Category Archives: Travel

The Art of Staying Comfortable: Hosting, Traveling, and Everything In Between

Posted on by

 

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains partner links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep Around Dusty Roads going. If you like what you read, click where you please — some links are partner links that help support the blog.”

Have Camera, Will Travel… and Yes, Sometimes My Bed Comes Too

I’ve learned something over the years: comfort isn’t a luxury, it’s survival. Whether I’m hosting family in my little condo, sneaking away for a weekend, or just trying to get a decent night’s sleep, I’ve become a connoisseur of the small things that make life easier. A good air mattress, soft bedding, and a camera bag that doesn’t dig into my shoulder — these are the unsung heroes of my everyday adventures.

Hosting in a One-Bedroom Condo: My Secret Weapons

People assume hosting is impossible in a small space. Not true. You just need strategy… and maybe a sense of humor.

My living room has seen everything from overnight guests to impromptu “Sure, you can crash here” situations. The real MVP? A reliable air mattress that doesn’t leave anyone on the floor by morning. I’ve had my share of deflating disasters over the years, but the King Koil air mattress has been the one that actually behaves. It inflates quickly, stays firm, and doesn’t squeak every time someone rolls over.
Air Mattress

I also keep a dedicated “guest bedding bundle” tucked in my closet — nothing fancy, just soft sheets and a cozy blanket that make people feel welcome. It saves me from the last‑minute scramble of digging through linen closets like a raccoon in a dumpster.

Bedding and linens

Hosting in a small space isn’t about square footage. It’s about making people feel comfortable… even if they’re sleeping next to your cat’s favorite scratching post.

 

Traveling Smarter, Not Harder

There was a time when I could toss everything into a tote bag and call it a day. Those days are gone. Now I pack with intention — and a little self-preservation.

If I’m heading out for a weekend getaway, the first thing I grab is my camera bag. I used to throw my camera into my purse and hope for the best. That usually ended with me fishing it out from under a pile of receipts and cough drops. A padded, organized camera bag has saved my shoulders and my sanity.
Camera Gear

 

And depending on where I’m staying, I’ve been known to bring my own pillow or throw blanket. I’m at the age where one bad night of sleep can derail an entire trip. Comfort is non-negotiable.

I’ve even brought my own air mattress to questionable Airbnbs. When the listing says “extra sleeping space,” I’ve learned that can mean anything from a futon to a yoga mat. I prefer to be prepared.

How My Sleeping Setups Have Evolved

If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I’d say, “Sweetheart, invest in good bedding. Your spine will thank you.”

I’ve slept on everything — couches, cots, RV bunks, and one particularly memorable air mattress that slowly deflated until I woke up shaped like a taco. These days, I choose comfort on purpose. Soft sheets, supportive pillows, and a mattress (or air mattress) that doesn’t betray me in the night.

It’s funny how aging shifts your priorities. I used to chase adventure. Now I chase a good night’s sleep… and honestly, that feels like its own kind of adventure.

Comfort Is the New Adventure

Life gets busy, unpredictable, and occasionally chaotic, and I’ve realized that comfort isn’t frivolous. It’s grounding and it’s stabilizing. It’s the thing that lets you breathe a little easier when everything else feels like a juggling act.

So whether I’m hosting guests, packing for a weekend, or just settling in for the night, I’m choosing comfort wherever I can find it. And if a few well-chosen tools make life smoother, I’m all for it.

Your Turn

What’s the one comfort item you refuse to travel or host without — a favorite pillow, a cozy blanket, or something completely unexpected?

Tell me — I love hearing what makes your world a little softer.

 

 

Deadwood, South Dakota: Truth, Legend, and the Last Days of Wild Bill Hickok

Posted on by

 

The One Stop We Missed

Among the myths and legends of the Wild West sits Deadwood, South Dakota. I still regret that we didn’t take the time to visit when we took our amazing vacation out that way. If you’ve been following Around Dusty Roads for a while, you may remember those older posts—Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Custer State Park… we squeezed in a lot. But Deadwood? Somehow it slipped through the cracks.

Does that mean a return trip is needed? Let’s talk about it, and you be the judge.

A Town Built on Gold, Grit, and Gunpowder

Deadwood earned its reputation during the lawless days of the Wild West. Gold brought fortune seekers. Fortune seekers brought outlaws. Outlaws brought gunfights. And the whole mix created a town where danger and opportunity walked hand in hand.

Today, Deadwood leans into that history with restored saloons, historic buildings, and lively reenactments that celebrate its rough‑and‑tumble past. It’s a place where the line between truth and legend blurs—sometimes intentionally.

The Murder of Wild Bill Hickok

Of all the stories tied to Deadwood, none is more famous than the death of James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. On August 2, 1876, Hickok took a seat in Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon No. 10. For reasons still debated, he sat with his back to the door—something he almost never did.

