Cross-Country Road Trip v3.0: 48 States, 90 Days

Someday. I’m thinking spring departure and going counter-clockwise might be better than summer and clockwise (if nothing else, it should help avoid the problems of hurricane season). Anyway, here’s a map of the latest idea:  The push-pins are only sort-of significant. – [ ] Day 1 – [ ] Mission Viejo to Grand Staircase-Escalante NM

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The Reagan Library in Simi Valley

Went there in early February with HC12 and allotted kids, thereby concluding my series of visits to local presidential libraries. Never again to slip the surly bonds of earth (probably). Pros: Air Force One on permanent display (the *old* Air Force One). It’s like a museum of my life from 1981-88. And I kind of

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The Nixon Library in Yorba Linda

A few (several?) weeks ago, I went out to Yorba Linda to check out the Nixon Library, seeing as it’s not that far away and I hadn’t ever been to a presidential library before. Ate lunch in Placentia at Carl’s Jr., among whose customers that day I believe I was the only one who hadn’t

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Oahu Photos Posted

32 photos for a 3.5-day trip is probably excessive, especially given how many of them are so badly lit. I swear, one day I’ll figure out where the sun is. (Click on the Photos link on the top of the page if you’re interested.) bkd

Sea World: The Corporate Religion Experience!

It’s either okay to train killer whales to be in shows or it’s not. If it’s okay, it’s because the whales like it, not because they have decided that it’s the right thing to do for the betterment of their kind. And if they like it, then there’s no reason not to have ’em jumping

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Long Weekend on Oahu

Brief FAQ Didn’t you just go to Hawaii? Yes, but a different island. Isn’t that a long way to fly for just a three-day weekend? Meh. Why did you decide to go? $284 round-trip over a holiday weekend — that seemed like a sign. Day 1 (Friday)   Laie Point Activities: Aiea Loop Trail, Lunch

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Scary Hawaiian Bumper Sticker

Saw this one yesterday morning driving down Ala Wai trying to get to the H-1 West:   On the off chance you can’t quite read it, it says “How Do I Drive? Please Call 836-0317.” OTOH, maybe this isn’t scary so much as it is an innovative use of The Wisdom of Crowds. You stick

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More Death Valley Photos Posted

I’d put a link in this post to the photos section, but I don’t want your link-hunting skills to atrophy. bkd

Camping Trip to Death Valley

Went camping in Death Valley last weekend. Camped for two whole nights — an adult personal best! The lowest point in North America. Yes, that pot hole right there. Pros: The roller coaster roads, featuring many inversions. Taking the Emigrant Road way back to civilization — brilliantly washed out and steep. My new flannel-lined sleeping

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Ultralight Flying on Kauai

Went Thursday. It was cool. Sometimes I get the impression that the whole point of Kauai is to see how many different ways you can look at the Na Pali coast. Me this trip: 3. Ultralight flying on Thursday, drive/viewpoint/hike today, boat on Monday. Do I win? No. I could’ve done helicopter, kayak, and hike-in.

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