Went on a trip to central Pennsylvania yesterday for my better half’s aunt’s 90th birthday. She has a huge family of 6 of their own children and the number of grandchildren and now great grandchildren are staggering. It was just the adults today which was nice and special. Rarely do we get a chance to talk and laugh like we did today.
I did the driving up and back. We also stopped at a cemetery to pay our respects to a niece who passed from cancer way to early and an uncle in-law who was special to me because he was also a career newspaperman who worked his life at the Philadelphia Inquirer. We used to trade war stories and both of us had an endless supply and would laugh and share a time in history that was special.
Six hours on the road is enough for me. I’ve done more but at a younger age. I’m sure I could do more, but I’d have to take stretching breaks.
Lake Habeeb. Photo by Mike Hartley
Just a great and relaxed Sunday ahead. Some grilling, a quick ride later with the top down. Maybe some football and exercise.
Looking forward to a grand week ahead and many accomplishments and adventures. Paddling with the current would be nice.
The daily prompt wants to know – What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?
I think the longest trip I’ve taken in term of time is a 10-day excursion to Florida with my best friend when we were in our early 20s. Details of that are classified or yet to be remembered.
In terms of distance, I think it was from Baltimore to Helsinki Finland. I went on a business trip for work. Some old images from Helsinki are below from a very old Kodak digital camera.
Photo by Mike HartleyPhoto by Mike HartleyPhoto by Mike HartleyPhoto by Mike HartleyPhoto by Mike HartleyPhoto by Mike Hartley
Truckin, up to buffalo. been thinkin, you got to mellow slow Takes time, you pick a place to go, and just keep truckin on.
The daily prompt wants to know – What’s the best tip for budget travel?
I’m far from being a travel expert, but I did find one thing I liked that saves money and was easier. We took the train to NYC earlier this year and that is the way to go at least from our location. I think we are going to do the train to Boston next year.
Another thing I have found is that mid-week stays are usually cheaper than weekends. But that might not be true for some big cities.
With airfare and gas getting so expensive I’m guessing travel might be affected and might be a good time to get some hotel or B&B deals on destinations near you.
What are your top 10 travel destinations? – Asks the daily prompt.
I’m not one to think more than a trip or two in advance because we have never traveled much. So, I won’ fantasize much here beyond what we are going to do and a few we might like.
We hope to take a trip to Charleston South Carolina this year sometime. Maybe another trip or two to the beach. New York City is one we want to return and see more of.
My better half would like to get to Ireland. I would like to see Yosemite, Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Maybe San Francisco.
Today my top destination is some back roads in and around some of Howard County with the top down and music on.
I prefer train if it makes sense. Photo by Mike Hartley
The daily prompt is asking – What’s a movie or book that inspired you to travel?
To be honest I can’t think of a book or movie that inspired travel. Sometimes it’s people I know who have been excited about a trip that spurs interest. Occasionally things I see online or on TV trigger thoughts of travel.
Like the scenic railroad show recently showing travel by train through the states. Or some of the commercials for scenic river cruises. But no books or movies. Sorry
Thoughts of travel are interesting to me. Yes, I have desire to see other places. No, I don’t like to travel. I’m not big on flying but I’ll do it. Nothing has been as comfortable as home. Usually, I have to adjust my schedule because if I’m up and about at my normal times, I’m disturbing others.
I leave behind a lot of things I like to do regularly at home, like some of my hobbies and my car. Luckily, I can travel with cameras easily still. In a lot of ways, it’s quite disruptive to my normal routine. I guess I’m more of a creature of habit and knowns.
I like easy trips. Like our venture to New York City earlier this year. A 3-hour train ride, hotel within a short walk, direct to our destination and then sightseeing. We didn’t set timelines or a stuffed itinerary; we did as much as we could each day and enjoyed the hell out of it. Stayed for 3 nights and 4 days with great weather and that was perfect trip.
Picking the right season to go in also. For the first time in our history, we took a winter vacation to a warmer climate. We went to Lauderdale by the Sea in Florida for 4-5 days. Again, great weather and easy days and nights made for a great time. I remember what one of our Uber drivers said. “You picked the perfect time of year to be here. It’s horrible in summer and surrounding months.”
I love to drive but I’m not into driving in unfamiliar places and even though I’d dealt with city traffic and high-speed interstates and everything in between I had no desire to drive into NYC. Now I have thought about renting a car from Miami and driving down to the Keys. I hear that is a nice ride and scenic.
