A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The J Things #AtoZChallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Alaska, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Bakeries, BBQ Places, Burger Joints, California, Cross Country Road Trips, Dragons, Dream Highways, Family Travel, Found Metal Sculptures, Geologic Formations, Giant Things, Giant Twine Balls, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Jackalope, Junk Art, Kentucky, Less Beaten Paths Books, Minnesota, Montana, Mountains, Mythical Creatures, New York, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, People Shots, Place Names, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Selfies, South Dakota, Texas, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Vintage Neon, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
In 2018 I  will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada.  I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America's Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.   Judy Garland Birthplace - Grand Rapids, Minnesota [caption id="attachment_8741" align="alignnone" width="400"] Sumoflam at Judy Garland birthplace in Grand Rapids, MN[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8748" align="alignnone" width="383"] Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, MN[/caption] Jakeman's Maple Syrup - Beachville, Ontario [caption id="attachment_5170" align="alignnone" width="400"] Jakeman's Maple Products - Beachville, Ontario[/caption] [caption id="attachment_5171" align="alignnone" width="400"] Jakeman's Sign[/caption] Jackalopes Everywhere - Superior, Wisconsin; Wall, South Dakota; Douglas, Wyoming; Fort Worth, Texas [caption…
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A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The G Things #AtoZChallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Alaska, Alligators, Amish Country, Antsy McClain, Arizona, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Bridges, Bucket List Trips, Burger Joints, California, Colorado, Cross Country Road Trips, Enchanted Highway, Family Travel, Found Metal Sculptures, Geologic Formations, Gifu, Giraffe, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Japanese Castles, Junk Art, Kentucky, Kyoto, Less Beaten Paths Books, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Mountains, Muffler Man, Murals, Museums, National Monuments, National Parks, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Rocky Mountains, Selfies, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Travel in Japan, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Uniroyal Gal, Vintage Neon, Wall Art, Wanderlust, Water Towers, Waterfalls, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Yard Art
In 2018 I  will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada.  I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America's Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.   Gronk's Grill and Bar - Superior, Wisconsin [caption id="attachment_8720" align="alignnone" width="400"] Gronk's Grill and Bar in Superior, WI[/caption] [caption id="attachment_8714" align="alignnone" width="300"] The fickle finger of fate at the entrance of Gronks in Superior, WI[/caption] Gettysburg National Battlefield - Gettysburg, Pennsylvania [caption id="attachment_7015" align="alignnone" width="400"] Sons Seth and Solomon at the Gettysburg Museum, July 4 1998[/caption] Glacier Bay National Park - Gustavus, Alaska [caption id="attachment_4625" align="alignnone" width="360"]…
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A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The F Things #AtoZChallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Animals, Antsy McClain, Arizona, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, BBQ Places, Burger Joints, California, Covered Bridges, Cross Country Road Trips, Enchanted Highway, Family Travel, Flowers, Found Metal Sculptures, Fox, Fuji City, Geologic Formations, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Large Statues, Less Beaten Paths Books, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, National Monuments, National Parks, New Jersey, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Ontario, Ostrich, Pennsylvania, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Selfies, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Town Names, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Vintage Neon, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, Yard Art
In 2018 I  will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada.  I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America's Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.   Feely, Montana [caption id="attachment_1983" align="alignnone" width="400"] Feely, Montana[/caption] Fiberglass Snowman - Lewisburg, West Virginia [caption id="attachment_18302" align="alignnone" width="400"] Huge snowman in Lewisburg, WV[/caption] Fireplace of States - Bemidji, Minnesota [caption id="attachment_8778" align="alignnone" width="400"] Fireplace of States in Bemidji, MN[/caption] Fat Smitty's - Port Townsend, Washington [caption id="attachment_13632" align="alignnone" width="400"] Fat Smitty's, a burger joint near Port Townsend, WA.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_13854" align="alignnone" width="400"] Fat Smitty's ceiling covered with…
