By Guest Author Peggy Bradshaw
My favorite War Memorial in Washington, DC is the Korean War Veterans Memorial with its band of realistic bronze soldiers warily and wearily crossing a field headed into harm’s way. Dedicated on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice, July 27, 1995, the memorial honors the more than 54,000 who died there, and the thousands of veterans of this conflict.
Korean War Memorial - Photo by George Bradshaw
In the last of my three-part journey north of Santa Fe, I am heading up to Taos, New Mexico. After spending the morning in Bandelier National Monument and Los Alamos, I’m heading to a destination that is more known for its winter activities than summer.
Can you say SKIING? That’s what most people think of when they hear the words Taos, New Mexico. (more…)
Today, those who leave graffiti as a reminder of their existence might use paint.
Centuries ago, scratching laboriously into stone surfaces with hand made tools, native people left designs we call petroglyphs. Scratched into the surface, Native Americans left behind images that can be easily figured out and some that are mysterious.
Human form
By Guest Author Peggy Bradshaw
The Native Heritage Center, located outside of Anchorage, Alaska, introduces you to native traditions and customs of both the past and the present. We stopped there on our way from Whittier to Anchorage. (more…)
When we visited Walnut Canyon National Monument this past weekend, we were alerted that there were 240 steps down – and up – from the visitor center to the Loop Trail where we could see the homes of ancient people carved out of steep hillsides.
240 steps – each way, up and down – was quite a strenuous trip to reach the top! When Sinagua people inhabited the cliff dwellings of Walnut Canyon 800 years ago, they must have been part mountain goat – and they didn’t have paved steps and paths! Although I consider myself fairly physically fit, the altitude, 7,000 feet, coupled with the demanding climb of 185 feet, I reached the visitor center panting with my heart pounding.
By Guest Author Peggy Bradshaw
When you are traveling to all of these great places out west, if you want to be economical, you might bring your RV. Here are some places to stay…
The KOA Campgrounds across the country are usually very nice and well run. One of the nicest is the one in Las Cruces, NM. There are trees and a cement pad at every site and most are pull-thru, making it easier to get your rig in and out. The Las Cruces campground has a wonderful pool and picnic/barbeque area, and a grassy area for those with tents. The general store and gift shop offers western and native wares for purchase, along with restocking your rig.
In no particular order, I plan to review places I’ve been, things I’ve seen and restaurants where I’ve dined that have stuck with me – favorites. Some of the places already reviewed are favorites, but I’ll be highlighting some new places, as well as adding new details about those we’ve already shared.
Although I have a great fondness for many places on the East Coast of the US, I returned to Ogunquit, Maine several times. I loved the mix of sun, sand, waves, theater, seafood and a certain peaceful attitude you don’t find in every resort town.
Walking on the beach, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean was a restful, meditative experience. Choosing lobsters, then sitting down in a very easy-going way to enjoy our food was another fun experience. The arts community’s work in Ogunquit is a pleasure to see. (more…)
By Guest Author Peggy Bradshaw
Upon first seeing Mt. Rushmore, the first thing that goes through your mind is the enormity of it. The second thing is “Wow! How did they do that!” (more…)
Long before there were high rises in Manhattan, ancient people built tall buildings in the cliffs. At Montezuma Castle, a US National Parks Service National Monument, you can see, from a distance, the handiwork of “Sinagua” dwellers from the 12th century. The Park is north of Flagstaff, Arizona near Interstate 17 and is normally $5 per person for those 16 and older.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
This is the last weekend (August 15-16) that the US National Park Service is allowing free entry to over 100 national parks. Montezuma Castle is one of the free locations during this special promotion. See the following list to see what is available to visit for free. (more…)
Oregon is a state of mind. Everywhere we went when we visited years ago, we found ourselves trying to figure out how we could live in that particular locale.
I love the ocean; my husband loves the mountains. Oregon has both ocean and mountains plus waterfalls, hiking, and scenery that truly makes you want to stay. So, Oregon has absolutely charmed us. The Convention and Visitors Bureaus would be proud of us!
Haystack Rock with friend, Cannon Beach, Oregon
