Category Archives: Travel

A Mustang Like No Other

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Returning to Arounddustyroads roots of travel stories and the approach of Halloween seems a good time to touch on the mysterious Blue Mustang of Denver International Airport. “Blue Mustang”—a towering sculpture steeped in tragedy, controversy, and conspiracy—has become one of the most iconic and unsettling landmarks in Colorado.

 

The Beast at the Gate: A Mustang Like No Other

Standing 32 feet tall and weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, the cast-fiberglass sculpture known as Blue Mustang greets travelers along Peña Boulevard leading to Denver International Airport (DIA). Its electric-blue body and glowing red eyes have earned it the ominous nickname Blucifer, a moniker that reflects both its dramatic appearance and the dark tale behind its creation.

A Vision Cut Short: Luis Jiménez’s Final Work

Commissioned in 1992 as part of Denver’s public art initiative, artist Luis Jiménez envisioned the mustang as a tribute to the spirit of the American West. Drawing inspiration from his own Appaloosa stallion, Blackjack, Jiménez poured years of effort into the sculpture. Tragically, in 2006, a section of the statue broke loose during studio work and fatally severed an artery in his leg. After his death, the piece was completed by his family and fellow artists, including Camillo Nuñez and Richard LaVato, and finally installed in 2008.

Blucifer’s Glow and the Public’s Unease

 

The sculpture’s glowing red eyes—an homage to the neon signs crafted by Jiménez’s father—have fueled eerie interpretations. Some locals view the mustang as demonic or cursed, while others admire its bold presence and artistic merit. Despite initial backlash and calls for its removal, Blucifer has become a permanent fixture and a symbol of Denver’s unconventional approach to public art.

DIA: A Hotbed of Conspiracy

Denver International Airport itself is no stranger to mystery. Since its opening in 1995, DIA has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories. From alleged underground bunkers and secret societies to murals with supposed subliminal messages, the airport has inspired speculation about hidden agendas and paranormal activity. The mustang’s deadly backstory only adds fuel to the fire, with some theorists claiming it’s part of a larger narrative involving alien coordinates and apocalyptic symbolism.

A Legacy of Awe and Intrigue

Though born of tragedy and surrounded by controversy, Blue Mustang endures as a striking piece of public art. It stands not just as a gateway to Denver, but as a testament to Jiménez’s vision and the airport’s embrace of the bizarre. Whether seen as a protector of travelers or a harbinger of mystery, Blucifer continues to captivate and unsettle in equal measure.

 

 

National Chicken and Waffle Day

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National Chicken and Waffle Day: A Soulful Celebration of

Stock photo Chicken and Waffles

Sweet and Savory

Every October 20th, we honor a dish that defies culinary boundaries. It brings together the best of breakfast and supper: it’s National Chicken and Waffle Day! This beloved pairing of crispy fried chicken and golden waffles is more than just comfort food. It’s a celebration of Southern soul and cultural fusion. While no one knows exactly who first dared to marry syrup and spice, we do know that chicken and waffles trace their roots to both African American and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. It’s a dish steeped in history, flavor, and heart.

Atlanta, GA — Somewhere in the Dim Past

My own introduction to this iconic combo came many moons ago during a visit to Atlanta. I’d seen an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featuring a soul food restaurant owned by none other than music legend Gladys Knight. Since I was already in town visiting friends, we made a beeline for the place.

We slid into plush red booths, shared our story, and received Southern hospitality in return—plus a surprise plate of fried green tomatoes.(A tasty treat, not the movie!) The main event soon followed: crispy, golden fried chicken nestled beside fluffy waffles, all served in a space adorned with photos and memorabilia celebrating Gladys’s storied career. It was casual, soulful, and absolutely delicious.

Fried Green Tomatoes- stock photo

 

And That’s All She Wrote

Sadly, the restaurant is no longer with us. In 2017, it was renamed World Famous Chicken and Waffles, and Gladys stepped away from the business amid legal troubles involving her son. But while the restaurant may be gone, the dish lives on—still sizzling in kitchens and hearts across the country.