My better half would like to travel a bit more. My daughter and her take short trips together. We might do a larger and longer trip in the future but nothing major is planned now. We would still like to get to Charleston SC. And the trip to NYC showed us there is a lot more to see there so another venture will be planned.
Maybe when I do a little more traveling the bug will bite me and I’ll be off more often.
In addition to driving a Mazda, I also have a Zoom lens.
Skyline looking out to Statue of Liberty. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m just getting back to doing some editing of some shooting I did when visiting NYC. There is so much more to see there that another 2-3 visits will just scratch the surface. I’d like to get out to the Statue of Liberty next time. Instead of reaching out through the camera.
Zoomed in from the same spot above shot was taken. Photo by Mike Hartley
Another spot I needed my monopod that I didn’t have it. I’ve really got to start taking that with me every time I step out with the camera.
We will do some local trips before heading NYC again or other destinations. This weekend it’s going to be too steamy, and we have grandchildren commitments.
Random Thoughts of the Day
The Grifter and Chief
Age sneaks up on me most of the time when I see a mirror.
It’s pizza for dinner. Life is Good.
Nobody is noticing I’m letting my beard get longer. I guess it’s a gradual thing.
This month is moving by too fast. Flipping my daily calendar is like flipping a day away.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when visiting your country? – Tough question from the daily prompt. Hope I don’t misinterpret it.
I would guess people think there is a lot more crime and violence here than there actually is. Another thing I might think people visiting would make is with food. Portion sizes here are large compared to other parts of the world I believe.
I’m thinking America has a reputation of being a rather rude or in your face country. I’d say a small percentage of us behave like assholes. Most of us are very friendly.
When you’re traveling state to state pretend you just entered a different country.
Don’t assume we have competent leadership here.
This is a tip and tax country.
I guess most countries have some form of racing. And some of you might have seen racing in the USA also. Maybe the Indy 500 or Daytona 500. Well, we don’t really separate that from our highways here so if you’re renting a car, get ready to compete.
There is a lot of Natural and Man-Made beauty in this country. It’s also a very BIG country and if you are out wandering be careful and know the environment/weather before venturing out. Speaking of weather, don’t underestimate it. We have it all, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, blizzards, ice storms.
There are a lot of chains here in the USA. But just like your home country some of the best places are local independently owned restaurants. Locals will gladly share the best spots.
Have a great visit please. Despite our incompetent leader and his circus clowns we love other nationalities and ethnicities. Those who hate are too stupid to realize they built a lot of this country.
Washington Monument and Capital. Photo by Mike Hartley
I was weeding out my drafts folder when I ran across this post I started in 2016. Okay, I know it is a decade old. But my drafts folder has swollen to over 500 items. It’s down to about 200 and I’m still trashing things and posting a few that are still relevant or not timely.
Nothing timely about it because the images were shot in 2002 if memory serves me correctly. These were done with one of the first Digital zoom cameras, a Kodak DC50 which was released in 1996 or 97.
I was in town for a Newspaper User group annual meeting hosted by the Dallas Morning News. You know back when Newspapers were still a thriving business.
I remember only having a few hours to walk around the town between meetings. Sorry for the sharpness. The sensor in that camera was 756×504 pixels. And the time between pressing the shutter and the actual image being taken was far too long.
I could spend another lifetime just photographing New York City. I could spend a lifetime just doing any one discipline in photography like architecture or people in that city.
One of the few forms of transportation that we didn’t try this week in NYC.
Photo by Mike Hartley
Parts of town were so colorful and intense. Others are quite brutal and grey. I know we are going back to visit because there are some major draws that we must see. And I look forward to shooting many more images of the town and its people.
But back to my hometown state and area. Still lots to shoot and share here.
What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why? – Asks the daily prompt this fine Thursday morning.
That is a tough one because until recently we haven’t traveled much. At one time I never thought of wanting to visit Russia. I still don’t but I have a different view of the country after working with a young man from Russia for several years who had immigrated here with his family. He taught me about parts of the country, and you could feel his missing some spots he talked about or showed me on the map from his youth.
I guess North Korea because there is a good chance I’d never get to see any of it and probably never be able to leave.
This gives me a good idea of a post of places I’m going to visit.
Back in the saddle again here at mission control (home). My better half and I took a few days and traveled to New York City. It was a grand time. I had a few physical things bothering me, but I powered through. It was a short trip, Sunday morning, till this Wednesday evening. The weather was great and the city was alive.
