The American West is something to behold. For one thing, the scenery is just spectacular. It can really make a difference in how a person views nature, and natural surroundings.
Montana and Wyoming, which is where Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are located, are very sparsely populated. Montana has a population of only about 1,450,000. It ranks 43rd among US states.
The Yellowstone River curves through open grassland beside a quiet road, framed by blue sky, summer clouds, and distant hills.
Wyoming comes in dead last at 50. Slightly less than 600,000 call Wyoming home. The combined population of both states is right around 2 million people. To put this in perspective, Manhattan’s population is about 1,630,000, which is slightly greater than the entire state of Montana and close to 3 times the population of Wyoming.
The Upper Falls of the Yellowstone River plunges into the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, with a historic bridge visible upstream and turquoise canyon water flowing below. Lodgepole pines frame the view from an elevated overlook under a dramatic partly cloudy sky. Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA.
Upon seeing the physical beauty of the place, it makes you wonder why there are not more people living there. The winters can be brutal though. Then again, the fact that 4th of July baseball games can get called off because of snow might have something to do with it.
A large herd of elk grazes calmly in a lush green meadow at Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone, with dramatic grey eroded mountain slopes rising in the background.
This is without doubt cowboy country–both the real ones and the make believe ones. The locals love telling stories about how the make believe cowboys like to strut around Jackson Hole wearing their newly purchased $2,000 cowboy clothes. Being a Rhinestone cowboy can get pretty expensive pretty fast. For instance, in Bozeman, Montana (pop 60,000), discounts of up to 20% can be had on cowboy boots–but only for the ones starting at $800 a pair.
The restaurants have lots of Elk burger, but they also have large selections of Martinis not to mention avocado toast and other stuff you would find in Manhattan. And they (the restaurants) are pretty good too.
Old Faithful geyser sends a towering column of steam and boiling water into the sky as crowds of visitors line the boardwalk viewing area to watch the famous eruption. Conifer forest and rolling hills form the backdrop under a partly cloudy blue sky. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA.
We did get a chance to see Old Faithful erupt. And we also went to a rodeo, complete with horses and bulls trying to throw their riders off. Which they did with some regularity. Apparently staying on a bucking bronco for 8 seconds is a big deal. Finally there was a ride on a raft down the snake river–with about a zero chance of even getting wet, much less getting tossed off the raft.
All in all Yellowstone should not be missed. We’d go back in a heartbeat.
We can now count ourselves among the over 4 million people who will visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks this year, enjoying their 2.5 million acres of incredible scenery, water features and geological places of interest.
Yellowstone NP is a caldera (the basin formed after a volcano erupts) within a caldera, with mountains all around, forests, wildlife, lakes and other bodies of water. Over the course of 4 days we toured Yellowstone NP from north to south, before heading to Grand Teton NP for 2 days. Over twenty native American tribes are affiliated with each of these national parks; among them are the Crow, Blackfeet, and various Sioux and Shoshone tribes.
Our trip started in Bozeman, MT, an old cowboy town that is quite sophisticated (you can go to the local saloon with its rustic décor and get the same variety of cocktails and food as in any fine restaurant in Manhattan). Montana is home to many dinosaur fossils, and the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman has incredible displays of the dinos and other prehistoric animals that lived in Montana about 100 million years ago. Bozeman also is home to the American Computer and Robotics Museum, filled with artifacts and explanations about the history and development of innovation and technology.
Tyrannosaurus Rex in the Museum of the Rockies
We were not surprised to see snow on the distant mountains during this June trip, but snow on the ground around us, and morning temperatures in the high 20s F and low 30s F were a little unexpected. The days warmed up quickly, and we were happy to have sunshine for the long days during the entire trip.
JFB in the state of Wyoming
The continental divide mountain ridge runs through Yellowstone, and the lakes in that ridge drain all the way to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Throughout the parks, water is ever-present in lakes, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, geysers (like Old Faithful in Yellowstone), hot springs, and other forms. The water’s effect on rock creates some incredible formations, like Minerva’s Terrace at Mammoth Springs in Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.
Valleys between the mountains sustain a great variety of wildlife, and we saw lots of bison, elk, deer, pronghorn sheep, black bears and birds, as well as a few foxes and a moose, and some cattle and horses on ranches.
Deer at Rest Stop in Mammoth Hot Springs, WY
Several small towns are just outside the parks, with lots of lodging for hikers and fishers. Shops abound, selling bait and bear spray, beer and bison burgers, and works by local artists.
The Grand Teton mountains are magnificent, appearing to rise up almost suddenly from the earth (no foothills or incremental elevations), and reflected perfectly in the Snake River and other bodies of water. Glaciers are still present in the Grand Tetons, looking like frozen rivers on the mountains in the range.
