Ruins of clay-colored Spanish Mission on a hill with mountains beyond

Hi, we’re Sandra Friend and John Keatley. For more than 25 years we’ve roamed the world looking for trails, parks, and gentle outdoor adventures. Avid readers, we’ve also authored over 40 books. Dig in and discover natural destinations and rainy day activities for your next trip.

Sandra Friend and John Keatley

Stories

Apollo / Saturn V Center exterior

Race to the Moon: Apollo and Saturn V

It’s the Year of Apollo at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and nowhere is that more evident than in the renovations and additions at the massive Apollo/Saturn V Center.

First footprints on the moon Apollo 11 NASA

First on the Moon

North of Dayton, surrounded by farms, the Ohio town of Wapakoneta celebrates its biggest claim to fame: it’s the hometown of Neil Armstrong and home to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum.

Apollo 11 earthrise

Apollo: To the Moon

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of the launch and landing on the moon by Apollo 11 at Kennedy Space Center, and what it means to American and world history.

All Stories

Books & Book Reviews

The Florida Trail Guide
Riding Rockets Mike Mullane
Off Season by Ken McAlpine
Explorer's Guide North Florida Panhandle
Americas Great Hiking Trails
Not Buying It

Our Related Sites

Florida Hikes


FloridaHikes.com front page


Established nearly 15 years ago as a public resource built and maintained by us, Florida Hikes is the top source nationally for outdoor recreation in Florida, particularly for hiking and backpacking.

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Gardens Visitor


GardensVisitor.com front page


A new project based on personal experience, Gardens Visitor is a growing database of public garden destinations across the United States, along with virtual tours of gardens in bloom.

Visit the Website