Backroad Odyssey : Travel Stories, Van Life & Road Trip Oddities

Crater of Diamonds State Park  is the only place in the world where the public can search for natural diamonds at their volcanic source.  The 37 acre eroded volcanic crater sees hopeful prospectors prying through  loose soil - hoping to find more than just dirt Some do … some do not …  Regardless, the history of the park is just as fascinating as the diamonds that litter its ground. My dog Noodles...

America sleeps far away from the impending conflicts of World War II. Despite this VAST distance, an anxiety lingers in the mind of American President - Franklin D. Roosevelt  … My dog Noodles and I scale WWII observation towers along the Delaware coast - and use the story of their construction to illustrate the deep anxieties present in the pre-war American government.  All this is to say:  The s...

Abandoned towns are scattered throughout the American Landscape. These remnants of bygone eras tempt us to speculate about the lives of those that left …  Why did they leave?  What makes the American West particularly populated with these so-called “Ghost Towns?” Noodles and I explore the desolate ghost town of Grafton - just south of Zion National Park - to find out!  Recommendations:  Good refer...

The Redwoods are home to the world’s tallest trees. WHAT'S the secret to their staggering growth? Why is this unique ecosystem worth visiting?  Noodles and I hike deep into the Old-Growth Redwoods of Northern California to find out!  - As always, we'll answer listener question at the end, which include:  Have you had any cryptid encounters on the road?  Is is hard to drive your van?  Any...

What started as a modest drug store now welcomes millions of curious travelers …   Welcome to Wall Drug! Home to a Robot T-rex, 6,000 cowboy boots, animatronic singers, a working chapel - and of course, their famous 5 cent coffee …  Join my dog Noodles and I as we explore the wild story of Americas largest and most bizarre drug store!  Works Cited:  https://www.nps.gov/people/tedhustead.htm https:...

Southern Florida is home to an aquatic gentle giant: THE MANATEE.  But how much do we really know about this wondering benign behemoth?  Noodles and I dive deep into the warm springs, rivers and tributaries of Florida to research this fascinating creature.  As always we'll answer listener questions at the end, which include:  Who or what did you learn to appreciate after research for the sun...

Sun Records in Memphis, Tennessee claims to be the birthplace of Rock and Roll. But just what does it mean to be “The Birthplace of Rock and Roll”?  Can we accept such a claim without first diving even deep into the murky depths of American musical history.  Noodles and I head to Memphis to find out …  (Beneath the shadow of Graceland and within earshot of the blues of Beale street - the small lab...

Today we explore just a SMALL sample of the various cryptids and oddities that are said to inhabit our nations most pristine landscapes. These aren't your average cryptids folks ...   As always, we'll answer listener questions at the end, which include:  What advice would you give to someone thinking about solo travel?  What if anything surprised you about the Ave Maria Grotto?  Did you...

A miniature city crafted from recycled materials lies in the Alabama woods. One solitary Bavarian Monk is behind its construction.  Noodles and I join the thousands of visitors stopping to admire this humble monk’s startling creation - This is the story of the Ave Maria Grotto.  Works Cited: https://georgiabulletin.org/commentary/2013/11/a-real-life-fairy-tale-brother-joseph-and-the-ave-maria-grot...

Can a tree own itself?  In Georgia the answer is a resounding ... KINDOF!  The curios story of one trees accepted autonomy is a tale worth telling - Noodles and I visit it's location in Athens, Georgia to investigate.  As always, we'll answer listener questions at the end - which include:  How much energy does your solar power produce?  What happens when Noodles can’t go to a location fo...

One solitary Blockbuster Video location remains ...  The story of this lonesome Blockbuster provides a lens into the larger rise and fall of an American icon. Noodles and I visit Bend, Oregon to unpack the truly fascinating story of The Worlds Last Blockbuster. Works Cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41948252?searchText=blockbuster+video&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dblockbus...

Scranton, Pennsylvania is inseperable from the hit-series “The Office.”  Although, the show was primarily filmed in California, the series writers took inspiration from many real-life Electric City locations. Noodles and I stop to visit three such Office locations in Lackawanna County - join us as we explore the wonderful world of "The Office" As always we'll take listener questions...

