Greetings! I hope this find you in good health and spirits – and thanks for returning after my late-spring/early summer blog break. Yes – I missed my interactions here! After taking some time away from my little corner of the world, I eased back to the blogs by visiting.
Vacationing was the reason for my time away – but I did draft and edit some future posts. After all, some readers anxiously await more beach walks. Also almost ready are a short story, several dance posts, a true story about food lines, and a challenging series about religion in the United States. I hope to unveil a new header with the next Opinions in the Shorts.
Amidst a combination of excitement, unknown, and low expectations, my wife and I embarked on a never-done-before journey – a bus-trip tour vacation.
We flew to Las Vegas a day early, then became part of 33 vacationers from eight different US states and 3 foreign countries for a 15-night tour of US National Parks and Monuments. Yes – Americans from Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas joined vacationers from Australia (6), New Zealand (4), and South Africa (2) to be led by a guide from Colorado and a bus driver from Arizona.
After a short, evening orientation and social gathering, the group boarded a bus that would log over 2800 miles (4500 km) over 2 weeks at about 7 miles per gallon. Except for one two-night stop, that meant a different hotel every night – yes – essentially living out of a suitcase for 2 weeks.
Given my wife and I had only previously visited Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, and Denver on this itinerary, we were excited to see the national treasures and the land connecting them. We were also apprehensive about a group tour on a bus – let alone the ambitious undertaking of the time and miles involved in our initiation into bus touring.
Four conceptual thoughts are prominent in my mind as I reflect about this trip.
(-) The US National Parks are special places. I combined two quotes by John Muir and Stephen Mather that express my feelings. Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike – and this can happen through the US National Parks – not only our best idea, but our best ideal.
(-) Whether the vast grassy plains of eastern Wyoming or the desert areas of Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, the USA has a lot of land that remains wide open, Seeing miles and miles of land without a house in sight stimulates a variety of thoughts.
(-) The early history and struggles of the national parks still rings today. Same arguments – different players about federally protected land and land use for business development.
(-) But this point hit my the hardest: How little I know about the American Indians native to the land. Right here, right now I admit it – and I’m ashamed of it and unfortunately believe the same is true for the vast majority of Americans.
Meanwhile, it’s good to be back. Do you have one particular post I need to visit? Here’s a song to start northern hemisphere summer.
Shoot! Wish I had know you were in town. I think there was a beer with your name on it. 🍻It’s always good to get away and rejuvenate. Hope your trip dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s for you. Welcome back.
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Monika,
Colorado was a pass-through state and Denver an overnight. Stayed downtown, arrived at 6 pm, then spent the evening with my wife’s cousin and her hubby. Had a good dinner on 16th St then they took us for a drink on the 27th Floor bar at the Hyatt. Nice view! Next morning we headed northern to South Dakota. Did have a wine tasting lunch on the western slope. Meanwhile, I’ll keep you in mind if I ever return! 🙂 After all, I know Colorado has their share of craft brew!
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I totally understand. Please know the offer is always “on tap” for whenever you’re back in town. 😊
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Cheers to being able to clink someday!
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🍺
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I’ll drink to that.
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So many beers these days. What are you favorite styles?
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Wet and cold. It was in the upper 90’s today. Seriously, I enjoy most beer. I’m on a Kona Brewery kick these days. They make some excellent beers.
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LOL … you don’t sound picky. 🙂 … IPAs, lagers, ales?
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Yes, yes, and yes. Not particularly keen on porters generally. Really enjoy Kona’s Big Wave or Longboard.
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I don’t like hoppy bites … good with lagers, red & brown ales, wheats, … no to coffee flavors
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It sounds like you have a very sophisticated palate. I’m sure you could teach a simple soul like me a lot about beer (though I have the good taste not to ever order a Coors or a Bud). Do rather enjoy a good German beer. The taller and colder, the better.
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I’m a wine guy who hangs around several beer guys.
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Red or white?
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Definitely red.
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Good answer.
