Nothing beats a road trip! With air travel being what it is this summer, you definitely picked the best way to experience a vacation, Ruth. Your postcards have been a delight in my substack feed.
What a fabulous road trip that you both undertook. It may be called retirement, but you two are like energizer bunnies. How great to enjoy our beautiful country and my midwestern roots.
Thanks, Patricia! Jeff would cringe at the word retirement as he’s working harder than ever making videos, writing and taking pictures. He’s the real Energizer Bunny. I’m usually chasing after him trying to catch my breath! But it definitely keeps life interesting!🏃♀️💨⏳
One can never have too many burgers as long as they aren't fast food burgers! I hope the burgers you had were good! There's a burger joint local to me that makes the best burger and even better fries.
You know you're totally right, Gayla! I didn't want to keep posting about the burgers we ate, but I probably should have as we had a few really good ones. Probably the best was in Custer, SD at a little place called the Baker's Bakery & Café.The restaurant is actually famous for its homemade hamburger buns and freshly ground beef. The burger was miles better than a fast-food version, and the fries were also delicious.
I have enjoyed traveling with you and Jeff so much, Ruth. You’ve combined history, culture, food, and beauty. That picture of the stars at night in the Badlands! Wow! ✨ Thanks to you both for including us on the road.
Thanks, Jolene! It's an honor and a privilege to have you along! We were only about three states away from your neck of the woods, so maybe next road trip will take us to Chicago! 🚗🥰
For my part I was saddened when I saw Mt. Rushmore. I felt strong agreement with the long-time local residents who viewed the hills as sacred and considered the permanent alteration of them as a sacrilege visited upon them. To me it was a giant sized graffiti that has permanently damaged what was a breathtaking series of peaks. Nature creates breathtaking wonders - I don't see the need to wreck them. But that's just my opinion, as always.
I appreciate your opinion, Crowden. I didn't do as much research into the history of the making of Mount Rushmore as I probably should have, but having seen so much natural beauty in the course of our trip--the Tetons, Rockies, Arches, Badlands, etc.--I would tend to agree with you. Also, it turns out the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, probably had ties to the Ku Klux Klan, something that the oodles of kudos to him inside the monument never make clear--or, if they did, I missed it. I might also have some qualms about carving up another sacred mountain to honor Crazy Horse, but as it's seen as a Native American response to Mount Rushmore and is being created to honor the achievements of indigenous people and honor a fallen hero, It seems more justified.
No, I don’t believe you missed it. I also don’t recall any acknowledgment there about that particular artist’s KKK leanings. Personally, I think the Crazy Horse monument is misguided. As our mothers used to say, just because your friend jumped off the roof isn’t a reason that you should.
Borglum established his reputation carving Stone Mountain in suburban Atlanta. A tribute to the Confederacy. It is even larger than Rushmore but not near as much carving detail. We seem to be the strangest of countries in that we build and maintain monuments to insurrection. I cannot think of a single country except the US where this is a thing. I find it even stranger that 160 years beyond the Civil War it is still a topic among people as if it is reasonable. As a lover of history, it is the strangest of circumstances.
Larges parts of the South don’t consider themselves part of America. They consider themselves part of “the South”. I lived in Atlanta for five years and was pretty disturbed at the attitudes. A primary reason that I was motivated to leave and move to CA.
Such an important point, Mark, and definitely worth exploring. We're a country of extremes, contradictions and exceptions. I guess that's what keeps us interested!
Thanks for your comments, Ellen! It also made me hungry to review some of the food pictures from our trip. I wish I'd gotten more recipes, but I am inspired to recreate a few dishes, desserts and treats we tasted on the trip. Some, like Indian fry bread, I should probably avoid because it's so very fattening. But huckleberry pie, biscuits, homemade hamburger buns, chili and granola are definitely on the to-do list!
I'm always amazed by Americans who fly halfway around the world to see natural beauty, and yet ignore what's right under our noses. It's a beautiful country. Btw, when I was a kid, I thought Mount Rushmore was a miracle, a mountain that had magically come to bear Presidential images, like Jesus on a tortilla. Learning the truth, I've ended up not a fan, after learning that the same sculptor put Confederate generals on Atlanta's fabulous Stone Mountain. They're faits accompli, but....
I agree, Annette! I adore foreign travel, but there really is so much to see in this vast country, and I never stop being surprised. It's really funny that little Annette thought the mountains magically emerged with those four presidents' faces already upon them. The truth you point out is far more sinister. I didn't do my research before our visit and was shocked to realize the sculptor's connection with Stone Mountain and his ties to the KKK. It's a bit chilling, but also, as I frequent discover from your many edifying posts, an opportunity to learn something important about our history.
