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This Land: Nevada

As with several US Western states, Ronnie has some history with Nevada. Namely, Los Vegas. In his professional life, Ronnie was spirited to Emerald City of the Desert more times than he cares to count. If you get a chance to visit him in whatever hovel he ends up settling into, ask to see his collection of convention lanyards. It’s a truly impressive mountain of necklaces and nametags. As well, there was a trip to Tahoe way back in the deep dark recesses of his memory. Not sure who or what occasion it happened to be. Probably that choir tour in the early 1980s, but there was a stayover in a lakeside cabin and he has memories of a massive crystalline lake. No, these images aren’t from the Godfather series, Ronnie actually visited Lake Tahoe… stop laughing.

SIDE NOTE: That Emerald City image is kinda funny juxtaposed with the whole “i don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore, Rocinante” vibe… yea… hilarious. Wipe that grin off yo digital pixels.

Here’s the funniest part of Ronnie’s history with Vegas. Upon his first visit, he couldn’t wait to hear the jingle jangle of hitting jackpot playing quarter slots. So, the first bank of machines he encountered, he dove in with a vengeance, figuring he could win displaying an overwhelming show of force on a single machine. $200 later, he internalized some conventional wisdom… “the house always wins!” He looked around, noticing how much investment had to go into making such a gawdy display of excess. And since this was back in the days of cheap meals and endless cocktail bar attention, he could eat and drink on the cheap as long as he still had coins to feed the beast. Calculating the booty was depressing. The few beers he drank amounted to maybe $15 retail, the meal was basically attained for the bare-minimum food cost… near break-even. And what did Ronnie pay for this paltry haul? $200 in rolled up quarters? Needless to say, he never gambled in Vegas again. Well… one other time. Once, there was an occasion where he had some time to kill before turning in on his last night in the new Aria Hotel, Ronnie calculated how much three beers would cost in a club, and resolved not to spend a dime more. This time he was able to play the quarter slots four hours for the cost of those three beers.

Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Walking the strip, or lapping casino floors was Ronnie’s favorite method for getting his daily steps, and the thing that sticks out most in his recollections were all of the “escort” solicitors with their calling cards. They would try to get his attention flicking the cards in his face… hilarious… and those guys had awful memories. It took two or three rejections for them to remember Ronnie wasn’t interested in what they were selling. Sin city? Ya, right. Ronnie’s assessment of the changes Vegas had made between the golden “Fear and Loathing” days and most of Ronnie’s trips between the years of our lord 2010 to the 2019/20 pandemic was this:

Vegas morphed from “Sin City” to “Disneyland for Adults”.

Anyway, Nevada is known for the aforementioned gambling and expansive desert landscapes, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and showbiz entertainment. And the good news for our HSoB tour, Nevada has Hot Springs aplenty, boasting several naturally heated springs, many of which are accessible to the public. Some popular options include the Travertine Hot Springs on the California border and Ash Springs in Lincoln County.

Nevada has it’s own version of stark natural landscapes, including the Great Basin National Park, Lake Tahoe, and the Valley of Fire State Park. These areas offer stunning scenery, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

And they’ve got the learning centers, too. Several small to medium-sized colleges and universities, such as the University of Nevada, Reno, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These institutions provide a range of academic programs and opportunities for students.

And what about the literary landmarks? While not as renowned as some other states, Nevada has its share of literary landmarks. Mark Twain, for example, spent time in Virginia City and Carson City during the silver boom.

The Good, Bad, and Ugly: The good? Nevada is often praised for its low taxes, business-friendly environment, and vibrant entertainment scene. The state’s diverse landscapes, including the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the Lake Tahoe Basin, also attract visitors and residents alike. The bad and the ugly? Some of the challenges facing Nevada include the arid climate, limited water resources, and rapid population growth in certain areas. Additionally, the state has faced issues related to gambling addiction and the social consequences associated with the gaming industry.

Where to go in Nevada for some quality recreation time? Lake Tahoe… widely regarded as one of Nevada’s most stunning natural attractions, Lake Tahoe is a massive alpine lake known for its crystal-clear waters, scenic beauty, and year-round recreational activities.

