“There is nothing that goes wrong with nature. Turn off your mind and float downstream.” George Harrison, 7/24/97 last public interview

Visiting the national parks in the United States has become a high priority for my wife and me in our recent road trip travels. Having spent extensive time in California on our previous car travels west, we had oddly missed visiting on several occasions the vast expanses of Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. Thus, the decision to side-trip from our current base in Morro Bay, Calif. to Sequoia on the Monday after Easter would be a much anticipated event on our 2017 Spring vacation.

Certainly, today did not provide opportune weather to make the arduous trip east across Central California as foggy mist shrouded our view much of the way. Fortunately, the skies would clear as we neared the end of Central Valley leaving us with an awestruck vista of the Sierra Range immediately ahead. Exiting the low-lying plain beyond Visalia, we the began a gradual climb up the Kaweah River Canyon. Stopping at Slide Rock Recreation area, we made time for a brief look
at this tranquil confluence of mountain-fed waters . A few miles further, we would soon pass our sleep destination for tonight; a modest Comfort Inn lying within the rustic town of “Three Rivers”. We we were now within four miles of the southerly entrance to Sequoia National Park.

Anticipating that the weather would not be cooperative on Tuesday, we had earlier made the decision that our afternoon today would likely be the best time to visit the southerly portion of Sequoia. Fortunately, all roads in the park would be open now, traffic appeared light, and clear visibility of the surrounding mountains seemed likely. Gaining free access with our National Park Pass, we would begin our short tour at the Ash Mountain Entrance.

One mile in, we reached the Foothills Visitor Center. This would prove to be an ideal spot for us to picnic lunch and plan our afternoon ride to our main destinations today: towering “Moro Rock” and the secluded forest of the “Sequoia Tree Giants.” There were many factors to consider for sure in completing our goal today. Would we become irritated driving steeply uphill for over 6,000 feet on a narrowly twisting road? Would there be a need to chain up our tires as we reached the snow belt section? Would the seasonable weather hold up throughout the afternoon?

Ultimately deciding we were “up” for such challenges, our drive to the Sequoia Forest worked out well for us today. On this three hour ascent/descent today in non-freezing conditions, we would frequently stop at designated overlooks to gaze at spectacular vistas of secluded valleys below and majestic mountain peaks above. Our senses would be further enhanced in the increasingly thin-air altitudes by the appearance of giant boulder formations, brilliantly-colored,spring vegetation, and towering strands of ancient, Sequoia trees

What had been learned by the “now” experience of silent and undisturbed nature in the land of the tree giants? Life seems too short to waste on endless “monkey-mind” stress when you consider that human days on earth are few compared to these indestructible mammoths of nature. I would thus need to hug a tree today and return my gratitude for giving me such an important insight.

Some random impressions of “creative energy” provided by my recent tour of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, India.

1. The Namaste greeting in India can teach me to manage my non-verbal signals to others more intelligently. In crowded sitauations, the folded hands ritual can be used to greet several people at one time in a non- threatening way. I might modify the greeting toward either the heart or head of my body to provide a clue of the type of message I am intending.

2. Animals clearly provide comfort to humans in every walk of Indian life. It is time for me to study animal behavior intelligently, not as a source a of egoistic entertainment. Spend get more time observing animal behavior in silence can help detach my mind from worry and stress to enhance my meditative powers in the present moment.

3. Spiritual life in Hindu India seems to emanate from everyday encounters. The ability of the individual to choose their own spiritual icon also intrigues me. From my perspective, a baseball park, concert hall, or quiet beach now enters my world as self-enlightenment mediums at home.

4. The unsanitary and unsightly presence of overpopulation in India deeply disturbs me. Such unchecked growth moves me to become active with grassroots organizations who seek a global solution to such threats to our earth’s survival. India’s human congestion problem is everyone’s problem.

5. The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi remains strong in India. His leadership to inspire peaceful, Indian resistance to the oppressive policies of British colonialism provides some optimism that a new leader will similarly rise to nullify the despotic-minded actions of our President in America today.

6. The caste system in India seems counterproductive to international peace in today’s times. To label people “untouchables”on the basis of a preordained social order perpetuates alienation and ignorance at the lower ends of the social spectrum. The likelihood of joining a fanatical, terrorist group increases in such times of desperate hopelessness.

Here are some random impressions of “positive energy” provided by my recent tour of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur India

Cupping hands in Namaste everywhere provides a strangely pleasing way to begin my stay.

