About Me
My passion for adventure and my thoughtful approach to travel have enriched my life in countless ways, guiding me from decades of military service to one of discovery, photography, and storytelling.
My love for adventure inspired me to pursue a career in the military. After more than 47 years serving in the South Carolina National Guard, I retired with a wealth of unique experiences. Reflecting on those years, I realize nothing else could have offered such extraordinary opportunities. The people I met along the way were remarkable and left a lasting impression on me. Following my retirement, I sought new ways to travel with purpose and create memories. This led me to start a travel blog—an ideal platform to deepen my understanding of the places I visit, connect with new people, and continually nurture my adventurous spirit.
In 2018, I launched my travel blog, Travel Notes & Storytelling, and soon after, I developed a passion for photography. Traveling, capturing moments, and crafting stories that both inspire and educate others have become my true calling. Each destination, near or far, offers its own unique charm and deepens my appreciation for adventure. Living in South Carolina is a privilege; it’s mountains, rivers, lakes, seashores, and vibrant communities provide endless inspiration. Planning each trip begins with reading about the destination, delving into its history, and researching the best places to photograph. Preparing for a journey, documenting it, and capturing it through my lens are processes I genuinely cherish and that continually fuel my adventurous nature.
Sharing my stories and photographs has helped me forge deeper connections with people. Many of those I meet on my travels contribute by reviewing my stories, ensuring they remain authentic and true to our shared experiences. One memorable example is my story about a vibrant cooking class in Cape Town’s Bo-Kaap neighborhood—“Colorful Cooking Experience in Bo-Kaap.” Gamidah Jacobs, who welcomed us into her home and shared her culinary expertise, generously reviewed my account for accuracy. These collaborations allow me to learn more about the individuals I encounter. Every story and photograph holds meaning and value, continually satisfying my love for adventure. I also appreciate that both writing and photography are crafts that improve with practice—another source of motivation for me.
My travel blog serves as a powerful tool, deepening my understanding of the places I visit and allowing me to share my stories and images with others. It’s a constant learning journey, pushing me to grow as both a traveler and storyteller.
My Professional Biography
Brigadier General Marie Goff, U.S. Army retired, completed over 37 years of military service in the United States Army and the South Carolina National Guard. In 2010, she was selected as the Assistant Adjutant General and later the Director of Joint Staff, where she served until her retirement in April 2015. Marie graduated with honors from Lander University with a degree in Sociology. She holds a Master of Arts in Computer and Information Management from Webster University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. Among Marie’s awards is an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Lander University.
Today, she is a writer, photographer, public speaker, and world traveler based in South Carolina. The S.C. State Library displayed her photos that highlight the state, A Photographer’s Journey Across South Carolina (2023), and South Carolina Revolutionary War Sites (2025). The book Scenic Driving South Carolina (3rd Edition, Copyright 2024) features some of her photos. Marie’s stories and photos appear in South Carolina Wildlife Magazine, The Southern Edge Magazine, and numerous online publications, including her travel blog at TravelNotesAndStorytelling.com. She is married to Col. Eddie Goff, U.S. Army, retired.
