Outing To Limebranch

This picture was taken while Geocaching north of where o live, just on the outskirts of Carrollton, GA.
Didn't do much geocaching bit had a great time being out and taking pictures though!

New To Android

I tell ya, I'm descovering thing about Androids every day!
Like this, my Droid3 will do panorama pictures!
WAY better than my old Blackberry..

Its Been A While

It's been a while since my last post.
The truck has been fixed and I'm now using an Android phone. Looking forward to using it to post while out Geocaching. I ditched my Blackberry because I got fed up not being able to do things on it and not have any apps worth anything..
More to come.. :)

Truck Update–07/22/11

So, here is an update on my truck.

Today, I took it to the shop just to have them check it out, get the list of parts they needed to order and be on my way.
Fat Chance..
Once I got there and the guy looked at it, he said it was unsafe to drive since the airbag had been deployed. I’ve been driving the thing since the accident and I guess he doesn’t remember BEFORE there were airbags in vehicles.

Anyway, he said the other person’s insurance would pay for my rental and all I had to do is go pick it up at Enterprise.
At first, I was just going to let him look at it and then leave, but decided to leave me truck with them. I had my wife come pick me up and take me just up the road to get the paperwork started at Enterprise and then went and got something to eat while State Farm fax over the paperwork for my rental.

I got a call while we were at lunch telling me I could come by and pick up my rental truck. I need a truck or an SUV with enough space to haul the things I need to take with me to other offices.

I left my truck around 10:30 to 11:00 am. Got to the first Enterprise place just after 11:00 (I took time to get a lot of stuff out of my truck and put in my wife’s Explorer – I had already taken a lot out of my truck (valuables) before I went.

After leaving the restaurant, we went to another Enterprise location just down the road from our house.
I don’t know if you have ever had any dealing with Enterprise Rent A Car, but I can assure you they are NOT the fastest company to deal with. The last time I dealt with them, all I had to do was to just drop off a vehicle and it took an hour and a half. I went at lunch (the time MOST people go to pick up a rental) and 1 person was there to handle everyone. the other 2 were at lunch. I know this because the person that started my paperwork left to go to lunch in the middle of it.

This time wasn’t TOO bad. I was there probably just over 30 minutes.

State Farm agreed to pay for my rental (they had to because their insured person was at fault) and I require a full size pickup.
The only thing I requested was NOT to be put in a Chevrolet. I ended up in a Dodge Ram 1500 SLT2 with unlimited mileage. Good, because at any given day, I’m just as likely to drive from Columbus, GA to Tallahassee, FL to Dothan, AL to Albany, GA to Panama City, FL.
Those are the offices I cover.

Automatic transmission, 4 doors, power windows, power back sliding glass, power everything V8 Flex Fuel, and a folding bench seat in the front and a full bench seat in the back, power door locks and that funny rubber non-key.
One thing I don’t care for on this truck is the chrome and it doesn’t have side step bars to get into it.

It’s not MY Ford F-150, but I’ll make do.. :)

Technorati Tags: wreck,troy alabama,state farm,enterprise rent a car,dodge ram 1500 slt2

Wreck In Troy Alabama

I had gotten off work in Dothan, AL and decided to do a little geocaching before going home. After the last geocache, I started home. I made my way to Troy, AL and from there I was going to hit highway 82 and go through Eufaula, AL and on up hwy 431 to home.
I got to Troy and stopped for gas so I wouldn’t have to worry about gas once I got on the back roads to Eufaula.

I pulled out and and started back up hwy 231 – one of the (if not the) main throughway of Troy. Troy, by the way, is home for Troy University – The Troy Trojans, stopped at the next traffic light and then maybe 300 yards from the traffic light, the next thing I know I see a small Toyota pickup – I think it was a Toyota – pull right out in front of me. She was so close I didn’t have time to do anything but grab the steering wheel and brace myself.

I was probably pretty close to the speed limit of 50 MPH.
I hit right around here driver’s side rear tire. The airbag deployed and and with the force of the impact, my hand was knocked off the steering wheel and into the windshield (I later learned this is what happened by the abrasions on my arm and the shape of the center “Ford” logo on the steering wheel).
After the impact, I was stunned but was alert enough to guide my truck (2007 F-150 extended cab) in to the nearest parking lot which happened to be a Dairy Queen. I stopped the truck in a parking place and turned off the engine. The only thing I could feel was my arm hurting. I got out of the truck and tried to do a check of my injuries, but the pain in my left forearm kept me from really doing a good check.
I was bent over in the corner of the parking lot holding my arm and seeing how bad that injury was. It looked like it had gone through a meat grinder but wasn’t bleeding that bad.
When a paramedic got to the scene they checked on the other driver first – I guess because my truck really couldn’t be seen from their location in the highway.