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A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The C Things #AtoZChallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Arizona, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Bakeries, Books, Bridges, Bucket List Trips, California, Covered Bridges, Cross Country Road Trips, Dinosaurs, Family Travel, Found Metal Sculptures, Geologic Formations, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Junk Art, Kentucky, Landscapes, Large Statues, Less Beaten Paths Books, Lewis and Clark Sites, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Mountains, Museums, National Monuments, National Parks, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Philippines, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Rocky Mountains, Selfies, Television Shows, Tennessee, Texas, Town Names, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Vintage Neon, Virginia, Volcanic Sites, Wall Art, Water Towers, Waterfalls, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yard Art
In 2018 I  will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada.  I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America's Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.   Cyclisk - Santa Rosa, California [caption id="attachment_12871" align="alignnone" width="266"] "Cyclisk" - Obelisk made out of bicycle parts in Santa Rosa, CA[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12834" align="alignnone" width="300"] Sumoflam at the base of "Cyclisk"[/caption] Charles Nagreen Statue - Seymour, Wisconsin [caption id="attachment_12444" align="alignnone" width="266"] Hamburger Charlie statue in Seymour, WI. Charles Nagreen is credited with inventing the hamburger.[/caption] Sam & Eulalia Frantz "Field of Corn"- Dublin, Ohio [caption id="attachment_15303" align="alignnone"…
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A Grab Bag from America’s Back Roads – The B Things #AtoZChallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Alligators, Animals, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, BBQ Places, Big John, Bison, Blue Heron, Bridges, Bucket List Trips, Buffalo, Burger Joints, Cross Country Road Trips, Found Metal Sculptures, Giant Things, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Landscapes, Large Statues, Less Beaten Paths Books, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Muffler Man, Murals, Museums, National Monuments, National Parks, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Oita, Ontario, Oregon, Philippines, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Rocky Mountains, Selfies, South Dakota, Television Shows, Tennessee, Texas, The Beatles, Town Names, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Virginia, Washington, Water Towers, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yard Art
In 2018 I  will feature a random (yet alphabetical) selection of photos I have taken from my nearly 20 years of back roads travel in the United States and Canada.  I may even throw in a few random shots from other trips to Japan, Mexico and the Philippines. My theme is called America's Back Roads: A Grab Bag of Places in Pictures.   Blueberry, WI [caption id="attachment_8703" align="alignnone" width="400"] Old Antique Store in Blueberry, WI[/caption] Brazos Bend State Park - Needville, TX [caption id="attachment_11297" align="alignnone" width="400"] Brazos Bend State Park, Texas[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11290" align="alignnone" width="400"] Another Gator in Brazos State Park[/caption] Bruce Windmill Farm - Woodstock, ON [caption id="attachment_544" align="alignnone" width="400"] Cliff Bruce Windmill Hill in Woodstock, ON is One of Ontario's premier "roadart" places[/caption] Bison/Buffalo - Yellowstone National Park…
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SPOILER!: Cover Art for Book 2 – Quirky and Offbeat Roadside Attractions

Adventure, Antsy McClain, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Big John, Car Art, Cross Country Road Trips, Enchanted Highway, Giant Things, Less Beaten Paths Books, Minnesota, Offbeat Places, Oklahoma, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Selfies, Texas, Travel Blogging, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Places, Wanderlust
[caption id="attachment_18667" align="alignleft" width="225"] Big Cabin, OK[/caption] My second book - Less Beaten Paths of America: Offbeat and Quirky Roadside Attractions is currently being worked on.  My hope is to have it published by June 30. Like the first book, this will also be available for Kindle.  Unlike the first book, Volume Two will be chock full of COLOR photos from all over the U.S. and Canada and will include my fun stories about the dozens of quirky attractions I feature in the book.  It will definitely be a fun read!! GET BOOK ONE HERE IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT   The cover for the new book has just been completed.  Once again, this was nicely done by my good friend Antsy McClain.  The original photography is mine with some cute…
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Get an Amazon Gift Card for Christmas? Try Out My New Book!

