wildlife wildflowers and waterfalls

Wrapping up Alaska 2011

2011-08-19T01:19:00.001-05:00

I guess I could say our Alaska road trip was in the planning for 44 years. While at Emporia State in the late 60's we met a couple from Alaska. They were finishing up masters degrees in education while picking up a pilots license. They were in love with Alaska and saw potential in its future. When Dan graduated with a teaching degree, we sent resumes to the Anchorage school system. For one reason then another, we never made it north.

I can't say we dreamed and thought about this summer's trip all that often over the years. But, we always knew it would happen. Fuel prices tempted us to put the trip off this year. Thankfully, we still have the big three: health, time and each other. So we loaded up and took off.

We left on July 6^th driving a 2001 Ford ¾ ton diesel pickup with 182,099 miles on the speedometer. On the back of the pickup we carried a 2005 850SC NorthStar popup pickup camper. Obviously, we saw no need to have new equipment.

We returned on August 17^th after 39 days. The ending mileage was 192,102. Here is the summary.

We drove 10,002 miles, used 666.725 gallons of fuel, averaging 15.001 miles per gallon and $4.522 per gallon for diesel, for a total of $3015.00. (I converted all of Canada's metric figures to keep it equal.) I guess the reason I found these figures interesting is because I saved $3,000 for the trip but with higher fuel prices, I figured that amount would probably only pay for the fuel. Right on there!

We decided to convert $1,500 to Canadian money just to have the cash available. The rate was $1.06 American for each $1 Canadian. That amount of money paid for all fuel, camping fees and Canadian groceries except for two credit card charged fuel fills. At the border, coming home, we had enough change to buy a bottle of Crown Royal at the duty free shop. (It was a small bottle:)

I did not keep accurate records on other expenditures. However, we roughly figured how many nights we paid for camp spots, restaurant meals and misc expenses and $1,000 would almost cover it. (I don't count groceries because we have to eat at home).

So, bottom line, in this summer's economy, it took close to $4,000 for this trip.

Another expense I am not counting toward the total is the cost of shipping our salmon home. Chip took care of all of that for us and we are paying him by the pound. It cost about around $10.50 per pound. That sounds high, but it is our salmon, the fish we actually caught. So many companies put the fish in bulk processing. I appreciate knowing how they were handled. Frozen wild-caught sockeye salmon in stores cost $6 to $7 a pound so it isn't too bad.

Finally, we want to thank all those who looked after our place while we were gone. Family: Marc and Kim. Friends: Tom and Christy, Mark and Brenna, Mark and Kitty and others who kept a watchful eye on who came in and out of the driveway.

Hopefully, this information will encourage others thinking about a similar trip. There are other options, cruises, fly up and rent an RV or car. Still, there wasn't any part of this trip I would leave out. The road trip across Canada is beautiful. So, if you have time, do it all. Or if not, just do as much as you can. It's worth every cent you will spend.

Texas Hill Country Blue Bonnets and Wildflowers

2011-04-07T00:31:00.004-05:00

There would be some (Dan) who might think a road trip to the big state of Texas just to see wildflowers is a bit crazy. I said, who cares if an idea is crazy, if it is fun. This definitely was a fun trip. He agreed.

We had a reason to get as far as Plano, Texas. That is our purchase of a small pop-up “Kwik Kamper” normally pulled by a motorcycle but for us, our Toyota Corolla. There are times when we want to do a short road trip and would like to keep expenses down. The Corolla gets over twice the mileage as our 3/4 ton Ford diesel. Does that mean we can take twice as long a trip with the tent? Well, tent camping is different from our fully self contained pickup camper but will be perfect for short trips.

One big difference with the popup tent is the landing site. In our pickup camper, we almost never make reservations. It seems we always slip in somewhere, even if it ends up being in a Wal Mart. I have to think ahead more with tent camping especially on weekends.   We decided to stay in Texas State Parks and we were able to find a place all three nights with telephone numbers and maps in the helpful Texas State Park guidebook we picked up at the Welcome Center.

Another difference between tent and RV’n is the people. We had the best time visiting with nearby tent campers each night. RVers tend to disappear into their unit. Not so the tenters. Since we were in no hurry, we ended up visiting until 11:00 with a neighboring camper on Saturday morning.

State Park personal run a tight ship but retain that Texas friendliness. They were quick to point out that their entire revenue is based on camping fees and, to our dismay, a head fee of $3 a person each night. Still, I highly recommend staying at a Texas State Park. All we stayed at were clean and well run.

My favorite camping spot was Colorado Bend State Park. I was intrigued with the fact that it was a rustic campground, limited to small RVs and tent campers. It is located on a large bend in the Colorado River nestled at the bottom of straight up cliffs. The picture above was just the beginning. To get to this campground we drove over 13 miles of gravel--dust and free range cattle along the way. As we rounded the final corner, we expected to see a nearly disserted campground. Completely the opposite. Two boys scout troops, numerous anglers and families with young children. A kind lady agreed to let us share her spot in the trees rather than our assigned spot by the Troop.    A shared bottle of the Red Caboose Winery’s Hobo Hooch and it was lights out for the night.

creek on the gravel road to Colorado Bend Park

upper end of the park where the river starts to bend.

Spring fed creek flowing into the river and a Texas waterfall! The State Park Ranger recommended we not hike to the Gorman Falls a usually beautiful waterfall nearby because it was barely flowing from lack of rain.

Wildflowers
Bucket lists are overused so let’s just say I’ve wanted to see for myself Texas Blue Bonnets in bloom. Best viewing time is between the middle of March until the middle of April. We were in Hill Country the first day of April, perfect. Only, this is a dry year, very dry. One park ranger said it hadn’t rained in the Hill Country since August, 2010. So, Blue Bonnets were sparse.

There were several areas where we could see how it would be in a good year, though. As we were leaving Clebrune State Park, we rounded a corner and there was a field filled with blue. Making it even more beautiful was a young couple with their baby seated in the middle of them taking a picture. We didn’t want to interrupt but I would have loved that picture. Despite the dry year, there were bright colors all around.


These two pictures are not wildflowers but I wouldn’t want to get too close to either.

Hill Country Towns
An unexpected charm in Texas Hill Country are small towns. County seats thrive with their town squares and beautiful courthouses. Other declining Texas rural towns remind us of some small Kansas towns. Yet, they had a Texas feel, perhaps from a preconceived notion from movies, particularly The Last Picture Show and other western movies featuring covered boardwalks.

Front and Back view of courthouse at Meridian Texas. Notice the American and Texas flag are flown at the same height. We noticed this in other places as well.

Gatesville TX
Lometa Texas
Paris Texas Not in Hill Country, but a beautiful city north of Tyler Texas.
.
We missed the Wild Pig Feed by only a few hours in Evant, TX. Notice the sign says, “Pigs Provided.” It’s a known fact that Texas has many feral hogs, but Kansas knows Feral hogs and how to get rid of them.

Only in Texas, where everything is bigger.
Hey, a perfect name for our place.
The only business in Bend, TX that we could see.
Final picture—dogwood trees were blooming in Oklahoma on our way home.

Colorado - Hwy I-25 to Durango, Hwy 550 (Million Dollar Hwy) to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park - August. 2010

2010-08-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

Western Kansas and Wondering How Long to Perk Coffee August 19, 2010
Right now coffee is on the stove. It is perking and I have the flame turned low. The sound brings back memories of when coffee was made like this every morning. I received at least two coffee pots for wedding gifts.

I can’t remember how long I let the coffee perk, though. I checked on the internet and the time varies with the longest being about 15 minutes—that seems long.

Well, I just turned it off and am letting it settle. It smells good.

As I look out the window, the sun is coming up behind a cloud—it rained last night. The sky and ground meet as a lid fits on a pan. Yes, we’re in western Kansas.

Posts might not be real regular but I’ll try to stay in touch. I will also post short updates on the Twitter feed on the left.

For now, I’m having some HOT coffee!

Life on the Plains and on to the Mountains August 21, 2010

We took Hwy 40 from Oakley instead of going on to Limon. Billed as a shortcut, it doesn’t seem that way but it was interesting to see different scenery. Well, not too different, I guess. Wheat fields and grain silos….

Windmills and cattle pens.
The most interesting stop was the Fort Wallace Museum in western Kansas. Extremely well done facility and exhibits. I will post more pictures and tell about it when I get home.

We’re getting ready to go to a fishing resort. Doug’s company is a member. I’m thinking fish for supper. We’ll see….

Fishing and Camping August 22, 2010
Carly and Trent were excited about their success in trout fishing.

.

Getting ready for breakfast

The Great Sand Dunes and Big Meadow Lakes August 23, 2010

The drive south on I25 to Walsenburg was quick and uneventful. We then turned west on 160 and over LaVerta Pass where we passed a wheel chair and two bicyclists following. What courage.

This area is a valley with Hamilton and Blanca Peak on the north and a green basin with distant mountains on the south. We always find these Colorado vistas especially beautiful.

Our destination was Durango, but the Sand Dunes took longer than expected. It happened a thunder storm was moving in over the Dunes which made for beautiful shadows. Up against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there is no bad view from the information center. This is a National Park and the rangers are always interesting. Sadly, I can only post small pictures for now.

From the Sand Dunes we cut across the basin which was once covered by ocean. The basin is also on a aquifer which allows extensive irrigated farmland. Other than wheat, one of the more numerous plants turned out to be potatoes. We know that because we turned off the highway and Dan pulled up one of the plants. We kept one stud
.
Unfortunately, we did not have time to stop at the Gold Medal trout fishing waters of the Rio Grande between De Norte and South Fork. There are numerous private campgrounds as well as National Forest and State Park campgrounds. This could be a place for another time.

Just as we started to ascend Wolf Creek Pass, we saw a turn off for Big Meadows State Wildlife Area. The Big Meadows Lake sits low with pines reaching up around it. Here is a picture of the overflow.

We decided to drive further up the gravel road to see what was up the mountain. It was a little worrisome as the road was a bit muddy. The rain that came over the Dunes hit here first. What we found was another postcard like blue/gray lake. The sign said “National Forest Service” which means free camping. So here we are right by the lake parked on top of a couple big rocks. It is quiet except for occasional ducks. There is a full moon out our back door.

Sunset

Big Meadow to Haviland Lake August 24, 2010

Dan tried his luck one last time before we left Big Meadows area this morning.   Birds, ducks squalking and far off howling, coyote or wolf we don’t know, but no fish were jumping to our bait.

From here we were back on Hwy 160. Not far down the road is the Chimney Rock Historical Site. This is Chimney Rock

This rock marks the site of ancient ruins of a fairly large settlement of Pueblo Indians. Around AD 1100 the Charo culture of which the Chimney Rock Publoans were members started to decline. Mesa Verde, also a Puebloan culture was deserted by AD 1300. No one knows for sure why these settlements were left behind.    We were too late for a guided tour of the central meeting Kiv that sits atop this mountain. Here is the picture—the Kiv is very low, the taller building is a fire lookout. Chimney Rock is on the left of the picture.

We did the self guided tour of the individual family Kivs and their garden locations.   Tonight they were having a full moon tour with Native American flute atop this mountain. We couldn’t stay, but would have been awesome.

Next over Wolf Creek Pass and the long descend into the valley where we eventually entered Durango. A little grocery shopping and a short stop by a gun shop that was nearby and then on to our present location at Haviland Lake, another State Wildlife Area. We are now on the Million Dollar Highway, Hwy 550 north out of Durango. Here we are after a steak, potato, corn and wine dinner.

And the sun goes down

Million Dollar Highway Durango to Ouray August 25, 2010

What a crazy day. We only made it to a little beyond Silverton on the trip north.
First, we see Old Lime Creek Road. It started as a mining road, but continued even after the mines closed to be used as a way to cross the mountains into the moutain valleys.. It said “four wheel drive” road on the map. We have that, don’t we? We actually follow it for about a mile—one lane, big rocks and straight down on one side. Finally, we found a place to turn around but I had to get out and tell Dan when to stop so we didn’t go over the side. This picture doesn’t do it justice. Looking back on it, fun. At the time, extremely scary.
As a side note on this road, it would be a lot of fun in an appropriate vehicle. And, nearby where it started there were free campsites by the stream.

Just a few miles further, I spotted a waterfall. Here is Dan’s reaction.
Here’s the waterfall

I had Andrews Lake circled on the map as a possible fishing stop. As most Colorado lakes, it is surrounded by mountains, although these were not as rugged.

The parking lot is nearly full of hikers because there were only two others fishing. Thankfully, I purchased my license in Durango because I was feeling it. Sure enough—a shore lunch!

It is about 2:00 after we (Dan) cleaned, cooked and we both ate the fish. Nothing went to waste because two blue jay type birds stopped by and flew off piece by piece with all the skin and scrapes.

Silverton is a quaint little town. It doesn’t seem to have caught the tourist bug like some Colorado mountain towns. Most side streets are unpaved. We drove around a bit and then took off again on Hwy 550.
We are cruising along (too fast downhill for my liking) when all of a sudden Dan turns around on a pull off.    He saw that we just passed a road that seemed to lead up into this unbelievable valley. We immediately saw it was an old mining road as there were tailings from two mines on up another one of those one lane roads we were on earlier. We did go a ways up it, but end up backing down (certainly no turnaround on this one) and park at an open space at the bottom. The following are views of the valley. First, east. The camper is the spot in the lower right corner.

