My Stories
Maquoketa Caves SP Iowa
My 2nd to last stop before driving back to Nashville. I thought this state park would be interesting, there are 16 caves to explore. The morning
Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
I was traveling I-80 going east in Iowa, I hate I-80, but I thought this might be interesting. Trucking Museum in Walcott IA, next to a truck
Iowa / John Wayne Museum
Well my last state until my drive back to Tennessee, but Iowa has not been good for me so far. My first planned stop was a little
1880 Town South Dakota
While driving east on I-90 the 1880 town is just off the highway in the middle of nowhere. This will be my last make believe western town.
Badlands National Park
I ended up spending a few days around the Badlands to get some work done. First, Wall South Dakota, yes I have seen the Wall Drug advertisement
Enchanted Highway
Well taking the long way to South Dakota via the Enchanted Highway. I like to travel the county roads, just more relaxing than the interstates. Actually
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
‘Mako Shika’ – No Good Land to the Sioux. That’s what the term the Indians used for this area, the Badlands of North Dakota. Some saw
Little Bighorn Battlefield
Well I couldn’t leave Montana with a stop at Little Bighorn. Everyone knows the story, not much I can add. It was good that they changed
Red Bus Tour – Glacier NP
Had some challenges getting internet as I am traveling across Montana. Anyway took the red bus tour of Glacier National Park on my last day. Had
Many Glaciers – Glacier National Park
I went today to one of the sections in the park called Many Glaciers. This part of the park is on the east side north of St
Glacier National Park – Part 1
Well it has been a while since my last post. I have to say, I think Montana has eclipse Colorado as my favorite state. Now, I
Virginia City MT
Well this will be my last post until I get to Glacier NP. I am hanging out Helena MT over the 4th to avoid driving and dealing
Nevada City, MT – Ghost Town
I have been relaxing more since entering Montana. Such beautiful country and so big. I am taking my time since I am not due in Glacier NP until
Yellowstone National Park
This post is not just about Yellowstone, but the surrounding area. One of the things about traveling like I am doing is you can change plans daily,
National Oregon Trail Center
I stopped here last September but they were closed, since I was close I tried again and this time they were open. I wasn’t sure what to
Museum of Clean
Yes, that’s right a museum about cleaning. When I first came across this museum, I was ‘really?’ But then I thought, I am suppose to check
Massacre Rock
With storms coming in and needing to do some work, decided to stay at Massacre Rock State park. The park is located just south of Pocatello ID.
Idaho Potato Museum
I came across a potato museum in Idaho, and for me Idaho means potato, so I must check this out. Never heard of a museum for potatoes,
Fort Hall (Old) Oregon Trail
Fort Hall was the last major stop on the Oregon trail, a replica of the fort is located in Pocatello ID. There are actually 2 Fort Halls,
Craters of the Moon National Park
This was one National Park I debated about visiting. I knew I would be traveling near the park, just wasn’t that interested, but I changed my mind
Onward to Idaho and Mammoth Cave
Leaving Oregon and going to Idaho. Had a lovely trip traveling east in Oregon, all secondary roads. I went through what they called the High Desert,
Collier Logging Museum
Well I figured if I am in the northwest, I should check out a logging museum. After Crater Lake, I stayed south in Chiloquin OR. Collier
Crater Lake National Park
It has been raining/storms the last 3 days off and on, suppose to clear om Sunday, but I will be on the road by then. I have
Lake Shasta – Caverns
Stopped in Lake Shasta, Northern California for a few days. I got lucky and snagged a campground spot on the lake. I found out that the
National Auto Museum – Reno NV
I stopped in Reno for a little break from the road and check out the National Automobile Museum. I used to travel to Reno over 20 years
Lake Tahoe
Since starting out on my westward travels, I have been going constantly, never really found a place to hang around. The Lake Tahoe area was perfect to
Truckee CA – Donner Party
As I traveled around Lake Tahoe, I stopped for a couple of days in Truckee CA, home to Donner Pass. Quick history, The Donner Party was a
Nevada State Museum – Carson City
I have been hanging around the Lake Tahoe area since Monday, more on that later. One of the many reasons I came here was for the Nevada
Sutter’s Mill – California Gold Rush
Now for the rest of the story. Now John Sutter was a an entrepreneur of his time. He had his trading post and now went into
Sutter’s Fort – Sacramento
I discovered Sutter’s Fort in Sacramento, but it was not a US Fort but more of a trading post. Learned some new interesting history. John Sutter
California State Railroad Museum
I am traveling through Sacramento and decided to check out the State Railroad Museum. Some of you might remember one of my earlier trips west that I
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is an outstanding park, and definitely would visit again, much like Grand Tetons. I think I really needed to have a day that I had touring
Sequoia National Forest
So, I was able to see these very HUGE trees today. I set out this morning for Sequoia National Forest and stopped at the ranger station to
Silver City Ghost Town
Well I am finally out of the desert and in southern California, but it is hot hear, in the 90’s. For the last couple of weeks I
Valley of Fire Mohave Desert
Valley of Fire looked like an interesting place to check out. Valley of Fire is a state park located about 60 miles east of Las Vegas.