Adventure, Alabama, Alberta, Amish Country, Antsy McClain, Arizona, Arkansas, Books, California, Colorado, Cross Country Road Trips, Eateries, Family Travel, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Less Beaten Paths Books, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Selfies, South Dakota, Staycations, Television Shows, Tennessee, Texas, Town Names, Travel Blogging, Travel with grandchildren, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Virginia, Wanderlust, West Virginia, Wisconsin
Looking for something fun to use that Amazon gift card on? How about a fun travel book? Read some of my first hand experiences visiting America’s Unique Named Towns!  Visit places like Tightwad, Uncertain, Boring, Oddville, Cool, Earth, Prosperity and many more! See more at http://amzn.to/2ks6fQZ
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Blogging A to Z Challenge – The Complete List for 2017 – #atozchallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Alligators, Amish Country, Animals, Antelope, Antsy McClain, Arizona, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Bakeries, BBQ Places, Big Cities, Bike Trails, Birds, Bison, Blue Heron, Bobby Cochran, Bridges, Bucket List Trips, Buffalo, Burger Joints, California, Canada, Car Art, Cebu, City Skylines, Colorado, Connecticut, Covered Bridges, Cross Country Road Trips, Deer, Delaware, Dinosaurs, Dragons, Dream Highways, Eagles, Eateries, Edgar Cruz, Egret, Elk, Enchanted Highway, Family Travel, Farmland, Florida, Found Metal Sculptures, Fox, Fuji City, Geese, Geologic Formations, Georgia, Ghost Signs, Giant Things, Giant Twine Balls, Graffiti Walls, Hawaii, Himeji, Hiroshima, Horse Art, Horses, Idaho, Illinois, Indian Ruins, Indiana, Iowa, Japan, Japanese Castles, Japanese Shrines, Kansas, Kentucky, Kyoto, Landscapes, Large Statues, Lewis and Clark Sites, Lighthouses, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico, Michael Kelsey, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Mountains, Muffler Man, Murals, Museums, Mythical Creatures, Nagasaki, National Monuments, National Parks, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Ogaki, Ohio, Oita, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Patti Hall, Pauly Zarb, Pelicans, Pennsylvania, People Shots, Philippines, Place Names, Post Offices, prairie dogs, Pronghorn Antelope, Quirky Things, Random Thoughts, Rhode Island, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Rocky Mountains, Sandhill Cranes, Saskatchewan, Seagulls, Selfies, Sendai, South Carolina, South Dakota, Squirrels, States and Provinces, Street Art, Street People, Swamps, Television Shows, Tennessee, Texas, Tommy Emmanuel, Town Names, Train Bridges, Travel Blogging, Travel with grandchildren, Tulum, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Uniroyal Gal, Utah, Vermont, Vintage Neon, Virginia, Volcanic Sites, Wall Art, Wanderlust, Washington, Washington DC, Waterfalls, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Yard Art
During the month of April I participated with nearly 2000 other bloggers worldwide in the "Blogging from A to Z Challenge" which is now in its 7th year. This was my second year to participate and this year's theme for my series was "Wanderlust."  As a "Travelographer," my posts tend to be photo heavy.  I travel and take loads of photos. This is my way of sharing the wonders of the back roads of America. [caption id="attachment_17824" align="aligncenter" width="523"] Corner of This Way and That Way in Lake Jackson, TX[/caption] Following are links to the complete A to Z set.  Just click on the banner for each and letter and enjoy the posts and the photos.  I hope all readers will Enjoy the Ride as much as I have enjoyed…
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Z is for Zeal – #atozchallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Big Cities, California, Canada, Colorado, Connecticut, Cross Country Road Trips, Delaware, Enchanted Highway, Family Travel, Florida, Georgia, Graffiti Walls, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Lighthouses, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Mountains, Murals, Mythical Creatures, National Monuments, National Parks, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Place Names, Post Offices, Quirky Things, Random Thoughts, Rhode Island, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, Rocky Mountains, Saskatchewan, Selfies, South Carolina, South Dakota, Staycations, Tennessee, Texas, Town Names, Travel with grandchildren, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Places, US Highway 2, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wall Art, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
I am a zealous traveler. I travel passion and with all the gusto I can.  A roadtrip with me can be grueling, but it is always fun.  Indeed, I travel with the intent of creating many good memories.  Many call me a Road Warrior. Well, I love that term. I travel with zeal. When on roadtrips, I like to be up with the sun and travel until the sun goes down.  I stop for the night wherever I am at sundown...I can't take many pictures at night now can I? [caption id="attachment_15212" align="aligncenter" width="537"] Taking photos along the way[/caption] [caption id="attachment_16314" align="alignleft" width="150"] Sumoflam and the FREE Stamp in Cleveland[/caption] In my zealous travels, I have visited all 50 states and a few Canadian Provinces. I have at least one…
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Y is for Yard Art – #atozchallenge

A to Z Challenge, Adventure, Arkansas, Back Roads, Backroads Discoveries, Burger Joints, Car Art, Colorado, Connecticut, Cross Country Road Trips, Dinosaurs, Found Metal Sculptures, Giant Things, Horse Art, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Large Statues, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Offbeat Places, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quirky Things, Roadside Attractions, Roadsigns, South Dakota, Texas, Unexpected Discoveries, Unique Eatery, Unique Places, Wall Art, Wanderlust, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Yard Art
One of the more interesting things I look for on roadtrips as I pass through small communities on back roads is yard art.  Funky art and decorations in people's yards, on their fences, on their houses. People have ingenuity.  Some people have junk.  But, as the saying goes, "One Man's Junk is Another Man's Treasure." [caption id="attachment_2184" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Unique Yard Art in Parker, Idaho[/caption] For me, Yard Art is anything unique and unusual.  It could be chain saw art - wood carvings made with chain saws.  It could be art made from scrap metal.  It could be, like the photo above, a hodge podge of signs, junk or other things.  Following are some selections of yard art I have taken over the years.  Don't judge...some of these people love…
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