That small decision became part of Western lore.

The day before, a drifter named Jack McCall had lost all his money to Hickok in a poker game. When Hickok offered him money for a meal, McCall took it as an insult. Fueled by wounded pride and liquid courage, he returned the next evening, walked up behind Hickok, and shot him in the head.

Legend says Hickok was holding black aces and black eights—the now‑famous “Dead Man’s Hand.”

Honoring a Legend

Visitors to Deadwood can still pay their respects at Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah Cemetery. His memory lives on in more ways than one:

  • In 1979, he was inducted into the World Series of Poker Hall of Fame.
  • Every June, Deadwood hosts “Wild Bill Days” in his honor.
  • And every time someone draws a Dead Man’s Hand, Hickok’s story resurfaces.

Thus, while gone, Wild Bill Hickok is certainly not forgotten.

Truth or Tall Tale?

This one goes firmly in the truth column. The details may have been polished by storytellers over the years, but the core of the tale—Deadwood, Wild Bill, Jack McCall, and that fateful poker game—is solid history.

Your Turn: Is Deadwood Worth a Return Trip?

I missed Deadwood the first time around, and the more I dig into its history, the more I wonder if that was a mistake. Between the Wild West legends, the historic saloons, and the chance to stand where Wild Bill Hickok played his final hand, it feels like a place that deserves a spot on the itinerary.

So now I’m turning it over to you.
Have you been to Deadwood? Did it live up to the stories?
Or, if it’s still on your bucket list, does it sound like a place worth doubling back for on a future South Dakota adventure?

Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take.

 

When Pele Sends a Birthday Card: Turning 75 With a Bang

Posted on by

 

Three-Quarters of a Century… Already?

Thank you to everyone who showered me with birthday wishes. Somehow, I’ve managed to make it to the three‑quarter‑century mark. Seventy‑five. It looks ancient on paper, but honestly? Other than a few arthritic grumbles, I feel pretty darn good for an “old babe.”

What really gets me every year is how many people take the time to reach out. For 364 days, I wander around thinking I’m just living my quiet little life. Then my birthday rolls in—usually accompanied by a nor’easter—and suddenly my inbox explodes like I’m George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. I never realize how many lives I’ve brushed up against until that one day when everyone pops out of the woodwork. It’s humbling, heartwarming, and a little overwhelming in the best way.

Enter Hawaii, Stage Left

KilaueaThis year, even Hawaii decided to join the celebration. And if you’ve been following this space for any length of time, you already know I can wax poetic about Hawaii until someone gently pries the keyboard from my hands. Especially when it comes to my favorite diva of the Pacific: Kilauea.

My very first trip to the islands was to the Big Island, and I spent a full day exploring Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. I drove Chain of Craters Road, peered into the caldera from Volcano House, and saw my first plume of vog where lava met the sea. Kilauea was quiet that trip—too quiet—but I was hooked. I wanted to see an eruption with my own eyes.

Chasing the Elusive Eruption

Since then, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve returned to Hawaii. Oahu? Check. Pearl Harbor? Absolutely. Maui? More times than I can count. The Big Island? A repeat favorite. Kauai? Not yet—but hey, I may be 75, but I’m not done adventuring.

Volcanoes National Park is always on my itinerary, and I’ve had some close calls. One year, Kilauea started huffing and puffing while I was on a park tour. Rangers and visitors lined up at the observatory, watching the lava lake glow as darkness fell. Little fountains teased us from the caldera. The excitement was electric.

Lava Lake Glow

And then—because this is my life—nothing big happened. My tour bus rolled away, Kilauea still grumbling but holding back. The next day, I flew home… and she blew her top while I was somewhere over the Pacific. I watched the eruption on the news, muttering “Really?” at the screen.

A Fiery Birthday Gift

Which brings me to this year. My birthday. My big 75. And what does Pele do? She sends me a present.

Episode 42 of Kilauea’s eruption began at 1:50 p.m. HST—on my birthday. High lava fountains shot into the sky, with bursts reaching 1,000 to 1,200 feet from the north vent and 800 to 1,000 feet from the south vent. A full‑blown, fiery celebration in my honor.

I may not have been there in person, but it’s the thought that counts. And honestly? As birthday surprises go, a volcanic eruption is hard to top.

What a spectacular way to kick off my next lap around the sun.

Dreaming in Railcars

Posted on by

 

Revisiting Train Travel on Around Dusty Roads

Returning to My Travel Roots

Let’s harken back to the early days of Around Dusty Roads. When I first launched this blog, it was meant to be a place to share my trips, vacations, and travel experiences—my little corner of the internet where I could relive adventures and maybe inspire a few of you along the way. Over time, as life shifted and travel slowed, the blog naturally evolved into a “bit of everything” space. That’s what happens when you stop hopping on planes and start navigating retirement budgets instead.

