The Gipper's Guide to America

[The Gipper]

@gftchris said:

Fucked up weather. Did not expect 60F and 20+ mph winds in Moab. Still,the arches are pretty cool.

60 seems pretty nice to me. The wind though, that could be a bitch....considering all the sand that would blow up.

But the Arches are cool....especially Granny's Bloomers.

[The Gipper]

Best hiking for the average person: Dolly Sods Wilderness, WV

I actually got to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in WVa....but did not do any hiking. I just drove through it on that terrible dirt road, and the fog was so thick when we went through we couldn't see anything,

[The Gipper]

Further updates on travel:

Last summer for my anniversary we went to my son's place in Ithaca NY. He took us on a wine boat tour out on Lake Cayuga, one of the Finger Lakes. Very cool. Nice calm evening They brought in wine from a local winery, had a good time. Very cool. Don't know where else in the country you can do that sort of thing.

Also, last fall, I did a trip to Idaho. Flew into Boise, stayed in Sun Valley most of the time. There is beautiful scenery around every bend you turn. Did my usual National Parks thing. Craters of the Moon ....a huge lava bed with some cinder cones. City of Rocks...very cool interesting rock formations. Hagerman Fossil Beds...mainly for the small fossil museum. Also went over to John Day Fossil Beds in Oregon. A great fossil museum...but also spectacular scenery.

Also did another WWII related location: The Minidoka Internment Camp national monument. This is where all the Japanese from like the states of Oregon and Washington were brought during WWII.

Came in and out of Boise. A very nice, clean city.

[The Gipper]

@diehardbrownsfan said:

You're not in Kansas anymore.

I just came back from a week in Kansas.

[The Gipper]

This is a topic on this thread that I thought I had covered here before this, but in reviewing all 12 pages, I do not see where I posted it anywhere. This is part of my "Gipper's List". In this case, it is my opinion of what the best cities/towns are of varying sizes and categories. It covers North America, not just the USA:

5 Best Big Cities:

Chicago

Toronto

New Orleans

San Francisco

San Antonio

5 Best "Midsize Cities":

Savannah, Ga.

Quebec City, Quebec

Santa Fe, New Mex.

Santa Barbara, Cal.

Madison, Wisc.

5 Best Small Towns #:

Woodstock, Vermont

Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Seaside, Florida

Wellsboro Pa.

Cooperstown, NY

5 Best "Resort Towns"

Sedona, Arizona

Taos, New Mexico

Aspen, Colorado

Carmel, Cal.

Naples/Key West Fla.

#Note on this: I have seen a few publications that have place the town of Litchfield, Connecticut as a top small town. I have never been there so do not rate it. However, I do plan to make a brief visit there this summer.

Others have also placed Blowing Rock NC on this list. Again, I have not been there, so I cannot rate. Hope to stop by there some day soon.

[TexasAg1969]

@the-gipper said:

QUOTE (calfoxwc @ Apr 8 2010, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Best Sunrise: On top of Mt. Haleakala, Maui. (honorable mention: Quoddy Head, Maine)

Best Beaches: St. John, US Virgin Islands Gipp

*****************************************

Mt. Haleakala was an amazing place. I think we have pictures from it, I should post them sometime. It is absolutely breathtaking.

St. John, is a smaller island just off the American Virgin Islands' St. Thomas.

St. John is about 75 % national park, I think it was... and the beach is Trunk Bay.

It has an -underground- park underwater, with stones describing certain places and plants, etc.

two really outstanding places places to go see.

Trunk Bay is perhaps the best known of the St. John beaches, but there are several on that island, any of which are great.

I totally agree on both Maui and St. John. Great view from up there and also some excellent snorkeling places, though a couple of people were killed by sharks on Maui just before we got there. St. John is just one of a kind. Bucket List stuff.

Favorite hiking zone for me is trails throughout Rocky Mountain National Park just outside Estes Park. I'm getting a bit old now for the really long 12-15 milers I used to do in my 30s and 40s. I always spend the first week taking the relatively shorter and lower altitude ones before taking on a few 10 milers (round trip).

For a fall trip I tell people drive to western Mass and drive up through Vermont (Woodstock is as you said) and on to the White Mountains of N.H. There is a very excellent art gallery in Williamstown, Mass. that is worth spending a few hours in before taking the drive further on. Unbelievable collection that most are unaware even exists there. Take a look at their permanent collection.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Art_Institute

[The Gipper]

Williams College, alma mater of James Garfield...and George Steinbrenner I believe.

