Notebook – CHRISTOPHER J. MARTIN

Soaking in Sedona

March 10, 2026February 23, 2026 by cmart

After a few days of world-class, jaw-dropping nature in Tucson and a whirlwind of experiences at the Grand Canyon, our next stop was in Sedona! But first, food… Just outside of Sedona in Oak Creek is the beautiful scent of BBQ emerging from the Colt Grill. Google Maps photos initially made me weary — this … Read more

Going Undergound: Exploring Mammoth Cave National Park

February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 by cmart

I hadn’t heard of Mammoth Cave National Park until I was exploring the area around Nashville for interesting things to do. With more than 425 miles of officially explored caves, it is the longest cave system in the world and took hundreds of millions of years to form. And it’s just 90 minutes north of … Read more

Exploring the Grand Canyon (South Rim)

March 10, 2026February 18, 2026 by cmart

On the road to Tusayan & the Canyon After 2.5 great days in Tucson, we set the GPS for for Tusayan, Arizona, the town just below the entrance of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The 5-hour, 333-mile route cuts right through Phoenix and several smaller towns including Flagstaff, where we made a pre-planned … Read more

2.5 Days in Tucson: Cacti, Canyons, and a Cookie Cabin

February 23, 2026February 15, 2026 by cmart

March 2025. I was headed back to Arizona. I had previously spent time in Phoenix, Tempe and Sedona in 2018, but the plan this time was to check out the Grand Canyon and other to-be-decided spots that were new and interesting. I did one of my favorite things and perused Google Maps — The first … Read more

2 of my “Voyage” photos featured in Wild Greens Magazine (February 2025)

March 4, 2025February 26, 2025 by Chris

I’m so excited 2 of my photographs are featured in the “Voyages” edition of Wild Greens magazine! So many of my photographs reflect a voyage in a literal and/or artistic sense — I really could have provided countless photos for this edition!

Skating through History: The Hockey Hall of Fame

March 3, 2025February 11, 2025 by Chris

Hockey has always been a favorite sport of mine — both to play and watch since I was a young kid. I’d never been to any sports Hall of Fame and I felt like this was the right place to start.

18 hours in Ottawa: Ice Skating Rideau Canal, ByWard Market & More

February 23, 2026February 7, 2025 by Chris

From ice skating through the city on the “world’s largest skating rink” to Beaver Tails to the amazing architecture of Canada’s capitol, Ottawa offers plenty of opportunities for visitors. Oh, and a brewery in an amazing old grist mill!

The Anchor Bar – Home of the original Buffalo Wing

March 3, 2025February 7, 2025 by Chris

Photo of Anchor Bar entrance and their original buffalo wings

The home of the original buffalo wing? No questions asked; visiting the Anchor Bar in Buffalo made it on my bucket list immediately. The more difficult challenge — when would I ever be (372 miles away from home) in Buffalo?

While planning a road trip to Toronto, it became clear that passing through Buffalo was inevitable. Bingo. My chance had finally arrived. There was no chance I was going to blow this opportunity. It’s happening.

Hiding in Rochester with the Genesee Brew House

March 3, 2025February 4, 2025 by Chris

Clicking around Google Maps late one night, I stumbled upon the Genesee Brew House — 5 hours and 20 minutes -or- 333 miles away from me. I knew immediately that I had to go.

But when? In 2025, I found myself in upstate New York, just an hour away, and made the detour. And, wow, am I glad I did.

Wow! The new 2024 DOO-WW Wildwood Magnet features one of my photos! ⛱

March 3, 2025August 2, 2024 by Chris

dooww-wildwood-magnet-2024-christopherjmartin

I’m SO excited to report one of my photos appears on this year’s official DOO-WW magnet!