Author Archives: smspangler

About smspangler

Freelance writer, editor, and photographer of myriad aviation topics and the exploration of America's small towns.

Sharing with Angels at Buffalo Trace Distillery

Posted on May 12, 2016 by smspangler

Ducking through the doorway hidden behind a faux bookshelf, a nod to a prohibition speakeasy, the tour at the Buffalo Trace Distillery stepped into the dim light of a three-story warehouse. It was filled with recumbent white oak virgins with … Continue reading →

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Searching for Lost Years at Tefft Junior High School

Posted on March 6, 2016 by smspangler

Through a social media grapevine, my wife learned that Tefft Middle School would hold its golden anniversary rededication on September 26, 2015. Would I be interested in an overnight road trip to Streamwood, Illinois, to explore its hallways? Before I … Continue reading →

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Lessons Learned From a Reintroduction to My Former Self

Posted on January 24, 2016 by smspangler

Winnowing the detritus collected from early in life when its expiration date was an obtuse reality, I discovered keepsakes from what started as a practical adventure. A timeworn plastic frame surrounded the faded 4×5-inch Polaroid image of an almost 21-year-old … Continue reading →

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One on One with a Windmill

Posted on June 12, 2015 by smspangler

On my way from Burlington Junction, Missouri, where my great grandpa Spangler died with five others when a tornado in 1903 flattened the Masonic Lodge they’d taken refuge in, and Palmyra, Nebraska, where my grandpa Spangler was born in 1897 … Continue reading →

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Black & White Life and Legacy at Missouri Military Academy

Posted on February 13, 2015 by smspangler

MEXICO, MISSOURI—Missouri Military Academy fills a prominent place in my cranial archive. It was founded in 1889. I was its director of publications and public information from 1982, when I graduated from J-school, until 1989, the school’s centennial year. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Main Street, Motorcycle, Travel | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Zumo Wrestling: Trial & Error for the Win

Posted on July 23, 2014 by smspangler

Garmin GPS units have been showing me the way since the company came to life in Olathe, south of Kansas City and my home in Parkville, a small town just across the Missouri River. I started with their aviation unit, … Continue reading →

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Lessons Learned by Vagabondage’s Penultimate Evening

Posted on July 8, 2014 by smspangler

DUBUQUE, IOWA—Sitting on a concrete point poking into the Mississippi River, with a cigar and rye whiskey in hand, I’m sure Sam Clemons would approve of how I’m spent my last night on the road. Watching the moon rise and … Continue reading →

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After Dancing All Day With Mother Nature, She Splits

Posted on July 7, 2014 by smspangler

SIOUX CITY, IOWA—After several good riding days that took us across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and most of Nebraska, Mother Nature decided that we’d had enough. Ed awoke first this morning. Seeing gray skies, he iPhoned the weather. A huge … Continue reading →

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Casper Crossroads: Vagabondage Dinner Options

Posted on July 5, 2014 by smspangler

CASPER, WYOMING—As vagabonds have direction but no daily route or destination, lodging and where to have dinner is always in unknown. Last night, after inquiring at several lodgings, we got two of the last four rooms available in Idaho Falls, … Continue reading →

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Attack of the Rhino Virus and Surviving to Ride Another Day

Posted on July 5, 2014 by smspangler

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO—“Spangler, you bastard!” Those were Ed’s first words to me this morning when we awoke in Boise. I couldn’t tell if his invective was good natured because a tissue covered his nose and mouth. Yes, the Rhino Virus … Continue reading →

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