travel
Your guide to the world's strange, incredible, and wondrous places. Kelly McEvers and a neighborhood of Atlas Obscura reporters transport you to a new wonder every day. Along the way, you'll meet fascinating people and hear their stories.
Sul Ross State University archivist Victoria Contreras describes a unique study spot located on a hill two miles from campus: a metal desk and chair taken from a dorm room. This "Sul Ross Desk" offers a place for students and visitors to find solitude and reflect, with the landscape stretching out in all directions and a vast sky above.
Since 1981, the Sul Ross Desk on a hilltop near Sul Ross State University has been accompanied by notebooks, originally started by track team member Jim Kittchens. These notebooks, now numbering around 60 and stored in the university archives, contain writings, drawings, sketches, and poetry from visitors over four decades.
The tradition of visiting the Sul Ross Desk and leaving a mark continues with current freshmen at Sul Ross State University. As a welcome activity, new students hike to the desk and sign a notebook, demonstrating that even in the age of cell phones, people seek opportunities to detach and reflect.
The notebooks at the Sul Ross Desk contain a variety of entries, from contemplative, multi-page thoughts and drawings to quick affirmations like "Oliver loves Leo" and "Leo loves Oliver." These diverse entries highlight a shared human experience of isolation and connection, with people leaving their mark next to others who have done the same.
Thor Pedersen has become the first person to visit all 203 countries in the world without flying, completing his journey in nine years, nine months, and 16 days. The extreme traveler detailed his experiences, including navigating an Ebola epidemic and being stuck in Hong Kong for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in his book 'The Impossible Journey'.
Thor Pedersen described the logistical challenges of traversing South America by bus for his no-flying world tour, undertaking the journey on approximately $20 a day without speaking Spanish or Portuguese. He detailed a 42-hour bus journey within Brazil as part of his extensive travel through the continent.
Thor Pedersen found that the most impactful memories from his nearly decade-long journey visiting every country without flying were not the complex achievements, but the conversations he had with people. He emphasized the importance of listening to individuals to gain understanding, contrasting this with the often negative portrayal of the world in media.
Thor Pedersen stated that despite the common fear associated with visiting conflict zones, he found them to be 'pure magic.' He highlighted Afghanistan and Yemen as examples of places where he encountered incredible experiences, suggesting that the people in these regions are often misunderstood.
Thor Pedersen was in Hong Kong in his seventh year of travel, close to completing his goal of visiting all countries without flying, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to border closures. This unexpected detour caused him to extend his stay in Hong Kong significantly.
During his extensive travels, Thor Pedersen identified a simple pen as his most essential travel item. He also shared that he carried a National Geographic encyclopedia, despite its size and weight, finding it enjoyable to consult.
Terra Klein shared her experience traveling to Budapest, Hungary, in 2025 with her parents, who were 76 and 82 years old respectively. The trip was planned partly as an ancestry discovery tour for her father, who had never visited the country where his father was born. Klein noted that while her father was very active following shoulder surgery, her mother began experiencing mobility issues early in the trip, impacting their activities.
During an ancestry discovery tour in Hungary with his daughter Terra Klein, a father expressed that he didn't feel a spiritual or historical connection to the land, but was enjoying the experience. Klein found this openness, shared while riding a ski lift, to be a significant moment that brought them closer. They also visited the national archives in an attempt to conduct research.
Biologist Juan Masello has spent two decades studying burrowing parrots in Patagonia by rappelling down dangerous, crumbling sandstone cliffs. He uses specialized tools, like a modified spoon on a telescopic stick, to retrieve chicks from deep nests for research.
The unique nesting habits of burrowing parrots in Patagonia, where they dig deep into sandstone cliffs, provide a crucial adaptation against the environment. These nests, which can be up to three meters deep, protect the birds from the constant crumbling and falling of cliff faces.
The cliffs of El Condor in Patagonia are home to a massive colony of burrowing parrots, estimated at 37,000 nests, which means approximately 74,000 adult birds. The sheer number of parrots creates a deafening sound, sometimes more taxing than the physical work of studying them.
