06Apr 2012 by David Kravetz
Here's an interesting DISH for you

Here's an interesting DISH for you

Backroads Discoveries, Bucket List Trips, Texas
[/caption] I have been busy in Texas all this week so it is only appropriate I add a Texas comment on the blog. Just about two years ago I was on business in Texas (except I drove here instead of flying). On my way back to Kentucky, I made it a point to drive to DISH, TX. This community, established in June 2000, was originally named Clark. In November 2005, the community accepted an offer to rename itself "DISH" as part of a commercial agreement with the satellite television company of the same name. [caption id="attachment_198" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="DISH Town Hall"][/caption] The day I went through (April 17, 2010) was also NASCAR day at the Dallas Speedway, which is just a few miles away from DISH.  To my shear enjoyment,…
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01Apr 2012 by David Kravetz
Yes, I have been to Hell and lived to tell about it

Yes, I have been to Hell and lived to tell about it

Backroads Discoveries, Bucket List Trips, Cross Country Road Trips, Family Travel, Michigan, Murals, Roadside Attractions, Town Names, Unique Eatery, Wall Art
[/caption] Back in late May 2008 I was on a return trip home from Ontario via Michigan.  I made my way through Central Michigan.  As I had been told to "go to Hell" a few times, I decided I would finally go to Hell...in Michigan (see entire trip report) [caption id="attachment_191" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Howell Rd. to Hell"][/caption] Hell, Michigan is actually not a real town.  It is a "tourist trap" in the midst of the Pinckney Recreation Area, about five miles north of Pinckney, MI.  It is, honestly, quite a scenic drive. To get there from the town of Pinckney you need to take south Howell Rd. (no joke...you get to Hell via Howell Rd. -- Hell is in the name of the road).     The village of Hell…
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14Mar 2012 by David Kravetz
From Earth to Vulcan

From Earth to Vulcan

Alberta, Backroads Discoveries, Bucket List Trips, Eateries, Family Travel, Giant Things, Large Statues, Murals, Museums, Place Names, Roadside Attractions, Television Shows, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places
Welcome to Vulcan[/caption] A couple of days ago I posted an article about Earth, Texas.  Back in 2007 I had occasion to visit a friend of mine in Alberta, Canada.  One of the side trips we tool was to the town of Vulcan, which has taken full advantage of its name and the association with the TV show Star Trek. [caption id="attachment_160" align="alignleft" width="300"] Welcome sign in Klingon[/caption] Vulcan is a town located midway between the cities of Calgary and Lethbridge inthe prairies of Southern Alberta, Canada.  The population of the town was 1,940 in 2006, and the population of the county, which is also named Vulcan, was 3,718.  According to Wikipedia, "The town was named by a surveyor for the Canadian Pacific Railroad in 1915 after the Roman God of…
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01Mar 2012 by David Kravetz

I am certain this is Uncertain

Backroads Discoveries, Bucket List Trips, Cross Country Road Trips, Family Travel, Landscapes, Louisiana, Mythical Creatures, Pelicans, Place Names, Post Offices, Roadside Attractions, Selfies, Swamps, Texas, Town Names, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Houses, Unique Places, Yard Art
Uncertain, Texas[/caption] Welcome to Uncertain, TX, a small village on the side of Caddo Lake in eastern Texas bordering Louisiana.  This is the home of the largest natural fresh water lake in Texas and is also home to a huge swamp...yes, gators and pelicans and swamp things, oh my... [caption id="attachment_47" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Uncertain General Store and Grill[/caption] Uncertain derives its name from surveyors who were attempting to delineate the border between Texas and Louisiana and discovered that they were "uncertain" as to which side of the line they were on as they began surveying that particular part of Caddo Lake.  I can imagine why this is.  The swamp always changes. I got to Uncertain on a cool February morning in 2010.  Fisherman were readying their boats to head…
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