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Salt, Coal & Chemicals
A week in Charleston, West Virginia proved to me, once again, that I often find surprises in unexpected places. My 86-year-old mother lived here in 1941. Her father was an engineer for Union Carbide, which should have been a clue that this capitol city of 50,000 people located at the confluence of the Elk and…
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Military Musings
I’m into my fourth day of exploring Charleston, WVA. I extended my stay to the end of the week because the folks at the State Archives are wonderful. I can also walk the town to explore its history, food, and music. And after 35 days, my butt is tired of sitting on a train, or…
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Waxhaw Settlement
I’m touring the Waxhaw region, an area nestle between Charlotte, NC and Lancaster, SC west to the Catawba River. This is the land of the Scot-Irish, and a few Germans, originally called the “Waxhaw Settlement” who made these forested hills their own. The Yamasee War of 1715 killed the remaining Waxhaw tribe (and many other…
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Livermush & Cheerwine
When I remember to eat, it is usually because I see an advertisement for some type of food I’m not familiar. Or I need protein, specifically eggs. Which is how I learned about Livermush. According to https://www.romanticasheville.com/livermush_festival.htm Livermush is a “southern food product composed of pig liver, head parts, and cornmeal.” Seasoned with pepper and…
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Chicken-Dumplings & Conversation
I admit that I forget to eat. One of the benefits of traveling solo is that I’m not obliged to consider the needs of anyone other than myself. The downside, of course, is that when the bananas and cashews run out, I’m in trouble. I’m pleased to announce, therefore, that church feeds and gossip-gatherings are…
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Cold & Clarity
I woke once again at daybreak with the morning sun sending me rays of encouragement to walk down to the lake and see what other critters were up and about at Lake Norman State Park. Two nights ago I tried to sleep with all my clothes on to keep me warm. Which isn’t that many…
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Wagon Trains & Buckypaper
I’m flying east across the USA from Seattle, Washington. I’ve brought along my copy of the National Trails System Map, compliments of the National Park System and my friend Joey McBayer. I switch between the paper version and staring out the window at the mountains, lakes, mesas, valleys, and hundreds of miles of land that…
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solivagant usa@noitinerary
Solivagant–a solitary wanderer, according to Merrian-Webster. A definition that fits my approach to discovery and travel, especially with months of continuous exploration. I sometimes think Solivagant should include an “r” in the spelling. I like the emotions I feel when I discover something new to me. I invite you to join me if you like…
Solivagant USA
wandering solo across America
Solivagant USA 