Sandra Friend

Sandra Friend

15
Aug
Cyclist holding a Petoskey stone

Finding Petoskey Stones

Where should you search for Petoskey stones? Petoskey, Michigan, of course! On our explorations by bike of this coastal town, we found our fair share. Here’s where to look and how to make them shine.
5 min read
09
Aug
Little riffle rapids over river rocks

Riding the Big Rapids Riverwalk

Along the Muskegon River in Michigan, Big Rapids Riverwalk stretches several miles through the heart of Big Rapids, with scenic views of - you guessed it - river rapids from this linear park that links with the White Pine Trail.
4 min read
06
Aug
Vibrant art in arcs

The Art of Pasaquan

A story that must be shown: Pasaquan, the artistic expression of a man whose visions led him to embrace all belief systems and make up one of his own
2 min read
30
Jul
Rocket with streak of flame pointed straight up into a cloudy sky

Ready for Launch

Living on Florida's Space Coast, you're either wowed by rocket launches or take them as a matter of course. I'm new enough to be wowed by living on the edge of space and being part of a family who worked on the space program.
6 min read
13
Jul
Hillside garden at Pendarvis

Men, Mining, and Mineral Point

Preservation of the rich mining history of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, traces its roots to a couple who decided to restore miners' cottages by opening a restaurant called Pendarvis.
5 min read
08
Jul
Ponce De Leon statue

The Pint-sized Ponces of Punta Gorda

Ponce de Leon, it seems, was a short fellow. In Punta Gorda, Florida, you'll find pint-sized statues, murals, and even the Fountain of Youth to recollect his 1513 visit to Charlotte Harbor.
3 min read
02
Jul
Monticello and its gardens

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

President Thomas Jefferson's Virginia home and plantation of Monticello offers a glimpse into the early life of our country, and his role as a Founding Father of the United States.
6 min read
01
Jul
Being, in Palolem

Being, in Palolem

Arriving on the shores of Palolem after six weeks of adventures across India and Nepal, my sister Sally and I were ready for some quiet time and a place to heal.
4 min read
08
Jun
Rocksylvania on the AT

Rocksylvania

The "Pennsylvania Rocks" of the Appalachian Trail are legendary. They come in every size and shape and simply can't be avoided.
1 min read
17
Apr
Atlantis rollover

On a Mission with Space Shuttle Atlantis

Thirty years. Six spacecraft. 135 missions. Learn the rich history of the Space Shuttle program inside Space Shuttle Atlantis, a compelling exhibit space at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, with its primary focus the orbiter Atlantis.
8 min read