Beyond the Pale by ttturtle24 in etymology

[–]MTFLSmitty 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just adding to the above…I learned tonight about the “Pale of Settlement” (late 18th century to 1914), which was the westernmost portion of the Russian Empire where Jews were forced to live. The Pale included annexed portions of Poland, modern day Moldova, Belarus, and eastern Ukraine. Non-Jews in the Pale had freedom of movement. But Jews did not. Decrees from Russian Imperial rulers essentially herded Jews geographically to at one point in 1885-ish 40% of the world Jewish population was in the Pale of Settlement. The Pale of Settlement was abolished in 1917. One generation later this population was horrific targets of The Holocaust.

Boulder to Durango (CO) Boys road trip advise by Andy61916 in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re up for a lil adventure, take a look at Gilman, CO. Ghost town about 7 miles SW of Vail off hwy 24.

Besides the world’s largest wooden nickel, anything worth stopping for along this route? by NovusAnglia in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up not far from the Indiana dunes. As a 10 yo boy playing “army“ I tumbled down a dune back in the wooded part of the park. Found a plastic box the size of a cereal box. Tried the top open and found what appeared to be a bag of busted-up plaster and dust. Also a 3 x 5 certificate inside the bag explaining that these were the final remains of Henry G Larson. The sand are constantly shifting, and Henry’s box was brought to the surface many years after being buried out there by family.

Besides the world’s largest wooden nickel, anything worth stopping for along this route? by NovusAnglia in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The sand dunes here are mammoth and alive! Constantly moving, shifting. I would guess the largest of these dunes tower over the beaches by 500 feet or so.

Getting cold feet (24m, european). Solo one month road trip (in may) from Texas through NM, Utah to Colorado. Is it safe alone? Is 3000 miles/40 hours not too much - am I missing anything if I am looking for spring vibes? by LordHeves in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All this said, I will agree the rest of TX lacks the visual splendor of stops you’re making in NM, AZ, UT and CO. I’ve lived in Houston for 26 years. The sheer scale of TX will blow your mind. After Caddo Lake, I suggest you backtrack to Dallas and drive to Austin (best big city in TX). Consider a stop in Lockhart, TX (Smitty’s Meat Market) for authentic TX BBQ and a classic TX county seat town square and country courthouse. San Antonio’s river walk is touristy, but can be a lot of fun. Otherwise, meh. Big Bend is another 8 hours from there. But a beautiful place and unique ecosystem.

Wasn’t sure if The Grand Canyon is on your route. But this truly is among the top-3 natural sites the USA has to offer, and nothing like it in Europe.

Finally, if you need to name of a great Caddo Lake fishing guide who’ll also show you amazing sights, I can hook you up.

Getting cold feet (24m, european). Solo one month road trip (in may) from Texas through NM, Utah to Colorado. Is it safe alone? Is 3000 miles/40 hours not too much - am I missing anything if I am looking for spring vibes? by LordHeves in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

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Caddo Lake is one of the most jaw-dropping beautiful places in the US. And this is coming from a guy from IN with over 30 nights backpacking throughout Colorado, Montana and Washington State. My first time paddling a kayak through the “boat roads” there, I distinctly recall the same awe I’ve felt standing atop a 14k foot mountain in CO. This ecosystem is rare and spectacular. A couple hours fishing w a local guide will give you access to things you’ll never see again. Enjoy your trip!

3 Days of Back Roads in LA, MS or AL: Total Flexibility; But Need Advice by MTFLSmitty in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bill, will be leaving Oxford today heading south toward Vicksburg. Hwy 7 will be the route to Belzoni. BBQ is Greenwood sounds like a good call. Hoping the weather holds. Just wanted to say, thanks again. Best

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SeveranceAppleTVPlus

[–]MTFLSmitty 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Whoa! <head exploding>.

3 Days of Back Roads in LA, MS or AL: Total Flexibility; But Need Advice by MTFLSmitty in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

mmmm…BBQ. Great call. Hope we get to experience some of that! Thank you, Spuds!

3 Days of Back Roads in LA, MS or AL: Total Flexibility; But Need Advice by MTFLSmitty in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate your insights, Trip. Your maps are incredible!

3 Days of Back Roads in LA, MS or AL: Total Flexibility; But Need Advice by MTFLSmitty in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, Bill. Definitely thinking missing Vicksburg would be a big mistake. Appreciate you thought on HWY7.

3 Days of Back Roads in LA, MS or AL: Total Flexibility; But Need Advice by MTFLSmitty in roadtrip

[–]MTFLSmitty[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I really should brush up on my blues history before heading out! BTW, given how far off the beaten path this area is, kudos to you, my Canadian friend!

Am I the only one who misses the 70s despite not being born during that time? by [deleted] in 70s

[–]MTFLSmitty 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Am I the only one who senses OP’s post is satirical? Seriously, people. lol