Random Thoughts From A Known Traveler

I had not been on an airplane in eighteen months. My pandemic travels had been limited to a couple of short drives to Nebraska and one to Colorado, plus a few weekends of in-state RV camping. That's it. So when our son and daughter-in-law purchased a home in Connecticut in June we decided we would go for a visit before winter. October seemed like a perfect time due to mild weather there this time of year and the spectacular autumn colors throughout the New England area.  I was nervous about flying, especially into New York City. It seems like everyday in the news and on social media there are stories of fights involving people refusing to wear a mask where required or other incidents caused by any number of ridiculous reasons.  Luckily for us it was smooth sailing (or flying in this case) all the way there and back. Our TSA Known Traveler status helped us breeze through airport security, and our flights all arrived early at our destinations. 

The entire trip was wonderful. The house is a beautiful historic colonial era style in a scenic rural setting. And we were close to everything we wanted to see and do. Here are some highlights and observations:

1. Pizza is big deal. We saw so many pizza restaurants. They were everywhere. Small towns, big towns, downtowns and on the edge of towns. 

2. Dunkin Donuts shops are also plentiful. There are over 4,200 locations throughout New England. (I looked it up). That's a lot of donuts.

3. Psychics. Probably not as many as Dunkin Donuts. But, still, I saw a lot of psychic shops. 

4. Antique stores...in every town and along nearly every country road. And these are the real deal. They are not second hand stores masquerading as antique stores as you will find in abundance around here. We visited several and saw a lot of history in those places. Real antiques, ranging from early twentieth century to as far back as the 1700s. 

Mill House Antiques   Woodbury, Connecticut

The buildings that house this antique store date back to 1745. The store and its contents have been featured in Architectural Digest magazine. They had an antique wooden table priced at $12,000. We didn't buy it. 

5. Everything is either ten or twenty minutes away. It was a running joke with our son. Whenever we asked him how far it was to the next town or location we were driving to he would say, "About ten minutes." Or, "About twenty minutes." Most of the time, if not every time, he was right. 

Also - no chickens. I see a lot of chicken decorations here. Pictures of chickens, chicken statues, vases and knick-knacks of all kinds. Every store has a chicken for sale in some form. Not out there, though. I think I saw two chickens during the entire trip. And one of those was pretty abstract so I'm not sure it even was a chicken. 

Lots of art, too. But we have that here. I found this photograph tucked away in one corner of a small town main street store.

On the back is the name of the artist - Trude Knutson. It's titled "Self Portrait - Shadows." Most people will likely find nothing exceptional or interesting about it. But I really like it for some reason. Can't explain why. I just do. The price was right so I bought it. So now a piece of Trude's art has made its way to South Dakota. I wonder if she would take any satisfaction in knowing that. Maybe I will try to look her up and tell her. 

Roger O'Dea.    10/24/2021

The Girl With Long Arms

I drove eight hundred miles round-trip to attend an art exhibit for about ninety-minutes. It was worth it. 

I've seen original paintings in galleries and museums by Van Gogh, Monet and other Masters. I've seen  photographs by Karsh, Warhol, Winnogrand and Adams...but this was unlike any of those experiences. The title of the exhibit is accurate. The sound, color and movement made this a truly immersive experience. All of his most famous and recognizable works were presented -

The Yellow House

And of course, his most famous painting of all. I knew it would show up at some point, but it didn't appear until well into the presentation. Upon seeing it begin to take form I thought of the time at my first Bob Dylan concert when he began to play Highway 61. I expected him to do the song, but it was still quite thrilling.

Starry Night

And there were some images I was not familiar with, including The Woman in White - 

What struck me about this one visually is the shape of her hands and the length of her arms, as well as a feeling of sadness. There was so much else going on visually on the walls surrounding me but I couldn't look away from this image. It soon faded and was replaced by something else, but I'm still thinking about it. Can't explain, but this is now my favorite painting. I'm kind of obsessed with it. Maybe it looks like someone I used to know. Strange.

