The Conquistador's Picture Of The Day

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Grisly bit of US history. As we head home, stopped to see “Ft. Smith” in Arkansas. Once the “Outpost” of the United States and Seat of Justice for the Western territories (many taken from Mexico and Native Americans) not yet admitted as states.

Was walking around checking out the cannons when a white “stage” over in the corner of the grounds caught my eye. First thought was “Did they have bands play back then?”

Upon closer inspection the “stage” was actually large gallows with a “trap door” capable of hanging up to six condemned criminals at a time.

Judge Parker, portrayed in Western novels and films as a "Hanging Judge," also had his courthouse at Ft. Smith. Parker had to govern a territory the size of several “states” and was known for his contributions in rehabilitating offenders, reforming the criminal justice system, and advocating the rights of the Indian nations.

While fictitious, the Clint Eastwood movie “Hang ‘em High” depicts a Federal judge in a similar situation with Clint as his Deputy. Of course the “hanging scene” in the movie is much more prolonged and dramatic. The testing of the gallows with sandbags…

Tomorrow we will have to decide if we want to head up through Tennessee and look for where the Paramore video for “Ain’t It Fun” was shot and see where they all gathered in the middle of the road for a group picture. I think I can find both places now. Looking forward to it. Hayley…

If we don’t do that then we will head on to Myrtle Beach and drive up the East coast. My wife has never been to NYC so that is something to think about. Also see the old neighborhood where we used to live.

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If we successfully complete this trip, we have Chad and Tara of “Changing Lanes” to thank. Never having done anything like this before we watched their videos on YouTube over and over learning a lot. It was my wife who sold me on the “5th wheel” concept. I was dead set on a “Class A” which would have been like driving a tour bus everywhere.

Chad’s advice on selecting a truck big enough, and his weight calculations were very useful to me. He was a good “teacher.” So much that we ended up buying virtually the same rig as them. A “Momentum 397” Toy Hauler and Ford F-350 Diesel “Dually.”

As I said in another post, my wife is actually better driving this than me although I have “chilled out” considerably since we started. We are glad we bought a “Toy Hauler” since we can take my Harley along and of course like Chad, I use the “garage” as an office. Being able to “detach” has been a great advantage visiting relatives and going to see tourist attractions. No scenes like in the “Long Long Trailer” where Desi Arnaz backs into the house or gets stuck in the mud.

Here’s a picture of Chad and Tara’s setup. If you are thinking of getting started, their videos are quite helpful.

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And this is where we live in Zionsville. That's my "office" on the right. Should be back home late tonight. My nieces start school on August 7th. In Michigan we didn't start school until after Labor Day.

We have a place North of here where we will be storing our RV. Right now we are in Franklin, Tennessee. Going to do some sightseeing and shopping while we get the RV checked out then head back home later. It's been fun...

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We made it home early this morning. Nice to be back. Got to see where Paramore took pictures for "Brand New Eyes" and also the bridge featured in "Ain't It Fun." Didn't get to meet anyone (Read: Hayley ) though. Otherwise, great way to end our vacation. Everyone was very friendly.

However my wife learned Justin Timberlake also has a home in Franklin and wanted to stay...

Trip went without incident until we were safely back in Indiana. Only minor damage. Insurance should cover it.

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Stock photo but very similar to what we used. Back home now. One word: "dailydriver."

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Checked the news on MSNBC this morning. Wish I hadn't...

No comment...

Katharine McPhee (about my age) and her husband. Just thinking, wonder what Loni Anderson is up to?

A "muscle car"? "Party on Wayne! Party on Garth!"

(I think that's an AMC Pacer. Update: Yeah, it is. Maybe a 78 or 79. The "Wayne's World" car was older. There is a Ford from the 70's that's similar. The grille is throwing me off. But at least I'm closer than "Google." It said "pickup truck." Too bad it's not a Javelin. I meant the car but somtimes Google knows best. She goes to Stanford. )

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Don't often check my "junk e-mail" folder but I'm expecting something important today for my company. Unfortunately this wasn't it.

Could have sworn I was at least 10" when I got in the shower this morning. Didn't know what happened...