It's August 2022 and so much has changed since I wrote this blog in 2013 and 2014.  I'm now 82 years old and living in the Wild West State of Montana in the North West part of the United States.  In 2020 my husband passed away just before Covid started.  I moved to Tennessee to live with my daughter.  After a year of working remotely, her company decided she could work that way permanently.  She chose to move to Montana to be close to her sister, so now all three of my children and two of my great grandchildren live within ten miles of me. Where we live is in a small town (population 300).  Dutton is located about 80 miles south of the Canadian Border and about 50 miles east of the Rocky Mountains where you can find hiking trails, ski areas, camping areas, etc..  Although we are surrounded by rolling fields of grain - wheat, barley, hops, etc. - we have beautiful views of the mountains in the distance.  

I enjoyed writing the blog about my country and I hope you can get a glimpse of it through my blog.  No matter where I live I have found there are friendly people and wonderful local "sights" to see.  When we moved here I was afraid that there would be nothing to do or see nearby.  Was I ever mistaken!

These small rural towns make their own activities and the people completely support the local sports teams.  In Power, where my older daughter lives, they have an annual fund raising weekend called "Harvest Fest".  They have lots of activities including street dancing, a Fireman's Breakfast, Pie Social at the Senior Center, a Silent Auction, a Steak and Shrimp Dinner followed by a live auction of many items that have been donated by the townspeople, farmers and sponsoring companies that buy the grains from the local area.  This raises money to support the Fire Department, Senior Center and the High School Sports Program.  

Just a few miles away is a town by the name of Bynum.  They have a wonderful Dinosaur Museum.  It's not large but they have the first "baby" dinosaur skeleton found and a number of dinosaur eggs that have been found in the Two Medicine and surrounding areas.  Next door is a Rock Shop that has many beautiful items to explore from simple polished rocks to kitchen or bathroom sinks made from polished stone.  Naturally they have jewelry pieces and other items from quartz, onyx and other stones.

About half an hour's drive south of us is the city of Great Falls.  It is where we buy groceries and anything else we need.  There are several museums including the Charles M. Russell Museum of Art, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Malmstrom Museum and Airpark among others.  The Fairgrounds in Great Falls have exhibits and shows, along with rodeos, concerts and exhibits throughout the year.  In the summer is a fun filled State Fair.  Western Art Week , a huge Art Show, is held at the Fairgrounds in March. There is a Symphony Orchestra, Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts, unique restaurants, nearby parks and nature areas. Malmstrom Air Base is on the East side of Great Falls. Shodown Ski area is just  over an hour's drive south of Great Falls. Lots to see and do!

https://www.planetware.com/montana/top-rated-things-to-do-in-great-falls-mt-us-mt-47.htm

Montana doesn't feel like an isolated, lonely place to live - it's alive, vibrant and exciting with much to do and see.  I love the small town life and don't miss living in large cities at all.  Everything I would like is within a short distance of home. I do miss the crazy city traffic - gladly!

     

Good Bye!

Utah sunset scene

I really didn't think I was going to finish this.  The more I posted, the more I realized how little I really knew about many of the states.  I traveled quite a bit with my parents when I was a child but that was so long ago, many of my memories are now just blurs.  I have traveled some in recent years but many parts of this country I have never seen and some only briefly while on our way to somewhere else.  I hope this has helped at least one person find a spot that they want to visit.  

Rocky Mountains - Colorado

Any way you want to look at it, this is one really BIG country with lots to see!  Since 9/11 many states have developed their tourist industry and more Americans are traveling "at home" than ever before.  No matter where you are living or visiting, there are a multitude of places to visit, sights to see, adventures to be enjoyed. Our land itself provides venues for every kind of outdoor sport.  From beach to mountain top, with rivers, lakes and streams, winding trails, bike lanes and unexplored wilderness areas, we have much to choose from.