The Amtrac train from BWI to NYC, to our hotel, just a few streets north of Penn Station. Then out and about to see the town. We walked to Rockefeller Center and went to the Top of The Rock. What a view, we went to all 3 levels and just marveled at the sights.
Lunch at a restaurant in Rockefeller Center and a walk around the buildings and artworks/sculptures. Wandered over to St. Patrick’s and observed mass and the beauty inside and out. Of course, the kids in us had to go over to FAO Swartz to rediscover the kids inside us. Just an update – toys have changed. Saw Radio City.
We were ready to head back, and I saw a large building with the Christies name. Just walked in and asked what it was, thinking Christie’s is an auction house for those who would spend my net worth on lunch. Turns out it was their Fine Art Gallery. And open to the public. Another wonderful chuck of time spent viewing wonderful works of art over 3 floors. Knowledgeable staff at each step but so invisible allowing for a great viewing experience. And I could take pictures. Not like I wasn’t snapping away the whole trip.
We did Times Square on the way back and had a late dinner at the Tick Tock diner which is right around the corner from where we stayed. After walking 7 miles that day we just wanted a good bite to eat and then get horizontal and rest the puppies.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum were the highlight of my trip. Photo by Mike Hartley
Monday was spent at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial and Wall Street. The first took my breath away again and triggered some tears. The second is what I thought it would be. I wish everyone in this country could visit the memorial/museum. The only other place I’ve been where I’ve seen people be respectful of where they were was in Arlington Cemetery.
I met a wonderful young lady who worked at Newsweek which was a sister publication of The Washington Post. She just happened to be working by the display of one of the few things I didn’t know about the day. A single pane of glass, I think she said from the 82 floor was on only one that survived unbroken that day.
I’ve watched, read and seen photos/videos of that day more than most. Seeing the physical space, items from that day was totally different and even more impactful.
Tuesday, we had planned to walk a bit of Central Park. That is the day after more than 10 miles the first two days, arthritis in my feet started to bother me. That and the fact I almost ripped the nail off my little toe early that morning with a door. Still, we marshaled a dozen blocks up to catch the Uptown tour bus that rounds Central Park. Roasting in the sun on the bus for 2 hours didn’t hit us till the breeze stopped when we got off. Didn’t realize how hot we had got.
Ducked into the Playwright Irish Pub for lunch and some A/C. Did some people watching in Times Square on the way back to the hotel. Got back and didn’t want a ton to eat so we asked where the best pizza nearby was. Best answer to that question I ever got. Went to a little spot right up the street at 36th and 9th called Vito’s.
Oh, can’t forget Burgerolgy from Monday night – great smashburger. I was so stuffed and disappointed I couldn’t get a shake.
Today my better half slept in a bit. I was up early wandering around, people watched and then rested in the lobby till the free breakfast opened. Returned to sleeping beauty (she really is) and we just got ready leisurely and rolled into Penn Station early, had a casual lunch and boarded our ride home.
We already have a long list for our next visit. The highline, a Broadway play, The Summit One Vanderbilt, The Plaza, Strawberry Fields. The Met and many more. Looks like more than one trip.
We are not seasoned travels by any means. I find these short trips fun. But it’s GOOD to be HOME again.
The shot above was from my phone. I just downloaded the first cameras shooting and that was over 400 images. I’m worried about looking at the second camera and iPhone for fear of the editing time involved.
But the good side is I’m sure I’ll have a few photos that will remind me of points I didn’t bring up above.
I was out shooting some homes the other day and ran across something unusual. I’m guessing it’s an old mile marker showing its 20 miles to Baltimore from this spot. Found along Rt 99 just west of Marriottsville Road.
As the crow flies this is about right. Photo by Mike Hartley
When I saw this, I thought of how we used to navigate in the old days. Old days being when I grew up in the 50s and 60s. My parents used maps. Big bulky things that could stretch across the entire front windshield if unfolded completely. Or the good old AAA TripTik. A much more user-friendly guide to your destination.
Ah another memory from the past, the Rand McNally Road Atlas map books.
I’ve always had the knack of being able to remember a destination and route if I’d been there once before regardless of the time between. Age is taking its toll now though and that memory isn’t as good as it used to be. So maybe these will come in handy again.