Who’s Who from Nevada? As mentioned earlier, Mark Twain spent time in Nevada during the silver boom and drew inspiration from his experiences here for his writings. Sarah Winnemucca, a Paiute Native American leader, Sarah Winnemucca advocated for her people’s rights and worked to preserve their culture. Known as “Mr. Las Vegas,” Wayne Newton is a legendary entertainer who has performed countless shows in the city for decades.

Nevada offers a unique blend of natural beauty, urban excitement, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, experiencing the thrill of gambling, or immersing yourself in the state’s history and culture, Nevada has something to offer everyone.

Onward through the fog… R.H.

Bring your abacus…
When you visit Vegas…
If you’re not careful…
You’ll lose you anus…
Maybe punt…
Rent a Tahoe cabin…
Either way, you’ll leave…
Your treasure here.

This Land: SoCal

Okay, folks, let’s dive back into the Golden State. As we discovered last week, California is too vast to tackle in a single post. So, after exploring the northern reaches, it’s time to turn our attention to Southern California.

Now, Ronnie has a bit of experience with the major metropolitan areas of Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Not exactly a seasoned pro, but he’s done his fair share of touristing. In San Diego, he joined his brother for a reunion after his naval stint on the USS Blueridge. The entire family made the trek to Sandog for the reunion and a wedding in nearby Bullhead City, Arizona, via Vegas. Talk about a whirlwind!

In Los Angeles and San Francisco, Ronnie and his university choir embarked on a tour, serenading various churches with a repertoire ranging from the ridiculous to the sublime. And now, on this HSoB tour, do you think he’s eager to brave the notorious traffic jams and revisit these urban behemoths? Hell to the no! But in the name of this chronicle, he did venture close to LA via Santa Barbara and Moorpark. Just a few years ago, he also spent a week in the Berkeley area, hopping on the BART to explore every nook and cranny of that stunningly beautiful, yet deeply troubled city.

As you can see, our experience is limited, and California is so vast that we can only offer snapshots, digital snapshots.

In our previous post, we highlighted some of the best that Northern California has to offer. Now, it’s time to balance that with the not-so-great. Let’s start with the reason Texas and Colorado are overrun with Californians: the sky-high cost of living. California boasts some of the highest living expenses in the United States, especially in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Then there’s the constant threat of natural disasters. Earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts are all part of the package. While locals might shrug off the frequent tremors, wildfires and mudslides can be downright terrifying, depending on where you live. And just like Seattle and Portland, California’s urban centers are plagued by traffic congestion and mind-numbingly long commutes. As a direct result of the high cost of living, housing affordability is a major issue. Home prices in California are among the highest in the nation, making it difficult for many people to own a home. No wonder so many Californians are fleeing to Texas and Colorado.

Enough about the bad and the ugly. Let’s talk about the good stuff. Yosemite National Park is an iconic destination, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient sequoia trees are simply breathtaking. California is also the birthplace of the film industry, producing countless famous actors, directors, and producers. Not to be outdone, Silicon Valley in Northern California is home to many of the world’s most influential technology companies and their visionary founders. And of course, California has a long history of attracting writers, musicians, and artists, who have enriched the state’s cultural landscape.

As we write this, we’re in inland Southern California, in a town called Bakersfield. Country music enthusiasts will recognize the significance of Bakersfield, which became a hub of the country music scene after World War II. It gave birth to legendary figures like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, and their legacy continues to influence artists like Dwight Yoakam. This is a special place. Now, Ronnie has something to say. He points out that the Bakersfield of Merle Haggard’s heyday is long gone, replaced by a sprawling, big-small town with all the associated challenges and opportunities. We won’t go into specifics, but let’s just say the range is vast, from the ridiculous to the sublime, but with a predominantly working-class vibe and a fair share of fallen souls.

These are just a few of the many factors that make California a unique and diverse state. It is a land of stunning natural beauty, economic opportunity, and cultural richness, but it also faces challenges.

