Travel Log: Natural Bridge, or ‘Oh, Crap; There It Is!’

(Bowie, Maryland; Nov. 28, 2021) – I’ve been struck dumb with breathlessly overwhelming awe at my first sight of natural formations four times in my life now. The first time was the sight of Uluru (formerly Ayres Rock) when I visited Australia in 2004. The great, red sandstone giant rising from the flat Australian Outback … Continue reading Travel Log: Natural Bridge, or ‘Oh, Crap; There It Is!’

Travel Log: Mystery of the Ruins

(Fallon, Nevada; May 12, 2021) – La Plata was founded in 1863 and served as the county seat for Nevada’s Churchill County from 1864 - 1869. La Plata was dead before the 19th century died, fading from the map after the local silver mines played out and the mining boom moved elsewhere. Located up in … Continue reading Travel Log: Mystery of the Ruins

Travel Log: Hidden Gems

(Niceville, Florida; April 10, 2018) Phase 2 has been completed--I'm back in Niceville, Florida. Phase 3 (Hawaii) is coming very soon--April 12! Check out the state map at very bottom for a recap of Phases 1 and 2. Last time I covered two states in one column. I’ve decided to up my game and take … Continue reading Travel Log: Hidden Gems

Travel Log: Frog Song and Bald Eagle Gazes

(Springfield, Illinois; April 1, 2018) Thus begins the first travel column I’ve ever written that incorporates two states. Two states and four sites. Can I cook, or can’t I?! (You’ll notice yet another new state on my map at bottom!) A couple of days ago on March 30 I hiked the Fort Donelson National Battlefield … Continue reading Travel Log: Frog Song and Bald Eagle Gazes

Travel Log: Phase 2!

(Huber Heights, Ohio; March 19, 2018) Phase 2 is underway! This will be a short leg. It began in Georgia, and right now I’m at my brother’s in Ohio again. Next week I trek to new lands: Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama. Middle of next month I’m going to Hawaii (Phase 3), so I only … Continue reading Travel Log: Phase 2!

Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 2)

(Niceville, Florida; March 2, 2018) The duel of the warships now brings us south, to, appropriately enough, South Carolina. South Carolina is a state rich in natural and human history, a state that played a pivotal and famous role during the American Revolution, and a pivotal and infamous role during the American Civil War. Today … Continue reading Travel Log: Dueling Warships (Part 2)

Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time

(Feb. 4, 2018) Welcome back! I took a brief break while I was back in Norfolk, Virginia, tying up some business with the Department of Veterans Affairs. I’m back on the road and, if you look at my State Map, you’ll notice I’m in North Carolina. I’ve gotten ten states and the District of Columbia … Continue reading Travel Log: Forwards-Backwards in Time

Travel Log: Music to My Ears

(Jan. 24, 2018) Delaware is a wonderful example of that maxim stating even smallest of places can be found to harbor the greatest of treasures...if one will only take a moment to shine some light on them. I forget the man’s name who made this observation, but he’s one of the great sages of our … Continue reading Travel Log: Music to My Ears

Travel Log: Delaware Confidential

(Jan. 22, 2018) Delaware is a charming state, easily driven across in just a few hours. It was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, thereby earning it the self-chose nickname of “The First State.” Delaware was one of the 13 states that rebelled against Great Britain, but, contrary to common vernacular, Delaware was … Continue reading Travel Log: Delaware Confidential

Travel Log: A Day in the District

(Jan. 17, 2018) I officially picked up Maryland on the 11th for my State Collection, and got Washington, D.C., on the 12th. If you check the state map, you’ll see I’ve also picked up Virginia (Jan. 13) and Delaware (Jan. 17). I know D.C. isn’t a state, but the federal city is our capital, and … Continue reading Travel Log: A Day in the District