A paramedic finally came over to me and started asking questions. I showed him my arm and at the time I thought my wrist was broken.
Up until this moment, I had not notice the windshield that had some pretty bad cracks on it. The only thing I could think that happened was my head hit it and caused the cracks. I felt my head and didn’t feel any bumps or blood – it didn’t even hurt, but hey, the evidence was staring me in the face!
When the paramedic asked me if my head hit the windshield, I said yes. BIG Mistake!! I was immediately put on a board with a neck brace and then on a stretcher and put in the another ambulance that had arrived at the scene and rushed me to Troy Medical Center just down the road.
I think the accident happened around 2:30 or maybe 3:00. A little after 6:00, I was walking out of the hospital and getting into my wife’s Explorer to take me back to where my truck was.

Here are a few pictures of the damage to my truck:




The next few are at the accident site:




The accident was the other person’s fault – at least that’s what the police officer told me in the ER and that there was a witness to the accident.
I learned something though when I went to the ER. With all the excitement and pain from the accident, I couldn’t remember hardly any of my medical information.

I have put an Emergency Medical Information app on my Blackberry and put it at the very top of my listed apps on the home screen of my phone. So, if next time I can’t remember or am unconscious, they can get my information from my phone – at least enough to get started treating me.

I’m waiting to get the police report so I can start getting my truck fixed. I can’t STAND having my truck looking the way it does!!!!

One More–Seminole State Park

The day after my birthday, I decided to finish the south-west part of the project by going to Seminole State Park.

I was suppose to leave around 6:00am, but I didn't hear my alarm and ended up getting on the road at 10:00am. I got to Seminole SP at around 12:30 more or less.

Here are a couple pictures I took while there.

A panorama shot of the park, at lest the park at where I was standing.

Another panorama shot of the park at shelter / table #1; right as you leave the office park.

Just to give you and idea where the park is located in Georgia. The panoramas were taken at the drop-pin.

In all, it was a decent daytrip. Wish I could have spent a little more time there and the surrounding places.

5 More State Parks

I get to mark off 5 more state parks off the list!

The 2nd Georgia State Parks Trip:

1. FDR SP     (done on 02/25/11)
2. Sprewell Bluff SP (02/26/11)
3. High Falls SP (02/26/11)
4. Indian Springs SP (02/26/11)
5. Panola Mountain SP (02/26/11)

I was a little surprised that attendants were on duty at nearly every park I went to. With the exception of FDR and Spewell Bluff, attendants were present. It’s a good thing I purchased an annual pass for the parks or the parking alone would have cost $25.00.

FDR State Park (02/25/2011)

Spewell Bluff State Park (02/26/2011)

High Falls State Park (02/26/2011)

Indian Springs State Park (02/26/2011)

I think this is one of the best state parks I’ve been to so far! (and it’s the oldest state park in the nation).

Panola State Park (02/26/2011)

I had two more on the list for that day, but by the time I was coming home from Panola, it was already a little too late to be going to the last two.
The last two were Sweetwater State park and John Tanner State Park and both were on the other side of Atlanta from Panola.
Panola makes the tenth state park I’ve visited. I could claim a few more, but I visit those before I stated the state parks project.

Oh well, there is always next time!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V/B On Its Way!

New camera is on it's way! WooHoo!

Finally, I can take pictures with geotagging without having to use my phone!

---

Detailed Features

3.0" Clear Photo LCD™ display (230k pixels)²

Compose and show off your images on the large 3.0” (230K) Clear Photo LCD ™ display, which features a special anti-reflective coating for sharp visibility, even in bright sunlight.²

10x (25mm equivalent) Professional-quality optical zoom G-Lens

G lenses are used in top of the line digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras and advanced pro-sumer HD Camcorders. Capture the action up close with the 10x optical zoom, and with the 25mm equivalent wide angle lens the HX5V even allows you to capture more of the scenes in landscape or group portraits.