Be well…
Be safe…
Good luck…
Pay it forward… R.H.

From Nor to SoCal…
The range is royale…
From Santa Barbara…
To Monterey…
From Bakersfield…
To Eureka Beach…
California IS America!

This Land: NorCal

Oh … my … gawd …
…it’s toooo big… 😉

Now, Ronnie, his conception of California mostly the product of pop culture and literature, had dreamed of staking a claim in the LA music scene back in his salad days. But those dreams evaporated in a mix of spandex, big hair, and MTV-dominated schlock. He washed out in the Denver cover-band scene, selling out for a couple hundred bucks a week. His California Dream ended on New Year’s Eve, 1987.

Fast forward to 2024. The Hot Springs or Busk tour begins its California leg in Eureka, a beach town crawling with former pirates, giving us the heebie-jeebies. The local strip-mall reeked of desperation, beach sand coating every surface like a bad habit. We pushed on to Redding, a digital nomad-friendly place with a familiar feel. Sorta like Garden City Kansas, with palm trees.

Speaking of familiar places, we ventured south to Steinbeck Country… Salinas. Now, Ronnie’s used to half-empty malls, but this one was a different story. Thousands of people, a rainbow of cultures, all having a grand time. It was oddly refreshing, being on the other side of the majority.

And yes, California is home to many small to medium-sized colleges, as well as several famous literary landmarks associated with renowned authors. Jack London State Historic Park, The Henry Miller Library, a museum dedicated to the works of that prominent figure of the Beat Generation. And John Steinbeck National Historic Site, the birthplace and childhood home of that Nobel Prize-winner.

Steinbeck Country… Cannery Row… Salinas… Monterey… after leaving Eureka (scared the hell outta Rocinante), then we hoofed it to Redding (cos they had a PF), then to Salinas… hung here for a while before making our way to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) all the way to the LA archipelago (Moorpark, specifically).

Anyway… California isn’t just super-big, it’s also quite diverse in landscape: including a wide range of natural environments, from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada mountains. It offers, at least in the coastal regions, fairly consistent Mild days with most of the state enjoying a Mediterranean climate, warm dry summers and mild, wet winters.

California, as anyone paying attention to national affairs knows, has a thriving economy, with major industries in technology, entertainment, agriculture, and tourism. But all those roads and bridges in sasquatch-infested double-canopy jungles require a somewhat higher bracket of fuel tax… (this is an extreme understatement).

California also has its share of publicly accessible natural hot springs, from Slates Hot Springs near Big Sur to Travertine Hot Springs in the Mono County area. And, in Ronnie’s estimation, the best feature of all is California’s cultural diversity. California is a delicious mix of cultures, with a rich tapestry of ethnicities and traditions… this is our true national character… a glorious stew of the world’s diverse personalities.

To be continued…
Onward through the fog… R.H.

This Land: Oregon

Oregon! A place where the gods must have been drunk when they tossed the dice. A state where the mountains are so tall they kiss the sky, and the forests are so thick you could get lost in them for a lifetime. It’s a place where the sun can shine bright one minute and then unleash a torrent of rain in the next… a land of contradictions and extremes.

Picture this: you’re cruising down the Oregon Coast, the breeze cool and fragrant, the Pacific Ocean stretching out before you like a vast, angry beast. You’re surrounded by towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools teeming with life. But then, like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky, the fog rolls in, thick and heavy, obscuring everything. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, you swear you see a Sasquatch lurking in the shadows. It’s a scene straight out of a nightmare, a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of this place.

Beyond the natural wonders, Oregon is a state of mind. It’s a place where intellectuals and hippies rub shoulders, where the counterculture thrives, and where the pursuit of knowledge is as important as the pursuit of pleasure. From the sprawling campus of Oregon State University to the ivy-covered halls of Lewis & Clark College, Oregon offers a diverse range of educational opportunities.

