Independence Day Bike Ride

 

New Observation Pier
Limestone Creek Park, Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2026

I managed to get out yesterday on my bike for the first time in a week. It was also my first ride during July. I have been sidelined with a flat tire and burned through three inner tubes before I sought professional help. 

I wrote earlier about my flat tire and lack of replacement inner tubes. My frustration continued as I bought a new inner tube, while waiting for my Amazon order to arrive, installed it and immediately it blew and went flat. 

Trail through Limestone Creek Park
Jupiter, FL
July 4, 2026

Being a bit slow, I replaced it again! Same result. I thought that I had thoroughly checked everything looking for sharps that were causing an almost immediate blow-out.

So, with the third time being the charm, I took the wheel to the local bike shop and expressed my frustration. The tech was very helpful. He looked at the blown inner tube an almost immediately knew the problem--the lining tape between the top of the spokes and the inner tube had failed. The top of one of the spokes was putting a hole in the tube just as soon as I inflated it. 

He re-taped the wheel and installed a new inner tube for me and the problem was solved. I never thought about a failure of the tape. But, the wheel does have over 7,000 miles on it. I guess it was time. I may replace the tape in the front tire, just because. 

That all happened on Friday and I was very much looking forward to my ride yesterday. 

And I was rewarded. I chose a different route on my almost 22-mile ride. This route has side ride through Limestone Creek Park in Jupiter. The trail through the park has been closed for a couple months while one of the piers into the creek was being reconstructed. Yesterday, the trail was open and I was also able to go out onto the pier. 

I didn't realize that I had started a video on my Meta glasses, but I was happy when I later discovered it. 

I had a great ride and made it home before the heat became too oppressive. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Independence Day 2026

 Happy Independence Day

Wave a flag, shout for joy, enjoy the flash, bang, boom of the fireworks--even if they are only on TV tonight. 

I hope those who are traveling made it to their destinations without incident. 

Those of us not traveling are hopefully happy to be where we are. 

Last Fireworks over Elkridge House
Elkridge, MD
July 4, 2022

It is hot in much of America today. Too hot to be comfortable. Be mindful of the temperatures if anticipating in outdoors activities and stay hydrated.

I used to host my own fireworks display in Maryland. It was a lot of fun and a definite memory builder.

I remember the Independence Day fireworks in my hometown of Ithaca, NY. We used to go to Cornell University's football stadium, Schoellkopf Field, for the celebration. It always seemed that the entirety of Ithaca, NY, and the surrounding areas were packed into the stadium for the fireworks. The setting was awesome because the field is situated on the side of a hill overlooking Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. 

I always got a bit antsy waiting for the main event to begin. I loved the fireworks. I especially enjoyed the noise and following the rockets up into the air to their point of detonation. They always seemed so close. The fireworks was an event we did as a family. I learned that I did not like crowds from the fireworks experience. I think it was because we were always worried about losing one of my siblings. Overall, however, fireworks were fun. 

Chris and I have watched fireworks from many different venues over the years. One especially memorable viewing was Shreveport, LA, during the early 1980s when the entire planned display launched at one moment. It lit up the entire bank of the river. 

Hopefully, we will not experience anything quite so exciting this year. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Independence Weekend

 The holiday weekend has arrived. The roads will be jammed, the airports will be worse. I am happy to be at home looking at the palm trees and enjoying the soupy heat of South Florida. 

Independence Day provides an opportunity to reflect on America and where we have been during the past year(s). It also provides a gut check--are we happy with the direction our leaders are taking us? 

I am appalled that our president has robbed the coffers of America for $2 Billion during the first year of his second term. (The Hill)

The administration has engaged in illegal wars and were apparently defeated by the Iranians. I know the prevailing spin is that we won, but if Iran still controls the Strait and is setting the terms of the peace agreement then it is clear we are not the victor. 

The administration is oppressing the poor and vilifying those who seek to improve their lives while also contributing to our society.

I bring these up on a holiday weekend only to point out how important it is to vote during the upcoming elections. We can vote for the continued fleecing of America or we can vote to restore a sense of purpose and justice to our land and bring to fruition the words of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, . . .  (Declaration of Independence)

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Ride that Wasn't

Wheel with Tube Removed - Waiting
Tequesta, FL
July 1, 2026

 I discovered that my rear tire was flat yesterday as I took my bike out of the garage for my morning ride. It was not just a little flat, it was really most sincerely flat. Not a good way to start a bike ride.

I had a replacement inner tube. For all the good it did me. 

Somehow, I managed to put a hole in it installing. Ugh! I guess it got pinched between the rim and the tire.

I had trashed my only spare inner tube.

I thought I had more, I usually buy multiples, but it has been well over a year since I had a flat and I guess I didn't realize that I was down to my last spare.

So I waited an hour for the bike shop to open only to find, as I pulled on the locked door, that it is closed on Wednesdays. Amazon will be delivering later today.

