U.S.A. Confidential

For the next week and a half or so, D.C. Confidential is on the road across America. I'll be traveling "from sea to shining sea" driving from the Washington to the other Washington. Be sure to check in every day and see where I've been. I promise, it'll be fun!

Thursday: Canton Confidential
Friday: Lincoln Confidential and Nauvoo Confidential
Saturday: Amana Confidential and South Dakota Confidential (The East Side)
Sunday: Wall Confidential, Badlands Confidential, and Rushmore Confidential*
Monday: I-90 Confidential (Wyoming)
Tuesday: I-90 Confidential (Montana/Idaho)
Wednesday: Spokane Confidential and Cascades Confidential

And now, D.C. Confidential is going on vacation for a little bit. I'll be back a week from today.


* AKA South Dakota Confidential (The West Side) in Three Parts!

Note: I've also posted a couple of photos on my Standing Room Only blog.

Cascades Confidential

Snoqualmie Pass

The last leg of our trip required driving through the Cascades. I've driven over the Continental Divide more times than I can count and through the Rockies a few times. I even grew up around some pretty impressive mountains in Utah, but aside from the Alps in Europe, nothing has been as awe inspiring in the genre of mountains as the Cascades. They were breathtaking!

The end is in sight...

Thanks for following my road trip across the northern United States! I've enjoyed photographing America and sharing this part of the U.S. of A. with everyone. And now, I'm going to take a few days off...

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Spokane Confidential

Little Girl

Tuesday night, we stayed with Brenda's cousin, Cal Archer and his wife, Anne. I didn't get any pictures of Spokane proper, but I did get this photo of Cal and Anne's sweet little cat, Little Girl.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

I-90 Confidential (Montana/Idaho)

Lisa Frank--a friend from my days living in Austria.

Monday night, we stayed with my friend Lisa Frank in Billings, Montana. Lisa and I met more than 20 years ago when I lived in Vienna, Austria. She treated us to a wonderful bit of Montana steak and Idaho potatoes I've ever had in my life! And Montana was truly as beautiful as people have said--Big Sky Country all the way. (Click images to enlarge.)

Big Sky Country

Hang a left and head to Yellowstone...

Mileage sign: Bear Canyon Road, Bozeman, and Butte

Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

1-90 Confidential (Wyoming)

Monday found us driving I-90 across the northeastern corner of Wyoming. It was snowy and slick. The original plan had been to see Devil's Tower National Monument, but the weather didn't cooperate so we pushed on to Billings, Montana.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Wall Confidential

Wall Drug : Famous Worldwide : Wall, South Dakota

Due to inclement weather across Washington and Montana today, we decided to stay in Rapid City, South Dakota, an additional day and give the snow time to work its way out of our way! The result was seeing parts of western South Dakota that we otherwise would have skipped because we would have been long on our way to Montana. Because we saw so much, I'm breaking today's posts up into three separate entries. Hope you enjoy them!

L: Animatronic Campfire Quartet
R: The pharmacy section of Wall Drug, complete with hunting mounts.

Our first stop for the day was 50 miles back up the road in Wall, South Dakota. Wall is famous for one thing and one thing only: its ginormous frontier drug store. It is quite literally the largest employer in the tiny town of Wall.

The Traveler's Chapel : Wall Drug : Wall, South Dakota

There are entire city blocks that are nothing but parking lots for tourists and tour buses filled with people coming to see Wall Drug. Here are a few pictures from this unique South Dakota attraction and the town of Wall.

Wall, South Dakota's Public Library and Public Utilities Bill Paying Boxes

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Badlands Confidential

The Badlands National Park : South Dakota

After enjoying a donut at Wall Drug, we climbed back in the car and headed up the road to see the dramatic geologic wonder known as the Badlands. If you haven't seen this phenomenon, it's like looking at a miniature version of the Grand Canyon. While it isn't nearly as awe-inspiring as the Grand Canyon, it certainly holds its own.

As Far As the Eye Can See : The Badlands

Cathedral : The Badlands

I wish we'd had a geologist along for the ride to explain the different strata to us, as well as the age of the rocks and formations and how they were formed. No doubt there are one or two of you out there who might be able to impart some geologic wisdom? In the mean time, here are a few pictures to enjoy.

Vermilion Strata : The Badlands

Tiered : The Badlands

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Rushmore Confidential

Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln : Mount Rushmore

Finally, after seeing Wall Drug and driving through 35 miles of the Badlands, we high-tailed it back up to Rapid City and then headed south for 30 miles to see one of America's most iconic monuments, Mount Rushmore.

Approach to Mount Rushmore

I have only one word to describe what is surely the second or third most recognized memorial in America and that is: Wow! If you haven't been to Mount Rushmore, you must make a point of going at least once in your lifetime. It is amazing!

Mount Rushmore
(Click images to enlarge)

To some, it doesn't look like much, but when you realize that the bust of Washington alone is 460 feet high and then you compare that to the Washington Monument, which is 555 feet tall, it really puts it in perspective and makes quite a heady impression (no pun intended.) Put another way, imagine if we took Mount Rushmore and put it on the National Mall next to the Washington Monument. The difference between the two would be a mere 95 feet. It was truly spectacular! After the Lincoln Memorial, I think this is officially my favorite memorial.

