How do extreme natural disasters impact your life these days? 

“Anyone who says they’re not afraid at the time of a hurricane is either a fool or a liar, or a little bit of both.” (Anderson Cooper)

On the morning after Hurricane Milton slammed into the central weather coast of Florida, I again breathe in with a sigh of relief that I’ve “dodged a bullet” from this latest tropical  scare in Fort Lauderdale.There was a time that I actually looked forward to the occasional September hurricane striking South Florida when I was teaching. For I’d be privileged then to enjoy a few days off from my daily teaching grind at the beginning of the semester. The occurrence  of hurricanes also created more interest in my social studies curriculum as my students feverishly plotted hurricane locations on free newspaper maps and studied the history of past storm impacts in their community.

But as a result of “climate change” occurrences, hurricanes now strike Florida more frequently and with greater intensity than ever before. Thus I feel more like a “sitting duck” these days as I listen to a constant fusillade of “Breaking News Reports” about expected storm surge, wind damage, and flooding likelihood when our community lies within the striking cone of uncertainty. I also wonder more often during these crisis times whether our elected leaders actually care about the people they serve. 

So along those golden beaches of both east and west coasts of Florida, it’s important to understand how our democracy should function in such an emergency hurricane problem. As one example, I’m concerned that conspiracy theories of untruth will discourage or confuse hurricane victims about rebuilding their lives as so desired. So whether you are rich or poor, young or old, liberal or conservative, as well as express a particular religious affiliation, think deeply about the issue of our Florida hurricane crisis when you decide who to vote for in the upcoming election on November 5. For we desperately need leaders who actually serve EVERYONE they represent.  

What school subjects that you’ve studied have served you best in travel? 

“There is an eternal landscape, a geography of the soul; we search for its outlines of our lives. “(Josephine Hart)

With no hesitation, I can wholeheartedly state that my lifelong interest in the subject of geography has satisfied my travel interests best both near and far. In this regard , I might say that geography matches up well with my restlessly curious nature to know facts about different neighborhoods, cities, countries, and continents on our earth in terms of the varied natural landscapes of air, land and, sea that comprise each of them.

Know then that my travel thirst for geography began during my childhood in the Cleveland, Ohio region, when my dedicated elementary school teachers encouraged students to embrace the changing seasons of nearby parks and fields  and simply explore. From 5th grade onwards, I then began to enjoy building rock piles sorted by color, shape, and surface texture. I’d also sit on the itchy grass alot and free sketch cloud formations above, being totally absorbed in deep thought about what made them magically float in the air. When I plopped down on a shaded spot under an elm or oak tree,  I’d often dig up surrounding soil as well to examine their life bearing features as  plenty of earthworms squiggled throughout the muddy mess to confirm such interest. 

With some regrets, I can also recall that during my junior and senior high school years living now in South Florida, my Social Studies teachers infrequently incorporated geography in their class instruction. So I compensated for such formal geography lacking by spending an inordinate amount of time self teaching myself this subject in library reference sections by perusing World Almanacs, Encyclopedia Brittanica sets and National Geographic magazines. Such research I realize in retrospect had served me well for my future travel ambitions. For I could then recall geographic features of every U.S. state, their capitol city names as well as plot locations of most countries, water bodies, and mountain ranges on a world map.

Thus I seemed primed to capitalize on such precocious geographic abilities as I eagerly completed rigorous, credit seeking courses in physical, world, and urban geography during my Bachelors and Masters University programs  in Social Science/Urban Studies Education. Notably at that time as well, I’d met my future wife Ruth during that time who’d already traveled to Israel and  throughout Europe in her teens.  With both of us destined  for long careers in the teaching profession, our marriage would thus logically fulfill a mutual, geographic fantasy as we’d be fortunate to travel independently without the burden of raising children for several months during summer vacation each year. Such a wandering lifestyle  would continue on into our early retirement years. 