I didn't ride yesterday, nor will I ride today. This is not the way I envisioned starting my favorite month of the year.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Best Month of the Year Arrives

 

Chris Flying into July
3D Doubt Your Eyes display
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

Welcome to July! My favorite month of the year. 

Summer is in full swing. Schools are out. Vacations are underway. 

Independence Day is upon us!

I was reflecting upon the 250th Anniversary of our nation and became a bit sad. I remember the excitement and energy for the 200th, waaay back in 1976. The bicentennial celebration was a very special time and the energy and excitement in the country was felt everywhere. 

Veteran's Day Airshow
Stuart, FL
November 7, 2025

I'm not feeling it for the 250th.

It feels as though my celebration has been stolen. It feels like our country is divided like perhaps never before. 

But then, I read an article in PolitiFact that compared 1976 to the present day. I guess in my remembrance of the good old days, I had forgotten how the country really was in 1976. The article begins: 

A country in a sour mood. Inflation and gasoline prices soaring. A culture war raging. A president with sagging approval ratings. 

America at 250? Actually, America at 200 and 250.

As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, a look back five decades to 1976 — the year of the nation’s bicentennial — reveals notable similarities with today. (PolitiFact)

Well, my favorite holiday of the year (Independence Day) is nearly here and I am going to celebrate the month of July and our nation.

Why?

Because I remain proud to be an American!

Happy July!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Walking the New Cat

Walking the New Cat
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

 As if we have not been busy enough during the past week, Chris and I headed off to the Elliott Museum in Stuart to view their new traveling exhibits and reacquaint ourselves with some of the permanent treasures. 

Catching a Big One
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The two newest traveling exhibits that caught our interest were the Charles Fazzino Master of 3-D Pop Art, and 3D Doubt Your Eyes.

Both of the exhibits were fascinating and the Charles Fazzino pieces are not just displayed in the exhibition room, but around the museum in appropriate places, for instance some baseball related pieces were displayed in the Baseball Card collection room. 

Charley Fazzino - Superman
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The 3D Doubt Your Eyes is located near the entrance to the museum and was a lot of fun trying to compose an image which brought us into the scene.

Charles Fazzino's Pop Art brought us into the scene through the complexity and detail. The detail of the 3-D art does not translate well into 2-D images. 

We had a lot of fun and since we are museum members, we will likely be returning again soon.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Monday Musings - June 29, 2026

 1. Today is the last Monday of June and it is also the final Monday of the first half of 2026. There are 26 Mondays remaining in the year. 

I-15 through Virgin River Gorge
Arizona
June 18, 2026

2. I made it back out onto my bike yesterday for a ride. I rode almost 21 miles in my return to the streets after the vacation layoff. While the road was clear and dry at my house, for a while I was following a rainstorm that was drenching neighborhoods. I only received a few sprinkles near the end of my trek, but funny enough there was never any rain at home. 

3. The Orioles are falling in the standings. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and are now 7 games below .500 and 11 games out of first place in the division. 

4. Saturday marks the 250th birthday of the United States. I think that many people feel similarly to me. I am a proud American, but am not proud about what the leadership of our country is doing. This is definitely not the Golden Age of America. 

5. It is hard to believe that one week ago, we were in the Las Vegas area preparing to travel back home. My how time really does seem to pass quickly. 

6. Today in History. On June 29, 1995, the American space shuttle to form the largest man-made satellite ever to orbit the Earth.

This historic moment of cooperation between former rival space programs was also the 100th human space mission in American history. At the time, Daniel Goldin, chief of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), called it the beginning of “a new era of friendship and cooperation” between the U.S. and Russia. With millions of viewers watching on television, Atlantis blasted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in eastern Florida on June 27, 1995.

Shattered tiles, trembling domes: How the war has damaged Iran’s historic sites - Reuters

Israel destroys Hezbollah underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon - Reuters

Happy birthday, America? At 250, nation may be too divided to celebrate as one - Reuters

Southeastern Europe feels effects of heatwave, wildfires break out  - Reuters

Russia pounds on the gates of Ukraine's 'fortress belt' - Reuters

Breaking News Comcast says it will spin off NBCUniversal - CNN

Venezuela earthquake rescue teams listen for signs of life as death toll mounts - CNN

U.S. Reaches Deal With Iran to Halt Attacks, Official Says - The New York Times

‘Heat Dome’ Could Bring Triple-Digit Temperatures to Midwest and Eastern U.S. - The New York Times

Trump’s harassment of the Iranian World Cup team is pitiful security theater - MS Now

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Window Installation

 

Open Window Frame
Tequesta, FL
June 26, 2026

During February, Chris and I contracted to have hurricane windows installed in our Condo. I believe the date was February 6th. This week, upon our return from Las Vegas, the windows were installed. Almost five months later and they are finally in.

It has been a process.

Funny, the company called us two days before we flew to Vegas and wanted to install them the day before we flew. I said no, knowing that there was no ability for slippage. They even offered me $150 to inconvenience ourselves ands have window installers in the house on the day we were finalizing packing and preparing to leave. In retrospect, I am incredibly happy that I said no. 