One side
A bigger waterfall on the west

Closer, there is an upper falls

After a supper of cereal and a Klondike bar with Strawberry dessert wine over it (Dan can’t go a day without ice cream no matter where we are) we walk up the old mine trail. Dan climbs up to look in one of the caves. There was a sign saying “Colorado Mine Reclamation Project” It has steel bars over the entrance. Thank goodness, I did not want him going in there. We did wonder if some of the old mines are being reclaimed, though.

I walk on up the trail to a second mine. (Dan’s knee was hurting after his climb). What I didn’t know was the trail turns back into the mountain. When I rounded the curve, this is what I saw.
I finally got back to where Dan was waiting for me and he had spotted two elk feeding across the valley. That was more exciting for him than me finding the waterfall, for sure. I did get a fair picture but I’ll have to do a little work on it when I get home.

So that finds me ready for bed with a mountain stream as a lullaby. This won’t get posted tonight because, for the first time, I don’t have a hookup
.
We expect to make better time tomorrow—that is unless I see a waterfall.

Million Dollar Highway continued August 26, 2010

What a beautiful spot and a good night’s sleep.
The next morning, we start out again heading north on Hwy 550. This definitely is the most beautiful and thrilling part of the route. Lots of switchbacks and beautiful valleys along a road with nothing between the road and the scenery.

Red Mountain Mining District is at the top of the pass. In the 1880s valuable columns of silver ore called pipes were discovered. By 1883, 40 mines were in operation of which Yankee Girl was the most valuable. In today’s prices, over a quarter of a billion dollars worth of ore was taken from the mountain. In the 1930s a 5 1/2 mile underground tunnel was built which connects the Idarado Mine with Telluride. Now, there are many off road trails connecting the mining area with Telluride which is probably why we saw many four-wheel drive vehicles as well as trailers hauling ATVs. We know they are not for us to travel in our rig, but jealously read of the beautiful scenery on each “white knuckle” route.

Ouray also sits in a valley. It seems larger than Silverton and possibly more tourist oriented. Still a quaint town.

We drive around a bit and continue on Hwy 550 to Montrose.

Ute Museum Montrose August 26, 2010

The Ute Museum at Montrose was not in the plans, but once again it proved one should be on the alert for spur-of-the moment stops.   Ute Chief Ouray and his wife Chipeta built a modern, for that time, home hoping to prove the Ute Indians could stay on their land and assimilate into society. It did not work out as he hoped. When Chief Ouray died, his widow, Chipeta was sent to the reservation. The museum sits on the site of their home.
We watch a video about the Bear Dance and view exhibits of the native culture.    Throughout there were sayings of the Ute people. Here are two I especially like.

After the museum we stock up on supplies and head to the Black Canyon.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park August 26, 2010

“The reason this canyon was named “Black” is because it is so deep, so sheer and so narrow that very little sunlight can penetrate it.” This quote from the NPS brochure is the very reason I could not get a good picture of the canyon. Hopefully, here are a few that convey the beauty of this natural wonder.
My first impression is how sudden it drops


After looking into the sheer, straight down canyon, I wonder what crazy thing people have tried to do. It did not take long to see just that day what two were starting to do. I can’t even imagine dropping over the side of that edge.

This is a close up of the stream at the bottom. Before dams were built upstream, the flow in the spring was enough that house sized boulders were carried downstream.

The canyon was carved by the Gunnison River over so many years, it is hard to comprehend. A visit to visitor’s center is a must. There is an informative video and information about the layers of rocks. Also, the story of the first to navigate the canyon and the rail road that was built through the upper part. (The railroad was built by hand in 1 1/2 years by Irish and Italian immigrants)

Black Gunnison is a must see. Beautiful, majestic and just plain scary are words that come to mind. There are many viewing areas on the south rim. We visited each until it got late and we felt we had experienced the wonder. We then began our drive to the upper part of the canyon and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. I’ll finish that tomorrow.

Curecanti National Recreation Area August 27, 2010

The lower, more dramatic and rugged part of the Black Canyon is the National Park. There are two dams on the upper part of the canyon which is called the Curecanti NRA. The Blue Mesa reservoir is our destination. The campground at the ranger station is disappointing. All concrete—we would have been level, I guess. We are reminded again to always ask a ranger at a National Park.   The one at the office told us the campground we want is called Ponderosa and is up an arm of the lake. Fishing is best there.
We fill up with water and take off on a seven mile gravel road to the campsite.   We arrived barely in time to see it in daylight. A nice rocky fishing area is a short walk away. Here is our welcome committee.

Up at dawn, we carry fishing equipment with coffee down to the lake. Well, I did. On the way, Dan struck up a conversation with the camp host. Several nice trout jumped, but not to my tempting hook filled with worms. I had fun and it is a beautiful, quiet place.

The camp hosts had been at this same site for 13 years. They were a joy as well as interesting as they remembered the area before the dam was built. Here is a picture of our spot. The lake is in the middle, right, but doesn’t look like water. The arm we camped on goes off to the left in this picture.

Leaving the area, we took Hwy 92, which follows the north side of the canyon. In some ways, this area is as beautiful as the more dramatic views from the south side. The other lake is Morrow Point Reservoir. It cannot be reached by car. At one lookout by the lake, a ranger pointed out several popular hiking trails down to its shores. There is also a United States Park Service tour boat that runs once a day. It would be a beautiful hike down to the boat as well as the ride. As might be expected, reservations have to be made in advance and are $16 adults & $8 children. Seniors are half with card. Certainly affordable. The ranger said the tour takes the same route as the railroad once did and tells more about its construction. Next time.

Hwy 92 eventually leaves the canyon and drops into another mountain valley. As we wind north, we begin to see fruit trees and, yes, wineries! The state of Colorado has a no drinking and driving campaign that has us convinced we do not want to make too many tasting stops. We choose Black Bridge Winery named for the bridge across the Gunnison River at their entrance. Is there really bad wine? I don’t think so. We bought several bottles, including a peach dessert wine. They had ripe U Pick peaches on their trees, too far for us to carry home, I thought. I counted 76 wineries in Colorado in a brochure. Our Colorado family says they are good, too. Next time.

From this point, it is all about heading east--the horse is headed for the barn. Finally, we stop at the top of Vail Pass mainly because there is a quiet bike trail parking lot there for us to pop up and bed down.

Wilson Lake and Home August 28,2010

We sleep well at the top of Vail Pass even though my thermometer says it is 39 degrees in the morning. I had three blankets with us, but the key one is the old wool belonging to Mom and Dad. Find one if you can.
We occupy our time on the road by counting RVs. It did make the time go fast. I’ll post the results later as it surprised us
.
We decide Wilson Lake in Post Rock country Kansas will be our destination. At one point during the day, it is 96, a 58 degree difference from the night before. Had we arrived in time, we would have checked out the town of Lucas and their folk art. As it turns out, once again we barely park before the sun slips down. Even in the dark, we managed to catch six or seven small stripers. It is a windy night, probably not uncommon at the clear grass fed lake
.
Wilson Lake, in its own way, is just as beautiful as any lake we visited in the past ten days, mainly because….sun down and

sun up, something we really missed in the mountains.

So here we are toasting to a wonderful trip but glad to call ourselves Kansans. And, the kicker, we stopped at the Wilson exit wine tasting room so the wine in the glasses is Simply Red Smoky Hill Wine!

Butterfly Pavilion, Denver CO April 2010

2010-04-20T21:42:00.000-05:00

Kim is in Colorado for a continuing education class so I rode along. Yesterday, Drue, Trent, Carly and Evan (he came with us too) visited the Butterflies in Denver. It was a wonderful exhibit. We will return with the rest of the family.

Here are some pictures:

Colorado, Phoenix AZ, and Palestine Lake near Tyler TX March 2010

2010-03-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

10. Lists, lists, lists
9. Skye getting bath, nails clipped and pad cover washed
8. Washing clothes—all clothes
7. Cleaning house
6. Paying bills
5. Cleaning refrigerator of moldy leftovers
4. Returning overdue library books
3. Charging electronics
2. Finding the perfect writing pad and pen

And, the number one clue there is about to be an adventure

Going to bed at midnight and waking at 5:00 am and feeling fully rested

Roadtrek delivered

It’s been a wild ride selling the Roadtrek. As it turns out, people all around the United States are still interested in having Adventures despite economic hard times.

Despite many calls, we are extremely happy with our Trekker’s new owner, Diane. We just think it was meant to be for her to have it. When I saw this on her front bumper, I thought, “Yes, a person from our times.” Trekkers are loved by elder and new hippies alike.

Trekker will be traveling to Montana for its new home. And even more exciting, a published author is her new owner (links etc later). I am so excited for their adventures ahead.

Here is Dan with Diane and Hannah, her daughter. They are ready to take off for parts unknown.

Good luck and happy travels, Diane and Trekker.

South from Colorado

As I wrote earlier, we started the trip to Arizona by detouring through Colorado. We probably would have done that anyway to see our family. Always a good visit with good food. Finally after turning over the reins of the Roadtrek, we were able to spend time with Trent and Carly.

Monday morning, after seeing Doug off to work, Trent on the bus and Carly & Drue off for school, the roadtrip was on.

First stop, Gallup New Mexico and Route (Root) 66. We were actually on I 40 but while looking for a motel, got off on the actual road where we found retro mom and pop motels and drive-in eating establishments catering to the diehards. It would be fun to follow the road sometime. (The two guys in the Vet—what were their names?) We stayed in a chain, but wished afterward we would have driven up to the door of a room in a line.

Up early, it is off for Payson, AZ to make the deal on the pickup camper. We felt like we knew the owner after bugging him with questions over the past weeks. We pretty much purchased the camper sight unseen—rather risky but the pop-up style pickup camper we wanted was not to be found within our price range other than in California. We left owning our new (to us) digs and a plan for picking it up in a couple days.

The drive from Payson to Apache Junction (suburb of Phoenix) is beautiful. Snowy mountain vistas called Rim Country. We comment the name is appropriate after dropping down into the much warmer Phoenix area basin with palms and Saguaro instead of pines and oaks.

It doesn’t take long to notice something else—many many other people our age also driving noisy 3/4 ton pickups. Or beautifully restored retro classic cars. Think the population of Manhattan or Lawrence when school is in session except elders acting like college kids. Definitely a upbeat atmosphere. Lots of playing, laughing and generally enjoying life.

Tomorrow, our stay in the area.

Phoenix, Arizona

Five days in ApacheJunction, AZ, would probably hardly be worth the drive for most of the northern winter visitors there the first part of March. We learn most come in November and stay until April. Why? I think they start coming because it is warm but come back to see their friends. It seems a close knit group.

Warmth was not the main reason for our trip but rather to visit our long time friends Kayzie (Kay to those who have known her less than 45 years) and Lynn who now reside full time in the Apache Junction area. They made the decision to be full timers because of health reasons, as do many others who suffer pain from cold or changing weather.

Since catching up with old friends was our mission, we spent a lot of time talking, laughing and reminiscing. There were a few basketball games and lots of delicious food. We checked out the huge flea market one afternoon where I was so overwhelmed, I bought very little. It is a clean, well run affair, though. And, fun to be a part of the festive atmosphere.

One evening we attended the Arizona Opry dinner theater. These performers are as talented as any popular acts in the country. Maybe they prefer to stay one place and let the country come to them, which is essentially what happens in the winter months when they have regularly scheduled full house performances.

Lynn found a notice of a Arizona Wildlife and Parks sponsored program at Usery Mountain Regional Park about desert wildflowers. Since I kept talking about wanting to see the “blooming desert” he drove me out there. We saw some wildflowers, but we were a bit too early for the total show. We also hiked about 2/3 of the way to Wind Cave. It must have been spring break because the trail was full of young kids with their parents. They put me to shame when I asked to turn around about 2/3 of the way up. Next time I’ll be in better shape because I want to see that cave.

After we picked up our camper, we parked in the Lost Dutchman State Park at the base of Superstition Mountain and only a few miles from Kayzie & Lynn’s house . Each morning the sun rose peeking through crags and set red against the straight up mountain in the desert. The park has walking trails full of wildlife and birds and it is the base for the hiking trail up the mountain. However, while there, we learned the park only had a short time before it would be closed because of lack of funding. I asked the ranger what would happen to the land where the park is located. He said most likely it would be residential housing. Very disturbing.

The time went fast and it was a good visit. But, we have a date with some fish in Texas. More about that next.

Across New Mexico to Tyler, Texas and Palestine Lake

Our retired neighbors Bob and Barbara go south, but not quite as far as our Arizona friends. Their destination is Palestine Lake near Tyler, Texas. They have invited us to come down and fish over the years. Since we were already “south” we decide to drop by and sure glad we did.

One thing we had to do first. Drive over 800 miles.

Maybe it's because we live here, but people will tell us there is no road trip worse than driving through western Kansas. Maybe those who complain about the fertile farm land with endless waves of grain haven't seen endless sand with cacti and sagebrush in our southwestern United States. Still, since we had not seen that area before, it is interesting. And, I did see more desert wildflowers!

El Paso is the first big city after leaving the valley. Easily visible right across the Rio Grande is Juarez, Mexico, which is in the news constantly. It must be one of the most violent cities in Mexico. However, I read recently El Paso has a low violent crime rate. We wonder how so much violence can happen so close to law and order.

