November 23, 2010. My life, one photo a day

One of my favorite places in Austin is tucked away on the Western edge of the hike and bike trail. It's Lou Neff Point. An old stone picnic structure where Barton Springs drains into the Colorado. This place without question as the best view of downtown. Go on a cool clear night with a bottle of wine and enjoy. Miles

November 22, 2010. My life, one photo a day

There is something strangely beautiful about a rusted truck with a few large bore bullet holes in it. I guess it's just a Texas thing. MIles

November 21, 2010. My life, one photo a day

The Doctor is in. Well, at least for the pig trachea that is. This is my airway management course at the Texas EMS conference. It's strange to say it is fun to do surgical airways on pigs but it really is. Unfortunately, the pig didn't survive and we didn't get to make any sausage.... maybe next year. Miles.

November 20, 2010. My life, one photo a day

What do you put on your resume when you are a bikeshaw dude. Strong legs, able to work in stressful conditions, or maybe "driven" I'm not ready for another career change but if I do....Miles

November 19, 2010. My life, one photo a day

What do you put on your resume when you are a bikeshaw dude. Strong legs, able to work in stressful conditions, or maybe "driven" I'm not ready for another career change but if I do....Miles

November 18, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Those of you who know me well, know my attachment to the nectar of the grape. Through the years I have always struggled with life's most difficult questions. Oaked or unoakded.....Sonoma or Napa...... Dry or not dry. So I decided to become a master of my own destiny. The first vintage of Le Petit Chardonnay de Villa Hilla. My winemaking career as begun. A progress report and tasting will be scheduled for approximately 7 months from today. Save the Date. MIles

November 17, 2010. My life, one photo a day

This is the view from the Marriott booth at the Houston airport. It was a cool place but a little disappointing, I thought it was a bar along with 500 other people. It was funny to sit and watch all the disappointed biz travelers hear the news. The poor Marriott ladies said they had been taking a beating all day. It's a law, don't tease the thirsty business travelers. Miles

November 16 2010. My life, one photo a day

Back in Denver. There is something about going back to a place you used to live that feels strange. I never felt like Denver was home. Is that because a Texas kid can only ever be a Texas kid? Help me decide on that one please. I didn't even go by NOISE when I was there. I wonder how the Zoo is holding up. Miles

November 15, 2010. My life, one photo a day

The frustrated world of air travel. I have not flown in awhile. I almost forgot what a hassle it was. It's weird when an airport kinda feels like home. Bush Intercontinental ....leave the light on. MIles

November 14, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Holy Mackerel
Has anyone driven one of those Hybrid Cars? It took me forever to figure out what is going on with them. I kept pushing the button and killing the thing because I thought it has died. Houston drivers were not happy. I guess I have gotten used to the simple life. Hummm. MIles

November 13, 2010. My life, one photo a day

A street musician looking for inspiration or a tip. I'm not sure which. At least she is looking...Miles

November 12, 2010. My life, one photo a day

For some reason this sign really appeals to me. Maybe it's the idea that a picnic is just a few feet away. Everyone should be entitled to a picnic regularly. Life's too short. Miles.

November 11, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Sometimes it feels good to just take the boots off. Thanks to all those vets who did so much. Relax and take your boots off. Miles

November 10, 2010. My life, one photo a day

It's good to know that the job market is solid back in Texas. Miles

November 9, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Yes another photo of the beast. She is devouring a toy skunk. Now you can feel my fear at night. What will she think if I get up and go to the bathroom? Miles

November 8, 2010. My life, one photo a day

The evil beast Lola on a road trip. I don't think my shins will ever be the same. MIles

November 7, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Utah, is strange and backward in places....check out the drinking laws in Salt Lake. But still amazing for some ridiculous landscapes. The beehive rock just west of the Colorado border. Crazy. Miles

November 6, 2010. My life, one photo a day

I guess we have all felt this way. Too old and beaten up to fly. Tough heading back to see about a loved one and not knowing what is awaiting you when you get there. Somewhere in Utah. MIles

November 5, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Here I am again. I'm way behind of posting and want to give up. But I'm not! You of course are going to have to take a hit because you are going to get a million photos plastered in your email. sorry again for that.

