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my3rdact.bsky.social
My 3rd Act
@my3rdact.bsky.social
1.2K followers 660 following 1.3K posts
National Park Geek 40/63, Route 66 Completer, WA Parks 105/124, VanCamper, RoadTripper, Pottery & Junk Collector, Navy Mom, Gma, DogMom, PNW Master Gardener 8b, Ally/Advocate, Meditator, Empath. Making the most of life during these challenging times.
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my3rdact.bsky.social
#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.
October 19, 2025 at 2:46 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
#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.
October 18, 2025 at 6:59 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
October 2, 2025 at 3:28 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
October 1, 2025 at 7:13 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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
October 1, 2025 at 1:03 AM
my3rdact.bsky.social
#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.
September 28, 2025 at 1:53 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
September 24, 2025 at 1:43 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
September 23, 2025 at 4:20 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
September 22, 2025 at 4:09 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
#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.
September 20, 2025 at 11:21 AM
my3rdact.bsky.social
I do travel with my dog. This is him during our last trip, riding the gondola in Breckenridge Colorado!
September 19, 2025 at 4:48 AM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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.
September 18, 2025 at 3:44 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
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!!
September 18, 2025 at 3:39 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
At Dry Tortugas NP (already remote and special) I found a shady spot on the sandy beach to set up my “day camp.” I had amazing views of the seaplanes landing and excellent access for snorkeling. I only saw 2 other people the whole time!
Sunny beach scene with turquoise water, clear blue sky, and light beige sand. Driftwood and a green tree add to the serene, tropical feel.
September 18, 2025 at 2:36 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
A1 #Parkchat The whole ride on the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Glacier NP was very emotional for me. A longtime dream come true. But the stop at the Jackson Glacier Overlook made me weep!
Mountain landscape featuring snow-covered peaks and glaciers under a clear blue sky. Dense pine forests cover the foothills, conveying a serene and majestic atmosphere.
September 18, 2025 at 2:08 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Oh! The “cedar” sent me down the wrong thought process. I think you might mean the Treasure Craft branded stuff. This pic isn’t mine but I found one online with your Yellowstone! Hee hee
September 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
If you’re talking about the vintage National Parks souvenir scented pottery, I actually collect them now! I pick them up at thrift stores/antique shops during my travels. I love them - but they rarely smell anymore.
September 18, 2025 at 5:57 AM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Correction: not Longs Peak. Looking at this Wayside Guide and knowing I was in Moraine, I think the peak is one of these three.
September 17, 2025 at 2:34 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Another EPIC road trip in the books! I’m excited to create some posts about it
4,498 miles driven
16 Days
7 States
5 Natl Parks
3 Natl Monuments
3 Colorado Muffler Men
2 Dambo Trolls
2 other Bucket List (Garden of the Gods & Estes Park). #findjoy #roadtrip #nationalparks #parkchat #bucketlist
Colorful map of the 7 Western States visited on my road trip: Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.
September 17, 2025 at 1:19 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Route 66 Kansas: The Galena Mural is made up of 416 individual porcelain tiles on a concrete block wall. Did you know? The entirety of Route 66 through Kansas is only a 12.8 mile stretch through the SE corner of the state! #route66
#Kansas #Galena #roadtrip #findjoy #roadsideamericana
A colorful tile mural of vintage scenes on Route 66 in Galena, Kansas, featuring classic cars, historic buildings, and bold lettering. A clock stands nearby.
September 16, 2025 at 1:23 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Fall flowers in the Pacific Northwest. What’s blooming in my garden this week: Showy Stonecrop Sedum (Hylotelephium spectabile) This one brings such end of summer joy! An essential late season nectar source for the bees & butterflies. Great Xeriscape choice too. #findjoy #PNW #bloomscrolling
Close-up of vibrant pink sedum flowers clustered densely on green stems, with sunlight highlighting their textured petals against a blurred garden backdrop.
September 15, 2025 at 3:06 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
@beartown.bsky.social Enjoy! I agree, it was magnificent. I had several sightings as well. I was safely in my van when I saw the big guy!
September 15, 2025 at 2:46 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
Sunrise view from my campsite at Moraine Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. What you can’t hear is several elks bugling in the background. What a wonderful wake up call! I believe this is Longs Peak. #RMNP #findjoy #NPGeek #NationalParks #parkchat #Stunday #sunrise #roadtrip #RockyMt
Scenic mountain landscape at sunrise with a grassy foreground, scattered rocks, and lush pine trees. A calm, warm light bathes the scene.
September 14, 2025 at 3:33 PM
my3rdact.bsky.social
A7 #parkchat I just got home and haven’t fully processed my Colorado parks adventure yet, but everyone here at home seemed to enjoy this sunset pic I sent from my campsite at the Great Sand Dunes NP
Sunset over the sand dunes in the background with a tree and campsite in the forefront
September 11, 2025 at 2:12 AM
my3rdact.bsky.social
A5 #Parkchat every park teaches me something about science! The most profound lesson that has stuck with me is from Glacier NP. I was heartbroken to learn that most of these 7,000 yr old glaciers could be gone in the next 25 years.
September 11, 2025 at 1:56 AM