, but they redesigned him in later cartoons.

Looney Tunes Taz Snapshot Gallery Figurine: $24.99 @ Entertainment Earth - Order Here

For the past couple of weeks I have been sifting through my collection of railroad photographs that I have posted over at my Rails West page on Facebook. I collected numerous images to share here at the Traveler's Guide, but I was puzzled on how I should feature them. Ultimately I decided to organize them by location instead of by date, which was my original intention. I figured that the photos would make more sense if the viewer knew where the images where taken. It would also be much easier on me to group them by location instead of simply featuring a random collection of photos that I would have to write a comment on each one so that they would have context.

 Photo courtesy of Sky Railway. Sky Railway in Santa Fe, New Mexico has released their Spring schedule of events!

I just got my Arizona Travel Guide in the mail and after going through a few pages I came to this add for Discover Navajo. It made me smile. It reads: "Near Tuba City, AZ- right off Highway 264 - past mile marker 337.25 - just east of the dirt road - If you pass the windmill you've gone too far ..." I think that Terri and I will follow those directions one day.

The Planet of the Apes franchise was immensely popular in the early 1970s, though many modern science fiction fans are unaware of its cultural impact. The original Planet of the Apes film spawned four sequels, two TV series, and a merchandising bonanza of dolls, playsets, and books. While Star Wars is often considered the first film to generate such an extensive toy craze, Planet of the Apes had produced a similar mania years earlier.

  Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set Prop Replica : $144.99 @ Entertainment Earth - Order Here

Like many science fiction fans, I developed a lifelong love of the genre after being introduced to Star Trek as a child. My older cousin Rick, an avid fan himself, persuaded me to watch the show. The first episode I saw was “Arena,” which featured a fight between Captain Kirk and a Gorn captain orchestrated by an unseen alien race. As a young boy fascinated by dinosaurs, I was initially drawn in by the reptilian Gorn. However, it was the intelligent writing and compelling storylines that kept me coming back for more. The show's spirit of adventure and exploration matched my own longing to travel beyond my backyard. What six-year-old doesn't dream of piloting a starship across the vast expanse of space? After that first taste, I was hooked, becoming a devoted Trekkie and sci-fi enthusiast for life. Although the show had a loyal fan following during its initial prime-time run, Star Trek never achieved strong ratings. NBC, the network that aired it, frequently changed the show...

 I decided to do something a little different for this weeks edition of Hot Traxx, instead of going with a new secular release, I opted to go with some praise music instead. I have brag on our praise team at Journey Church (Pineville Louisiana) who are known as Journey United. They are simply the best praise team of any church in the region. 

Over the past couple of years I taken literally hundreds of photographs from one end of Louisiana to the other. During that time I have shared the vast majority of those images here at The Traveler's Guide, yet there was a vast collection of images that I simply didn't have the time to sort through and write posts about. Last weekend I decided to devote an entire morning to sorting through those images so that I could put together this visual retrospective on what life is like here in the Pelican State. The image above sets a rather somber tone for this piece, maybe it is a fitting beginning for a visual tour of the parts of Louisiana that most visitors to our state never see. Far away from the big cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge lies a vast area of heavily wooded forests and acres of rich farm land where cane and cotton are a way of life. 

Though it lasted only one season, Battlestar Galactica boasts a remarkably devoted fan base that has endured for decades. When it first aired in 1979, the series dubbed "Son of Star Wars" by Newsweek enthralled viewers with its epic space saga of a fleet on the run. Inspired by Mormon themes, Galactica offered imaginative stories, dazzling special effects, and talented acting that sparked the imaginations of its young audience. For those who grew up watching the show's original run, Galactica left an indelible imprint. Even though high production costs led to its cancellation after just one season, fans' dedication has not waned after 25 years off the air. Clearly, Galactica’s gripping drama and visionary sci-fi aesthetic struck a chord that continues to resonate with its loyal followers to this day.

 This past weekend Terri and I were doing a little shopping at the Alexandria Mall when our tummies started grumbling, so we decided to stop by the food court for lunch. I was surprised to see a Mexican Food restaurant called Habanero where there used to be a rather sub-par Chinese food place used to be. Being the adventurous type, and a well-known lover of Mexican Food, I decided to give the place a try. I'm oh so happy that I did.

 Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem. $19.99 @ Amazon.com - Order Here All sizes available!  Louisiana is a vintage style for those who love Louisiana United States. This retro style would make a nice Louisiana gift or Louisiana souvenir for Louisiana vacation. Louisiana Souvenirs and Gifts by Treaja.

 From Visit Albuquerque: Albuquerque is a destination with fun for the whole family. Whether it’s immersing yourself in interactive video games or viewing the largest collection of rattlesnakes in the world, your family will find an exciting spring break activity in Albuquerque.

 Embark on a transformative journey with our latest sermon, 'Transforming Love: How to Cultivate Kindness in Your Relationships.' Dive deep into the heart of what it truly means to practice virtues like patience, kindness, and humility in our daily interactions. In this video, we discuss how reconnecting with Christ can evolutionally reshape our lives—altering our lifestyle, language, and love. If you're seeking change, longing for fulfillment, or thirsting for a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Whether you're looking to inviting Jesus into your heart or to reaffirm your faith, join us in discovering a better way through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Remember, you're not alone; our doors are open, our hands are raised, and our hearts are wide open. Don't forget to subscribe for more inspirational content, and feel free to reach out for prayers and support.