A fashion show of colorful saris in motion. Elegant waves of crimson, mauve, and blue provide dignity to the feminine soul

Feel the coolness of white marble in shoeless jaunts around the ancient temple. Examine thoughtfully the precise symbols of Islamic calligraphy. A skyward glance provides the protective nearness of a towering minaret. With each purposeful movement, I sense more deeply the serious pursuit of  prayer.

Gaze down the dusty road to experience a menagerie of pleasing animal surprises and realize that man and beast coexist usefully in daily survival. Proud camels relax proudly in oppressive  heat. Hungry cows munch slowly on their pile of personal garbage. A herd of Water Buffalo walk dutifully to and from their daily grazing area, Painted elephants provide tourists with a feel of the eastern caravan. Loyal dogs  bark nightly to protect their homeless master from personal harm.

The incidence of extreme poverty outside my bus stirs feelings of compassionate benevolence. Old men desperately peddle their trinket wares. Swastikas line doorless hovels expressing hope for prosperity. A hungry child cries in the night for his/her meager share. Think twice before you frivolously discard your paper cup, banana peels, or chicken bones today.

A “white teardrop” appears in the distance now to greet the new day. Admire the perfect symmetry of structural balance and Monet-like glimpses of light and dark. A place of beautiful pilgrimage no doubt. In one’s life, you must find reason to experience Taj Mahal magic.

The precious time of life cast in “Dharma” philosophy
Keep an open eye to the fully blossomed lotus flower.
Make genuine offerings to your individual deity.
Feel the regenerative power of life in surrounding Bougainvillea
Unite with your yogi in the spirit of love
Find one’s self-contentment in meditative reflection

Having sufficient time now to fully reflect on our “Gate One” tour of India from 3/19-3/29, the primary focus of several, upcoming blogs will focus on providing a complete picture of this incomparable experience. I can truly say as an introduction that this journey of New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra could be best described best as a rigorous trip rather than a relaxing vacation given the short amount of time allotted there. Nonetheless, our tour guide challenged us to see “first time India” up close and authentic amidst the bewildering presence of extreme cultural unfamiliarity.

When I taught Gifted Education in Miami, I regularly encouraged my very curious students to “critically examine” new ideas and practical applications about “Social Studies, using several “point of views” The same applies to me in my own travels it seems. Returning to my heavy use of Edward DeBono’s “Thinking Hat” approach to learning mastery in such classes, I feel that I have found a perfect paradigm to reflect deeply about our recent India experience.

What are the most important learnings I have experienced about India to recommended for the curious traveler?

1. Explore the essence of Hindu/Buddhist philosophy in rural areas of India to experience the unique sense of inner serenity.

2. Exhibit kindness toward animals from the perspective of a poverty-stricken, Indian family.

3. Dare to eat spicy food that you have no idea when and how your stomach will react to it.

4. Trust a “Tuk-Tuk”Driver to convey you to non-touristy shops and cafes “off the beaten track.”

5. Rise at sunrise and hear the eerie calls of the Islamic muezzin to daily prayer.

6. Realize your global responsibility to find workable solutions to urban overpopulation, air/ground pollution and “out of control” garbage presence.

As my wife and I conclude the first month of our 2017 Spring travel itinerary, we will now slow down from our day-to- day schedule of traversing vast distances to enjoy a one-month stay in stunningly beautiful Morro Bay, California. I look forward to providing you with a most descriptive written, picture of India accompanied by a multitude of related photographs. Namaste.

Upon wearily arriving in scintillating Las Vegas after enduring a two hour road closure on Route 93 north  from Kingman, Arizona yesterday, I immediately became revitalized. For I sensed the omnipresent aura of human vitality of adesert oasis that has always provided me with stunning, visual stimuli and fun, adult play. While my wife and I would be fortunate to have arrived in the cooler time of late March, this visit to Las Vegas would primarily function as an indoor experience. Hoping to leisurely “hang out” in several casino resorts on or near the strip, I took time to photograph interior scenes from my favorite casino meccas. Accompanying these snapshots are some brief, sensory impressions I experienced in visiting each of them.

