Sorry, it went out on Sunday. By mistake! However, since you are a subscriber, I'm sure you know about visiting all 50 states? Of course, it's a common theme in here. One of my daughters just joined the All Fifty Club. She has 36 states ( you need 35 to join.) But you can sign up for the newsletter any time. Another daughter believes she has 35 or more but needs to count them and sign up also. My oldest daughter (I have three) believes she's at 34. I'm going to tell her that I'll help fund a...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Ever dreamed of finding a fortune in the dirt? At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, that dream is a daily reality! 🚜💎 (The dream of mining for them, as very few “strike it rich,” but it’s fun to try!) This unique destination is the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds at their original volcanic source—and the best part? Finders keepers! 🎒🙌 Whether it’s a white, brown, or yellow diamond, if you dig it up, it’s yours to take home. (What’s...
14 days ago • 1 min read
I left New Orleans on Friday and got back home ten days later. That would be Monday. My family had some health issues, so that’s taken some time, but now I’m working to get “caught up.” I visited NPS units and historical and scenic locations along the way. I updated the Great River Road Plus preview post, and here’s the link. Many of the updates are about Louisiana, so if you want to go there directly, here’s the link. There will be more updates, and I’ll publish individual posts about many...
19 days ago • 1 min read
......after driving 400 miles, of which 1/3 of it was icy, snowy, etc. A grueling day. I only made a couple of stops, aside from gas and a quick break. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. Dickeyville Grotto, Wisconsin - If you’re looking for a stop that’s truly one-of-a-kind, you have to pull over for this one. The centerpiece is the grotto itself, which houses a beautiful altar for the Blessed Virgin. It’s peaceful, but it’s definitely just the start of the...
23 days ago • 1 min read
...I visited the NPS sites and “tried” to visit another! And a place I just realized was on my route! Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. Santa Claus, IN The settlement was originally known as Santa Fe (or Santa Fee). The U.S. Postal Service rejected "Santa Fe" because another town in Indiana already had the name. Townspeople gathered on Christmas Eve in 1854 to choose a new name; various legends suggest a child or a sudden gust of wind opening a door inspired...
28 days ago • 3 min read
I started Day 15 in Nashville and visited a couple of National Park Units. Of course, I had to stop at the Buc-ee’s along the way, about 100 miles east of Nashville on I-40. Following along for a rundown on my stops for these two days. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. As you know, I’ve visited all 50 states, each at least twice. Here’s a link to the All Fifty State Club. A group that celebrates the accomplishments of us “Fifty-Staters.” You can officially...
29 days ago • 1 min read
I’m spending two nights in Huntsville, but by the time you read this, I’ll likely be in Nashville. On Day 13, I spent much of the day at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville. I did check out the Huntsville Botanical Gardens at day’s end. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. US Space & Rocket Center The museum is extremely well done. I highly recommend it. For those of us (boomers) who remember this happening, it’s even more worthwhile. The hall that gives...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Two of my four stops weren’t open! ☹ And the visitor center was closed on the third one. More ☹ However, Horseshow Bend made up for some of it! And Little River Canyon’s scenic drive was likely what I was going to see, even if the visitor center had been open. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark Sloss Furnace dates back to the 1800s when steel processing began here. The current 32-acre historic site preserves the...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Yes, I visited six places today AND drove on a National Park-supported trail! Here’s a quick rundown and a few pictures to go with it. Too many to include pictures for every stop. Oh, by the way. Here’s the link to the preview post about this trip. Upon leaving Hattiesburg, MS, this morning, I set up my GPS for the places I wanted to see. I knew most of them were relatively quick stops. Hot Coffee, MS While traveling, I look for strange, odd, unusual places and objects. There actually is a...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read