The National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson houses an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and other items commemorating wildlife and the traditions of the West. It sits on a hilltop across from the National Elk Refuge, a massive area where many species of animals and birds can come during the harsh winters to find food needed for survival.
Our trip ended in Jackson WY, another rustic yet sophisticated town, where outdoor life is celebrated yearlong. No matter the season, there are outdoor sports to play – hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing, etc.
We went to the Jackson Hole Rodeo on our last night in town, and saw some incredible horsemanship by riders of bucking broncos (horses) and bulls, ropers of calves and steer, and people doing other risky things with big animals. The stands were filled with families, and virtually every kid had on boots and a cowboy hat, while the boots worn by the women in attendance ranged from plain brown leather boots to high-style ornamented versions in red and pink leather and suede, with lots of sparkles. It was a lot of fun, and interesting.
Kids at Jackson Hole Rodeo
We haven’t yet made it to all 63 of the US national parks, but we are working on it. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are two that we are very happy to have visited, and would visit again in a heartbeat.
While we were in Portugal, we took a few side trips, including Fatima, Coimbra and Tomar. Fatima is, of course, where Mary appeared to the three school children (Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto) on May 13, 1917 while WW1 was raging.
Fatima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, comparable to that of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Catholic Church has officially approved devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, meaning that Catholics may, but are not required to believe in Mary’s apparition. Millions of pilgrims visit the site annually, especially between May 13 and October 13, the dates associated with the first and last apparitions.
A striking modern cross rises above the expansive plaza of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, creating a dramatic contrast against the cloud-filled Portuguese sky.
The University of Coimbra was founded in Lisbon in 1290 by King Denis. After moving between Lisbon and Coimbra several times in the early years, it finally settled in Coimbra in 1537. It is now the permanent home of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, and Portugal’s most prestigious university. Its campus was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013.
UNESCO World Heritage university courtyard featuring the iconic clock tower and historic academic architecture in Coimbra, Portugal.
Tomar is generally though to be one of the most important historical centers associated with the Knights Templar. This is probably because Portugal did not suppress the Knights Templar in the 1300s as they were suppressed throughout most of Europe. King Denis helped the Knights re-organize into the Order of Christ and so the Knights maintained their identity.
A rugged medieval castle rises dramatically above rocky terrain and calm river waters beneath vivid blue skies. The fortress walls and natural surroundings evoke centuries of Portuguese history and defense.
The order helped support many of Portugals early voyages of discovery. Henry the Navigator, one of the most important figures in Portuguese history, served as Grand Master of the Order of Christ.
Today a number of historians see Tomar as one of the best-preserved places for studying the transition of the Knights of Templar to the Order of Christ.
Ancient stone fortress walls and a cobblestone pathway lead through a historic medieval stronghold in Tomar, Portugal. The rugged masonry and weathered textures reflect centuries of Portuguese history and defense architecture.
And that was our trip to Portugal. Or at least as much as I can recount. Our travels have not ended though; soon we will be taking off for Yellowstone with National Geographic. We plan on seeing Old Faithful (obligatory) and we already have tickets to a Rodeo.
Lisbon, Portugal — April 22,2026. The iconic Lisboa sign stands in Praça do Comércio, welcoming visitors to Portugal’s capital city.
After we finished sailing along the Douro River in northern Portugal, we headed down to Lisbon. A little perspective would be useful here. Portugal is a small country. The population is estimated at somewhere between 10.5 and 11 million people. And last year the tourist industry estimated that 32 to 34 million people visited the country–about 3 times the population. Tourism now accounts for about 20% of GDP.
A classic yellow-and-red Lisbon tram travels through Praça do Comércio in the heart of Portugal’s capital city. Surrounded by the grand arcaded buildings of the waterfront square, the iconic streetcar represents one of Lisbon’s most recognizable symbols and a popular attraction for visitors exploring the historic Baixa district.
There is a big difference between Lisbon and Porto. But that’s not too unusual for a country. There are, for instance, big differences among the cities of New York, LA, Des Moines, Iowa and Birmingham, Alabama. Lisbon however attracts a younger crowd. The median age of Lisbon is maybe 41 or 42, while the median age of people in Porto is closer to 46 or 47. That said, Portugal has one of the older populations in Europe. London, that clocks in at 35 is one of the youngest.
Our stay in Lisbon was marked by very good accommodations, and well, Cod. You just can’t get away from the stuff.
A panoramic view over Lisbon’s historic Baixa district featuring red-tiled rooftops, the grand Praça do Comércio, and the Tagus River.
Anyway, the first place we stayed in was the very charming Pousada De Lisboa Hotel. The Pousada was located in the center of the city, and discovered by Mary Anne. Basically, Pousadas are converted monasteries, landmark buildings, manor houses or castles that now serve as boutique hotels that emphasize Portuguese history.
