The Majesty of Elk

Posted on August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 by Dusty Roads

🦌 The Majesty of Elk: A Wildlife Dream Fulfilled

For those who’ve followed my adventures for a while, you know that wildlife photography is one of my greatest joys. There’s something magical about spotting animals in their natural habitat—no fences, no enclosures, just raw, untamed beauty. And among the creatures I’ve longed to see, elk have always held a special place in my heart.

cinnamon colored black bear- but not Elk Wyoming 2017= photo credit Deb Neumann

🌾 The Elusive Elk

My quest to find elk in the wild has taken me across the country. In South Dakota, I encountered prairie dogs, wild horses, and sweeping landscapes that felt like scenes from a nature documentary. Locals assured me elk were nearby, but they always seemed to be just out of reach—like shadows slipping through the trees.

prairie dog with flower- Photo credit Deb Neumann

In 2014, I ventured into the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. There, I finally spotted some elk, but the experience was bittersweet. The herds were tagged and monitored, their movements restricted. They looked subdued, almost domesticated. I had imagined proud, wild creatures echoing their haunting bugle calls through the valleys—but the silence was deafening.

North Carolina 2014- photo credit Deb Neumann

🍁 A Journey to Jackson Hole

I began to think I’d need to travel all the way to Banff National Park in Canada to find the elk I’d dreamed of. But in October 2017, I made my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming—just in time for the great elk migration.

Elk Herd Outside Jackson Hole 2017- Photo credit Deb Neumann

Although I missed the rut and the iconic bugling calls, I was in the right place at the right time. The elk were moving south from Yellowstone to the National Elk Refuge near Jackson Hole. And that’s when it happened.

👑 A Vision Realized

I finally saw them—my majestic elk. Towering bulls with massive antlers escorted graceful females across golden meadows. The herds were vast, the energy palpable. These elk were everything I had imagined: wild, proud, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Elk Bulls Oversee the Herd Wyoming 2017 – photo credit Deb Neumann

It was a moment years in the making, and one I’ll never forget.

Elk Horn Arch Jackson Hole- photo credit Deb Neumann

Kīlauea: Hawaii’s Fiery Heartbeat

Posted on August 3, 2025August 3, 2025 by Dusty Roads

Hawaii

Considering my affection for Hawaii and my fascination with Kilauea, I think this post is long overdue. I just wish I could be spending some time there to watch Pele dance.

Kilauea photo from Internet

🌋 Kilauea: Hawaii’s Fiery Heartbeat

Nestled within the lush expanse of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea is more than just a geological marvel—it’s a living, breathing force that shapes the land, inspires awe, and commands deep respect. As one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea has been erupting intermittently since December 2024, continuing a legacy of fire that stretches back centuries.

Hawaii volcano produces tall lava fountaining in latest episode of Kilauea eruption | AP News

Photo AP news

🔥 A Volcano of Many Faces

Type: Shield volcano, known for its broad, gentle slopes and fluid lava flows.
Age: Formed underwater roughly 280,000 years ago.
Name Meaning: “Kilauea” translates to “spewing” or “much spreading” in Hawaiian—a fitting name for a volcano that has covered nearly 90% of its surface in lava over the past 1,000 years.
Summit Caldera: Kaluapele, home to Halemaʻumaʻu crater, is traditionally considered the dwelling place of Pelehonuamea, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes.

🌋 Eruption History & Recent Activity

Kīlauea’s eruptive history is both dramatic and transformative:

1983–2018: A nearly continuous eruption along the East Rift Zone, centered at Puʻuʻōʻō and Kupaianaha vents.
2018: A powerful eruption caused the collapse of Halemaʻumaʻu crater, expanding it dramatically and altering the summit landscape.
2024–2025: A series of episodic eruptions have occurred within the summit caldera, including the recent Episode 29, which ended abruptly after 13 hours of lava fountaining that reached heights of up to 330 feet.
2017 Volcanic Vog

Volcano Glow 2018 Photo credit Deb Neumann

🌱 Creation and Destruction

Kīlauea’s eruptions are typically nonexplosive, producing slow-moving lava that reshapes the land without the catastrophic blasts seen in other volcanoes. Yet its power is undeniable:
- Halemaʻumaʻu Crater: Once home to a lava lake, it briefly held a water lake in 2019 before lava returned in 2020.
- Cultural Significance: Native Hawaiians view Kilauea as sacred, a place where the goddess Pele manifests her creative force.
🧪 Science Meets Spirit

The U.S. Geological Survey and Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitor Kilauea closely, using ground deformation, seismic activity, and gas emissions to predict eruptions. But beyond the data lies a deeper truth: Kilauea is a reminder of Earth’s raw power and the delicate balance between destruction and renewal.