The images above are not by me, obviously. I didn't even take a camera in with me. That was on purpose. I didn't want to miss a single moment because I was trying to take a photo. It was the right choice. For me, anyway. There were certainly a lot of cell phone cameras in use all around me. 

If you get a chance to see this in the city where you live, or any city, do it. It will be worth it. Even if you have to travel eight hundred miles. That's only four hundred each way. A small investment for what the payoff will surely be.

        

Roger O'Dea     10/12/2021

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Anti-Massacree Movement

It started when my nephew and I went on a motorcycle ride to the Aladdin Cafe in Aladdin, Wyoming to have breakfast. I had bragged up the biscuits and gravy and we were both looking forward to a full order, because one does not do half orders at the Aladdin Cafe. Having been there before on many occasions, I knew they served breakfast until 11. We arrived at exactly 10:30 and were greeted by a sign out front saying "Breakfast Served Until 10:30." We were told we were too late. Breakfast was over. I understood. Rules are rules, I suppose. Disappointment number one. Turns out it wouldn't have mattered anyway because we were informed that biscuits and gravy were not being offered at all during the rally. Disappointment number two.  The sign also informed us that after 10:30 the Rally Menu was in effect. That's right - the dreaded Rally Menu. Disappointment number three.

Prices were not a lot higher...about a dollar. But the choices are limited and that $10 burger came with a tiny bag of chips. That's it. Normally the burger comes with a choice of sides, including a generous portion of french fries, tator tots (my favorite) and other side choices. Not this week, though. All you get is a little bag of potato chips. To top it off - the kitchen apparently also closes at 10:30 so the burgers and brats are cooked on an outdoor grill that looked like it could use a good cleaning. I don't want it to seem like I'm picking on this place. A lot of food places have rally menus. But I've never much cared for that practice and this finally put me over the top. I am now officially promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Anti-Massacree Movement. (Thanks to Arlo Guthrie and Alice's Restaurant for the title inspiration). All you have to do to join is put the B on any business that raises prices during the rally. If you walk in and see a "Rally Menu" or notice the prices have been jacked up, just walk back out. Please understand that I am not normally a boycott person. I support local businesses and want you to support them, too. This is not a permanent thing. Just this week. When the prices return to normal I'll go back. But I am not going to put up with this annual ritual of squeezing as much money as possible out of rally goers, and in the process, locals also. The line has been drawn. 

I would like to clarify that this does not apply to business who are only open during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Like this one - 

They only have about ten days to two weeks to make their money, so I give them a pass. Plus, people are paying for the experience and atmosphere at those venues. The year-round businesses mostly are doing nothing different to add value. They're just raising prices. 

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I'm kind of over the Sturgis Rally.  After nearly fifty years I've pretty much seen all there is to see. I didn't go at all last year and don't plan on going to any concerts or other events this year. Not even a walk down Main Street. It's probably just the usual suspects anyway. I doubt if I'm missing anything. I do plan to do a little riding. A trip or two through the Canyon, possibly a run down Highway 385, maybe even a day trip over to Devils Tower. Those are rides I enjoy. And ones where I can easily avoid crowds. I will not, however, purchase anything off any Rally Menu I might happen to come across. I'll just start singing the Alice's Restaurant song as I'm walking out...with some slight modifications...and if someone else gets what's going on they may do the same. What if two people do it? 

"And if three people do it, three, can you imagine, three people walking in
singing a bar of Alice's Restaurant and walking out? They may think it's an
organization. And can you, can you imagine fifty people a day, I said
fifty people a day walking in singing a bar of Alice's Restaurant and

walking out - friends they may thinks it's a movement. And that's what it is,

The Alice's Restaurant Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Anti-Massacree Movement.

Join us. Won't you?