Hoover Dam / Lake Mead Rec Area
I basically followed the Colorado River and ended up in Lake Mead. The Lake Mead Recreational Area goes all the way to Lake Mohave, the next dam
Meteor Crater
Well I stopped to look at a hole in the ground today. Obviously not your normal type of attraction, since it is a one of kind.
Walnut Canyon, Flagstaff AZ
I had some time on my hands to I checked the ruins at Walnut Canyon. This is another ruin connected to the Ancient Puebloans. Archeologists believe
Lake Powell / Grand Canyon
Well after my little road trip through Monument Valley, I had to find a place for the night, luckily found something on the reservation to hide out for
Four Corners / Monument Valley
Well after Mesa Verde, road trip. Heading towards the Grand Canyon, but taking more of an indirect route through Utah. Starting in Buff Utah, you take
Mesa Verde National Park
Went to Mesa Verde today, as I mentioned before, this area in Colorado does not open for season until mid May, this is true for Mesa Verde.
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
I came to Durango CO to take a train ride. This was something I wanted to do years ago but just never worked out on previous trips.
Aztec Ruins, Aztec, NM
Aztec Ruins is the name but not ruins related to the Aztec people, but Ancient Puebloans known as Anasazi. People back in the late 1800’s referred to the
Bad Lands, New Mexico
My trip out west is a little different from previous travels, I am basically free styling, I don’t always know where I will stay each day. I
Pecos National Park
The is the site of the Pecos Pueblo that was established around 1350. Pueblo, the term can mean different things, 1. Pueblo is a community of people,
Los Alamos
Stopped in Santa Fe for a couple of days as I drive north. Took a trip to Los Alamos. First it’s up a mountain and it
Carlsbad Caverns
All I can say is WOW, what a day. Carlsbad Caverns lived up too expectations. I did the Ranger led tour, but you had to schedule
Roswell, NM
The Alien capitol is really a fun city, if you like everything alien themed. I actually had a great time, did some of the touristy stuff, just
Billy the Kid, Fort Sumner
Well this was sort of a disappointment. I am headed to Carlsbad NM, thought this might be interesting. First Fort Sumner doesn’t really exist anymore, nothing
Route 66 – Part 2
Well I am back on the road heading out west. While heading to New Mexico, I looked up Route 66 sites west of Oklahoma City to New
Hot Springs Arkansas
Well this is my last stop before Nashville and I am very impressed with the area. The primary reason I picked Hot Springs is the distance to
Fort Smith Arkansas
As I take my slow ride back to Nashville, I stopped in Fort Smith Arkansas for a couple of days. Got a nice spot on the Arkansas
Route 66 – Part 1
As I start my travel east back to Nashville, I decided to take a detour and check out Route 66. I believe Oklahoma has one of the
Oklahoma City National Memorial
I stopped at the Oklahoma City National Memorial. The memorial was created in response the federal building bombing in 1995 by Timothy McVeigh. 168 people lost
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is in Oklahoma City and I will say WOW, the most impressive museum that I have toured overall. They have
Lawton OK
I stopped in Lawton OK to visit the Museum of the Great Plains and the Comanche National Museum, these places are actually next door, but not connected. The
Forgotten Wheels Museum
I found this museum in Davis OK and it looked interesting. The primary focus in the beginning is motorcycles, primarily Harley Davidson, but branched out through the
Chisholm Trail – OK
Well it appears I traveled near the Chisholm trail as I traveled to Oklahoma from Texas. As I crossed in Oklahoma I noticed different things referencing the
Fort Griffin TX
Fort Griffin is a state historical site of Texas. I actually stayed here for a couple days, it’s not a state campground, but it is, but separate,
Abilene TX
Stopped in Abilene Texas today for a few hours. My first stop was Frontier Texas, a western heritage center. They tell the history of the frontier
Americana – Waco TX
I was planning on checking out the Dr Pepper museum in Waco TX, but there must have been some event going on, a line a block long, so
Texas Ranger Museum