This is a great breakfast/coffee shop in Moab, Utah if you ever get the chance. The pancakes with salmon are amazing. Miles

November 4, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Do I have favorites? Sure I do. This is one of the top 3 hotel room views in my life. The Red Cliffs Lodge 14 miles outside of Moab, Utah is breathtaking. Just the drive down hwy 128 is a heart stopper. I will be back and spend some solid time there as soon as I can. This really is the view from my room. Miles

November 3, 2010. My life, one photo a day

If I were to fall over suddenly, I hope it would be between the Chardonnay barrels and the Cabs. That way maybe my ghost would hang around. After all, I would not be at peace...bottle of red? or bottle of white? This is a great place. The Two Rivers Winery and B and B in Grand Junctions, Colorado. It's hard to beat great wine and a 50 dollar room. Miles

November 2, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Ok, here is one for you. Beaumont, Kansas? It's only claim to fame as far as I can tell is a huge wooden water tower left over from the train era. What's weird is that it has some restored old hotel next to the train tracks that looks pretty cool. That said, there appears to be nothing else in the whole place. Nothing, open or alive that is. It's off of I-70 in Kansas if you are needing to get out of the car....MIles

November 1, 2010. My life, one photo a day

When traveling one occasionally comes across a tourist attraction that makes you scratch your head. The door to nowhere fills that void at the Palace hotel and spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I didn't find it too interesting but our host and tour guide was amazed and proud of it. It just goes to show you that is really is all in the presentation. Miles

October 31, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Halloween is always my favorite time of year. A little craziness goes a long what to returning one to sanity. At the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs it was just that. After all, Halloween in one of the most haunted places in America has to be good. D and I decided on Baroque this year.. Very chic don't you think? Miles

October 30, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Ok, three fat sisters came into the bar.......Have you ever wondered who learns to play these kinds of instruments? I do, and I'm not sure if you have to have a high school band background or not. I know this, I have never seen a 7 year old girl getting a lesson on one of these...but I would like to. Miles

October 29, 2010. My life, one photo a day

More Porch music at the Bean Festival in Mountain View. What a shindig this is. They come from all around for the bean cookoff and of course, the outhouse races. Book that room early....Miles

October 28, 2010. My life, one photo a day

The Ozark Mountains always have a special place in my heart. Nothing like sitting at the pickin porch in Mountain View, which by the way is the Mountain Music capital of the world. They come from all over, most a little older but they can still crank out the bluegrass. Go there some time. You won't be disappointed. Miles

October 27, 2010. My life, one photo a day

This thunder head dominated the horizon most of the evening. I was thinking how long it had been since I had seen some really good lighting. This was a good one. It also kicked up a few tornados this evening. Got a camera ready for the next one of those. Miles

October 26, 2010. My life, one photo a day

It was a real frog strangler today. There was so much rain it brought out the mermaids. She was having a great time but the rest of us were having some trouble staying dry. There is something magical and soothing about sitting on a porch and listening to the rain on a tin roof. Try it some time. Miles

October 25, 2010. My life, one photo a day

What a great find. Tucked away in the Ozarks outside of Calico Rock, Arkansas you find cedar lodge. Lots of room to relax and get back to nature. You are off the grid for sure here. Miles

October 24, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Ok. I know I said I would bury you with posts all on one day but here they are. I have had hell getting service on the road lately so now I'm backed up. Apologies of course.

I have sent this photo to the fish and wildlife commission to try and ID the strange beast on my floor board. I know it was alive and a meat eater. Note the chicken next to the animal. Any suggestions on how to classify this monster would be appreciated. Miles

October 23, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Some rain on black paint and chrome. Nice. The rain held off for the annual HOG FESTIVAL in Ben Wheeler Texas. Those of you that showed up for some hog meat and the annual hog wrestling I'm sure were impressed. My team in the wrestling fell short. No tutu or butterfly wings on the porky this year. Oh well, there is always next year. Miles

October 22, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Security systems can be found in all sizes and price ranges. This system's battery does not run down often and tends to create other byproducts.... Still it strikes terror into would be attackers and hooligans. I just wish puppy chow was not so expensive. Miles

October 21, 2010. My life, one photo a day

If old cars could talk.....so many memories inside these old clunkers. Dates, first times, love, vacations, funerals, and lots of work. All the things that make people ...well...people. Raise your glasses to all those junk yard memories ....Miles

October 20, My life, one photo a day

Rural Pennsylvania is covered with small white wooden churches. They dot the landscape and seem to be around every turn in the road. Every once in awhile you stumble on one that stands out against the Autumn leaves and makes white a beautiful color. Miles

October 19, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Trout Run, PA is full of history. No place more than the "Antique" store just north of town. Everything a man could want and lot's he would love to get rid of.... It's all in the blog and the lens?? Miles

October 18, 2010. My life, one photo a day

A late night staple of the weary traveler...Denny's..... A cold and damp night in a dreary steel country of Penn. if you had a car or could walk...why wouldn't you leave...LOL. Miles

October 17, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Traffic, crowds, delays, and people. Certainly, it's everywhere but it never makes it any better. The road to Canonsbury, Pa to Washington, PA. Yuk. Get me to the country....Miles

