April 27, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 27) By Simon J. Lau Today we departed from Santa Fe. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited state capital in the U.S., dating back to its establishment in 1610. Its significance as a vital trade hub along the Santa Fe Trail facilitated connections between the U.S. and Mexico, profoundly shaping its cultural and economic landscape. As a military outpost and governmental seat, it played a pivotal role in the expansion of the […]

April 27, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 27) By Simon J. Lau Today we departed from Santa Fe. It’s the oldest continuously inhabited state capital in the U.S., dating back to its establishment in 1610. Its significance as a vital trade hub along the Santa Fe Trail facilitated connections between the U.S. and Mexico, profoundly shaping its cultural and economic landscape. As a military outpost and governmental seat, it played a pivotal role in the expansion of the […]

April 26, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 26) By Simon J. Lau This morning we visited Los Alamos, the birthplace of the Manhattan Project. Established in 1942 as a secret research facility, Los Alamos played a pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb, which ultimately led to the end of the WWII. The brightest scientific minds of the time were recruited to work on the Project, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in nuclear physics. Following the war, […]

April 25, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 25) By Simon J. Lau This morning we left Amarillo. It’s long been a key hub in the American West. Initially settled by Native American tribes, the area saw European exploration in the 16th century. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century, with the arrival of the railroad, that Amarillo began to flourish. The town’s strategic position along the cattle trails led to its rapid growth as a center for […]

April 24, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 24) By Simon J. Lau This morning, we visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which commemorates the victims, survivors, and rescuers of the Oklahoma City bombing. This bombing occurred on April 19, 1995, when a truck loaded with explosives was detonated outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The bombing was perpetrated by domestic terrorists Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. It resulted in the deaths of 168 people, including […]

April 23, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 23) By Simon J. Lau This morning we visited Christ of the Ozarks, a giant monumental statue near Eureka Springs. Towering 67 feet tall, this sculpture portrays Jesus Christ with outstretched arms, overlooking the Ozark Mountains. The statue is part of The Great Passion Play complex, where you can watch a large-scale outdoor drama portraying the last days of Jesus Christ, including his crucifixion and resurrection. (I did not partake in […]

April 22, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 22) By Simon J. Lau We’re currently in Branson, nestled deep within the Ozarks. Spanning across Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas, the Ozarks are renowned for their dense forests, rolling hills, and pristine streams. From what I’ve seen so far, the forests are indeed very dense. Additionally, judging by the abundance of roadkill I’ve encountered driving across Missouri, I suspect there are plenty of critters here, especially armadillos. In Missouri’s Ozarks […]

April 21, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 21) By Simon J. Lau Last night we spent the night in Paducah! Established in 1827, it served as a key trading post along the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. The city played a significant role during the Civil War, serving as a strategic location due to its proximity to the Mississippi River and its railway connections. Following the war, Paducah experienced rapid industrialization, with industries like railroads, tobacco, and textiles driving […]

April 20, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 20) By Simon J. Lau Before leaving Chattanooga, we visited The International Towing & Recovery Museum this morning. It’s dedicated to preserving the history of the towing and recovery industry, featuring a collection of vintage tow trucks, equipment, and memorabilia showcasing the evolution of towing technology. One little-known fact is that Chattanooga is credited as the birthplace for tow trucks, which is partly why this museum is found here.  Random, I know, but […]

April 19, 2024 Coast-to-coast: San Francisco to Savannah (Part 19) By Simon J. Lau This morning we visited Rock City Garden, located atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia. It’s known for its sweeping vistas and unique rock formations. There are narrow passageways among moss-covered boulders and bridges that meander throughout the garden. I really enjoyed walking through these narrow pathways! Although, at times, it was so narrow it was difficult for me to pass (I was carrying a lot of gear […]