As the Rio Grande River and valley disappear into a mountain range, we turn northeast. Alerted by signs on the road, there is a vehicle check ahead.

This sign, the German Sheppard search dog and a handcuffed person being led away let us know they are serious. As we pull up, a stern faced Border Patrol officer ask us if we are citizens, where we are from and going and if anyone is in our camper. When we reply from Kansas, he waves us on. How could anyone from a flat boring state like Kansas be up to no good, right?

From there, it is an uneventful drive as we connected to I20. Western Texas starts to look like cattle country. A little more grass and a lot more oil rigs. Influenced by movies and television shows of this region, I expect it to look more affluent. All across western Texas there are abandoned homes, businesses (mostly bars) and sometimes groups of both. I know recent times are hard, but these tumbled down buildings have been there a while.

Approaching Dallas, things start greening up. East of Dallas is Tyler and a short distance south is Palestine Lake, our destination.

Besides Bob and Barbara, Phillip and Gayle, also neighbors, are parked in the campground right by the water. We pull up beside the group and they welcome us with open arms and boats. They share their equipment and expertise adding lots of laughs, encouragement, and even believable fishing stories.

We were fishing for hybrid striped bass, a mix of female white bass and male striped bass. As I understand these fish are stocked in fresh water lakes for several reasons. They are selective foragers, they don't reproduce in still water so no overpopulation and finally they are good to eat. Dan and I are in agreement on the eating part after the first day of fishing that netted more than enough for a shore lunch.

Trolling is the best way to catch stripers. When they hit, it is definitely a thrill to bring one in. When they are not hitting, it is fun and relaxing to just drift about on the lake. It ended up I fish mainly in Phillip's boat. We had the most luck on red and white lures—no little jigs, big lures and hooks.

Texas definitely thinks their fish are valuable. It was $16 a day each in license fees for Dan and I to fish. (Kansas non resident is $5.50 a day) It was worth it. Especially since our friends so graciously let us tag along in their boats.

One thing I've learned on our road trips. When we turn that vehicle toward home, it's like a horse to the barn. I wish we would have taken a little time to drive around Paris, Texas. It looked to be an interesting town. Maybe next time because it was a good thing we hurried home. Only a few miles from the mailbox, the wind turned and the storm begin. Twenty four hours later we were in front of the fire with eight or more inches of snow on the ground.

A notable ending to a memorable trip.

Indiana Christmas Roadtrip

2009-12-09T01:09:00.004-06:00

A recent roadtrip to Huntingberg, Indiana, to visit family is a bit further than our our last Kansas Christmas roadtrip . Still, it's an easy day's drive and the nearby southern Indiana West Baden Springs Hotel is a definite destination especially during the holidays.

After a walk around the grounds then inside to absorb the breathtaking beauty of the hotel, we decide a tour is in order to learn how this unbelievable building came to be located in this rural area of Indiana.

It is all about the springs, mineral springs that George Rogers Clark decided had curative powers in 1778. In 1832 a hotel was built at French Lick and 1855 in West Baden Springs. According to the tour leader, by end of the 19th century, seven rail lines brought well to do guests to the hotels to “take the cure” and participate in hushed gambling.

In 1901 the West Baden Springs hotel burned. In September 1902, a 35-year old architect named Harrison Albright of West Virginia completed a building that featured a rotunda 200 feet across and a 100 foot high domed roof untethered by any central support. Hard to believe this was built using the technology of 100 years ago. No wonder it was called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Since that time, it was used as a hospital in World War I then sold to Jesuits after the Great Depression diminished its affluent guests. While the seminarians kept up the building's structure fairly well, the four Moorish towers were dismantled. They finally sold it in 1964 for use as a private college which operated until 1983. Although the building is listed as a National Historic Landmark, it needed massive expensive renovations which was undertaken by the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana. The result of these efforts are well worth a visit.

Click here for a slide show of the hotel.

Flint Hills, Indiana or just around the neighorhood, have a Merry Christmas roadtrip.

Symphony in the Flint Hills 2009

2009-07-21T09:31:00.002-05:00

The prairie has a voice. Often a quiet whisper.

There are times when the bubbling spring water, neigh of horses, song of birds, and distant tuneful call of cattle roll out over the soft green flint hills, whirl with the prairie wind and return sounding like a symphony.

On Saturday June 13th it was a symphony—Symphony in the Flint Hills, 2009.

Nestled in a cove in the Upper Turkey Creek Pasture of the Doyle Land and Cattle Company, Inc. in Chase County, Kansas, where the endless view of the rolling hills meet the blue sky, the Kansas City Symphony and the native inhabitants captured the hearts of 6,000 guests of owners Randy and Judy Mills.

From a distance, the symphony area appears as low clouds on the horizon. The meandering walk to the symphony site includes a bridge over a clear sparkling spring, inviting all to stop and dangle feet in the cold water. Our duties as two of over 500 volunteers helping to make the concert possible beckons so we pause, wish and continue on.

Abby Dechant, Symphony seating coordinator, directs us to our assigned jobs. Among other duties, we prepare seating for 26 sponsors and 138 patrons. Without these contributors, the concert would not be possible. The stage sits at the bottom of a long sloping hillside. There is no bad seat whether on lawn chair, blanket or special front row chair.

Our four-hour shift soon over, we have time to visit afternoon activities before the concert.

Linzy and Lucy, 7-year old black draft horse sisters, driven by Larry Patton and watched over by experienced sidesaddle rider Terrie Todd, help us understand why many early settlers walked instead of rode in their covered wagons.

In the Butterfly Tent, Randy and Judy Mills tell us more about their operation. Their ranch is named after Patrick Doyle the first settler in Marion County. Their current home, built in 1882 by Mr. Doyle, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Randy Mills tells of the benefit of fire in maintaining the prairie. My observation is the Flint Hills saying, “Take care of the grass and it will take care of you” is evident in their pasture. Proper grass care as well as their high quality controlled and documented cattle breeding program makes them successful “current stewards” of the Hills.

We attend educational programs explaining the native grasses and birds that inhabit them, the many prolific natural springs, and archeological formations. It is the Evening Primrose Tent with its “Prairie as Muse” presentations that most inspire my day. TerryLee Whetstone, a Cheyenne, plays Native American flute music with such meaning that I only had to close my eyes to slip back in time.

Writers Steven Hind, Jim Hoy and Denise Low read their poems, eloquently telling of their feelings of beauty and love of Kansas in general and Flint Hills specifically. HC Palmer, poet and Leon Loughridge have collaborated in publishing their artistic descriptions by poem and woodblock prints of the landscapes of the Flint Hills. Loughridge, a Colorado artist tells of his love of the region and its people despite his early stereotyped feelings of Kansas' flat terrain. I feel honored to have these professional and talented writers share their work and inspirations. A perfect prelude to the anticipated final program of the day, the concert.

My words cannot describe the beauty of a full orchestra in this setting. The sound system enables the entire hillside to hear the smallest, quietest note and as well as the full expression of each instrument. Copeland, Grofe, Bernstein, Barry. All recognized music even to an inexperienced ear such as mine. For me, Director Steven Jarvi’s final presentation of John Berry’s Dances with Wolves Suite was especially moving when Native American riders circled the site then ascended the nearby hill to silhouette against the sky as the last notes rolled across the valley.

Randy Mills said earlier in the day, “I like to be out here by myself. Early in the morning on a horse or in a pickup. It’s quiet.” Judy quickly added, “It’s God’s Country.” For a split second, even among thousands of others before the applause erupted, I for one and perhaps many others at the 2009 Symphony in the Flint Hills shared Randy and Judy’s feeling of quietly being by ourselves with nature.

Missouri Chocolate Wine Trail February 2009

2009-02-28T23:50:00.016-06:00

Chocolate Wine Trail

Red wine and Chocolate. Who wouldn’t want to spend afternoon with this pairing?

We thought 1,200 people would—without us.

The Trekker is hibernating and we feel like waking her up for a weekend in Missouri Wine Country February 21 and 22, 2009, the weekend of the Chocolate Wine Trail. However, the web site informs us all 1,200 tickets are sold. After several inquiries, still no tickets are available on Thursday the 19th. Friday afternoon, I make one last pleading call to our favorite Robllers Winery. Sweet words, “Yes, we have two unclaimed tickets”

We are up, loaded and on the road by 6:30am. I have a casserole in the truckers oven for lunch. This will give us a nutritious beginning to an afternoon of desserts.

Robllers wine tasting room has a warm, festive atmosphere. Our complimentary Chocolate Wine Trail glasses are ready with Villa Rouge, a Semi - dry, fruit forward, red wine. It compliments the Double Chocolate Cheesecake perfectly. Yes, I said, “double chocolate.” The chocolate cheese cake contained bits of sweet chocolate.

We have several favorites at Robllers, so we stock up with a case for home.

On to Bias Winery. We miss visiting this old favorite last fall. It is good to make our way up the hill and see that nothing has changed. A warm fire greets us in their tasting room as well as a Double Chocolate Valentine Brownie, paired with their Rose`. We expected most wine pairings to be red, but the Bias choice is nice. We enjoy the fire and make our treat last.

OakGlenn sits high above the Missouri River. We always catch the fall view from their patio. Now, we are invited to their second floor entertainment room to enjoy the view through curved picture windows as we sip their River View Red wine with Chocolate Pound Cake with Cherry Cream. As it turns out, this is the most generous serving—and I ate it all. We purchased a bottle of the River View Red to share with friends as we thought it an exceptionally good dessert choice.

Hermannhof Winery is serving their guests in a beautiful brick lined wine cellar. The candlelight compliments the chocolate Hazelnut Terrine, paired with an especially smooth Norton wine. We are tempted to tarry, but there are others waiting their turn so we move on. Not without buying a bottle of the Norton, loaf of their fresh baked bread and chunk of cheese for a non sweet treat later.

Stone Hill Winery has a nice visitor center with colorful wine accessories and displays. We are ready to walk around a bit before sampling their Cheesecake-filled Dark Chocolate Crown with Mixed Berry Drizzle paired with 2006 Port. The Chocolate Wine Trail is winding down. We enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere in the Stone Hill tasting room. We lingered a while.

Regretfully, our last chocolate awaits us at Adam Puchta Winery. The Work of the Devil Chocolate Sundae. a hat tip to the Mardi Gras celebration, is oh so sinful with their Signature Port. We are served in their beautiful native stone wine cellar/Bistro. We take our time, sip our wine and, of course, eat all of the “sinfully” tasty dessert.

While the cost of the afternoon at $30 per person might seem a bit high, it included six delicious desserts with wine. It is always difficult to determine how much one is willing to spend for an opportunity for a new experience on a road trip. However, looking back, we laughed, enjoyed each new tasting occasion and slowed life’s pace for a brief overnight vacation. For us, as we begin to tire of winter, this was a perfect little trip.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Hermann to Jefferson City along river road Hwy 100

After completing the Chocolate Trail, we decide to begin our return trip west on Hwy 100 following the Missouri River and Louis and Clark Trail to Jefferson City. While we make the trip to Missouri wine country often, we have never followed this route home. What a pleasant surprise. Dan and I especially enjoy rivers and river towns.

The Gasconade River is nearly always a destination when we are in Hermann. We cross this river on a ferry to eat at our favorite Rivers Edge Restaurant. This time, however, we cross the river on a new modern bridge and pass the town of Gasconade. I have my heart set on a sunset over the River so I am anxious to find a suitable location. It is too early here. In our haste, we miss checking out the town and the location of the joining of the two rivers. Next time.

From Gasconade, we cut away from the river over bluffs. While winter is keeping everything brown and asleep, this drive any other time of year, especially fall, would be beautiful.

Chamois brought us back to the river. I mean, right on the river at their boat ramp and camp ground. We make a note this is a great riverside camping location with electrical hookups for $15 or tent for $5. We stay briefly to watch several hardy fishermen in boats.

Further down Hwy 100, we turn on State Hwy C which takes us past the town of Frankenstein. This tiny town maintains a Catholic church called Our Lady of Help with a beautiful castle architecture. It appears the town is not named after the monster, but rather for Gottfried Franken who in 1890 donated land for a church.

State Hwy C passes through Amish country. I guess everything needs repair at some point.

These were on display by a private home. The tall Native American is cut from a rounded tank. Notice the home in the background for perspective

Bonnots Mill web site says it’s “Just down the hill by the river.” How true. It is also like dropping back in time. Built on a hill near the confluence of the Osage and Missouri Rivers, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. A Bed and Breakfast and “Old Bank” meeting place appear to be right out of the 1800s. I was able to take my sunset pictures from their river access and still explore the area before dark.

We closed the day by exploring Jefferson City long enough to find the capitol and admire it’s architecture before finding a place to spend the night and heading home the next morning.

Black Hills, Custer State Park, Devils Tower and Buffalo Roundup September 2008

2008-10-24T22:27:00.019-05:00

A buffalo roundup. A scene in a old western movie? No, this is an annual event at Custer State Park in the Black Hills of South Dakota each fall.

The Buffalo Roundup is the reason for and in many ways the best part of our trip, but happens at the very end. Of course, I must tell everything leading up to this point.