And let’s not forget about the food. Fresh seafood, local brews, and a thriving culinary scene make Oregon a foodie’s paradise. From the hip restaurants of Portland to the cozy cafes of small-town Oregon, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

But Oregon is not all one love and kumbaya. It’s a place where the cost of living can be as high as the mountains, and where the rain can fall so hard it feels like a biblical flood. And yet, despite its challenges, Oregon remains a place of endless fascination and adventure. It’s a state that will leave you both enchanted and exhausted, but always with a story to tell.

Rollin’ through…
An Oregon forest…
I swear i heard…
A sasquatch chorus…
But back to Earth…
The Portland gridlock…
Take a breath…
It’s gonna be a while.

This Land: Washington State

So, here we are, in the belly of the beast, Spokane… a place where the laundry machines are more demanding than a Vegas blackjack dealer. We’re talking seven bucks a load, for Christ’s sake! It’s like these machines have a larcenist spirit of their own, demanding tribute before they’ll let your clothes see the light of day.

But let’s keep it real: Washington State holds a special place in Ronnie’s heart as he spent many a week in Spokane and Seattle either learning about the institutional food service business (four lifetimes ago) or tending to the computer networking needs of a western-region architecture/engineering firm (two lifetimes ago). And so we were able to reconnect with old friends we hadn’t seen for at least 14 years. They have a million-dollar house now, a place that’s as surreal as an acid flashback. You’d think the directions would be easy, but no. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack, only the haystack was a Mad Max wasteland.

Their house? It’s a paragon of contemporary home comforts, but from the outside, it looks like it’s been through a hurricane, a zombie apocalypse, and a few acid trips. We sent a picture (via DM) to confirm it was the right place. Then, gathered our courage and ventured into the heart of darkness.

Inside, it’s a different world. Their kids are grown, tall like the trees at Audubon Park, and their house is like a spaceship landed in the middle of the woods. Our visit covered the gamut, from the latest doings of mutual acquaintances, to the lifestyle of a professional golfer (her current vocation), to the latest in Silicon Valley thinking (his vocation), and Ronnie swears, some of the tech talk was like listening to a Martian explain quantum physics.

But let’s not forget the real reason we’re here: Hot Springs or Busk! Imagine soaking in a mineral bath, surrounded by nature, feeling the warm water on your skin, and realizing you’re the only one wearing clothes. It’s like a scene straight out of a Beat road trip novel, without the drugs or psychotic breakdowns.

And if you’re looking for higher education in a more intimate setting, Washington has you covered. Think small classes, friendly professors, and a campus that feels like a cozy living room.

Regarding culture, Washington is a state where art and literature thrive. Jack Kerouac wrote about the experience in Dharma Bums. And if you’re into glass art, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma is a feast for the eyes.

As for the residents, they’re a hardy bunch who love the great outdoors. Imagine hiking through ancient forests, kayaking on calm lakes, or simply staring up at the towering mountains. It’s a paradise for nature lovers.

But let’s not sugarcoat it. Washington also has its downsides. The weather, for one, can be as unpredictable as a squirrel cage match. It’s often cloudy and rainy, and the winters can be downright dreary. And then there’s the cost of living. Major cities like Seattle can be as expensive as a designer handbag.

Still, despite the challenges, Washington offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a state where you can find both the sublime beauty of nature and the gritty reality of everyday life. So, if you’re looking for a place that’s as colorful as a tie-dye t-shirt and as thought-provoking as a Dostoevsky story, Washington State is the perfect destination. So, grab your notebook, your camera, and your sense of humor, and get ready to experience the extreme Northwest of This Land.

From the streets of Spokane…
To the Grand Coulee Dam…
You’ll see beauty…
In the state of Washington…
They came for timber…
They built the PC boom…
Washington… the final MicroBoss.