Each little town or city has their own artsy area, their own  theater group, their own hot spots for night life and there is a restaurant almost everywhere you look.  Museums showcase everything from historical events to the latest kids toys.  Amusement parks have sprouted all across this land with new twists to every kind of ride.  Our highway system allows travelers to cross this country in a short period of time.  There are many state and local roads that are scenic byways for those who have the time to enjoy one area on a closer level. Each state and many cities have a website where you can be an armchair traveler even if you are unable to actually travel by plane, train, car or ship.

Midwest farm scene

Armchair traveling can be lots of fun.  I have been a member of a marvelous online group for several years now. http://www.postcrossing.com  is a free website for those who would like to send and receive postcards from all over the world.  Just register and you can begin meeting people from everywhere.  It takes only a few minutes and a little money for stamps and postcards to get a view of another place and you might make a friend or two.. 

Old Mill -North Little Rock, Arkansas

This is the land of plenty and I hope we Americans can always remember to share it joyfully with the rest of the world.  We forget sometimes that our kind of freedom is not enjoyed everywhere, that grocery stores with wide selections are not available in some other locations, that our way of life is not always accepted by everyone and that we need to be less wasteful of our natural resources.   We are a country formed mainly by immigrants but we sometimes forget to make newcomers feel welcome.  Since 9/11 our welcoming arms have become less open and we have become less trusting of others.  In my view these are sad consequences of the 9/11 attacks.  

Louisiana morning

 This page shows photos I have taken in various places rather than the postcards I usually use.  If you have comments, I am not sure I activated the site correctly so you can just send me an email at maryjane496@gmail.com  .

Washington, the District of Columbia, our Nation's Capitol

Vintage Multi View Postcard

Where do you begin in Washington, D.C.?  Of all the cities in the United States, I feel this city has the largest number of interesting places to visit.  Besides the expected sites like the White House, the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, there are dozens of other places to choose from.  We spent a week there and left without seeing some of the places we had planned to visit because our time just ran out. 

The Metro rail system allowed us to stay outside the city in Arlington, VA, yet remain just a short ride to the center of activities.  There are bus tours available including tours that allow you to hop on and off multiple times or tours with specific stops.  The National Mall is an open green area and ideal for walking from one place to another. 

US Marine Corps Memorial - Iwo Jima Statue

I love the Museums on the National Mall.  The Smithsonian Institute has several including the National Museum of Natural History.  It is a marvelous museum with many unique exhibits.  The National Air and Space Museum is another great place with the Wright Brothers flyer to Space Ship One.  The International Spy Museum, The National Geographic Museum, The National Postal Museum and many others are found in the Washington, D.C. area. 

Monuments, Memorials, Theaters, Art Galleries, Federal Buildings such as the National Mint and many others are located in the area.  Many have interesting tours or exhibits.  Doesn't everyone want to see how they make money?

Washington Monument in Cherry Blossom season

If you arrive in spring you can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival.  In 1912 the cherry trees were given to the United States as a token of goodwill by Japan.  The 3,000 trees line the tidal basin with their blossoms each spring.  Many events are held during the three week Festival.

A one mile Red Line Metro ride from the National Mall brings you to The Smithsonian National Zoological Park which features many exotic animals including Giant Pandas.  Admission to the zoo is free.   A solar powered carousel features over 50 different animals for children to ride. A small fee is charged for rides.

The Giant Panda exhibit 

These are just a few of the many wonders of our nation’s capitol city.  To enjoy your visit, I encourage you to plan ahead by searching their website.  It is a very good website with an interactive map to help you locate your “must see” places.  There are other maps showing just museums, etc.  They also have a feature of 100 free (or almost free) places to see in D.C.  You can find their website at http://www.washington.org .

Wyoming

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Wild Elk Herd - Jackson Hole

If you have stuck with me through this journey from one state to another, you will realize that Wyoming is the last of the 50 states.  I won’t say that I saved the best for last because I feel that each state is “the best” in one way or another although Wyoming does have so much to offer.  I still have not yet posted the District of Columbia, our nation’s capitol city, which I feel deserves a place in this blog.  