The Texas Ranger Museum is located in Waco TX. Was an interesting couple of hours. They have a 45 minute movie about the history of the
Waco Mammoth National Monument
I am traveling near Waco TX and stopped at the Mammoth National Park. This is an active archeological site for the Columbian Mammoth. The Columbian Mammoth
Washington on the Brazos
This is the birth place of Texas. Washington on the Brazos is a Texas State Historical Park. Brazos is one of the main rivers in Texas. There
Luckenbach TX
Luckenbach was a town founded in 1849 about 13 miles south of Fredericksburg. Luckenbach had a post office and a zipcode until 1971. Today
Fredericksburg TX
I had an interesting day today, I visited Fredericksburg. First it is a lovely town with a strong German heritage. On my drive there I went through
San Antonio Missions
There are 5 missions in San Antonio. The missions were really a community or town back in the 1700’s. Learning the history behind the missions and
Padre & Mustang Islands Corpus Christi
I ventured into beach camping this week. What a great experience. Met some nice people and serious RV’s. Beach camping is basically off the grid
USS Lexington & Museum
The USS Lexington Aircraft Carrier is in Corpus Christi TX. All I can say is WOW, this was a great tour, doesn’t even compare to the USS
Galveston Island State Park
I don’t usually post about campgrounds and cities, but this is an exception. The city of Galveston appears to be more tranquil compared to similar cities in
NASA – Houston
When I was traveling to Galveston I saw the NASA exit in south Houston, so I had to visit while I was in the area. This is
Galveston
I arrived in Galveston on Saturday to camp on the beach, more on that later. I had some time so I checked out some of the attractions.
Beaumont, TX
First, if you are not traveling near or through, there is no reason to ever go to Beaumont TX. It was a struggle to find anything worth
Oak Alley Plantation
Oak Alley is a plantation from the antebellum south. It was a sugar plantation and still is today sitting on the Mississippi river west of New
New Orleans
With my change in plans, I only had a day or afternoon to see New Orleans. I found a parking lot right next to the French Qtr
Louisiana Swamps and Gators
Took a air boat tour of the swamps just south of New Orleans. Warmer sunny weather is better for gator activity, this time of year can be
Southern Mississippi & Biloxi
Been staying in the southern Mississippi this week, Salt Marsh and Bayous, basically wetlands. Has been interesting learning about the eco systems. Went for a 5 mile
Fort De Soto
Fort De Soto in Florida is not just a historical fort, but a recreation area. Campground, 3 beaches, miles of trails for walking or biking. Fishing
Kennedy Space Center
Oh, what a day. Last summer when I was making my arrangements for Florida in January, I could have never planned for a rocket launch the day I
Ponce De Leon Lighthouse
The lighthouse is located in Daytona Beach on what is now the Ponce de Leon Inlet, the previous name was Mosquito Inlet. The first lighthouse was erected
Fort Matanzas
This was built in 1742 by the Spanish to protect the southern entrance to Castillo de San Marcos on the Matanzas river. The soldiers, one officer and
St Augustine Lighthouse
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is located on Anastasia island. The current lighthouse is on the north end of the island and was finished in 1874. This
Fountain of Youth
Today I decided to check out the Fountain of Youth, yes it was a little cheesy, but still had some history. In 1513 Juan Ponce de León
Castillo de San Marcos
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is in downtown St Augustine Florida, and is one of the best sites I have visited so far. Castillo de San Marcos
Fort Pickens – National Seashore
Fort Pickens is located on an island in Pensacola Florida, also part of the National Seashore. It is a national park. A few hours after I arrived
Fort Morgan
I discovered this old army fort in Gulf Shores and decided to do a tour. I was surprised to learn how much history the fort has been
USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park
On my way to Gulf Shores I stop in Mobile, AL to tour the USS Alabama battleship and the USS Drum Submarine, both from World War II.
