If global warming is a hoax, are the wildfires also?
Those crazy Canadians are sending us their wildfire smoke again. But it can make for colorful skies. This here sundown over the boathouse is from last Sunday evening—with no edits or filters!
Flying is becoming evermore messy…
What goes up…must come down. And so it also goes with travel trends. Of late, flying away from it all keeps getting unpleasant press. And as one who’s flown some lately, that doesn’t help the already hectic and uncomfortable experience that most of us encounter. Let us count some ways…
As a frequent solo traveler, this one really chafes my ass, even when not in a tiny airline seat. Yep, the jerks running the airlines (or A.I. CEOs, who knows?) have often been charging solo travelers twice (or more) than the cost of buying 2 tickets. Why? Because they can—and even admit to intentionally bilking the business traveler. As I attempt to avoid profanity: It ain’t right!
Depending on your source (and date, as the numbers keeps rising), there have been, hmmm, ~100 crashes so far, and ~200 deaths. Oh sure, they keep saying that flight is safe! And one can still make that case. Nonetheless, this is already the worst year ever. And we’re not even halfway there.
Miraculously, there have been no catastrophes in Newark or the area. But the airport has experienced several systems crashes. That means NO COMMUNICATION between the pilots and the towers—in one of the busiest airports and most dense populations in America. Meanwhile, Trump & Co keep firing the very people responsible for our safety. As one who has used that airport dozens of times, yeah, I’m scared.
Again, sources vary (especially when you define countries/regions). But one source puts the delays increase at 54% this year. They blame weather, overcrowded everything, staff shortages, and (again) the USA government funding chain-sawing allegedly wasteful jobs. My advice: Travel heavy—bring extra snacks, water, entertainment, and anti-anxiety meds.
Gosh, they’re really mad at us. The good news is that might mean fewer travelers! The bad news is others are hating on us. And we’ll miss the bazillions they spend visiting the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, and hospitality businesses.
The media is all over this (except some, like FOX). But I have heard personally from MANY people that you WILL be shamed, insulted, and possibly attacked as an American visiting other lands. One friend had to make a hasty exit from a bar in Canada or risk getting beat up. So think twice about where you vacation. And maybe leave the MAGA hat at home.
We could also discuss the economy, the inflation that is making going anywhere (and doing anything) cost more, and the train wreck of options (like lack of train travel in many places) that force flying to be your only option. But really, this is enough ranting for today.
So in parting, may we all be patient and hope for clearer skies ahead. Meanwhile, enjoy your staycation!
How are sundogs made? Magic!
I just spent a week in Portland for my daughter’s college graduation, staying in a favorite old inn on nearby Lake Oswego. Now, usually when I’m in that area, the weather makes sure I’m wet, cold, and missing Minnesota. Not this time! Summer was in full bloom, even in the skies. The elements in the atmosphere applauded with this celestial magic!
“Sacred is the prayer that asks for nothing,
While seeking to give thanks for every breath we take.”
~Prince, d. April 21, 2016
Prince could do it all—write, play (nearly ALL instruments), sing, dance, design, lead, act, create controversy, and more, to say nothing of his mystical mysteries and spiritual aura. I know; I got to see him dozens of times, often up close. So yeah, I remain a devoted fan, and create something naturally purple and arty on the anni of his passing every year. 4ever missing the Purple Majesty.
A goat’s head. Crabhouse menu. Beaded sunshine. They all came home with me from far away, and make my house a beloved museum of memories.
My property is packed with mementos from travels worldwide. Big tip: Select small souvenirs (art, okay?), as they are easier to schlep in your luggage, and you can fit MORE of them in your home. My sauna is lined with small, exotic masks. Carved human forms in indigenous garb stand atop the bookshelves. Painted scenes from Grenada to Stockholm line the sun porch walls.
One problem (and another Big Tip): Sometimes, the memory blurs about what came from where—and some (especially carved masks) can look rather alike. So…Go ahead and write a short Sharpie provenance on the back. As the years go by, that’ll kick that memory in!
As a friend once said, “Moments make memories.” So do these many precious keepsakes.
I did it! After procrastinating for years, I finally pulled out an old anthem to accompany Dad’s choir on a sunny Sunday morning.
Long-term travel may be the most fulfilling way to escape. Once ensconced, your home base, real-world worries, and to-do lists fly off like pigeons. That’s only occasionally possible, though, so sanity diversions become essential. Playing music provides one way for me to elude over-thinking (fretting? …pardon the guitar pun!). And I surprised myself by volunteering to accompany my dad’s church choir in Iowa last Sunday.