After that we stayed 10 minutes away in an Altis Prime Hotel. The apartment /hotel was roomy and clean, with daily maid service, and located in another very nice section of town. Tough to beat.
Lisbon, Portugal–May 5, 2026. Architectural photograph of the magnificent Basilica da Estrela in Lisbon, Portugal, showcasing ornate Baroque design, domes, and bright blue skies.
We did a lot of sightseeing in Lisbon proper as well as a number of side trips including Coimbra, Fatima and Tomar. More about those trips another time. We did get to visit a number of museums; a marketplace, a restaurant featuring Fado music and walks around the city led by an expert guide. And the wine was poured rather freely.
Bright red strawberries overflow from market containers in a vibrant close-up display.
Lisbon is kind of laid back–not as laid back as the Douro Valley–but life there does have a slower pace. The people we met were very gracious and polite. There wasn’t even a hint of crime to be found anywhere, unusual for a big city. And everyone, and I mean everyone, spoke English. The net of it was that we had a very nice time.
Elegant arches and hanging lanterns stretch into the distance along a grand historic corridor illuminated by warm sunlight. The repeating architectural lines create a timeless and sophisticated European atmosphere.People move through a contemporary interior space featuring dramatic wooden staircases and warm lighting.
When we finally arrived, we began our trip to Portugal with a Road Scholar led cruise on the Douro River. The cruise was truly magnificent, as was the Road Scholar guide, Lucia Gomez. We got lucky with the weather which was extravagantly good, and the scenery which was stunningly beautiful along the riverbank.
Sailing along the Douro River
In our travels, we also got a chance to visit Fatima and Tomar , which are in the vicinity of the Douro Valley. Fatima is where the Blessed Virgin appeared to three shepherd children in 1917. It is visited by millions of pilgrims every year and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of Catholicism.
Fatima
Tomar (below) famous as the site of the Convent of Christ with its strong connection to the Knights Templar. In Portuguese Convent refers to a dwelling that can accommodate either men or women–but not both.
Island Fortress in Tomar
Along the way we passed more towns than I can mention, all of which seemed to have a medieval touch, modern bridges and architecture and tourists.
A graceful modern bridge spans the calm waters of the Douro River beneath a vivid blue sky. Reflections ripple across the water, creating a serene and balanced landscape in Portugal’s famous wine region.Vineyards in the Douro Valley
And there was construction going on everywhere. I should mention that although we began the first part of our journey in Porto, we actually got on the ship in Vila Nova de Gaia, a town with spectacular views of Porto.
A Boat full of TouristsPorto as seen from Vila Nova de Gaia
Well, we are back after a 1 month trip to Portugal that included a cruise on the Douro River and a 3-week stay in Lisbon. Actually, we almost didn’t make it. One of our connecting flights was from Frankfurt airport in Germany and the ever helpful pilots union of Lufthansa announced one day before we were due to fly that they were going on strike. So we had to scramble to find a new route to get there, which thankfully enough, Mary Anne found.
A Greek salad for lunch in the Douro Valley
In a lot of ways it was one of the more interesting trips we’ve taken recently. Portugal is a very conservative country, unlike say, France; and the Portuguese are extremely proud of their history.
Locals sit at a counter at a local restaurant in Porto.
The guides spoke endlessly about 3 things: (1) the Carnation revolution that deposed António de Oliveira Salazar, (2) the great earthquake of 1755 and (3) the amount of Cod that Portugal consumes.
Stormy weather greeted us in Alveleda, PortugalA peaceful garden pathway winds through dense green foliage and vibrant wildflowers, creating a serene woodland atmosphere filled with rich natural textures and soft light. The intimate composition evokes the quiet beauty of a hidden forest retreat.
A certain myth has developed about the Carnation revolution that took place in 1974. While Salazar did establish a dictatorship around 1932, he was replaced after he suffered a stroke in 1968. The leader who was actually deposed in 1974 was Marcelo Caetano who had taken over. Nevertheless a fledgling democracy was established and seems to have taken root.
The earthquake of 1755 destroyed much of Lisbon and the city was rebuilt and decided to put Portuguese architecture on display. The architecture of the (very hilly) city is truly magnificent. Cod is the national dish–close to an obsession–of the Portuguese. They have it all the time. The strange thing is that Codfish are not native to the waters of Portugal. They have it shipped in from Norway in huge quantities. Go figure.
Anyway, despite the last minute scramble we got a nice introduction to Portugal and its history. More later.