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Ha ha ha (as I smile). Whites have a much smaller role in my life.
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Heh, heh. I hear that!
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… but I had a white with lunch on the western slope.
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Beer has its place… and so does wine – both white and reds…
I believe it best to be an equal opportunity drinker…
And by the way… good on you “Tails” (But now that I know it’s Monika…) Coors and Bud – they should not have the title “beer” attached…
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When I see someone drinking those brands, I like to make this statement …. “I thought you were a beer drinker.”
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Buahahahah! ESPECIALLY the American version… Did you see the article they did on Canadians wanting to charge Americans for canned water?
https://www.thebeaverton.com/2018/06/canada-considers-tariffs-on-us-canned-water/
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LOL … that is perfect! Love it!!!!!
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😉 Thought you might…
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Easy seen to remember … Diane Lane is a hottie in that movie!
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Thought you might enjoy the little video… but then again, I can’t blame you, Diane Lane is absolutely gorgeous in that movie too…
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Welcome back. Looking forward to reading your posts.
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Drew,
Thank you … and the next post will be Tuesday night. 🙂
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Nice to have you back.
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Debra,
Thank you … Safely home?
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From Custer country over to Cody and Yellowstone is a good trip. We did it last summer.
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Jim,
Oh yes … The trip over the Bighorn Mts was awesome! Had a few hours in Cody to visit the museum, then off to Yellowstone.
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Nice to see you back Frank. You and Right are brave to undertake this type of vacation and I look forward to hearing your further adventures. (The thought of being locked up with a pile of strangers for a fortnight does rather scare me – I’m more introvert than extrovert!) I shall look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. I’m also interested in your comment about your lack of knowledge of the indigenous peoples. More to come on that? You haven’t missed much from me at all. It’s well into winter here and I am enjoying the opportunity to be a hermit, listen to lots of audio books (on spirituality this winter apparently), play music, read and potter around creating stuff interspersed by daily outings to take the air……
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Pauline,
Thank you … and good to see my favorite Kiwi here. As I mentioned, 4 Kiwis were on the trip! Meanwhile, sounds like your venture into hermitting is keeping you busy. 😉
Regarding a future post about my lack of knowledge about indigenous Americans. I’m not sure I know enough to do a post on it, but it is worth the though – and something may come from that process! Thanks for the idea … and Shimon thought the same as you!
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Welcome home, Frank. It is definitely healing to go out to nature, and how good it sounds to spend some time with your dear wife, enjoying nature and learning about places and people that you haven’t seen before. Your comment about the native Americans is worth a lot of thought. We come into this world and receive it ‘as is’. There’s been a lot of cruelty and injustice before we arrived. Can we try to repair some of the damage of the past? Can we influence the world we find around us today? How much of our time and possessions are we willing to sacrifice or the sake of these ideals? I look forward to reading your thoughts on the subject.
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Shimon,
Thanks for the warm greeting. What we Americans did to the American Indians during westward expansion is a sad tale – well, I know that much – but not enough to write back. However, I will give the idea some thought. Who knows – maybe I post can come from that thinking process!
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Welcome back dear Frank, seems that it was an amazing vacation. I am so glad to see you back, Thank you, Love, nia
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Nia,
Thank you for the welcome back greeting … and the trip was amazing! … Simply spectacular sights!
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I’m glad you were off vacationing!
I think you are right that most Americans know little about American Indians and their history (ies).
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Merril,
Vacationing is a good thing … and we had a good time. As far as my statement about the lack of knowledge about American Indians, I know you are a history person – so I know you realize (more than most) what I meant.
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Welcome back, Frank. Your trip sounds exhausting and invigorating at the same time.
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John,
It was exhausting … especially thinking about 14 hotels in 15 nights … yet yes, invigorating is a good adjective … as is interesting!