“The Bellagio”

On this stay in Las Vegas, we made it a priority to re-experience the floral elegance of the Bellagio Botanical Gardens. The current “Chinese New Year” Exhibition displayed a captivating exhibition of birds, butterflies, and human warriors intricately designed primarily from roses, bromeliads, and orchids. We found this garden sanctuary to be a wonderful respite from the human chaos of the bustling casino area. Gazing upward at the ceiling as we slowly made our way through the lobby, my attention focused intently on the colorful, Chihuly glass sculptures adjacent to the guest registration desk. This short excursion to the Bellagio would end pleasantly as we leisurely made our way to the resort’s man-made lake to await the captivating “Dance of the Water Fountain”show.

“The Rio”

We have opted to stay at the Rio Resort several times in the past due to its location off the chaos of the surrounding strip.So the decision was logically made to book three nights there at a lower weekday rate on our present adventure. Making the long walk from the self-park area through the casino to the Hotel Registration desk, a distinctive atmosphere of “Mardi Gras” carnivality invited us to indulge in hedonistic pleasure. For slot machine diversion, there were scantily clad dancers descending on floats from the ceiling to perform the popular “Masquerade Show in the Sky.” For adult entertainment, the “Chippendales” Club advertised the sexy thrill of watching scantly- clad “hunks” dancing for tourist pleasure. At the romantic “Voodoo Club”, there existed the options of ordering  a popular “Witch Doctor” drink, dancing to pulsating, electronic music, or simply admiring the spectacular view from the rooftop lounge area. Looking forward to a break from our long, road trip travel days, however, we opted for the simple alternative of window shopping and casual lounging in our oversized bedroom suite for now.

“The Luxor”

As we ascended to the second floor lobby area today, this unique pyramid-shaped casino hotel provided a myriad of visual pleasures for us today. For me, there was the illusion that I was entering an ancient Egyptian time of secret passages guarded by towering pharaohs and fierce-looking animals. Scanning the pictorial hieroglyphics of nearby obelisks, I also envisioned learning something interesting about the culture of this ancient era in my brief walkabout today. As we exited the hotel to have a glance at the massive. pyramid exterior, I envisioned this impressive pyramid as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

I’ve traveled to casino sites all over the country but have found none of them able  to duplicate the ultimate escape feeling that a Vegas experience provides. Slot machines frantically ring in the background. Serious roulette/blackjack game enthusiasts crowd smoke-filled tables.Suitcases dizzily come and go by my side. Yet here I stand, gazing at the kaleidoscope of a perfect moment portraying astounding beauty of a desired place and time.

NOTE: I will be in hiatus from Word Press until April 1. My wife and I are taking a ten day tour of India. I am looking forward  to sharing some new blogs about this exciting experience after I return.

Today I take notice of March 12, 1933 as the date when the first “Fireside Chat” of Franklin D. Roosevelt was nationally broadcast by radio into American living rooms across the country. In this telecast, FDR expressed sincere warmth and concern for the American family at a time of great, economic crisis. In honor of this historic event, I imagine myself giving a similar, informal speech as FDR did at that time to discuss the idea of Western land conservation. For this speech, I am inspired by the awe-struck feeling of sitting before dusk in an intimate campfire setting amidst the fading red rock canyons of Sedona, Arizona today.

-My friends, I want to talk for a few minutes with the people of the United States about why we should appreciate our Western lands today. As I stand amongst the majestic red rocks of Sedona Arizona today, I see the impressive work of nature that should be dear to every American’s heart. Let me tell you three reasons why.-

-First, turn up the volume on your radio. Do you hear the silence? Imagine a place as I have that allows you to clear your mind from confusions of your modern day life. You might savor a blue bird pass by or hear a brief rustle of wind.You might breathe deeply. then and appreciate the purity of the clean air as I have. You might even savor the crystalline sparkle of a nearby rock.-

-Now imagine you are standing on a sacred land as I am. You must realize that our Native American ancestors worshiped the beauty of their western homelands as a sacred place to survive in the presence of their Gods. How else would they have found food, water, and shelter? They knew no other way. Do we not take our own, natural surroundings for granted beyond our private domain?

