Dreaming in Railcars

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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.

 

Quick and Easy Deep-Dish Skillet Pizza

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Everyone knows how much I love skillet cooking, especially when it involves my trusty cast‑iron pans. I’ve shared plenty of skillet recipes over the years and I still make every single one. So let’s dive into this one, shall we?

This recipe isn’t mine. I stumbled across it quite by accident, and I’m so glad I did. It’s the creation of Kelly Senyei, who shared it on her site Just a Taste. If you want to see her original post, notes, or comments, you can find them there.

Why This Pizza?

I’m not a huge pizza fanatic. I enjoy a slice now and then, but honestly, there are plenty of other things—like a good cheeseburger—that I’d pick first. Still, out of nowhere, I found myself craving a gooey, onion‑mushroom‑pepperoni pizza loaded with cheese.

What I didn’t want was to spend $20 on delivery.

I started by searching for tips on preparing mushrooms for pizza (do you cook them first? use canned? toss them on raw?).

Somewhere in that rabbit hole, I found Kelly’s skillet pizza recipe. Her version makes a deep‑dish pie with a wonderfully crispy crust, and she includes plenty of shortcuts that make it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

When she says ready in 15 minutes, she means it. I didn’t believe it at first—how could a crust cook that fast? But I was wrong. It works, and it’s delicious.

The only change I’d make next time is to use half the dough. I like deep dish, but this one came out a little thicker than I prefer.

So here we go—enjoy!

Kelly’s Thick‑Crust Skillet Pizza

Ingredients

  • 1 pound homemade or store‑bought pizza dough, at room temperature
  • Extra‑virgin olive oil, for coating the pan
  • 3/4 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store‑bought)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Assorted pizza toppings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 500°F, placing a rack in the center.
  2. Coat the bottom and sides of a 10‑ or 12‑inch cast‑iron skillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the dough, turning to coat, then press it out to the edges. (You can also roll it out first, then place it in the pan.)
  3. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough. No need to leave a border. Sprinkle with cheese and add your toppings.
  4. Bake until the crust is dark golden and slightly crispy—10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Let the pizza cool in the pan for 5 minutes before removing, slicing, and serving.

Deb’s Notes

I was in a hurry, so I grabbed store‑bought dough. I let it sit on the counter while I put away groceries so it could warm up. Mine was garlic‑flavored, but my store had all kinds—beer dough, basil, sourdough, you name it.

The recipe calls for 1 pound of dough. My package was 1 lb. 4 oz., and with my tiny kitchen scale I couldn’t divide it accurately. That extra dough probably explains why my crust came out a bit thicker than I like, but it still spread beautifully in the cast‑iron pan once it warmed up.

I also used store‑bought pizza sauce because this was not a “from‑scratch” kind of day.

About the toppings…

Mushrooms absolutely need to be cooked first. I had a small container of sliced fresh mushrooms, so I sautéed them in a little oil with a good dash of garlic—2 to 3 minutes per side over medium heat. Then onto the pizza they went.

I added onions and pepperoni, topped everything with shredded mozzarella, and into the oven it went.

Fifteen minutes later, I had a gorgeous, crispy pizza. I let it rest for 5 minutes, then used a spatula to lift it out of the pan. It was outstanding.

If you’re a purist and want to make your dough and sauce from scratch, Kelly has recipes for both on her blog. I highly recommend checking them out to fine‑tune your perfect pizza.

Enjoy!

 

Would You Vacation in a Paranormal Hotspot?

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A Curious Traveler’s Musings on High Strangeness

Every now and then, a question pops into my mind that I can’t quite shake. So today, dear readers, I’m asking you this: Would you knowingly take a trip to a place famous for paranormal activity? Ghosts, portals, UFOs—excuse me, UAPs—seem to be having a moment. Someone, somewhere, clearly decided the term “UFO” carried too much baggage from decades of little green men.

But the question lingers. Would you go?

Welcome to Utah’s Unita Basin—Where Weird Is Normal

Lately, my daydream travels have taken me back to Utah, especially the northeastern corner known as the Unita Basin. If that name rings a bell, you’ve probably watched the History Channel’s hit show The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch.

The locals don’t mince words—they call the region’s activity “High Strangeness.” And they mean it. Viewers tune in weekly to see glowing orbs, UAPs darting across the sky, radiation spikes, malfunctioning equipment, and rockets that refuse to fly straight. Native American stories warn that the land is cursed, prowled by Skinwalkers, Dire Wolves, and other beings best left unnamed. Even the cattle seem uneasy.

