November 20, 2021
by David Ryan
7 Comments

Hiking the Grand Canyon – Rim to Rim

The Grand Canyon, as far as I am concerned, is the most awe inspiring place on earth. A short walk along the rim and or a few minutes spent gazing into the canyon will take your breath away. The Grand Canyon is wonderful for just a look, an extended stay, or if you have the time, a hike.

The Grand Canyon at sunset from Bright Angel Lodge

I have hiked in the canyon many times and have been down to the Colorado River more than once and have even spent a night at the world famous Phantom Ranch. But I had never hiked the canyon rim to rim. Earlier this year I made a COVID-vaccination resolution to do it and this month (November 2021) I finally made the 24-mile trek from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Continue Reading →

October 14, 2021
by David Ryan
6 Comments

Checking Out a Post Office Mural in Madison, Illinois While Wandering on a Road Trip

This blog post picks up from where the last post – Discovering Locality While Wandering on a Road Trip – left off by the side of a horseradish field near Collinsville, Illinois.

One of the many horseradish fields near Collinsville, Illinois that makes the area the World’s Horseradish Capital.

After taking in the horseradish field, I realized that I had enough time to go to nearby Madison, Illinois (less than 15 miles from Collinsville) to check out a New Deal-era post office mural. The mural and its nearby location provided me the idea and context to continue my wandering adventure. Continue Reading →

September 30, 2021
by David Ryan
1 Comment

Discovering Locality While Wandering on a Road Trip

When I go on a long road trip I like to notice what’s along the way – the shape of the land, the color of the soil, how the land is used, what crops are growing, and whatever else may be out there to discover. Noticing just becomes what you do when you adopt the mindset of wandering.

As you pass through communities you may also notice that there is oftentimes a sense of sameness. The same Walmarts, cineplexes, parking lots, whatever. But if you takes a second look, you might notice something that sets that community apart from everyone else.

If you happen to visit Abraham Lincoln’s hometown (Springfield, Illinois) for the Lincoln sites,

You can visit Lincoln’s burial place when you are in Springfield.

Continue Reading →