-Gaze out your living room window and imagine your yard or nearby street as an artist would. Would shades of color and nuances of shapes astound your mind then? I want you to imagine feeling such artistries of nature in the curvatures of each passing mountain as I do in Sedona today.-

-The urgent call to preserve nature my friends, is not your problem but ours together. As your leader, I can reassure you that I will supply the machinery to help restore conservation of our western lands. Let us work together and carry on with confidence and courage to carry out our plan.-

Visiting my wife’s cousin for two nights in McKinney Texas presented a welcome respite from 500+ mile distances covered in the initial days of our our road trip. While my wife went shopping for the day, I overlooked my left-leaning political biases to visit the nearby George W. Bush Presidential Center this afternoon. The symmetrically brick structure and surrounding lawn on the campus of Southern Methodist University would appear somewhat somber in comparison to the architecture of other Presidential Centers I had visited.

The interior of the museum divided into two, horizontal pathways separated by an entrance hall lined with panels of luxurious gifts presented to President Bush from countries around the world. Along the larger side, I observed the domestic and foreign policy challenges faced by the Bush Presidency. Excellent graphics/video explanation allowed me to learn more about 9/11, the controversial 2000 election and immigration policy in a factual way. As a past educator , I spent considerable time at the exhibition entitled “No Child Left Behind” and enjoyed sharing my opposing views about learning strategies with dedicated museum volunteers who frequented this area. In the smaller opposite corridor, I walked briskly through “Portraits of Courage” displaying a painting exhibition of tragic heroes from the 2003 Iraqi war.

Seeing the human side of President Bush through his daughters words in video seemed to soften my past criticism of him now. They most certainly raised a convincing argument of G.W.B’s devotion to his family, as well as his honest service to his Texan heritage and the country at large. Nor could I find fault with his love of laugh or his avid interest in sports.

I concluded my visit today at a replica of the Bush Oval Office and again recalled my vehement opposition to this President as Executive leader. I certainly could have found something better to do on my free day in Dallas. Yet it seems good to hear the “other side” once in awhile. Take note Donald Trump.

Fond memories of an easy drive through the lazy swamplands of Louisiana ended abruptly as we entered the populous suburbs of Austin,Texas in mid-afternoon rush hour. Massive traffic jams on triple decked expressway systems, however, would not deter us from settling in calmly in North Austin at the Orangewood Inn and Suites. This Motor Inn remnant bore a heavily restored and clean testament to its 1960s past. As it began to rain, we envisioned an indoor weekend in Austin.

The next morning, as expected, promised intermittent downpours all day. Donning light raingear, we slogged our way south to the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, on the University of Texas campus. As a sea of school buses soon blocked our entrance to the museum, it soon became clear that we would have to compete with thousands of high school students visiting the campus in our tour of the exhibits today. I enjoyed thinking that at least many of these bright students would learn something authentic about our country’s history today.

Being a Presidential History Buff, myself, the museum did not disappoint. It provided an “up and close” look at a Texan political icon (LBJ), who held executive authority during the Vietnam War protest movements and Civil Right racial backlashes from 1964-1968. The Oval Office reconstruction , letters to key advisors, and impassioned, LBJ speech tapes all provided vivid evidence of the intense pressures surrounding this President maintain domestic peace and pacify his opponents to end the war quickly in this turbulent era. At the 10th floor observation window, the impressive Texas Tower rose in the distance to remind one of the ill-fated shooting spree by a former Marine sharpshooter that killed fourteen people from its Observation Deck in 1966.

The renowned Austin entertainment scene also provided interest for us today as we booked a a show called “Pop-Up Magazine” in the renowned Paramount Theater downtown. Built in 1915 as a live/movie theater, I looked forward to seeing a performance in one of the few remaining examples of “Vaudeville” entertainment era in America. The well-preserved interior of that time would also provide a stunning ambiance of sophisticated elegance to this performance.

The show itself did not disappoint as it included an engaging series of human interest vignettes narrated by nationally-renowned journalists/writers accompanied by live-music and original film. Surprise appearances by key individuals who personally experienced some sort of trauma in these accounts added to the emotionally engaging atmosphere. Picture a blind couple explaining their personal sacrifices in marriage, a homeless opera singer getting one more chance to perform live and a crooked- faced man who refused to endure plastic surgery to retain his inner identity. Who could have anticipated that such drama of such sensitive issues would have taken place tonight?

Austin, then was a charming place to visit on the 4th day of our road trip in spite of its endless urban sprawl. Possessing vital historical landmarks, unique motel icons, and a “trendy ” entertainment scene, it provided a valued lesson of urban preservation in Texas in spite of its endless prairies being encroached upon by oil production and suburban development. To be cognizant of finding new places that mirror Austin’s celebration of both “old and new” seems to be a worthy objective in my future travels.