Not quite, but close. It would be nice to be back in Florida, instead of looking out on my yard of mud that was snow-covered till yesterday and about to be recovered with snow tomorrow. So, I’ll make the best of a cold situation. Why not start searching out what next year’s warm weather escape will be.
This year’s trip was kind of a spur of the moment one. My brother in-law and his wife had just taken a trip to Hawawi and that triggered the thought in both of us to say why not escape for a few days.
Photo by Mike Hartley
We looked at the southwest coast of Florida, but that area is still recovering so we went eastside to Fort Lauderdale. Specifically, the town of Lauderdale by The Sea.
And the beach was beautiful and open as can be on the first and second day there. By Friday people were elbow to elbow. The pool was far less crowded and warmer.
Photo by Mike Hartley
One of the nice things I remember about the trip was the complements we received on how nice we were compared to the locals. We were told they have some major attitude of entitlement. And I guess all that money there plays right into that hand.
I thought the cars were impressive. Watching these monsters of the sea go by like cabs was something else. Photo by Mike Hartley
One other thing that struck me in this area was the drivers. Holy crap, they are some aggressive sons of bitches. And that is saying something because I drive in the DC/Baltimore corridor. I didn’t see the signs, but I think there is an unwritten rule to test your horn at every intersection. And I guess NASCAR has moved the preliminary qualifying races to the streets. You didn’t see this action in the downtown area but a mile from the beach it was green flag racing.
It’s a town I’m glad I visited and would recommend to others. Great beaches and good restaurants all within walkable distance and there is a free shuttle around town. The open-air dining was perfect for the weather we had. The grandkids and kids liked their gifts and we were very relaxed. I do know Florida is a little to MAGA in my face and probably won’t be down for many more visits. The Caribbean has caught my interest and might be my next winter destination.
I’m back at home after a short trip south with my better half to a town called Lauderdale By The Sea in Florida. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food and sights and of course the weather. Sunny days in the mid to upper 70s. A nice breeze and swimmable waters. Nice beaches, shops and lodging.
I followed the instructions. Relax… you’re here. Photo by Mike Hartley
I think swimming did my back well because no meds were needed and I’m feeling stronger. We did a lot of walking, and I even lost a few pounds despite eating very well. I know I was pounding too many sweets before I went.
For the life of me, I cannot remember taking a winter vacation to a warm destination in our marriage since our honeymoon. And that was a very long time ago. So, it was a real treat for us. We got a lot of sun but no burn. Feels good to have a bit of color on the skin again.
I think we were both a bit nervous about flying again. I know I was. It had been some years. But both the airports at BWI and Fort Lauderdale were a breeze, and the flights were pretty smooth. We did have a rather hard landing on the way down.
Airport at Fort Lauderdale. Photo by Mike Hartley
But back to work here at the homestead and online. I was going to go back a few days and see what questions I missed on the writing prompts but just did yesterdays and todays. I will respond to comments this week today and go back and see some of the wonderful things I’ve missed this week here.
Photo by Mike Hartley
I’ve finished downloading the limited shooting I did while away. It wasn’t intentional. It was that relaxed feeling where I was in break mode. If the whim struck me as it did two days, I shot a bit. Others I left the camera behind.
Walking was a great part of this trip. I’ve got to keep it up and get on the treadmill till it warms up outside again. Funny going from a beach and beautiful weather to snow covered ground and the temp at freezing with some possible rain and freezing rain later today.
For me, Florida is a nice place to visit, wouldn’t want to live there.
I’m guessing a good number of you might be traveling this coming holiday. Be it by car, plane or a walk across the street, have a safe and wonderful trip. I know some of you are getting an early start.
This drop top has more room than mine. Photo by Mike Hartley
We haven’t been big travelers in the past but hope to do some now that the time is available. I’m not sure why but I love the idea of taking trains to places in this country. I’ve had very few train rides in my life, but all have been great. A few trips north to Philly, NYC and Rochester are all I can remember.
We’re going to do a few local things before the end of the year that are just short drives but next year we might be rolling more.
I don’t think I’ll ever be comfortable flying, but I’ll do it because it’s the only way to get to some places the better half would like to visit. So, to the air we will take.
Tomorrow I’m keeping my feet on the ground with a joy ride because it might be the last sunny day that isn’t too cold before the long winter sets in.
Share a story about the furthest you’ve ever traveled from home. – The daily writing prompt asks again.
I don’t have another story other than the one I did last year called Helsinki, to answer this question.
