Savoring Steamboat Silence

“ The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” (Ram Dass)

The experience of inner silence can be a difficult concept to grasp when you live a continually busy life in South Florida as we do. Fortunately, Ruth and I have long found remote Steamboat Springs, Colorado, nestled quietly amidst the Rocky Mountains, to be an ideal vacation respite for calming our most active minds. On our late March visit to Steamboat on days 17-20 of our road trip, we particularly savored a much needed slowdown here from our challengingly long days of driving. Being inspired at first by the the utter stillness of winter here outside our motel window, we proceeded to find additional opportunities on this visit to “zone in” quietly. In observing the following photographs, you thus might imagine the meditative silence we experienced on this visit.

After settling in at our favorite motel, Steamboat Mountain Lodge, our room offered stunning views of a mountainside, winter wonderland. Opening the window, a meditating calmness of steadily dripping icicles and crackling snow dampened our urge to turn on the television then. Additional calmness settled in as we listened to the shrill whistle of approaching trains and the frantic calls of migrating Sandhill Cranes.

On our second morning we took a leisurely walk along the Yampa River Core Trail. Following a winding trail lined with towering snowpacks, our senses embraced nature’s slowdown in the dead silence of winter. Taking a closer look for subtle signs of springtime awakening, steady river flows and occasional bird sightings would further relax our mind.

Looking for a suitable excursion, the next day we would drive a lonely county road north to Steamboat Lake Park. Along the way, we noted the welcoming appearance of snow whitened farm houses/adjacent pastures, and slow oozing brooks reminiscent of a seasonal Hallmark Holiday card. Even the cows hovering contentedly in the fields seemed unaffected by the perpetual cold.

At Steamboat Park, we then found snowshoeing to be a relaxing way to spend our second morning. By observing my breath rise and fall as I walked slowly alongside my wife on the snow packed path, such meditative calmness helped me to more confidently keep my balance as needed. For a fittingly serene encore, we then enjoyed stunning panoramas of the mountains over lunch from rocking chairs at the park visitor center.

As an isolated western town, Steamboat Springs seems surprisingly cosmopolitan in cultural awareness. Thus the Steamboat Library’s weekly film showing, “Mantra: Sounds Into Silence “ on day three of our visit would offer us an engaging look at Buddhistic chanting as a new way to find “inner peace and enhance our yoga practice meditation in the future.

March 28, 2019 9

Great Plains Obstacle Therapy

“Then I discovered the prairie, and a slow healing began.”(Stephen R. Jones, The Last Prairie , 2000)

As we crossed the Great Plains of Nebraska and N.E. Colorado on days 13-15 of our road trip, I envisioned those hardships faced by west seeking pioneers crossing the Oregon Trail by foot and wagon during the mid 19th century. The seemingly endless void of grassy flatlands here seemingly offered little relief from the boredom experienced by the monotonous dust filled paths ahead. Extreme winter chills, hostile Indian raids and treacherous river crossings further dampened their spirits then. Yet clearly they must have enjoyed a strong sense of adventure in traversing the Great Plains environs. These wide open spaces no doubt “cleansed the soul” as well for many at times as they pondered life’s unknowns under such hazardous conditions.

Ruth and I too sought ways to pass the time positively along this vast prairie on these long days of travel. Yet our late March visit happened as winter’s snow thaw brought serious flooding adjacent to the North Platte River. Resultant interstate highway closures and mud filled side roads required finding alternatives routes to reach our intended destinations while far and fewer rest stops meant gauging our driving times more mindfully. Feeling thus much like that modern day pioneer in such times of crisis, the Great Plains provided a similar incentive to seek self enlightening therapy in this region to fill our inner souls.

Birdwatching brought captivating moments on our spring visit as flying sandhill cranes and other avian species flocked to watersheds in Central Nebraska then.

A college baseball game slowed our busy minds on a frigid night as we conversed happily with close friends.

An interesting exhibit, “Prairies To Peaks”, at the Great Plains Art Museum in Lincoln, Nebraska exhilarated our emotions as we observed colorful landscape paintings of a local artist in residence, Erin Jones Graf.

As our arduous path of the prairie ended at Fort Collins, Colorado, we experienced a new sense of adventure at a first sighting of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

March 26, 2019 2

“ Great War” On Full Display

“We cherish too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led
It seems to to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies”
(Moina Michael – 1915 Poem – Response To “In Flanders Field” )

As a former history teacher, I am always eager to restudy the past firsthand in my travels. Clearly, the National World War I Museum and Memorial would thus satisfy my “authentic history” standard on an afternoon visit to Kansas City, Missouri on day twelve of our road trip. For my two hour tour of its west and east galleries would well document the destructive horrors this 1914- 1919 conflict in a personalized manner. An audio tour headset proved practical on this visit as well as I listened intently to each numbered exhibit along the way. Other gems of this museum included Memory Hall and a panoramic look at greater Kansas City along the outdoor patio walls. Take a look at my favorite photos below.

