Something I didn’t know, but soon learned while planning this trip, is that Lake Michigan graces its presence in four US states. And so, we bid adieu to the Land of Lincoln and, after a fifteen-ish minute drive, received a warm welcome from the Hoosier State. But we weren’t in Indiana to play basketball. We were there to get another glimpse of Lake Michigan. And thus, a mere thirty eight miles from Chicago, was the second stop on our tour: Indiana Dunes National Park. Arriving at the West Beach Entrance early that morning, the park was void of the normal crowd, save a few hikers interested in ..read more

Although I prefer to explore more natural settings, Chicago was a terrific starting point on our Lake Michigan tour. The sites, the sounds, and the people contribute immensely to tourism, drawing more than 50 million visitors to this vibrant city. I am glad to be a part of that lofty statistic! Part two of Chicago’s greatest attributes looks a little something like this ..read more

Fortunately, a sweet, gentle breeze was all that greeted us during our stay in Chicago. Accompanied with mild temperatures, the July climate was optimal for outdoor exploration. We spotted many of the icons like Buckingham Fountain… …and the Bean. With craned heads, we attempted to determine just exactly where these soaring buildings kissed the sky. In spite of all the wonderful things in this amazing city, the story we always recall revolves around a food truck. Yes, I said a food truck. And, unfortunately, I have no pictures of said truck, but that’s why we have been gifted with an incred ..read more

This trip actually began a few years before it began. Let me explain. Back in the summer of 2017, Kurt decided that we should go to watch British cars race around the track in pursuit of the coveted Kastner Cup. And since I didn’t have anything in particular to do that weekend, I agreed to accompany him to Southern Illinois on the condition that we head east after the races and go see what makes Lake Michigan so great. Needless to say that, after a 200ish mileadventure on that gorgeous day in June, we were hooked! So, after five years of “We should really go back”, we went back. And we went ..read more

It was a gorgeous January day. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the temperature was hovering somewhere around 70 degrees. Deciding to take advantage of these temperate conditions, we headed for a gorgeous greenspace simply named City Park. While tooling around in a rented tandem bike, a few sculptures displayed on paths only accessible by foot captured our attention. So, after a fun filled hour of literally being a back seat driver, I suggested a little stroll through this eclectic garden. Game for anything with his trusty camera, Kurt acquiesced. I’m so glad he did, because ..read more

When we travel, my inner Catholic sometimes gets a little giddy when I discover a local attraction that appeals to the spiritual side. At times, I have led Kurt on a wild goose chase in and around Remote-ville USA trying to find a certain holy location discovered via an internet search. Rarely are our efforts fruitless, but, I have to admit, we welcome those points of interest that easily accessible, like the iconic St. Louis Cathedral.  Overlooking Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Church in the United States. This structure was built in ..read more

There is so much to do in the French Quarter of New Orleans. My favorite attraction had to be the artists that lined the perimeter of Jackson Square. Known as the Jackson Square Artists’ Colony, they define themselves as follows: A self-regulating group of free-spirits who have created and sold their original art in the open air of Le Vieux Carre de la Nouvelle Orleans for over a century. Although this group is self regulated, members do have to abide by certain city regulations. Artists must secure a city permit, which is easier said than done as only 200 are dispersed annually. Those with pe ..read more

One thing made blatantly clear as we explored the streets of New Orleans was that many of its residents were not afraid to robe themselves in all of the colors of the rainbow. These are my kind of people ..read more

It was January 2022. We rang in the New Year, weary with cabin fever and the copious amounts of negative vibes provided courtesy of the pandemic. A remedy was needed to alter the probable negative trajectory of the next 365 days; we decided that remedy was New Orleans. And though there are numerous attractions in the Big Easy that could possibly trigger an outlook beneficial to the common good, nothing there left me as awe inspired as the Tree of Life. Located in the Audubon Park near the zoo, its official name is the Étienne de Bore’ oak. De Bore’ was the first mayor of New Orleans, and this ..read more

It’s no secret that I like animals. Every encounter is a novel, yet delightful experience, truly attesting to nothing less than an amazing imagination of the Creator.  Wildlife viewing is common in the Grand Canyon; furry friends often cross paths with visitors, especially in the winter when the human population has greatly dwindled.  We were fortunate to meet several locals along the rim; however, we kept our distance as they have attacked visitors in the past. These mighty beasts, know as Rocky Mountain Elk, are incredible to watch, but what’s more incredible is the story of their jour ..read more