Observations from the Web and Beyond of Pat Moriarty

Is there any place that becomes that much greater when the rain and wind provide the atmosphere and soundtrack than Devils Tower? We had a great hike around Devils Tower during our trip - Go West 2025 .

It is not easy losing our baseball hero as I discuss on my website Chicago Cubs Fan. Here is a picture of me with Ryne Sandberg a few years back at a public appearance. Read more at www.chicagocubsfan.us/remembering-ryno/

 We found what might be the best welcome centers in the Country as we headed into Wyoming on our way to Devils Tower during our trip - Go West 2025 . Very helpful people to answer your questions and some great selfie spots for everyone - even me.

During our trip, Go West 2025 , we were able to quite a few American bison or commonly referred to as  buffalo. Our first experience seeing buffalo were in Custer State Park in South Dakota. From personal experience I recommend you view these animals from a distance. 

When you visit Needles Highway in Custer State Park the road winds through towering granite rock formations, narrow one-lane tunnels, and sharp curves that make for an unforgettable drive. This was our first real driving test during our trip - Go West 2025 .

As we celebrate Independence Day we look back at visiting Mount Rushmore National Monument that celebrates our Founding Fathers during our Spring trip -   Go West 2025 .

  Happy Half Way to Christmas Day. We can always use a little Christmas cheer. Here is my gallery from  Disney Christmas 2018 . I wonder if you can you get eggnog in the Summer.

There is a museum located in downtown Austin, Minnesota. It is a must see to learn everything about a classic American food made by the Hormel Foods. This museum is a must see for the whole family. I even learned some new sandwich recipes and as most people know - I Like Sandwiches. This was one of our first stops on our trip Go West 2025 .

Fans of classic TV will instantly recognize Marion Ross as “Mrs. C” from the classic television show Happy Days where she played the role of an iconic television mom.  A Minnesota native, Marion Ross is honored in her hometown of Albert Lea, Minnesota, with a beautifully crafted statue right outside the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. This was another stop in our adventure as we  Go West 2025 .

During our trip West we made it to the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota in the late afternoon on Monday, April 28. The exterior of the Corn Palace is decorated with massive murals made entirely from multi-colored ears of corn, grains, and native grasses. By looking at it you might just forget it is actually made of corn. Be sure to check out more pictures on my new website as we Go West to the World’s Only Corn Palace .

In late April and early May I traveled West to visit National Parks and Roadside America. My website is now available at PatMoriarty.com/go-west . On our first day on the road we visited Blue Earth, Minnesota and the Jolly Green Giant Statue. Little Sprout also greeted us on our visit.  

  French Quarter in Early Morning If you ever plan to shoot photos in New Orleans, here’s my top recommendation: go early. Right after sunrise, you’ll have the French Quarter almost entirely to yourself—except for the few locals preparing the city for the day ahead. It’s the perfect time to capture the quiet beauty of the streets before the hustle and bustle begins. In late March, I took advantage of this golden hour to explore and photograph some of the city’s most iconic sights. With my Canon EOS R10 in hand, I wandered through the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and even stopped along the Mississippi River. The soft morning light made for some stunning shots, highlighting the charm of New Orleans in a way that’s easy to miss during the busier hours. Be sure to check out my NOLA '25 gallery  to see the magic of the Crescent City just after sunrise!

Let’s take a trip back to the Summer of 2004, a perfect time to visit my favorite city—Chicago! This shot captures the iconic John Hancock Building on a beautiful summer day, showcasing this iconic building and vibrant atmosphere that make this city so special. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Chicago in the summertime. From the breathtaking views atop the John Hancock Center to the bustling streets below, the city comes alive with energy and charm. 📸 See More from Chicago in 2004! Check out the full Chicago 2004 photo gallery here: www.patmoriarty.com/chicago/2004.html .

Back in 2006, I took a trip to Washington, D.C. , exploring the rich history and iconic landmarks of the nation’s capital. From the monuments and memorials to the Smithsonian museums, the city offered an incredible mix of history, culture, and architecture. Walking along the National Mall, I visited some of the most famous sites, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. My website features photos from the trip, capturing the grandeur of these historic landmarks. Whether it was standing in awe of the Jefferson Memorial at dusk or exploring the powerful exhibits at the Smithsonian museums, this visit was a memorable deep dive into American history. If you've never been to D.C., it's a destination worth experiencing!

  The Minnesota North Shore is known for its natural beauty, and scenic waterfalls, and my trips there were a great mix of outdoor exploration and local experiences. From visiting picturesque waterfalls to discovering the charm of small towns, this journey offered plenty of memorable moments. I immediately fell in live with the views along Lake Superior's rugged shoreline.  On my Minnesota North Shore website , you’ll find photos from the trip, highlighting the state’s natural landscapes and unique landmarks. The Minnesota North Shore has a little something for everyone. Check it out and see why the Land of 10,000 Lakes is worth a visit!

Do you have a library of books or music you would like to track. Check out  www.libib.com  and you can track your personal library. You can even upgrade to the pay version if you want to be able to check out items to you friends. You scan a QR code or add the ISBN to auto populate your collection. I am thinking that this library probably has a pay version.

  There's something magical about New Orleans. Whether it's the rhythm of a jazz band echoing through the French Quarter, or the rich history embedded in every cobblestone street, the city is a feast for the senses. My latest adventure took me to New Orleans for an unforgettable experience, and I'm excited to share a brand-new photo gallery capturing the essence of this incredible destination. I was able to visit the French Quarter while it was very active in the late afternoon and then again the next morning before all the tourists were awake. Join me in my gallery as I visit St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the French Quarter. I even have a few pictures of dining at the Waffle House and attending the NCMPR Conference.  View My NOLA '25 gallery .

The Elders at Peoria Irish Fest 2018: A Celtic Rock Experience 🎸🍀 One of my all-time favorite bands is the Kansas City-based Celtic rock band The Elders. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them perform live many times over the years, and their energy never fails to impress. This picture captures a memorable moment from their performance at the Peoria Irish Fest in August 2018—one of the many incredible shows I’ve had the pleasure of attending. If you're a fan of Celtic rock, you know The Elders bring a unique blend of traditional Irish music and rock, creating an unforgettable experience for their audience. 📸 Explore More! Check out all the photo galleries of The Elders performances at www.TheConcertStage.com/elders.html .

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.” – Rogers Hornsby We are ready for baseball! Are you? Let's Go Cubs!

Happy St. Patrick's Day. This picture is from the Ring of Kerry in October 2016 from my website  Lost in Ireland . Come relive my three week adventure that was a mighty fine craic. Slainte!