Random thoughts before leaving Sheridan, WY

1. Why did we wait so long to take this trip "out West"? Every day brings spectacular views of things we've only seen in photographs. I'm starting to understand the allure of the West, though I will need a bit more time and experience here to appreciate Western paintings and bronzes.

2. I wonder if attendance is up at National Parks. We've certainly seen a lot of folks "on the road" which can only be a good thing. It's fun to look at license plates and appreciate how Americans are venturing out to see their country (as they've always done).

3. Reading Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee (the large format, recently published illustrated version with extra essays) and actually driving through this country is a sobering experience. Yesterday the New York Times ran an article about historians debating whether the Gulf oil spill truly is the worst environmental disaster the country has ever known. Some argued for the destruction of the bison herds and others talked about the agricultural practices that produced the dust bowl. As with any contemplation of stupidity, hubris,and hatred in the past, this makes me wonder what folks in 100 years will say about us.

4. We've been so impressed with the cities where we've stayed so far; all have managed to keep their downtowns alive and vital. All have sculpture scattered throughout and public spaces for concerts, etc. Did they work with the same consultant?

5. Motel thoughts. (a) The odor from the waffles of motel breakfasts permeates the buildings. (b) New motels have installed toilets that make a very loud, almost scary noise when flushing. (c) Every road trip should include one old "mom and pop" motel with pine paneling (like this one in Sheridan).

6.There are two kinds of diesel pumps, large-nozzle for trucks and small-nozzle for cars. If you use a large-nozzle one either by mistake or because that is all that is available in the middle of nowhere, your hands will smell of diesel all day.