Wyoming is a very special part of this country.  To me it still has a lot of that “Wild West” flavor.  Times change, towns grow into cities, but most of Wyoming is still open land where you can almost see the buffalo grazing in huge herds and antelopes are a common sight in the distance.

Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone Park is one of the best known National Parks because it is so unique.  The geological wonders in this park are amazing but they are only a part of a much larger wilderness area that reminds us of the beauty of our land.  I remember my childhood amazement to see Old Faithful spout right on time and the wonderful pine scent that permeated our cabin while I fell asleep.  Vacation memories can last a lifetime!

Mt. Moran and the Teton Range

Just a bit south of Yellowstone Park is another beautiful park.  Grand Teton National Park is one of the most scenic places I have ever been.  The mountains are especially beautiful when reflected in the alpine lakes nearby.

The northwest corner of Wyoming has many other destinations and adventures to find in addition to the two national parks.  Jackson Hole, a valley about 48 miles long, is the “jumping off place” to skiing, sled dog or mountain bike tours, whitewater rafting and many other outdoor sports activities.

Mount Moran

In the northeast corner of Wyoming is a National Monument that preserves an unusual volcanic formation called Devils Tower.  It was featured in the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.  Rising 1200 feet above the surrounding prairie it is a remarkable sight.

The southeast corner of the state is centered around the state capitol, Cheyenne.  Each year Cheyenne Frontier Days are held in mid July.  If you have ever wanted to see a rodeo, this is the place to see the real thing.  Other cities include Laramie, Casper, Jackson and Cody.  Only three cities have a population over 30,000.  Like many of our western states, there are just a few large cities but many small towns.

Minerva Terrace at Mammoth

Websites you might want to explore:  http://www.wyomingtourism.org   Wyoming is about a day’s drive from one side to the other and there are many interesting sights to see along the way.  This website has several recommended road trips.  http://www.jacksonholechamber.com  and http://www.cheyenne.org  are more specific to their area and also have a great deal of useful information.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!

Wisconsin

Greetings from Wisconsin

Once again, Wisconsin is a state that I have been in only on my way somewhere else.  There are a few special places in the state where I would really like to spend some time. 

In a town by the name of Baraboo, about 15 to 20 minutes off Interstate Highway 94, the Ringling Brothers Circus had its winter home in the early 1900s.  Circus World, Baraboo serves as home to circus memorabilia and is also active with daily performances and a parade.  A museum of circus history and a collection of circus wagons make this a fascinating place to see.  For schedule of events and an overview of all that is available, check out their website at 
http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/

Lone Rock in the Lower Dells

I also would enjoy a boat tour of The Dells.  I had heard of the Wisconsin Dells but did not know what they were for many years.  The Wisconsin River has carved its way through sandstone since the Ice Age, similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona.  The rock formations are smaller but spectacular in their own way.  

Lumber Raft running the Kilbourn Dam

Green Bay is home to the National Railroad Museum.  The museum not only has many engines and trains on display; there are rides on the vintage trains and special exhibits as well.  This city is home to the Green Bay Packers, the only National Football League team that is non-profit, community owned. 

Hawk's Bill in Lower Dells

We seem to be a very nostalgic nation.  Some of our favorite places to visit are the villages that have been restored to pioneer times.  Cedar Creek Settlement in Cedarburg boasts of a stone building that was previously a woolen mill.  There are other buildings as well including a blacksmith’s shop.  A wine museum is also part of this complex along with a variety of other shops.

Naturally Wisconsin has a few good sized cities and each of them has their own arts, museums, night life and other attractions.  Milwaukee is the capitol city, on the western shore of Lake Michigan, and is known for its history of breweries.  Many German immigrants settled in Wisconsin during the 1800s.  My Dad’s great great grandmother was one of these settlers.  To find all the attractions Wisconsin has to offer, use this link: http://www.travelwisconsin.com/

West Virginia

Vintage card - Oglebay Park Swimming Pool, Wheeling

West Virginia is another state that I have traveled through many times but never toured for pleasure.      I really don’t have any “memories” although there are places I would really like to see.   It is a mountainous state with many beautiful forests and lakes.  The Appalachian Mountains which cover much of the state are “old” mountains with top elevations around 5,000 feet.  Outdoor activities of all kinds are available including white water rafting, rock climbing, spelunking, golf, hiking and skiing. 

