For generations automobiles and trucks have come to a small town in Nebraska to die. A very small town.
I saw cars from the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s and later. Acres of them!
Just in this snapshot alone are 3 decades of cars.
Driving along the top of the state I stumbled upon this. And more.
On this property are a circa 1830 brick home that obviously was built for a wealthy family, several barns, a stone smokehouse and the current owner’s contemporary brick home.
Oh yeah, there were also several NO TRESSPASSING signs.
I parked at the beginning of the driveway and walked to the owner’s house whereI knocked first on the front door and then the kitchen door. A lady came to the door and saw I was holding my camera up as I said I was s photographer. She asked if I saw the signs up by the mailbox. I asked “The no TRESSPASSING signs?” She firmly said yes! I said “Yes ma’am. That is why I was careful to walk only down the driveway and nowhere else. “.
I made a bit of small talk and then asked if I was careful, could I photograph the buildings. She told me that I could not go into them. I assured her I would stay well clear of them. She smiled and said “Go ahead. And then be gone.”. I thanked her and did exactly that.
I can’t wait to get the images out of the camera.
- Cheers.
We’re in Saint Louis. When we arrived yesterday afternoon it was a beautiful sunny day. Because we arrived late in the afternoon we drove straight to the place where we parked for the night.
Wouldn’t you know? It is overcast with an occasional sprinkle today. Dog and I drove in to town to check out the arch anyway.
Tomorrow is supposed to be much more photographer friendly. Perhaps we’ll hang around for another day.
Dog and I officially began the Heartland RoadTour Rewind yesterday.
We drove to Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky via mostly back roads. I passed a photographer who was setting up his 4×6 camera in an old, falling down gas station. I turned around, went back and we chatted for a couple minutes. I didn’t linger because I did not want him to lose the light. He obviously had planned this shoot and as we know, lighting is critical.
Here are some of the route highlights.
I stopped for fuel in Glasgow where two pickup trucks were at the diesel pump and several guys and girls were enjoying a social gathering. They were polite and moved out of the way when I pulled up. One of the fellows smiled and said he’d give me $20,000 cash for M.O.B.I. on the spot. I laughed and said “I bet you will”. I averaged just under 18mpg.
Today I hope to enjoy a little spelunking. Since I’ve never been to a cave, it should prove interesting. Cheers!
It has been almost a year since the RV was totaled out in Colorado. Since then I located and bought (for cash) the replacement RV, M.O.B.I. I’ve gone through it from stem to stern and top to bottom. It is ready and so are the dog and I. In a few days we will be heading for parts unknown in a generally westward direction.
You are invited to tag along. Check us out here at Art On The Run or on Facebook Paul Sumberg.
If you are feeling generous, please contribute to our fuel and groceries by clicking on the DONATE button over there on the left. Any amount is appreciated, large or small.
Cheers
Paul and Heyleigh the wonder dog.
My decision to purchase a motorhome was twofold. One part was to allow me to travel at what ever pace that would allow me to stop and capture some images. It is important for me to be able to spend an extra day or two somewhere to catch that shot I can picture in my mind. I confirmed this shortly after getting my first RV a year and a half ago. The itinerary and schedules went out the window. Yay!
The other reason for purchasing a motorhome was to enable the dog and me to travel further distances to participate in art shows or exhibits. I wanted to accomplish this without pulling a trailer behind me. Experimenting with this part of the equation was put on hold last May when the RV was totaled. Finally!! After acquiring the new RV (MOBI is its name) I spent some time getting familiar with it, comfortable with its reliability and imagining how I could get everything I needed to do an outdoor show in or on it without compromising on comfort or utility. Those who know me have learned that on projects like this, I take my sweet time and try to consider all options. Well, finally I pulled all the pieces together and hit the road for the first show and test of my plan.
I chose the Winthrop Arts Festival in the Brandon/Riverview area in Tampa Bay for this inaugural trip for several reasons. Growing up in Tampa, I have lots of friends there. Friends to visit and who are close by in case I need something (just because I took my time planning doesn’t mean I thought of everything 🙂 ). Equally important is that this particular show limits the number of artists (I think this year it was 40). The benefit here is that the venue is small enough for patrons to walk through and see everything. Most visitors made several loops through the show which allowed them to really look at everything. It also means that the jury process really must select only the best artists so the visitors will enjoy and appreciate the art. Of course, this means that the participating artists have a great chance of getting new as well as repeat customers because people come to see and purchase art. I guess the simplest way for me to say it is “it isn’t a flea market where Venders are selling trinkets”.
I’m happy to say that this experiment was a success for me all the way around. I did get my tent, all my art and needed equipment in and on the RV with out impeding my use for travel and living. I have to say that being able to grab a shower after setting up or enjoy a meal and of course sleep in comfort while being close to the show is awesome. And in this case, close was parked right there at the show. The dog could enjoy the A/C in the RV and I could grab a cold bottle of water whenever I wanted. Perfect!
Here are some photos of the rig and equipment.
I was just sorting through some images and came upon this one from the Grand Canyon.
What a shame that just a few days later the RV was totaled and this adventure ended. While only a few weeks into the roadtour, I’d had countless awe inspiring views along the way. It was amazing.
But you know what they say, “All’s well that ends well.”, right? No one was hurt and we made it home with relative ease. With the new RV now checked out and equipped with some extras, the dog and I are ready to set out again on this Heartland RoadTour.
We’re looking forward to having you along with us so check back often, follow us on Facebook or Twitter and drop us a line if you wish. And if you are inclined, you can chip in and help to keep us on the road by clicking on that donation button up there on the top of the page. Honestly, every cent is appreciated.
Cheers.
Paul and the dog.
Stopped and stretched our legs here.
In the late 80s I took a small tugboat from Tampa to the Apalachicola River where we picked up a couple barges tied up to some cypress trees and towed them back to Tampa.
We sailed right past this oyster boat dock near the mouth of the river.
I stopped here yesterday and thought about that voyage. We struggled in a gale all the way home. Sometimes there is no place like home.