So in today’s times, this confirmed nomad continues his thirst for geography surrounded by a multitude of travel based apps convenient for planning and executing our current focus on road tripping. For day to day “GPS” walks or drives, he relies on “Google Maps.” In planning more long term itineraries within time limits, he benefits most by “Roadtrippers” or “Maps.Me” To schedule suitable lodging within range of places of interest, he makes good use of “Choice Hotel” maps via “Trip Advisor.” If unexpected weather conditions call for urgent attention, “The Weather Channel” does best. Take a look then a a few examples of how these apps might be of help throughout various portions of our upcoming Colorado road trip in the photo set below.

What issues are important for you to sacrifice your personal time these days?     

“Acts of sacrifice and decency without regard to what’s in it for you creates a ripple effect. One’s that lifts up families and communities, that spreads opportunity.” (Barack Obama)    

I’ve often heard the phrase that it’s the little things that we do that make us feel good about ourselves. So I wonder deeply how I might improve our current travels by committing more closely to this principle in an unselfish way. Keep in mind that for every road trip Ruth and I accomplish, we often return to familiar places from previous visits that entertain our favorite interests at the time. But what if we reframed such devotion to music, sports, history, and wild nature in the spirit of giving back to others our time, knowledge, and effort more?      

So what personal tools do I currently possess  that might enhance my ability to sustain such a benevolent effort during our upcoming adventure to and from Colorado on the road? ( see title map above  ). Consider for instance that I’ve gotten quite good at utilizing my phone camera in opportune moments to document where and when I’ve been. But I would like to share these photos in more intimate social situations beyond the gossipy social media realm. Or while I’ve managed  to drive long distances from city to city with casual efficiency, what difference could it make if I stopped more often in smaller communities for a breather, feeling willing to lend a helping hand? Observing little need to burden myself, as well, with those pompous expectations of my past college professor days, I now desire to more be genuine with others in free forums of issue related discussion. 

Know then I’ve compiled a list of  self sacrifice opportunities planned during this upcoming journey as briefly described below.

1. Arlington, Texas – Rally For Needed Political Action 

The appearance of “Pink” spreads a high spirited  message of love, unity and diversity’s call. So it’s incumbent of Ruth and I to come early and arrive late at her scheduled  concert at Globe Life Field next month to similarly gather with like minded people who rebel against the heartlessly angered impact  of MAGA Republican political viewpoints impacting this country in recent years.

2. Colorado Springs,Colorado – Honor My Father’s Military Service  

I’m the son of a former Airborne  hero who flew multiple, dangerous missions over Europe in a Flying Fortress (B-17) aircraft during World War II. Yet I currently know very little about his military training and how he survived during those harrowing times. So upon completing a self guided tour of the U.S. Air Force Academy, I seek to share what I’ve learned of my father’s Air Force connection with close family and friends. 

3. New Orleans, Louisiana – Spread Awareness Of Traveling Safely

Any tourist visitor to the raucous vicinity of “The French Quarter” in New Orleans should be acutely aware of the dangers of vulnerable of false ad scams, pickpocketing, and other forms of street crime that could happen there. Consider for example those potential victims who seem oblivious to their surroundings as they stare at their street maps or I phone devices when walking into crowded places in Bourbon Street at night. Thus I seek to share timely advice with such strangers I unexpectedly meet who look lost or inattentive in potential crime ridden places during our scheduled weekend visit with hope they will thereupon keep their eyes and ears open to avoid becoming such innocent victims of crime.   

4. Cleveland Ohio –  Keep The Magic of Cleveland Baseball Alive 

With my favorite MLB baseball team, the Cleveland Guardians guaranteed home field advantage in the upcoming playoffs, I’m psyched about the likely opportunity to be a spectator for game five or six of the American Conference series  at Progressive Field during our next road trip. With so many enthusiastic Guardian fans, young and old, cheering in unison for a big win during these pivotal games,  I’m confident there will be plenty of opportunities to spread positive energy through story telling I recall of  famed player accomplishments I’ve witnessed in my lifetime. 

