Since my 2016 trip to southeastern US, I’ve hoped to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas; however, I simply ran out of time to add it to that trip. My birthday approached, and I wanted to get out of town for a few days. Hot Springs came up again because it was far enough south to get …
I’ve lived in Iowa for more than a decade as I write this post. It’s a long ways from family and the friends I have back East, and I feel that detachment very keenly sometimes. Yet, my time here has not been lost time. I’ve met people who have enhanced my life, both personally and …
The night’s storm died away, but that Tuesday morning afterwards began still cloudy and was the coolest of the extended holiday weekend. Fortunately, it wasn’t so cool that I changed my mind about visiting Evans Plunge Mineral Springs in Hot Springs. I entered the small town around 7:30 a.m. and was able to …
Memorial Day started partly sunny and cooler after the heavy thunderstorms of the night before. The forecast was for more stormy weather; the question was whether it would come during the day or later in the evening. The down side of a mostly outdoors activity is that one is affected by weather conditions. Fortunately, the …
Ten years ago, I decided to bypass the Badlands National Park. Bad decision, but fortunately, I had the opportunity to see it this time. The route along I-90 regularly passes by several South Dakota historical sites. I made a quick drive through of this one: I got off to an early Sunday morning start …
First of all, let me say that the weather was gorgeous! I’d been looking at the forecast all week, but I’ve been in the Midwest long enough now to not completely trust it to match up with reality. The reality, as it worked out, was even warmer than I expected for Memorial Day weekend, almost …
A lot has happened since I last posted. Most significantly, my mother passed away in March, and I admit I’m still touchy about her loss. Still, I’m very grateful we had the last chances we got to spend time together, including the drive through North Carolina to see the Outer Banks last July. As for …
It’s hard to believe that next summer marks the ten year anniversary of my first big trip since I moved to Iowa “four score and seven years ago.” So, instead of making the Utah national parks trip I missed last summer, I’ve decided to retrace most of the route one of my nieces and I …
In 2014, I had the thrilling opportunity to drive through the northwestern United States, a tale shared in pictures and words on my old The Singin’ One on the Road blog. Though time was running short at that point in my trip, I made it my business to stop at the Yosemite National Park. I …
When I visit home, it’s not unusual for me to stick close to the house for R&R. That was pretty much true this trip, too. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday were pretty restful and quiet, much needed down time. On Tuesday, the Fourth of July, we went to my aunt’s house where the family was taking …