The architecture of the museum and surrounding grounds provided an impressive visual display.

Amassing support for a wartime effort required powerful propaganda efforts.

Millions of lives were lost in the stalemate of trench warfare along the Western European battle line.

New weapons of modern warfare brought mass casualties on the battlefield.

Here are some memorable quotes about the nightmares of war that filled the galleries.

Notice the map/mural studded walls of war torn Europe along Memory Hall.

Our captivating view of Kansas City from the patio balcony on this frigid afternoon.

After our museum visit, my wife and I enjoyed a birthday feast at nearby Jack Stacks Barbecue – Freight House.

March 22, 2019 7

Water Wonders Everywhere

“Here nature calls from fortunes frown her children of disease . And bids them throw their crutches down andgo where’er they please”( John C. Hale, bathhouse owner, 1847)

Moving into week two of our road trip , Ruth and I crossed over the spring flood swollen waters overflowing the banks of the Mississippi River into Central Arkansas for a two day visit to the historic town of Hot Springs. Known as the “Valley of the Vapors”, Hot Springs has long been a popular tourist haven known for its therapeutic spring waters, celebrity sightings, and illicit “underworld” presence. Armed with such knowledge, our leisurely walking tour downtown and short drive to nearby historic landmarks would reveal convincing evidence of Hot Springs’ illustrious past. My favorite photographs of our visit are thus presented below.

OZARK REGION ACCOMMODATIONS

Booking our first Air B&B apartment of this road trip along a steeply wooded ridge would provide a well deserved respite from our long driving days on the road. A short drive away, we discovered the inconspicuous presence of ex. President Bill Clinton’s boyhood home.

BATHHOUSE ROW – OUCH! THAT’S HOT

Walking along the “Grand Promenade”, traversing old downtown from above, we observed a series of ornately built, thermal bathhouses built in the early twentieth century Taking a closer along the grounds of several of these now defunct facilities, boiling hot springs still spewed forth to tantalize our curious mind.

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

The restored Fordyce Bathhouse has been restored by the National Service to its original condition. On our tour of the 23 rooms in this complexly designed facility, we gained a realistic picture of traditional hot water treatments for obtaining physical/emotional cures in the past. Interestingly, recent scientific studies now question the medicinal qualities of hot springs water treatments as ultimately effective. Interestingly we later read that movie celebrities, sports heroes, and organized crime bosses had been frequent recipients of such spa treatments there in the past.

OLD ARLINGTON HOTEL

Alongside Bathhouse Row, this famous tourist accommodation stands as out prominently as an authentic time testament to the “heydays” of Hot Springs’ gloried past. Upon entering, its luxurious lobby, an authentic anniversary exhibit of this hotel from 1925- 2000 captivated our attention. Witness also that Al Capone and his “mob” entourage were frequent room occupants here.

GANGSTER MUSEUM OF AMERICA

In a town filled with past gambling, bootlegging, prostitution, and other illicit activities, a visit to this museum sounded tempting. Unfortunately the $14.00 entry fee, “tacky” tourist trap” look, and lack of nearby parking dissuaded us from visiting on this particular visit.

Side Note:

We will be driving close by the flood swollen regions of Nebraska next. We hope to safely lend a helping hand as a volunteer there. Stay tuned for this theme in my next blog. Namaste

March 20, 2019 3

Pure College Town Appeal

“Oxford is not just a town with a great college like Ole Miss, it is a city that Ole Miss alumni thrive in.” (Jamie Bodiford)

Amidst the red clay hills of Northern Mississippi lies Oxford, Mississippi, a quintessential college town experience. At “Ole Miss”, as the university there is commonly called, we would thus find good reason to make a two day stopover on day 6-7 of our road trip. Picture a tranquil setting of traditional academic pursuit on a historically antebellum campus in Oxford, surrounded by “grand” edifices along a spaciously centralized green, – “The Grove.” Or imagine sauntering along a quaint downtown square close by campus to sample independent book stores, quirky cafes, and “offbeat”souvenir shops reminiscent of a mid-19th century setting. You might even step into the world here of a legendary Oxford figure who once enjoyed the stimulating intellectual ambience here as we did on this visit. Please notice then my depiction of such thoughts in my photos below.

