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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Five Years: Five Favorite Posts

Five years ago, in March of 2011, 'One Day in America' was launched.  My blogging class instructor commanded us to include a mission statement for our blog.  Mine—shown above—promised to transport readers into the American experience and to inspire them with the joy of travel.  I like to think that with every post I am accomplishing my goal.

                                                                       
To commemorate this blog's 5th anniversary I've chosen five of my favorite posts for re-sharing.

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1)  The California Redwood Forests:
Perhaps no other vacation in memory had the transformative effect of my trip to the Redwoods State and National Parks.  A grove of Redwood trees is a reverent place, one of soul-stirring wonder.  As I replied to a commenter:  "If you want to feel small and insignificant—but in the best possible way—visit a Redwood forest."

Unsurpassed grandeur of an old-growth Redwood Grove.


Read about walking among the Redwoods here.

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2)  Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge:
Many years ago I spent several days in January at this New Mexico Wildlife Refuge.  The bird life was incredible but the daily sunrises and sunsets were astounding.  I should point out that the photos included in this post—on Kodak slide film—were not altered in any way.

Sandhill Cranes at sunrise.


Click here to view the remarkable dusks and dawns in Bosque Del Apache NWR.

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3)  Coyote Buttes on the Utah/Arizona border:
For eons desert winds, along with gravity and water, have been eroding and carving Navajo Sandstone in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs wilderness area.  The buttes are a stunning example of earth's natural forces at work.  To protect this fragile area, visitation is limited and permits required.  It takes a bit of work to get there, but I highly recommend a visit to this unique geologic wonder.

One of nature's masterpieces in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs wilderness.


Re-visit the Coyote Buttes by clicking here.

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4)  The Hungry Bear Cafe:
Many of my posts deal with travels and experiences in the natural world.
This post, detailing a spontaneous stop along a lonely highway in the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, is one of my favorites because I love Halloween, and because it stands as an example of an unplanned stop becoming an unexpected thrill.  To me, this post epitomizes the fun of serendipitous travel.

A little shop of horrors waits within.


Click here to enjoy the offerings of The Hungry Bear Cafe.

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5)  Bighorn Sheep in Colorado  (Swept Away on Henson Creek):
I saved the best for last.  I don't know if this is my best-written post, but it still stands as my most memorable outdoor experience.  Why?  For one thing, although I have no children of my own, I felt a remarkable connection to those ewes crying out for their lost lambs.  And for another, I believe I witnessed a miracle that day.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ewe and Lamb, safe along the banks of Henson Creek.


Re-live the drama and the miracle of the Big Horn Sheep along Henson Creek by clicking here.

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This month Blogger has added something new.  It's called "Featured Post" and I've displayed my featured post in the upper righthand corner of my blog.  During March, to celebrate spring and the return of the baseball season, I have chosen to feature "Florida's Spring Training Baseball".  Check it out.








8 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Rita, on your 5-year Blogiversary!!

    Over the past 5 years, your blog has introduced me to the wonders, joys and beauty of corners of this country that I never would have known about otherwise - and introduced me to you, Tim and Annie, and your family, who imparted their love of travel and discovery, as well.

    It's been an adventure and an honor to see through your eyes and your remarkable talents for writing and photography. Reading these posts again was great fun, and I bet our blogging instructor would be thrilled to see how high you've soared since that class. :)

    Here's to 5 more!!
    Vickie

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  2. Vickie, I'm thankful that our mutual blogging class enabled me to have gotten to know you. I consider you a new-found friend and kindred spirit!

    I'm also thankful to have had you as a regular follower of my blog over the past five years (wow, has it really been five years?!). I wonder if Melanie is still teaching beginning blogging?

    Thanks as always for your kind words and encouragement, Vickie! I do appreciate it.

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  3. What a fantastic idea, Rita, to spotlight five of your favorite blogs to commemorate the fifth anniversary of your blog. And what I find even more fantastic is how you were able to narrow the selection to just five. That is an amazing feat unto itself!

    Regardless, even though your blog transports readers to many regions of America, I especially enjoy your postings about your travels in the Western U.S. Since I've yet to take time to explore this region of our country, your blog serves as a superb resource for me to vicariously experience this region's awesome beauty. Your eloquent narratives and exquisite photos truly stir the soul!

    As Vickie said, it was indeed great fun to re-read the five posts that you selected. And, I also want to piggyback on her closing sentiment of "Here's to 5 more!!" Bravo!

    John

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    1. I have to admit that it was difficult to pick five favorites when I'm kind of partial to all my posts!

      I'm happy to hear that my blog has enabled you to vicariously experience travel in the western US. I hope you and Cheri are able to have some real-life experience with western travel someday as well.

      One of the unexpected benefits of this blog has been the cultivation of new online friends like you, John!
      Thanks for being a faithful follower.

      Here's to five more years of blogging for both of us!

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  4. It has always been a pleasure going through your blog Rita! From your fav five, I could immediately recall the redwoods post. The pictures in your New Mexico Wildlife Refuge post are absolutely stunning and so are those in the story about the windswept sandstone hills. I did not read that mountain goat story before, it was quite heartwarming to see that the lambs managed to survive :)


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    1. Thanks for your comments on my previous posts.
      Tim and I accept your compliments on our photography skills, but it sure helps to have such spectacular subject matter!
      As for your run-in with the mountain goat—all hoofed mammals can be aggressive and unpredictable. But it's great to see threatened or endangered species in the wild.

      One of the wonderful things about blogging is making international friends. I'm glad that my blog has introduced you to US travel, places and experiences. And I've learned so much about India by reading your blog!
      Thanks for being a loyal reader, Soumyendu!

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    2. Hi again!

      Couldn't resist another look and to tell you the truth Rita, that picture of the Redwood grove should have been winning awards yup

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