Roger O'Dea     8/9/2021

Scenes From A County Fair

The news of the day consisted of someone getting kicked off an airplane for refusing to follow rules, a fist fight in a New York pizza joint because the wait was too long,  a road rage incident or two, and various random shootings. It was mostly the same as the day before. And the day before that.  But way out here on the South Dakota prairie it was the first day of the county fair. A place to escape the headlines and be reminded of things that really matter. Like family, friends and old fashioned values. I saw a lot of hope for the future, mostly in the faces and activities of young persons. They are our hope. Maybe our only hope. I can't explain it in words effectively. But I can show you - 

In this fast changing world, I'm glad some things stay the same. And I'm glad we still have things like a good old fashioned county fair. Time doesn't stand still here, but it sure does slow down. 

Roger O'Dea     8/2/2021

Curiosities

I've been going through my image files lately in an effort to get them better organized. It made me realize where my primary interest in photography actually lies. I like landscapes and people. But, it has become obvious that my main interest is in scenes that are...well...'odd' might be the best word to describe them. Merriam-Webster describes odd as : differing markedly from the usual, ordinary, or accepted : Peculiar : So, yeah, I guess that's about right.

There are several reasons. I'll try to list them, in no particular order.

One reason so many of my photos are a little odd is because I'm drawn to colors that are overly saturated or completely on the other end of the spectrum - significantly muted. Or just slightly off.  I'm not nearly as engaged in colors that are a true and accurate representation of the subject. I don't see things that way in my photography. Or often in real life either.  Also, sometimes I go for the extremes. A sky that is too blue for example -

Or a picture taken recently but has a look like it could've been taken 50 or 60 years ago. This happens frequently when I shoot film. Probably because I often intentionally use expired film.

Other examples of color pictures that I include in my collection of curiosities are this one -

I like it because it's out of balance. And there's a look to it that I would describe as postmodern. Or retro maybe.  I'm not sure. But I like it.

And this one -

That chair does not belong there. It doesn't match the surroundings. Or it does. Everyone will see it differently. It stimulates the imagination of people who have an imagination. I'm not concerned with those who don't.

People and portraits can work in color or black and white. It depends on the subject. This next one had to be in color, and off center with a lot of negative space. Wouldn't have near the impact otherwise. 

Here are two examples that I believe are more effective in black and white. In fact, I wouldn't have even considered processing these in color. (The first one is digital. The one below it is film. The correct formats for both in my opinion)  - 

   

                                     

                                                

I love black and white photography in any format. Black and white photos are timeless. They are about light and shadows. Colors can be distracting. You see more in black and white. A favorite quote of mine (I wish I could remember who said it) is, "black and white photography is more like reading the book than seeing the movie." 

Here are a few more of my curiosities -

The Portal

Man On The Street

Freak Show

Old School

Dead of Winter

Toy House

Basic Accommodations

Hi Point

Night and the City

Subterranean

White Lines

Notice a trend? That's right - black and white. The movie was good. But the book is better.

Roger O'Dea     6/26/2021

 

The Early Bird Gets ... Wet (Back to Devil's Bathtub)

Every so often I think about some of the adventures I had with friends back in the olden days, and some of the places where those adventures took place. Maybe "olden days" is a bit of an exaggeration, but it was a long time ago. One of those places has been on my mind more than others. I'm talking about Devil's Bathtub in Spearfish Canyon. Last time I made the hike was when I was 18 or 19 years old. So, I guess "olden days" is actually pretty accurate. And, while I don't believe in living in the past, it is nice to visit once in awhile. 

One of the reasons (the main reason) I haven't been back in so long is because it has been totally overrun by tourists and locals. Like other once-hidden gems in the Black Hills word has gotten out over the years. It used to be the only way to get there was to have someone with local knowledge take you or give you directions on the promise that you would only share the secret with like minded friends and family who would become fellow guardians of the mystery. The trail was unmarked, narrow, not groomed and somewhat difficult to maneuver. Back then there were no signs and designated parking was not available. Today? Well, not so much.

