Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art

George Washington by Robert Edge Pine (1730-1788)

It has to be one of America's best kept secrets. The Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art houses one of the world's finest collections of art from the late 1700's to the early 1900's. Yesterday, July 30, Mr. Jack Warner, former CEO of his family's company, Gulf States Paper Corporation, and one of the premier collectors of American Art in the world today, took me, my Board of Directors, and a school Headmaster -6 of us - on a 2 1/2-hour, personal tour of the museum. An unforgettable experience!

The museum is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. If you are interested in the paintings of Thomas Cole, Mary Cassatt, Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler, Paul Revere, Winslow Homer, Albert Bierstadt, and many more, take the time to visit this truly great private collection. Go to http://www.warnermuseum.org/ for further information.

"1776" by David McCullough

Historian David McCullough was asked by Fritz Lanham of the Houston Chronicle, "What are the biggest misconceptions American have about the American Revolution?" McCullough responded, "That it was short, not very bloody and carried out by people who looked like they were in a costume pageant."

In short, read this book! McCullough is not only an outstanding historian, but an excellent story-teller. Thanks to him, I have a new appreciation for those who gave so much for our liberty and will never celebrate July 4th the same again.

The Dutch Masters

This is the entrance to the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia where the Dutch Masters from the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam are on display. All of the works are from the 17th century and include several Rembrandt's. Melbourne's Official Visitors' Guide states that this forms "the most comprehensive display of 17th century Dutch art ever seen in Australia." Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibit and was reminded again and again that these painters truly understood the meaning of the word "excellence." The attention to detail and quality were almost beyond comprehension.

Split Point Lighthouse

After the pastors' conference at Hall's Gap in the Grampians National Park, my hosts drove me back to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road. The two-day trip began at Warrnambool and followed the southern coast of Australia until we reached Melbourne. At Aireys Inlet, I got out to take some pictures of the Split Point Lighthouse which began operations in 1891. The tower height is 34 meters and the light has a range of 20 nautical miles. It is affectionately known as the "White Queen." If you would enjoy more info about this lighthouse, take a look at http://www.lighthouse.net.au/lights/VIC/Aireys%20Inlet/Split%20Point%20Lighthouse.htm

The Twelve Apostles

As you can see, we got caught in the rain when we arrived on Friday, July 1, at The Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park along the Great Ocean Road. These imposing figures were caused by erosion of the limestone cliffs.

The Australian Herald Sun newspaper reported today (Sunday, July 3) that another of the Twelve Apostles crashed into the sea this morning. Here is the breaking news story:

"ANOTHER of the famous Twelve Apostles limestone structures off Victoria's coast has collapsed, leaving only eight still standing. One of the giant structures off the Great Ocean Road coastline was claimed by the ocean about 9am today," Parks Victoria spokesman Alex Green said.

"If you're standing on the boardwalk on the clifftop (looking out) at The Apostles, it's the second apostle (on the left)," he said.

Hall's Gap

This beautiful valley, nestled between Mt. William and the Wonderland Mountains in Western Victoria, Australia, was the sight of a four-day conference on discipleship for 120 pastors and their wives. With a knowledgeable guide, I was driven to this lookout and was able to take this picture just before the shadows engulfed the entire valley. The conference center is located just south of the man-made lake you see at the top of the picture. Note the beautiful, clear sky - it was like this every day, though very cold (at night it was at freezing).