The Shuttle Rips Space/Time at the End of an Era I'll try to describe the sound. Since this is as close as you can get, and this is 3 miles away, it takes a while for the sound to get to you. And it does rush across the water in a rumbling, tumbling way like you might expect. But then, after that, something other than sound starts to come across the water. It's a series of concussive waves that vibrate your entire skeleton and thrum through your soul. It's not a steady din of vibration, but a violent staccato rhythm of unseen forces that cause a tremulous cadence around and through your chest. This is the final space shuttle launch of our lives. And so we could not help but be reminded of this finality when this unearthly sound combined with the final sight of the lonely craft arcing away into space. - Trey Ratcliff Read more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.

Walking Through Paris Sometimes things on the map look really close together... and then you start walking and get about 25% of the way there and you become quite shocked at how far it actually is. This feeling can be a little defeating, until you realize of course that you are in a beautiful city like Paris and there is fabulous stuff all around you. And then, you remember you are a photographer with a ridiculously easy job, and everything comes right back in perspective.And, speaking of that, believe me... I am super-grateful for this strange life I have. I never take anything for granted, and I get excited like a little kid on all these trips... love getting on planes... love the adventure... all of this sort of stuff. I know a lot of jaded people out there that do this stuff, and I just don't understand them.- Trey RatcliffRead more here at the Stuck in Customs blog.