Marion and Rich Patterson

Although the Great Lakes and oceans come to mind when thinking of watery grandeur, Marion and Rick Patterson’s recent visit to the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky and Tennessee helped them comprehend how two massive reservoirs link to an interconnection of rivers, oceans and lakes spanning much of the United States.

Residents of colonial Virginia were forced to pay taxes to support the Anglican Church, whether or not they were members. …

Iowa’s caves, like Maquoketa Caves and Crystal Lake Cave, offer cool respite from the muggy, summer heat.

Rich Patterson’s dad, Henry Patterson, served in the Navy during WWII. Rich and his wife, Marion, drove to the Rock Island National Cemetery in June drove to give his flag to the cemetery. While there, they learned Iowa’s military history and explored the Quad Cities.

Technology is great, but basics are best; a small boat and live bait with no sonar is the way to go

On a recent two-day trip seeking Iowa history, Marion and Rich Patterson discovered that Keokuk is much like its abundant geodes: ordinary on the outside, and sparkling on the inside.

Today’s Jens Jensen is stewarding the relatively new Jens Jensen Prairie Landscape Park, named for his ancestor. It’s nestled into the grounds of the Museum of Danish America. Located in the tiny town of Elk Horn, about 200 miles west of Cedar Rapids, the museum is emerging as a fascinating place for people of all ethnic backgrounds to visit.

Keweenaw Peninsula, located on Michigan’s much larger Upper Peninsula, is a prime recreation area for snow and water skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, hiking, berry picking, rock hounding, boating and viewing the heavens from one of the darkest places on our continent.

Located in the Driftless Area in Winneshiek County, the nonprofit and its Heritage Farm sits on 890 scenic acres

After a year of planning and just after Labor Day, we headed back “home” to visit our native state, re-connect with friends and family, and explore the hidden gems in the Land of the Dawn -- North America’s northeast, where the rising sun first hits the United States and Canada.

The Tri Cities have a combined population of about 316,000 people. A century ago, it was a sleepy out of the way place too dry for conventional agriculture. Change came when two massive federal projects transformed the region forever. They made visiting the region fascinating and tasty.

This time to the Ozark Plateau, we could take in the amazing geology, natural history and culture of this ancient land form.

While most tourists trek to Alaska during the warm months there are amazing reasons to head north come winter.

Old mining areas now home to Elk herds in north central Pennsylvania

Searching for deer antlers is a popular activity and can yield some real gems.