We haven’t been big travelers in the past but hope to take a few trips in the future. Scenic train rides interest me. So do river cruises.
A family member is in Australia now traveling on dream vacation. Just saw one of her Facebook posts this morning.
Another family member is leaving for Hawaii sometime this month. I guess I should get my behind in gear and get with the program.
In some ways I’m kind of a homebody. I’m not against travel, I’m just comfortable here also. But the question is well timed because we are going to make some reservations for an out of state visit before the end of the year. I spent part of yesterday looking at hotel rates.
It’s been a few years now since I’ve traveled to Washington. I worked there for a few decades. Time to go visit some of the things I never got a chance to because I was working too much.
If your traveling, be safe.
Washington Monument and Capital. Photo by Mike Hartley
What countries do you want to visit? – I can rock and roll with this question from the daily writing prompt.
I’d like to start by seeing some of my own country. Things like NYC and some of our grand national parks out west. Maybe the Key West in Florida and San Diego or San Francisco. I hear Charleston and Savana are beautiful. Maybe Denver or Boston also.
My better half wants to go to Ireland, so I want to go to Ireland.
I’d like to see Italy, France, Spain, UK and Australia if I were to want to travel that much.
Then again if I get no further than the beaches of Maryland and Delaware, that is okay with me.
What place in the world do you never want to visit? Why? – An interesting question from the daily writing prompt and a tough one because I’m not much of a world traveler yet.
Short Answer – Mount Everest – too difficult to get there and too cold.
Long Answer below
The list of places I have no desire to visit could be a long one, so I’ll spare you the endless bullet list. Mostly because they all have an element of risk that is too high. In some ways that might be unfair. Even traveling within the United States is risky. Yes, we have crime here, lots of it in some spots.
Traveling now as a US citizen out of the country, I’m guessing it’s getting less popular by the day. For the record many of us here abhor the policies and words being used by the administration in describing the rest of the world. And we don’t like seeing what is happening.
Leaving this country now might be a risky proposition for me. Given my disagreement with the current administration, they might not let me back in. Vive la Résistance
I’m sure even the places I don’t want to visit have some beauty about them. Be it the people, land, nature or sights/culture. So, every place could be a good place to visit.
For instance, I always had a negative view of Russia, but I had the pleasure of working with a young man who grew up there and he would point areas he traveled to and special things about them that put things in a new light. Still wouldn’t go there because of the government there but it does have natural beauty. And I know one former Russian who seemed to be a fine person.
Travel is in our future, but first a new grandchild will soon need our attention, so I’ll be staying put a while and reveling in holding a new infant in my hands when the day comes.
You don’t find many empty ticket counters most days at BWI. Photo by Mike Hartley
You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car or bike? – The daily writing prompt, getting into my travel preferences.
A cross-country trip, that sounds nice. I’m getting up there in years so a bike be it, self-propelled or a motorcycle wouldn’t be the best thing. Even though those are the best ways to SEE the country. And I always enjoyed riding a motorcycle the most.
But again, too old, to susceptible to weather, and dangerous.
Buses make me nauseous. I’m not sure why because no other form of transportation does that. So that is out as an option.
I can fly but it certainly isn’t my favorite form of transportation. The whole experience isn’t pleasant.
We did the Western Maryland RR last fall that goes from Cumberland to Frostburg and back. Photo by Mike Hartley
Train or car would be my preference. I love to drive but sitting back on a train for a few days just enjoying the views, casual meals and stops in a few towns sounds good.
I’m pulling together a list of travel ideas for future consideration. And being the new year is here I’m ready to pursue those locations. When I saw the picture of this spot it really got me itching to get away. This picture is nothing like the rain, sleet and snow coming down from cloud covered skies this past weekend.
That call of the ocean, one of my favorite spots in the state of Maryland is the eastern shore be it the bay or ocean. It’s only mid January and I can hear that whisper “where are you, Mike?”
We have stayed here a few times but prices have risen, as with everything.
I could easily live at the beach, even year-round, only the love of my children and grandchildren keeps me rooted in Howard County. Along with a few very close friends.
Some might think I am living at the beach because I do plan on beating a path back and forth quite a bit from April till October.
I’m sitting here envisioning it because I’m chomping at the bit and drawing on my reserve of memories of hot summer days with the top down and that smell of the salt air as I cross the bridge into town.
This Sunday is the Maryland Miata Club meeting. I’m going to go and join in for an hour before returning home and covering the car for the upcoming snow on Monday. I just threw the cover back on the car this afternoon for the dusting that’s on its way today.
