| A – Home | B – Milwaukee, WI |
| C – Minneapolis, MN | D – Winnipeg, MB |
| E – Regina, SK | F – Calgary, AB |
| G – Vancouver, BC | H – Seattle, WA |
| I – Portland, OR | J – San Francisco, CA |
| K – Los Angeles, CA | L – Las Vegas, NV |
| M – Palm Springs, CA | N – Tucson, AZ |
| O – San Antonio, TX | P – Oklahoma City, OK |
| Q – Saint Louis, MO | A – Home |
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee was city number one on my Western Journey. Since I live only about one hour away, I took a few day trips to the city. I did meet one fascinating character. Richard told me his upcoming book would contain the answer – irrespective of the question.
Minneapolis, MN
While in Minneapolis, Dr. Bill Randall nominated me for a TED Talk. That was quite the honor. I did get to hang out with Bob Dylan and Prince (huge murals).
Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg was my first city in Canada on the Western Journey. Visiting The Forks Park on the Red River is an absolute must. It is a lively area with restaurants, entertainment, and a wonderful open area to stroll or sit and enjoy the riverside. I was pleasantly surprised.
Regina, SK
Three interviews came out of Regina, including two with recent immigrants from Brazil. I can now verify that Elvis is alive and going by the handle, Memphis. On the way out of town, I stopped in Moose Jaw to see where Al Capone acquired his hooch during Prohibition.
Calgary, AB
My visit to Calgary came with the benefit of staying at my brother’s home and having dinner with two high school classmates, Louise and Melanie. The next night, my brother cooked a delicious turkey dinner.
Vancouver, BC
On my trip to Vancouver, I took the long way to experience the majesty of the Rockies. Amazing! A former high school buddy showed me the unique beauty of the English influence on Victoria, which is a must-see.
Seattle, WA
I stayed with friends in Seattle and learned to juggle from one of them. Well, sort of. I did fulfill one aspiration when I visited the famous Pike Place Market. Much to my chagrin, I did not see any salmon throwing.
Portland, OR
In Portland, I had dinner with and interviewed my former college roommate and friend since grade two, Michael Johnston. Mike was a former head coach of Pittsburgh in the National Hockey League and now runs the Portland franchise in the WHL.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, hippy town. During my visit to Haight & Ashbury, I met a group fitting the stereotype, including Frederick, a Gibson guitar player. He had recently been released from a prison in New Mexico after being found not guilty of murder following an earlier conviction.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles, the city of the stars! Like New York, I had never been to LA. I did some obligatory activities, but the highlight came from my speech at the Wilshire Rotary Club. Following the speech, Ken Atchity approached me and handed me his business card. His company, Story Merchant Books, is my publisher.
Las Vegas, NV
What happens in Las Vegas stays in Vegas. So, other than that, I got to see one of the families who adopted from China with us in 2002 and to see a Rich Little performance.
Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs provided a second opportunity to stay with my brother, this time at his winter place. I conducted four interviews here, including one with a personal friend of The Dalai Lama and Paul Tillich.
Tucson, AZ
In Tucson, I experienced one of the most beautiful surprises I had on any journey. My visit coincided with the “All Souls Procession.” I marched for about a mile and a half with the locals and engaged in memorable conversations with those celebrating/grieving that night.
San Antonio, TX
In San Antonio, my Airbnb host offered up a Texas doubleheader. First, we went to a megachurch for a Sunday service. Then, he, a retired military guy, took me to a base where I shot a gun for the first time in my life. Four different ones, to be precise.
Oklahoma City, OK
So why would Romanian Nadia Comaneci and Canadian Ferguson Jenkins be in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame? Mike James, President, can explain if you are ever in Oklahoma City.
Saint Louis, MO
Saint Louis was the final stop on my Western Journey. Unfortunately, I heard what no man wants to hear. While visiting the Arch, a park official whispered, “Sir, zip up your fly.” Yep, the barn door had been wide open!