Getting there:

Wrapping up a garage sale with Kim, Marc and family, we leave Topeka on Saturday around 2:30 pm. It seems we never drive in a straight line on a vacation. From Kansas to South Dakota would logically be north through central Kansas and Nebraska. We decide it wouldn’t be too much out of our way to visit Doug, Drue, Trent and Carly in Monument Colorado. We tire out at Burlington Colorado so park, close the curtains and call it a night. The next morning we arrive in Monument in time to take the family to breakfast at the Coffee Cup Café.

Eventful two days include accompanying the kids to the amazing Rocky Mountain Zoo and making a tape-recorded recollection of my 93year old uncle’s childhood with my mother. This is a priceless highlight, thanks to his daughter and my cousin, Sylvie, who helps with the memories. We also convince Roger, Dan’s cousin to come up from the Springs for dinner. It’s a good visit, but time to move on.

From Monument, we take Hwy 105 through Palmer Lake north catching the bypass around south Denver to I70. This route is an alternate to I25 and well worth the extra time because of the less commercial view of the Front Range. Since our destination is Granby Colorado, we head west on 70 to Hwy 40 and north through Berthoud Pass. The drive is beautiful as Aspens are starting their show in the lower elevations and in full color on the pass.

Ken and my cousin Kaylene have lived in Granby for years. A visit to their home always includes a meal “thrown together” but contains delicious touches of Kaylene’s gourmet cooking. It is almost sundown before we make the short drive to just inside Rocky Mountain Park and the elk herd in the area. Luckily, the rut is not complete and we hear the bull elk bugle. What a grand yet eerie sound. The magnificent young bull is keeping track of his cows. Closer to our vantage spot we spot an older bull with a huge rack. He bugles but the ladies he is pursuing seem to be moving toward the younger group. So goes life.

Kaylene and Ken plug the Trekker in and we bed down. We barely keep warm during the 28 degree night. Kaylene loans us another blanket for the rest of the trip. Thankfully, this is the coldest night we encounter.

Wednesday morning we take advantage of a hot shower, a short visit and Kaylene’s delicious blueberry pancakes. Hwy 125 takes us north through Rand, a little town with a sense of humor.

A little further down the road is Walden. Our friends there are back in Kansas. That’s OK as there are miles ahead of us in Wyoming! Lots of miles, we discover.

Before we reach Colorado’s northern border, we continue on Hwy 125 north from Walden. This is Colorado’s hay country. Of course, every ranch has horses. They paint a beautiful picture grazing on the newly mowed but still green fields with mountains in the background.

Cheyenne, Wyoming is a real western town. It even smells dusty. We drive around because we need to find a Wal Mart. Now, some might think we are addicted to Wal Marts, but this is legitimate. Our back battery, the one for the RV, is not holding a charge and we want to trade it in for a new one. We never did find a Wal Mart. We thought, “oh well, we’ll catch one in another town.” In the end, we had many laughs about that thought. Not every town here in God’s country has this Midwest mainstay.

We leave Cheyenne around 4:00 pm traveling north on Hwy 85 which parallels the Wyoming/Nebraska border. Thankfully, I put together a hamburger and vegetable meal in our trucker’s oven and it smells delicious. Many miles of wide open spaces go by before we decide to stop and eat at a roadside oasis overlooking the rolling Wyoming hills. Our meal might as well be at a five star restaurant. Of course, it helps we are hungry as the coyotes running in the distance.

It is close to 10:00 pm when we reach a small Wyoming town named Lusk. We drive around a bit. It’s always interesting to check out a small town at night. Lusk did not disappoint. There is a group of pickups and a bunch of people doing something on a side street. A slow drive by tells the story. It is a locker plant and hunters are butchering their game right there on the side street and throwing the waste into a big gravel type dump truck—and it looks full! In another drive by, We determine it must be deer and antelope hunting season. Our observation of Wyoming up to that point is they have plenty of both.

Up early the next morning, we pay tribute to the west by washing eggs and bacon down with strong perked coffee.

Black Hills

It is 10:00 am when we arrive in Custer South Dakota. First a small café, coffee and roll to make plans. We learn from our waiter the large painted buffalo around town are part of the Custer Stampede celebration. It would be fun to find each of the 30 buffalo and see the artists creations. Instead, we walk a short distance to the Custer welcome center for maps and information.

One would think Custer might cater to tourists since it sits at the gateway to the Black Hills. The community art event and Taste of Custer listed on their schedule for the weekend implies a more interesting and creative town. We move on as it is a beautiful day and we are anxious to see the hills.

We enter the park and find ourselves at the Sylvan Lake parking lot, which is a beautiful spot. It seems a perfect place to park the Trekker, unload the Yamaha TW 200 trail/road bike off the back, and take off.

Needles highway is a beautiful winding road up through the black hills. It was a perfect day to be on the cycle on switchbacks and pony tails (the road makes a complete circle with the end of the circle going under the beginning). The rock formations are sharply upward as needles might be. There are tunnels that even the Trekker would have trouble negotiating. At one point, we could sit on a hill and see Mount Rushmore in the distance and another the faces are framed in the exit of a tunnel.

The entire afternoon we ride main roads as well as back roads. Whereas Colorado has mountains, these are smaller hills but ruggedly beautiful in their own way. There is pine beetle damage but the park is working to cut the dead trees.

There are no crowds although Harley riders are numerous. It is no wonder Sturgis has become a motorcycle mecca. The city is located near a great place to explore on a bike.

It is late afternoon before we get back to the Trekker. Steak and trimmings for dinner. Bill and Roxanne stop by to introduce themselves and talk a bit about the Roadtrek. They are not RVers but enjoy the outdoors and are interested in our small vehicle. We visit about their Iowa cattle ranch and the new bull they are on their way home from purchasing in Wyoming. Darkness settles in and we bid our new acquaintances goodbye. We still have the battery problem and word is there is a Wal Mart in Rapid City. We are off.

We find the Wal Mart, get the battery and spend the night in their parking lot. Our little Trekker is lost among the big (I mean big) RV rigs.

Friday morning we keep it simple with coffee and cereal. Since we are north, we decide on Deadwood as the morning’s destination. At one time, it was a bustling gold mining town nestled in a valley. It has a rich history of gambling and fancy ladies as a result of gold found in the surrounding streams and hills. When gaming was approved in 1989, stores such as JC Penneys closed and once again gambling is its mainstay.

I take $20 in cash thinking I would try my luck at gambling. Instead, we opt for a guided tour—money much better spent. Our guide is informed and personable. Of course, Deadwood is where Wild Bill Hickok was murdered. A sign on the trolley said it all, “This trolley is the only place in town that does not claim to be where Hickok was shot.” We did learn where it actually happened as well as facts about his life, Calamity Jane and the gold mining history of the town. Our experience is, skip all the gambling and take the tour.

After lunch at Deadwood, we park the Trekker at a little break in the road called Savory. Once again unloaded the TW and explored. The first stop is Roughlock falls. Yes!! A waterfall—actually a beautiful big one on top with a smaller one at the bottom.

I didn’t think this could be topped until we were poking around gravel backroads and saw a sign pointing to Cement Lookout. What a find. It is an old fire lookout with a beautiful surround view. The hills off in the distance looked black. A local man who also wandered up to the lookout said this was the reason for the name, “black hills.” He also told us this is where the locals come to see the trees when they reach their full color. He said they weren’t there yet. We are not surprised as peak tree color is an occurrence we seem to always just miss.

Later, we come upon Rod and Gun Campground. It was a beautiful location by a small stream and against a big cliff. There is an open spot. Since it is “first come, first serve,” we hurriedly ride back to the Trekker. Luckily, we get parked in a perfect spot and immediately scavenge for wood and start a fire. Cheese, fruit and wine. We agree, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Morning finds us still awed by the view of the sun peeking over the canyon. Another tip from a local said not to miss the waterfall behind the restaurant at Savory as it is not well marked. He is right, the waterfall is beautiful. Then on to today’s destination, Devils Tower.

Devils Tower

Devils Tower holds the distinction of being our first national monument, established in 1906. Many American Indian tribes hold the Tower as a sacred site. As we walk the trail around the base, it is awe-inspiring. How would early inhabitants explain this massive structure erupting from the surrounding plains? The popular modern explanation for its formation is that it is the remnant of a volcano, underground millions of years ago. Now the softer rocks surrounding the center have eroded away leaving the rock columns.

It is a windy day so we were sure no one would be climbing. No so, there were at least four climbing parties on the face. Information available told us more than 5,000 climbers from all over the world attempt Devils Tower each year. Speaking to the sensitivity of this group of athletes, most avoid climbing the month of June because that time is of religious significance to the Native American tribes of Lakota, Kiowa, Arapaho, Cheyenne and Crow.

It wasn't always "Devils Tower." Tribal stories about the monument's creation mentioned bear because the lines in the rock resembled bear claws. Early names included Bear Lodge (Mateo Teepee. A 1875 U. S. Geological Survey party led by Col. Richard I. Dodge called attention to the tower. Later, in a book written by Col. Dodge, he is credited with being the first to call it Devil's Tower, his interpretation of the Native American's "Bad God Tower."

We enjoy prairie dogs. So, on the way out of the 1,347 acre park, we spend time watching the inhabitants of the prairie dog town along the road. Of course, they are used to humans so they sit on top of their holes sounding the alert when we approach, but for the most part, do not move.

On the way back, we find a roadside area and enjoy a lunch of fresh eggplant, zucchini, and tomato stir-fry. We happened on the Saturday morning Farmer’s market in Spearfish earlier. Thankfully, the fresh vegetables are still plentiful

It is nearly dark when we enter the Custer State Park campground. In keeping with our habit of not making reservations, we do not have much hope in finding a place in the area adjoining the Buffalo Roundup booths and educational sites. To our amazement, there is a tent site available! Our RV is not much bigger than most SUVs so we are set. The park supervisor informs us another tent site will be available for the Sunday night.

Buffalo Roundup

Each year Custer State Park rangers and other interested people roundup the buffalo roaming freely in the park all year for vaccinations, health checks and culling. Several weeks after the roundup there is a public auction. In this way, the herd is healthy and the numbers stay constant.

In recent years, Custer State Park opens up the roundup for public viewing. Slated for Monday morning, the weekend it is “everything buffalo” in the park.

We walk to the art fair and chili cook-off on Sunday morning. The weather is beautiful—a perfect time to walk among the booths. The Buffalo Billfold Company has beautiful handbags made from buffalo hide. I decide on a small one that catches my eye mostly because of the snap made from a buffalo nickel. We enjoy visiting with Bill and Lauri Keitel. Bill, an accomplished musician, plays and sings a beautiful song (Irish folksong, I believe) on his guitar for a few of us standing around.

We learn about South Dakota native snakes and predator birds in the educational tent. The handlers and their animals are from the Reptile Gardens, voted one of the top ten roadside attractions in the United States. After listening to the presentations, we must come back to the Black Hills to visit the Botanical garden. They are professional and articulate.

Lunch, as one might imagine, is burgers made from pure buffalo meat. Grilled and hot, they are very good.

The Chili Cook Off next. Wow! Hot stuff. We didn’t stay to see who won, but our vote, by placing beans in a jar, is for personalities of people cooking rather than the taste of their chili. It is fun.

We decide to unload the TW and check out the location of the roundup in the morning. A beautiful sunset ride.

Up early Monday morning, along with hundreds of people in their cars. Yet, with the wide open space, it doesn’t seem crowded. The weather is perfect, we feel fortunate.

There are two viewing spots. Once again, we take our cue from a local resident who has attended the roundup previously and find a spot on the south viewing area.

We aren’t the only spectators. On a hill in the distance, we spot burros and antelope looking, as we are, to the horizon. Almost as if choreographed for a movie, we see a line of buffalo along the top of the ridge moving our way. We train our binoculars on the spectacular event of hundreds of magnificent animals moving in one direction. As they circle down into the valley, some of the horseback riders move aside for pickup trucks. Pushing the group into one small pen is a job. Buffalo are big enough to do whatever they want and some of them do. The riders double back to turn the stragglers back to the herd. They ride in front, crack the whip and then get out of the way. Sometimes the buffalo turn—sometimes not.Photo courtesy of Custer State Park

At the end, the herders push hard. They are close by this time. The horns and thick manes, the sound and feel of thunder from hooves, snorts and dust. For a moment, everyone is quiet. We are in another time.

We will come again. It is that beautiful.

There is nothing that can top this experience. We turn the Trekker south toward Kansas and head home.

Oktoberfest Hermann Missouri 2008

2008-10-23T19:35:00.000-05:00

One last roadtrip beckons before we winterize the Trekker. It is a three-day weekend for me so Friday night finds us making our way to Hermann Missouri.

Hoping for Columbia, but hindered by drooping eyelids, the first Wal-Mart Parking lot we find east of Kansas City is our alternate destination. Our niece and family welcome us at 8:30 Saturday morning. A quick visit, delicious breakfast pizza and we are on the road again. We meet the rest of our group in New Florence, the exit off I 70 to Hermann

Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday we enjoy our favorite vineyards.

OakGlen Winery is first. Somewhat miffed this winery is the only one on the Hermann wine trail charging a fee to enter and taste, we decide to stop anyway mainly for the spectacular view of the Missouri River Valley. The band is excellent. Their wine is good with our meat, cheese and crackers. With the fees, we didn't feel an obligation to purchase any extra wine.