Thanks, Ruth, and indeed! I didn't know there was an Indian museum there, so that's a good example of using a site like this as a teachable moment! 😀 Hope you get a chance to walk up Stone Mountain one day. It's a wedge of granite, great views (not of the generals,!) very cool 19th century graffiti, a helpful railing when it gets steep and a ski lift back down for those of us disinclined to go back on foot. Oh, and the birthplace of the 1920s Klan, but I promise that it's been exorcised! Glad you had such a great trip, and got spectacular photos, if not so much spectacular food. 😀
Wow, what a great trip and wonderful pictures!!! The sky when you get away from people can be enchanting. I'm sure the memories that accompany them are even better. Many of the places you visited belong on bucket lists and people might not know it. I met a heretofore unknown cousin a while back. My host lived in Boulder near the Flatirons. Hiking was worth the effort with an overview of UC Boulder below. One of the most beautiful campuses I've seen with the characteristic stone. We went out to lunch at Chatauqua also. SO FUN!!! There are only a couple of Chautauqua's left. One in the southern tip of Western New York near Lake Chatauqua. Fabulous trip and a wonderful guide.
Thanks so much for your comments, Mark! I wish we'd had more time to explore the university grounds. We took a short walk on the campus and I agree that it was really very beautiful and had an unusual architecture. I hope we get a chance to go back again soon. We really enjoyed the town. I know there aren't many Chautauquas left, and this one was a truly impressive. I do love the concept behind them and feel sad so many didn't survive, including in LA where I live.
I look forward to your newsletter and this one didn't dissapoint. What a wonderful trip and so many memories to share with us. What's next now that you're back? I hope you'll try to replicate some of the food you ate.
Thanks, Judy! Hope to make some of the granola and possibly a variation on huckleberry pie--and maybe some other baked goods. Of course you and Mike will be the first beneficiaries if/when I do!🥧
I want to do the same thing! Welcome home... and on to the next road trip! Gorgeous photos too.
Thanks, Kitty! So kind of you. Love to meet you sometime--maybe an interview?
Sure, an interview with pleasure. Best email contact is kitty@kittymorse.com
I am giving several zoom talks re my new book. Thank you. Kitty
I’ll write you!
Nothing beats a road trip! With air travel being what it is this summer, you definitely picked the best way to experience a vacation, Ruth. Your postcards have been a delight in my substack feed.
I totally agree! We can’t wait to embark on the next road trip! Thanks for reading. Amie! Your comments and suggestions were encouraging and helpful!
Welcome home! Thank you for taking us along. The Starry Night photo in the Badlands is incredible.
Thanks, Sally!
What a fabulous road trip that you both undertook. It may be called retirement, but you two are like energizer bunnies. How great to enjoy our beautiful country and my midwestern roots.
Thanks, Patricia! Jeff would cringe at the word retirement as he’s working harder than ever making videos, writing and taking pictures. He’s the real Energizer Bunny. I’m usually chasing after him trying to catch my breath! But it definitely keeps life interesting!🏃♀️💨⏳
I enjoyed your travels so much. Thanks for documenting your trip.
You’re welcome, Marg! I’m so happy you enjoyed it.
Ruth, your travel tales are always a delight to read. I will definitely mark some of these places you’ve mentioned to my list of places to visit!
Thanks, Hoang! So good to hear from you again! I hope you do get a chance to visit some of these places--and I'd love to hear about it if you do!
What a great time for you guys!!! Way awesome!
Thanks so much, Mindy! It was quite a trip. Jeff's already planning the next one!😅
What a wonderful trip, Ruth. Thank you so much for sharing! I am particularly intrigued by Felix's brioche French toast with apricot jam.
Thanks, Vicki! He really made it perfectly! It's a rare day when I meet a young man who knows how to cook, so I was pretty impressed!
One can never have too many burgers as long as they aren't fast food burgers! I hope the burgers you had were good! There's a burger joint local to me that makes the best burger and even better fries.
You know you're totally right, Gayla! I didn't want to keep posting about the burgers we ate, but I probably should have as we had a few really good ones. Probably the best was in Custer, SD at a little place called the Baker's Bakery & Café.The restaurant is actually famous for its homemade hamburger buns and freshly ground beef. The burger was miles better than a fast-food version, and the fries were also delicious.
I have enjoyed traveling with you and Jeff so much, Ruth. You’ve combined history, culture, food, and beauty. That picture of the stars at night in the Badlands! Wow! ✨ Thanks to you both for including us on the road.
Thanks, Jolene! It's an honor and a privilege to have you along! We were only about three states away from your neck of the woods, so maybe next road trip will take us to Chicago! 🚗🥰
Hope so, Ruth! ❤️
For my part I was saddened when I saw Mt. Rushmore. I felt strong agreement with the long-time local residents who viewed the hills as sacred and considered the permanent alteration of them as a sacrilege visited upon them. To me it was a giant sized graffiti that has permanently damaged what was a breathtaking series of peaks. Nature creates breathtaking wonders - I don't see the need to wreck them. But that's just my opinion, as always.