10.2 Megapixel Back-illuminated “Exmor R” CMOS Image Sensor

The DSC-HX5V features a 10.2 megapixel “Exmor R” CMOS image sensor that brings out the full resolving power of the camera’s wide angle G lens to deliver extremely fast speed, high resolution, and stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain. In addition, the combined “Exmor R” CMOS sensor and BIONZ™ image processor delivers extremely fast 10fps, Anti Motion Blur, Hand-held Twilight and 1080i movie modes.¹

Anti-Motion Blur Mode

Capture cleaner and sharper images in low light for non landscape shots. When set in Anti-motion Blur Mode, the DSC-HX5V captures six images in a fraction of a second with higher shouter speed and combines the data from all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and eliminate subject blur, beyond the capability of traditional cameras.

Handheld Twilight

Capture cleaner and sharper night shots without using a tripod. When set to Handheld Twilight Mode, the DSC-HX5V captures six images in a fraction of a second with one press of the shutter, and combines the data from all six to create a single image of extraordinary detail and low noise. With these modes, you can capture images in low light, without flash, beyond the capability of traditional cameras.

Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode

Capture expansive landscapes with Intelligent Sweep Panorama Mode. Press shutter and sweep and the camera does the rest, continuously, shooting images and in one second stitching them together. This model even detects faces and moving subjects to stitch intelligently different widths to avoid subject distortion.

High Speed Shooting (10fps)

The HX5V can capture full 10.2 megapixel resolution images at up to 10 fps, helping to ensure you never miss the decisive moment. What’s more, the HX5V employs a mechanical shutter that helps reduce distortion when continuously shooting moving subjects.

1080i AVCHD Movie Mode¹

Record movies in 1080i AVCHD high definition at 60i¹. The AVCHD format captures a high degree of detail and smooth movement, and when footage is burned to disc, can be played back on Blu-ray Disc™ players, Sony^® PlayStation^®3 systems and compatible PCs and HDTVs^.7

HDMI™ output connectivity

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI™) is a compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting uncompressed digital streams. HDMI connects digital audio/video sources such as a compatible camcorder, Blu-ray Disc™ player, a personal computer, a video game console, or an AV receiver to a compatible digital audio device and/or video monitor such as a digital television (DTV).

DVDirect® DVD recorder Compatible

With AVCHD capabilities the DSC-HX5V is compatible with the DVDirect® DVD recorder, allowing automatic playback of high definition footage. Simply insert your Memory Stick® media into the DVDirect® DVD recorder and enjoy your movies shot in high definition. (Recorder and media sold separately)

720p MP4 HD Movie Mode¹

In 720p MP4 movie mode the camera shoots 1280 x 720 high definition movies at 30 fps, which is the format when working with a PC. Users will create high quality movies with full use of optical zoom in their Cyber-shot^®DSCs in files small enough to transfer to compatible PC or Mac^®. Once transferred to your computer you can effortlessly upload your media to popular photo and video-sharing websites such as Photobucket^® and YouTube^TM. (Compatible computer with internet capability required)

Compatible with PC and MAC Systems

Video captured with the DSC-HX5V can be used with the provided Picture Motion Browser software for PC and iMovie^® (sold separately) for Mac systems.³

Optical Steady Shot™ image stabilization

Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization uses a built-in gyro sensor to detect camera shake and automatically shifts the lens to help prevent blur without sacrificing image quality.

Optical SteadyShot w/ Active Mode

Optical SteadyShot^TM with Active Mode gives you the freedom to shoot movies even while walking or running. By providing up to 10x the correction of standard mode, Active Mode can compensate for excessive camera shake so you can move along with your subject while shooting.

GPS and Compass

An integrated GPS receiver and compass record the location and direction of every shot you take and let you view your images on a map with compatible computer and internet applications, so you can remember where you took your favorite shots⁴.

Auchumpkee Creek Bridge

Taken on my way to Macon, GA.

Location:

Auchumpkee Creek Bridge - Phone: 800-821-4228 or 706-646-2437 - In Thomaston, GA
Bridge Description: Not open to traffic. It is 96 feet long with a town lattice truss. There is a parking and picnic area at the bridge. It was built in 1892 and rebuilt in 1997. The builder was W. Alford/Dr. J. Herring. It is over the Auchumpkee Creek in Upson County. Auchumpkee Creek Bridge also known as Zorn's Mill and Hootenville Bridge.

Directions: From 1-75 south in Atlanta, take exit 77 to Hwy. 19/41 to Griffin, Zebulon and Thomaston. Go 12 miles south of Historic Square on Hwy. 19 to Allen Road. It is adjacent to Allen Road. At Sprewell Bluff State Park in the Presidential Pathways Travel Region.