Our plan is to stop by Hermannhof Winery on our way back through Hermann. There is no way! It was unbelievably crowded. Hermannhof is located in Hermann and within walking distance of the Amtrak depot. Missouri and Amtrak work together to provide transportation from Kansas City and St Louis across Missouri. There are two opportunities to catch trains each way daily. Obviously, many young people take advantage of this trip.

We pass by Hermannhof opting for Adam Puchta & Son Wine Co.

Adam Puchta is one of Hermann's older wineries dating to 1839. Probation destroyed the vineyard, but was reestablished in 1988. We enjoy Norton and Chardonel wines as well as Hunter's Red. We linger here as perfect weather and colorful trees make this a quiet, relaxing stop.

We left Adam Puchta for the Rivers Edge restaurant. Not only does this restaurant have good food, the only access from the north is a ferry across the Gasconade River. A step back in time. Only one of our group orders wine with the meal, the rest of us opt for water--lots of it!

Sunday morning we start with a new destination, Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery. What a delight. We will be returning in the future. Nick Bommarito and his children established their 10 acres of vines in 1996 and opened in 2000. They only make five wines and only use grapes from their vineyards. The daughters serve the samples and Mr. Nick sells the bottles. They are personable and friendly. We park ourselves in the shade and enjoy several bottles of their excellent St. Vincent and Norton with specially prepared brats.

Robller Vineyard Winery is always on our list. A family winery with a fun tasting room, colorful terrace and entertainment most weekends. We hang around to enjoy Gary Sluhan and his Jimmy Buffet covers. Robert and Lois Mueller purchased their land in 1989 and the winery opened in 1991. We said hello to them as they roam among the guests. Their personal touch is evident from start to end. Hands down, our favorite stop each year.

Our wine trail finally ends late Sunday afternoon at the Hermannhof winery. The crowd mostly gone, we enjoy the traditional German music and dancing.

Although not too hungry, we picnic at the Hermann River's Edge Park. It is hard to finally say goodnight to our friends and ready ourselves for the trip home, a case of wine for the holidays in tow.

Cache La Poudre River, Routt National Forest and Colorado State Forest

2008-08-05T22:55:00.005-05:00

A trip to Colorado in the summer! I am excited. Our destination is the Routt National Forest. There is an important stop first—Monument and our grandkids.

Since Doug and Drue moved to Colorado, we plan three to four visits a year. Doug’s birthday is mid September so we wait until then to enjoy the fall Aspens and less crowds. A recent move and the fact Trent, Carly and Drue are involved with school is changing our schedule.

I know it is hard to believe, but 9:30 PM, Tuesday, July 22, we leave Skye at our neighbors and take off west.

Our plan is to avoid Kansas heat. And we did. We drive to the Russell rest stop before fatigue sets in at 1:00 am. Five o’clock am finds us perking coffee, anxious to make time in the cool morning air. We reach downtown Denver during the lunch hour, pick up the motorcycle carrier and arrive in Monument at 2:00 pm Wednesday.

Moving is still in progress, so we help where needed—mainly by watching Trent and Carly. Their new home is perfect. They will enjoy the extra space and beautiful view.

Sadly, limber pine dwarf mistletoe, a damaging parasite of pine trees, is present in some of the trees. Infected trees eventually die. Thankfully, the Mountain Pine Beetle has not reached their trees.

Friday morning, we all pack to go our separate ways. The kids leave for Estes Park to camp with friends. Doug plans to climb Longs Peak on Saturday. Our destination for the next five days is Routt National Forest and Colorado State Forest.

Cache La Poudre, Routt National Forest & Colorado State Forest
The trip north from Monument goes quickly. We stop in Fort Collins for supplies, and then begin the trip through the Cache La Poudre/North Park Scenic Byway.

We allow plenty of time. I am glad, as it is a beautiful trip. Highway 14 winds alternately through steep canyons and wide vistas while following the Cache La Poudre (pronounced cash luh pew-der) River. The lower part of the river is perfect for lounging on inner tubes. We wish we could join those leisurely floating by.

Further up the canyon we watch laughing groups take out rafts. When I see where they had traversed the river, I am not so sure I would want to join this trip.

As we approach Cameron Pass, the Trekker makes the climb effortlessly. Our destination is our friends Mark and Karen’s home currently under construction. Mark tells us it is exactly 17 miles from the top of the pass. As we roll down the other side, we pass Gould a small dot on the map. I guess a restaurant and campground does make a town. A day later, we find this little town has plenty of pride.

Soon we park in Mark & Karen’s front yard and enjoy a beautiful sunset, hummingbirds and lively conversation. Mark’s sister Scarlett and her husband, Rex are already there. All of us are about the same age and background. We have a lot in common.

Throughout our journey through the canyon and National Forest we notice entire sides of mountains infected with the Mountain Pine Beetle. Mark and Karen’s property is no exception. The six of us spend half a day cutting and removing dead trees. There is still much work to be done. I hope that removing the dead trees will give live trees a better chance. Mark assures us he will not be burning any of the large piles of branches until there is snow because of fire hazard. The positive side is beetle damaged trees do not lose their integrity. The lumber has a blue tinge and we spotted its use in Mark & Karen's beautiful new home.

We all look forward to the community turkey fry at the Gould Community Center. The meal consisting of five deep fried turkeys accompanied by potluck dishes is wonderful. We are impressed with the community spirit shown during the evening. The event is a fundraiser for the center, a former WWII POW camp. Signs are still evident in the building where prisoners stayed and cut wood during their internment.

Sunday morning we attended church in Walden a quaint, interesting town seemingly unaffected by tourism. Friendly, warm smiles welcome us as if we belong. The church is rich with history, including two paintings done in the 1930s by young artists who wintered in the church basement due to lack of funds. The long winters and accompanying harsh climate draws residents together, then and now. They look out for each other.

After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, we prepare for the move to the Routt National forest the next day. Dan and I will only stay a few days. Others will come and go for two weeks.

Friends and family of Mark and Karen meet at Routt National Forest to celebrate the memory of Ken, their son, who was killed in a snow mobile accident in 2001. During the stay, everyone makes the trip up the mountain to the accident site. Children and adults tie yellow ribbons on surrounding trees as a memorial. We did not know Ken well, but the number of family and friends who gather each year in his honor let us know he was a special person.

A highlight of our stay at the Routt National Forest campsite (lower left near Pines)
is the trips on specially designated trails up into the mountains. The sunset run was especially beautiful as was the top of the mountain experience. Also, each morning we left the campsite at 6:00 am to travel to the Colorado State Forest North Michigan Reservoir, just a few miles north, to fish for trout. We were quite successful at the spillway below the dam catching our limit all three days.

Thursday comes too soon. We leave at noon, making it to the Kansas Welcome Center for the night. The next morning we stopped at Chapman to see Mom and arrive home by 2:00 pm.

For those who care about this sort of thing, we traveled 1,631 miles, used 98.406 gallons of gas, averaging 16.57 mpg costing us $380.17 in fuel costs. Our RV is a ¾ ton conversion van weighing 7,640 pounds (we weighed it on a truckers scale on I 70 coming home). We attribute the fairly good mileage to keeping the speedometer at 62 to 65 mph. Not counting groceries (we have to eat at home) nor the cost of the RV (about the same as a nice SUV) the nine-day vacation cost about $550.

Beautiful family, friends, scenery, food and weather. This Colorado trip was worth every penny.

Colorado July 2008 1

Click on picture to start slideshow

You Tube video

Symphony in the Flint Hills 2008

2008-06-17T07:02:00.003-05:00

Is it diamonds in the grass? Yes, only it's dew drops at sunrise. Sparkling prairie and occasional wildflowers seem undisturbed the morning after. I peek out of our modern covered wagon, see empty tents, gently waving flags and remember.

Symphony in the Flint Hills greeted 6,000 visitors with a miracle of sunshine and a gentle breeze on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Lakeview Ranch south of Council Grove. Horseback riders ever willing to visit and tell about their horse and life on the prairie greeted us on the walk to the concert site.

As we arrive, we are surprised to see Bruce and Susie Taylor, lifetime Chapman area residents. They are enjoying a day away from the traumatic past few days at home. Although they personally did not have damage, members of their family did. It was good for them to talk and us to listen.

We still have time for three seminars before our volunteer duties.

Luther Pepper, a member of the Kaw Nation, tells stories of the early Kaw/Kanza Indian presence in the Flint Hills. Kansa means “south wind people.” The men hunted and the females cultivated, harvested and stored. They called the prairie their home from the 1600s until 1854 when they were moved south to Indian Territory now Oklahoma.

Leo Oliva is a long time expert on the Santa Fe Trail. On September of 1821, William Bicknell and four other people set out from Franklin Missouri with goods to sell at Santa Fe. They make a 2,000% profit and thus the beginning of the well-known commerce trail established centuries earlier by prehistoric Indians.

Seminars in the Butterfly Milkweed Tent feature families who have deep roots in the Flint Hills. Their love of the land, cattle and open spaces is obvious. Modern ranching is computerized and complicated. I did not hear one panel member say they wished to do anything else.

We eat a traditional picnic dinner of barbecued beef and pork and all the fixings. Many others tote in picnics and eat on blankets spread on the hillside.

The concert is beautiful. The vastness of the open prairie provides the perfect backdrop for a symphony, which at its loudest speaks to thunder and softest the song of Bob White Quail and Meadowlark. After intermission, we notice wranglers slowly herding cattle over a knoll. Horses and riders hold them in place as the music continues. Then, as Overture to The Cowboy (1980) by John Williams begins, they herd the cattle over the slope and through a break in the hill behind the orchestra. The cowboy music with the visual makes me tearful.

As if on cue by the conductor of the Kansas City Symphony, Damon Gupton, the sun slowly slips down over the hills at the last note of the concert.

Most packed blankets and chairs and headed home. We opted to watch the stillness set in over the prairie then headed for the star gazing area to look at an almost full moon and stars. I was able to see Saturn’s rings, a thrill.

Earlier in the day, Peg Jenkins, a Flint Hills rancher, eloquently told her thoughts about living her entire life in the prairie. “There is sacredness in the grasslands. You can see God. When I was a girl, I dreamed I would ride to the top of every hill to see what was on the other side. I have never had any desire to do anything else”

Thank you, Peg, for sharing your prairie…and its diamonds.

Click on photo for slide show.

Symphony in the Flint Hills 2008

Same pictures in YouTube Video

Breckenridge Family Ski Vacation January 2008

2008-02-09T07:36:00.000-06:00

The ski trip is part of our family’s Christmas celebration. Rather than converge on our Monument families house, Drue found a Breckenridge vacation home to use for three days.

The trip as far as Monument on Thursday went well. After visiting our uncle near Old Colorado Town, we head to Breckenridge the "back way" on Hwy 24.

This route through Woodland Park, Lake George and Fairplay is in a wide valley plane with mountains always in view. It is especially beautiful with new snow. Fairplay is a tidy appealing little town. We arrive hungry. There are several tempting restaurants but we are in a hurry and opt for a sub at the gas station. What a surprise. The sandwich is huge and delicious.

From Fairplay, Hwy 9 passes through Hosier pass, drops into Breckenridge valley and our destination.

By 2:00 pm on Friday the adults are enjoying the cabin's high glass windows with views of snow topped trees and Norwegian style snow covered rooftops while the kids find the hot tub and games. We plan our menu, run to the grocery store and rent skis.

The Breckenridge ski slope is a short distance away, however we choose to drive to Copper Mountain, another 20 minutes away. Copper offers discounts on already high priced lift tickets so is worth the extra time and miles.

Dan and I watch Carly and Evan on Saturday. Those two little ones are a joy. Carly will keep up with her brother and cousins on the slopes in a year or two. Evan at six months has a few years to go.

Dan's fire is roaring when the group arrives red faced and cold. The January weather is in the teens with gusts but the snow is perfect. Trent knows his stuff. In order to keep up Aaron and Adam worked hard learning to manage the skis and turns. We hear about the exciting day over our home cooked meal and wine.

Sunday's dawn is cold but with forecasts of sun. Kim and Trent are under the weather though so they stay behind with Dan,Drue, Evan and Carly. I am excited to be with the remaining family to experience the perfect snow myself.

What a fun day. Aaron and Adam master the skills which enables us to catch another lift that takes us to the top of the mountain. Beautiful scenery and snow.

The sun is slipping down as we return our skis and boots to the rental shop and head back to the cabin. A trip to the doctor assures Trent and his Mom the fever is just a bad cold. Kim is feeling better, thankfully. We enjoy another good meal and pack our things to leave.

Monday morning the sun was peeking over the mountain when we pulled up in front of the Blue Moose cafe for coffee and breakfast. By 8:00am nearly everyone was headed east on I 70.

We encounter nasty weather near Denver slowing traffic, but we slip through Denver without too many delays. The rest of the way home, we hit our time goals including a stop at Peg’s for a delicious dinner with her family. Her son Todd made his famous spaghetti sauce. We soon learn how it acquired its name.

With goodbyes to Peg and family, the last lap went quickly.

Christmas in January is relaxing and provides many memorable connections with family. Our family highly recommends it.

Son, Doug. Aaron & Adam, Kim & Marc's boys and me. Marc is there too taking the picture.