October 15, 2010. My life, one photo a day

There is always someone who wants to be last. Bridge Day in Fayetteville, West Virginia is no excpetion. Once a year, hundreds of people of questionable mental status gather at the New River Gorge Bridge. It's the only day you can legally jump from a highway bridge 847 feet above the river below. The jumpers are mostly young and can make your stomach turn when they release at 5 seconds on a 7 second ride. If you are ever in the area, you should come early and take a look. Anyone got a parachute? Miles

October 14, 2010. My life, one photo a day

I would call Asheville, NC the Austin of the East. Very cool and ecclectic in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It wouldn't be a bad place to hang your hat for a year or so. This is the view from the Bistro in the old historic district. Lot's of outdoor stuff and good food. If you go try the Admiral on Haywood in West Asheville. Wow. Miles

October 13, 2010. My life, one photo a day

This year has been a lucky one for seeing wildlife in their natural world. The trail up to Little Mouse Falls did not disappoint. Big Creek Campground is on the Eastern side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's hard to get to and not easy to find. If you do find it, it will give you a different sense of time. The forest is so overgrown that sunlight has a hard time of finding the ground. Big Creek is almost a river with rapids and waterfalls and secluded places along it's winding path down the mountain. This bear was one of two that came down the trail in front of us. I did a staring match with the first one and found it makes for a better picture when the camera is on. The second was kind enough to give us a look about 10 yards from the trail after he happened upon us around a bend. Two separate bears within 10 minutes....that's hard to beat. Give the Smokies a look some time, they are worth the effort. Miles

October 12, 2010. My life, one photo a day

A cozy cabin on a back road in the Smokies can make for a great evening. The whole place was not much bigger than the Villa Hilla. I can't believe how awful Gatlinburg, TN was and how wonderful the back roads are. Lot's more trips here in the future.

Stay tuned on Facebook and www.bymiles.org for more updated photo galleries and videos.

Miles

October 11, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Well, it's me again. I have been seriously off the grid in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. Sorry about that. You would think that internet and phone coverage was all over the place...not so. I'm going to bombard you guys again with a bunch of posts to catch up. At first, I was not going to do that but a few of you asked not to be left out....Thanks for that. So here we go. LIVE from the Laundromat in Waynesburg, Pennslyvania. My life, one photo a day. P.S. The photos were taken on the days of the post but there was not internet to send them out.

I was looking back in the evening on a rural road in the mountains of Tennessee just on the Northwestern edge of the Smokies and saw this church in the mirror. It took forever to find a place to turn around and the only place to park was in the road. I know, not smart. While the sun had gone too far down to see the same image I saw in the rearview mirror, I took the shot anyway. What struck me was the contrast. A sunset, a church, and 2,201,030 power lines. Are we really better off with that or would the simpler life yield more joy? Food for thought. MIles

October 10, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Beale street is famous for alot of things. What comes to mind? R&B, BB King, and Memphis rub BBQ. I dare say that no one has heard of the Beale street bucket divers. Here is one of the few photos of a diver in action. Simply put....Amazing. Miles

October 9, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Those of you who want to pursue another career, such as photography, you may need to diversify. It's always good to have several skills. On a desolate road in rural Tennessee, a sign says it all. Small engine repair and photography. There is the template for the future. Miles

October 8, 2010. My life, one photo a day

The Newest addition to the Road Team....LOLA. She is working out some stress with a dog paddle swim. 7 weeks and her form is pretty good. Scuba will be next when her teeth around so sharp. What is it about puppy breath anyway. Miles

October 7, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Sunrise at 39,000 feet is beautiful. The 3 am wake up call is not. I can't help but look down on the world and wonder what amazing thing is going to happen today for someone out this window...who knows, maybe it will happen for someone inside this window....Miles

October 6, 2010. My life, one photo a day

It's funny when you return to a place that on the outside is insignificant but on the inside has more meaning. When I first came to Denver this park and ball field were covered in deep snow. Coming from Baton Rouge, snow was a bit of a novelty and being there alone was a little hard. New town, new climate, not knowing anyone. This place was my lunch recharge zone and remained that until I left. """"Take me out to the ballpark, take me.... Miles

October 5, 2010. My life, one photo a day

It looks like a house in the burbs. They always do. It's funny how hotels try so hard to look like home. If they only knew what the Villa Hilla looked like.....would they try if they knew? I'm still looking for that B and B but I'm sure it's out of there....right. Miles

October 4, 2010. My life, one photo a day

What is a 5 star gold anyway? These car guys have never given me anything except a headache? But as you can see I'm a member of the club. The Number 1 club of course. Well no matter what it's good to be part of the club. Milles

October 3, 2010. My life, one photo a day

Does anyone really believe that 7 years of bad luck for breaking a mirror stuff? Why 7 years and not say 12? You can rob a bank, shoot the guard, smoke a joint, and resist arrest and only get 5 years. It should go on how many pieces you end up with. In this case, I could be in for a long stretch. Miles