Viva America

E17: The uniquely pristine beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park | The nightmare of a child being swallowed by the sand on the shores of Lake Michigan

One of the country’s newest national parks on the coast of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is a great spot for families to enjoy some time together.  For one family, back in 2013, they could have never imagined the nightmare their family would endure.  Join us as we tell the fairly recent story of a boy that was swallowed into the dune and some of the lessons scientists have learned since. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Save the Dunes - Established in 1952, the mission of Save the Dunes is to protect and advocate for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and the surrounding natural areas for the betterment of the environment and the people who live, work, and recreate in Northwest Indiana. Organization Website:  https://savedunes.org/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mystery-why-dangerous-sand-dune-swallowed-boy-180953404/ [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/mystery-why-dangerous-sand-dune-swallowed-boy-180953404/] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-sand-dune-trapped-boy-remains-closed-3-years/ [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/indiana-sand-dune-trapped-boy-remains-closed-3-years/] https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-miracle-mount-baldy-met-20140914-story.html [https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-miracle-mount-baldy-met-20140914-story.html] https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/newsreleases.htm [https://www.nps.gov/indu/learn/news/newsreleases.htm] https://historydaily.org/sand-dune-swallows-child-freakish-phenomenon-nearly-claims-boys-life [https://historydaily.org/sand-dune-swallows-child-freakish-phenomenon-nearly-claims-boys-life] https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/nation_an_world_news/all-involved-agree-sand-dune-rescue-a-miracle/article_4d8b207c-ed73-50b0-b572-f2b58ab6735e.html [https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/nation_an_world_news/all-involved-agree-sand-dune-rescue-a-miracle/article_4d8b207c-ed73-50b0-b572-f2b58ab6735e.html]

E16: The San Juan Islands of Washington State | and how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful parts of our country.  But many who travel there, don't venture farther north than Seattle.  But the San Juan Islands are not to be missed.  Join us this week as Cameron shares the story how their existence as part of the US is related to a murdered pig and a German Kaiser.  We also sneak in a few stories about the Manassas Castle - considered one of the most haunted places on the West Coast.  Enjoy!

E15: A haunting journey on the Natchez Trace in Mississippi | When they say that it’s like driving through 10,000 years of history, they aren’t kidding.

There’s something for everyone in today’s episode.  If you plan to check Mississippi off of your travel list, this episode has some awesome ideas for you.  We visit the Natchez Trace itself, a 444 mile scenic drive that almost no one knows about - Rocky Springs - a ghost town that you can visit to this day, Windsor Mansion - today known as Windsor Ruins (for a reason) and the very mysterious place known as Witches Dance. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Fuller Center Bike Adventure - building a better world one house at a time.  They host a bike race where participants bike all 444 miles of the Natchez Trace! Organization Website: https://www.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/natchez/ [https://www.fullercenterbikeadventure.org/natchez/] BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natchez_Trace] https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins/ [https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins/] https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/ [https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/]

E14: The secrets of the Bermuda Triangle | It's legendary for a reason.

We have probably all heard of the Bermuda Triangle, but join us this episode to explore what makes it legendary. From its sheer size and scope to all the things that make it unimaginably unique.  The triangle is the final resting place to many.

E13: A cold case murder steps from Acadia National Park | And the unforgettable dog with the red bandana.

This murder actually takes places JUST beyond the boundaries of the Acadia National Park.  Leslie Spellman had never hiked alone.  What a cruel twist of fate that she would be dead within 24 hours of doing so for the first time.  Though her dog with the red bandana makes it out alive, to this day Leslie’s murder remains a mystery. The organization we are highlighting this episode is: Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations. Organization Website: https://friendsofacadia.org/ BECOME A PATREON HERE: https://www.patreon.com/vivaamerica Our sources for this episode are: DEATH IN ACADIA: AND OTHER MISADVENTURES IN MAINE'S NATIONAL PARK BY RANDI MINETOR https://www.darkdowneast.com/episodes/lesliespellman [https://www.darkdowneast.com/episodes/lesliespellman] https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/48570-asticou-azalea-garden-1977-murder-still-unsolved/ [https://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/48570-asticou-azalea-garden-1977-murder-still-unsolved/] https://books.google.com/books?id=FjaPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=leslie+spellman+red+bandana&source=bl&ots=HT9rdOGg_5&sig=ACfU3U3kMleIDguWigkgBtH2Wcl89KRx4A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_tvNnoX2AhVLSTABHTquALMQ6AF6BAgYEAM#v=onepage&q=leslie%20spellman%20red%20bandana&f=false [https://books.google.com/books?id=FjaPDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA107&lpg=PA107&dq=leslie+spellman+red+bandana&source=bl&ots=HT9rdOGg_5&sig=ACfU3U3kMleIDguWigkgBtH2Wcl89KRx4A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_tvNnoX2AhVLSTABHTquALMQ6AF6BAgYEAM#v=onepage&q=leslie%20spellman%20red%20bandana&f=false] https://murderpedia.org/male.H/h/hicks-james.htm