Iowa and down the Mississippi River

2007-11-17T23:20:00.002-06:00

Several years ago, we visited the Amana Colonies in Central Iowa, where a local business builds beautiful, hand-made solid wood furniture. A fine looking walnut rocking chair caught our eye. It was rather pricey and we passed. However, Dan felt I needed the chair and consequently, I began to think I needed the chair too. Despite the price tag, we headed north on I 35 for the Amana furniture store.

But first, south of Amana is Kalona. The Amish arrived in the Kalona area in 1846. It now is home to the largest Amish-Mennonite settlement west of the Mississippi River. Their quiet unpretentious lifestyle is “expected and accepted” within the community. The Old Order Amish live and dress simply, shunning modern convenience and living “close to the soil.” The Beachy Amish, New Order Amish and Mennonites also reside in the Kalona area. All are friendly and willing to help anyone of any religion in time of need.

I sighted the Kalona Bakery first. A young, plainly dressed friendly girl served up our huge fresh rolls. On our way out, a black high-topped Amish carriage drawn by two matching black horses rounded the corner at a swift trot. It struck me this is not a tourist trap, but a community with business to be done.

We finished our breakfast and drove about thinking we might see why the gentleman was in such a hurry. Not finding his horses tied to any of the hitching rails throughout the town, we decided to drive out in the country to look at the neat, well-kept farms and perhaps see harvest underway. .

Several miles from town, we happened upon JK Creative Wood & Gifts, a store with locally hand crafted wood products. The owner’s family lived in the area many years. We enjoyed her wry sense of humor as she willingly shared their history. We purchased a couple Christmas gifts. As we left, she encouraged us to visit a neighboring business.

The Community Country Store is a step back in time. Outside we chose a large butternut squash. There were also fresh country eggs available. Inside we shopped with German speaking Amish women. I purchased a sack of freshly ground whole-wheat flour taken from a shelf along side bulk oatmeal, sugar, brown sugar and other necessities. One young Amish girl caught my eye. I wondered if the two-wheeled cart with the beautiful black horse might belong to her. Sure enough, we left the same time and the cart was hers. The spirited horse shook its head and took off. She smiled and shyly waved. I thought even in the simplicity of the transportation, she chose a combination of speed and perhaps a little daring not unlike any young person.

We visited one more furniture store and stopped by the Kalona Cheese Factory on our way out of town. We picked out several varieties of cheese as well as fresh cheese curds for our lunch at a local park. Then it was on to look at the rocking chair at the Amana Colonies.

It was only a short drive from Kalona to the Amana Colonies. I wrote about a previous visit to the Colonies several years ago. It is a nice place to visit with lots of shopping good food. We especially enjoy their hand crafted furniture completed in their shop on the premises.

We quickly found the rocking chairs. Unfortunately, there were no solid walnut rocking chairs, only oak and cherry rockers. Since furniture for the showroom is completed only as the shop has time between custom orders, they don't always have all items available. I'm sure we'll be back.

By this time, it was getting late. My plan was to camp right by the Mississippi River and build a camp fire to roast our hot dogs sort of Huck Finn style. We took the fastest route to the river via I 80. At Davenport we followed the Great River Road to Muscatine, crossed on the Norbert F. Beckey bridge and south. We passed New Boston, a lazy riverside town in Illinois. It was getting dark and we still hadn’t found our campground.

The Big River State Forest sign said, “Camping Available.” Dan spotted a sign pointing toward a boat dock. Ahh, the river. We drove down the road, turned the corner. There was the Mighty Mississippi stretched out ahead with campsites right along side. We shortly had a big roaring fire. The hot dogs were delicious.

The next morning we drank our coffee and watched the sun slowly highlight the still colorful trees across the river. We spotted an Eagle soaring high overhead. We continued down the Illinois side, crossed the Great River Bridge at Burlington, then continued down to Ft. Madison. Once again we crossed at the Keokuk-Hamilton bridge, a rather plain bridge with an expansive river view.

Continuing south along the Missouri side to Quincy, we crossed the Quincy Bayview Bridge, ate a catfish lunch and returned. Continuing south, we drove around the historic Hannibal and found the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge but didn’t cross.

If there is any one part of the Mississippi River Trail anyone should see it would be the Louisiana to Clarkston Missouri road. It has been designated as a National Scenic Byway and rightfully so. The trees we only slightly past prime and the views magnificent.

By LindaK
Finally, we bypassed St. Louis, crossed the Missouri River at Washington and followed our usual way home through wine country.

Six bridges over the Mississippi River, colorful fall trees and good food completed a short but fun roadtrip even though we did not bring home the rocker.

Grandpa's trip south through the Flint Hills to the Cherokee Land Rush

2007-10-24T06:07:00.001-05:00

The Cherokee Strip museum was our destination for the day. After stopping by Junction City for rations (groceries), we headed straight south on Hwy 77 through the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills to Arkansas City, Kansas. This is the same trip Dan's grandfather made over 114 years ago.

Although not as dramatic as the Flint Hills along and around I 70, through which we had just traveled to Junction City, it was still a very beautiful drive. Wide open spaces with farm land here and there between large expanses of native grass and clean, small towns. Winfield, Kansas, felt like we were driving into a burg right out of the 50s. The home of the annual bluegrass festival had a beautifully renovated downtown. County seat courthouses with their intricate architecture, have unexpected beauty in rural Kansas.

We pressed on as the museum closed at 5:00 and the afternoon was slipping away.

Dan’s grandfather, Fred, was an adventurous person. We know because he was one of more than 100,000 settlers who lined up to race by horseback or covered wagon for 42,000 claims in the 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run or Rush.

Intended as an outlet to hunting lands in the west, the Cherokee Indians were given this 226 mile long and 58 mile wide parcel of land, called the Cherokee Outlet, in exchange for tribal lands in North Carolina. The Cheyenne, Arapaho and Comanche, also occupied the Cherokee land, were great hunters and recognized no boundaries. Conflicts arose and the land was relatively unused.

After the Civil War Texas cattlemen crossed the outlet along the Chisholm Trail, driving their herds to rail heads in the north. They often stopped to let their herds graze and fatten before continuing north. Soon they were staying too long for the Cherokee to ignore.

From 1883 until 1893 the Outlet was used to graze and fatten cattle because it was easier than driving them from Texas. The Cherokee Tribe received negotiated compensations, first from cattle ranchers then the Federal government.

Meanwhile, immigrants were flocking to the the East coast from Europe, many of them farmers hearing of promises of free land. It was during this time, the United States Government began talking to the Cherokee tribe about selling the Outlet. Finally, after believing they better sell rather than have the land taken, the Cherokee settled on $8.5 million. On the day before the deadline, congress appropriated $8.3 million.

The title cleared in May and on September 16, 1893, the Cherokee Outlet became the Cherokee Strip Land Rush.

As the story was told to me, Fred, a 22-year-old man who was not yet married or settled down, participated in the highly advertised land rush as speculative venture. He wanted eventually to buy a farm near his relatives in Kansas. Fred staked a claim, lived on it the prerequisite six months out of a year, sold it and purchased the farm where Dan’s father was raised near Junction City, Kansas.

We did not realize how fortunate Fred was to claim land. With less than one 160 parcel of land available for every two that rushed, many failed, some died.

Before the Rush, to avoid chaos, the Government opened four land offices inside the strip, one being Perry, which is where Fred filed his claim. He gave his address as Orlando.

It appears Fred traveled south through the strip and made his claim near Perry two days after the initial start. He gave his address as Orlando, Oklahoma, which makes me wonder he scouted his land selection before the rush. He might have been thorough, but he was not a "sooner." These were persons illegally staking a claim by hiding in the strip.

While the museum at Arkansas City, Kansas, was interesting, we did not find information as to the location of Fred’s settlement. Another time we will travel south to Perry Oklahoma to find their records. Our goal is to find the exact location of Fred’s claim.

The Oklahoma Historical Society is building a new Cherokee Strip museum at Perry with scheduled completion 2008. Although we won’t “rush” we will drive our modern day covered wagon to that location another time

Missouri Wine Trail October 2007

2007-10-07T23:17:00.000-05:00

We have fun over the years celebrating Oktoberfest in Missouri wine country, usually with a group. This year it was Dan and I making the adventure. (Pictures at the bottom, but they make more sense if you read first)

We started by enjoying a visit and lunch with friends near Gardner, Kansas. Cheryl recently had back surgery. She is doing amazingly well.

From southern Kansas City, we headed east. We had no schedule, only that we intended to drive the Herrman Missouri Wine Trail on Saturday. Somewhere between Blue Springs and Booneville, Dan brought up shore lunches. The more we thought about it the better it sounded. An exit off I 70 at Booneville, a visit to the local grocery store and we were ready for a shore lunch of pond fed catfish.

We ended up not bringing the bikes. However, we knew there was a picnic area down by the Katy Trail at Rocheport that would be a perfect spot for our fish fry. We had everything out to start frying, only there was one problem. The mosquitoes were relentless. We grabbed up our stuff and took off.

I remembered a well-maintained rest stop near the Herrman exit. It was nearly 8:00 pm when we arrived. As if prepared just for us, there was a well-lit picnic table. We fired up our outdoor propane burner, poured a generous amount of peanut oil in the skillet, rolled the catfish pieces in breading and fried up a shore lunch right there. Delicious.

We boondocked and arrived in Herrman yesterday morning by 9:00 am. After a stop at the candy shop (chocolate with a sweeter wine, of course) we took off south of town for the Adam Puchita vineyard. We were one of the first there. We sampled and purchased just one bottle. I think it was too early as they have excellent wines.

Back to town we drove up to Stone Hill. The view is spectacular from this winery. It is always a beautiful stop.

On the way out of town, we passed Hermannhof Winery. It was already crowded. It is a popular destination for young people—too loud for us.

By this time, it was about time for the KSU/KU game. We decided to head for our favorite, Robllers. We ended up listening to the game under a shade tree, thankful for a bottle (or two) of their good wine to ease our pain.

The entertainment for the afternoon was a musician from St. Louis named Bob. He played every song I have ever loved—at least it seemed so by that time. We decided to pass on the other vineyards on the Trail and enjoy Bob's music.

Bob packed up at 5:00 pm and so did we. Dan had taken a little rest, so he was in fine shape to drive. We headed east intending to cross the Missouri River at Washington, the next bridge after Herrman. We happened on to a very pleasant surprise there. Washington has a park with a picnic tables overlooking the river. We once again fired up our skillet, threw in a couple hamburgers. Instant mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli rounded out our throw together meal. There was no wine served.

We watched the sun set, sending its colors across the river. Local citizens gathered for this event and to watch the boats and jet skiers on the river. I am sure it is especially beautiful in the summer when the sun is further north and would set on the river.

We ate, crossed the Washington bridge and headed we did not know where. Once again things worked out as we ended up at the Graham Cave State Park. It was pitch dark when we arrived, but campers were sitting around bright campfires making it a welcome place to park the Roadtrek for the night. And, a place we plan to return to walk the trails and check out the cave at another time.

This morning, we rose early, showered and took off for Columbia First Christian Church to hear our niece, Rev. Amy Kay, conduct the morning service. Afterward, a quick lunch and visit, then Amy Kay was off to the CROP Walk and Dane to put Sebastian down for his nap.

Five o’clock found us home and unloaded. I’ll say it again, we had fun!

Missouri Wine Country 2007

Click on picture and then "slideshow."

Missouri is not a stranger to us. We have floated on the North Fork of the White River at least seven or eight times. Our kids loved to water ski on Table Rock and even parts of Lake of the Ozarks. The water is clear and there is less wind.

Wine Country is a yearly trip. We visited Branson once. Many of our friends enjoy trips there, but we bypass the crowds for more rural areas.

The road tax must be less because we nearly always find good gas prices. This time we filled up in Washington, MO, for $2.37 a gallon.

Missouri is a tourist destination. They are proud of their attractions. We know because there are billboards informing travelers. Perhaps a few too many. However, unlike Kansas, we did not see a billboard advertising false teeth or reversing a vasectomy.

Almost without fail, we find the people in the rural areas of Missouri friendly and accommodating. They are laid back and seem to enjoy slowing life down a bit.

And, slow it down we did last weekend.

The Great American Cattle Drive September 2007

2007-10-02T23:20:00.000-05:00

It was a treat to meet my blogger friend, Peg, over the weekend. She introduced us to her family and I felt I already knew them as would any of her faithful readers. We circled our wagon in her driveway. We’ll be back.

Ellsworth sponsored the Great American Cattle Drive as a fundraiser for their Drover’s Museum planned for the city’s signature building on main street. It shows forethought by city planners. Ellsworth has a colorful history of cattle drives and drovers who worked them. In addition, the city is a short distance south of I 70. I think it would be a tourist destination for families traveling through Kansas.

Ellsworth also has a cave*. As you see by the picture, two or three shops had a underground street. I am sure there are others beside me who are interested in the cave’s history. Was it protection from elements or a place for men to gather? Or, perhaps, an idea brought from European immigrants.

Overbrook Fair

2007-08-13T06:41:00.001-05:00

Everyone stood as the Boys Scouts respectfully carried the Flags.

In the distance, a cadence followed by a whistle and the school fight song.

