I have definitely seen a lot of Pacific Ocean countries while overseas, but I have been fortunate to go to Europe a few times. 

Spain, I have been to around half a dozen times thanks mostly to a Spanish company I worked for, although the first time in Spain was with my sister when we were vacationing in Portugal.

England was the first European country I visited because my sister was stationed at Mildenhall  AFB right outside the city of New Market.

I can remember being about 12 or 13 telling my father I wanted to go live in Australia or South Africa. I don’t know why I chose either country at that time, but I do recall my father saying if he was a young man again, with no family, he would want to travel and live in different places too.

I am sure subliminally, his words made an impression.

Sadly, he passed away before seeing me make my way to live on other shores, except Hawaii.

I have been asked more than once, what was my favorite place I have lived or traveled to. Living is different from traveling and it is really hard to pick one place, especially since many places have something amazing about them.

Traveling to other countries was very much a part of my life for a while. The visa that I carried in Taiwan, required me to leave every two months or get it stamped in Taipei. To get it stamped, I had to be going to a school to learn Chinese.

I think everyone remembers what they were doing when they first learned of a plane flying into the World Trade Center.

In 2001, I was living in America.

I returned from Australia the year before and was working for the Saratoga Inn Resort (I am pretty sure that was its name at the time). I had been brought in to run the beverage side for the summer and a little beyond. I was due to leave in October and work in Taiwan.

Compiled by Dick Perue

The last thing the town of Saratoga needs is to throw away its nearly century-old slogan of “Where the Trout Leap in Main Street” and start all over again! Read on and I’ll tell you why.

—Dick Perue

The weather has been fantastic for several days in the past couple of weeks.

I have recently started walking out near my house in the high desert. I have several trails to choose from and they all have their scenic beauty.

I enjoy looking at all the wildflowers coloring the landscape, and complimenting the tall sage growing throughout.

Again, I do not take for granted that I am healthy enough to do these walks and I can mentally and spiritually enjoy them.

I started voting at 18 and took it very seriously. My father and mother voted for opposite parties my entire life and I got a good dose of the good and bad of both political parties.

The first time I could vote, I volunteered to go door to door for my candidate. I learned everything available so I could answer questions about the positions my candidate took.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

The  Carbon County Fair is amazing to me every year I have attended.

The past years I have been going, it makes me proud of what our County offers kids who live here and anyone who attends the Fair.

There is so much goodwill for the kids who participate by the attendees, it is truly excellent to be around.

About a week ago, I was coming back from Rawlins going back to Hanna on I-80 when I witnessed some incredible driving and a few moments of real fear.

A semi-truck was in the left lane and did not see a tanker truck beside it. The semi’s driver, in the next few moments, went entirely into the right lane.

I could not believe what I saw unfolding before me.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

Last weekend, I was at the Virginian Hotel getting to bartend when a couple came in from Casper.

They had come to the Virginian to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They told me they went to historic hotels every year to enjoy their special day. 

I thought that was great.

After they had checked in, they decided to have dinner in the bar.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

This was a tough week for Carbon County residents. 

Friends and family said goodbye to Billy “Cowboy” Wadsworth on Friday in Encampment, which was attended by residents from all over the County and State. Cowboy was known for his knowledge of the history and culture of the area. He was genuinely a nice guy.

The memorial was to remember him and honor his life.

The Carbon County  Traveler

Mike Armstrong

The other day someone asked me about living in Australia. I said it was fantastic and it was. If I had not bought my house in Saratoga the year before, I bet I might have listened to those who wanted me to stay.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

During summer, Carbon County sees a lot of bikers riding down its roads. Some of these groups of riders are friends going down the road to see the beautiful countryside that the County offers. Others are riding for a mission, such as raising awareness of their group.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

I have recounted in earlier columns that it is unlikely I would have ever lived in Wyoming without Darby Doll, a former resident of Encampment, getting me to visit Carbon County about 25 years ago.

A couple of weeks back, Darby flew over from Taiwan to have a meeting in Ohio with a firm he works for and stopped in Wyoming. His father lives in Casper.

By Mike Armstrong

Reporter, Carbon County Comet

When Dana told me edition 52 was this week, I was unprepared. I was thinking it was at least another week.

I had planned to ponder what it meant to be one of the founders of a local and independent newspaper once we got this edition out.

Best-laid plans don’t always work.

I had only a couple of days to think about the past year.