5. Steamboat Springs, Colorado –  Donate Free Time To An Eco-Friendly Cause

A strong appreciation for the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain entices us to return to the secluded valley of Steamboat Springs each autumn. Yet with current threats of wildfire spread, drought likelihood, and poorer water quality escalating recently,  I’ll be on the look out for volunteer opportunities promoted at the local  public library to help keep the ecology of it’s important Yampa River corridor healthily “green.

Continue reading “Say Hey To Shohei” →

What do you notice most about someone you know who’s been given a debilitating label?

“True understanding comes from looking beyond the labels we place upon them. (Michelle Obama)

Jason, a former tax consultant, now sought a life of ease in retirement yet rarely veered from his customary past norm requiring a well structured daily schedule. So his wife Myra, who recognized his “Obsessive Compulsion Disorder” (O.C.D.) with his mind racing around like a fluttering hummingbird, regularly managed  his eating , laundry, and shopping needs at the exact times, quantities and places he wanted. She also calmly dealt with his latest bouts of social anxiety in risk taking group situations by encouraging him to only confide “one to one” with close family and friends  in places he felt most safe.

But one exception to the heavily predictable lifestyle that Jason relished happened with the timely arrival of football season in September. For rather than absorbing himself in his self serving cocoon, Jason began to uncharacteristically  express to Myra, his sudden need to “reach out” with someone he could talk sports with.  So by sheer chance shortly after, he noticed Ben, a glum looking, elderly man waddling like  a walrus from his seated  table at an informal sports event gathering with Myra one Saturday evening. Obviously, Jason, knew nothing of this stranger’s severe Alzheimer’s diagnosis. For Ben now suffered from deep memory loss, poor balance and impaired speaking abilities        

So the moment seemed right for Jason to take a seat next to Ben at the bar soon after a video of pro football legend Dan Marino suddenly flashed  on TV screens  around the room. For their common interest in sports sparked an intensely emotional conversation between them for over an hour about various games that happened  during the old championship days of Miami Dolphins football. Myra, meanwhile, seemed to sense the importance of Ben’s  intimate contact tonight.  For upon observing both men willfully overcoming their expected communicative deficits, she soon began to cry. 

Know then that this story provides a plea of hope for those who appear burdened by society’s prejudgment and emotional trauma resulting from  serious debilitating conditions. For with the combination of free choice, the right setting, and determined effort, it’s plausible that the afflicted one can learn to refashion themselves with others in a non – disabled manner. As an added feature in this blog entry , I include a subtitled photo collection below, that reveals four notable figures who  overcame such a negative disorder label in their lifetime. 

James Earl Jones 

The booming resonance of his baritone voice blossomed for this gifted Academy Award actor in spite of his painful childhood as a shy stutterer. 

Elton John 

Being burdened by severe epileptic seizures did not deter  “Rocket Man” from finding his niche to become a superstar in the rock music industry. 

Muhammad Ali 

Feeling rejected as he fell behind in school as a disadvantaged reader because of dyslexia, future boxing great Cassius Clay (as he was then named ) gained his confidence back by transforming his body into an extraordinary model of physical fitness and subsequent boxing fame. 

Gabby Giffords

Experiencing  debilitating brain and body injuries as a result of a mass shooting  in 2011,  past Arizona/ U.S. Democrat Congresswoman Gabby Giffords endured years of challenging physical and cognitive therapy. Yet she’s now able to continue her career aspirations in partnership  with  her husband, Senator Mark Kelly as an activist in support of gun control and other political party issues at hand. 

What amuses you most about animals in real life situations?

“Lots of people talk to animals…Not very many listen though….That’s the problem.” (Benjamin Hoff)

Being an avid Disney follower throughout my life, I’ve often taken interest in the fantasy possibility of animals intelligently expressing themselves in words with humans. During my childhood, take for example the 1959 version of “The Shaggy Dog”, in which a magical spell turned a teenage boy into a more mature character as a talking sheepdog. Or consider the popular “Planet Of The Apes” series of movies that’s been filming for over fifty years whereby the human race became threatened by  speaking apes who sought world control. I attach below two of my favorite clips from these non-animated movies in the links below.

https://youtu.be/lRyZxcIB374?si=2V8C25-OsaXFABQj

https://youtu.be/gzRy-pvwdL0?si=Xt5118CQwF08a-_v

It follows then that as I travel often to new places on my road trips and global adventures, there will be occasions whereby animals send communication signals to converse with me as needed. Therefore, I find it fun to examine more closely critter sounds as well as their physical appearance, eye/ear movements, hand/body positioning or unusual changes in size/color in conjunction with places I visit where these sensations take place. In fact, I now  think of myself as a roving intuitive soul who playfully creates word contests to  engage in actual conversations with animals he encounters each day.

