Archive - 2018

Sedona, AZ: Fido-Friendly Hiking Heaven!

No doubt, Sedona is beautiful and Sedona is magical. But its REAL CHARM lies in its hundreds upon hundreds of well-marked, DOG-FRIENDLY hiking trails.  Just two hours north of Phoenix, it’s the perfect place to indulge in a little trail-lust! We had a goal … errrr, uhhhhh, Philip had a goal, and I had no choice but to go along with it.  He...

TX and NM: Man’s Artwork vs. God’s Artwork

Along Route 66 just outside Amarillo, TX is one of America’s most interesting art installations:  Cadillac Ranch.  You can see it from the freeway:  what the heck is that? Invented in 1974 by a group of San Francisco hippies (let the stereotypes abound!) called the Ant Farm, they wanted to create something that would “baffle the locals...

Jackson, MS: Plus BONUS Mid-South Foodapalooza!

We’re getting centered!  Besides being in the “center” of our 7-week trip, Jackson is also in the “center” of Mississippi; we stayed at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in the “center” of Jackson; and this stop really “centered” us emotionally, as we took a break from sightseeing and touristing and did some...

Vicksburg and Natchez, MS: On The Banks of the Mighty Mississippi!

Our next foray was along the Mighty Mississippi, the lifeblood of neighboring historical cities Vicksburg and Natchez.  The Civil War was about to come vividly to life!  Like Gettysburg, Richmond, and Bull Run, the Siege of Vicksburg is one of the most iconic Civil War battles. Vicksburg’s location high on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River...

Galveston Island, TX: Danger at Every Turn!

Danger!  Danger!  DANGER all around!  At the southernmost point of our trip, along the Gulf of Mexico on Galveston Island, Texas, there was something to worry about at every turn!  We thought we’d do some kayaking at Galveston Bay State Park, but no!  DANGER!!!! OK, forget the kayaking — let’s go hiking instead! ...