[TexasAg1969]

Erin Burnett of CNN-did not know that before looking it up-knew there was a reason I like watching her show.

[mjp28]

@texasag1969 said:

Erin Burnett of CNN-did not know that before looking it up-knew there was a reason I like watching her show.

She's cute, used to be on CNBC when she was starting out.

[The Gipper]

I think it was on this thread that we were relating which battle fields in the US we have been to.   Earlier this fall I did visit the Droop Mountain Civil War battlefield, which is in southeast West Virginia. 

https://wvstateparks.com/park/droop-mountain-battlefield-state-park/

Also, earlier this summer, I went to the Corydon Battlefield, which again is Civil War, and  in southern Indiana.  It is the only Civil War battle fought in Indiana:

http://www.corydonbattlepark.com/battle.html

[The Gipper]

Also, I don't think I had mentioned this, but this past summer I spent a couple of days in Boston......and among other things went to the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill...which I had not been to before.

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill

[The Gipper]

And just as a side note,   of the 417 National Park Units,  I have visited 335 of them:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_United_States_National_Park_System_official_units

[mjp28]

@the-gipper said:

And just as a side note,   of the 417 National Park Units,  I have visited 335 of them:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_United_States_National_Park_System_official_units

AH HA......GIPPER'S REAL IDENTITY REVEALED! 

I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo
Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Whichta
Tulsa
Ottowa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama
Mattua
LaPaloma
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo
Pocotello
Amperdllo

I'm a Killer

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Louisiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston
Texarkana
Monterey
Fairaday
Santa Fe
Tollaperson
Glen Rock
Black Rock
Little Rock
Oskaloussa
Tennessee
Tinnesay
Chickapee
Spirit Lake
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake
Crater Lake

For Pete's Sake

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Omerback
Shereville
Jacksonville
Waterville
Costa Rock
Richfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hakensack
Cadallic
Fond do Lac
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico
Argentina
Diamondtina
Pasadena
Catalina

See What I Mean

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelburg
Colorado
Ellisburg
Rexburg
Vicksburg
Eldorado
Larimore
Adimore
Habastock
Chadanocka
Shasta
Nebraska
Alaska
Opalacka
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Souix City
Cedar City
Dodge City

What a pity

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man

[The Gipper]

@mjp28 said:

I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo
Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Whichta
Tulsa
Ottowa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama
Mattua
LaPaloma
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo
Pocotello
Amperdllo

I'm a Killer

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Louisiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston
Texarkana
Monterey
Fairaday
Santa Fe
Tollaperson
Glen Rock
Black Rock
Little Rock
Oskaloussa
Tennessee
Tinnesay
Chickapee
Spirit Lake
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake
Crater Lake

For Pete's Sake

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Omerback
Shereville
Jacksonville
Waterville
Costa Rock
Richfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hakensack
Cadallic
Fond do Lac
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico
Argentina
Diamondtina
Pasadena
Catalina

See What I Mean

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelburg
Colorado
Ellisburg
Rexburg
Vicksburg
Eldorado
Larimore
Adimore
Habastock
Chadanocka
Shasta
Nebraska
Alaska
Opalacka
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Souix City
Cedar City
Dodge City

What a pity

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man

I have been to most of these places.  A few of them are in S. America though.

[mjp28]

@the-gipper said:

I have been to most of these places.  A few of them are in S. America though.

Oh yes I used to travel a lot whether it was in scouts, vacation or business I don't think that I have ever regretted a single trip......I'm sure that you feel the same way.

[The Gipper]

Others have also placed Blowing Rock NC on this list. Again, I have not been there, so I cannot rate. Hope to stop by there some day soon.

Forgot about this:   I did indeed get to Blowing Rock this past fall, on my trek up the Blue Ridge Parkway.   In fact, it is where I spent the night about halfway up.  A very nice little town.  Quaint.    It won't displace my top 5, but it will make it to the Top Ten likely. 

So, to Ballpeen and a couple of others, thanks for bring this town to my attention.

[The Gipper]

May National Park Unit count is now up to 343 of the 417  National Park Units.

