San Juan Puerto Rico Harbor

The beautiful island of Puerto Rico

Photography by Journeysthrulife photography. 

The Port of San Juan’s passenger facilities are located along San Antonio Canal. Of the 15 piers in the channel, four accommodate cruise ships while others serve cargo vessels and the Cataño Ferry.

One of the most modern and beautiful harbors in the Caribbean, Port of San Juan plays host to hundreds of cruise ships yearly. As many as ten thousand cruise passengers or more  can visit Puerto in a single day.

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, and San Juan is its urban hub. The city, by and large, is divided into new and old. The new includes a business district and outlying neighborhoods, concentrated with hotel chains like Isla Verde. The old is, of course, the historic city within ancient walls.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor today much the same as it did against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. 

A cruise ship docked at Port of San Juan

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.
Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.
Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.
http://www.travelnsnap.com
Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.
What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.
To contact Gary:
journeysthrulife@gmail.com.
http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Saint Thomas: Saint Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens

The beautiful Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John

Photography by Gary Wonning

Please click on the photos for more photos of Saint Thomas

Great House

Set atop a volcanic peak on the island of St. Thomas is the 150-acre plantation, St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens. The property was built originally in the 19th century, and now serves as a popular spot to host weddings and events, as well as a botanical garden that is open to the public for touring.

Isolated Beach

The Great House is set on 20,000 square feet of property and is able to accommodate a whopping 500 guests.

The beauty of St. Thomas

From the outdoor observation deck you can view more than 15 other islands and cays. A stroll through the gardens will showcase glimpses of tropical birds, butterflies, and fish, a waterfall, and 150 different species of tropical plants, including over 20 different orchid varieties.

View from the top

This restored world-class estate is set on 11 acres 1,000 feet above Hull Bay and world-famous Magens Bay

Charlotte-Amalie Harbor

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

http://www.travelnsnap.com

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

 

Saint Thomas: Blackbeard’s Castle

Edward Thatch (c. 1680 – 22 November 1718), better known as Blackbeard, was an English pirate who operated around the West Indies and the eastern coast of Britain’s  North American colonies. Little is known about his early life, but he may have been a sailor on privateer ships during Queen Anne’s War, settling on the Bahamian island of New  Providence, a base for Captain Benjamin Hornigold, whose crew Teach joined around 1716.

Blackbeard’s Flag

Teach was a shrewd and calculating leader who spurned the use of force, relying instead on his fearsome image to elicit the response that he desired from those whom he robbed. He was not a tyrannical pirate, he commanded his vessels with the consent of their crews and there is no known account of his ever having harmed or murdered those whom he held captive. 

Blackbeard’s Castle

He mastered the art of fear, turning himself into more than just a man but a legend, this was far scarier. The legend around him grew. He sprouted a large, bushy beard which gave him his nickname. It was said that during battles, his beard would burn and his eyes turn red. In truth, Blackbeard lit wicks, laced with gunpowder, which he had weaved into his hair and beard. He carried as many as fourteen pistols about his body, and two cutlasses, which he wielded together. Despite his fearsome reputation, there is no evidence to suggest he killed anyone who was not trying to kill him.

Blackbeard’s Castle

Blackbeard met his death after retiring for six months and accepting a royal pardon. Not one for settling down, he took to the seas once more only to be hunted down and caught in Oracoke Bay by Lt Maynard of the Royal Navy. After putting up a good fight and being shot several times, he was finally beaten when his body was relieved of the weight of his head. His body was slung in the water and his head mounted on the front of Lt Maynards sloop. Legend has it that his headless body still swims the waters of Oracoke Bay, searching for its missing piece.

Blackbeard’s Castle

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

http://www.travelnsnap.com

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Saint Thomas: Magans Bay

Written by Gary Wonning

The beautiful Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John

A real inviting place to chill while visiting Saint Thomas is the restaurant/bar at Magans Bay.

Saint Thomas

Nothing like a refreshing cold drink at one of the most beautiful spots on the planet.

Magans Bay

All sorts of water activities are available, swimming, water floats, jets skies, umbrellas, and snorkeling, anything you need to enjoy your stay.

Magans Bay

Magens Bay  features a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly three quarters of a mile. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, as well as a gathering place for locals.

The beach sits at the head of a deep bay, the arms of which are Peterborg peninsula to the east and Tropaco Point to the west. The bay’s northwest exposure means its waters are usually calm, although storms in the North Atlantic can occasionally generate large waves in the winter months, and turtles, conch, tarpon and other fish are commonly spotted. 

