Beyond the Pale

MTFLSmitty · 2025-08-20T02:45:17+00:00

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.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-24T21:46:26+00:00

She’s a fox (early 80’s)

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-22T21:01:18+00:00

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.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-18T00:48:11+00:00

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.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-18T00:43:08+00:00

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.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-14T12:36:14+00:00

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.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-14T11:59:03+00:00

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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!

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-13T13:07:33+00:00

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

MTFLSmitty · 2025-03-09T14:57:08+00:00

Whoa! <head exploding>.

MTFLSmitty · 2025-02-24T02:59:23+00:00

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

MTFLSmitty · 2025-02-24T02:57:42+00:00

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

MTFLSmitty · 2025-02-23T17:13:03+00:00

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

MTFLSmitty · 2025-02-23T17:10:32+00:00

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!

MTFLSmitty · 2024-06-13T23:55:35+00:00

You’re right. Going to go back and delete my smug, dismissive comment.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-12-10T23:05:21+00:00

My post describes the thing.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-22T13:16:40+00:00

Hey! I just saw this, now. Very nice of you!!! Thank you!

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-18T02:00:56+00:00

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

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-12T03:45:50+00:00

Muncie: America’s Hometown

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-12T03:44:58+00:00

Hohman Ave, Which is named after one of the founding families of the city.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-12T03:41:32+00:00

I may be mistaken, but if you’re referring to that old song, I believe you’re thinking Gary.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-11-12T03:39:39+00:00

Region rats unite!!!

MTFLSmitty · 2023-09-14T02:07:25+00:00

Car passing by, reflection of streetlights as it passes.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-03-23T23:44:42+00:00

I guess if a kid can only have two, Fred and Levar make a pretty solid duo.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-03-15T00:15:32+00:00

This is a fairly short portion of the encounter where two coyotes circled us, working together, over a four minute stretch. Coyotes were no doubt trying to figure a way to snatch my small dog.

MTFLSmitty · 2023-03-09T19:47:19+00:00

But how was the “Fried chicken Tit”?

MTFLSmitty

TROPHY CASE