 Another week, and another Svengoolie inspired installment of Fantastic Photos From Fantasy Films. This time around the subject is a duel magazine advertisement for The Monster That Challenged The World and The Vampire. 

FLORENCE PUGH (Princess Irulan) is a globally acclaimed, Academy Award- and BAFTA-nominated British actress who has delivered noteworthy performances across film and television Princess Irulan—daughter of Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV and protégé of the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Mohiam—is an elegant, regal young woman with a strategic mind and observant nature. Called upon for her opinion on handling a potential uprising on Arrakis, she does not shrink when offering her opinions, no matter how unpopular. Still, though her father is a master of chess, she is disturbed by an understanding that his true power comes from treating his people like pawns, knowing it only matters that, in the end, he wins. Pugh recently commented on her excitement to join the “Dune” universe, “It was quite possibly the most thrilling welcome to a world I think I have ever experienced, and probably ever will experience. I'd always wondered if they’d ever make those huge epics again, and then ‘Dune’ came o...

 I have been a huge fan of Mayer Hawthorne ever since I heard the track A Long Time played over a local Los Angeles radio station back in 2011. I love Hawthorne's style of music, which I often refer to as Modern Retro, a blend of classic soul mixed with elements of modern pop. When my wife and I watched him perform at the Winter Classic NHL hockey game in 2014 she felt that his performance resembled a modern day Steely Dan, which I totally agreed with at the time. Now Hawthorne is back with another soul filled release entitled For All Time, which takes the listener on a musical journey that would seem more at home a record store shelf in the late 1960s or early 1970s than sharing space with Taylor Swift and Drake. That, of course, is a good thing in my opinion.

 From The Grand Canyon Railway Make Spring Break Memorable With the Canyon Discovery Package Unlock the ultimate spring break escape with our unbeatable Canyon Discovery Package. Dive into a world of savings where adventure and convenience meet, with a 10% discount on train tickets, hotel rooms, a guided motorcoach tour, and meals*. All aboard for a memorable spring break without the premium price tag. Book now and get ready for a vacation to remember!

  Several years ago my future wife and I spent a magical day exploring Winston-Salem North Carolina. She had lived in the city for several years and she took me to all of the local historical attractions and the best places to eat in town. If you are interested in visiting some amazing perfectly preserved locations from our country's colonial past, than a trip to Winston-Salem is a must.

 The Iron Flask insulated sports water bottle keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours thanks to its sweat-free double wall insulation. It comes with three different leak proof lids - a carabiner straw lid with two straws, a flip lid, and a stainless steel lid. The bottle is made from premium 18/8 stainless steel that is BPA-free and won't impart a metal taste. The Iron Flask makes the perfect gift for staying hydrated during outdoor adventures. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. $22.91 @ Amazon.com - Order Here

Leading people to discover and fully own their faith in Jesus. That is the mission of Central Christian Church, led by Pastor Cal Jernigan based in Mesa, Arizona with multiple locations throughout Arizona. We are a community of grace and forgiveness where everyone is allowed, encouraged, and expected to be authentic. This is a safe and practical place to come as you are and grow in your faith, but this is also a place where complacency is challenged. You are Made For More.

 In honor of the 1955 Universal horror classic Revenge of the Creature airing on Svengoolie tonight, I decided to resurrect my  Fantastic Photos From Fantasy Films series and share some of my publicity photos from the film. I acquired these photographs from a movie memorabilia shop in Henderson, Nevada several years ago. Sadly, that shop is now out of business. I don't know if any of these images have been published before? Generally movie studios print out numerous images to promote their movies, yet many of these photos never made it into theater lobbies, newspapers, magazines or books. That being said, this my be the first time that many fans will have seen these.

 Last July I stumbled upon Ford Park and its many relics from Shreveport's transportation history while driving around Cross Lake looking for place to take some photographs. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted an old steam locomotive at the entrance of the park and my attention quickly shifted from wanting to capture some images of the water to getting images of the locomotive. What I didn't know at the time was that Ford Park was full of mysteries as well as historical relics both neglected and sadly forgotten. This past week I revisited Ford Park to capture more, and hopefully better images, of the steam locomotive, fire truck and trolly bus that most people in Louisiana don't even know exist.

 From The Texas State Railroad Love nostalgic steam locomotives? We hope you will make plans to join us on March 14th for our Steam Weekend Season Opener!! Don't miss this opportunity to ride behind the magnificent locomotives of yesteryear and get up close and personal with these giants! It is always a fun time and a great opportunity to bring the kids out for an educational and inspiring experience!

 From CPKC Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is pleased to announce the schedule dates for its historic Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour, which will kick off April 24 at the company’s global headquarters in Calgary, Alta. and culminate June 4 in Mexico City. The tour will bring the story of CPKC’s uniquely North American railway history and compelling future to life for rail fans and visitors as it travels across CPKC’s network.