December 16-18, 2018
California is really far away....we finally reached the San Diego area, two days before our next pet/house sit starts. We are staying in Santee, about a half hour away from our house sit and only 15 minutes from where Gabriela lives and works.
We arrived on Sunday, settled in and then connected with Gabriela. She came to our hotel and we went out to dinner all together. She's busy with studying for exams so we won't see her again until Thursday.
Monday was a "free" day. Where we are staying there are several malls so I did a little Christmas shopping. We're all a bit up in the air as to future plans so no big items this year. The important thing is that we'll all be together and I'm extremely thankful for that.
I shopped but I also spent time at Gabriela's lab participating in a study for her friend and roommate Brittany. I've been wanting to do a study but normally the participants need to be younger but this one they needed people my age...YEAH! Unfortunately the program was not working correctly so I wasn't able to complete the main survey. To my surprise I was paid $25 for my time, which I didn't realize would happen. The study was a reading/comprehension study which would compare non deaf readers to deaf readers, very interesting. On Thursday I'll be doing one of Gabriela's studies as well, hopefully all goes well with that.
Leave Casa Grande, AZ 9:31am, 50° sunny
Gas - Casa Grande Arco $2.62/gal
Rte. 10W
Gas - Yuma, AZ Exit 3 Love's $2.55/gal - we filled up before getting into CA knowing that gas prices are far higher in that state
12:40pm/11:40 am CA Welcomes us - time change as we cross the border
Arrive Rodeway Inn, Santee, CA 4:00pm/3:00pm
Miles traveled 338.4
Monday, December 17, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 2018
The Push to California Begins
We begin our journey to California where we will have a pet/house sit in San Diego beginning on December 18th. We took the sit so that we could be in San Diego for Christmas with Gabriela. The bonus is that Joe will be flying out to spend Christmas with us, we haven't all been together for the holiday since 2015.
December 11, 2018
Leave Columbia, SC 8:17am, 31°, finally no rain and the sun is shining!
Rte. 20W
Across the Savannah River and at 9:51am GA Welcomes us - We didn't stop but at Exit 183 there is a Laurel & Hardy Museum..who knew? Perhaps next time
►285S►85S►65S
1:40pm/12:40pm (time change) AL Welcomes Us
Gas - Hope Hull, AL Shell $1.99/gal $1.94 w/card (exit 57)
Arrive Atmore, AL Fairfield Inn & Suites (paid in points) 5:29pm/4:29pm (our first casino camping experience was across the way at Wind Creek back in 2016)
Miles traveled: 491.4
RADIO - 102.3 Columbia
RADIO - 97.1 Atlanta
December 12, 2018
Leave Atmore, AL 8:30am, 38°, sunny
Rte. 65S►10W
9:41am AL Welcomes Us - Once again we stop at the visitor center to see Elvis. This time Elvis is wearing a Santa's hat and he talks....thank you very much :)
10:59am LA Welcomes Us
Gas - LePlace, LA Marathon Gas $1.99 - This was not a quick and easy off and on location
We pass Lake Charles and the Isle of Capri Casino....makes me a little sad because we've spent the night there the last three times we traveled through the area
3:28pm TX Welcomes Us
Arrive Beaumont, TX Fairfield Inn & Suites (paid in points) 4:09pm
Miles traveled: 458.7
*Note - Next time through here we need to eat at Joe's Crab Shack, it looks interesting
December 13, 2018
Leave Beaumont, TX 8:53am, 62°, break in rain but very overcast and high winds (up to 50mph), rain, sleet, and snow scheduled for various area of TX...we'll only encounter high winds
Rte. 10W►610N (around Houston)►10W
Gas - Katy, TX - Buc-ees (exit 739?) $1.87/gal - this store is a cross between Love's Travel Center and WaWa on steroids
Arrive Quality Inn, Sonora, TX 4:20pm
Miles traveled 450.4
RADIO - 106.9 Houston
December 14, 2018
Leave Sonora, TX 10:40am, sunny & windy
Gas - Sonora, TX Alon $2.49/gal
Rte. 10W - If you ever follow this path make sure you have enough gas as Texas is a big state and there is a lot of miles between exits
Gas - 1st exit for Van Horn, TX , Love's $2.75/gal....we only pumped a little due to the high price (lol)
Gas - exit 49? before hitting the suburbs of El Paso, Shell $1.99/gal $1.94 w/card
Arrive El Paso, TX TownePlace Suites 5:20pm/4:20pm - Along The 10 in El Paso there are lots of choices to stay. We'd find one then see another, then another...finally we had to pick. We used points again.
apparently we hit a time change as we entered the El Paso area. I didn't realize that until I called my sister later in the evening.
Miles traveled 372.8
RADIO - 102.7 & 106.7 San Antonio
December 15, 2018
Big News! We've been selected to go to LA for Family Feud...of course if I didn't see you this summer you may not know it, but my three sisters, one brother-in-law, my son and I tried out for the show.
Leave El Paso, TX 9:59am, 47° cool & sunny....the good thing is that the wind has diminished
I left my travel mug on the back cover of the truck when we left. We drove nearly a mile before I realized it, to my surprise it was still there...luckily I realized it just before we got on the interstate.
Rte. 10W
10:28am NM Welcomes us
1:09pm AZ Welcomes us
Arrive Comfort Inn, Casa Grande, NM 4:27pm
Miles traveled 382.6
RADIO - 92.3 El Paso
*Travel Note - I've forgotten what it was like driving through this landscape...it's beautiful to me. It can be a bit desolate but the rocky mountain outcrops that you see in the distance makes the drive beautiful. The mountains appear like cardboard cutouts in a movie scene....awe inspiring
December 11, 2018
Leave Columbia, SC 8:17am, 31°, finally no rain and the sun is shining!