Ryan Huling, author of "The Hidden Nation of Animals," described how up to 10 million Mexican free-tailed bats converge in Bracken Cave near San Antonio, Texas, forming the largest congregation of non-human mammals on Earth. This massive aggregation occurs annually as the bats migrate from Mexico for the spring and summer months.
Ryan Huling explained that Bracken Cave's unique thermal properties make it an ideal nursery for Mexican free-tailed bats. The sheer number of bats congregating inside the cave raises the temperature to approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for birthing and raising pups.
Researchers initially doubted that bats could identify their individual pups among millions, but genetic analysis at Bracken Cave proved otherwise. Ryan Huling shared that despite the overwhelming numbers, mother bats can identify and feed their specific pups twice daily.
The 'emergence' of bats from Bracken Cave is a lengthy process, taking over three and a half hours for all the bats to exit. Ryan Huling described the spectacle as a 'tornado of millions of Mexican freetailed bats spiraling towards the heavens,' with bats flying up to 10,000 feet high.
Austin, Texas, has successfully integrated its massive bat population under the Congress Avenue Bridge into its city identity and tourism. Ryan Huling noted that a public education campaign helped residents view the bats as neighbors rather than a threat, leading to creative urban adaptations like bat-themed art and hotels.
A 10-foot-wide house in Long Beach, California, known as the Skinny House, was built in the 1930s on a narrow strip of land resulting from a surveying error. The owner, Newton P. Rumens, hired out-of-work builders, who showcased incredible craftsmanship, leading to media attention and jobs for the workers.
The Seely House in New York, a narrow three-story structure built on a 12.5-foot-wide plot, was constructed by carpenter Nathan T. Seely during the Great Depression. Using scrap materials and ingenuity, Seely built a home for his family after his construction business failed, though financial pressures eventually led him to leave.
The Carrot House in Warsaw, Poland, designed by architect Jakub Szczęsny in 2012, is an ultra-thin, giant right triangle structure measuring just over 4 feet at its widest. Built with translucent material to maximize natural light, it functions as a temporary dwelling for writers, offering a minimalist living experience.
The podcast distinguishes between 'spite houses,' built out of malice to obstruct neighbors, and 'skinny houses' constructed for more positive reasons like utilizing small land plots or as artistic endeavors. The Long Beach Skinny House is presented as an example of a benevolent skinny house.
The construction of the Long Beach Skinny House generated significant public interest, leading to its coverage by Ripley's Believe It or Not. The house's efficient use of space was compared to that of a ship, and it was initially considered for the title of the thinnest house in America.
Dolly Parton has created a time capsule, referred to as a "Dream Box," which contains a final song that will remain locked away until the 100th anniversary of her birthday in 2046. Parton, who passed away at age 80, was known for her prolific songwriting career, which she considered her primary identity.
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is an amusement park that serves as a comprehensive tribute to Dolly Parton's life and career. The park features a museum with memorabilia, costumes, and replicas of her childhood home, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in her story.
Dolly Parton's songwriting journey began in her childhood in East Tennessee, where music was a significant bright spot in a difficult life. Her mother's constant singing of Appalachian ballads inspired her, and she honed her craft by creating makeshift instruments and performing for chickens. Her uncle Bill was instrumental in helping her get early gigs and co-wrote her first demo.
Dolly Parton expressed a sense of regret about locking away her final song in her "Dream Box," a time capsule intended for her 100th birthday in 2046. In her memoir, 'Songteller,' she stated that it was 'burning' her up inside to leave the song sealed away.
Dolly Parton dedicated her iconic song "I Will Always Love You" to Porter Wagoner as a parting gift when she decided to pursue her career independently. This song became one of her most recognizable hits, marking a significant moment in her transition from being part of The Porter Wagoner Show.
During her "crossover period," Dolly Parton expanded her career beyond country music, taking on acting roles, such as in the movie '9 to 5,' and singing more pop-oriented music, sometimes by other artists. She also became a part-owner of an amusement park, which she transformed into Dollywood, fulfilling a promise to bring jobs to her home region.
The Atlas Obscura Podcast is requesting listeners to share their personal experiences with intergenerational travel. Inspired by a previous episode featuring Brad Ryan's journey to national parks with his grandmother, the show wants to hear about trips taken with family members of different ages, what was learned, and any memorable stories that resulted.