So let’s begin one of my favorite creature conversation challenges as I look intently at ten travel photos below selected from my animal artwork collection. The rules require me to allow my imagination to run rampant in Disney like fashion here as I create entertaining talking points for each animal image that seems suitable for its setting surroundings. I might have followed up this exercise by acting  out these conversations non-verbally  in “Charades” game fashion for others to try guessing what each animal is trying to say. So join me by creating dialogues with your pets at home or with any animals that arouse curiosity in your own future travels. 

Who do you know that would make an effective U.S. President? Why is that?

“The ancients tell is what is best; but we must of the moderns what is fittest?” (Benjamin Franklin)

An essential component in this year’s Presidential election centers around the vital need for voters to intelligently  observe both candidates before casting their ballots. That means taking into account a serious consideration of the moral character of the person running, their policy making abilities and their key issue stands that might best sway majority support. Recent history has shown for example that fast political risers like Kennedy, Obama, Ike, and Reagan greatly benefited by their personal qualities of charm/ charisma. LBJ, Carter, and Nixon, however, excelled with plenty of knowledgeable experience about the legislative and executive workings of government. Notable ties to family dynasties elevated Bush, Roosevelt, and Trump’s election chances while the tag team of female – male shared power with Hillary at his side gave Clinton a boost when needed. 

Such differences interested me during our recent road trip visit to the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Presidential Library in Staunton, Virginia. Know then Mr. Wilson most  impressed me during our two hour tour of the complex as a boldly ambitious proponent of progressive domestic reform armed with his Ph.D. in history/political science and successful tenures as President of Princeton University and Governor of New Jersey. As our Commander in Chief during World War, I also learned he receive high praise for defending our country’s national security as well as his writing of the “Fourteen Points” , designed as a blueprint for  restoring world order at the time.   

In contrast, I tuned in with interest to Woodrow’s personal leadership flaws of being overly egoistic, stubborn and generally cold in nature. These personal failings it’s argued contributed greatly to his failure to persuade Congress to pass his “League of Nations” treaty during the postwar period. As a further consequence of this missed treaty opportunity, experts contend that opportunities then arose for Hitler’s Nazi rise  through the “Third Reich in Germany did inevitably came to power. Wilson’s character reputation throughout his public life also suffered due to his overt racist support for white supremacy ideals. For during the eight years of his Presidency, the eruption of race riots, continued “Jim Crow” Voter Disenfranchisement” and implementation of  “Separate But Equal” court decisions divided the country severely at the time.

Consider it somewhat ironic as well that our visit to observe Woodrow Wilson’s questionable legacy as a two term president took place during the week when Kamala Harris accepted her candidacy to run for President at Chicago’s  Democratic Convention. For I believe that as history does tend to repeat itself, the living ghost of Woodrow Wilson’s contradictory character seemed to issue a powerful public warning based on his early 20th century experience.  

These haunting thoughts that follow thus powerfully linger in my mind. “Mark my words fellow Americans. We should elect our next President for the right reasons that best fit today’s turbulent times if we desire to keep our Democracy intact.” Examine the photo set below from this visit which might further exemplify what Wilson’s tenure as President relevantly means. 

Sources Used:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodrow_Wilson_and_race

https://www.woodrowwilson.org/blog-podcast/2024/2/2/the-centennial-of-wilsons-death-1

https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-i/league-of-nations

What places of mountainous interest have you previously visited?

