Sounds like you are around the Fairfield area, Teague or Buffalo, right? I live in South Texas, near Victoria. Anyway, what has been listed as good photo locations, I could add Santa Fe, Taos, Angel Fire, Roswell, Los Alamos (home of the atomic bomb) and Guadalupe Mountains (in Texas, east of El Paso). Also, don't think 71 is too old. I am over 80 and still enjoy going to places listed and I don't have half the gear you mentioned. Check into Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel); they have some real good programs and they are very reasonable. Let me know what you decide on; I just might jump in my pickup and join you.

You can't go wrong with a Nikon. If you can find one, get a Nikon D300. It is a bit pricier than most other Nikons, but well worth it. I had a bit of rough going at first trying to learn all the bells and whistles, but later on things just fell into place. Also, I am partial to Nikon and Tamron lenses.

Good for you! 59 years ago on Aug. 8, I began my career in Uncle Sam's Air Force. Best 23 years I ever spent.