The United States of America – Page 3

The Singin’ Tourist in the SW USA (Day 3)

Posted on November 1, 2022November 1, 2022 by traveler

I described myself as an eco-tourist on Tripadvisor because I enjoy travelling, but I usually work with a limited budget. Purchasing the senior national park pass two years ago has been a major benefit to me on that front. It’s has especially come in handy for this trip. Instead of paying $30-35 to enter one…

The Singin’ Tourist in the SW USA (Day 2)

Posted on October 30, 2022November 19, 2022 by traveler

I was just a few miles from the entrance to Death Valley National Park. I got a very early start, so I took some pictures of the sun rise. It had felt a little weird to run air conditioning again the night before, but then again, I had used it while in the Irvine/L.A. areas,…

The Singin’ Tourist in the SW USA (Day 1)

Posted on October 30, 2022October 30, 2022 by traveler

Sunday night after dinner with my friends, I decided to find Newport Beach, where I was scheduled officially to begin the tourist part of my trip. I had purchased a ticket through Tripadvisor to go whale watching early Monday morning. I’m glad I found where things were situated Sunday night when everything was quiet and…

Business First–AAASA Conference

Posted on October 30, 2022July 13, 2023 by traveler

Usually when I drive, I am free to take as much “stuff” as I want and leave at my convenience. However, I had scheduled a hair appointment in Des Moines because I wanted it to look its best for my presentation. I somehow managed to get out late yet still arrive only ten minutes late…

Changing of the Guard

Posted on November 14, 2020July 28, 2023 by traveler

On my birthday (Thursday, September 17th), I took my usual day off. I decided to do some car shopping while I awaited the final steps before the insurance company claimed RB. My research had led me to decide on the Kia Soul for my next car. The closest dealership is in Des Moines, so I…

Duck Touring Hot Springs

Posted on September 25, 2018July 28, 2023 by traveler

Wednesday continued the run of beautiful, sunny days. Hot, though, but I generally am fairly comfortable in hot weather. Gerry and I decided to take the Duck Tour, which would give us a chance to see parts of the town and sites around nearby Lake Hamilton. Once we got started, I found the “captain” of…

Last Days in Hot Springs–The National Park

Posted on September 25, 2018July 28, 2023 by traveler

We got an early start Thursday. Gerry was heading back east that morning, so I got up and fixed breakfast so that we could have a final chat before he left. After he left, I cleaned up and got down to work. Or at least that was the plan. I’m under deadline to finish my…

A Presidential Visit… Sort of

Posted on September 23, 2018July 28, 2023 by traveler

When I visited Little Rock in 2016, I had to settle for a drive-by of the Clinton Presidential Library. So, when Gerry told me he planned to drive to Little Rock to visit the library, I jumped at the opportunity to finally see it. We got an early start on Tuesday morning with the thought…

Hot Springs,… Finally! And a Special Birthday

Posted on September 23, 2018September 23, 2018 by traveler

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…

A Family Fourth,… A Wedding,… and the Outer Limits… Well, Banks

Posted on July 16, 2017July 30, 2023 by traveler

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…