Carhenge – Alliance, NE
Carhenge replicates Stonehenge’s current state. This was an interesting stop on my travel through Nebraska. Think it beats the biggest ball of twine.
Well, I am headed back home this morning. Going back up Signal Mountain to see if I can get some decent pictures this morning.
Signal
Jenny Lake – Grand Tetons
Today was Jenny Lake day, probably one of the most popular areas in the park. There are many trails to hike around the lake and is 240 feet
Grand Tetons Day 2
The Grand Tetons park was once made up of ranches and other communities, unlike Yellowstone that was all unclaimed land. JD Rockefeller Jr, starting buying up the land
Grand Tetons
Great ride to the Grand Tetons, have a reserved spot at Signal Mountain campground, 6800 feet elevation, good thing as it will be in the thirties tonight and
Old Faithful – Yellowstone
Well, no trip is complete to Yellowstone without the visit to Old Faithful. So I decided to go in the morning, less crowds before I travel to
Yellowstone Mud Volcano
My next stop was the Mud Volcano. The underground activity is very interesting, this is happening at 7500 feet elevation, so much volcanic activity under Yellowstone, just
Yellowstone River/Canyon
After this mornings 5 hour wildlife tour, time to move on. Next best thing is are the Canyons and waterfalls along the Yellowstone river. Many trails
Wild Life Tour – Yellowstone
Well today is starting out early. Up at 4:30am, 41 degrees. Need to travel to Cayon Village for the wildlife tour I signed up for.
Yellowstone National Park
Had a nice drive through Grand Tetons national park up to Yellowstone. I am camping there for only 2 nights, so really only a day and a
Bridger-Teton National Forest
I had to post this campground. I was suppose to stop in Idaho for the Oregon Trail Museum but they were closed 🙁 So I just
Golden Spike National Park, Utah
Visited the Golden Spike National park today. This place is 20 miles in the middle of nothing north of Salt Lake, lake not the city. Don’t
Fort Bridger, WY
Like many forts in the west, they start out as a trading post. Jim Bridger established the trading post in 1847. The main Oregon-California Trail turned north
Fort Hays KS
I decided to take Interstate 70 in stead of 80 west for this trip. I want to visit every state in the next 2 years, with exception
Pool Knobs Campground – Percy Priest Lake
Stayed at Pool Knobs Campground June 12th to 14th. I had reserved the site months ago and instead of cancelling($15/Day) why not take one more outing before
Blues Trail, Mississippi Delta
Last day of my trip, on my way back to Nashville I traveled through the Mississippi Delta region, so a good excuse to check out the Blues.
Vicksburg National Military Park
Toured the National park today, 2500 acres, 12 mile driving tour of the battle or Siege of Vicksburg by General Grant in 1863, a 47 day battle.
Natchez Trace Day 3
My final day traveling the Natchez Trace from Nashville. I was originally planing on staying at the free campground on the Trace, but the current temps are
Natchez Trace Day 2
I am working 1/2 days (mornings) while I am traveling, so only driving 3 hours a day. Really nice relaxing drive, no trucks and for the most
Natchez Trace Day 1
I will be traveling the Natchez Trace this week, a slow drive. The Natchez Trace starts south of Nashville and ends at Natchez Mississippi. Allot of
Cages Bend Campground, Gallatin, TN
Spent 2 days at this COE Campground, (Core of Engineers). This Old Hickory Lake, north of Nashville TN. Lake front site, I got lucky. This is a
Bledsoe Creek State Park, Gallatin, TN
Old Hickory Lake, North of Nashville (Cumberland River) April 17th – 20th
This was a beautiful state park. 5 Stars. This trips primary goal
Kenlake Campground
(April 9th-11th) My first trip checking out my new van. I decided to go to Kentucky so I can visit some old friends. Everything worked great, but