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I’ll bet. 😀
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You and your wife did well to take this tour while you are still young enough to not mind getting up early every morning. Mollie and I took a number of such tours a decade or so ago with the Tauck Company and found them very enjoyable. Our favorite was an eight-day tour of “New Orleans and Cajun country”. It started in a mule-drawn carriage ride to a top restaurant and included a visit to the Vicksburg area in MS and an ante-bellum southern dinner in an historic mansion. The tour guide’s excellent knowledge of history and his reservoir of anecdotes were a major plus.
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Cincy,
Welcome back world traveler via US of A!
You had quite a journey and I am perty certain we will ALL be the better for it in future episodes. As for your new header? Hmmm. I was tossing with doing the same, since ours is so vanilla. Not sure though, I’m not an artist.
As for my knowledge of the Native Americans, same. Sadly.
Hey! Whatever happened to that Cuban sammy post?
Peace and welcome back!
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It is rather vanilla…
And if Cincy doesn’t do the Cuban Sammy… I will… come the think of it, even if you do, Frank… so will I!
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The challenge is on!
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We need the Q-ban sammy post! See what I did there?
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LOL! Why yes, yes I did… You so clevah…
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That’s a thing now. Just like that, it became a thing!
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Being clever is a thing? Or coming up with such schnazzy plays on words…
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The Q-ban. It’s a thing. You’ll have to make your version of the Cubano now and we get to stamp it with the Q-ban!
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I like it… I think I will do just that!
Watch out!
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WOOT WOOT!!!
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Agree …. the Q Q-ban … the Quebectonian Cuban
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I LIKE it!!!
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Proof that clever pills work wonders.
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They really do. Just don’t mix ’em with adult beverages. . . Or at least . . . you shouldn’t.
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Marc,
Thanks for the welcome back greeting. Quite the journey, but I’m unsure how I will post about it.
As far as my new header, all you have to do is look at my Past Headers page to get an idea of what I’ll be doing. An idea for you … pick for then do a post with them to get feedback.
As for as the Cuban Sammy … it’s still on my radar – Definitely haven’t forgotten … my big question is determining where to do it. But time will take care of the dilemma!
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I know you’ll come up with something, you always do.
As for the theme idea . . you mean like post something in that theme and see how it’s received? Now I just have to pick something I like . . .
You just lemme know when it’s Sammy Time! It’s going to be a lot of fun!
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Simply not sure. As I go through pictures, I’ll figure something out. Will keep you posted on Sammy Time.
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I don’t know where to start on my theme. I am not an artist in the least! LOL. Probably why I dig them so much.
Yes, keep me posted on the Sammy in Cincy.
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It could be a piece of art … a design that you like … Search for free blog banners to get some ideas.
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I shall, good sir. Thank you kindly. 🙂
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Welcome back, aFrank.
It’s sounds like this was a very different vacation. We took a cross country vacation for 6 weeks. Camping with 2 kids, visiting state parks, Indian reservations and majestic sites of interest. It was and is a wonderful way to see many, many states.
I’m sure is was relaxing to leave the driving to someone else.
Isn’t it astonishing how little we know when we’re confronted with something we know little about? Smacks ya right in the eye.
My kids have never forgotten the trip especially our running out of gas with no exit in sight. Strangers took pity on us and invited us to stay with them on their farm. Fed us and everything …. try doing that now-a-days. LOL
Thank you for popping by my blog and commenting. I look forward to you stories and posts.
Isadora 😎
ps: do you mind that I call you aFrank instead of Frank? It sounds much more special. : )
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Isadora,
Wow … thanks for sharing your vacation from years ago. If the kids are still talking about it today, that’s a good thing. That had to be an exhaustive trip! …. and of course aFrank is fine!
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Your welcome!!! I may have to write the whole story and post in the future. It was quite an adventure. AND … not always a good one. (ie: like when a bear was in our trash at night right outside our door – Umm cloth door. YIKES !!! LOL
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Good idea!
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Welcome back! What a wonderful tour that must have been.