The meets usually last 2-3 hours easily but when it’s 30 degrees, even the strong will move inside or head home after an hour. One thing I’m looking forward to is a slice of Three Brothers Pizza. They took over the old Neo Pizza spot. And that’s the lot we meet at.
I’m a ragtop man. So begins a year of travel, but first the long season of cover on, or top up. Hence the name on the logo below – Full Circle Road Trips. Those sunny days and warm summer nights are balanced out with the cool temps and snow.
This year is the year of the destination. I hope to make my travels, a little more part of this blog this year.
I tinkered with the logo below that I’ll use to detail my road trips this year.
There won’t be too many this month in the Miata but that won’t stop the other vehicles. Between the weather and appointments this January is busy. I did take the fun machine out Thursday night because I hadn’t started it in a week, so I thought I’d exercise it a bit with a trip to my friends home.
May you enjoy the drive and the bad drivers be on another road than yours.
Here’s to safe travels and exciting miles ahead in 2025.
Maryland has some great roads. Photo by Mike Hartley.
My better half and I took a trip to Western Maryland this week. Allegany County to be specific. It’s quite the contrast to the Maryland Eastern Shore trip we took last week. The thing they have in common though is they are both beautiful.
Aboard Coach 2. Photo by Mike Hartley
The colors were out on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad we took on Wednesday. It’s very near peak season for the trees to change.
We sat in an enclosed car but they do have open-air cars on the train. Photo by Mike Hartley
The contrast of the lower eastern shore’s recent visit accentuated the height of the mountains we traveled on our way to Cumberland.
Small towns dot the landscapes. Photo by Mike Hartley
One thing I love about the eastern and western parts of the state is that they are rural. There are open spaces. Well Ocean City itself hasn’t an inch of open space but everything on the way there is.
I still think the prime color is about a week off. Photo by Mike Hartley
I know we will be heading west again, probably in the spring. They do have a Winter Express train which sounded nice but driving out there in the dead of winter won’t be as pleasant as this ride was this week.
Frostberg Train Staiton. Photo by Mike Hartley
We stayed a night at Rocky Gap Casino Resort and Golf. No, I didn’t play golf. I did casino and resort though. Some nice firepits outside at night, beautiful views of the lake, and surrounding grounds and state park.
A real Engineer. Photo by Mike Hartley
This was the second train ride I’ve taken this year. I like it.
I’m into motors but this is a bit out of my range. Photo by Mike Hartley
It rained, misted, and was mostly overcast the entire day with a few precious peeks of sun. But it was a very nice day and ride, one we will take again. I’ll make sure to do one in the summer when the ice cream stand at the top of the station will get some of my business.
A destination on our travel list in the future. By train of course. After getting a look at traffic on a trip earlier this year to New York City, I will pass getting behind the wheel in this web of asphalt and concrete.
NYC Skyline. Photo by Matt Hartley
My better half is into travel and is busy planning. I’m more the homebody I guess. The little I have done this year is slowly changing my opinion though. Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.
I’ve found an old list that has me excited about a few projects I’d never started or had forgotten about that sound quite tempting now. Along with a ton of photography goals, I have for the remainder of the week, so I had best be busy achieving them all.
What are your future travel plans? – Interesting ask by the Daily writing prompt.
We have never traveled extensively. Either money, time, or priorities kept us fairly local. But now retired, we have some time. Still a little limited on resources but we will make the best of it and do some traveling.
My better half has always wanted to go to Ireland so that is on the bucket list.
I’m more into seeing the United States. To me, it has so many wonders and things I’m interested in like it’s National Parks and significant locations. For instance, we hope to visit New York City and see the 9/11 Memorial and other famous sights in the city this year.
We both like the idea of going to San Francisco.
Photo by Mike Hartley
So far this year we have been concentrating on local jaunts. We are going into DC for a few days and hit the monuments and museums next. After working there for many years it will be nice to go down for something else.
Another spot my better half has wanted to visit is Charleston South Carolina and I’d like to see Myrtle Beach.
Maybe further south to see Key West someday and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio. And while I’m there take in the NFL Hall of Fame.
I could go on because I have an extensive list for retirement but of course resources and health will dictate a lot of it. But getting out of the house and experiencing the world is finally an opportunity I hope we are fortunate enough to experience.