Striking wildlife photograph of a colorful peacock perched on weathered terracotta roof tiles beneath dramatic blue and gray skies.A peaceful boat glides along the winding Douro River beneath sunlit terraced vineyards and rolling hills in northern Portugal. The sweeping curves of the riverside road and layered wine country landscape capture the timeless beauty of the renowned Douro Valley region.
To mark the beginning of the new year we took a short trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It was just fabulous. We stayed in a wonderful hotel, the Williamsburg Inn. The luxury hotel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally built in 1937 by John D Rockefeller as part of an effort to enhance staying in Williamsburg.
Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA — January 2, 2026. A photo of an operator in 18th-century attire driving a carriage pulled by two horses down a street, waving to onlookers
Among other things we visited a church and we saw a mock trial in the county courthouse. The justice system those days lacked the type of due process we take for granted nowadays. The stockade and the whipping post were a reminder of the consequences of getting out of line. It also didn’t help if you were Catholic, non-white, female or not a significant property owner. But given the time frame, there was probably more due process than most places in the world.
The Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia
We also went to the Art Museum which is actually two museums housed in the same building. There is a large collection of American folk art in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum. The collection includes paintings, quilts, sculpture and other works by artists of the era who were essentially self-taught. The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, housed in the same building, features high-quality decorative pieces from American and British artists. The pieces, which range from elegant furniture to ceramics and textiles, showcase both the tastes of the era and link Williamsburg to a broader view of the era.
Williamsburg, VA — Jan 2, 2026. A pottery exhibit at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Children’s Section of the Museum
Wlliamsburg, VA–Jan 1, 2026. Mary Anne snaps a scenic photo in Williamsburg Virginia on New Year’s day.
We had some fabulous meals while we were there. We had a delicious dinner at The Blue Talon restaurant. It is set-up like a French Bistro, and is casually elegant. We also had dinner at The Terrace & Goodwin Rooms in the Williamsburg Inn. The restaurant combined Southern hospitality with classic décor, impeccable service and very good food. And of course we visited the elegantly furnished bar.
A sophisticated bar scene featuring dark wood, ornate mirrors, and a wide selection of spirits, perfect for a night outWilliamsburge, VA, USA — Jan 1, 2026. Men in period attire operate a historical cannon, firing it with a burst of smoke and noise during a reenactment event
Mary Anne and I finally made it out to southern California where we got together with our friends of 45 plus years: Anne Marie and Rich Rynda (from New Jersey) who now live in California and Ethel Thau, who still lives in New Jersey. Anne Marie and Rich have a daughter who lives in Baltimore and Ethel has a sister in Virginia, so we manage to get together periodically—but always on the East coast.
This time we all went out to the West coast to visit Anne Marie and Rich who moved to California maybe 10 years ago. While we were there Rich and Anne Marie not only put us up, they took us all over the place—and Rich got stuck with the driving honors.
At the J Paul Getty Museum
Among other things, we visited the J Paul Getty Museum. It really has to be seen to be believed. The grounds are huge; the architecture is magnificent; the gardens are exquisite; the photography exhibit is astonishing, and the paintings include many of the classics.
The Getty Center is a world-renowned art museum and cultural center, offering breathtaking views and impressive architecture
We also visited to canals in Venice Beach and then went to the boardwalk where we saw some skateboarders, and later had dinner in Manhattan Beach. The last place on our agenda was the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. That trip included a walk through of Air Force One.
The tranquil Venice Canals offer a picturesque setting with charming bridges and beautiful homes
It’s easy to forget how tumultuous those times were, given the current situation. But there was the attempted assassinations of President Reagan and Pope John Paul; the Russians shot down the Korean Airliner in 1982; we lost a lot of marines in Beirut, we bombed Libya; interest rates got as high as 20%, and Reagan gave his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate where he implored Gorbachev to “Tear down this wall”.
Venice Beach, CA — Oct 29, 2025. A skateboarder is captured mid-air, showcasing skill and athleticism at the popular Venice Beach skatepark
All in all we had a great time, and a walk through history. Thanks again to Anne Marie & Rich.
We are back home after spending about two weeks in the UK. Our friends Michael and Sally Oxlade, whom we met way back in the 1980s when we lived in London, took us everywhere. We had the opportunity to visit Devon, Cornwall, and the Scilly Islands of St Mary’s and Tresco.
A portrait of Micheal and Sally Oxlade taken in Dartmoore National Park.The Beach at St Ives
Not to mention staying with them in Barton Stacey, which included the fabulous dinners that Sally made.
Path to the Town Center in Tresco
We had a great time, saw lots of things that tourists would never discover, and then it was finally time to go. So we headed to Heathrow (compliments of a ride by Michael and Sally), and flew home to Virginia.
Sheep Graze by the Side of the Road in Devon
A big thanks to Sally and Michael for showing us all around. Until we meet again.