This Land: Illinois

So there we were, adrift in the Chicagoland archipelago, courtesy of Ronnie’s infallible sense of direction (or lack thereof). The Democratic National Convention was in full swing, a throbbing neon beast pulsating in the Windy City’s belly. Visions of ’68 danced in Ronnie’s head – anti-war protestors clashing with Chicago’s finest in a ballet of tear gas and billy clubs. A chance, he thought, to relive a sliver of history, that bygone era immortalized in grainy documentaries,

But alas, the cruel hand of fate, or perhaps… synchronicity, had placed us in Aurora, Illinois. Yes, THAT Aurora (party time… excellent). Here, amidst the beige strip malls and flickering neon signs, Ronnie embarked on a quest for the holy grail of his salad days – Stan Mikita’s Donut Shop, a shrine to the hockey legend and glazed pastries. But like a mirage in the desert, the shop remained stubbornly elusive, a figment of faded memory or perhaps a cruel hoax perpetrated by Saturday Night Live.

Undeterred, Ronnie retreated to the air-conditioned sanctuary of the Aurora Public Library, a monument to quiet nerdiness if ever there was one. Here, he became a voyeur to the DNC extravaganza, consuming news reports like a fragrant, steaming bowl of Pho. NPR’s police beat reporter, Martin Kaste, droned on in a podcast, his voice a steady counterpoint to the city’s distant sirens. WGN chimed in with a video report, a kaleidoscope of protestors and fence-busting partisans. In the end, thankfully bloodless. The anti-war protesters did persist, and they made their points, but the event planners and the Chicago authorities were able to keep things from spiraling out of control. Go here for a thoughtful compare/contrast.

Illinois itself, this “Land of Lincoln,” struck a dissonant chord. A state where prestigious universities rub shoulders with wallet-crushing property taxes, where the “Second City’s” sports teams inspire religious devotion amidst a backdrop of political chicanery. The summers, we’re told, are steam baths, the winters cryogenic chambers – a climate that could curdle a monk’s disposition.

Yet, there are glimmers of hope. Starved Rock State Park, a Xanadu of waterfalls and canyons, promise respite from the urban sprawl. The state boasts a pantheon of American icons – Honest Abe Lincoln, of course, but also Carl Sandburg, the bard of Spoon River, and Michelle Obama, a beacon of grace and intelligence. Even Michael Jordan, the basketball demigod (and Bugs Bunny’s unlikely sidekick), hails from these plains.

The engine of Illinois’ economy hums with a complex symphony – finance titans clinking glasses in Chicago’s skyscrapers, factories spew out automobiles and farm machinery, and fields overflow with corn and soybeans, a testament to the state’s agricultural might. And for the working stiffs, Illinois offers a cornucopia of opportunity – a robust job market, a smorgasbord of educational institutions, and a vibrant cultural scene in Chicago (assuming you can stomach the commute).

Anyway, before we peel out of Chicagoland, heading back through Hays on a pilgrimage to Colorado Springs (the final piece of Rocinante’s solar-powered puzzle, don’t ask), two burning questions gnaw at Ronnie’s soul. Did that Stan Mikita donut shop ever exist, or was it a collective fever dream of his generation? And more importantly, would the DNC erupt into the glorious chaos of ’68, fulfilling his dread of a historical reenactment (tear gas and all)?

After all, “Wayne’s World” was the “American Graffiti” of the 70s, and Ronnie’s dad, a veteran of the Commerce City Police Department, had been sent to Chicago in ’68 for some “Tactics and Control” training dispensed by the Windy City’s finest. In the final frames, will we find history had taught us the right lessons, or are we doomed to repeat the mistakes? And more importantly, can Ronnie score a cruller before we hit the road? Because frankly, at this point, nothing beats a good donut and a hot cuppa joe.

Onward through the fog… R.H.

In Chicago…
You got the pizza wars…
But don’t forget…
The raging culture war…
In Aurora… Wayne and Garth don’t care…
‘Long as they can party on.

This Land: Michigan

Before you ask, Michigan has no natural hot springs. It’s like they forgot to install the geothermal plumbing when they were building the place. But who needs that when you have The Great Lakes, right?

As for higher learning institutions, Michigan offers a diverse range of colleges, from small liberal arts institutions to larger public universities. Some notable smaller options include Kalamazoo College, Hope College, and Albion College.

And though no particular state can claim exclusive dominion over such literary juice as earned by Papa Hemmingway, the Ernest Hemingway House in Oak Park, while technically in Illinois, is a popular destination for fans of Mr. Hemmingway’s distinctive American voice. Other notable literary figures with Michigan ties include Zane Grey and Harriett Beecher Stowe.