Saint Thomas

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

http://www.travelnsnap.com

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Saint Thomas: An island Of Diverse Scenery

The beautiful Islands of Saint Thomas and Saint John

Written and photographed by Gary Wonning

An ice cream store along the route back from Magans Bay

A view of Magans Bay

The cruise port of Charlotte-Amalie, taken from Drakes Seat.

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Sail Boats at Saint John Cutting Board

by lifejourneysimages

Puerto Rico: El Yunique

The beautiful island of Puerto Rico

The only tropical rain forest in the United States, El Yunique, located in Puerto Rico. At nearly 29,000 acres, it is one of the smallest in size, yet one of the most biologically diverse of the national forests hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are found only here.

Yokahu Tower located in El Yunique, The Yokahú Tower is one of the two observation towers located in the park. Constructed in 1963, it is widely considered the better of the two with regard to the view offered. 

A view from the top of Yokahu Tower

A sign at the visitor center

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

El Yunique Rainforest Aluminum Water Bottle

by lifejourneysimages

La Mina: Puerto Rico Waterfall

The beautiful island of Puerto Rico

Located in El Yunique Rainforest, La Mina Waterfall is a beautiful relaxing site.

 

 

Growing up on a dairy farm in southeastern Indiana, Gary traveled very little until midlife, when the opportunity became available to him.

Grabbing his camera and a bag full of equipment, he began his vision quest traveling to most areas of the United States and several countries abroad.

Along the way, he collected several thousand photographs that he wants to share with everyone.

Gary decided the best way to accomplish his goal was to publish photo documentaries on the various areas of the world he has visited.

What will follow will be several photography books, who knows how many will wind up in his collection.

To contact Gary:

journeysthrulife@gmail.com.

http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

El Yunique Rainforest Insulated Water Bottle

by lifejourneysimages

Harvesting Cinnamon in Grenada

While on a recent cruise I had the opportunity to visit the tiny Caribbean Island of Grenada which among other things is a reliable source of many spices, including cinnamon.

Cinnamon has a rich history dating back 5,000 years when Arabs controlled the spice trade bringing cinnamon from what was known then as the Spice Islands, to sell in Nineveh, Babylon, Egypt and Rome. It was used by the Egyptians as an ingredient in their embalming fluids and the Romans used it as a love potion. Even Moses used it in a holy oil to anoint the ark of the covenant.

Harvesting cinnamon is very labor intensive, taking up to three years after a tree is planted before the first harvest can be completed.Harvesting is a long process, it begins  by growing the tree for two years and then coppicing it. Coppicing is a process whereby the tree is cut off at the ground level and shoots are allowed to grow from the main branch.

At harvest time the shoots are cut and the leaves and twigs are removed with the rough outer bark. The shoots are then beaten to soften the tissues of the inner bark and make it easier to peel away in a complete strip. Once peeled, the bark is placed in overlapping, extended layers then rolled to form long canes or quills that are sun-dried. As the quills dry, the bark curls and becomes paper-like. These long canes are later cut into cinnamon sticks. Flakes left over from this process, called  featherings are sold to make into ground cinnamon powder or to be distilled into cinnamon oil. Cinnamon trees can yield productive bark for about 45 years, after which they are replaced with a new seedling.

 

Today much of North America’s cinnamon comes from Southeast Asia and the closely related cassia tree. Cassia is considered slightly inferior in taste to zeylanicum or true cinnamon that is a softer color with a milder, sweeter flavor. Cassia cinnamon is normally a darker reddish brown color and has a stronger, somewhat bittersweet flavor. Cassia cinnamon is also less expensive than zeylanicum cinnamon. Most cinnamon in the United States does not state its origin.

Cinnamon with its woody, mild yet exotic flavor is arguably the most popular spice in the world. Aside from its many uses in baking and cooking, it also provides a wonderful aroma to freshen the house. Just boil 5 cups of water with a teaspoon of added cinnamon, then let it simmer on the stove to enjoy the smell of a spice that has intoxicated people for over five millennia!

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature, landscapes and studying native cultures. Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt, the Canary Islands, much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hardcover and Ebooks, and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income.

 

 

Sailing in Paradise Wallclocks by lifejourneysimages
View other Thomas Wall Clocks

Freedom of the Seas : RCCL

 

The newly refurbished Freedom of the Seas is the latest addition to the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines fleet. It can accommodate 3634 passengers with a crew of 1300, it was the largest cruise ship afloat from 2006 until 2009 when teh Oasis of the Seas was launched.