Emily Zarka, host of the PBS digital series "Monstroom," shared how a lifelong love for spooky things and a PhD in Gothic literature led her to become a monster expert. She explained that her show explores human history through the lens of monster mythology, aiming to highlight commonalities between people by examining the cultural contexts that inspired these creatures.
On September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, two brothers and their friends reported seeing a bright red flash streak across the sky, which they investigated. Upon reaching the hillside, they described a pulsating red light and a tall, humanoid creature with a glowing red face, metallic clothing, and a spade-shaped head.
Witnesses to the 1952 Flatwoods Monster sighting described a floating, 10-foot-tall creature with a red face, metallic attire, and a spade-shaped head, emitting a metallic odor. Despite a police investigation that found no evidence, the event became a media sensation, leading to further reports and connecting to broader cultural anxieties about unidentified aerial phenomena during the Cold War era.
Elda Castle, located between Ossining and Newcastle in New York, was originally owned by David T. Abercrombie, founder of Abercrombie and Fitch. The castle, named as an acronym for his children, has fallen into disrepair and suffered significant damage from fires and vandalism over the years. It is now described as a dilapidated, uninhabited ruin.
Elda Castle, originally built by David T. Abercrombie, has a history marked by tragedy and abandonment. After Abercrombie's death, the property changed hands multiple times, with owners attempting renovations for various purposes like a paint factory or research firm, but these efforts often failed due to unexpected costs or disasters like fires. The castle's most recent owners also recently died, leaving the property in limbo.
Elda Castle, once a grand estate, has seen significant fluctuations in its market value due to its dilapidated state and the challenges of renovation. It was last sold for just over a million dollars, a significant drop from a previous listing price of $3.5 million. This decline reflects the ongoing cycle of failed restoration attempts and the property's persistent state of abandonment.
The demolition of Mexican artist Juan O'Gorman's unique home, Casa Cueva, by museum administrator Helena Scobedo has ignited debate within the art community. O'Gorman claimed Scobedo destroyed the house, built on a lava bed and inspired by organic architecture, out of ignorance, despite her alleged verbal promise to preserve it. This incident is believed by some to have contributed to O'Gorman's later depression and suicide.
Helena Scobedo, a prominent Mexican artist and museum administrator, is remembered for her support of experimental art and her role in directing the Museum of Arts and Sciences at UNAM. However, her legacy is complicated by the demolition of Juan O'Gorman's Casa Cueva, a decision that continues to spark strong opinions and highlights the fragility of cultural heritage.
Juan O'Gorman, a Mexican architect and painter, created Casa Cueva, a unique dwelling built on a lava bed in Mexico City, between 1947 and 1952. Inspired by organic architecture and incorporating Mesoamerican motifs, the house was considered one of O'Gorman's finest works, reflecting his search for a synthesis of Mexican identity and new architectural forms.
The demolition of Juan O'Gorman's Casa Cueva by Helena Scobedo has left a lasting controversy, with art historian Ida Brampollini publicly denouncing Scobedo's actions. While O'Gorman claimed a verbal promise of preservation was broken, no written contract existed, leaving the truth of the agreement uncertain. This event is cited as a potential factor in O'Gorman's depression.
Helena Scobedo, a significant figure in Mexican art, was known for championing experimental and international art forms during her tenure at UNAM's Museum of Arts and Sciences. Despite her contributions, the controversy surrounding the demolition of Juan O'Gorman's Casa Cueva continues to overshadow aspects of her career, prompting reflection on her choices and potential regrets.
The podcast discusses the historical figure Johannes Kelpius, a Transylvanian mystic who came to Pennsylvania in the late 17th century. Contrary to popular legend, which portrays him as an occultist or doomsday prophet, the speaker clarifies that Kelpius was part of a Pietist movement and was likely fleeing religious persecution. The episode aims to unravel the myth surrounding Kelpius and explore his true story.
The podcast suggests that William Penn played a significant role in facilitating the migration of Johannes Kelpius and his group of radical Pietists to Pennsylvania. Penn had a deal with the English monarchy to house religious dissenters in his colonial territory.