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Carrie,
It was a good tour … after all, we had only visited 3 of the locations in the past. Some of the things like Mt. Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, etc are things we’ve now seen once – and that’s enough for me.
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Hi Frank! Welcome back!
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Greetings, Tom! Hope all is well … and thanks for welcoming me back!
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Your trip included many wondrous places, some of which I’ve been to, but would enjoy seeing again. Thanks for including the map showing where you went and the tour’s counter clockwise route. Your point about the wide-openess of much of America especially caught my attention. It brought back vivid memories of the magnificent panoramas my wife and I saw in 1976 during our first car trip through the west on our way to Yellowstone National Park.
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Tim,
So much no-man land, I can’t imagine driving it! … so cheers for your effort way back in the day!
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Welcome back, traveler! It sounds like a great trip from the glitz of Las Vegas to the wonders of nature. I agree that Americans know far too little about the Native Americans that were here before us. We could start by learning about those even in just our own states. It seems you enjoyed the bus trip. Husband and I are going to try a six-day bus trip next month which will be a first for us. Having someone else drive appeals to us right now.
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Jo,
Greetings. Wow … no kidding about the difference between the Vegas glitz and the natural wonders. Because this was our first bus trip, I have a future post in the works about the positive and negatives of this endeavor … so hopefully I will post it before your trip! Thanks for motivating me to do it!
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Hey there Frank.
Always glad to see you back after your little breaks and getaways…
I dunno… the only bus trip I’d be interested in, is the one that Diane Lane takes in “Under the Tuscan Sun” – and that’s coz it involved the buying of a place in Tuscany!
That said, looking forward to hearing more about said trip. There will be more, right?
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Dale,
I’m unsure how I’m going to post about this trip, so time will tell. Will probably know more once we go through our pictures. My current sense is that I will do a few, but not one on every stop. Oh well, time will tell.
Gotta love that Diane Lane bus trip, so I understand your desire to take that one … especially one way!
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My dear Frank,
Well… you know, we’ll take what you want to offer 😉
Man…now THAT is something special (though in real life, Frances Mayes bought her house with her boyfriend and they shopped together for it… but still…)
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You’re so kind!
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Well… you know you are kinda, quite special to me… xo
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You got me blushing again!
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G’head… must feel a tad nice…
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Welcome back, Frank! And what a great trip. I don’t have my statistics handy, but I think California has more (or comes a close second) with something like 40 indigenous people groups still seeking status and recognition. When I was a child and well into my college years we were beginning to recognize how the Native Americans had been treated abysmally, but we didn’t speak of the different cultures, and everyone was “lumped” somewhat together as though one family. So there’s a lot of re-learning that has to take place, and I think one of the best ways to learn is through a study based on geography, which is what you’re doing. I know that in our state the National Parks, state parks and beaches have signage that attempts to educated visitors about who lived here first! I frequently feel very inadequately educated and I’ll take all the prompts I can find! Glad you’re back to posting again!
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Debra,
Thank you. Great points about the indigenous people – especially your experience in California. Personally, I don’t know where to start! Thanks for sharing!!!!
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I love the idea of a bus tour – it is a great way to see a part of the country. Sounds like you had a fun time. I hope you will be posting more about your trip. Welcome back Frank.
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Colline,
Thanks for the welcome. Because it was our first trip, I hope to soon post about the positives and negatives of doing a bus tour. Meanwhile, regarding the sights, I post something – just not sure what.
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I look forward to reading it.
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welcome back! Ok, so two things jumped from this post into my crazy brain…
one, your shorts, lol, I look forward to seeing the diverse posts while you dress weather appropriately, and secondly, your excursions appear to be boot shaped! Did you pre-plan that? Yeah, it’s a half-baked mind I walk with, but it’s mine, lol.
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Roxie,
If the trip wasn’t boot shaped, I doubt if we would have taken it! Fortunately the weather was awesome – very little rain & the northern stops were warm! Meanwhile, time will tell how I post this trip.
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hahaha, good! so on to a mitten shaped tour in the fall? or just a ski hat, perhaps.