“What draws us from the low valleys to the high mountains is that noble stance of the summits!” ( Mehmet Murat ildan)

Mount Washington stands out as the tallest peak in the White Mountains of New Hampshire at 6,288 feet. On a good weather day from the top, you can see hundred of miles throughout New England in all directions notably to the coast of Maine and the Green Mountains of Vermont. So we anticipated the excitement of reaching this famed summit being a major highlight of our three day, road trip stay in the nearby tourist  town of North Conway, New Hampshire, thirty miles away. But on the morning of that chosen Friday for our visit, ominous weather reports indicated that the apex of Mount Washington would be heavily shrowded by periods of pelting rain and misty fog. 

Thankfully we would shift gears to a Plan B perspective that morning and determine that in spite of the likelihood of  poor visibility conditions at the top, there would be other opportunities to capture the appeal of Mount Washington that day. How invigorating it thus felt to breathe in the cool alpine air, moment by moment, as we chugged along steeply from Marshfield Railroad Station through heavily forested woodland at lower elevations into the boulder covered  barrenness of austere tundra conditions. For from my cozy seat, I made good use of my binoculars and camera to spot captivating  panoramas at will. Further excitement would take place for me as our dutiful rail conductor entertained passengers with  some interesting stories of human interest and exhorted some juicy tidbits about  how best to tour the surrounding region. 

Actually our one hour spent at  the foggy summit of Mt. Washington turned out much better than originally expected as well. For we made the best of these weather obscured conditions in the spirit of youthful play by roaming the grounds freely, climbing jagged rock paths, making new acquaintances  and sharing photos taken in a loving manner. I might also recognize that by so dealing emotionally with such uncertain  extremes of wind, rain, fog, and cold on this day, we’d obtained some good practice to conquer one of the deepest fears of our long distance travels. Enjoy the photos.

Useful Fact Source:

https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/things-to-do/outdoors/mount-washington/

What historic places you’ve visited best depict the legacy of the rich and famous?

“The arrival at Mount Washington was like a fairy tale. As New England’s largest wooden structure, the hotel stands out like a heavenly apparition of a place that you go if you have been really good in life.” (Larry Turner)

We’d just completed the popular cog train ride to nearby Mount Washington, the highest point in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as our only  intended destination that day.  But a quick glance six miles outside this mountainous park at a historic presence in the distance of the Mount Washington Resort Hotel called for a road trip sidetrack visit. For I’d often felt “drawn to” places like this that revealed the life of the rich and famous during the heyday of early twentieth century, Victorian times in America. 

Fortunately, by choosing to enter the spacious grounds of the hotel through the employee entrance, we’d been granted an opportunity to encircle around this grand mansion from various vantage points. In those moments, I envisioned a long ago era when private carriages pulled by horses and elegant passengers offloading from nearby trains arrived on the  grounds. Certainly the occupants of those times would have been mesmerized on their arrival  by the stunning backdrop of the White Mountains without those unsightly vehicle parking lots existing today to spoil their view.

Observing no entrance fee or mandatory tour at the front entrance, we now felt free to roam around the spacious interior at our leisure. Immediately then I felt an air of privileged luxury with “The Gilded Age” era enveloped in white granite pillars, elaborate glass chandeliers and sturdy wooden chairs. For in those slower Victorian times, the elite crowd must have casually relaxed here with friends or family over a warm cup of tea with pleasant chamber music playing in the background.

No doubt the outdoor lounge and attached main dining room in the rear of the hotel similarly served such an  informal gathering purpose for both hotel guests and esteemed dignitaries at the time. As a testament to that belief, know that over 730 delegates from over 44 allied nations once gathered here at the Bretton Woods Conference to help restore world financial order during World War II.

So if you desire to find some refined seclusion to stay at the Mountain Washington Hotel, know you’ll be immersed in a site that’s now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Or if you want to go modern, you can bring along your golf clubs or snow skis on the upgraded grounds. But as for me, I would just settle in simply for a sustained look beyond those fine mountain views.

Sources Used:

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington/property-details/history

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington_Hotel

Continue reading “Finding “Third Place” (Road Trip Summary)” →