Regarding the unique character of its natives, Michiganders often pride themselves on their resilience, hardworking nature, strong sense of community, the fact that they have seasons other than winter, and abundant natural resources foster a love for outdoor activities and a down-to-earth mentality. If you had to drag on Michigan, some feel the state’s reliance on the automotive industry leads to economic instability. And, of course, the long, harsh winters can be a challenge for many, contributing to a sometimes slower pace of life.

Now, none of this does justice to the eye popping, slightly paradoxical, rolling green/crystalline beauty of the Upper Peninsula (UP). This region is often hailed as Michigan’s crown jewel, offering pristine lakes, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a particular standout. Ronnie is holding his hand up right now because we just drove through the lower part of the UP heading for Traverse City. He has been going on and on about how much of this place looks like those “Garden of Eden” images conjured up in his childhood Sunday School days. This place is straight-up gorgeous, but if you get here via some of what William Least Heat-Moon described as “blue highways”, you will encounter areas that also conjure up mental images left behind by those 1980s slasher movies, “Halloween”, “Friday the 13th”, etc. Ronnie kept remarking how the areas we drove through gave him “Chrystal Lake” vibes. Terrifyingly beautiful, if you will.

Regarding famous Michiganders, the list spans the political spectrum, from Henry Ford, to Rosa Parks. And, of course, Michigan has a strong legacy in music. Think Motown, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Four Tops, The Supremes, Smoky Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, The Jackson freaking Five, and Stevie Wonder. Then later, you have Madonna and Marshall freakin’ Mathers. Mic drop… top that, anyone?

Now, as Michael Moore, Oscar-winning film maker from Flint, describes in his movies, the automotive industry has been the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Unfortunately, too many eggs were placed in that basket and when the US had to make painful changes in order to compete with the automaking sectors of the rapidly developing world, many… many… were left behind as a consequence.

That said, the state is trying to diversify, with growing sectors in healthcare, technology, and agriculture. Some would say Detroit and Flint still have a long way to go providing opportunities for those left behind. The jury is still out, but in the meantime Michigan offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to many other states, especially in terms of housing. The state’s strong public education system and evolving job market, particularly in healthcare and technology, are also attractive to workers.

Visitors, often rave about the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan, for swimming, boating, and fishing. Again, Ronnie has his hand up, he’s still in awe of the terrifying beauty of Lake Michigan, and Traverse City. Many visitors are drawn to the vibrant college towns like Ann Arbor and East Lansing, offering a lively atmosphere and cultural attractions. As well, Michigan’s literary history can be a draw for some visitors, particularly those interested in Hemingway or the Great Lakes region.

Ok… that does it for now…

Stay safe…
Stay well…
Good luck…
Pay it forward…
And as always…
Onward through the fog.

Cheers… R.H.

In Michigan…
You might go dizzy…
From the rust belt struggle…
To Traverse City…
From the rogue militias…
To Motown dishes…
This state is pure America!

This Land: Ohio

ED Comment: Dear Loopers, let's talk about this AI revolution. Everyone's up in arms about robots stealing our jobs, but truth told, it's not ALL bad. We at loopcircus, we're using this AI stuff like a painter uses a brush, you know? It's a tool, not a replacement. Sure, we messed up Ohio and Iowa, but hey, that's just human error. We're not some soulless machines cranking out stories like a factory. We're still here, flesh and blood, trying to make sense of this crazy world. And if that means confusing cornfields with buckeyes? Well, that's just the price you pay for being a human in the digital age. 

Cheers... Loopcircus

Anyway, Ohio, sprawls across the American midsection like a contented hippopotamus. It’s a place where the sky is often as vast and indifferent as the soul of a Midwestern farmer, and where the earth is a rich, loamy tapestry, perfect for growing corn and disillusionment.

Hot springs? You’re kidding, right? This is Ohio, not Iceland. We’ve got hot flashes in July and frozen toes in January, but hot springs? No… not here.

Colleges? Ohio is littered with them, like fallen leaves in autumn. There’s Oberlin, a place where young people learn to play their chosen instruments and protest injustice with equal fervor. Then there’s Ohio State, a behemoth of higher education, where they churn out lawyers, doctors, and accountants like sausage. And don’t forget Kent State, a place where history was made, or rather, unmade.

Cultural landmarks? Well, after being upstaged by Rock n Roll’s Hall of Fame, there’s The Works at Newark, a place where they used to turn sand into dollar bills and now they turn sand into glass. It’s like alchemy, but with less magic and more pottery. And then there’s Victorian Village, a quaint little dollhouse of a neighborhood where time seems to have paused, like a stuck record on a dusty gramophone. All of this and much much more. After all, Cleveland does indeed, rock.

Ohioans are a singular breed. They’re as tough as a worn-out plow and as friendly as a puppy. They’ll share their last beer with you, but don’t expect them to beat around the bush. They call ‘em like they see ‘em, these folks. The weather? A fickle mistress. The economy? A roller coaster without the safety bars. And the brain drain? Well, let’s just say some of Ohio’s brightest bulbs prefer the cosmopolitan coasts.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s piece of nature’s playground, a patch of green in a sea of cornfields. It’s very pretty, for sure… trees and rocks and the sound of silence.

Famous Ohioans? Presidents, inventors, and comedians. A real mixed bag. Edison, the man who brought us light, also brought us the electric chair… a true Ohioan.

The state runs on a three-legged stool: manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. It’s a sturdy foundation, but sometimes it feels like the whole thing is about to tip over.

As for everyday life? Ohio is a place where you can buy a house for the price of a parking spot in New York City. The jobs are there, if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty. And while it may not be Paris, there’s a certain charm to watching the seasons change, and knowing that your neighbors will shovel your walk when you’re snowed in with a case of the RONA.

The drive from Medina to Kent, was a pleasure, but this was a pilgrimage of sorts. Ronnie felt obligated to stand on the ground where four students died in the cause of ending the Vietnam war. This event holds special significance for Ronnie as he was just waking up to the world, and it was not an encouraging sight. He was 10 years old in 1970, and the adult world appeared to be a super-hostile place. In the end, Mr. Nixon paid a political price and the US withdrew military forces from the Republic of Viet Nam before Ronnie’s actual entrance into the adult world. But he witnessed all of this on his family’s TV screen each night at the dinner hour, and the scars are still visible.

So… the pilgrimage is complete, and Ronnie leaves this soul-work nugget behind. Ohio… not the Ohio of hillbilly heartbreaks and Rust Belt blues, but the Ohio first flights and moonshots, the Ohio of young lives cut short. A place where humans learned to fly, where Rock and Roll history highlights the power of youthful energy and Kent State reminds us of the limits of that energy when colliding with the blunt force of authority. Ohio… the best and worst of humanity. But always… pure Americana.

From Rockin’ Cleveland…
To Cincinnati…
Your home Ohio…
Aviation alley…
You got Neal Armstrong…
You got Cuyahoga Falls…
Something on tap for everyone.

This Land: Phase III (back on the road)

Well, well, well. Look who’s still alive. August, the month of the dog days, has vanished into the ether, leaving behind a trail of dust, diesel fumes, and a smattering of state license plates. Phases I and II of the Hot Springs or Busk (HSoB) tour have been a whirlwind of wonder and wandering, taking us through seventeen states—a whirlwind tour of the American West and Midwest.

Now, granted, this was Ronnie’s stomping ground, so there wasn’t much in the way of culture shock. Yellowstone was a bit of a slog, a veritable gauntlet of switchbacks and disappearing hubcaps, but otherwise, it was smooth sailing.

That said, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan proved to be a delightful surprise. Driving through those lake-dotted forests, those double-canopies of green, was like stepping into a horror movie. We’re talking ‘Friday the 13th’ vibes, with Jason lurking behind every tree, ready to strike. It was terrifyingly beautiful, a paradox that made Ronnie’s skin crawl.