Do these things…while we still can!
Please understand…I used to be good. But that takes…practice. Doesn’t most anything worthwhile? So working through my part for the anthem became a humbling reminder. Back in the day (a long, long time ago), I could sight-read what now took several days of…practice. Plus some new accessories, amp & gear shifts, and trial/error.
But of course, the effort was worth every tedious doubt along the way. I sounded pretty dang great, which reminds me to keep playing with that stuff (and those skills) more often. Escape is essential. And sometimes, when life isn’t aligned to do so with a suitcase, a guitar case will do.
As they say in church, keep the faith.
For all its imperfections and controversies, Florida does have two things most states don’t: sunshine and warmth.
BreakAway is all about travel, getaways, free time, and ripping off the chains of responsibility for favorite things. Recently, those notions (and -40F windchills) inspired me to say YES when friends kindly invited me to their Floridian pads. Call it a mini-BreakAway, call it a snowbird test flight, call it research—since we’re all wondering about … what’s next? In life, in the golden years, and in sunscreen innovations.
I saw and absorbed a lot, but came home with these 5 BreakAway Takeaways…
With nearly 24 million souls, Florida certainly has enjoyed growth—while many states suffer from residents running away. Credit the low taxes (which seem evident in the lack of some amenities taxes actually provide). Consider America’s aging populace—most of whom just want to be, like, warm. And give thanks to the reputation Florida has as a place for fun.
Today’s Florida still offers that, but this tourist experienced little that rivaled the epic experiences I enjoyed in the Keys and other locales back in the 80s and beyond. (Hey, what happens in Key Largo stays in Key Largo.)
My hosts accepted my request to drive around, see things, take in sights and stimuli. I lost count of Costcos—to say nothing of the chain eateries that clog every corner—and learned that traffic can be, well, hell. Most cities in the USA can say that. But I have never, ever, seen such an endless maze of subdevelopments and condos. That swamp over there? It’ll be 500 units soon.
You know those kicky books by Carl Hiaasen? This reader is unsure of where he presently might mine his inspiration. Remember those happy-go-lucky songs by Jimmy Buffett? He was definitely hanging in places that got blown away by hurricanes or, more likely, development.
If you try, though, you can still waste away a breezy day in a waterside watering hole. And that was probably my favorite excursion!
Speaking of Mr. Hiaasen, remember Hoot? The children’s book? I barely do, but do recall my kids and their clans were gaga about it. Now I see why! The namesake burrowing owls that inspired that story were seemingly everywhere—and extraordinarily protected. Unlike northern owls, though, they were NOT shy. They would happily compete in any staredown and sometimes build their burrows in the middle of crazy-busy medians. What a hoot!
Despite my critique, it’s easy to like a place that’s 75 and sunny in February, when, frankly, almost all of America is cool and gray or worse. This time, I mostly traversed around the Fort Myers/Naples/Cape Coral area—where about 55% of Minnesotans ‘winter.’ So while my research trip may not have locked in my retirement destination, I’ll go back again.
Maybe the Keys will beckon so I can see the latest on what crowds and sprawl have taken over that paradise lost. Maybe the warm winds and flowers in bloom will call me to escape the frozen tundra that is MN 5.5 months a year. Or, if those don’t lure me back, the owls surely will.
And this time, WHOOOOO will win the staredown? Me!
Today’s FotoFriday selection dates back to summer, 2012, from a lovely seaside village. I’ve seen countless wondrous countries, yet few (if any) can compare to Denmark in kindness, cleanliness, community, and pride.
My 50% Danish heritage makes me biased, but Denmark remains a little country that can—and always attracts way more attention than their tiny population of ~6 million might suggest. Now, their autonomous territory, Greenland, is under attack by the Trump administration. Not literally, but…not yet? Denmark’s fierce independence goes back to the the 8thcentury AD. And both peoples knows how to say, “Bug off, Bully!”
Ah, kjaerlig Danmark. Bliv staerk!!!
There’s a world beyond the USA. Scroll to the last story to be moved by that idea.
BreakAways in the News has a backlog, like so much of the world. But here are a few to help catch us up on stuff that’s happening in the realm of less work, more free time, fiscal fitness, and beyond…
Washpost writer Karen Heller offered a compelling piece about how fun has become way too serious…and evolved into something that approximates work, real work. She cites over-scheduling, podcasts and apps (about how to have fun), and performance anxiety as evidence. Heck, there are even fun coaches. C’MON, YOU CAN HAVE MORE FUN THAN THAT!
