Benjamin Franklin was one of my favorite Founding Fathers. He died at the age of 84 in 1790 and is buried at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia: One will undoubtedly notice that pennies and other coins dot Franklin’s tombstone… A local tradition claims that tossing a coin onto the grave will bring the … Continue reading
Phillycheese Steaks in Philadelphia: Now, I don’t really see the appeal myself, but obviously other people do… Check out those lines! And this was the day after Christmas on a freezing cold afternoon: If one is into Philly Cheese Steaks, I would think that the enthusiastic endorsement by the residents of Philadelphia for Geno’s must … Continue reading
If one continues half a mile northeast past Howland Flat, over Potosi Creek, one will come to a fork in the road. This fork is where the town of Potosi was located. No one knows the source for the name of the town of Potosi. However, potosi is the Spanish word for “great wealth” and … Continue reading
Even in a country with a wealth of beautiful landscapes, the Valle de Cocora still stands out. The broad, emerald green valley stretches east of the village of Salento into the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados where it is framed by sharp peaks. Everywhere you’ll see wax palm, the largest palm in … Continue reading
There are more reasons to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art than just the impressive architecture: Or the famous Rocky statue: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is also home to an impressive collection of paintings (among other forms of art). Below are some of the paintings within the collection… ******** Sir Edwin Landseer After … Continue reading
First settled in 1853 when mines known as the Union Company and California Company were discovered, Howland Flat was once second in size and importance only to La Porte. Located twelve miles north of Downieville on the East Branch of Slate Creek and at the base of the dramatic 7,000′ elevation Table Rock Mountain, Howland … Continue reading
Okay, technically, Scales is not yet a ghost town as one to two homes here are still occupied. However, the town is certainly a shadow of its former self and is well on the way to “ghost town” status. Scales is a part of that remote band of rapidly decaying (and often already disappeared) Gold … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 