They also have an excellent museum on Native American culture but unfortunately, photos are not allowed there either.

Amazon is always my first choice, but I will check eBay if I can't find what I want at Amazon.

I've been using the Corel product Paintshop Pro for a number of years and have always been happy with it. Lots less expensive, which to we seniors is a big issue (at least to me it is!)

I had cataract surgery on both eyes a few years ago and I'm sure the surgery and choices are much better now. I didn't want to wear glasses for reading or working on the computer, so I chose to wear glasses for driving instead since most of the time I would be wearing sunglasses anyway. One eye was adjusted for reading and the other for working on the computer - they blend so that the difference between the two is not noticeable. I found that this combination works well for photography since looking in the viewfinder is close viewing and I don't have to wear glasses for this - the camera optics takes care of the distance vision, whether near or far. When I was wearing glasses prior to the surgery, it was a problem since I had bi-focal. I'm sure talking to the surgeon doing the surgery would help you in your decision. What struck me the most once the surgery was done was the amazement about all the bright colors that I couldn't see before. I still have problems driving at night, however, so avoid it when I can. Good luck.

While in the Quechee VT area (also known as the Grand Canyon of VT), if you are into bird photography, especially raptors, visit VINS - The Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, Vermont. They take in injured birds (primarily birds of prey) and if they cannot be cured and released back into the wild, they become a member of this facility. They have two or three shows a day with photo op after the show for close-ups. They also have a number of nature walking trails. One of my favorite destinations while in VT.

If you and/or wife are into flea markets, the best one is in Wilmington, VT, held both Sat & Sun. Lots of photo opportunities. Wilmington itself is a pretty little town which is just recovering from a major natural disaster event a few years ago. Mt. Snow is along Route 100 and Stratton Mt off of Route 30 - ski areas with the foliage giving good photo opportunities. Have fun and happy picture taking!

If no one has mentioned it yet, don't miss the Shelbourne Museum which is in the Burlington, VT, area. You can spend the whole day there easily.

You will not be able to use a tripod - they are not allowed to be used. These boats are very crowded and it would be a hazard to other passengers and wouldn't be any good in this situation anyway. I've been on a number of whale watch trips and love them, but you do stand a good chance of getting your equipment sprayed by salt water. I had a Canon F1 (years ago) drenched with salt water and off to the camera shop, but it never was the same. It would be even worse with digital. I wear a large rain jacket and can keep my camera somewhat protected under it.

I've always had good luck with refurbished: cameras and computers both. I'm just very careful of from whom I purchase the item.

They are the major vendor and contributor at the New England Camera Club Council held each year at UMass the weekend after the 4th of July. I've purchased from them for years and have always been pleased with the price and service. Would that others would follow their example!

I do all my selling (and buying) on eBay now. You can check what that type of item is going for and list yours accordingly. It's a particularly good area for any film camera equipment since there are quite a few collectors who are looking for vintage equipment. I sold the first SLR I bought for three times what I paid for it about three years ago. (This was a highly collectible item, however, so not a typical sale.)

I love a camera vest. Can't carry a camera bag any more and backpacks tend to be too heavy. A vest does distribute the weight more evenly, depending, of course, on how you pack it. They can, however, be very warm in the summer months when most of us are out there. I do like the availability of taking so much with you and being able to access it so easily. There are many very well made vests on the market - check out eBay for a good, pre-used one and save quite a few bucks.

I've used a number of versions through the years of PaintShop Pro, and I've always been very happy with it. Had PhotoShop, but prefer PaintShop Pro, not to mention it's always been much less expensive.

I do presently have Windows 10 on most of my computers. I'll agree that it is faster than earlier Windows versions, however, I've had serious issues with it. On my major desktop, periodically I will completely lose Microsoft Edge (Explorer) and then when I go to shut the computer off, these are the same times that I've lost the power selection on the start button. This has happened periodically with Windows 10 on this particular computer, but it's too late to revert to my earlier Windows version, so I curse and live with it. It works fine on one of my laptops, but on the second (and I was faced with the same thing you were, "Pick a date and time." Well, I did try it and the same thing happened with this laptop as with my desktop - the second time I logged in, I lost the Microsoft Explorer. I also had transcription software on the computer and completely lost the sound on it. Fortunately I was able to go back to Windows 7 Pro. You do have 30 days to get your old system back. I suppose at some point all the bugs will be gone from Windows 10, but I prefer the earlier versions at this point in time. I am 80, so I am in the older seniors group.

I've used a number of versions of this product and have found it more user-friendly than Photoshop. I'm happy with it - I don't have this latest version since I'm satisfied with the version I'm using for at least the time being.