I know the pics will be amazing, as will your story adventures, looking forward to them.
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I just checked the map … it’s more like a question mark.
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Welcome back, Frank. America is a gorgeous country. I have visited many times. However, I won’t be visiting in the near future. As a Canadian, I am made to feel unwelcome by a certain demographic. I’ve never felt this before.
We are trying to make things equal for our First Nations. Some progress has been made, but there is still much to raise eyebrows about.
We had an election in Ontario, and 3 seats are now filled by First Nations representatives.
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Resa,
I like the term “First Nations” …. well stated and glad to see that the Canadians are leading the way.
BTW – I understand your feeling – but keep in mind that there is another demographic that is larger and better!
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Welcome back! Your travels sound beautiful, certainly inspires me to visit the beautiful regions of my beloved country. You’ve posted one of my very favorite songs by KR. Thanks for that!
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Holly,
Surely much beauty to see on this trip … and quite the variety! In terms of the KR song – I’ve never heard of it until 4-5 months ago – and what is it – 4 years old!
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Hi Frank, KR released All Summer Long in 2008. Its been out awhile but doesnt get old!
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Damn … I missed it for 10 years? Yikes!
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Haha! It’s new to you! All the better.
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I don’t listen to much terrestrial radio for many years – and the satellite stations I dial in aren’t contemporary – so I admittedly have missed a lot!
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Not a big fan of Kid but this songs a winner. I love the classics so much , I recently listened to “The Shadow of Your Smile” from the Bossa era. Such a beautiful song
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Got to love a good crooner song!
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Welcome back, Frank! Haven’t done this tour. Sounds interesting and worth contemplating. Look forward to your pics and stories. Couldn’t imbibe the song by Kid Rock. Definitely not a fan. Too many hateful, racist things have come out of his mouth for my taste, which means they emanated from his heart.
Take care and blog on…
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E-Tom,
Oh yes … a good tour. I’ll post more in the future, as well as a post about the positive and negatives of a bus tour. In terms of Kid Rock, I don’t care for him and seldom get excited about his music – but I like this song!
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WOW what a fabulous itinerary. I remember as a kid that Bryce and Zion as magical – like enchanted fairies made them. Hope you got to see some sunrises/sunsets there.
I can see the benefits of a bus tours, – especially with people from all over – would be interesting talking with them about the trip’s places as well as other stuff. But so many places so fast – whew!
As kids we were often told “Just about every west of the Mississippi has Indian blood in them – but it doesn’t count if you’re not getting oil money or not registered with a tribe.” I think knowledge of the First People depends on where you were raised and the attitude of adults/parents/government of the region. View points vary a lot. Good not to make broad generalizations.
Many full blooded Indians lived in the ordinary community where I grew up – and many of us had/have cousins on reservations. We were taught to be respectful. (And Tonto was considered the smart one – and he spoke 2 languages. Obviously the smart one). Kids were taught about the state’s and local tribes even in elementary schools – might be different in other states.
History is good – facts from both sides/view points as the truth is usually in the middle. But the honoring of US-tribal treaties is abysmal. Also true is that various tribes hated each other and fought for territory long before settlers arrived on the shores. Some lived in harmony with new settlers, and some tribes were feared by all. And there was slavery here before the Pilgrims. It’s only been fairly recently that anyone would admit/talk about how brutal the Buffalo Soldiers were to tribes after the Civil War. Humans are humans.
Human migration is complex. Then, as now, there are clashes of cultures, traditions, religion/philosophies of life and battles over territory.
I know more than you ever wanted to know HAHA
Glad you’re back! Always thought provoking posts here
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Mouse,
Thanks for the tidbits. Like any tour, this bus tour had positives and negatives – plusses and minuses – all for another post.
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Frank, what a beautiful exciting journey,the National Parks and monuments, and all that beautiful scenery, I bet you had a really wonderful vacation ..
Welcome back.. 🙂
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