Johannes Kelpius held a notably inclusive view of spirituality, respecting the Lenape people and their connection to nature. He believed their indigenous practices were divinely acceptable and even aligned with Christian ideals, suggesting a nuanced perspective beyond simple religious persecution.
Timothy G. Carlson, a professor at Westminster College, debunks the popular myth that Johannes Kelpius built a doomsday cave. Carlson explains that the cave was likely a root cellar and the association with Kelpius originated from a 19th-century author named Julius Sauxe, who also inaccurately portrayed Kelpius as a doomsday cult leader.
Timothy G. Carlson challenges the popular image of Johannes Kelpius as an occultist or wizard. Carlson explains that Kelpius was a radical Protestant Christian known as a Pietist, whose beliefs were considered illegal and dangerous in 17th-century Europe, forcing him to flee.
Timothy G. Carlson suggests that William Penn might have been instrumental in funding Johannes Kelpius and his group of Pietists to emigrate from Europe to colonial Pennsylvania. This theory is based on Penn's known efforts to provide refuge for religious dissenters.
Johannes Kelpius's religious worldview, according to Timothy G. Carlson, included beliefs akin to alchemy and astrology, viewing the material world and celestial phenomena as meaningful and communicative. Kelpius considered nature God's 'second book,' urging close observation and interpretation to gain knowledge.
Contrary to the doomsday cult narrative, Johannes Kelpius, as revealed in his letters, believed in a 'Great Restoration of all things,' where eventually every human being will go to heaven and creation will be restored to perfection. This demonstrates a radically inclusive and ecumenical view of humanity's ultimate fate.
Johannes Kelpius held a notably progressive view of the indigenous Lenape people, stating that calling them 'savages' while calling Christians 'Christians' would be a disservice. He believed their religion and lifestyle were acceptable to God, and in many ways, they lived up to Christian ideals better than many Christians.
The podcast episode "Sibyl's Cave" delves into the 1841 murder of Mary Rogers, a cigar girl from Lower Manhattan. Her death, discovered near Sibyl's Cave in Hoboken, New Jersey, became a sensation and is believed to have inspired Edgar Allan Poe's first detective story, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue." The case remains unsolved, with various theories and a sensationalized history.
Sibyl's Cave, once a beautiful natural spa with healing spring water in Hoboken, New Jersey, transformed into a site of tragedy in 1841 with the discovery of Mary Rogers' body. Previously a popular escape from city life, the area around the cave drew visitors seeking leisure and later, morbid curiosity surrounding the murder.
Edgar Allan Poe, seeking to establish himself as a writer of detective fiction, was deeply intrigued by the unsolved murder of Mary Rogers. He visited the crime scenes and interviewed witnesses, ultimately using the case as the basis for his short story, "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," which is considered the first modern detective story.
Following Mary Rogers' murder, theories about her killer ranged from violent urban gangs, a prevalent fear at the time, to someone known to her, especially after her fiancé, Daniel Payne, was found dead nearby. The press exploited the case to discuss social issues like crime and police ineffectiveness.
In 1846, a man named James Woods confessed to the murder of Mary Rogers, claiming he committed the act in a drunken rage. He was convicted and sentenced to death, but hours before his execution, he recanted his confession, stating he made it up for attention, leaving the case unsolved once again.
Brad Riant discussed his book "Grandma Joy and Me," detailing his travels to all 63 U.S. National Parks with his grandmother, Joy, who was in her mid-80s when they began. This journey was a significant part of their reconciliation after years of estrangement following his parents' divorce.
Brad Riant described how his grandmother, initially having a "narrow lens on the world," experienced a transformation through their adventures in national parks. He noted that nature served as a profound healer for both of them, helping to mend their fractured family relationship.
The first camping trip Brad Riant took with his grandmother, Joy, was in 2015 to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At the time, his grandmother was 85 years old, and this trip marked the beginning of their extensive national park travels.
Brad Riant credits his grandmother for instilling in him a love for nature, recalling childhood memories of her taking him to local parks to find crawdads and frogs. This early exposure to the outdoors significantly influenced his career path as a wildlife veterinarian.
Brad Riant reflected on the dysfunction within his family, noting a tendency towards holding grudges which he observed in his grandmother and father. He acknowledged that he too had to confront his own part in perpetuating this "legacy of grievances."
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