Rte. 20W
Across the Savannah River and at 9:51am GA Welcomes us - We didn't stop but at Exit 183 there is a Laurel & Hardy Museum..who knew? Perhaps next time
►285S►85S►65S
1:40pm/12:40pm (time change) AL Welcomes Us
Gas - Hope Hull, AL Shell $1.99/gal $1.94 w/card (exit 57)
Arrive Atmore, AL Fairfield Inn & Suites (paid in points) 5:29pm/4:29pm (our first casino camping experience was across the way at Wind Creek back in 2016)
Miles traveled: 491.4
RADIO - 102.3 Columbia
RADIO - 97.1 Atlanta
December 12, 2018
Leave Atmore, AL 8:30am, 38°, sunny
Rte. 65S►10W
9:41am AL Welcomes Us - Once again we stop at the visitor center to see Elvis. This time Elvis is wearing a Santa's hat and he talks....thank you very much :)
Gas - LePlace, LA Marathon Gas $1.99 - This was not a quick and easy off and on location
We pass Lake Charles and the Isle of Capri Casino....makes me a little sad because we've spent the night there the last three times we traveled through the area
3:28pm TX Welcomes Us
Arrive Beaumont, TX Fairfield Inn & Suites (paid in points) 4:09pm
Miles traveled: 458.7
*Note - Next time through here we need to eat at Joe's Crab Shack, it looks interesting
December 13, 2018
Leave Beaumont, TX 8:53am, 62°, break in rain but very overcast and high winds (up to 50mph), rain, sleet, and snow scheduled for various area of TX...we'll only encounter high winds
Rte. 10W►610N (around Houston)►10W
Gas - Katy, TX - Buc-ees (exit 739?) $1.87/gal - this store is a cross between Love's Travel Center and WaWa on steroids
Arrive Quality Inn, Sonora, TX 4:20pm
Miles traveled 450.4
RADIO - 106.9 Houston
December 14, 2018
Leave Sonora, TX 10:40am, sunny & windy
Gas - Sonora, TX Alon $2.49/gal
Rte. 10W - If you ever follow this path make sure you have enough gas as Texas is a big state and there is a lot of miles between exits
Gas - 1st exit for Van Horn, TX , Love's $2.75/gal....we only pumped a little due to the high price (lol)
Gas - exit 49? before hitting the suburbs of El Paso, Shell $1.99/gal $1.94 w/card
Arrive El Paso, TX TownePlace Suites 5:20pm/4:20pm - Along The 10 in El Paso there are lots of choices to stay. We'd find one then see another, then another...finally we had to pick. We used points again.
apparently we hit a time change as we entered the El Paso area. I didn't realize that until I called my sister later in the evening.
Miles traveled 372.8
RADIO - 102.7 & 106.7 San Antonio
December 15, 2018
Big News! We've been selected to go to LA for Family Feud...of course if I didn't see you this summer you may not know it, but my three sisters, one brother-in-law, my son and I tried out for the show.
Leave El Paso, TX 9:59am, 47° cool & sunny....the good thing is that the wind has diminished
I left my travel mug on the back cover of the truck when we left. We drove nearly a mile before I realized it, to my surprise it was still there...luckily I realized it just before we got on the interstate.
Rte. 10W
10:28am NM Welcomes us
1:09pm AZ Welcomes us
Arrive Comfort Inn, Casa Grande, NM 4:27pm
Miles traveled 382.6
RADIO - 92.3 El Paso
*Travel Note - I've forgotten what it was like driving through this landscape...it's beautiful to me. It can be a bit desolate but the rocky mountain outcrops that you see in the distance makes the drive beautiful. The mountains appear like cardboard cutouts in a movie scene....awe inspiring
On The Road To Columbia, SC
November 28, 2018
Another nice visit was had in Media but it's time to get back on the road. We are heading to Columbia, SC where we will pet/house sit at my cousin's house while they are in Israel. We'll take two days to get there.
Another nice visit was had in Media but it's time to get back on the road. We are heading to Columbia, SC where we will pet/house sit at my cousin's house while they are in Israel. We'll take two days to get there.
Leave Media, PA - 9:06am, 34°, windy
Rte. 476S (The Blue Route)►95S
enter DE at 9:20am (no welcome sign), ►495S (around Wilmington)►95S
9:44am MD Welcomes us, we travel the Fort McHenry Tunnel on 95 through Baltimore - As we travel through MD I see signs for Upper Marlboro where my very good friend Naomi lived, she passed a couple of years ago and I miss her very much. Delays around DC due to an accident and construction. Virginia welcomes us at 11:43am
Gas - Exit 110, Shell - $2.34/gal $2.29 w/card
►295S (around Richmond)►95S
2:42pm NC Welcomes us
enter DE at 9:20am (no welcome sign), ►495S (around Wilmington)►95S
9:44am MD Welcomes us, we travel the Fort McHenry Tunnel on 95 through Baltimore - As we travel through MD I see signs for Upper Marlboro where my very good friend Naomi lived, she passed a couple of years ago and I miss her very much. Delays around DC due to an accident and construction. Virginia welcomes us at 11:43am
Gas - Exit 110, Shell - $2.34/gal $2.29 w/card
►295S (around Richmond)►95S
2:42pm NC Welcomes us
Arrive - Quality Inn, Kenly, NC 4:15pm - (frustrating stay as there was issues with our room. The water wasn't on and after several trips to the front desk it was turned on but it was gross, we'll never stay there again! The good news is that the price was reduced by half.
Miles traveled - 398.4
November 29 - December 11, 2018
Back on the road, a relatively short trip to Columbia. Stephen and Sandra left for their trip on the 28th, a neighbor took care of Maddie and Ally until we arrive. The dogs were very happy to see us, I like to think that they remember us :)
It was here that I decided I needed to get my act together so decided to get back on my diet and to start exercising a little bit. Having the dogs made it much easier to get into the rhythm of walking and I tried to do it daily even though it rained a lot while we were there. I also started using exercise bands in an effort to firm up my under arm "wings".
We went to a University of SC men's basketball game and were going to go to a women's game against Baylor (in preparation of possibly seeing Baylor at the NCAA final four in April) but Maddie took off for two hours and we didn't want to leave her out while we were away.
Stephen & Sandra had a wonderful trip. It was very interesting hearing all about it. I guess I need to add Israel to the list of places to go :). We stayed a few more days with them, hanging out and playing cards. It rained the whole time that we were together and it was cold.
We'll be heading back to Columbia in January for a month while Stephen & Sandra head down under.
One last thing to note about Columbia is that gas is super cheap here, we paid $1.84 with our Shell card...that's not a typo, gas under $2.00....crazy :)
Leave Kenly, NC 10:56am, 44° clear
Miles traveled - 398.4
November 29 - December 11, 2018
Back on the road, a relatively short trip to Columbia. Stephen and Sandra left for their trip on the 28th, a neighbor took care of Maddie and Ally until we arrive. The dogs were very happy to see us, I like to think that they remember us :)
It was here that I decided I needed to get my act together so decided to get back on my diet and to start exercising a little bit. Having the dogs made it much easier to get into the rhythm of walking and I tried to do it daily even though it rained a lot while we were there. I also started using exercise bands in an effort to firm up my under arm "wings".
We went to a University of SC men's basketball game and were going to go to a women's game against Baylor (in preparation of possibly seeing Baylor at the NCAA final four in April) but Maddie took off for two hours and we didn't want to leave her out while we were away.
Stephen & Sandra had a wonderful trip. It was very interesting hearing all about it. I guess I need to add Israel to the list of places to go :). We stayed a few more days with them, hanging out and playing cards. It rained the whole time that we were together and it was cold.
We'll be heading back to Columbia in January for a month while Stephen & Sandra head down under.
One last thing to note about Columbia is that gas is super cheap here, we paid $1.84 with our Shell card...that's not a typo, gas under $2.00....crazy :)
Leave Kenly, NC 10:56am, 44° clear
Rte. 95S
SC Welcomes us 12:35pm
Gas - Exit 164 Pilot $2.15/gal
SC Welcomes us 12:35pm
Gas - Exit 164 Pilot $2.15/gal
►20W
Arrive Columbia, SC 3:01pm
Miles Traveled 206.7
Arrive Columbia, SC 3:01pm
Miles Traveled 206.7
Monday, December 10, 2018
Next Stop, Media, PA
November 23 - 28, 2018
A short but sweet visit with Joe, but it's time to continue our journey southward. Our next stop is Media, PA where Wilson's sister lives. Media is a second home to us and while we're on the east coast we find ourselves here on a regular basis.
While here we enjoy visiting with Patti along with her son (Jeff) and her three grandchildren. Patti had all sorts of leftovers from Thanksgiving so it was nice for me to be able to use those to make new meals. I made scalloped potatoes with ham, which was the night we invited niece Beth for dinner. Without a kitchen of my own it's always nice for me to be able to cook in a kitchen that I feel comfortable in, the fact that they are always so appreciative and complimentary about my cooking doesn't hurt either ☺. It's always fun getting together with them.
While in the Philadelphia area we always try to get together with nephew Ray as well. He's a very busy man, juggling the family business, a music career, parenting his young son, Rory, and so much more. He is a very passionate, interesting man and he often reminds me of my own son not only in his demeanor but also his looks. We spent a few hours with him, which included lunch and a haircut for young Rory. Although we didn't get a chance to spend time with his wife, Anne, we were able to pop in to their business to say hi before heading back to Media.
I think I enjoy my time with Ray and Beth so much because they are only a few years younger than I am.
While we're in Media I'm able to get my "kid" fix with the grand nieces. It's always fun spending time with them. They are the sweetest little girls and I feel fortunate that they are in our lives. They seem to enjoy us too which makes it reminiscent of visits with my own aunts and uncles in that they look forward to seeing us as I did with mine.
I must admit that spending time with them also stirs the wishful grandmother in me. That chapter in my life is still a ways off but I do long for it sometimes. As a parent I think I was good but I think I'm going to be a great granny (my choice in monikers), I'm emotionally available on a whole different level now.
*In case you haven't noticed yet I'm trying to also be more emotionally available within this blog....hoping to share more than we went here or we saw that.
Back to it .... We had planned to visit a cousin-in-law in Hatteras, NC, but due to illness we ended up staying an extra day in Media which did not leave us time for that visit. Hopefully we will be able to connect with them on our way back north in the spring. If we didn't have a commitment in Columbia, SC we would have made the visit, but there were two little beagles awaiting us there.
A short but sweet visit with Joe, but it's time to continue our journey southward. Our next stop is Media, PA where Wilson's sister lives. Media is a second home to us and while we're on the east coast we find ourselves here on a regular basis.
While here we enjoy visiting with Patti along with her son (Jeff) and her three grandchildren. Patti had all sorts of leftovers from Thanksgiving so it was nice for me to be able to use those to make new meals. I made scalloped potatoes with ham, which was the night we invited niece Beth for dinner. Without a kitchen of my own it's always nice for me to be able to cook in a kitchen that I feel comfortable in, the fact that they are always so appreciative and complimentary about my cooking doesn't hurt either ☺. It's always fun getting together with them.
Dancing lesson with Jeff & Alexa*
The Floss, The Hiker, & Orange Justice - too funny
*Clip has been edited in consideration of a young girl feeling self-conscience
while having a little fun at her father's expense
While in the Philadelphia area we always try to get together with nephew Ray as well. He's a very busy man, juggling the family business, a music career, parenting his young son, Rory, and so much more. He is a very passionate, interesting man and he often reminds me of my own son not only in his demeanor but also his looks. We spent a few hours with him, which included lunch and a haircut for young Rory. Although we didn't get a chance to spend time with his wife, Anne, we were able to pop in to their business to say hi before heading back to Media.
I think I enjoy my time with Ray and Beth so much because they are only a few years younger than I am.
While we're in Media I'm able to get my "kid" fix with the grand nieces. It's always fun spending time with them. They are the sweetest little girls and I feel fortunate that they are in our lives. They seem to enjoy us too which makes it reminiscent of visits with my own aunts and uncles in that they look forward to seeing us as I did with mine.
I must admit that spending time with them also stirs the wishful grandmother in me. That chapter in my life is still a ways off but I do long for it sometimes. As a parent I think I was good but I think I'm going to be a great granny (my choice in monikers), I'm emotionally available on a whole different level now.
*In case you haven't noticed yet I'm trying to also be more emotionally available within this blog....hoping to share more than we went here or we saw that.
Back to it .... We had planned to visit a cousin-in-law in Hatteras, NC, but due to illness we ended up staying an extra day in Media which did not leave us time for that visit. Hopefully we will be able to connect with them on our way back north in the spring. If we didn't have a commitment in Columbia, SC we would have made the visit, but there were two little beagles awaiting us there.
Leave Boston, MA - 8:55am, 30°
Rte. 90W (The Pike)►84W
10:25am CT Welcomes us, 11:57am NY Welcomes us
►287W, over the Mario Cuomo Bridge, formerly known as the Tappan Zee
1:02pm NJ - I didn't see a Welcome Sign, so I'm not sure if they actually welcomed us, but we did cross the Hudson into NJ
Delaware Water Gap Sign - reminders of our first trip and our time spent there...and respent when we had to return from Gettysburg to pick up our backpack that was left...Interestingly enough, we've driven to Philadelphia this way many times and I don't ever recall seeing this sign
►202S
Gas - Raritan, NJ, Shell Cash price $2.59/gal $2.49 w/card - we thought this was a good deal but found it cheaper in less than five miles away
►31S►579S►295N
2:52pm PA Welcomes us
►295N changes to 295W in PA ►95S►476N (The infamous Blue Route)
10:25am CT Welcomes us, 11:57am NY Welcomes us
►287W, over the Mario Cuomo Bridge, formerly known as the Tappan Zee
1:02pm NJ - I didn't see a Welcome Sign, so I'm not sure if they actually welcomed us, but we did cross the Hudson into NJ
Delaware Water Gap Sign - reminders of our first trip and our time spent there...and respent when we had to return from Gettysburg to pick up our backpack that was left...Interestingly enough, we've driven to Philadelphia this way many times and I don't ever recall seeing this sign
►202S
Gas - Raritan, NJ, Shell Cash price $2.59/gal $2.49 w/card - we thought this was a good deal but found it cheaper in less than five miles away
►31S►579S►295N
2:52pm PA Welcomes us
►295N changes to 295W in PA ►95S►476N (The infamous Blue Route)
Arrive - Media, PA 3:50pm
Miles traveled - 352.4
Miles traveled - 352.4
Thanksgiving in Boston with Joe
November 21-23, 2018
What on earth were we still in the wet, cold, snowy northeast in November? Well, our son was planning to move to the west coast after Thanksgiving and we were going to help move him. He changed his mind about the timing, but we decided to stay until after Thanksgiving anyway. The plan was to spend it with my sisters but the sense that it would be better for me to get moving took precedence over the desire to revisit the "family holiday" scene and all that that would entail. I know that I disappointed my sisters and feel regret over that but I was dreading it, and because I could, I made the decision to begin the next adventure.
Our son, Joe, invited us to his apartment for the holiday and so that was what we did. He was so excited to host Thanksgiving and it was nice to spend the holiday in Boston in a relatively relaxed environment. We left Vermont the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving in a snowstorm. The driving was miserable for about two thirds of the time, visibility extremely poor.
 |
| Joe's Apple Crisp - he was so proud |
Leave Waterbury, VT - 1:05pm, 28° snowing
Rte. 89S►93S
Gas - NH Exit 9, 89S near Warner, Shell, $2.51/gal
Gas - NH Exit 9, 89S near Warner, Shell, $2.51/gal
Arrive - Somerville, MA (Jeffrey's apt., where we parked the truck and trailer) 5:04pm - Joe picked us up and we grocery shopped for Thanksgiving dinner before getting to Joe's apt.
Miles traveled - 188.1
Miles traveled - 188.1
A Renewal of My Blog
I've obviously have been absent from writing over the past year plus and I have decided it's high time to begin again. I've been a bit rigid in wanting to following the timeline of my journey which has paralyzed me a bit. I will continue to update the past year (I have several entries in draft form) as I find time, but as of now I will begin a new journey....a journey that began November, 2018...Of course the anal part of me will reorder everything as I publish the past, but I can't wait to catch up on a year plus of travel AND stay current. I know myself too well and will find that I'll never catch up if I stay chronological, which will lead to the abandonment of the blog, which I don't want to do.
After spending the majority of the summer in Vermont, Wilson and I are back on the road. We sold Elwood (our most recent camper) and purchased a small, enclosed, trailer that we will tow with our belongings. All of the things that we decided to take with us would fit in the bed of our truck but the cover on the bed isn't airtight and I feared that our belongings would get wet. The trailer is only 350 lbs. (empty), which will drastically help to improve our gas mileage as we travel across to the west coast once again.
The decision to sell the camper was done based on the fact that this year we will be doing less camping and, hopefully, more pet/house sitting. We will be traveling west and then back east relatively quickly based on our current commitments, making camping time pretty much non-existent. The money that we received from the sale of the camper will allow us to spend our travel nights in hotels vs. campgrounds, as the time will be spent only as single night stops along our path.
We didn't want to give up the idea of camping totally so we purchased tent cots. I've been a bit obsessed by these little wonders since I first saw others with them in past camping experiences. They set up very quickly and will be a great solution for those nights that we do spend in a campground. We've also packed a two-room tent that we have for those times that we camp for longer than a night or two (dependent on fair weather ☺). Given our schedule I don't see that happening very often but it's nice to have the option available to us.
After spending the majority of the summer in Vermont, Wilson and I are back on the road. We sold Elwood (our most recent camper) and purchased a small, enclosed, trailer that we will tow with our belongings. All of the things that we decided to take with us would fit in the bed of our truck but the cover on the bed isn't airtight and I feared that our belongings would get wet. The trailer is only 350 lbs. (empty), which will drastically help to improve our gas mileage as we travel across to the west coast once again.
The decision to sell the camper was done based on the fact that this year we will be doing less camping and, hopefully, more pet/house sitting. We will be traveling west and then back east relatively quickly based on our current commitments, making camping time pretty much non-existent. The money that we received from the sale of the camper will allow us to spend our travel nights in hotels vs. campgrounds, as the time will be spent only as single night stops along our path.
We didn't want to give up the idea of camping totally so we purchased tent cots. I've been a bit obsessed by these little wonders since I first saw others with them in past camping experiences. They set up very quickly and will be a great solution for those nights that we do spend in a campground. We've also packed a two-room tent that we have for those times that we camp for longer than a night or two (dependent on fair weather ☺). Given our schedule I don't see that happening very often but it's nice to have the option available to us.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Melbourne
Sunday-Tuesday, March 11-13, 2018
We fly out of Melbourne to New Zealand on the 13th where we have a pet/house sit in Auckland scheduled. I wanted to have at least one full day in Melbourne to check it out.
We stayed at Susan's AirBnB just outside the heart of the city (about 15 minutes from the airport). Our space consisted of a bedroom, bathroom, and a little kitchenette (no oven or hot plate) with a kettle (everyone has an electric kettle), microwave, and refrigerator. Susan had the fridge stocked with milk, bread, and a few other things when we arrived...it's the little things that make the experience more than just a transaction. Susan had a complete manual waiting for us; information on the space, local attractions, and transportation information (including a MyKi pass for the train & buses). When we asked for a place to purchase beer, Susan's partner Frank gave us a six pack...So incredibly generous...if anyone is ever going to Melbourne and looking for a place to stay they must consider staying at Susan's and we'd be happy to share the information....I can't say that they will give you a six pack of beer though, I don't think that's normal 😃.
Note: Beer and alcohol is extremely expensive in Australia
Our day in Melbourne consisted of one of the Free Walking Tours. The two young people who own the Sydney business also own the one in Melbourne. Our guide was a young man by the name of Desmond. I remember that name because of the character from the television show LOST. He was probably my favorite guide thus far. He also explained that $4 of the tip that one leaves at the end of the tour goes back into the business for expenses....I'm happy that he told us that part because I've wondered how much the owners gets. It's still a good take for a couple hours worth of work...
Our tour began at the Library and ended down near the Flinders Street Railway Station (anyone watching the Australian Open Tennis Tournament would have seen this image on Roger Federer's shoes). We went through alleys which were spray painted (the city gives permits to paint in certain areas which last up to six months - this was designed to lessen vandalism by giving the people a palette and has created a tourist attraction at the same time). Often preformers stop in the alleys and give an unscheduled little concert...Ed Sheeren is touring the area and he stopped by earlier in the day. As we walked I was struck by the architecture which I found to be very interesting - it's filled with textures. Based on just the walking tour I found Melbourne to be more interesting...of course that's with only a one day visit.
March 12 is Labour Day in Victoria so many of the businesses were closed. There was the Moomba Festival happening though which brought out a lot of people. The festival looked to be very family oriented based on what I could see....it was nice.
insert pictures
We fly out of Melbourne to New Zealand on the 13th where we have a pet/house sit in Auckland scheduled. I wanted to have at least one full day in Melbourne to check it out.
We stayed at Susan's AirBnB just outside the heart of the city (about 15 minutes from the airport). Our space consisted of a bedroom, bathroom, and a little kitchenette (no oven or hot plate) with a kettle (everyone has an electric kettle), microwave, and refrigerator. Susan had the fridge stocked with milk, bread, and a few other things when we arrived...it's the little things that make the experience more than just a transaction. Susan had a complete manual waiting for us; information on the space, local attractions, and transportation information (including a MyKi pass for the train & buses). When we asked for a place to purchase beer, Susan's partner Frank gave us a six pack...So incredibly generous...if anyone is ever going to Melbourne and looking for a place to stay they must consider staying at Susan's and we'd be happy to share the information....I can't say that they will give you a six pack of beer though, I don't think that's normal 😃.
Note: Beer and alcohol is extremely expensive in Australia
Our day in Melbourne consisted of one of the Free Walking Tours. The two young people who own the Sydney business also own the one in Melbourne. Our guide was a young man by the name of Desmond. I remember that name because of the character from the television show LOST. He was probably my favorite guide thus far. He also explained that $4 of the tip that one leaves at the end of the tour goes back into the business for expenses....I'm happy that he told us that part because I've wondered how much the owners gets. It's still a good take for a couple hours worth of work...
Our tour began at the Library and ended down near the Flinders Street Railway Station (anyone watching the Australian Open Tennis Tournament would have seen this image on Roger Federer's shoes). We went through alleys which were spray painted (the city gives permits to paint in certain areas which last up to six months - this was designed to lessen vandalism by giving the people a palette and has created a tourist attraction at the same time). Often preformers stop in the alleys and give an unscheduled little concert...Ed Sheeren is touring the area and he stopped by earlier in the day. As we walked I was struck by the architecture which I found to be very interesting - it's filled with textures. Based on just the walking tour I found Melbourne to be more interesting...of course that's with only a one day visit.
March 12 is Labour Day in Victoria so many of the businesses were closed. There was the Moomba Festival happening though which brought out a lot of people. The festival looked to be very family oriented based on what I could see....it was nice.
insert pictures
The Great Ocean Road and Apollo Bay
Thursday - Sunday, March 8-11, 2018
The Great Ocean Road is a 150 mile coastal road attraction which runs between Torguay and Allansford in the state of Victoria. We hopped on it in Warrnambool (town where we shopped), which is only about a half hour out of Port Fairy. The road runs east-west and everyone you talk to says it's best to travel westward but since we were near the end of the westward side we didn't really have that option 😏. No matter the direction you travel it's beautiful!
While Ann and Clive were visiting (after Wilson left), we rented a car and took a drive along the GOR. There are many stops along the way that share environmental information, historical information, and most impressive views. We stopped at many of the viewing areas but knowing I would be travelling this way with Wilson I saved a couple to do just with him. On both trips we stopped at the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks, found in Port Campbell National Park.
The photos from the GOR are from both trips
Insert photos
Wilson and I travelled the GOR until we reached Apollo Bay, a lovely beach resort town. We had reservations for a room at an AirBnB. We've used AirBnB several times always looking for separate spaces with our own bathroom. We could not find what we were looking for within our price range in Apollo Bay so we chose a bedroom with a shared bath. We lucked out with our hosts; Gaby, Jenny, and baby Axel. Gaby is French and Jenny is Balinese. I ended up having Gaby talk to Gabriela on Skype after finding out that he had a cousin in Langres (where Gab spent a year on Rotary Exchange). Anyway...our first shared space experience was great. Gaby and Jenny opened their home as if we were longtime friends and we shared dinners with them. I made a curried lamb dish (from the roast I cooked and brought with us) and Jenny & Gaby cooked Kangaroo for us, after I had mentioned that I had never had it...Yum! Yum!
Note: I've been on a diet since Clive & Ann left. The plan has a very limited list of allowed foods, but Kangaroo was on it and I was so happy to have tried it.
We spent a few days in Apollo Bay exploring the area, taking short hikes and generally feeling as if we were on vacation with no responsibilities. In some of our hikes we hoped on the Great Ocean Walk, which runs for 65 miles along the coast.
Insert photos
The Great Ocean Road is a 150 mile coastal road attraction which runs between Torguay and Allansford in the state of Victoria. We hopped on it in Warrnambool (town where we shopped), which is only about a half hour out of Port Fairy. The road runs east-west and everyone you talk to says it's best to travel westward but since we were near the end of the westward side we didn't really have that option 😏. No matter the direction you travel it's beautiful!
While Ann and Clive were visiting (after Wilson left), we rented a car and took a drive along the GOR. There are many stops along the way that share environmental information, historical information, and most impressive views. We stopped at many of the viewing areas but knowing I would be travelling this way with Wilson I saved a couple to do just with him. On both trips we stopped at the 12 Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks, found in Port Campbell National Park.
The photos from the GOR are from both trips
Insert photos
Wilson and I travelled the GOR until we reached Apollo Bay, a lovely beach resort town. We had reservations for a room at an AirBnB. We've used AirBnB several times always looking for separate spaces with our own bathroom. We could not find what we were looking for within our price range in Apollo Bay so we chose a bedroom with a shared bath. We lucked out with our hosts; Gaby, Jenny, and baby Axel. Gaby is French and Jenny is Balinese. I ended up having Gaby talk to Gabriela on Skype after finding out that he had a cousin in Langres (where Gab spent a year on Rotary Exchange). Anyway...our first shared space experience was great. Gaby and Jenny opened their home as if we were longtime friends and we shared dinners with them. I made a curried lamb dish (from the roast I cooked and brought with us) and Jenny & Gaby cooked Kangaroo for us, after I had mentioned that I had never had it...Yum! Yum!
Note: I've been on a diet since Clive & Ann left. The plan has a very limited list of allowed foods, but Kangaroo was on it and I was so happy to have tried it.
We spent a few days in Apollo Bay exploring the area, taking short hikes and generally feeling as if we were on vacation with no responsibilities. In some of our hikes we hoped on the Great Ocean Walk, which runs for 65 miles along the coast.
Insert photos
Goodbye Port Fairy ...
I'm not quite finished with Port Fairy yet but I realize if I don't keep writing I will fall dangerously behind again and I'm still playing catch up from the last time I failed to keep up. I'm typing on my tablet which slows me down a bit but as the old adage goes, slow and steady wins the race. I also don't have my photos loaded to this device so I will need to add them later.
Wilson returned to Port Fairy on Wednesday, March 7. He arrived in Melbourne on the 6th after a 30 hour flight, spent the night there and picked up the rental car that we had reserved and drove the 3+ hours to our house. Louise and Max had arrived the previous day to begin the transition of the house sit so all was going along as planned. I prepared dinner for the four of us and invited Lou and Isabel to join us so we not only had an opportunity to introduce them to Louise and Max but to say goodbye as well. We had a lovely evening, a great way to end our stay. Isabel is a fabulous baker. We've enjoyed many of her "slices" (apparently a general term for any type of bar type sweet), I liked her lemon slice, which I will try to recreate when I get back home. She also bakes a sponge (cake) for everyone's birthday so Wilson presented his version of a sponge to Isabel as she had a birthday recently.
insert video
Our plan was to leave on Thursday, which we did but not without issue. We awoke to no water in the house and half of the electricity off. The breaker switched off due to water in the electrical area of the water pump, which is located outside. Louise was watering the lawn and the pump filled with water unbeknownst to us. Given how our sit started it seems almost fitting that something would happen before we left. No worries though because Louise told me they got it back up and running. I only regret that I wasn't able to clean our bathroom, which I had saved until last.
Wilson returned to Port Fairy on Wednesday, March 7. He arrived in Melbourne on the 6th after a 30 hour flight, spent the night there and picked up the rental car that we had reserved and drove the 3+ hours to our house. Louise and Max had arrived the previous day to begin the transition of the house sit so all was going along as planned. I prepared dinner for the four of us and invited Lou and Isabel to join us so we not only had an opportunity to introduce them to Louise and Max but to say goodbye as well. We had a lovely evening, a great way to end our stay. Isabel is a fabulous baker. We've enjoyed many of her "slices" (apparently a general term for any type of bar type sweet), I liked her lemon slice, which I will try to recreate when I get back home. She also bakes a sponge (cake) for everyone's birthday so Wilson presented his version of a sponge to Isabel as she had a birthday recently.
insert video
Our plan was to leave on Thursday, which we did but not without issue. We awoke to no water in the house and half of the electricity off. The breaker switched off due to water in the electrical area of the water pump, which is located outside. Louise was watering the lawn and the pump filled with water unbeknownst to us. Given how our sit started it seems almost fitting that something would happen before we left. No worries though because Louise told me they got it back up and running. I only regret that I wasn't able to clean our bathroom, which I had saved until last.
Monday, March 5, 2018
Tower Hill Wildlife Preserve
Tower Hill is Victoria's first National Park. Tower Hill is a volcanic formation believed to have erupted about 32,000years ago. Its formation is known as a "nested maar". During formation molten lava pushed its way up through the Earth's crust and encountered a layer of water-bearing rock. Violent explosions followed creating a shallow crater which later filled with water to form the lake.
Geologically speaking, Tower Hill is very interesting although that is not the reason that I enjoyed going there. Tower Hill is filled with wildlife. It was there that I saw my first koala bear, emu, and kangaroo in their natural environment. I went there three different times, once with Wilson, once with Wilson, Ann, & Clive, and once on my own. Wilson and I were forever talking about going at sunset so that we could see kangaroos but unfortunately with Wilson having to travel back to the States he was unable to go....which is why I went by myself.
It was a real treat to see the kangaroos. I had a great video of a mother and her joey in her pouch but I accidently deleted it from my phone. A moment to complain - I googled how to retrieve lost data and spent several hours watching youtube videos and downloading sites that offered recovery with a trial period but alas I was unable to recover the video without buying the full program...Irritating!! I guess I have to just go with the still picture of the momma and baby (in the foreground).
Geologically speaking, Tower Hill is very interesting although that is not the reason that I enjoyed going there. Tower Hill is filled with wildlife. It was there that I saw my first koala bear, emu, and kangaroo in their natural environment. I went there three different times, once with Wilson, once with Wilson, Ann, & Clive, and once on my own. Wilson and I were forever talking about going at sunset so that we could see kangaroos but unfortunately with Wilson having to travel back to the States he was unable to go....which is why I went by myself.
It was a real treat to see the kangaroos. I had a great video of a mother and her joey in her pouch but I accidently deleted it from my phone. A moment to complain - I googled how to retrieve lost data and spent several hours watching youtube videos and downloading sites that offered recovery with a trial period but alas I was unable to recover the video without buying the full program...Irritating!! I guess I have to just go with the still picture of the momma and baby (in the foreground).
The Port Fairy Chapter coming to a close
Our stay here in Port Fairy will be coming to a close in a couple of days. Louise and Max (Belgium) will be arriving later today and we will be spending the next day and a half passing on a variety of information about the house and animals.
It's bittersweet to be leaving. In some aspects this stay has been like having our own home which has been good and bad. It's been good to be able to have a place where we could set down roots, however temporary. I never really got into the type of routine that I had planned but have been able to feel settled and in many aspects have been able to "nest". The sit has been bad for the same reasons that its been good. Staying here has reminded me of how much work goes into having a house. The upkeep of this house has been the nail in the coffin, confirming that I do not want to own a house again. The life of a traveller really does suit me.
Wilson is currently in the air and will arrive back to the house tomorrow, early afternoon. In the last couple of weeks I have done all that I can to get everything done with the house/garden/lawn/animals so that he doesn't have to worry about anything once he's back. I have planned one last dinner with Isabel and Lou so that we can have a proper goodbye and so that they can meet Louise and Max.
Staying here has brought out the inner "farm girl" in me. On more than one occasion I have thought how proud my father would be (he was a farmer at heart). I have been more than pleased with my interactions with the horses. They, along with the chooks, have kept me most entertained. I will be a little sad in leaving, but I'm ready for some time in the city. We'll leave here and spend a few days on the Great Ocean Road then on to Melbourne for a day and a half. We'll fly from Melbourne to Auckland, NZ where we have a house/pet sit.
It's bittersweet to be leaving. In some aspects this stay has been like having our own home which has been good and bad. It's been good to be able to have a place where we could set down roots, however temporary. I never really got into the type of routine that I had planned but have been able to feel settled and in many aspects have been able to "nest". The sit has been bad for the same reasons that its been good. Staying here has reminded me of how much work goes into having a house. The upkeep of this house has been the nail in the coffin, confirming that I do not want to own a house again. The life of a traveller really does suit me.
Wilson is currently in the air and will arrive back to the house tomorrow, early afternoon. In the last couple of weeks I have done all that I can to get everything done with the house/garden/lawn/animals so that he doesn't have to worry about anything once he's back. I have planned one last dinner with Isabel and Lou so that we can have a proper goodbye and so that they can meet Louise and Max.
Staying here has brought out the inner "farm girl" in me. On more than one occasion I have thought how proud my father would be (he was a farmer at heart). I have been more than pleased with my interactions with the horses. They, along with the chooks, have kept me most entertained. I will be a little sad in leaving, but I'm ready for some time in the city. We'll leave here and spend a few days on the Great Ocean Road then on to Melbourne for a day and a half. We'll fly from Melbourne to Auckland, NZ where we have a house/pet sit.
Friday, March 2, 2018
MIH - Banff & Lake Louise
Banff & Lake Louise
Welcome to Banff!
The Canadians sure do love their big letters 😃
Banff National Park and Lake Louise
were on our list of places to see. Banff
is the first National Park in Canada. It
was one of the main reasons that we took the house/pet sit in Calgary. We went to park twice, as it was a relatively
short drive from where we were staying.
The drive took us past Olympic Park but we did not stop. I mention it only because I just watched the
movie Cool Runnings, the film about the Jamaican bobsledders.
We were lucky the first day that we
visited Lake Louise as the smoke from the wildfires did not affect the
visibility, he second day….not so lucky. Lake Louise is beautiful. I was surprised by the brilliant color of the water. My understanding is the that the water is that color due to mineral deposits. We took a trail up to the Lake Agnus Tea House. The moderate, 2.2 mile (one-way), trail found
us steadily climbing the mountain. The
trail itself was not difficult but it did take a bit of a toll on my thighs…in
a good way. It was well worth the climb,
the views of the lake were amazing. Near
the top there is another lake, Mirror Lake.
We took a little breather here and was amused by a squirrel climbing a
man who was trying to eat his lunch. The
squirrels here are not afraid of people one bit.
The second day the visibility was
basically nil. We started a hike up
another steep trail and decided to turn back after about a mile. The trail wasn’t all that difficult really
but my thighs were killing me. I would
have soldiered on, I don’t like defeat, but Wilson was ok turning back so we
did. We met a very nice English couple
on the trail. They live in Turkey now
and spoke to us about a turtle sanctuary, Dalyan, near where they live. Apparently a dedicated sanctuary of this type
is relatively rare in Turkey. Istanbul
is on my bucket list so at some point in time I can envision myself visiting
Dalyan. Back to hiking…we found another
trail that circled Johnson Lake which was lovely and didn’t tax my aching
body.
(I tried to capture the elevation on the trail, but it doesn't look nearly as steep as it was)
MIH – Calgary
We are taking care of a precocious
little cat, named Flannel. She’s very
sweet but has little to do with us….until we give her a tuna juice ice
cube. Because Flannel is an inside cat
it gives us a little more freedom to explore the area. As we often do we take neighbor walks and use
public transportation while exploring.
Our house is within a short walk to an area of Calgary called Marda
Loop. It’s a very sweet, vibrant, little
suburb of the city. During our time here
they celebrate Marda Gras, a play on words for Mardi Gras. The main street is closed off and a variety
of vendors, activities, and music performances take place. I had wanted to see the pet parade but it
must have been a very short parade as we arrived just a short time after the
scheduled start and it was already over.
There were certain aspects of the celebration that reminded me of home.
There was so much going on in
Calgary, I think there was some sort of festival every day that we were
there. We went into the city during the
Taste of Calgary festival. Lots and lots
of food and beverage vendors. Unlike
Taste of Chicago, tasting vouchers were much more reasonable and we enjoyed
trying several different items. It was a
lovely stop after our walk in Princes Island Park.
We spent an afternoon walking around
the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. We took
the bus, stopping at the nearest bus stop and arrived in a roundabout way to
the sanctuary. We didn’t see a whole lot
of birds but we had a lovely time. We made
a nice connection with a young woman who was working there. She was set up along one of the paths with a
variety of animal skulls and we did the whole match the skull to the right
animal and had a lovely chat. As we
walked along the path we encountered (up close) a deer. I’ve seen a lot of deer
in my life but I’m still amazed at how sweet and innocent they look. I’ve never really thought of the phrase “doe
eyes” before, but in thinking about it and looking at the picture I have a
better understanding of the term.
Downtown Calgary is like most other
large cities. There is a pedestrian only
street (like Church Street in Burlington) that is filled with a wide variety of
restaurants and shops. Strolling along
the street was very enjoyable.
The one thing that I have wanted to
do while in the west was to go to a rodeo.
We just missed the Calgary Stampede so I think that at some point we
will need to come back.
MIH – Calgary House/Pet Sit
Monday-Saturday, August
7-19, 2017
As we head to Calgary we
drive skirt Glacier National Park. We
don’t have plans during this trip to stop as we figure someday we’ll head back
this way to visit Joyce and Duain and we’ll explore it together. Delaying it gives me more time to lose some
weight and get into better shape. Our
friends are very fit and I am not….We do see our first glimpse of the Rockie
Mountains. The mountain range is massive
making the mountains in Vermont seem so small. Impressive!
We have no issues
crossing the border this time…phew! I drove over the border and had a nice
interaction with the officer. He would
ask me where we were going, I’d answer and then he asked me again and I would answer. After answering for the third time I came
back with my own question of “Is there somewhere else we should go?” at which
point he laughed and said …no, have a nice trip. We enter providence of Alberta with a welcome
sign that declares it as Wild Rose Country.
We’re scheduled to meet
up with our hosts after 7:00pm but arrive earlier so we stop at an A&W for
a bite to eat and to work on a crossword.
It’s interesting to see businesses that at one time had quite a presence
in the States still have a big presence in another company. Here in Australia Hungry Jacks (division of
Burger King) and K-Mart are big. K-Mart
holds the position that WalMart holds at home.
Leave Victor, MT (sans
Elwood) – 9:02am - 61° and sunny
Rte.
93N►35N►206N►2E►89N►2N►2A
Gas - Lolo Exxon -
$2.38/gal
Cross the Continental
Divide 1:15pm
Gas – St. Mary Exxon
(before Canada, where prices are higher, as you can see even by the border town)
- $2.99/gal
Canadian Border (very
busy) – 3:02pm-3:23pm
Dinner break
5:30pm-6:30pm
Arrive – Calgary,
Alberta, Canada 7:29pm
Miles traveled – 456.2
MIH – Travel Day, Overnight with Friends
Sunday, August 6, 2017
We get an early leaving
Bozeman heading to Victor, MT where we meet our friends Joyce and Duain. We will pass the Continental Divide several
times during this trip, the first sign that we see highlights the crossing at
about seven miles east of Butte, the elevation is noted at 6393’.
We meet Joyce and Duain
at the Lolo Peak Brew Pub for lunch.
It’s interesting to visit small breweries and to see how they compare to
those back in VT. It’s so nice to see our friends. For over a decade we’ve talked about visiting
them and I’m so happy that we finally get to.
As I mentioned we’re
dropping Elwood off and then heading to a couple of house/pet sits in
Canada. We will return in a few weeks and
spend a little more time with them.
It’s a relatively clear
day, something that has been missing from the region due to the forest
fires. Later on we do see/breathe some
of the poor air quality resulting from the fires. The picture below was taken near the Lolo
Brewing Company later in our trip. The orange spot is the sun and it really did look like this.
Leave Bozeman Walmart –
8:14am - 55°
Rte. 90W►93S
Cross the Continental Divide
9:30am
Gas - Exit 127, Butte
Exxon - $2.39/gal
Noon Lunch in Lolo, MT –
Lolo Brewing Company
Arrive – Victor, MT around
3pm
Miles traveled – ?
Thursday, March 1, 2018
MIH – Another Travel Day
Saturday, August 5, 2017
In Vermont you feel like it takes
forever to get from one place to another because it’s so rural. Well Vermont is nothing compared to driving
out west. We’re headed to the home of our friends Joyce and Duain in Victor,
Montana. We’ll leave Elwood (camper)
there and proceed to a couple house/pet sits in Canada.
Today is another long drive day. We leave South Dakota and go through part of
Wyoming before Montana welcomes us. As
we drive through Wyoming there is a marked difference in the landscape. My travel journal states: Wyoming brings with
it mountains, changed from rolling hills – then becomes a sea, tan with clumps
of some sort of green shrub, for as far as the eye can see – relatively flat
and rolling.
There are multiple wildfires burning
in this whole area of the country, affecting air quality. Duain texts us reports for Bozeman, MT as it
is there that we will be spending the night (Walmart parking lot).
Leave Hot Springs,
SD-7:45am - 68°, cloudy, rain forecasted
Rte. 18W►89N►16W
Gas – Custer Exxon-
$2.79/gal (we’re trying 91 octane to see if it performs better)
9:16am - Welcome to WY
Gas – Buffalo Exxon
$2.79/gal (again 91 octane)
1:16pm – Welcome to MT
Gas – Columbus $2.38/gal (back to 87 octane,
clearly not enough difference to warrant extra expense)
Arrive – Bozeman, MT Walmart
- 5:35pm
Miles traveled – 524.6
MIH - Wind Cave National Park, Mount Rushmore, & Books on Tape
Wednesday-Saturday, August 3-5, 2017
Using the Beymont Inn as home base we
start exploring the area. There are
several attractions within a short drive; Wind Cave National Park, Mount
Rushmore National Monument, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. We visited Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore,
drove by Crazy Horse and drove through Custer State Park.
Wind Cave National Park – This is one of the oldest National Parks and probably one
that is the least well-known. I don’t
really know how well-known it is, I’m just saying that because I’ve never heard
of it and there were not many people visiting at the time that we were there. I also think that it is easily bypassed by
people heading to Mount Rushmore. I
would strongly suggest that if you are in the area and you want to see Buffalo
in a natural environment that you stop here.
Of all the places that we would see Buffalo, this is by far the best. Most of the other areas you see them along
the main road or while stopped in traffic because they are crossing said
road.
At Wind Cave you can take a bit of an
off-road (dirt) loop that takes you to fields where they roam (yes, the song
just popped into my head, perhaps it popped into your too). We saw a total of two other cars on this
road, but for the most part we were alone.
We could literally stick our hand out the window and touch them if we so
chose….of course they are wild animals so we chose not to. We did, however, get out of the car and
switched positions so that Wilson could be the passenger for a while and watch
the buffalo a bit more closely. Of
course after we did that (I was initiator) I commented on how dumb that
was. For some reason I had no fear, just
a simple, basic respect of the animals and I wasn’t worried about them charging
at all. The wonder of it all seems to
make me lose a bit of the natural fear that I carry with me.
There are, as the name implies, caves
at this park. Having been there, done
that at Carlsbad I had no desire to explore the caves.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Mount Rushmore was definitely on my list of must sees. I’ve heard from several people that it was a huge disappointment but I didn’t feel that way at all. I found it incredible! We walked the short looping trail that took us to the Sculptures Studio, a mini museum. We learned many things that left me with a general sense of awe, not unlike how I felt when we visited Hoover Dam many years ago. The ingenuity, hard work, and perseverance of a project like this is amazing. The construction of the sculpture began in 1927 and was supposed to incorporate the bodies as well as the heads but funding was cut off in 1941 so the project was declared complete. With the completion of each head there was a dedication ceremony; George Washington (1934), Thomas Jefferson (1936), Abraham Lincoln (1937), and Theodore Roosevelt (1939). These presidents were chosen by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, because of their roles in preserving the Republic and expanding its territory. Borglum created plaster mask which were hung by cables and used by the workers for comparisons and measurements. The project lasted for 14 years and amazingly in that time there were no worker fatalities.
Did you know? Thomas Jefferson was the first author in
America to record an ice cream recipe?
There’s a young woman that Wilson and I knew long ago that I would love
to share that information with. She
LOVED Ice Cream!
Custer State Park – We had a nice drive through Custer State Park but didn’t explore any
further. There was an accident which
caused a bit of delay, but we amused ourselves by listening to one of the
Longmire Series books which we’ve been downloading and listening to.
Books on Tape NOTE: Books on tape are great while you
are traveling long distances. Prior to
our leaving VT, I made sure I had access to the digital offerings of our
library. By chance I chose a series, written
by Craig Johnson, set in Wyoming (actually this is what caught my eye since we
were heading that way) depicting the life and adventures of local Sherriff,
Walt Longmire. Wilson and I both
thoroughly enjoy listening as the narrator pulls us along the story. NOTE: Netflix has a series based on these
books….Wilson and I DO NOT like it. We
both believe that the actors chosen don’t fully fit the pictures that we have
based on the narrated books. I suppose
if you’ve never read or heard the books read then you might like it buy I think
you’d be selling yourself short.
Other things to note: I know that I've said many times that I felt that my parents are on this journey with me. Things pop up that remind me of this periodically. In Hot Springs there were a couple of businesses that let me know that they were with me. Interestingly enough, it seems as if my parents may have switched roles....at least the signage would suggest that.
Oh yeah, the bicycle sculpture was interesting as well....
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