I’m Marie Goff – travel blogger photographer writer speaker
I began a new chapter in my life after retiring from a long career in the military. I became Marie Goff -travel blogger. Now I’m on the go with a passion for travel, meeting new people, and seeing new sights. I jumped wholeheartedly into it. It’s the only way to do it! Learning new skills is a lifelong endeavor, and sometimes it’s overwhelming. My passion for it keeps me going!
The support of my friends and family keeps me going too. The help of other writers, photographers, bloggers, travelers, and speakers is crucial. Even museum curators, librarians, and other knowledge professionals become lifelong mentors. Travel guides and companions are a must. Without them, I could not even get to some of the places!
I’m incredibly grateful for the talented people at T2H Advertising, Kristin, Jeff, and Katie. They welcome my ideas and share their own in a warm and professional environment. I couldn’t do it without them!
Once I started writing, photography followed. I bought a Sony a7III and started learning the ins and outs. Read about my first photography trip and the equipment I rented in Learning Photography with the Professionals – Expedition to Jordan.
Writing and photography inspire new and exciting ways of seeing the world.
My stories highlight beautiful landscapes, cultural richness, and rare encounters with wildlife—all of it, with awe-inspiring images.

Part of the magic of the journey comes from the people you travel with and the people you meet along the way.
My husband Eddie is my best travel companion! He does research and planning for road trips and lots of driving. He also researches new equipment and proofreads my stories.
Critical thinking, desire for learning, and adapting to change are the most vital takeaways from my liberal arts college days. I attended Lander University in Greenwood, S.C. It was there where I got my first taste of travel abroad too. With a small group of students and a history professor, I traveled to Dijon, France, for summer courses. Along the way, we visited England, Germany, and Switzerland. The trip fueled my passion for travel!
All of the information on this site is my own, except where I highlight others. Sometimes, I invite guest writers, photographers, and speakers to share their own stories.
I’m blessed to travel, see the world, and share experiences. I hope they inspire your next journey!
Thanks for joining me at Travel Notes and Storytelling!

Marie Goff travel blogger photographer writer speaker
Learn more at Marie Goff.

Travel Note:
March 21, 2022Eddie and I scheduled island tours as soon as we arrived in Hawaii. We would have booked some of them before we came, in hindsight. To get around the islands, we used every conceivable conveyance.
Bus, van, boat, helicopter, and trolley tour guides and drivers are incredibly informative and offer unique ways to experience Hawaii.
Hawaiian guides are incredible storytellers! Even taxi and uber drivers provide information about the history, culture, and things to do. We had more confidence and knowledge when traveling alone because of the informative and often endearing conversations with locals.
Jack London (1876 - 1916), author of Call of the Wild, could write as many as 1000 words a day of printable material. It seems impossible! How do you read books, write stories, take and edit photos while traveling, and still enjoy the adventure?
Stories of Hawaii by Jack London, edited by Grove A. Day and Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii, are excellent reading materials for a stay in Hawaii.

Travel Stories
Tradewinds, Whales, and a Compelling Milky Way
Lush beauty presents breathtaking scenes in every direction. Tradewinds caress your body like a warm whisper. With these words, if not the title, you can...
Read MoreThree Beautiful Things About Hawaii that we Love
"With Hawaii it seems always to be love at first sight. Those for whom the Islands were made, or who were made for the Islands,...
Read MoreMysterious Beauty on the Big Island of Hawaii
It was dark when Eddie and I arrived at Kilauea Military Camp, high in the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Early next morning, we walked across...
Read MoreThe Story Behind the Most Beautiful Family Portraits
Bill named the portraits. He called them the "Monopoly Game" and the "Flying Toddler." We were taking pictures of the Dwight Bundrick family. In just...
Read MoreIntelligent Little Gundog Puppies and a Popular Boykin Poster
The Gundog puppies sniffed at the bird on the ground. They were only five weeks old and had never seen a bird. Amazingly, one of...
Read MoreDo You Know About the Fitness Challenge? It’s Going On Right Now.
Get fit and discover the rich history and beauty of South Carolina. Take the SC7 Appalachaians to the Atlantic Fitness Challenge, going on now! Last...
Read MoreWhy this Amazing Southern Utah Road Trip is the Best
"The time passes extremely slowly, as time should pass." ~ Edward Abbey, American author With this quote, Edward Abbey describes his first two seasons in...
Read MoreFive Reasons to Love Tanque Verde Ranch for Your Spring Getaway
"People who want to experience the traditions of the cowboy come out to have a good time and ride the horses." - Wrangler Legend Joe...
Read MoreHow to Become Fit, Focused, and Have More Joy – Spend Some Time at Ayurveda Health Retreat
"Love, Serve and Remember" - music by John Astin My husband Eddie drove me from South Carolina to Alachua, Florida. I spent eight days at...
Read More© 2022 — Travel Notes and Storytelling.