“ Spring Break” on campus – An eerily quiet walk

Several landmarks of historic interest caught our attention on our visit.

Our “Old Town Visit” evoked time-travel images of old southern past

We shared a light lunch at a local tavern

We pondered the genius of William Faulkner at “Rowan Oak” Estate and his conspicuous gravesite nearby.

March 17, 2019 6

Roots Of “The King” Immortal

“More than anything else, I want the folks back at home to think right of me.” (Elvis Presley)

On a previous road trip, Ruth and I experienced the legendary aura of “The King”, Elvis Presley at Graceland Estate in Memphis Tennessee. At that time, we learned of Elvis’ humble beginnings at his birthplace of nearby Tupelo, Mississippi. Seeking to learn more about the roots of his musical greatness, Ruth and I thus decided to pay a follow-up Elvis visit to Tupelo on the 5th day of our American road trip. During our two hour tour there, we observed a very realistic depiction of his thirteen year childhood life in Tupelo as revealed in the following pictures.

Elvis was born in this two room shack as an only child of Vernon and Gladys Presley on the outskirts of Tupelo during the impoverished times of the “Great Depression. This shack was lit only by a single lightbulb in each room. Notice the family portrait, which exists as one of the few surviving relics of the family together at that time.

Elvis attended church services regularly in the “Assembly Of God” facility below. His musical roots began here as he learned to enjoy the uplifting spirit of gospel music during lively sermons while Reverend Frank Smith taught Elvis to play the guitar here as well.

As Elvis grew up in Tupelo, a family radio and 78 rpm record player provided additional music enjoyment. Undoubtedly, emerging country, blues, and big band artists that Elvis listened to then broadened his musical outlook during this time.

Although Elvis moved on to Memphis and the world stage to solidify his musical fame, he never forgot his time in Mississippi. Accordingly, he continued to perform in Tupelo and other nearby towns, thereby expressing gratitude to his adoring fans.

This godlike statue at the rear of the birthplace site attests to Elvis’ immortal status as a musical legend in the eyes of the Tupelo community.

March 16, 2019 5

Gimme Jimmy Again

“I want the people to understand my character, my weaknesses, the kind of person I am.” (Jimmy Carter Presidential Campaign Remark)

We headed north through Central Georgia on the 4th day of our road trip. As a history buff, I looked forward to blogging about the Jimmy Carter Presidential Center/Library in Atlanta, Georgia. During Carter’s Presidency, I vividly recall admiring Jimmy’s calm and studious manner of dealing with the “Iranian Hostage and Energy Crises then under political pressure. More recently, I followed with great interest his humanitarian efforts with “Habitat For Humanity” to build affordable housing for needy families in the United States and around the world. I thus composed a brief poem below hoping to (1) recharge my fond memories of his Presidency as depicted at the Carter Center and (2) better cope with today’s ugly political times.

Gimme Jimmy Again

Gimme A Chief Who Radiates A Warm Smile
Not A Villain Who Spews His Venomous Vile
Gimme A Master Who Works Humbly For All
Not A Blowhard Who Serves Self Egoist Call

Gimme A Wizard Who Believes In Truthful Acts
Not A Humbug Who Plays Loose With Firm Facts
Gimme A Scholar Who Aspires To Mindfully Learn
Not A Fool Whose Brain Rots In Tweetful Spurn

Stand Tall My Sweet Sage For In You I Envision
A Leader Who Acts With Sound Heart And Mind Mission

March 15, 2019 11

“EPCOT” Energy Endures

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” (Audrey Hepburn)

For over 35 years, Ruth and I have embraced EPCOT as our favorite Disney Park. Strolling freely through its imaginatively themed pavilions of “Future World”, we’ve often found creative ideas to use as classroom teachers. In addition, by circling the diverse parade of nations at World Showcase, new places to explore in travel have vividly piqued our interest. This year, the “International Flower and Garden Festival” inspired an early March visit to EPCOT on day three of our U.S. road trip. I thus present below my favorite photographic images from this most recent tour.

As we entered EPCOT a springtime explosion of floral blooms and smells greeted each new visitor.

A colorful patchwork of flowers lined the circular lake to capture Monet-like impressions along the surrounding waters.

Topiary gardens throughout the park revealed detailed images of popular Disney character.

At the canopied Butterfly House, these beautifully winged insects blended in nicely with the surrounding foliage.

To conclude our visit, leader singer, Jon Anderson of “Yes” performed a free concert of greatest hits from this famed English band at the Concert Pavilion.