So, we’ve been on the road, living the nomadic life, boondocking in parking lots, and tending necessary tasks in public libraries, laundromats, and grocery stores. We’ve returned to Hays for a brief respite, to tend to mundane matters like tag renewals, vaccinations, and voter registrations. After a couple of weeks, we’re back on the road, heading to Colorado Springs to equip Rocinante with a rooftop solar panel.

From there, it’s on to Phase III of the HSoB tour: the Pacific Northwest. We’ll be cruising down the coastal highway to LA, where Ronnie has friends and family. After that, it’s back to Hays for a month of voting and helping friends move before the snow flies. Then, it’s a family gathering in Kansas, followed by a caravan to Savannah for the winter. We’ll be exploring the deep south coastal states during Phase IV of our whirlwind tour.

Stay tuned…
Much more to come…
Onward through the fog… R.H.

This Land: Indiana

Ok… for Ronnie, Indiana is a couple things on the surface, 1.) it’s home base to one of his favorite authors, Papa Kurt Vonnegut, and 2.) the Indy 500 auto race. Now, these things might date Mr. Ronnie. After all, he can’t remember the last time the Indy 500 was headline news. This may have more to do with the fact that he cut the cord all the way back to y2k, so chances of him stumbling into a cable channel covering the race have been slim to none now going on 25 years. And though Mr. Vonnegut has been gone since 2007, his work is still quite popular with readers around the world… so there’s that.

Now, with all of that said, you would think Ronnie would make a point to visit Mr. Vonnegut’s hometown, Indianapolis, while in the Hoosier state. Alas, he’s still tethered to the technical details of outfitting Rocinante. Case in point, rooftop solar installs are now available at Wayfarer central, and Rocinate has a September 9 appointment… all the way back to Colorado Springs. So, the tentative itinerary is finish the Indiana post in Fort Wayne, head to Cleveland for the Ohio post, then Chicago for Illinois, then back to Hays to catch up on snail mail and Rocinante’s tag renewal, then back to the Springs for the solar install. Form there, it’ll be Hot Springs or Busk, Phase III. By then, we’ll be 17 states into the mission with all of the South and Sun Belt states saved for late fall and winter and nearly eight months to get the balance done.

So… back to Indiana, a state of contradictions. Its people are both fiercely independent and deeply rooted in tradition. They are known for their hospitality, but their conversations tend to revolve around the weather, sports, and the price of corn. There is a certain charm to this simplicity, a refreshing honesty in the lack of pretense. Yet, some would say also a stifling provincialism, a fear of the unknown that limits horizons.

The state boasts a few cultural gems, of course. The Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, a grand old dame of a building, stands as a testament to a bygone era. And the Eugene V. Debs Foundation keeps alive the memory of a radical socialist labor leader. And let’s not forget Papa Kurt Vonnegut… cos Ronnie won’t.

Indiana… a place where time seems to stand still. The past is revered, the future feared. There is a resistance to change, a stubborn clinging to the familiar. It is a state that is both comforting and claustrophobic, a place where one can find solace and despair in equal measure.

Indiana… a state where the weather is as bipolar as a teenage girl, where the summers are a sweaty, humid hell and the winters are an icy embrace of despair. And Highland… our first stop here, is a place where the asphalt stretches on forever, a barren wasteland punctuated by the occasional strip mall hellscape. Ronnie, in a state of frustration, described it as a “abject cluster-boink ” of suburban sprawl, muttering darkly about the need for a good old-fashioned public flogging for the traffic planners. He envisioned a spectacle, a puritan circus of shame, where the engineers of this urban blight would be flogged with pool noodles, their misdeeds projected onto a giant screen for all to see.

Perhaps Ronnie needs to cut back on the coffee… 😉

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to brave the Indy streets among all the Mario Andretti wannabes on our bumper, looking for the nearest Chipotle for a lunchtime burrito.

From Michigan City…
To Ohio Wabash…
Indiana… rolls like a slapdash…
But bring your high hand…
When you drive in Highland…
Everybody here’s an Indy flash.

Onward through the fog… R.H.