The trail is clearly identified and well worn. There is also a parking lot about a quarter mile up the road marked as "Devils Bathtub Parking." I've seen well over a dozen vehicles there at any given time. In spite of all that I decided it was time to go back. But, I was not interested in sharing the trail with tourists who read about it on Facebook or saw it in a YouTube video. My solution was to go early in the day. Way early. I got up before sunrise and pulled in to the parking area at 6:30 am. I slipped on my waterproof backpack containing a camera, water bottle, plus an extra pair of socks and shoes to replace the ones that would get wet during the several stream crossings required to reach the final destination.  I had forgotten details of the trail but it was no problem since it is so well travelled there is no way anyone could possibly take a wrong turn or get lost. It did feel familiar, though, in a peculiar sort of way. And when this site came into view I knew I was almost there.

Then, after just another few hundred feet, I saw it for the first time in 47 years. It was just like I remembered it. Spectacular!

And there was not another soul around. Perfect. So...I thought about it for a few minutes...and...decided to take the plunge.  Now here's the deal - I'm 66 years old and have had quintuple bypass heart surgery. What was I thinking? Crazy. Right? Especially since I was alone up there. Plus, the water was really rushing forcefully down the slide and the pool was pretty full. All that made me consider if it would be wise to tempt fate. On the other hand, I thought that perhaps fate should not tempt me, and after a brief hesitation I climbed on in and let go. I shot out of the chute like Marvin Garrett on Khadafy Skoal in 2004 at the Black Hills Roundup. The difference is that I couldn't hold on and was sucked down to rock bottom and had a slight moment of panic while completely submerged with the water rushing all around me. I popped right up, however, and everything was fine. Great actually. No. Better than great. It was the biggest rush I've experienced in years. For just that one brief incredible moment I felt more alive than I have in a long time. I let out a loud yell to put an exclamation point on it. The yell was probably just as much to do with the frigid water as it was the exhilaration of the experience. It was freakin' cold! 

The lesson of the story? There isn't one really. Other than maybe "You're never too old." Except that sometimes you are. But not me, and not on this day.

Roger O'Dea      6/8/2021

Bad(Nomad)Lands

Movies don't usually have a personal affect on me. They are entertainment, that's all.  But occasionally one comes along that stays with me. Nomadland is one of those. Achingly beautiful. And it was fun seeing some familiar places. Black Hills. Badlands. And Wall Drug, which was featured in a scene where Fern was working in the kitchen serving up a hot beef sandwich. I realize that's kind of a random detail. I tend to notice random details. Especially a hot beef sandwich. Classic. And delicious. It's been a long time since I've had one. So, a day later, I'm sitting in Wall Drug Cafe looking at the menu. Unfortunately, there is no hot beef listed. Bummer. Maybe it's a seasonable item or only served at dinner. I was there at lunch time, so I just ordered up a burger. Not bad, but not hot slices of beef on bread with mashed potatoes and gravy. I guess we're all forced to compromise once in a while. 

The day was not a bust, however. I made a full travel day out of it with stops at a few small towns along the way. Drove I-90 to Wall, then Highway 240 through Badlands National Park to 44 which took me back into Rapid City. Plenty of sites and photo opps along the way. I had forgotten how spectacular the Badlands are.

I love roaming around abandoned or nearly abandoned old towns, and there are plenty of them around here. It's particularly rewarding when I come across an old hotel or any kind of vintage signs. This was right off Interstate 90 between the Black Hills and Badlands National Park.

This was in the same town. Not much left of it but still has a lot of personality.

The further south and east I got the more it became apparent that crime may be a problem way out there on the prairie. This photo was taken at another small nearly forgotten town along the way. Might be the first U.S. Post Office I've seen with bars on the door and windows. 

My final stop was a place I've visited several times before. The abandoned town of Scenic, South Dakota. It's always had a strange attraction for me. I've walked up and down the highway that runs through town and wandered the side streets. This time I found these chairs lined up on the boardwalk of the run down old building that is in various states of disrepair each time I visit. 

I wanted to stick around and watch the traffic go by, but it was cold and windy, and I wasn't dressed for the weather. I might go back on a nicer day. If the chairs are still there I'll sit down and wave at passing cars. Maybe they will think I'm the mayor. The mayor of a town called Scenic. That wouldn't be a bad gig.

Roger O'Dea.    2/24/2021