What countries do you want to visit? – The Daily Writing prompt is getting into the travel business.
Do I answer this? Will I start receiving travel offers? Will someone think I have a lot of money because I dream of going someplace? Will a bunch of travel bloggers condemn my choices?
Ah, screw it. I’ll answer as I always do. My better half would love to visit Ireland so I’ll be going there someday.
Me, I want to see my own country. The United States and its wonders. For you who don’t live in the U.S. going from state to state is like visiting other countries at times. I’ve only been to 15 states and Washington DC, so far in my life.
But not to be lazy, I looked through the list of what I believe were 195 countries and found possibilities.
Australia
The Bahamas
France
Italy
Sweden
We started this first year of retirement by seeing my home state of Maryland. We will venture out after that. Then again, I am a homebody.
For those of you not from Maryland, Old Bay is a seasoning that we love to put on crabs and other seafood dishes. Well, truth be told, on a lot of things. Photo by Mike Hartley
The Daily Writing prompt asks – You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car or bike?
Car 1st would be my choice. My better half would never go for the car choice though. But if I were solo it would be a car.
Maybe something a little more sporty. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m too old for a bicycle and my iron butt days of riding motorcycles are behind me. I might be able to string a day or two together in the seat, but not cross country. Maybe I could trailer a bike?
And this would be the bike to take behind if he would sell it. Photo by Mike Hartley
If I’m going cross-country with my better half (the only way I would like it), I want to SEE THE COUNTY. And at this point in life, a train ride is the most appealing. I heard of beautiful scenic rides and bookmarked several that show various routes and specials around this wonderful country.
So the train is the answer to the question.
Cumberland Station. Photo by Mike Hartley
I’m not into buses or airplanes. I’ll take them if I have to but they are my last choices.
Today’s writing prompt for Bloganuary is “What is your preferred mode of Travel?” Sometimes questions like this leave you between 2 or 3 choices. Not me, there is only one way I prefer to travel now and that is driving in my convertible Miata. Be it longer trips or A to B. That is my love now. 30-40 years ago the answer would have been by motorcycle but the comfort of a car and a convertible and a sporty feel makes it a clear favorite.
Driving puts you in control of the schedule and route to get to your destination. If you don’t want to go at peak travel times you don’t have to. Stops along the way are your choice and you get to meet people from different areas. Driving allows you to see the land. Take in the smells of different regions, and feel the different temperatures as you change elevations. It’s hard to make out what is what at 30,000 feet.
When it’s clean. Photo by Mike Hartley
When I’m traveling I’m most comfortable when I’m in control of the vehicle. Anytime I relinquish that it’s a level of discomfort.
I didn’t like riding a bus when I went to school and that dislike continues to this day. Oh, I can ride a bus from a hotel to a church or reception but not travel travel.
It’s not that I don’t fly we do. It does get you there very fast (well at least my personal interaction with airlines) and it’s safer, but when you factor in parking, travel to the terminal, lines for baggage, and security and boarding. Oh and deplaning and baggage pickup and rent a car and off again. And then there is the part I’m not thrilled with like leaving the ground and returning to the ground and that time in between.
I’ll never be the cruise ship type. Even before the pandemic, I shuttered at the thought of being on one of those many cruises where tons of people are locked away in closet-sized cabins having severe stomach distress for days and paying thousands of $$ for the pleasure. And even if that doesn’t transpire you have mother nature. Repeat after me, hurricanes, rogue waves, your in a boat in the middle of nowhere.
There is one mode of travel that I thought about expanding upon in the future though and that is train travel. We took a train to Philly for a wedding last year and that went great. I’m looking forward to riding the Scenic Railway out in Western Maryland this year. I’m also thinking of taking the train (because the thought of driving in NYC doesn’t appeal to me) to New York City to see the 9/11 memorial and some other sights. I also see there are some wonderful scenic trains out west.
So there it is my fears and phobias about modes of travel and my preferred mode of travel that really gets me excited. And this thought about travel has got me more excited about the coming year.
Random Thoughts of the Day
A better mental start to the day was made, which is always a big difference. A good night’s rest for a change was probably the catalyst.
It’s a bacon morning.
That cold wind this morning didn’t have that usual crisp and clean feel to it, almost like an angry feeling.
You know it’s going to be a good day when you get a picture of your son asleep and his dog asleep by his head and sitting a foot is his infant son who is sitting up wide awake and happy smiling at mom while she’s snapping the picture.