Dowdell's Knob

Dowdell's Knob at the sight where Franklin Delano Roosevelt had his barbecue on Pine Mountain in Pine Mountain, GA.


A bit of information on Dowdell's Knob:

A President's Place of Reflection
Near the northern end of Georgia's 10,000 acre Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park is a place where the presence of the American President who guided the country through the Great Depression and World War II can still be felt.
Dowdell's Knob, named for a 19th century farmer, was a favorite spot for picnicking and quiet thought for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. First attracted to the region by the nearby warm springs that he hoped might provide a cure for the paralysis he suffered as a result of a devastating bought with polio, Roosevelt fell in love with the beautiful country surrounding Pine Mountain. He built his Little White House, the only home he would ever known, nearby in 1932. That same year he was elected to the Presidency and went on to serve longer than any President in American history.
Roosevelt was a great lover of the outdoors and often drove his hand-controlled Ford car up Pine Mountain to picnic, enjoy the scenery and think in the quiet and solitude of the heights. In this manner he discovered the place that would become his favorite, Dowdell's Knob.

FDR's barbecue:

A Look Back

Took this on Friday (02/18/2011) on my way back from Valdosta, GA.

Had a great drive back geocaching along the way. It was a beautiful day all day!

Feb 2011 GGA Meeting

Yep, I went to the February GGA meeting for 2011.

I was kind of disappointed in this meeting. It was held in McDonough, GA in the Henry County Public Safety building. The room was way too small for a meeting like this (The Chili Cook Off).

I got there early and when we could go in, I went in a signed the even log and tried to move around the room. Beside the people standing in the isles having family reunions, people were in between the chairs so you couldn’t find a seat.

Finally, I went outside and started taking pictures of the travel bugs that were on the vehicles so I could later log them online. I went back to my truck after I was finished and the public safety building had WiFi access. I logged into geocaching.com and logged the travel bugs I took pictures of.
The meeting started at 2:00pm and by 2:30pm I was on the road heading back home.

The main part of the building is NOT where the meeting was held. It was a small room to the right at the end of the building.

A Panorama Picture

I went back to Florence Marina State Park and messed around for a couple hours.

I snapped off a few pictures with a panorama picture I mind and this is how it turned out.

This was a total of 7 pictures that made this panorama view.
I thought it turned out pretty good. It could have used a little tweaking, but it’s ok without it.

This Blog is The Blog

I've been using Wordpress as my blog provider, but since they want like $60.00 dollars to upload videos, I'm moving my blog to this one. This one is now my official travel blog.

My Geocaching.com Souvenirs

I think they have finally got all my souvenirs listed on my public profile..

The states I’ve geocached in:

• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Tennessee
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Ohio
• Florida
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• North Carolina
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Pennsylvania
• Maryland
• Rhode Island

I plan to add a few more in 2011!

Fort Mountain Lake in Georgia

This was taken 01/29/2011 while visiting Fort Mountain State Park in North Georgia. The video is of the lake.
There is still snow/ice on the lake!

01/29/2011 Fort Mountain State Park

**Continuing my 2011 project to visit all the state parks in Georgia**

Today was my visit to Fort Mountain State Park in North GA. Had to get on the road by 6:00am, but it was worth it. I did get to do a little geocaching while visiting the park.



It kind of surprised me that there was still snow on the ground! Not just a little either, there was patches of snow all over the park!



See the white of the far side of the lake? That’s snow (ice or both).



A shot of the lake right when I got there.



A view from an overlook just before getting to the park.

Had a Great time in North Georgia today! I plan to come back again and again!

Florence Marina State Park

Florence Marina State Park in Georgia

I can't help but to keep looking at the pictures I took while on my 4 state park mission.

Can't wait to get back out there to visit a few more state parks!

01/08/11–First 4

4 down on my project for 2011. About 54 more state parks to go.

My 2011 Project

My project for 2011 is to visit all the state parks in Georgia!
First step was to get a annual state park pass so I can get into the parks without paying at the gate.

Not counting historic sites and other state run things, there are 58 (I think) state parks in Georgia. It’s $5.00 to park in a state park (usually) so $5.00 x 58 = $290.00. Granted, I’ve never paid the $5.00 to park or get into a park, but I usually go during the winter months and attendants are usually not present in these months.
The first 4 I plan to visit are:

1. Florence Marina State Park
2. Providence Canyon State Park
3. George T.. Bagby State Park
4. Kolomoki Mounds State Park

Stay tuned for pictures of the parks!