📸 A Glimpse into the Inferno

Here are some stunning images of Kilauea in action:

Kilauea Volcano Eruption Halemaʻumaʻu Crater Glow Lava Fountains

🌍 Visiting Kilauea

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaiʻi, Kilauea offers a rare chance to witness Earth’s inner workings. Trails, viewpoints, and educational exhibits within the national park provide safe and enriching ways to experience this volcanic wonder.

Fly the Friendly Skies? A Closer Look at Aviation Safety in 2025

Posted on July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 by Dusty Roads

✈️ Fly the Friendly Skies?

In recent months, headlines have been dominated by unsettling stories of midair collisions, emergency landings, and tragic crashes. From the fiery evacuation of an American Airlines jet in Denver to the devastating Jeju Air disaster in South Korea that claimed 179 lives, travelers are understandably asking: Is it still safe to fly?

Let’s unpack the turbulence.

Aerial view of the wreckage of an airplane that crashed with 61 people on board in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, on August 9, 2024. An airplane...

🚨 Recent Incidents That Raised Eyebrows

Denver Gear Fire: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 aborted takeoff after its landing gear caught fire. Passengers evacuated via emergency slides, with one hospitalized.
Midair Collision in Washington, D.C.: A commercial jet collided with a military helicopter, killing 67 people—the deadliest U.S. airline crash in nearly 20 years.
Jeju Air Tragedy: A belly landing and runway overrun in South Korea led to one of the country’s worst aviation disasters.
Alaska Crash: A plane overloaded with moose meat and antlers crashed, highlighting the risks of improper cargo handling.
Near Misses: A Southwest flight plunged nearly 500 feet to avoid another aircraft, and a Delta pilot had to dodge a B-52 bomber.

These incidents have sparked public anxiety, with one in four Americans reporting increased nervousness about flying.

📊 The Bigger Picture: Is Flying Still Safe

Despite the drama, aviation experts and data tell a reassuring story:

- Commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation. . The fatality rate is roughly 1 in 11 million
Most incidents involve private or general aviation, not commercial airlines.
Rigorous safety protocols, pilot training, and aircraft technology continue to evolve, making flying safer each year.
Runway incursions and near misses are being addressed with infrastructure upgrades and new air traffic control systems.

As aviation professor Chad Kendall puts it: “Thousands of operations have occurred since these accidents. Highly professional pilots and air traffic controllers are doing this right now”.

🛫 So, Should You Fly the Friendly Skies?

Yes—with informed confidence.
While recent events have shaken public trust, they also serve as catalysts for improvement. The aviation industry is doubling down on safety, transparency, and innovation. And statistically, you’re far safer cruising at 35,000 feet than driving to the airport.
So next time you buckle up and hear the engines roar, remember: the skies are still friendly—just a little more watchful.

Cartoon Granny Flying Plane Vector Illustration Stock Vector | Adobe Stock

Wander Wisely: Travel Hacks for Today’s Changing Globe

Posted on July 27, 2025July 27, 2025 by Dusty Roads | 2 Comments

Travel Wisely

I thought maybe a quick trip back to the roots of this blog might be in order. Arounddustyroads.com started as a travel blog to share tales of my adventures. Since retiring I haven’t been able to take many trips (none) but I still keep up with things going on in the world. It seems my mantra, “Travel is an adventure”, is more true than ever. But fear not, I have a few tips to help enjoy the hustle and bustle.