Mount Rushmore

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Amana Confidential

Warping : Amana Colonies Woolen Mill

Leaving Nauvoo shortly after sunset, we drove about 200 miles north to Williamsburg, Iowa. Just down the road from the 'burg and off of I-80 are the Amana Colonies. Founded by German Pietists who immigrated to America in the mid-1800s, the community is populated by master craftspeople known for their milled textiles, handmade furniture, quilts, and other handcrafted goods that are otherwise largely mass produced and imported these days.

Woolens made in America

These are just a few pictures from the Amana Colonies. And yes, this is the same community that manufactured Amana applicances before being bought by Westinghouse.

Children's handmade rockers in cherry, walnut, or oak

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

South Dakota Confidential (The East Side)

The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.
Yes, those are actually ears of corn decorating the outside of this unique building.
(Click to enlarge.)

After leaving the Amana Colonies, we continued northward through the upper half of Iowa and into South Dakota. On the east side of the state is a town called Mitchell. Mitchell is famous for the Corn Palace Convention & Visitors Bureau--a special events center whose front and side facades are decorated entirely in corn. A new design goes up every year at a cost $130,000 annually. Let's just say, we found this little bit of Americana to be trippy.

The east facade of the Corn Palace.

This part of the South Dakota leg was memorable for several reasons. First, the Corn Palace. Second, filet mignon for $6.95. Third, a tow truck company whose billboards advertised as "toe service." And fourth... Well, I can't think of a fourth one. Sadly, I didn't have a $6.95 filet mignon and I wasn't able to stop on the interstate to photograph the billboard advertising toe service.

Tomorrow, I'll bring you the western side of South Dakota.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Lincoln Confidential

Close-up of a Portrait of Lincoln by Gregory Manchess : Lincoln Museum

Friday found us in Springfield, Illinois, the capital of the Land of Lincoln. We also visited a little-known hamlet on the Mississippi called Nauvoo. I'll feature the latter in a separate post. Unless you're new to D.C. Confidential and in case you've missed the photo in my header, you know Abraham Lincoln is my favorite president and the Lincoln Memorial is my favorite monument in Washington. Thus, it seemed only appropriate and fitting that part of this road trip should include a visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum (ALPLM.)

Hands down, the ALPLM was worth every penny of its $10 admission fee! I've been to Washington's Mount Vernon and Jefferson's Monticello. I've seen the burial places of Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy, John Tyler, and James Monroe, as well as the aforementioned Washington and Jefferson. I've even visited the Confederate White House and the grave of the (in)famous Jefferson Davis. All of those are moving and significant in their own right, but I must say that the museum to Lincoln and his mausoleum are quite impressive and awe-inspiring.

The late Tim Russert of NBC's Meet the Press explains the Campaign of 1860

Here are some fun facts and trivia: Lincoln was a president of firsts. He was the first bearded president. He was the first president over six feet tall. Honest Abe was also the first sitting president to come under fire in a war when he rode out to Fort Stevens to watch Union forces repel an advance on Washington by CSA general Jubal Early. And, sadly, he was the first American president to be assassinated.

According to a very humorous document written in Lincoln's hand and on display in the museum, he coined the phrase "bass-akwards." When he died, his funeral procession travelled 1,700 miles and more people saw Lincoln dead than ever saw him alive.

Lincoln Chopper

Among some of the highlights of the museum: A custom chopper, a media room featuring the late Tim Russert of Meet the Press discussing the campaign of 1860, a four minute time lapse map that shows the battles of the Civil War, a wonderful movie called "Through Lincoln's Eyes" in the Union Theater, and several "experience exhibits" that chronicles Lincoln's life from his upbringing on the frontier to his years in the White House. If you're traveling through central Illinois, this is an absolute must-see!

The Lincoln Home

After the Lincoln Museum, we visited the only home Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln ever owned in Springfield. They lived there for 17 years before Lincoln won the presidency and they departed for Washington.

The mausoleum of President Abraham Lincoln and his family :
Oak Wood Cemetery : Springfield, IL

Finally, about two miles from the museum and his home is the grave of President Lincoln, his wife, and their three sons. Their oldest son, Robert, is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

And now, here's your quiz for the day:

1. Who were the first and the last presidents to travel by train to their inaugurations?
2. How many candidates were on the ballot in the election of 1860?
3. What was the name of Lincoln's first wife?
4. What was the name of Tad's and Willie's pet dog?
5. What was Mrs. Lincoln's favorite color?
6. Aside from Washington, D.C., what three states did Lincoln live in?

And a few more pictures from the museum and Lincoln's grave.



