Monthly Archives: June 2014

Along Interstate 84, US 30 Sustains Oregon Small Towns

Posted on June 28, 2014 by smspangler

PENDLETON, OREGON—Along much of its route through Oregon, US Highway 30, is now co-located with (subsumed by) Interstate 84, which runs from Pocatello, Idaho, to Portland, Oregon. Destined for Pendleton, Oregon, the GPS had a simple command this morning: Drive … Continue reading →

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Rain Suit Riding & Beer-Based Decision-Making

Posted on June 27, 2014 by smspangler

POCATELLO, IDAHO—Laying the weather map’s bolus of bad weather over the road map devoid of small town dots that connect the larger cities called for a long day in the saddle to compress two days of rainy riding into one. … Continue reading →

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Weathering the Storm, Literally and Metaphorically

Posted on June 26, 2014 by smspangler

GERING, NEBRASKA—While forking a ham and cheese omelet with hash browns into my face for dinner tonight, the grating National Weather Service klaxon that announces severe weather echoed in the kitchen of Sheryl’s Log Cabin. I couldn’t hear what the … Continue reading →

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Travel Challenges: Leaving Home & Finding One’s Way

Posted on June 23, 2014 by smspangler

NAUVOO, ILLINOIS—Given the chronic religious persecution that drove the Latter Day Saints from their homes here on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, I shouldn’t really complain about my day. The challenges of my day are evanescent giggles compared to … Continue reading →

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Vagabond Pilgrimage

Posted on June 13, 2014 by smspangler

“What brings you to our small town?” This question tells me that I’ve reached my desired destination. My short answer is quick and easy: I like visiting places people don’t normally go without a good reason. “Why?” The answer to … Continue reading →

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