So today, let’s raise a fork to chicken and waffles. Sweet, savory, and soulfully satisfying—it’s a tradition worth celebrating.

 

Autumn’s Whisper

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Norton Reservoir

Norton Reservoir

Autumn’s Whisper: A Chilly Prelude

The nights are growing longer, and the air carries a crisp edge that wasn’t there just a few weeks ago. Each morning greets me with brisk temperatures and a sky that seems to hint at the season’s shift. It’s the kind of cool that nudges you to reach for a sweater, maybe even a second cup of coffee. I know what’s coming. The blustery winds will soon sweep in, ushering winter’s icy grip and—yes—snow.

photo credit Deb Neumann

The Snowy Illusion

Don’t get me wrong, snow has its charm. That first snowfall is magical—soft, white, and pristine. It blankets the world in quiet beauty, turning even the most mundane street into a postcard scene. But the enchantment fades quickly. Within days, the snow turns brown and slushy, the skies grow heavy and gray, and the daylight seems to vanish before you’ve even had lunch. It’s a slow descent into the season of dreariness.

photo credit Deb Neumann

A Digital Dose of Nostalgia

As if the cold weren’t enough, my phone has developed a new habit since its last update. It now sends me daily “memories that made this day special.” Sweet, right? Except today’s memory was a sun-drenched snapshot from Hawaii. There I was, standing on a beach with a massive sea turtle nearby, the ocean stretching out in endless shades of blue. The air looked warm, smelled like salt and flowers, and felt like freedom.

snuba at Turtletown 2020

Hawaiian Dreams and Winter Realities

I miss those Hawaiian escapes—the balmy breezes, the golden sunsets, the way even the air seemed to hum with life. Sure, the flight is long and exhausting, but once you arrive, it’s like stepping into another world. Today’s photo hit me hard. It was a reminder of warmth, of adventure, of days when the only chill came from a tropical drink.

Brace Yourselves

So here we are. The leaves are falling, the wind is picking up, and the forecast is inching toward frost. Buckle down, folks. Winter is coming fast—and my phone won’t let me forget what I’m missing.

Parasailing off Kona

photo credit Deb Neumann

Scenic Chair Lifts & Sky-High Leaf Peeping

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🎢 Scenic Chair Lifts & Sky-High Leaf Peeping: New England’s Autumn Adventures

Oh hey, Leaf Peepers 🍁—ready to elevate your fall foliage game? If you’re tired of craning your neck through car windows or dodging reflections off the windshield, New Hampshire and Vermont have a better idea: take to the skies.

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🎿 Chair Lifts & Gondolas with a View
Ski resorts across the region open their lifts to non-skiers each autumn, offering a bird’s-eye view of the blazing reds, golds, and oranges below. You’ll be strapped in, feet dangling, soaring over treetops like a migrating hawk. Feeling bold? Snap a few photos mid-air—if your nerves allow. Prefer something enclosed? Opt for a gondola ride, where you can enjoy the same stunning views from the comfort of a cozy cabin.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

🎢 But Wait—There’s More (Thrill Seekers, This One’s for You)

🎢 Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster – Berkshires, MA
If your idea of leaf peeping involves adrenaline and velocity, head to Thunderbolt Mountain Coaster in the Berkshires. This alpine coaster climbs 1,500 feet before plunging down Mount Institute in a blur of hairpin turns and forested speed. You might not catch every leaf, but your heart will definitely skip a beat.

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🚂 A More Sedate Journey

🚂 Conway Scenic Railroad – White Mountains, NH
For a gentler ride through fall’s splendor, hop aboard the Conway Scenic Railroad. Winding through the White Mountains, this vintage train offers panoramic views of Crawford Notch’s cliffs and fiery foliage. Want the ultimate experience? Splurge on a seat in the glass-domed car—360 degrees of autumn magic.