Answers: 1. Abraham Lincoln was the first president to travel via the latest in transportation conveyances, the train, to his inauguration. He traveled from Springfield to Washington. Barack Obama recently did the same, traveling from Philadelphia to Washington. 2. Four: Abraham Lincoln (Republican), Stephen Douglas (Northern Democratic), John C. Breckenridge (Southern Democratic), and John Bell (Constitutional Union). 3. Mary Todd Lincoln. 4. Jip. 5. Purple. 6. He was born in Kentucky, raised in Indiana, and moved to Illinois to practice law.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

P.S. If/when I have time, I'll post additional pictures of sculptures of Lincoln and a few more pictures of the Lincoln Chopper. Right now, though, I've got to get on the road!

Nauvoo Confidential

The Nauvoo Temple

After the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, we traveled about two and half hours north to Carthage and Nauvoo, Illinois. The former is the site of the assassination of Mormon prophet and leader Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum. The latter is the town Smith and his followers established after they were run out of Missouri.

Statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith outside the jail in Carthage, Illinois,
where they were assassinated by an anti-Mormon mob in 1844.

I have to get on the road, so I can't post a lot of information right now. I'll try to come back on Saturday evening and add more information. In the meantime, here are a couple of pictures from Nauvoo and Carthage.

The Nauvoo Temple at dusk

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

Canton Confidential

The Pro Football Hall of Fame : Canton, Ohio

On this trip across America, I'm traveling with Brenda Hansen. Brenda is a huge fan of football and we decided, since we were driving through Ohio anyway, we'd go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. We got a late start on Wednesday night and ended up staying the first night in New Stanton, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is home of the Steelers--six time Super Bowl Champions (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008) and the only team to win six Super Bowls.

We Americans claim there's nothing more American than mom, baseball, and apple pie. Depending on who you are, you might debate that and toss baseball aside in favor of football. More Americans watch the Super Bowl than the World Series. A supreme court justice has played football, as well as one U.S. president--Gerald Ford who played for University of Michigan.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame was opened in Canton, Ohio, in September 1963 with 17 inductees. According to Wikipedia, "Canton, Ohio was selected as the location for the Hall of Fame primarily for three reasons: First, the NFL, then known as the American Professional Football Association, was founded in Canton in 1920. Second, the now-defunct Canton Bulldogs were a successful NFL team based in Canton during the first few years of the league. And finally, the community of Canton successfully lobbied the NFL to have the Hall built in their city."

My favorite display: a tribute to the teams in Washington and New York
following the September 11th attacks. The teams are: the Washington Redskins,
the New York Giants, and the New York Jets.

The hall of fame is chock full of memorabilia and factoids about America's gridiron. When football first started, forward passes were illegal and the field was set up in a grid. The first longest successful field goal attempt in the history of the NFL was kicked in 1970 by Tom Dempsey of the New Orleans Saints. He kicked the ball 63 yards and did it with only half of a foot. (See the slideshow to see the special shoe he wore.) Decades later Jason Elam of the Denver Broncos equaled the distance, but with a whole foot.

Here's a quiz:

1. What was the original name of the Tennessee Titans?
2. What was the original name of the New York Giants?
3. What team has gone to the Super Bowl four times, but has never won?
4. Which has a larger viewing audience: the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Olympics, or the season finale of American Idol?
5. Which team is the youngest in the league?
6. Which teams have never gone to the Super Bowl?

*****

White Castle:
The first hamburger fast food joint in America

After the Hall of Fame, we went to White Castle for lunch. White Castle was founded in the 1921 in Wichita, Kansas, and was the original hamburger fast food chain in the U.S. They sell sliders. People rave about these. Frankly, it was the most disgusting hamburger I've ever eaten. The pickle was thicker than the patty. I wouldn't feed it to my dog or my worst enemy. That said, though, I can now cross that off my list of must-eats in America. Please, if anyone knows the secret behind why these are a must-eat, share. The White Castle burger was lost on me and my stomach. My poor, poor stomach. Poor stomach. It's salads from here on out!

The original slider: a White Castle burger in a box. Yucky!

*****

More pictures of the Pro Football Hall of Fame...



*****

Answers to today's quiz: 1. The Tennessee Titans were originally the Houston Oilers. 2. The New York Giants were originally the New York Titans. 3. The Buffalo Bills have gone to the Super Bowl four times, including three years in a row, and they have never won. 4. The Super Bowl is watched by more viewers than the World Series, the Olympics, and American Idol. 5. The Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguers. They both entered the league in the mid-1990s. 6. The Detroit Lions and the New Orleans Saints have never played in a Super Bowl.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential in Canton and Akron, Ohio, 03/09

America!

Digital America : Smithsonian American Art Museum : Penn Quarter

Today is our nation's 232nd birthday. In 1776, we declared our independence from the sovereign kingdom of Great Britain and the rule of King George. Today, we are a constitutional federal republic made up of 50 states, one federal district (that's us!), and a handful of territories and protectorates. We are the melting pot of the world with a population of 304.5 million people from every country on the planet.

We have serious problems in this country that need serious, wise solutions, but we're a great country and I'm grateful to live here. Happy July 4th, America! And have a safe and fun holiday weekend everyone!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 7/08