The holidays? Such a chore, yet a predictable bore. Weddings? They go on for days (weeks if you count the pre-parties) and often costs $$$$ just to show up. Having a baby? Retirement? Vacations? All have become potentially packed with pressure to do/be/have more/more/more.
America wants results—not relaxation. The internet has invented new ways for you to ‘envy scroll’ and marinate in cool things that YOU are not. Human connection and fiddling around play second fiddle to ‘the pursuit of the future.’ Which ain’t what it used to be!
Naturally, there are some books, consultants, and (more) coaches to teach us how to be leisurely again. With class. That’s good, I guess. But the notion that we’re so burned out that we need professional help about R&R is unsurprisingly sad.
As one might guess—and hope—with such a story, Ms. Murphy went on the trip anyway. And as one does these days, she logged her journey on SM. And picked up millions of interested people.
That community created a ton of connection and empathy. And she even met up with followers and souls with similar experiences during her travels. We all applaud—and are again reminded that, even in the darkest of days, going it alone can be an imperfectly wonderful way to see the world.
Jim Buchta from our Minnesota Star Tribune recently reported on Scott and Kate Carlson, of the Twin Cities, who made the radical decision to sell their house—rather than start the outfitting for the senior years.
And then…they took the proceeds to use for moving. Every three months or so. They intend to see the world this way, yet keep working as they both have jobs that allow remote working. Flexible schedules will allow them to carouse during the day and put the hours in as they choose.
At ages 57 and 60, that’s impressive. Yet a recent study found that 17 million Americans actually live/work this way—up 131% (!) from pre-pandemic levels. Other research confirms that ‘midterm rentals’ are also increasing quickly with demand as travelers think beyond the one-week ‘vacation.’
To quote Scott Carlson, “On the one side, you have stuff; on the other side, freedom. The more you have of one, the less you have of the other.”
Brilliantly stated. Happy sails, Scott and Kate…
Photo: Willie Nelson (a friend of Jimmy) & Family, Somerset, WI, 6-23-23
(NOTE: Although ALL the attention lately is on a certain reality star who just became president, our eldest statesman—from a very different values platform—recently passed away at the age of 100. Flags fly at half-mast for a month when presidents pass, although the new president demanded that this respectful practice stop for his inauguration—for another historical first.)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I met Jimmy Carter in my teens. For much of my life, I was politically active—in both parties—which have both changed immeasurably over the decades.
I worked in a congressman’s office. I spent a long election day campaigning person to person with a US senator; he lost. Attended conventions, hung out in HQs, saw most presidents.
But I only met one president. Jimmy. Iowa was a political hub. So in 1976, when nine presidential candidates came to speak to a large audience, I went—with friends of varied convictions. There were contenders with bigger names, but when Jimmy took the stage, smiled, and said, “My name is Jimmy Carter and I’m running for President,” the awe was palpable. And I was moved.
So after the endless event, when the candidates worked the crowd in what was a folksy place and time, I saw Jimmy and moved toward him. To my shock, two large men in dark suits picked me up under each armpit, carried me several feet, and dropped me. Then one leaned close and commanded, “Don’t approach the candidate from the rear.”
“Okay!” I replied, as I brushed them away and thought to myself, “Holy shit…Is this guy gonna be the next president?” Now excited, I moved slowly around Jimmy to the not-long line, avoiding the stares of the Big Suits.
Moments later, I introduced myself. Jimmy shook my hand and flashed that famous smile and beamed, “I’m very pleased to meet you, Kirk. What brings you here today?”
“Just curious,” I grinned, “Guess I thought maybe I’d get to meet the next president—you never know.”
Jimmy’s other hand landed on my shoulder, and he laughed, “Well, I hope you just did!”
“Me too,” I replied, and not just because that felt like the right thing to say. We chatted for a moment. And as the line quickly grew behind us, I realized I should move on before the Big Suits took charge.
With eye contact and a smile that never wavered, Jimmy finished our chat, “It was so nice to meet you, Kirk. Thanks for being here today—I hope our paths cross again.” They didn’t of course. But for a moment, I felt the presence of greatness, and yet like an old friend.
For a moment, he made me feel like I mattered. Like we all mattered.
To paraphrase Mr. Mondale, Jimmy Carter told the truth, obeyed the law, and kept the peace.
Imagine.
1 kid, 5 islands, 69 days
Here's my son’s blog from an '08/09 BreakAway in the Caribbean.
1 planet, countless cultures, 120 days
In 00/01, when the internet was a pup, I went RTW and posted these words and pics en route.