I’ve certainly slowed down, and while I adjust to new spending habits, travel has taken a back seat. But as my recent posts have shown, I can still wander in my mind. And who knows—maybe someday I’ll get back to exploring in person.

Let’s Talk Train Vacations

Today, I want to toss the ball back to you, my friendly readers. What do you think of train vacations?

My sister and I once took a 7‑day Amtrak trip to San Antonio, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana. It was interesting—quirky in places, scenic in others—and I’d absolutely try something like that again. I’ve also long dreamed of riding the Coast Starlight down California’s coastline between Seattle and Los Angeles. Then again, I’d be just as happy driving it so I could stop and explore every overlook and beach town along the way.

The Rocky Mountaineer: A Bucket‑List Ride

Another rail adventure that has lived rent‑free in my imagination is a journey across the Canadian Rockies. There are several trains that make the trip, but the one I hear about most often is the Rocky Mountaineer.

Their ads paint quite a picture:
“With routes to Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountaineer train winds through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, showcasing untouched terrain you can only see by rail.”

From what I’ve learned, the Rocky Mountaineer offers two levels of service. GoldLeaf features a full double‑dome glass car with an outdoor viewing platform, while SilverLeaf offers oversized panoramic windows and gourmet meals served at your seat. Both are daylight‑only journeys, which means you never miss the scenery—towering peaks, turquoise rivers, and valleys that look like they were sketched by an artist with a very generous imagination.

The downside? The price tag. It looks every bit as expensive as an Alaska cruise, maybe more. And I’m curious about the comfort level. When we took the train in Alaska, they packed us in so tightly it felt like strangers were practically sitting in our laps. Our Texas trip was more comfortable—we even had a tiny sleeping car, but at least it was ours.

Sugar Cane Field- View Form the train 2015

Your Turn, Readers

So, dear readers, have any of you taken the Rocky Mountaineer? Was it worth the splurge? How crowded did it feel? Did the scenery live up to the hype?

I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts. After all, even if I’m not traveling much these days, your stories help keep the wanderlust alive.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Finale

Posted on by

 

As I wrap up this three-part wander through the “40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies” list, I’m still amazed at how many of these adventures I’ve already checked off—or at least dreamed about. This last batch brings back some big memories and sparks a few new ideas too.

Grand Canyon

#27 – The Grand Canyon (Again, and Worth It Every Time)

We’ve talked about the Grand Canyon before, but honestly, it deserves another mention. If I were ranking this list, it would be sitting proudly at #1. I’ve been twice, and the second visit was every bit as jaw-dropping as the first. Even with my adrenaline-junky streak, I still have zero desire to take that mule ride into the canyon. Watching from the rim suits me just fine—plenty of awe without the saddle sores.

#32 – A Weekend in Las Vegas

I’ve spent many weekends in Las Vegas, but not for the reasons most people go. The casinos don’t tempt me at all, but the shows? Absolutely. Still, if I return, I’d rather trade the neon lights for the fiery glow of Valley of Fire State Park. Those red sandstone formations and ancient petroglyphs are calling my name. And if you’re already in the area, a side trip to Hoover Dam is well worth the time. I’ve done it, and it’s every bit as impressive as the postcards suggest.

#33 – Leaf Peeping in the FallFall leaves

Living in Taunton, MA puts me right in the heart of leaf-peeping country, so this one feels like home. One of my favorite fall memories is riding the Kancamagus Highway on the back of my brother’s motorcycle—no car windows, no distractions, just pure color exploding around every curve. The list also recommends the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and honestly, that would be spectacular in any season.

#34 – A Road Trip on Route 66

Ah, Route 66—the Mother Road. Not all of it survives today, but the stretch I explored in Arizona near the Grand Canyon still carries that nostalgic charm. Vintage neon signs, old-school diners, quirky souvenir shops… it’s a living postcard from America’s road‑tripping heyday. You can almost hear the hum of classic cars cruising by.

The Ones I Skipped

Wine-tasting tours from California to France didn’t make my personal list—I’m not much of a drinker. And the shopping trips to NYC or the Mall of America? Also not my style.

 

I’ve been to New York City, but I went for the history and the sights: Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Museum of Natural History… and of course, a Broadway show. And ever since 9/11, no trip to the city feels complete without visiting the 9/11 Memorial. It’s a powerful, solemn place that reminds you how deeply the city—and the world—was changed.

A Final Thought

If I were adding to this list, I’d say any relaxing Hawaii trip should include a stop at Pearl Harbor. It’s a beautiful, solemn memorial and a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

So now I’m curious—what do you think.
Which trips did these professional travel writers overlook. Check out the full list here
Do you have a favorite getaway that always calls you back.
And how many of their 40 have you crossed off.