I appreciate your opinion, Crowden. I didn't do as much research into the history of the making of Mount Rushmore as I probably should have, but having seen so much natural beauty in the course of our trip--the Tetons, Rockies, Arches, Badlands, etc.--I would tend to agree with you. Also, it turns out the sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, probably had ties to the Ku Klux Klan, something that the oodles of kudos to him inside the monument never make clear--or, if they did, I missed it. I might also have some qualms about carving up another sacred mountain to honor Crazy Horse, but as it's seen as a Native American response to Mount Rushmore and is being created to honor the achievements of indigenous people and honor a fallen hero, It seems more justified.
No, I don’t believe you missed it. I also don’t recall any acknowledgment there about that particular artist’s KKK leanings. Personally, I think the Crazy Horse monument is misguided. As our mothers used to say, just because your friend jumped off the roof isn’t a reason that you should.
Borglum established his reputation carving Stone Mountain in suburban Atlanta. A tribute to the Confederacy. It is even larger than Rushmore but not near as much carving detail. We seem to be the strangest of countries in that we build and maintain monuments to insurrection. I cannot think of a single country except the US where this is a thing. I find it even stranger that 160 years beyond the Civil War it is still a topic among people as if it is reasonable. As a lover of history, it is the strangest of circumstances.
Larges parts of the South don’t consider themselves part of America. They consider themselves part of “the South”. I lived in Atlanta for five years and was pretty disturbed at the attitudes. A primary reason that I was motivated to leave and move to CA.
Such an important point, Mark, and definitely worth exploring. We're a country of extremes, contradictions and exceptions. I guess that's what keeps us interested!
I just ate breakfast and reading this made me hungry! Glad you had such a great trip….the photos are great too
Thanks for your comments, Ellen! It also made me hungry to review some of the food pictures from our trip. I wish I'd gotten more recipes, but I am inspired to recreate a few dishes, desserts and treats we tasted on the trip. Some, like Indian fry bread, I should probably avoid because it's so very fattening. But huckleberry pie, biscuits, homemade hamburger buns, chili and granola are definitely on the to-do list!
I'm always amazed by Americans who fly halfway around the world to see natural beauty, and yet ignore what's right under our noses. It's a beautiful country. Btw, when I was a kid, I thought Mount Rushmore was a miracle, a mountain that had magically come to bear Presidential images, like Jesus on a tortilla. Learning the truth, I've ended up not a fan, after learning that the same sculptor put Confederate generals on Atlanta's fabulous Stone Mountain. They're faits accompli, but....
I agree, Annette! I adore foreign travel, but there really is so much to see in this vast country, and I never stop being surprised. It's really funny that little Annette thought the mountains magically emerged with those four presidents' faces already upon them. The truth you point out is far more sinister. I didn't do my research before our visit and was shocked to realize the sculptor's connection with Stone Mountain and his ties to the KKK. It's a bit chilling, but also, as I frequent discover from your many edifying posts, an opportunity to learn something important about our history.
Thanks, Ruth, and indeed! I didn't know there was an Indian museum there, so that's a good example of using a site like this as a teachable moment! 😀 Hope you get a chance to walk up Stone Mountain one day. It's a wedge of granite, great views (not of the generals,!) very cool 19th century graffiti, a helpful railing when it gets steep and a ski lift back down for those of us disinclined to go back on foot. Oh, and the birthplace of the 1920s Klan, but I promise that it's been exorcised! Glad you had such a great trip, and got spectacular photos, if not so much spectacular food. 😀
Made me feel as if I were traveling with you!! I’m sorry to see the series end!
Thanks, Donna! Don't worry--I have a feeling there will be a new series in the not-too-distant future! Jeff can't sit still! 😉
Wow, what a great trip and wonderful pictures!!! The sky when you get away from people can be enchanting. I'm sure the memories that accompany them are even better. Many of the places you visited belong on bucket lists and people might not know it. I met a heretofore unknown cousin a while back. My host lived in Boulder near the Flatirons. Hiking was worth the effort with an overview of UC Boulder below. One of the most beautiful campuses I've seen with the characteristic stone. We went out to lunch at Chatauqua also. SO FUN!!! There are only a couple of Chautauqua's left. One in the southern tip of Western New York near Lake Chatauqua. Fabulous trip and a wonderful guide.
Thanks so much for your comments, Mark! I wish we'd had more time to explore the university grounds. We took a short walk on the campus and I agree that it was really very beautiful and had an unusual architecture. I hope we get a chance to go back again soon. We really enjoyed the town. I know there aren't many Chautauquas left, and this one was a truly impressive. I do love the concept behind them and feel sad so many didn't survive, including in LA where I live.
I look forward to your newsletter and this one didn't dissapoint. What a wonderful trip and so many memories to share with us. What's next now that you're back? I hope you'll try to replicate some of the food you ate.
Thanks, Judy! Hope to make some of the granola and possibly a variation on huckleberry pie--and maybe some other baked goods. Of course you and Mike will be the first beneficiaries if/when I do!🥧