The Overbrook Fair parade made its way down Main Street. Overbrook is a small but progressive town of nearly 1,000 located on Highway 56 in Northern Osage County. Their annual fair is a popular area event.

We enjoyed the humorous interpretation the parade theme, America's National Parks. The Red Hat Society float entitled “New Mount Rushmore” featured four classy ladies with fabulous red hats standing behind a cardboard rendition of the familiar landmark.

A local 4-H club theme was Yellowstone Float Trip. A geyser in the form of a blast of water periodically surprised onlookers. Their canoe apparently had a leak as it required someone to bale water seemingly innocent of parade bystanders

Local businesses joined in the fun as two fishermen representing the local bate shop sat on the back of their float each with a fish dangling from their poles. Sadly, one fish appeared to be Nemo.

Traditional parade entries included beautifully renovated 60s era Camero, Mustang and MoPar muscle cars. Well groomed horses pranced while their riders waved. Everyone applauded the realistic miniature Prairie Schooner pulled by draft horses. Last but not least, were the Shriners with motorcycles and “topless” cars.

Mostly absent but not missed were politicians.

After the parade, we had a typical fair meal of cheesy fries and chili dog followed by a piece of homemade blueberry pie.

The rest of the evening, we grouped our lawn chairs while visiting with friends. As the sky darkened, the carnival lights grew brighter. Grandkids in our group rode several rides while others walked over to the livestock pavilion where the pigs were on parade in front of judges. The Overbrook fair has a relationship with the Osage County Fair, but is able to give those who enter an event the opportunity to compete against friends and neighbors who reside in counties nearby.

All too soon, the grandparents grew tired and gathered the reluntant grandchildren to head home. As we walked down the darkened street to our car, youth rode their bikes, couples walked with arms about each other all with the sounds of the demolition derby in the background. Small town fairs are the best.

Sue's Party at the Woodward

2007-07-16T23:26:00.000-05:00

What is a vacation? Is it flying to a destination, a road trip, a cruise?

This past weekend we went on a vacation in less than twenty-four hours and 40 miles round trip.

Our friend Sue reached a milestone birthday earlier this month. Blake and Laura, her children, decided to throw a party to celebrate. When I say “throw” don’t misunderstand. They both are known for their parties and they don't throw one, they present it. Along with about 80 other mutual friends and relatives of Sue, we accepted their invitation.

The Woodward Bed and Breakfast is a 8,300 square foot mansion built 82 years ago in Holliday Park, the first exclusive area in Topeka. The current owner, Elizabeth Taylor, began the B & B in 1994. It is a popular location for small wedding receptions and parties like Sue's.

The gentile setting is apparent as we approached the front door. The bench, flowers, vines about trellises made us want to stop there and relax.

We did not because the guest of honor had not arrived and we needed to get to our place to surprise her. The surprise was to take place in the library. Chester Woodward, the original owner and builder was known for his extensive library—5,000 volumes. The library is the most beautiful part of the home. Each end has two story high stained glass windows, placed so they gather rays from the morning and evening sun. There are tall windows along the north side for natural lighting without glare. The south side is lined with books all the way to the ceiling as under the other windows also. A circular staircase brought us to the mezzanine, more books and where we gathered to wait for the guest of honor.

While waiting we all gazed down on a beautiful floral arrangement; breathtaking in its beauty and size. All evening I along with the other guests kept going back to enjoy the fragile yet majestic beauty of the flowers.

Our birthday girl, Sue, arrived. She jumped right off the floor when we all yelled our Happy Birthday greeting. The party began.

Directly across from the library, through the entry way and sitting room, is the formal dining room. The antique china cabinets with beautiful colored glass and warm glow of small lamps gave the feeling of stepping back in time. The long wood table covered with food was accented by roses, daisies and lilies arranged as a topiary two feet above the table. Unique and beautiful.

We first admired the flowers but soon all were enjoying the delicious food, definitely more than the hor devours stated on the invitation. I immediately spotted the warm chocolate sitting by a big bowl of strawberries and the German chocolate birthday cake. That’s when I decided I was on vacation—eat and enjoy.

Everyone mingled, ate, sipped wine with a talented pianist in the background. All too soon the 11:00 bedtime hour arrived. This is a bed and breakfast and there are rules in the home. Sue’s birthday guests left with a beautiful thank you gift of a fuchsia vase signifying Sue's love of flowers.

We weren’t ready to let the party end so we moved out of the house and into a Caribbean pool garden. We were told we had to be quiet (there were other guests in the house). The garden featured a 8 by 40 foot heated lap pool with little romantic niches with cushioned chairs which all could be viewed from an elevated cabana on one end. We swam, dangled our feet and talked until after midnight.

Sue and her kids had rooms so we tiptoed in to see them. Sue’s room had at least nine small lamps that she looked down on from her very high antique bed. The other two rooms were equally as beautiful. Not to be left out, we pulled our Roadtrek up to the back of the house and we all finally said good night.

We were up by 8:00 Sunday morning. Dan and I decided to enjoy the pool area with morning light where Ms. Taylor treated us to a fresh cup of coffee. Gradually everyone emerged to enjoy the morning and the blooming perennials around the pool. More conversation and reminiscing about the party.

Breakfast (yes we ate even though our bed was the Trekker) was hot scones, eggs and fruit and more coffee.

We were home shortly after noon. Thank you Blake and Laura. Your Mom will never forget her birthday party and neither will her guests.

Symphony in the Flint Hills

2007-06-21T21:20:00.001-05:00

Sky and prairie, wildflowers and butterflies, historical and contempory, beautiful music. Horses riding into the sunset.

Scenes from a movie?

No, scenes from Kansas.

More specifically, Symphony in the Flint Hills, Second Annual Concert 2007, Wade Pasture, Wabaunsee County, Kansas. The concert is a partnership of the Trusler Foundation, K.T.Wiedemann Foundation (current owners of the concert site), and numerous other sponsors. It is a Kansas jewel.

“Breathtaking” was overheard most often among the 6,855 ticket holders and volunteers in attendance. Our friends Jeanne and Denny as well as Dan and I agreed.

The drive to the Wade pasture took us through Eskridge. The whole town must have been on main street. We could have spent time there looking at the exhibit of pictures of the Flint hills published in a recent edition of National Geographic Magazine. Wishing to secure a good spot for the concert, we pushed on down several miles of gravel roads to the concert site.

According to the Symphony in the Flint Hills 2007 Almanac, the Wade pasture is named for Achilles B. Wade, a Lawrence businessman and member of the proslavery “Bogus” Legislature of 1855. The pasture has retained his name.

As we began the three quarter mile walk to the concert site, the beauty of the location was immediately evident. A long view down a classic Flint Hills vista with several horse riders in the distance, wildflowers with butterflies up close and the smell and feel of a fresh summer breeze all together in a perfect late spring day.

Upon arrival at the site, we staked our claim. The program was a mere $2 and well worth the purchase. We studied the numerous choices for educational forums and entertainment. We opted for the tent with programs about traditional and current Flint Hills ranching and stewardship practices. Actual people who live the day to day ranch life shared dialogue and answered questions. Cowboys are colorful and have wonderful stories.

As the concert time drew near, we purchased our pulled beef and pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad and slaw. We were amazed that in the remote hills of Kansas, we would enjoy such delicious food.

Flags carried by current Ft Riley soldiers dressed in dragoon attire and on horseback, began their journey across the valley and progressed to the concert site. Almost total silence made the scene very touching.

The anticipated concert began. The sound system was superb even to the point of hearing individual instruments. A highlight was the solo of Orange Blossom Special by Marvin Gruenbaum. I felt privileged to hear this familiar blue grass standard played by a professional musician and backed by a full orchestra. Another favorite was Buckaroo Holiday from Rodeo by Aaron Copland. All selections were timely for the setting and melodic to an untrained ear.

Almost as if on cue, with the beautiful notes from Finale from Dances With Wolves Suite by Barry, the orange and yellow sun began to slide into the distant Wabannsee County Kansas Flint Hills.

Symphony in the Flint Hills

Click on picture for slide show of the event.

Smoky Hill River Festival, June 2007

2007-06-11T21:09:00.000-05:00

Three stages featuring music. Different bands or groups performing all day and evening. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Another story about the Wakarusa Festival or the upcoming Country Stampede? Read on

One of the stages is devoted entirely to children including storytelling and musical groups. Nearby is a big canopy devoted to arts and crafts. Explore the popular three huge tables of Lego's.

The web site for the Salina, Kansas, festival says, “Now entering its 31st year, the Smoky Hill River Festival is Kansas’ best kept secret.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Dan and I decided it was time for another Roadtrek adventure. Kim and Marc had already purchased our $7 button, which is good for three days ($10 at the gate). As is so often the case with our Trekker adventures, I was home from work by 4:00 pm and we were on the road by 6:00.

We arrived in Salina in time to tell the grandboys goodnight. Then headed over to the festival grounds. The parking lot was nearly empty so we found perfect place for the Trekker between two big trees. It was also near one of the colorful entrance footbridges across the Smoky Hill River.

Morning came too soon. We nearly missed our son-in-law’s finish to the two-mile run. We weren’t far away because I awoke hearing a band. It was 7:00 am. The Festival Fitness Five had a live music. Cool!

Our grandboys signed up for their own runs so we cheered them on. The cutest group was the eighteen months and under. One little guy actually ran with his binky in his mouth.

After stopping by the Trekker to change clothes we all headed over to the food court for funnel cakes. Maybe I was just hungry, but that pile of stringy deep fried pancake goodness topped with powdered sugar was especially tasty.

In addition to the music, the festival hosts 93 entries in a Fine Art Show and 53 entries in their Four Rivers Craft Market. We took the kids to play games and participate in the craft area while Kim and Marc headed for the art exhibits.

The children’s stage featured the I Am Kenny J Productions. They were celebrating their mission of “footwork with a purpose.” The tent was rocking as young people ended up on the stage dancing to the beat. After the art and games, our boys seemed more content at the Lego area and listening to the music from there.

Why does the outdoors, playing and having fun make you hungry? Who knows, but soon it was noon and an excuse to try the stir fry vegetarian noodles. Question: does eating a vegetarian meal entitle one to have a deep fried candy bar for dessert? I passed.

We took a break in the afternoon. We arrived back with our blanket, cooler and lawn chairs in time to secure our little piece of grass to listen to the evening concert. We were early so I ventured out to look at the Artists in Action exhibits. The Art Car Encore you have to see to believe. People do strange things with cars. Darkness fell and we enjoyed the beautiful warm spring evening while listening to good music.

There are many well-publicized concerts and festivals. The Arts and Humanities Commission along with the city of Salina and other sponsors host the Smoky Hill River Festival. They have families in mind. Salina has it right. Bring in high quality art exhibits, musical groups, and provide similar activities for young people.

It should be an annual destination for families with young children and adults who are young at heart.

St Louis April 2007

2007-04-20T11:53:00.000-05:00

Saturday, April 14, 2007

We are in downtown St Louis as I write this. We decided to slip away for a Roadtrek trip. On the way we stopped by Columbia, Missouri, to visit Amy Kay, Sebastian, and Dane. Amy Kay is Associate Minister at the First Christian Church and our niece.. We enjoyed our visit and tour of her historical church. We learned that a minister of the church was fired in the in the mid 1800s for advocating slavery. The church is celebrating their 175th anniversary this year. Dane is the girls basketball coach for Stephen's College in Columbia. He could not eat with us as he just signed a exciting recruit for his team. We drove by the college on the way out of town. It is a beautiful campus, although overshadowed by MU in Columbia.

From there we visited the grand opening of the St Louis Cabala's. For the record, the Kansas City store is better.

I made reservation at a camp ground located in the downtown area. We didn't know what to expect, but what a pleasant surprise. It is indeed a campground right in downtown St Louis. We can see the arch and downtown skyline. The couple in charge said the campground (actually more like a parking lot) is patterned after one located in San Francisco. There are many museums, a zoo and botanical garden close by. We are here to visit the "acres of guns" at the National Rifle Association convention. We had hoped to visit the zoo, but it is raining as I write. Keep tuned.

For those familiar with St Louis this is at the corner of 23rd and Martin Luther King Drive which is where the St Louis RV Park is located. When we checked in, we were told twenty years ago we would not have wanted to be at this location. St Louis has worked hard on urban renewal. If you look near the light pole behind Dan you will see the Arch. Perhaps that will give those familiar with the city an idea of where we are located.

We decided to stay another night here. I had hoped to take the Metro from the convention center to several locations nearby. The weather was discouraging. It has been windy, rainy and downright cold here. The nightly fee for the RV Park is $25 which might seem a bit high, but it includes electricity and free WiFi. For where it is located, we felt it was a good deal. Especially since we walked out to the street and paid a mere $3.50 for short ride on the bus to the convention site. We probably saved the price of our RV lot rental on the parking fees as we heard $20 just to park near the convention hall.

Actually, I found the NRA convention interesting. It was a wonderful place to people watch. I am not a hunter, but I do find guns to be quite beautiful. Many are almost pieces of art. It is obvious people have taken a lot of pride in their firearms down through the ages.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

We went to the Botanical Garden today instead of the zoo. It was beautiful despite some frost damage. I would like to see it again in two to three weeks.

To our the garden had numerous statuary covered with burlap. All of them sat on top of tree stumps. At first we thought they had cut down all the trees, then noticed some of the stumps were upside down. We were told there will be an unvailing the last weekend of April. We were mighty curious. I am sure they are well done.