Kanawha City Motor Lodge

The coal mines and railroads were important to the Industrial Revolution.  The glass industry grew in West Virginia as well and there are still many factories with gift shops, tours and demonstrations.  Trains were vital to the coal and lumber industries also.  Today there are several museums to showcase the old steam engines.  

Historical Harper's Ferry

Excursion trains continue to use these older models and provide interesting views along each tour.  In Wheeling I would like to visit the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, an interesting place for the entire family.  I would also enjoy watching glass blowing at one of the factory museums.

Other interesting places would be the Harper's Ferry area and a trip to the Spa in Berkeley Springs State Park.  The five hot springs there are the oldest Spa in the nation.  Located only a little over 100 miles from Washington, D.C. it was established in 1756 while the area was still part of Virginia and is now a National Park.

West Virginia Capitol on the Great Kanawha River

The Capitol City of Charleston is located in the western side of the state.   Special events are held throughout the year.  One that I would particularly enjoy is called the Vandalia Gathering held at the end of May each year.  Fiddlers, story tellers and banjo pickers come together for a fun weekend of entertainment.  Each town or city has their own special places, events and charm.  Check out the website at http://www.wvtourism.com.

Washington

Mount Hood with Rhododendrons in foreground

Washington is usually referred to as Washington State to avoid confusion with Washington, D. C.   This is the northwestern most state except for Alaska.  North of Oregon and west of Idaho, Western Washington has a mild climate.  Moisture is plentiful and often takes the form of fog or mist.  This almost constant gentle Pacific moisture results in an abundance of plant life.  Much of the Olympic peninsula is rainforest.  Cascade Mountains split the state and the eastern side is much drier with some almost desert like land.  Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are the most well known of the volcanic mountains in the Cascade Range.

Seattle view of Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle 

Seattle is the largest city and a delightful place to find all kinds of tourist destinations.  At one time the city was flooded and when it was rebuilt the streets were raised to prevent future flooding.  Portions of this older underground city with abandoned stores may be seen on a tour.    Pike Place is a market near the docks and provides a fun stroll to find just the right produce or fish for your next meal.  A trip to the top of the Space Needle is required for a complete tour.  There are many other interesting places to explore in Seattle whether you are looking for art, theater, children’s activities or night life after dark.

Antique card of Wind River Falls

We took the ferry from Seattle across to Victoria, British Columbia to visit my husband’s sister who was in a Poor Clare Monastery nearby.  The boat ride was delightful and gives you a view of Puget Sound and The Islands.  Other boat tours are available for sightseeing or whale watching.

Washington apples are some of the best.  The Hood River Valley is where cousins of my Dad lived.  When they came to visit us they would bring at least one bushel of apples from their orchards.  This valley area is primarily farmland for fruits, vegetables and vineyards.
  

Antique card on Columbia River

The Columbia River is the border between Oregon and Washington.  Where the river reaches the Pacific Ocean was the final destination for the Lewis and Clark expedition after their long trek from St. Louis, Missouri.  The river produces a large amount of electricity from the dams along its path.  The Columbia River Gorge runs for 80 miles along the southern border of Washington, cutting across the Cascade Mountain Range, and is up to 4,000 feet deep.

Olympia Brewing Company in Turnwater, Washington

Both State and National Parks provide an abundance of outdoor enjoyment.  Beaches, rain forest, mountains, volcanoes, desert, gardens, valleys, wine country, cities and towns, Washington offers many different types of vacation ideas.  Their website is at http://www.experiencewa.com. Find what speaks to you.