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🌳 Walk Among the Treetops

🌳 Canopy Walk – Vermont Institute of Natural Science
Ever dreamed of strolling through the treetops? Vermont makes it real. The Canopy Walk at VINS invites visitors of all abilities to wander above the forest floor, immersed in golden leaves and birdsong. It’s peaceful, poetic, and perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone craving a gentle thrill.

Murch Canopy Walk » HF&G

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🧗 Zip Lines & Obstacle Courses

🧗 Adventure Park – Discovery Museum, Bridgeport, CT
Zip lines used to be a novelty—now they’re a staple of fall fun. At the Discovery Museum’s Adventure Park, you’ll zip through a kaleidoscope of leaves, suspended in midair like a squirrel on a mission. But that’s just the beginning: 14 treetop trails await, complete with swinging bridges, ladders, and cable runs. Friendly staff are on hand to help you gear up and get climbing.

The Adventure Park at Discovery Museum: Zipline & Rope Course

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🍂 Leaf Peeping, Reimagined

New England’s fall foliage isn’t just for slow drives and scenic overlooks anymore. Whether you’re gliding above the trees, racing through them, or walking among their golden crowns, there’s a thrill for every kind of adventurer. Seniors, families, daredevils—everyone’s invited to move leaf peeping off the ground and into the sky.

Photo Credit Deb Neumann

 

🐻 Chuck Reigns Supreme: The 2025 Fattest Bear Champion of Katmai

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Champion 2025

🐻The Bear, the Myth, the Muffin-Top Majesty

Move over, bodybuilders—Chuck the brown bear just flexed his way to victory in the most gloriously gluttonous competition of the year: Fat Bear Week 2025. With jowls jiggling and a belly that could moonlight as a beanbag chair, Chuck waddled his way into the hearts (and stomachs) of fans worldwide. This isn’t just a bear. This is a living, breathing marshmallow with claws.

Chuck – Fattest Bear Champion 2025

 

Chuck resides in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, where the salmon run is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for bears prepping for hibernation. And Chuck? He didn’t just eat. He committed. His pre-hibernation physique is less “dad bod” and more “entire PTA meeting.”

What Is Katmai National Park, Anyway?

Located in southern Alaska, Katmai is a wild wonderland of volcanoes, tundra, and—most famously—grizzly bears. It’s home to over 2,000 brown bears, many of whom gather at Brooks Falls each summer to catch leaping salmon mid-air like furry Olympians. The park was established in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a surreal volcanic landscape born from the 1912 Novarupta eruption.

Photo by Thomas Mangelsen

But today, Katmai is best known for its bear cams and the annual Fat Bear Week, a bracket-style showdown where the public votes for the bear who best embodies the spirit of seasonal snacking.

Chuck’s Winning Strategy: Salmon, Swagger, and Zero Shame

Chuck didn’t just eat salmon—he became salmon. His folds have folds. His shadow has its own gravitational pull. Rumor has it he once sat on a log and turned it into mulch. And when he walks, the tundra trembles.

But this isn’t just about comedy—it’s about survival. Bears like Chuck must pack on the pounds to endure months of hibernation, where they’ll live off their fat reserves. So really, Chuck’s not lazy—he’s a strategic genius with a gut of gold.

Chuck’s Winning Strategy: Salmon, Swagger, and Zero Shame

And here’s the kicker: Chuck did it all with a broken jaw. Wildlife experts believe he sustained the injury during a mating-season brawl, but did that slow him down? Not one bite. He slurped, gnawed, and gorged his way to greatness, proving that nothing—not even a busted bite radius—could stop his rise to rotund royalty.
It makes his accomplishment that much more jaw-droppingly heroic.

Long Live the Lard

So here’s to Chuck: the bear, the legend, the walking beanbag. May his salmon dreams be sweet, his winter nap be cozy, and his legacy live on in every jiggle of joy.

Fat Bear Champion 2025