Do a Google search on restoring hard drives. It is possible but not guaranteed. Very Pricey- $$$. I got a quote on one to replace a hard drive in a laptop - only $2800. Bought a new hard drive for $75, put it in myself. Recovered most of the data from backups. YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MANY BACKUPS!!

NC beaches have some of the best photography venues around. Lighthouses, beach scenes, piers, sunrises, sunsets just to name a few. Wildlife refuges (Alligator River - lots of bears), Neat towns (Edenton, NC), Oracoke Island (ferry boat out and back), Rent a four wheeler and go up the beach North from Duck (wild horses). Keep an eye on the weather in October- hurricane season.

If you're going to Chincoteague, VA, consider going another 100 miles into the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Lots of history, Chesapeake bay lighthouses (different from the Atlantic style), revolutionary towns (Cambridge and more), take the ferry from St. Michaels to Oxford. Avoid the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. See Tangier Island before it sinks into the Cheaspeake - it's a day trip, ferry over at 9AM, back at 3:45PM. If you're a birder, the Eastern Shore has several wildlife refuges with lots of birds wintering over. Check State Parks for available cabins at parks on the Eastern Shore.

Watch out for Covid-19 restrictions. Some places may have quarantine reguulations.

All this makes me want to go back.....

I just spent four miserable days consolidating ten years of photography from three hard drives and two computers to one backup hard drive. It would have been much easier to use the cloud. I am now looking for a good cloud backup service for disaster recovery. Any recommendations?

Deleted photos (files) are not totally deleted until overwritten. Google "File Recovery Software" and download the software of your choice. Place your card in your card reader and load it onto your computer. Use the recovery software to locate the unfortunate file. Used to be (many years ago) a deleted file's name first character was replaced by an asterisk. Rename the file properly (replace the first character with your numbering sequence) and viola, the file has returned.

Unfortunately, drones are cheap, easy to operate and are abused by many. We also live in a society where drones pose a threat to some and in the minds of many, pose a threat to their personal security. I bought a drone a year ago to enhance my photography. Pictures taken from 100 feet of altitude can be amazing. Before flying, I took went to an operators ground school to learn not only the techniques of flying but the rules and regulations of operation. Drones are considered to be aircraft. You wouldn't shoot down an aircraft and you really don't want to shoot down a drone. I can't fly my drone (registered with the FAA) in many places (national parks, some state parks, and in areas restricted by flight paths and airports just to name a few). If I want to fly, I won't do it on private land without a stop to get permission from the owner. Drones get a bad name because you feel your privacy is being threatened. The operation of drones has become part of our society - they are legally used by both commercial and recreational users. Don't get your panty hose in a knot... Shooting down an aircraft (yes, drones ARE aircraft) can cost you a hefty fine and several years as a guest of the federal government. Got a problem? Take a picture and call the sheriff. You are a photographer, right?

"GetThereItis" has killed alot of people. Bad decision making, shouldI go, maybe I should turn back, maybe I need to get above the obstacles. Very sad...

Excellent work and Excellent website!

If you can, go with a buddy. If you have cell coverage, check in now and them and let someone know where you are. Use red lenses - it will keep your night vision intact.

Nice image. What time of day was the shot taken?

See the huskies in Denali. Your wife will make it the highlight of her trip.

After you replace it, tell your wife not to use it while hitting the fence post. Using a hammer works better when driving the post in....

You need a Navajo guide to get off the loop. Phillips photography was a good guide for me. An overnight camping tour would be the ultimate.

These guys are good! Almost makes me want to reup! (about 48 years too late....)

You need sunshine for a good canyon tour. Don't go early before the sun gains altitude. I Did the lower canyon tour, lots of climbing and descent, the upper is flatter and easier. Horseshoe Bend will be crowded in the summer and on weekends. December will help you with the crowds. It is a tough walk (uphill both ways - not kidding), can be very crowded. Your 17-40 should be OK, you can also stitch views together if you take a series of shots. If you do Monument Valley, you have to take a tour for the best shots. I would recommend Phillips for tours there. All tours are native americans (you are on navajo land).

"Drones" are considered to be aircraft by the government. To use one legally, you need to obtain a registration number for your aircraft and adhere to the restrictions put forth by the FAA and other governmental entities. Commercial operators must pass a test to operate them. Unlicensed operators are limited to 400' altitide AGL (above ground level) and basically line of sight horizontally. You can't fly in restricted airspace, above crowds and stadiums, at night, etc. etc without having permission to do so. They take wonderful photographs and footage that you cannot duplicate with your hand held camera. Most drone operators are sensitive to your rights and property. Take a shot at one? You just committed a felony- taking a shot at a drone is the same as taking a shot at an aircraft. Be my guest. And if it's my drone, I will get your picture...