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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

@burnzz Voyageurs & Isle Royale? They are two of my favorites! I also have the Alaska 8 still to do. I’m planning an epic retirement trip in a few years for those. I have Hawaii, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa planned between now and then 💕

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

I visited 10 more National Parks during two wonderful road trips since I last posted. My total now stands at 50 of 63. I’m in the process of planning a trip to New England in early fall to see Acadia NP, the last contiguous U.S. park on my list! #NationalParks #ParkChat #RoadTrip #NPGeek #BucketList

A map image of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

A map image of Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 19/10/2025

#Stunday Combining my love of sunrises with my quest to see all of the remaining Muffler Men. This guy stands in a bed of flowers in front of Greeley Garage and Auto Repair in Colorado. On my way to Rocky Mountain NP. #findjoy #roadtrip #traveloften #MufflerMen #roadsideamericana #sunrise #Colorado

A towering statue of a man in a blue shirt stands among tall grass and sunflowers at sunrise, creating a serene and nostalgic atmosphere.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

I still have Dahlias in bloom too. Such long lasting, hard workers!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

What a lovely birthday gift!!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/10/2025

#SixonSaturday My fall garden snapshot: Mums (Chrysanthemum morifolium) 3 Aster colors (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) Grape Leaf Anemone (Eriocapitella vitifolia) Sunchokes (Helianthus tuberosus) & Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata) #bloomscrolling #findjoy #gardening #PNW #Octoberblooms #photography #garden

A grid photo that shows each of 6 flower types boxes. Pinks, purples, peach, and yellow.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

Route 66 Kansas: The Rainbow Bridge. The only Marsh Arch concrete bridge left on Route 66. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. #route66 #Kansas #getyourkicks #roadtrip #findjoy #rainbowbridge #roadsideamericana (more info in Alt Text).

A white, arched concrete bridge spans across lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky, conveying a serene and peaceful rural landscape.

The unique and graceful Rainbow Arch design was the brainchild of James Barney Marsh, a bridge designer from Iowa, who patented the concrete and steel truss design in 1912. Marsh spent the next two decades erecting approximately 70 of his Rainbow Arch bridges throughout the Midwest. Built in 1923, this 130-foot bridge carried Route 66 motorists over Brush Creek until it was bypassed by the interstate in the 1960s.

The bridge consists of a pair of arches disposed between two abutments, with concrete banister railings aligned parallel with the bridge deck. The original patents called for slideable wear plates, molded into the concrete where the bridge deck came into contact with the beams and abutments. This is important, as one of the main benefits of this design was to allow for the expansion and contraction of the reinforced concrete bridge under varying conditions of temperature and moisture.

The Brush Creek Bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. In 1992, upon seeing two other Marsh Arch bridges on the short stretch of Route 66 through Kansas dismantled, the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association worked successfully to save the Brush Creek Bridge.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Staying at the Moraine Park Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park gave me anytime access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor w/o needing a separate timed entry reservation. The views were breathtaking!! #nationalparks #parkchat #RMNP #roadtrip #findjoy #NatParkGeek (more info in Alt Text).

A serene lake with clear blue water reflecting lush green trees and distant snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky; evokes tranquility.

Bear Lake is a scenic trailhead and destination in Rocky Mountain National Park. Sitting at 9,450 feet. It’s an alpine lake beneath Hallett Peakand the Continental Divide . Bear Lake Road is approximately 10 miles (16 km) long and starts close to the Beaver Meadows Entrance station of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The lake was formed during the ice age by a big chunk of ice. Several moraines can be found downhill of Bear Lake.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

I can’t wait to meet them next year and I hear the garden site is incredible to visit as well!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Thanks for sharing. She’s on my bucket list!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Yes!! thank you 🥰 I’m planning at trip to Acadia NP (and other area sites) next year and they are on my list!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

On a recent trip to Colorado, I met Rita the Rock Planter - a Dambo Troll nestled in the mountains near Cripple Creek on the Little Grouse Mountain Trail. (please see Alt Text for more info). #roadtrip #findjoy #DamboTrolls #Colorado #seekadventure #troll

A large handmade troll kneeling and pushing rocks with green trees and shrubs behind her and the mountains around Cripple Creek in the background.

Her name is Rita the Rock Planter. Created by artist Thomas Dambo, Rita is a towering troll figure crafted entirely from recycled wood. But she's not just any troll – Rita kneels on the ground, carefully tending to the earth.

Inspired by the historic mining landscape, Rita kneels attentively, patching up the ground where miners from the 1800s may have carelessly left holes behind. This playful giant serves as a symbol of environmental care, reminding us to treasure the beauty around us. #thomasdambo #cripplecreek #Victor #Colorado

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

#Stunday Quick weekend trip to Sapulpa, Oklahoma. This big orange ball was nearly perfect! #findjoy #traveloften #sunset #Tulsa #Route66 #OK

Sunset scene with a glowing orange sun setting over a busy road lined with cars. The sky is filled with warm hues, creating a serene, picturesque view.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Beautiful! Thanks for the memory of this magical place that I love so much!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Yes! a MG for 5 years now. Also still pretty lazy - I plant mostly drought tolerant and natives. I do post something that’s blooming every week on Monday and #sixonsaturday. 🙂

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

I appreciate the kind reply. Someone else really came for me today about my mistake. It was rude and they attacked my intelligence and personal integrity. We all make mistakes, unfortunately. This is supposed to be fun!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