                                                           

 

Built in Finland it weighs in at 154,407 gross tonnage , it measures 1,112 feet long and 126 feet wide. With 18 decks it measures 209 feet high.

                               

 

It consumes 28,000 pounds of fuel per hour. According to my calculations, that’s 3,500 gallons.

                                                 

 

The ship has an interior promenade 445 feet (136 m) long called the “Royal Promenade”, which features a coffee shop, Sorrento’s Pizzeria, the Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream shop, Vintages wine and tapas bar, the Bull and Bear Irish Pub, and many duty free shops.The Royal Promenade, first seen on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-Class in 1999, extends through the upper decks of the ships. This gives most upper level cabins a window, either to the port or starboard side or inwards to the promenade.

The ship has three swimming areas: an interactive water park, a dedicated adult pool, and the main pool. The 13th deck has a sports area with a rock climbing wall wall, the Flow rider surf simulator, a miniature golf course and a full size basketball court.

 

Other items include an ice skating rink rink, a casino, a Johnny Rockets restaurant, and a three-deck-high broadway-style theater. Technology amenities include  wifi capabilities throughout the ship, interactive televisions in all staterooms, and cell phone connectivity. Many of the ship’s interiors were extensively decorated by muralist Clarissa Parish.

 

We had the opportunity to spend a complimentary two day travel agent get acquainted cruise . Turns out that wasn’t nearly enough time to fully enjoy every amenity the ship has to offer.

                             

 

                                           

 

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well

 

The Bahamas: Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay is a small island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas.  Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. The southern part features a helicopter airfield (with a sign reading “Great Stirrup Cay International Airport”), a large area without vegetation, and numerous concrete blocks. These are all remnants of a previous U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station. The island’s lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by the Imperial Light House Service

 

Great Stirrup Cay, along with the rest of the Bahamas, was formed by tectonic and glacial shifting. The first known settlers to the Bahamas were the Lucayan Indians, relatives of the Arawaks  who populated the Caribbean around 600 A.D.

Great Stirrup was a pirate hideout while the British settled in Nassau and the larger islands until 1815. This time marks the first documented settlers of Great Stirrup, and many of the structures from this settlement still stand today. Charts of this era show simply “Stirrup’s Cay”.

“Stirrup’s Cay” remained active during the American Civil war, as the Confederates wished to continue to export cotton to Europe. The island was used as a landfall for provisioning while Federal warships patrolled the area to thwart their efforts. After the abolition of slavery, the British began to slowly withdraw from the out island colonies, and the plantation at Great Stirrup was abandoned. Great Stirrup is the northern most island in a chain of islands known as the Berry Islands, and is situated in an area along the Northwest Providence Channel. In 1863, the Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. The lighthouse site was manned for many years, but it is now timed and solar powered, making it self-sufficient. The structure stands nearly 80 feet, and its light is visible for over 20 miles.

During  World War ll,the United States, in an effort to protect its eastern shores, came to the Bahamas and Great Stirrup with a wide array of observational and defensive equipment. Among these were submersible cables, which were run along the ocean floor to listen for enemy submarines. Two “cable houses” still stand on the southeastern shore of the island, also overgrown by jungle. The  United States Air force later constructed a satellite tracking station. This facility was later leased to Motorola and other private sector companies. New technology has made the station obsolete, and it was closed in 1991.

Belcher Oil Company of Miami staked claim to the north section of the island for many years. Their interests there included real estate speculation, oil exploration, and a possible site for a corporate retreat. In 1977, Norwegian Caribbean Lines (later Norwegian Cruise Line) acquired this section from Belcher Oil.

 Gary has been a writer/ photographer for over 20 years, specializing in nature,landscapes and studying native cultures.Besides visiting most of the United States, he has traveled to such places as Egypt,the Canary Islands,much of the Caribbean. He has studied  the Mayan Cultures in Central America, and the Australian Aboriginal way of life.Photography has given him the opportunity to observe life in many different parts of the world!

He has published several books about the various cultures he has observed.

For more information and a link to his hard cover and Ebooks,and contact information: please check his website, http://www.journeysthrulife.com.

Your comments appreciated

This informative Ebook describes alternative methods of making money ,often a full time income in photography even if you have no desire to shoot wedding photography. this book gives examples and websites where you can use your photos to supply you with an income, not only to enable you to buy new equipment, but a living income as well.

Sail Boat at Saint John Stretched Canvas Print by lifejourneysimages
See more Caribbean Canvas Prints