Sandra Scott Travels

When John and I were in Nebraska we learned more about the impact of the Homestead Act of 1862 on America’s Westward Movement. The video “Land of Dreams” told how the lure of free land and a better life drew1.6 million people from all over the world to unsettled parts of America. The romanticism touted by promoters did not mention the hardships and other problems. Homesteaders had to “Prove up” the land by building a home and planting crops.

As one might suspect Lincoln, the capital of Nebraska, was renamed for the assassinated President Abraham Lincoln. Originally it was called Lancaster. The name change was controversial because there were citizens who felt the South should have won the Civil War.

In May 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from St. Louis on an expedition commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase. Along with them was their trusty black Newfoundland dog, Seaman. While there is no definitive proof that Seaman survived, surely Clark would have mentioned the death of his trusted friend.

When John and I visited Tinian Island we rented a car and drove to North Field at the far end of the island. North Field is in the process of being reclaimed by nature with most of the field overgrown. There are a few monuments commemorating units who served on the island, glass shelters over the two pits that once housed the atomic bombs, and some bomb shelters.

John and I are always on the lookout for unique recipes especially something that is characteristic of a locality. On our visit to Ottawa we stayed at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, and didn’t think we would find something uniquely Canadian since the culinary cultures of Canada and the United States are so closely linked.

I am always amazed at the small world connections I find when I am traveling. Recently, John and I toured the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park in Nebraska City, Nebraska, and we were surprised to learn that the founder of Arbor Day, J. Sterling Morton, was born in Adams on April 22, 1832. Adams has been designated The Arbor Day Village and celebrates Arbor Day yearly with a festive on Morton’s birthday which is also Arbor Day.

Brownville, Nebraska, is an amazing little town south of Omaha on the Missouri River with a population of 142 with four bookstores and seven museums. The town is an inspiration for all small towns worried about their future. At one time it was a thriving river town in the Nebraska Territory with a population of 7,000.

I was able to check another experience off my Bucket List. John and I recently enjoyed Mid-Lakes Navigation’s day tour on the Oswego Canal. When we traveled by car along routes 481, 57, and 49 I would catch glimpses of the Oswego Canal and wondered what the world looked like from the water. Mid-Lakes Navigation operates tours on the Oswego Canal twice a year – four opportunities to enjoy the Oswego Canal.

I love discovering unique aspects of a city. At the Remic Rapids in Ottawa there is one of the most incredible art displays I have ever seen. Each spring, John Felice Ceprano, using riverside stones, creates balanced sculptures that seem to defy gravity. Visitors are cautioned to avoid touching.