Wander Wisely: Travel Hacks for Today’s Changing Globe

Its a National Treasure- Mount Rushmore

In the evolving rhythm of global travel—where spontaneity often meets uncertainty—being savvy with your suitcase can make the difference between a stressful sprint and a breezy glide through adventure. Whether you’re hopping borders or taking the scenic route close to home, these creative travel hacks are your passport to peace of mind.

🧳 1. Pack Like a Poet, Not a Puzzle Solver

Roll, don’t fold—it saves space and wrinkles. Think in categories: “sleep,” “sightseeing,” “dining,” etc., and use packing cubes to divide them like chapters in your trip’s story.

cotopaxi cubos del dia packing cubes set of 3

packing cubes organize your suitcase

Quick Trick:

Toss dryer sheets into your luggage for a fresh scent that lingers longer than your jet lag.

📶 2. Go Digital, Travel Light

Boarding passes, hotel reservations, and itinerary docs—save them offline in a travel folder on your phone. Bonus tip: screenshot everything. Wi-Fi can be a fickle friend

Travel App Love:

Try an app like TripIt or Wanderlog to organize your plans effortlessly

💧 3. BYOB—Bring Your Own Bottle

Hydration without hesitation. Invest in a collapsible water bottle that fits neatly in your bag and avoids overpriced airport drinks. Many airports now offer refill stations

ONTA Collapsible Water Bottle- BPA Free Silicone Foldable Water Bottle for Travel,Silicone Portable Leak-Proof Travel Water Bottle 20oz, blue

🕶️ 4. Dress for Security Success

Slip-on shoes, no belts, and layers that come off easily make TSA checks smoother than a silk scarf in a breeze. Empty your pockets into a zipped pouch before getting to the scanner.

🎒 5. Personal Item = Secret Weapon

Choose a sturdy tote or backpack with smart compartments. This is your command center: snacks, chargers, hand sanitizer, an extra mask, lip balm, and something cozy like a scarf or pashmina that doubles as a blanket.

😴 6. Travel Zen: The Calm Kit

Airports buzz. Flights hum. Your mind doesn’t have to. A small pouch with noise-canceling earbuds, lavender wipes, a sleep mask, and your favorite playlist or audiobook can transform your travel time into a moment of stillness.

Whether you’re returning to the skies or navigating new roads, travel today calls for flexibility, creativity, and a dash of serenity. With these hacks, you can turn any trip into a graceful experience—even when the journey takes unexpected turns.

Off Roading out west

I’ve been blocked!

Posted on October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 by Dusty Roads | 2 Comments

Blocked Again

Block Profile Icon - Download in Colored Outline Style

I’ve been blogging for years and never had so much trouble with my site. I logged in to post an update and found I was blocked from any new posts- AGAIN! This seems to be happening a lot and its very annoying. This time it was a “Fatal error” with my SEO account. All of those things are supposed to update automatically but apparently the hosting platform is still mixing up the old aroundustyroads.com with the new, active one of arounddustyroads.com. Anyway it took a couple of days/tries but it seems to be working now. Fingers crossed.

Flickr

I have a Flickr account and for a long time it was linked to this blog in the side bar. Lately it doesn’t seem to be updating so that’s another thing I will need to work on. I haven’t worried too much about it because I haven’t added too many new photos to my flickr account but the recent photo contest got me busy uploading some of my pics since that gives me online storage. So if anyone is interested here’s the link to my flickr photostream

Here are a couple of examples of what you’ll find there

Yogi Bear

Wyoming Black Bear 2017- photo credit Deb Neumann

Yes, I know this bear doesn’t look black – more of a cinnamon brown and he didn’t look very big. He could have been a big ole Teddy bear sitting in some kind of bush, you could hardly call it a tree, right by the road and everyone was pulling over to get a look. He paid no attention to any of us gawkers. There must have been some berries or something in those leaves because he was really busy licking them up.

Bull Elk

Bull Elk Wyoming 2017- Photo credit Deb Neumann

The same trip I got to see a huge herd of elk migrating to the elk reserve near Jackson Hole. These two handsome guys were just standing there seemingly surveying all of their domain. The herd wasn’t far away and that consisted of the cows and calves and a few younger bulls. .

Elk herd Wyoming 2017- Photo credit Deb Neumann