Just when you think it can’t get stranger, the team from Expedition X shows up to investigate—and ends up filming what they believe might be a Skinwalker. Even Phil Torres, the group’s resident skeptic, looked like he wanted to sleep with the lights on after that one.

From the Desert to the Deep: USOs off Catalina Island

Speaking of Expedition X, they also dove into the world of USOs—Unidentified Submerged Objects—off Santa Catalina Island. The area is legendary among paranormal researchers, a hotspot for both sky-bound and sea-bound mysteries.

Most investigations end with more questions than answers, but this time the team captured some genuinely odd activity beneath the waves. Was it real? A trick of the light? Something else entirely? Your guess is as good as mine.

My Brush With a UFO Hotspot—Minus the UFOs

I’ve actually visited one of the country’s most famous paranormal destinations: Sedona, Arizona. Not for UFOs, mind you—I went for the red rocks, the hiking, and the sheer beauty of the landscape.

I didn’t see any mysterious lights or feel the pull of an energy vortex. And honestly? If I had, I probably would’ve packed up and headed straight back to the airport. People think I’m an adrenaline junkie, but that’s a myth. Roller coasters terrify me. Helicopters? Sure. Ghosts and extraterrestrials? Hard pass.

So Tell Me—Would You Go?

Now I’m turning the question over to you.

Would you take a vacation to a place known for its “High Strangeness”?
Would you seek out a UFO hotspot, a haunted canyon, or a stretch of desert where the sky behaves badly?

If so, you’re braver than I am. I’ll admire the mysteries from a safe distance—preferably with a cup of coffee and a good view of the sunrise.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Finale

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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.

 

Travel Daydreams: The Trip List, Part 2

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Checking Off More Adventures

As I dig deeper into the 40 Trips Every Woman Should Take Before She Dies list, I’m pleasantly surprised to see how many of these adventures I’ve already experienced — or at least tucked onto my ever‑growing bucket list. It’s turning into a fun little audit of my own wanderlust.

#12: Cruising the California Coast

The list’s twelfth recommendation is a drive down the California Coast, essentially the Coast Starlight railroad trip but on four wheels instead of rails. Whether by train or car, I already know it’s spectacular. The Pacific Coast Highway — Highway 1 — winds roughly 400 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, connecting two iconic cities with jaw‑dropping scenery in between. Big Sur’s cliffs, the endless ocean views, and even the Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon make this route a showstopper.

2 Nuns

#13: Sedona’s Red Rock Magic

Next up is Sedona, Arizona — a place I’ve visited a couple of times and would happily return to again. The red rocks, the crisp desert air, the perfect weather… it’s a photographer’s dream. I’m not much for spa days or massages, but if that’s your thing, Sedona has you covered.

#17: The Florida Keys

Ah, the Keys. I am so not done with them. I’ve explored the upper end (Key Largo) and the lower end (Key West), but the middle stretch is still waiting for me. One day I’ll finally drive the Overseas Highway — ideally in a sporty red convertible with the top down.

#20: An Alaskan Cruise

Been there, done that, and would absolutely do it again. An Alaskan cruise is the best way to see glaciers and cover a lot of ground in just a few days. Excursions to places like Skagway and Ketchikan offer glimpses into Native Alaskan culture, wildlife encounters, dance demonstrations, and towering totem poles. And if you want even more adventure, the White Pass and Yukon Railway is right there waiting.

#21: Disneyland (But I’m a Disney World Girl)

The list suggests Disneyland, but once you’ve been to Disney World in Florida, the California park feels like its smaller cousin. I’ve visited both — Disneyland once, Disney World more times than I can count. It helps when your best friend works there and hands you free passes and discounts.

Kali River Rapids

#23: Solo in Seattle

Seattle 2013 photo credit Deb Neumann

Seattle shows up as a recommended solo trip, and I suppose that’s exactly what mine was. I spent a week there for work orientation, which left plenty of time to explore. I photographed Mount Rainier from the Space Needle, wandered Chihuly Garden and Glass, and watched the famous fish‑throwers at Pike Place Market.

#25: Horseback Riding (and a Bonus Helicopter Ride)

Halfway through the list, and I’m still checking boxes. #25 is horseback riding — something I did on one of my Sedona trips. That same visit also gave me my first helicopter ride, though the list writers seem to have overlooked that thrill.

Pausing the Journey (For Now)

I’ll stop here for today, but I’m genuinely amazed at how many of these trips I’ve already experienced. This list is turning into a delightful walk down memory lane, and I’m looking forward to picking it back up again soon.