My latest visits, about a month ago were to:

The Reconstruction Era National Monument

https://www.nps.gov/reer/index.htm

The Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument

https://www.nps.gov/bicr/index.htm

The Freedom Riders National Monument

https://www.nps.gov/frri/index.htm

The Manhattan Project National Historic Park   in Oak Ridge TN

https://www.nps.gov/mapr/index.htm

I also revisited a couple of other national park units:    Great Smoky Mountains NP, and the Natchez Trace parkway

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

[The Gipper]

In a bit over a month I will be taking another trip to parts of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas mainly.  Included will be 3 more NP units. George Washington Carver,   

Pea Ridge...another Civil War battle site

Fort Smith.

[The Gipper]

@mjp28 said:

I was toting my pack along the long dusty Winnemucca road
When along came a semi with a high canvas covered load
If your goin' to Winnemucca, Mack with me you can ride
And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside
He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand
And I said, "Listen! I've traveled every road in this here land!"

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Reno
Chicago
Fargo
Minnesota
Buffalo
Toronto
Winslow
Sarasota
Whichta
Tulsa
Ottowa
Oklahoma
Tampa
Panama.....been to Panama City Fla....but not the country
Mattua...places by this name in like Russia, Indonesia, Bangladesh.
LaPaloma...this is in Uruguay, never been
Bangor
Baltimore
Salvador
Amarillo
Tocapillo....this is in Chile...never been
Pocotello
Amperdllo...a made up place, nothing on Google or Google maps

I'm a Killer

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Boston
Charleston
Dayton
Louisiana
Washington
Houston
Kingston...there are several Kingston, NY state, Ontario, Jamaica.  not been to Jamaica
Texarkana
Monterey
Fairaday..WVa, not been
Santa Fe
Tollaperson....this is another bad misspelling...or another made up place 
Glen Rock...New Jersey suburb of NYC....not sure if I have been there, but been all around it.
Black Rock...the only Black Rock I can find is the temporary city that is set up for the Burning man event
Little Rock
Oskaloussa...SE Iowa, not been
Tennessee
Tinnesay...this is not a place.....misspelling of Tennessee
Chickapee...actually spelled Chicopee
Spirit Lake....in Iowa...will be there in October
Grand Lake
Devil's Lake....State park near Baraboo Wisc.  been by but not to
Crater Lake

For Pete's Sake

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Louisville
Nashville
Knoxville
Omerback...Omerbach....Germany...not been
Shereville...another misspelled name I think  Schererville in No. Indiana, Chicago suburb, not been.
Jacksonville
Waterville
Costa Rock....if this is supposed to be Costa Rico...not been...no such place as Costa Rock
Richfield
Springfield
Bakersfield
Shreveport
Hakensack
Cadallic....north central Michigan....not been.
Fond do Lac..in Wisconsin...I have been to many surrounding towns, but not been here
Davenport
Idaho
Jellico 
Argentina....not been
Diamondtina....in Brazil...not been
Pasadena
Catalina...island off Calif...not been

See What I Mean

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man
I've been everywhere

I've been to,
Pittsburgh
Parkersburg
Gravelburg....in southern Saskatchewan, not been
Colorado
Ellisburg
Rexburg
Vicksburg
Eldorado
Larimore...in central North Dakota, not been
Adimore...this comes up only as a jewelry store in LA
Habastock.....this may not be a real place.  Closest Google comes in Haverstock
Chadanocka.....this is not a real place apparently...nothing comes up on Google...other than it being in the song
Shasta
Nebraska
Alaska
Opalacka
Baraboo
Waterloo
Kalamazoo
Kansas City
Souix City...Iowa....not been yet, but scheduled to go there in October.
Cedar City
Dodge City

What a pity

I've been everywhere, man
I've been everywhere, man
Crossed the deserts bare, man
I've breatherd the mountain air, man
Travel, I've had my share, man

I have highlighted all the place that I think I have been to.

[TexasAg1969]

Well I'm in Estes Park and just watched a pretty good sized elk with antlers in velvet walk over the hill and down in back of my brothers house about 10 feet from where I was watching him off the elevated back porch. Magnificent animal up that close. This one will be a strong challenger for the females this year. Very broad muscular guy and he is really developing a huge rack to fair him well in Oct.