Explore the darker side of Iowa City ...  A somber statue - once a golden bronze - is now the subject of countless curses, hauntings and general misfortune.  Few dare to meet it’s soot embalmed gaze; those that due invite sickness, dreadful curses and even death.  This - at least - is the reputation of Iowa City's Black Angel. Works Cited:  https://www.iowa-city.org/weblink/0/doc/1481292/Elec...

The REAL story behind the infamous Salem Witch Trials might surprise you ...  Noodles and I travel to the ruins where the first accusations of witchcraft were made in 1692. In this bonus compilation - we revisit dark secrets, bizarre proceedings and ponder the enduring legacy of the trials.  Why did the Salem Witch happen? Join us at the ruins of the village parsonage to find out.  Noah and Noodle...

Dive into the vibrant world of van life with us at the Descend Gathering in Oregon!  Every year HUNDREDS of vans gather for live music, community and a general celebration of non-traditional living - Noodles and I are one of the vans this year.  We share tips and insights for anyone curious about van life and the event that celebrates it. With countless four-legged friends adding to the charm, Des...

44 years after it's eruption, Noodles and I camp at the base of the - still active -  Mount Saint Helens.  We explore the  tales of Harry Truman, the lodge owner who famously refused to leave despite the looming danger, and David Johnston, a devoted volcanologist committed to monitoring the volcano and saving lives.  We also make a case for why this iconic volcano, nestled within the majestic...

We're about to make those long drives a laugh-filled adventure with our all time TOP COMEDY podcast picks. We do the work for you and unpack our recommendations WITH specific episodes to get you into each show. As always we’ll take listener questions at the end. Here are links to each episode recommendation (see episode for thoughts and descriptions) : Show One - Comedy Bang-Bang Episode - ht...

Countless prehistoric images populate the landscapes of the American Southwest. Some are meticulously engraved into stone, others carefully painted upon cave walls ... The exact meaning behind many of these illustrations remain illusive.  - Embark on our exploration of the timeless rock carvings and paintings found in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. These are the mysteries of the Utah Petroglyph...

Every road trip is a story waiting to be told. In my two years of van life, I’ve gathered three resources that have become invaluable in planning and ensuring successful, safe and memorable road trips.  Discover how the Road Trippers app can guide you to unexpected treasures like Michael Jackson's birthplace, GIANT leg sundials and other quirky roadside attractions—all without spending a dime...

In the bustling metropolis of Seattle, Washington, a curious resident claims the shadows beneath Aurora Bridge ….  Those who dare to venture below the bridge- more accurately, those that survive to tell the tale - speak of his sheer size, stern gaze and possessive nature…  But few can tell you the reason for his residency … and that, my friends is a story worth telling.  This is the story of the F...

Grand Teton National Park has LONG ranked as one of my favorite areas in the nation … Today we explore a brief history of the park and share tips, tricks, stories and recommendations for your next visit. We also answer listener questions, which include:  Do you personally believe in Cryptids?  How many miles does your van get per gallon?  Is Montana as beautiful as I’ve heard?  Where do you shower...

What lies in the murky depths of Flathead lake? Situated neatly between the Mission and Salish Mountain Ranges Northwest Montana, the lake has long been a hotbed for sightings that defy description ... One recurring sighting - that of the Flathead Lake Monster (or Flessie) - has been constant for well over a century.  Today we dive into its waters. works cited: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2574645...

Here are our TOP THREE picks for beautiful - relatively short - roads everyone should experience at least once in their life.  Remember, the best way to get to where you're going is often WELL out of your way.  Here's to traveling Americas most beautiful winding roads and scenic byways!  As always, we’ll also take listener questions at the end - questions include:  Did Thoreau eve marry?...

We’ve explored the reasons behind Thoreau’s decision to leave for Walden Pond,  examined the seasons he spent along it’s shore ... and NOW must acknowledge one -  unavoidable - fact:  Thoreau chooses to leave the pond … Why? Good Walden Audio Book: https://www.audible.com/pd/Walden-or-Life-in-the-Woods-Audiobook/B074WBSHHT?qid=1724951191&sr=1-4&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&ref=a_searc...

Throughout my over TWO years on the road, I’ve had many ups, many downs and everything in between…  Every experience has led me to embrace one - inescapable reality of Van Life: 80 percent of your time on the road will not resemble the curated photos and videos circulating online.  You’ll instead explore the parking lots, rest stops and Cracker Barrels of the Nation … BUT!  It’s this “less-than-id...