March 13, 2019 9

“Old Florida” Finest

“Sometimes I think I’ve figured out some order in the universe, but then I find myself in Florida, swamped by incongruity and paradox, and I have to start all over again.” ( Susan Orlean)

After resolving a brief medical scare in the family, we fortunately left on time on March 9 for our 5th American road trip. Crossing Alligator Alley at a relatively safe 75 mph, the majority of cars/ SUVs whizzed past us at dangerously high speeds. Amidst this quiet refuge of natural beauty in the Florida Everglades, such a human car chase spectacle seemed badly out of place. I could only imagine then the presence of aquatic birds hovering contentedly in the surrounding bush as a not so subtle hint to humans that slowing down your life would be a most attractive option.

Arriving on the west coast south of Bradenton in late morning, I spotted the conspicuous stadium lights of LECOM Park, longtime Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. A closer look would soon reveal a beautifully renovated stadium encircled by “rundown” blight in the surrounding neighborhood. On this hot and “sticky” day, we now loaded up on sun tan lotion and headed for the bleachers to watch today’s game. As the game progressed in slow baseball fashion, several thoughts crossed my mind.

1) Why did so many parents torture their little children by dragging them to this game when they had little capacity to sit and focus?

(2) Removing one’s hat for the National Anthem was obligatory for baseball fans and players but why not for surrounding camera men?

(3) If they are trying to speed up the game by instituting timers between pitches and innings then why were these new rules not enforced today?

(4) Baseball fans love to see the star heroes of the game. Why then did neither club today seem to care in their lineup selections to field their marquee players of popular interest?

Heading to the Orlando vicinity now with GPS guidance, we would take our time In late afternoon to avoid tourist driven Interstate 4 to capture a more authentic look at small town living in Central Florida. The next morning, a leisurely walk through Mount Dora would provide a relaxing view of a town that takes historic preservation values quite seriously. Making time for a picnic lunch at nearby Lake Dora, I resolved to resist judging that my glitzy material indulgence in South Florida was any better than the timeless simplicity of uncrowded streets, quaint shops, and friendly conversation that I observed in this picturesque “ Old Florida” town.

March 11, 2019 2

Retro Road Trip Revelry

“Driving around, living the dream. I’m cruising the town, digging the scene. I’m not gonna stress, not gonna worry. Doing my best, no need to hurry. (Beach Boys Lyric)

I usually get antsy in the days preceding our springtime road trips. Anticipating once again the excitement of extended freedom from our accustomed routine, an emotional flashback to times of youthful optimism provided a useful theme to satisfy such restlessness last week. What could make a more fun combination than nostalgically indulging in Beach Boys music, spring training baseball or “hot rod cruising” to re-experience the vanishing bohemian spirit of the late 1960s?

So many pop music idols in my adolescent past have faded away into non-existence yet The Beach Boys remain immensely popular in today’s times. While I remember their surf culture vibe in my era once rivaling “Beatlemania” in popularity, regrettably only two original members ( Mike Love and Bruce Johnston), still perform live with this iconic band in today’s times. Fortunately, my wife and I continue to relish The Beach Boys sound as tunes like “California Girls”, “Help Me Rhonda”, and “Little Deuce Coupe”…. once provided a fun escape outlet for idealized youth like us growing up in a turbulent era of extreme political unrest in America. It follows that we would accordingly “loosen up” to dance and singalong to “hit after hit” in the Beach Boys live performance at Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida last Thursday.

Classic American cars of the 1960s-70s additionally evoke “deja vu” visions for many men of the “baby boom” generation.For owning a fast car then often meant challenging drag races after school accompanied by bragging escapades about one’s engine horsepower capacity. Thus I made up for lost time it seemed by cruising with my lawyer friend in his vintage Corvette last week. Regrettably, the high speed performance of this vehicle could only briefly be displayed as we cautiously zig-zagged through the tourist clogged, I-95 corridor on Saturday afternoon.

Spring Training baseball for me has never really been about winning but rather a place of silly refuge from the more serious pursuit of growing up. Who cares then that I would be witnessing the Miami Marlins, arguably the worst team in Major League baseball on this sunny Saturday afternoon in Jupiter, Florida. An outfielder dropped an easy pop fly, a mustard package splattered on my lap, and an umpire made a bad call. It seemed “all good” in this insignificant ballgame of relaxing retreat.

As my wife and I begin our marathon road trip on March 9, we seek new opportunities to sustain such youthful exuberance. I hope you will similarly enjoy this nostalgic ride through my upcoming blogs. Basking in this fun spirit of travel, I leave you to ponder ways to find your own “Good Vibrations ” in the following Beach Boys video.

March 4, 2019 8