*a slight correction* Yellowstone Lake is the LARGEST high elevation lake in the U.S. - not the highest. I mistyped. Thank you for your grace. ❤️ I’m definitely not perfect.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

I love Yellowstone! I’ve camped there and explored the West and South sides several times. This was the first time at this entrance and I was speechless as we drive the length of the lake.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

I just camped there earlier this month- my first time at the park. It was lovely!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

A stunning scenic drive. Yellowstone Lake from Lake Village to the East Entrance near Cody: It’s the highest elevation lake in the U.S. at 7,733 ft above sea level. It feels huge! 20 miles long x 14 miles wide with 100 miles of shoreline. #nationalparks #ParkChat #YellowstoneNP #roadtrip #findjoy

A serene lake with calm blue water is surrounded by dense, dark green pine trees under a cloudy sky, evoking a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Route 66 Kansas: Big A - the handsome Texaco Muffler Man stands 22 feet tall at Gearhead Curios in Galena. Meticulously restored by the American Giants Museum. Less than 200 Muffler Men remain in the U.S. and I want to see them all! #route66 #Kansas #roadtrip #findjoy #roadsideamericana

Giant statue of a smiling man in a green uniform and cap holding a wrench. His right hand is raised in a wave, set against a backdrop of trees and buildings.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Great shot! One of my favorite places on earth 💕🌎

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

Bloomscroll from Rocky Mountain NP: Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans) Talk about resilience! A single plant produces 1000s of seeds that can travel +350 ft, & remain viable in the soil for 10+ yrs! #findjoy #roadtrip #bloomscrolling #gardening #flowers #RMNP #nationalparks #ParkChat #photography

Close-up of a vibrant purple thistle flower against a backdrop of a sunny, grassy meadow with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds, evoking a serene mood.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

Your pink Zinnia is Gorgeous!!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

#SixonSaturday My last summer garden snapshot: new blooms Showy Stonecrop (Hylotelephium spectabile) & Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) plus still in bloom Dahlias, False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), & Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus). #bloomscrolling #findjoy #gardening #PNW #garden

A grid photo that shows each of 6 flowers in a box.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

His name is Dave. He is the BEST traveling buddy!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

I think I have to agree with you, Eric. I was in awe of the “first looks” at the other parks mentioned here (and Ruby Beach is my 2nd favorite place on this planet) but there is something about making that turn and seeing El Capital for the 1st time in real life that I will never forget!!!! 💕🗻

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Ha! Mine is nearly the same except I also collect brewery t-shirts from everywhere I go. I’m definitely a walking travel billboard most days.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

I do travel with my dog. This is him during our last trip, riding the gondola in Breckenridge Colorado!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

I have friends who live on north shore in O’ahu so I do get to experience the island through their lens which does includes lush greenery and quiet beaches as well as the city fun 💕

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Sending you lots of positive vibes 🙏🏼💕✨

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. Glacier NP remains one of my favorites.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Always fun to reminisce and read everyone’s stories. I’m bummed that my new class schedule doesn’t allow me to participate live anymore, but I always look forward to catching up on Thursday mornings! Great job, Eric! @mountainscalling.me

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Favorite pic I’ve ever taken. Sunrise at Many Glacier Hotel in Glacier NP.

Mountain landscape at sunrise, featuring a prominent peak bathed in warm light. Foreground includes a calm lake, rocky shore, and driftwood. Tranquil atmosphere.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I pack a lot of freeze dried ready made meals because it’s easy to boil water and I actually hate cooking for just me. In trying different brands, I found the Mountain House mint chocolate chip ice cream sandwiches and I am addicted!!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

That actually sounds really good!!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

I concur! I always overpack food and water. I aways come home with so much left!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A9 #parkchat The single bison who saunters through the Cottonwood campground at Theodore Roosevelt NP every morning on his way to his water source. I slept through it the 1st morning. The next morning, I saw him up close and personal. But I was too awestruck to remember to take a pic.

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A8 #parkchat My first solo camping trip was 7 weeks that I called “Wander the West.” It was the summer I celebrated my milestone 50th birthday. For my birthday weekend, I treated myself to the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge (RIP) it was an empowering trip and lit the fuse for my goal to see all 63!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A7 #parkchat I think the only thing that *could* be considered cringey is the amount of souvenirs I buy! A sticker, patch, socks, and book for me. And stuffies for my 2 grandsons. Sometimes a t-shirt and other things that catch my eye! I love love love national park tchotchkes (especially vintage!)

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A6 #parkchat I’ve encountered a tornado, hailstorms, snow, and flash flooding on my adventures. My most recent memory is hail during the last mile of the 9-mile gravel Old River Road at RMNP. I was focused on getting to the Alpine Visitor Ctr at the top (11,796 ft) before any thunder/lightning!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A5 #parkchat I invested in a Yellow Leaf Hammock (iykyk) and I bring it on every trip. After a morning/midday of exploring the park, I head back to my campsite, set my hammock up under a sun shade with an icy drink and a good book and spend the afternoon reading/napping/relaxing!!

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My 3rd Act @my3rdact.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

A4 #parkchat My NP visits for the past 4 years have been as a solo traveler. But I do look back now at the family trips (Grand Canyon, Utah’s Mighty 5, Redwood, and WA parks) through a different lens. Back then, it was the sweaty, long RV rides with 3 bickering kids 🙂 Now, I would love the “noise.”

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