Fitting the New Window
Tequesta, FL
June 24, 2026

The window installation took two full days--even though there were only six windows requiring installation. Two full long days.

I was impressed with the care the installation team took to protect our furniture and belongings from dust and damage. They were fun to work with and they did a great job. 

Now we have hurricane windows guaranteed to 200 MPH impact. I no longer have to do my best hurricane forecasting when we head out during the season. We are protected. 

With the installation finished on Friday, yesterday my task was to reinstall the curtains and blinds. That part of the project went well. With the exception of one double window, the preexisting holes were able to be used which made the entire process easier. We await final inspection from the Village and then we can remove the labels from the windows. Then the project will be complete. 

As an aside, I am not looking forward to my electric bill this month because on the two installation days the air conditioned ran as many hours as it normally runs during and entire week because the house was open to the heat and humidity pouring in from outside. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Off the Beaten Path with Aliens

Chris with Alien Model
Outpost 51 Alien Museum
Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

 After completing our visit to the Hoover Dam, we had extra time before heading off to the airport. In searching for attractions near our location, I uncovered the Outpost 51 Alien Museum in Boulder City. 

Roswell Exhibit
Outpost 51 Alien Museum
Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

What better way to spend some time than exploring the other-world possibilities and conspiracy theories regarding alien visitation? And it is just fun!

We decided on the Alien Museum because the Nevada Railroad Museum, also in Boulder City, closed before we got there.

The museum is in a typically rundown looking building near the edge of town. Almost what a stereotypical alien museum should look like. The displays are interesting and I learned some new information. The museum is small and they offer a combo ticket with a monster museum across the parking lot, but we did not have time to do both. 

The alien museum has both a serious and fun aspect to its exploration of the alien phenomena. There is the classic Roswell conspiracy theory and Area 51 discussion as well as aliens from films and theater.

Short Grey
Outpost 51 Alien Museum
Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

The museum is open until 6PM, which made it a perfect stop after an early afternoon visit to the Hoover Dam.

Sometimes, you just gotta have fun. And even better, there is a Dairy Queen right next door to satisfy the ice cream urge which sets in after a busy afternoon of touring! I had a Blizzard. 

I gained a good appreciation for the Boulder City, NV. We stopped for lunch at the number 1  Trip Advisor rated Coffee Cup Cafe. We were not disappointed. It was good to be away from the inflated prices of Las Vegas and to enjoy a well-prepared lunch. I was surprised at the extensive menu. 

It turned out to be a great travel day exploring Nevada!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Hoover Dam

Starting the Tour
Hoover Dam, Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

 It was a scalding hot 106 degree day at the Hoover Dam when we visited. Ouch! During our visit to the Las Vegas area, we quickly learned not to touch anything that was exposed to the sun because it was burning hot! This was true at the Dam as well. 

Nevada Generator Hall
Hoover Dam, Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

Because we were heading home on a 10 PM red-eye, we had time on our last day, after checking out of the hotel at noon, to visit additional sites in the area. Actually, I was looking for things to fill our time and had planned this visit to the Hoover Dam as means to spend a few hours. 

We took the long, one hour, tour and were not disappointed. Until the very end of the tour, we were inside of the Dam or one of the generator halls and out of the sun. I was amazed at the sheer size of the Dam. Larger than life. At the beginning of the tour, where we took the first selfie, the docent pointed out the air intake window where we would subsequently be standing to take the image looking out from the dam. It is about 1/3 the way up the dam on the Nevada side. 

Stairs Leading Up
Hoover Dam, Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

The passageways were very narrow in places and we had to carefully pass members of the group returning from viewing a portion of the dam. The tour gave us a good sense of the magnitude of the construction project and reminded us that in the 1930's construction planning was done with pencil, paper, and slide rules! I used to be very proficient at using a slide rule. 

Looking out the air intake in the dam
Hoover Dam, Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

The tour took us to the Nevada generator hall alongside the river and then worked up through the inside of the dam ending on the top. Fortunately, there was an elevator given that the dam is over 700 feet tall.

I was reminded that as part of a naming schism, similar to what we are seeing now, the Hoover Dam was renamed Boulder Dam in 1933. Boulder is the name of the Nevada town that the dam is situated within. Subsequently, the dam was renamed Hoover Dam in 1947. 

While we were at the Dam, we managed to drive across it to the Arizona side. We also walked along part of the topside of the dam. 

Water Intake Towers
Hoover Dam, Boulder, NV
June 22, 2026

The gift store is nicely done with locally themed items. At the end of our tour and time at the Dam, we gained a better appreciation for the impact of the dam in terms of electrical generation capacity and employment opportunities in the area. We got a sense that the Dam is not generating electricity to its fullest capacity. Also, as can be seen in this last image, the lake is low on water although it is not at the lowest level ever recorded since it was filled. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL