Monkey Album (Year of the Code Monkey)

Chinqua Penn Plantation

Jonah — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:20:39 +0000

Back in August of 2011, my family and I visited Chinqua Penn plantation. Unfortunately, the site is now closed to visitors. Between April 25 and April 26, 2012, the entire contents of the house were auctioned in a bankruptcy estate sale. The owner had amassed a great deal of debt, and has been charged with misappropriation of nearly $8 million in funds from the cigarette company he owns. He also faces charges for unlawful trafficking of cigarettes, and may face jail time (see this story for more).

Falls Lake State Recreation Area

Jonah — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:22:36 +0000

Photos from a short visit to Falls Lake. Living only a half-hour or so from this park, it's sad that I hadn't been here before.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Jonah — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:36:45 +0000

Located on the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell State Park is only accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a fantastic park that everyone should visit.

Chimney Rock State Park

Jonah — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:42:46 +0000

I visited Chimney Rock State Park while in the Asheville area. Formerly a privately-owned park, it is now owned by the state of North Carolina and is undergoing considerable renovations.

Whitewater Falls

Jonah — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:10:31 +0000

Photos from a visit to the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.

Gorges State Park

Jonah — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:51:42 +0000

One of the newest additions to the North Carolina state park system, Gorges is also the westernmost park in the state. Although still in its early stages, this park is already shaping up to be one of the most scenic in North Carolina!

South Mountains State Park

Jonah — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:57:32 +0000

On my way to Asheville for a few days of vacation, I stopped by South Mountains state park for a visit. This park offers some terrific scenery and excellent hiking opportunities.

Random Lake Tahoe Collection

Jonah — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:18:39 +0000

A collection of various photos taken in and around the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada.

Secret Cove

Jonah — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 16:37:00 +0000

Hidden on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is a place called "Secret Cove." It's a very beautiful spot, and is one of the few clothing-optional places in the area.

Nevada State Railroad Museum

Jonah — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:50:31 +0000

One morning while in Tahoe, we ventured out to Carson City, Nevada for a visit to one of their state train museums. The museum is small, but has some neat things to see.