Note: What follows is a (slightly edited) re-post of something I wrote for ChinaSource. In November of 2022, when China was still enforcing its Zero Covid polies of mass testing, strict lockdowns, and closed borders, it seemed that a return trip might not be possible. Yet, in December of that year the government did an…
From the Mountains to the Prairies
Given that Gracie loved July 4, not just because it is Independence Day, but also because it was her father’s birthday, I thought it would be good to re-post this video of her playing 2 of her favorite patriotic songs: America, the Beautiful, and God Bless America. Lyrics: AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL, by Katherine Lee Bates…
Where Two Railroads Met
During our drive between Salt Lake City and Boise, ID a couple of weeks back, we took a detour off the highway to visit the Golden Spike National Historic Park at Promontory Summit, north of Salt Lake City. It marks the spot where, in 1869 the two rail lines under construction (the Central Pacific Railroad…
A Remote China Town
During our drive west across central Oregon, on U.S. Highway 26 between Vale and Prineville, we found ourselves in the small town of John Day. We had spent the morning driving through farmland, grassland, and eventually through a mountain pass into the gorgeous John Day River valley. The town started as a trading post in…
Tourist Cabins
Drive across the USA in any direction and you’ll see a plethora of hotels and inns that dot most freeway exits. The names are familiar. Hampton Inn. Holiday Inn Express. Hyatt Place. Quality Inn. Motel 6. And the list goes on. These comfortable temporary abodes have become ubiquitous with their king-size beds and obligatory free…
Made it to Bend
On Tuesday afternoon, with the odometer at 2100 miles, we rolled into Gracie’s beloved Bend, OR. We made the trip in five days and figured it must have taken the Danielson clan 2 weeks! Again, how they could drive across Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and eastern Oregon in late winter is beyond comprehension. And we remain…