In 1962 my brother and I joined three friends from college and drove to the Seattle World’s Fair. It was a memorable trip. I relived an aspect of that trip this week while I make the cross country trek to Sight Point. I was just as impressed by the beauty of an area near Coeur d Alene, Idaho as I was 61 years ago. Its scenic landscape extends for miles into Montana. The mountain lake surrounded by beautiful pine/fir is spectacular. One’s spirit rises throughout the journey. What a great memory to celebrate.

Another fond memory fom that excursion was a visit to San Francisco. Yes, after driving from Madison to Seattle on the compressed time table of a spring break, why would’t young men full of themselves believe that there was plenty of time to swing down to California before returning to school. That city was full of life. It had an exciting vibe to it. Landmarks were eveywhere. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the Embarcadero to Nob Hill to the Top of the Mark and out to Tanforan Raceway we didn’t miss a beat. Surely not the music and entertainment beat on Braodway at the Hungry Eye, Big Al’s and the Condor Club. Carol Doda’s place. Throw in the Golden Gate and we were happy travelers as we raced back home. That memory I do not wish to ruin by re-visiting that once majastic city. Even when I visted your parents in the area in the 1990’s it had lost much of its luster. Kind of seedy and shabby in a worn out way. Today’s reported conditions would make me cry if I saw it in person. Too many “activists” city fathers have lost sight of primary responsibilities. They fail to follow what was once known as “Sewer Socialists” in Milwaukee.

Yet, America’s beauty persists. One can only hope that man’s do-gooders keep their eager hands off nature. My initial drive west through the Columbia Gorge was stunning. God sort of took a creative break from The Dalles to Spokane. Thereafter, on route I-90 the countryside is more than par right to the Illinois border. Once that semi-circle of haze was completed pleasant scenery resumed right to Papa’s objective. 4000 miles! (More or less)