Curious Craig - Christmas Story House

Christmas Story House – Cleveland, OH

You’ll shoot your eye out

Every year my house becomes the Christmas Story house. I look forward to the marathon showing of the 1983 classic, A Christmas Story. Though set in the ’40s, watching the exploits of Ralphie and his quest for a Red Ryder BB gun reminds me of snippets of my childhood. I received my Red Ryder when I was about 10. I recall shooting it for the first time under the back porch light. The sun hasn’t even risen on a chilly Christmas morning, yet I couldn’t wait to fire that BB off into a cardboard box target.

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Curious Craig - Bats.jpeg

Onondaga Cave – Leasburg, MO

Hi, my name is Craig and am a Cave Snob

That’s hard to admit ’cause I didn’t even know I suffered from the affliction until recently. I see signs touting the spectacular Onondaga Cave in Missouri. But hey, I’m from Kentucky, home of Mammoth Cave. The largest cave system in the world and one of the 10 Natural Wonders of the World.  Like I invented the darn thing or something. Nonetheless, I’m totally prepared to be unimpressed with this cave, you’ll have to Show Me Missouri, besides I’m here to see the bats anyway. […]

Curious Craig - Hannibal.jpeg

Hannibal, MO

“I am a border-ruffian from the State of Missouri”

Mark Twain once surmised that he was the 101st person born in Florida, Missouri. He thereby increased the population by 1% and in doing so did more for a town than any another person.  He is correct in premise but wrong on town.  What he has done for his boyhood hometown of Hannibal, is beyond measure. […]

Curious Craig - Pony-Express.jpeg

Pony Express, St. Joesph, MO

Neither rain nor snow or dark of night

Today there are no adoring crowds, no cheers, and no fireworks. The skies are gray and the mood is somber. Johnny along with nearly 190 other riders gather outside the Pony Express Stables. They have all just been informed that their services are no longer required. […]

Curious Craig - Buffalo-Grazing.jpeg

Custer State Park – South Dakota

Oh give me a home..

Ashamedly, I have never heard of Custer State Park. It is one of the few truly wild places that I have found remaining in this country. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the park is
home to a variety of wildlife and magnificent scenery spanning 71,000 acres.

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