Category: Cross Country

By the numbers:
  • Drove 18,703 miles
  • Traveled 142 days
  • Visited three countries
  • Explored 42 states
  • Hugged 52 family/friends
  • Serviced Addie at three locations
  • Received two pedicures
  • Cut hair once
  • Ate gallons of artisanal ice cream!
  • Drank…who knows?
While meandering along San Antonio’s River Walk, I saw three people standing and chatting. After I asked if one of them would take my picture (something I did numerous times on this adventure), the woman volunteered to snap my pic. She said goodbye to her friends/colleagues and had me pose in multiple locations so she could take a variety of photos (something most people don’t do when taking another person’s photos!). When I asked her where the Pearl Brewery is, a place recommended to me for an afternoon refreshment, she offered to show me since she was heading in that same direction. During our walk, I mentioned that I was finishing a five month solo cross country road trip. She asked me NOT “What were your three favorite locations?” or “Did you ever feel scared?” or “What are COVID masking policies in other states?” – all three questions I’ve been asked multiple times. Instead she asked me two EXTRAORDINARY and DEEP questions, which I’m going to answer here…
– What did I learn about myself?: I learned so much about myself! The most surprising things? How competent I am, how much I enjoy my time alone even though I’m most definitely an extrovert, how much I’m able to find joy/happiness/wonder/surprise in even the smallest of adventures/locations/experiences, how I can be both flexible and inflexible depending on the circumstances, how much I love traveling (okay, this isn’t so new, eh?!)!
– What am I going to do differently after this trip?: This question is, in my opinion, even deeper than her first question. And I don’t really have a good answer yet! I know that I want – I need! – to contribute to the world in some meaningful way. I know that it’s important to me to help reduce how much we “otherize” people. I know I have skills, talents, and abilities that can be put to good use. How I do this…I’m still not sure. What excites me most about being retired is not being beholden, so a formal program or organization does not interest me. My hope is that as I share my goal and keep my heart, mind, and ears open, the right opportunity will present itself.
Five months – too long or too short?: In some ways, five months was not long enough. There are so many other places I want to see! However, in other ways, five months was too long. I love my family, friends, home, and community so much that five months was a bit too long.
Connectedness – power of technology: Technology ROCKS! (Yes, I am a BURKE!) Most vitally, it helped me stay connected with my friends and family. Phone calls, texts, emails…they all helped me be able to share what was happening with me and allowed me to know what was happening in their lives. Technology also assisted me in planning my trip – routes, campgrounds, sights, weather, etc. My phone got as big of a workout as my legs! ALSO, my Facebook travel log connected me with so many friends and families while allowing me to keep a record of my adventures and fostering my enjoyment of writing and photography! The support and encouragement – and excitement! – of so many of my travel log friends inspired me.
Future blog: Several friends have asked me if I’m going to write a book. At this time, I don’t think so (never say never!). Next year, however, I’m going to transfer my travel log to a blog to preserve the writings and photos and to remove it from the Facebook platform. I already have a name: Chapter 5: Active Retirement! From composing my travel log, I have rediscovered my joy in writing. At the start, I struggled with each word or phrase – I kept hearing others’ criticism of my writing while I wrote. As my adventure continued, I began to enjoy the writing itself! I also realized how much I love taking photos! It’s time for me to buy a “real camera” – any suggestions for a good starter camera? – so I can develop my photography skills.
When I was ready to give up – right at the start!: The first week was the hardest! Not because I was lonely or scared or confused. But because of my misadventures with Addie. At my first campground in Clear Lake, CA, Addie’s awning wouldn’t close. When I kept trying to close it, I noticed I was standing on a yellow jacket nest – and received a bunch of yellow jacket stings on my left leg. Very painful and itchy! Then, the awning pulled out from the rivets. I slid the awning into Addie and went to my friends Kate and Chuck’s house. Their driveway goes up at an angle and then flattens out. Being concerned about bottoming out on the driveway, when I made my sharp right turn into the driveway, I hit the low wall of the righthand side and gave Addie her big boo boo. Luckily, the boo boo is cosmetic and not structural. Chuck cleaned up Addie, and they’re storing the awning for me – YAY! This was all during my first week! With Kate and Chuck’s encouragement, support, and humor – and a bit of wine! – I was ready to continue my trip. That first week, though, was tough!
Here are a few questions some of you asked me…
– So now that you’re back, how are Shaye & Ben doing?
   – They’re doing great! Having independent adult children allows me to explore and travel knowing that they’re fine.
– How did Joel survive without you?
   – He did great, too! With Emmett (grandson born May 20), his new cabin in Calaveras County, his home projects, and his work and volunteer schedule, I don’t even think he realized I was gone. (Just kidding!)
– Do you have a top 5 or 10 places you’d recommend in the US based on all of your trips?
   – Off the top of my head…
  1. Grand Tetons
  2. Black Hills
  3. Nebraska
  4. Tennessee
  5. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
  6. Any forest hike with a waterfall
– What is Addie’s fate?
   – Addie and I are joined at the hip! I’m definitely keeping her. I’ll be fixing her boo boo, changing her curtains, and doing a few other minor repairs/upgrades, and then she and I will head out on more adventures.
– Where’s my next adventure?
   – Let’s see… Northridge, Hawaii, Dorrington, Minneapolis, Felton, Charleston, …
– What was the first thing you did (opening the door, walking in and going to the bathroom don’t count)?
   – Hugged Emmett!!! (See attached photo!)
– So are you happy, sad or a conglomeration of emotions?
   – YES.
   – This was an adventure of a lifetime. At times, I don’t believe it really happened. And then I think back over a date or a place or a person, and I’m blown away by the overall experience of this trip. I am so happy I have the health, time, and resources to have taken this trip. I am sad that it’s over. I am excited for new adventures. I am tired. I am contented. I am ready to be at home and back on the road!

Below are my reflections from the last month of my cross country adventure. In a few days after I’ve hugged my loved ones, wined with friends, and unpacked Addie, I’ll post some reflections on my trip as a whole.
Civil: My RV campground hosts in Alabama greeted me warmly and kindly. Through chatting with them, I learned that the South focuses on two issues: the Civil War and Civil Rights. The sights I explored encompassed both of these elements, as they are inextricably combined. I would also add Civility to the mix – how do we get along with each other, listen to each other, learn from each other, and live with each other? Everything came together at the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum! This museum pulled together all of the elements of “otherizing,” both in the US and across the world, and most importantly offers opportunities to make a difference in its final Call to Action gallery.
Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, broadband… Oh, so many differences! Some roads are smooth and easy to drive. Others are bumpy and broken, creating hazards for everyone attempting to travel on that street. Bridges – everywhere! Broadband – intermittent! I am so happy Infrastructure Week finally happened. Our country needs it!
Size of Texas: Texas is a big friggin state, with so much diversity of people, terrain, beauty, politics. Although I spent a week in the state, there is so much more to see and do. Of course, I could say that about almost every place I’ve visited – so much to see and do!
Alabama

 

Mississippi

 

Louisiana

 

Arkansas

 

Oklahoma

 

Texas

 

New Mexico

 

Arizona

 

With Susan and Len.

 

With Laura.

 

With Shaye.

Well, I now know what it means to “smell the barn!” It means when one is so close to home, one keeps driving! So, after walking around Mesilla, NM, and taking a peek at Saguaro National Park, AZ, I kept driving. And driving. And driving. Until I felt fuzzy brained, pulled over, and found a nearby Elks to camp at tonight. 🙂

Mini-basilica in Mesilla, NM.

 

Gazebo and trees in Historic Mesilla.

 

Aha!

 

Scenery from an Arizona rest area.

 

Saguaro National Park.

 

Sunset from Addie.

 

Sunset.

 

Addie and me, ready to unwind at the Elks in Indio.

I left the BIG state of Texas this morning after a week exploring this diverse – in so many ways – state. After buying groceries in El Paso, I drove to the 62nd out of 63 national parks, White Sands National Park. Signage calls it both a national monument and a national park; it switched from its 1933 designation to its new title in December 2019.
Tonight, I’m camping at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, one of many delightful state parks I’ve had the pleasure of staying at during my adventure.
Sadly, I received a phone call last night from a former AMA president that one of our past board officers was killed on Saturday night by a drunk driver. So very hard and tragic…

 

 

 

 

 

 

A 3D day!
Delight: The overnight chill woke me up early this morning, allowing me to see the gorgeous sunrise!
Disappointment: The town of Marfa boasts galleries, however, all were closed this morning. I walked around a bit, noticing hints of previous glamor.
Discovery: Searching for a campsite near Carlsbad Caverns National Park, I made a two-night reservation at Pine Springs Campground. Surprise! This campground is not in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Instead, it’s in Guadalupe Mountains National Park! The small campground – really, blacktop with white paint marking campsites – shares trailheads to 85 miles of trails. Of course, I had to explore one once I got set up!

Sunrise from Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park.

 

Sunrise from Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park.

 

Marfa Courthouse, built in the 1880s.

 

Marfa building with intriguing tile work.

 

Doors painted just for me! 

 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail.

 

 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail.

 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail.

 

Guadalupe Mountains National Park trail.

 

Sunset from Pine Springs Campground, Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Sunrise and sunset in the same day!

Following my ranger’s instructions, today I hiked the Window Trail to one of the most gorgeous granite overlooks ever! With sparkling geologic formations, the trail rambled into a canyon, along a stream, over stone steps carved into rocks, and to a magnificent view on slick granite. Sitting at the window, looking over the green valley, I chatted with one retired couple from Cleveland and an environmental scientist from Austin. I shared how much I enjoyed the Underground Railroad Museum in Cleveland and Holocaust Museum in Dallas, two places these “blue” travelers have now added to their lists of places to see.
Leaving the window, I hiked the window overlook side trail, which took me above the window with an even more expansive view of the valley.
Perhaps due to the dry desert heat and to the WiFi available at the trailhead’s visitors center, I sat in the shade for awhile following my hike to rehydrate and fiddle with my phone.
Sunrise from Cottonwood Campground.

 

Window Trail.

 

Window Trail.

 

Window Trail.

 

Window Trail.

 

At the window.

 

The window.

 

A waterfall!

 

View of the valley from the Window Overlook Trail.

 

Window Trail.

What a wonderful day, a returning to camping as I started… BTW, Fort Stockton…no need to visit unless you need a stopover. Nothing exciting or interesting there – IMHO.
For one of the first times, I felt a bit anxious about going to Big Bend National Park. The distance spooked me. Lack of knowledge of the park had me on edge. Cottonwood campground sports no hook-ups or dump station. However, knowing that I could turn around if my anxiety turned to fear, I loaded up on water, dumped my waste tanks, filled up on gas, and drove the many miles to Big Bend.
At the entrance, the young ranger greeted me sweetly, gave me my maps, and directed me to the nearby rustic visitors center saying the rangers are very helpful. I walked in and spoke to the kindest most-understanding ranger, a woman around my age. I explained that I’m a solo traveler, I’ll be here for two nights, I’d like to hike 5-8 miles on not too strenuous trails as a solo hiker safety precaution. She showed me exactly which trails she recommended for me and explained why. I so appreciate rangers who listen and provide individualized guidance!
I saw the Fossil Discovery Exhibit, per my ranger’s instructions, and then walked around Castolon where I viewed the remains of a cotton growing establishment.
I then checked into my campground, Cottonwood, a beautiful camp with two of the warmest camp hosts ever! Not only did they welcome me, but they also showed me the group of javelinas roaming the campground. When I left, I mentioned I was heading to Santa Elena Canyon, and, upon my return, the sweet woman asked me how I enjoyed the canyon.
Santa Elena Canyon mesmerized me with its magnificent rock formations, desert flora, and Rio Grande calmly flowing between the canyon walls. The red rocks and desert scenery reminded me of my adventures in Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Nevada, Arizona, Utah…it was like “home.”
The canyon trail ends at the Rio Grande. If one crosses the river, one is technically in Mexico. So, duh!, I switched to my water shoes, asked one of the young women watching friends (and choosing not to cross) to take my photo, and ventured into the water. It felt a bit like The Narrows at Zion! I walked along the wall, holding onto it out of an abundance of caution. A young man, sitting on the sand spit with a few of his friends, saw me and how the water was over my waist. He suggested I cross to the middle where the water wasn’t as deep. Great advice! I walked to the spit and then touched Mexico! He took my picture – will text it to me in the next day or so when he has cell service.
I returned to camp, and the camp hosts showed me, along with other campers, where two horned owls where hanging out.
In summary, due to the kindness of strangers and, I admit, my willingness to push myself a bit past my comfort zone, I had a phenomenal day!
Castolon

 

Javelina

 

Santa Elena Canyon

 

Millipede

 

Driftwood in the canyon

 

Returning from Mexico!

 

Rio Grande in Santa Elena Canyon

 

Canyon

 

Owl #1, the larger owl

 

Owl #2, the smaller owl

 

Added the photo texted by one of the young men on the spit. I’m in Mexico in this pic! 🙂

Texas is a big friggin state! Today’s long drive got me through windy, dry, and hilly Texas to the gateway of Big Bend National Park, where I’ll be for the next couple of days. (I have no idea about cell service, so my Big Bend posts may be delayed.) Now, I’m camped at a dusty West Texas RV park, with a friendly owner, clean showers, and western scenery.

Sunset from my RV park.

 

“Indian Scouts” metal silhouettes located across the highway from the RV park.

 

Addie curious where the tall green trees and lush grass went…

I had so much fun taking pictures today! Not only did I enjoy snapping photos of The Alamo (free admission today for all veterans – thank y’all for your service), but I also had a blast capturing images of water fountains, flowing streams, and natural frames on San Antonio’s famous River Walk.

Don’t forget…

 

Alamo archway

 

Fountain on my way to the River Walk

 

One of many bridges over the water

 

River Walk

 

Locks and dam

 

River Walk

 

River Walk

 

Beer break!

 

The old Pearl Brewery

 

Pearl Brewery Plaza

 

Pearl Brewery Plaza

 

River Walk

 

River Walk

 

River Walk

 

Maverick-Carter House

When I imagined Austin, I thought about the funky South Congress Avenue area and the river. I did not think about parks, hikes, and waterfalls. However, given my appreciation for state parks, I reserved a spot at McKinney Falls State Park – and hiked around the park to the Upper and Lower Falls before moseying into town.
Totally cool? I arrived, at dusk, at Congress Avenue Bridge where I saw people gathered under the bridge on the river’s shoreline. Being curious, I walked down the staircase and asked what was happening. Little did I know about the BATS!
“Austin’s resident bats are Mexican free-tailed bats, which migrate each spring from central Mexico to various roosts all over the southwestern U.S.
On their nightly flights the bats eat anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 pounds of insects, including mosquitoes and harmful agricultural pests.
At the end of the season, you can see roughly 1.5 million bats ascending into the summer sky.”

https://www.austintexas.org/things…/outdoors/bat-watching/

Desert climate for sure!

 

McKinney Falls State Park hike.

 

Upper Falls: “Water cascades through natural channels within a massive bed of exposed limestone and volcanic ash.”

 

Old cypress tree.

 

Prehistoric Rock Shelter: “Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this limestone overhang provides shelter for Native Americans for more than 8,000 years.”

 

Onion Creek.

 

Lower Falls which “flows over limestone ledges to the pool below.

 

Horse Trainer’s Cabin: “Two-room structure built in 1950s for Thomas McKinney’s horse trainer.” McKinney, a racehorse breeder and one of Stephen F. Austin’s original colonists, owned this homestead.

 

Funky South Congress Avenue district of Austin.

 

View of the city from underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge.

 

Bats! All of those flying dots are! (Click on photo for a six-second video.)

 

Sunset from the bridge.

 

Breakfast: Addie and I headed from our campground in Arlington to a crepe restaurant in Dallas to meet my friend and colleague, Laura, for breakfast. So good to catch up on life, family, and work!
Grassy Knoll: I crossed the river and parked by the Reunion Tower so I could see the Grassy Knoll, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, by Lee Harvey Oswald. Oswald shot Kennedy from the sixth floor window of the nearby Texas School Book Depository. Although I wanted to tour The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, it is closed on Tuesdays.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum: Over dinner last night when Susan and Len suggested I visit this museum, I nodded politely and thought to myself, “No way am I going to another Holocaust museum!” Wow, I am so glad I went! This museum pulled together all of the elements I’ve been ruminating on during this road trip adventure. I’ve seen Native American locations, considered Americans’ treatment of slaves and African-Americans, experienced sites focused on immigrants, … all leading me to reflect on how we “otherize” people so we can dehumanize them and treat them poorly. This museum not only shared the history of Anti-semitism and the resulting Holocaust, but moved the conversation forward to human rights violations in general and genocide in particular. The final gallery presented stations allowing participants to select their own personal Call to Action. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! What can I do??? The Call for Action kiosks provided direction and inspiration. The only bummer is the information is only available at the museum – not on their website or in any of their printed materials. Regardless, I feel – surprisingly! – optimistic that I will be able to find something that I can DO to help make this world a better place.
With Laura

 

Dealey Plaza

 

The window from which Oswald shot Pres. Kennedy.

 

No comment

 

My mother’s mother and father’s father were both from Łódź, Poland, leaving before the Holocaust. Out of the 164,000 Jews in Łódź at the start of WWII, only 877 survived.

 

Powerful exhibit with explanations of each phase highlighted by examples from around the world, such as Armenia, Rwanda, Cambodia, and so many more.

 

Throughout the museum, voices of Dallas survivors made the unreal real. This wall showcased the murdered family members of those survivors.

 

I only took one photo of my Call to Action suggestions.

 

I rode the Reunion Tower to the top. Just like in Nashville, they take free digital photos of guests.

 

View from the top of Reunion Tower. These freeways and Dallas drivers? YECH!

Some interesting scenery on my drive… I’m now noticing the lack of green as I’m moving into drier climates…
After two errands – Trader Joe’s (small and crazy parking lot!) and Jiffy Lube (nice service with a pit rather than a lift) – I had a FABULOUS evening catching up and having yummy Indian food with Susan and Len, friends from San Luis Obispo who now live in Dallas. One of the gifts of this adventure is spending time with friends and family!