CPO DENNISB
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Visions of Splendor....
Part 2...

(See Part 1 Below)

Some 5 years have passed since I remarried. Now with Elaine and her daughter Fiona, who is 11 years old. We have had a few trips away...the Philippines twice, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Bali twice, U K and New Zealand. so now is the time to go back, for me anyway, to the States. Needless to say a great deal of planning went into this trip for it to be successful. I decided to take 6 weeks vacation and we left for L A in the latter part of May '82.

Arriving in LA mid afternoon after an uneventful flight we settled into our hotel prior to picking up our car for the long days ahead. The next day we headed east through the desert to Yuma and then onto Phoenix, visiting an 'old mining town' that was now 'haunted'...needless to say Fiona was totally enthralled with this place and really enjoyed the water running out of the tap with no pipe to it !! Tucson and el Paso were visited as we continued our eastwards wanderings. Wonderful views of the deserts and mountains were ours to look at and admire...many pictures taken as we drive along so many interesting miles. From el Paso we headed North towards Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. The last time I had visited here we were led into the caverns by guides who explained all the wonderful monuments to us. Now it is all 'walkman's', which switch on and off as you descend the pathways, describing the stalactites and stalagmites and the intricacies of this wonderful place. The whole cavern area is really astonishing and with the careful lighting, coffee shop and Post Office..certainly is somewhere I would dearly love to visit again.

From New Mexico we threaded our way down to San Antonio and on to Houston. Two 'highlights' of Houston...visiting the Astrodome and seeing how technology is used to 'organize' a stadium for all sports with moving blocks of seats and the like. The next was, of course, the NASA center. This, to me, was awe inspiring !! Being so close to so much technical ability and to be able to look at and touch so much of space exploration and history was mind blowing to an ordinary mortal like myself. I would have been happy to stay for a week there but, sadly, we had much to see so after a day of gaping and gawking we left for New Orleans via Beaumont, Lake Charles, Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Driving through country that was so steeped in history and tradition. Our stay in New Orleans could be for only two days but we made the most of every minute. I fell in love with the French Quarter (wonder why ?? ) , the sights and sounds, the whole atmosphere was electric day and night and the 'Southern Comfort' was much more than just a drink !! A trip on a Paddle Steamer was delightful...we were actually traveling on the mighty Mississippi...minds going back to the days of the gamblers, crinolines, southern beauties and, dare I say, mint juleps. The history is there to be felt and almost tasted and it really left a warm feeling inside with that renowned southern hospitality. So many people wanted to talk to us when they found out we were Australians...the usual kangaroo questions and all :-).

But, sadly to say, we had to leave this part of the deep south and start to head northeast. As we left we noticed a sing 'calling us' to The Worlds Fair in Knoxville Tennessee. Why not !! We were heading that way so to the Worlds Fair we went. This took us through Gulfport, Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, Gadsden, Chattanooga and then Knoxville. So many names that have so much history attached to them. Again the hospitality was unbelievable. Such friendly people couldn't help us enough with things as accommodation, directions and imploring us to try their particular types of food and things. How can you eat 'catfish' ??? To many bones for me thanks...but the offer was very nice. We enjoyed our stay in Knoxville and the Fair they worked so hard to present.

Our next stop was the ultimate C&W destination...Nashville !! The Grand Ol' Oprey'...wow...another milestone on this trip of a lifetime. Because we had spent too much time 'down south' we were cutting things fine for the next part of our trip so we decided not to tarry in Nashville too long..we still had many miles to cover yet. Again we headed out, via Jackson to Memphis...more historical names for us to savor. On to Kansas City through Jonesboro, West Plains, Springfield and Joplin ( I did wonder if Janice really come from there ??). So many places that bring back memories.

Still heading North we had intended to go to Fargo and Grand Forks but time was against us so we turned west after Omaha and Sioux City (what wonderful names !!) and entered the Badlands and Rapid City. This area intrigued us with it's history and so many stories of Indians and their fight for independance...Custers last stand...and the rest. So much to see and hear. So many places one wants to look at and 'feel'. A visit to Mount Rushmore and viewing the faces of the four Presidents was incredible. To see such endeavor almost left one breathless...and an even more, almost, unbelievable sight was the start of the 'carving' of the monument to the Indian Chief, Crazy Horse. It is staggering to think that one man would attempt that sort of challenge. One day that will be another American treasure !!

Through Sheridan and Billings so leading us to one of our favorite places, a cherished dream deep within ones soul. Yellowstone National Park. This truly is a monument to nature...the sheer majesty of the park is awesome, mountains, rivers, wild animals in their natural habitat, bubbling hot springs and of course Old Faithful. Friendly rangers helped and guided us through this most spectacular place. A memory to treasure for life. This was followed by Grand Teton Nat' Park...you have so much to see in your country !!!.

Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Logan and Ogden led south to Salt Lake City and another look at that wonderful church of the Mormans. A wish to hear the Tabernacle Choir was not to be...I am afraid...oh well...another time maybe. Further to Provo and then the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Following the rim to Page and across the bridge to follow the southern rim all the way till the road leaves the canyon. Surely this must be one of the wonders of this earth. The color and spectacle of the canyon and the surrounding is, to my mind, one of the sights I will never forget.

We head for Lake Mead and another visit (for me) to the Hoover Dam and it's visitors walk through the dam and surroundings. Another example to man's ingenuity...the might of this dam is still impressed on my mind. On to Las Vegas, I am not impressed with the gambling capital of Nevada but do like the state. Through the mountains to Barstow and meander our way to Yosemite National Park...another 'return' for me. The beauty of Yosemite is not lost on us as we gaze at the wonder of it all.

We head south and LA. Disneyland of course!! Again another wonderful experience. Warner Bros' studios and 'jaws' with all the other 'scenes' thrown in for good measure. We walked the famous 'strips' with the film stars names embedded in the sidewalk and even 'looked' at Rodeo Drive!! Then to San Diego...like 'coming home' for me. Touring the city brings back so many wonderful memories for me and I feel very comfortable there. A day in Tijuana, the Hai Lai, shopping and then the bullfights !! Family not impressed with the slaughter there so we leave to spend our last night in San Diego. Sadly our car is broken into while we were having dinner so losing most of our films, cameras and memento's of the whole trip. The police were most efficient but we never recovered any of those prized possessions. We were left with only the memories !!

To Los Angeles and the flight home.

What can one say about traveling 10,000 miles in 6 weeks, viewing some of the most spectacular country in the world, National parks, mountains, forests and the plains that go as far as the eye can see. The natural wonders, buffalo, elk, bears, chipmunks...such a wide variety of these wonderful animals. Cities, big and small, towns and villages. Last, but by no means least, the people...we really are the same all over the world...people who are interested in others, who live so far away. People living their lives just as we do. People who care...and I guess this is one of the most precious memories...knowing that people who are friendly to others, strangers from another land, are the same as you and I sitting there reading my tale at this very moment. We ARE the same...trust me.

Another chapter closes on my travels...I have been very lucky really...having seen so much and 'tasted' so many different places. I still want to see more and one day, God willing, I will travel to many more interesting places that I want to see, feel and 'taste'.

I hope I have stirred the travel bug in you...to go and see what you have on your own doorstep...and through your own eyes view the 'Visions of Splendor' I have been so lucky and honored to see.

You never know, one day it might just be me knocking on your door asking directions. I do hope you will be home :)))

Denis Brunswick

Editor's Note: Dennis... wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it with us. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit here. Just hope that the next time.. it includes a trip through Oklahoma. Would love to meet you. Thanks again. Very very well done..

"Smitty" AC5C_Okla

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