When I travelled north on the train towards DC, I was shocked by the number of dilapidated houses I could see, especially south of Birmingham. On that trip, a lady mentioned that it might be leftover Hurricane Katrina damage. Heading south this time, I paid closer attention and decided it couldn’t be hurricane damage, it…
My trip to DC was a walking on cement for many miles each day kind of trip. I knew that I was in for a big change from my sandy haven on Dauphin Island, and I was prepared: good, warm walking shoes and heavy socks with extra padding. The shoes, really zip-up, waterproof leather booties,…
My first Airbnb experience was wonderful, overall. The only problem was my naiveté around what I expected for $25/night in the DC area (College Park, MD). The house was a bit dumpy due to deferred maintenance. In fact, inside and out, the home was exactly like a college kid’s pad. Cheap furniture, aging paint, crummy…
So I walked to the Metro station and headed out to see the quilts at the Museum of American History (AH) I had one train transfer and it was fine. Up the steps from the Smithsonian Station and I am on the National Mall at last. I was close to the Washington Monument, the Capitol…
Twenty-six hours after boarding a train near New Orleans, I arrived in Washington, DC. Forty years ago I took an around the country trip by Amtrak and what a change between now and then. The high-backed seats in coach recline and the space between rows is about double that of airplanes, which made sleeping more…
Considering the size of my sweet tooth, the last thing I need to discover is a new sweet treat that tastes like s’mores. This cannot be helped, however, in the South, where MoonPies reign. MoonPies are a cookie sandwich created with two graham cookies, marshmallow filling, and a outside coating of chocolate and, now, banana. Why go…
I tend to shop at local markets while on the road. I hit up larger groceries when near a city, but I love the smaller stores too. They are expensive, yet full of regional favorites, which sometimes overrides the cost factor. In these stores, I am reminded that every city, town, and hamlet has its…
Everyone tells me, “You HAVE to go to Payne’s Prairie Reserve to see the gators. You will see many, guaranteed. Always lots of gators out there.” Sure, right. I have a wildlife jinx. When I visit a spot with guaranteed wildlife, they all scram. Time is flying though, and I only have a few weeks…
I love the Black Hills (South Dakota) and lived only 3 hours away in Wyoming until a few years ago. However, when I visited this area I came up from the south and stayed mostly in the eastern section. Beautiful but a bit touristy during the summer due to Mt. Rushmore visitors. A good friend…
This weekend I discovered a nearly perfect small town that is surrounded by mountainous National Forest land, which is full of waterfalls, birds, large mammals, and endless trails that are beyond the range and interest of weekend hikers. Add a river, historic downtown, enough people to support several grocery stores and a movie theater, a super…