The Garden is a "must see" in St. Louis. We both agreed we will return.

True to form, on the way home we stopped by Sugar Creek winery. We had to "eat and run" but could have stayed longer. There was live music and good wine.

Our goal was to get home by 7:00 pm. We made it, barely.

Pictures taken last weekend in St. Louis. Click on the picture and then "slideshow" if you wish to view them.

St. Louis slide show

Flint Hills Scenic Byway December 2006

2006-12-18T10:28:00.000-06:00

This is how our spur of the moment road trip through small towns of the Flint Hills materialized. My husband said, “How about…” and I said, “Let’s go.” That’s it.

It only takes an hour from idea to heading up the lane in our camper van. These kinds of trips happen other times of the year, but never before at Christmas.

We are ready to leave by 6:00 pm. Armed with Marci Penner's Kansas Guidebook for Explorers , a list of the best Chicken-fried Steaks in Kansas from the Kansas Explorers Club, and a map, we plan to find good rural Kansas food and Christmas decorations.

Overbrook is a progressive small town only 11 miles south of our rural home. It does not surprise us their decorations are nice. Normally, we stop at Conrad’s for their special, but there are more towns to visit. So, from there we head west on Hwy 56. We consider the restaurant at Four Corners because the parking lot is packed, a good sign in small town Kansas. Alas, it is not on the Best Chicken Fried List it so we head on, past The Trop for those who know.

Scranton's lighted snowflakes are very beautiful for the size of their main street. No tarrying, it is on to Burlingame and Santa Fe Café, which is on the List. Decorated for the season and housed in an obviously historical storefront, the Santa Fe Café is busy. Local families laugh and visit while waiting for their orders. Even though pan-fried steaks are a prerequisite, ours are deep-fried. No matter, the homemade gravy and real mashed potatoes make up for it. Full with enough leftovers for breakfast, one last look at Burlingame’s lights and we are off.

Continuing on the old Santa Fe Trail route, Hwy 56, we visit Osage City, Admire and Bushong. Community spirit is still strong in small towns because they all manage nice decorations.

Council Grove did not disappoint. As we slowly drive main street it seems the lights outlining the buildings and the decorated storefronts have a charm befitting the historic town. We take a little extra time to drive back through before taking off south on Hwy 177 toward our destination of Strong City and Cottonwood Falls.

As we turn on the street leading up to the town square in Cottonwood Falls, the sight of the historic courthouse completely outlined in white lights was breathtaking. Businesses on each side of the street are festive but not over done to take away from the beautiful building. We stop right on the street to take it all in.

By then it is 10:00 pm but Cottonwood Fall’s Emma Chase Café is still rocking. We slip in a corner table and enjoy the bluegrass music. As people drifted home, the musicians soon outnumber the audience. Obviously, the jean and overall clad participants are having fun.

The Emma Chase is winding down and so are we. We scout around for a spot to boondock for the night.

Saturday morning finds us in a parking lot near downtown Cottonwood Falls. We enjoy our leftover chicken fried steak and coffee for breakfast and take off. I want to see the sunrise over the Flint Hills.

We continued south on Hwy 57, part of the Flint Hills Scenic Byway. The sun is just peeking over the horizon as we stop at an overlook. Flint Hills as far as we can see with cattle still grazing despite the time of year makes this scene a quiet, inspirational moment. We continue south still enjoying the beautiful rolling hills, impressive barns and rock fences. Matfield Green is a tiny town, but earned an entrance to the turnpike.

In no time, we are in Wichita and the outdoor/sporting store located in downtown near the convention center. We spend several hours shopping and turned toward home.

We again exit at Matfield Green exit on the KTA because nearby is the Cassody Cafe in the town by the same name. The Café is on the Best Chicken Fried Steak list and we are hungry. Unfortunately, the menu said Thursdays only for the steak. We settle for their buffet of fried chicken and homemade beef and noodles with four-star gravy. The Cassody Café is a destination for motorcycle riders in the summer. From the pictures posted by the register, it appears the city doubles its size on weekends.

As we once again stop at the tollbooth at Matfield Green, the lady recognizes it is our third time through.

We laughingly tell her, Merry Christmas and head for home.

Acadia National Park and New England States

2006-09-30T21:10:00.003-05:00

NOTE: This is a slideshow of the trip. I recommend reading about it first.

New England States September 2006

Kansas to Maine
Saturday, September 16, 2006
The plan was to leave at 9:00 am, and we finally got the Roadtrek loaded and left at 11:00 am. Still, it was a good day through Missouri, Illinois and boondocked at a rest stop in Terra Haute, Indiana.

Sunday, September 17, 2006
On the road at a good time with cold cereal and fruit under the belt. Indiana, Ohio, a corner of Pennsylvania and up into western New York, staying at another rest stop overlooking Chautauqua Lake. It was a beautiful view with picnic tables overlooking the Lake and luckily a beautiful, clear sunset

Monday September 18, 2006
This was a grueling day. The drive across lower New York state went well. We wished we had time to slip north to the finger lake region. That would have to wait until another time as we had to get up through the congested eastern side of New York and Massachusetts. We arrived in the lower part of Maine by dinner time. Our friends were already there, but they only had to come from South Carolina. What did we have our first night in Maine? Lobster, of course.

Acadia National Park
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
This was our first day in Acadia National Park. First, Acadia is located midway on Maine’s coast. It is Mount Desert Island, pronounced de-zert. The first inhabitants were hunter/gathers; their artifacts dated 5,000 years ago. Samuel Champlain made the first European record of the island in 1604. Then for the next 150 years the dispute between the French and British made it unsafe. Then in 1761 permanent settlements were made on the island with their livelihood fishing, farming and quarrying granite. The tourist trade began in the 1800s. The location made it accessible by ship and later railroad. The wealthy from the large cities down the coast such as New York and Boston would come north to escape the summer heat and enjoy the natural beauty. Later these wealthy families banded to form a trust and 5,000 acres of land was donated to the United States for a National Park in 1919, the first east of the Mississippi.

The first stop on entering the island was the information building. We purchased a CD which was invaluable to our two day visit. A narration told us when to stop, start and informed us of the sites. One of the first was Sandy beach, the only beach on the island. It is comprised of small bits of shell, not sand. Of course, I had to take my shoes off and test the waters--wow, cold is an understatement. If was very beautiful to be able to get down on the waters edge, though. Most of the coast was too rugged to attempt that.

Thunder Hole was unbelievable. This is a very deep and narrow cavity along the water’s edge. Water is forced into the hole with the normal action of the ocean. When there is a very high wave along with an incoming tide, there is a thunder sound. We were lucky in that the sea was very active and we distinctively heard thunder.
A visit to Acadia would not be complete without two things: a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain and popovers and tea at Jordan Pond. Cadillac mountain is the highest peak on the eastern shore at 1,530 feet. Even though, by Colorado standards, that is not high, when the view includes a cruise ship in Bar Harbor, it seems very high---and beautiful. The popovers and tea were delightful--is that how you properly describe something very yummy?

Today we also visited Somes Sound, a unique feature of the island. The sound is a fjord which is when two high mountains form a narrow inlet. Because of the depth of the inlet, the ocean comes into the area rather than the stream forcing the water outward. There were conflicting reports, one person saying it was the only one in the United States and another saying the Hudson River.

There were many other stops, but these were my favorite. We decided that tomorrow a carriage ride to see the interior would be in order. So, we reserved our spot and headed back to camp to enjoy a change of pace--steak and potatoes.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006
“It’s not about arriving B from A, but it is the journey.”
This is one of several quotes from our carriage driver today. We were up and at the horse stables by 9:15am. We had reserved a two hitch carriage ride on a small portion of the 45 miles of Carriage Roads. Ours was a bridge ride which enabled us to view interior bridges not seen by driving.

John D Rockefeller, Jr. was a skilled horseman and he wanted to ride around the park without the noise and smell of the motor car. His construction efforts from 1913 to 1940 are visible today because he donated most of his work to Acadia National Park.

The bridges are beautiful and there are no two alike. When I get home I will post pictures. The carriage roads also provide a wonderful place to ride bicycles. All the hiking trails in Acadia are interconnected with the carriage roads. We joined them for a mile hike into the Waterfall Bridge. Beautiful.

After the carriage ride, we finished our audio tour and then explored the south side of the island. It was interesting to see the working bays with their lobster boats. This evening we dined at one of the restaurants on the pier. Of course, we all had fish and once again, delicious. Tomorrow we bid farewell to Acadia.

Maine to New Hampshire
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Sadly, we bade goodbye to Acadia and headed down the coast to Freeport. Does that city sound familiar? If it does, it’s because you are a LL Bean customer. LL Bean is a huge presence not only in Freeport, but Acadia. The store sponsored shuttle buses into the park to save the environment and congestion.

Downtown Freeport is of historical significance in that many of the original buildings have been renovated. In the middle of the downtown, however, are three huge somewhat out of place modern Bean retail stores. We headed to the catalogue outlet on the side street where I found a pair of jeans. Thankfully, we are limited in space in our little Trekker so that was the extent of my purchases--except for four little fishing vests for the Grandkids. (more about that later) We ate lunch and headed out for our campground--a story in itself

Friday, September 22, 2006
It was raining this morning, but that didn’t keep us from visiting the Desert of Maine. Yes, Maine does have a desert. We happened upon this phenomenon by accident. We were looking for a campground and picked this one because of their claim to having wi-fi, which turned out false. Whether a campground is internet ready has become a big advertisement feature just as air conditioning and color television used to be in motels. Anyway, back to the desert in Maine.

In the mid 1800s a farmer moved to the area to begin his operation. He was prosperous at first, but did not use good farming practices. Little did he know that millions of years ago, a glacier ground off rocky mountaintops and deposited a thousand feet of what appeared to be sand but was actually ground mica in the region. Over the years, dirt built up over the deposit and actually made very futile growing conditions. With the abuse, however, the top soil blew away. Now, the forty acres owned by the campsite is the ecosystem of a typical desert. Where a few trees grow, there is a little oasis and the open space reaches up to 120 degrees in the Maine summer. The “sand” continues to shift and only stays in the area to the north because of a small stream.

After our desert tour, Dwight & Cheryl took off for their home in South Carolina in their snazzy motor coach and we headed for the Freeport Post Office. I wanted to send our grandkids their fishing vests by Priority Mail. The post office was quite small. I would have liked to ask how much of their revenue is from LL Bean. Probably not much as the Big Boys down south in Portland probably count it as theirs. Dan and I then stopped by a grocery store to regroup.

While Dan was waiting for me to mail packages at the post office in Freeport, he spotted a Thomas Moser outlet store. Moser has been featured in Fine Woodworking magazine for his original custom furniture, made almost exclusively from cherry wood. The pieces on display were beautiful and Dan was interested to see, in person, furniture he had only read about. We felt fortunate to happen upon this store.

Before leaving, we visited a bit with one of the salesmen about the direction we were headed and he recommended the Crawford Notch and Mount Washington area in New Hampshire. We were ready to exit the coastal area but decided one more fresh fish meal was in order. Dan had haddock and I a lobster roll.

The trip to New Hampshire went quickly. The fall colors still have not materialized. I think we are too early. The beginnings are showing and it is still very beautiful. It was dark when we reached the Crawford Notch State Park camp ground.

It was late when we settled in our spot at Crawford Notch so we decided hot dogs over the campfire and a bottle of wine for our fruit would be sufficient. (Have I mentioned I have gained a few pounds?) As a side note, the notch campground was nearly empty. We had an entire area to ourselves. it was dark, quiet and being at the bottom of that notch, a flatlander like me felt a bit closed in. I slept like a log however,

Saturday, September 23, 2006
Crawford Notch State Park is located at the base of Mount Washington in the White Mountains. I asked the State Park Ranger why it was called a notch. When settlers first came to the area, they built log homes and as we all know, the logs fit together by cutting notches. The deep areas between the mountains reminded the settlers of those log notches. There is an interesting history at Crawford Notch. In the 1800s a settler named Willey came to the area, built a home and moved his family. It was during that time a heavy rainfall continued in the area and created a huge landslide. The family ran from their home, hoping to escape death. As it turned out, a very large rock behind their home divided the slide and had they stayed right there, they would have escaped death.

The 14.4 mile trail head to the peak of Mt. Washington was several miles from the Crawford campground. Hiking it was not an option for us, but we did explore the footbridge across the stream at the beginning. We learned there had been a group of experienced hikers the previous week who were caught near the top in an early storm and one member was still hospitalized with hypothermia and near death. The summit is known for its changing weather and unusually high wind.

When we warmed up our left over hot dog in a skillet, threw in a few eggs and enjoyed with bakery bread., we thought it would hold us until an early dinner. We didn't anticipate a stop by the farmer's market in Littleton, New Hampshire.

The market stop was actually by accident when we made a wrong turn on the road we were traveling. It was another one of those lucky mistakes. The town of Littleton is situated along the shallow, meandering Ammonoosuc River. The river flowed over several low waterfalls as it passed through the little town on the side of a mountain. A sign pointed the way to the farmers market across a long (at least 200 foot) covered walking bridge. It was a fun, informative stop as the local farmers and artisans were happy to talk about their operations and crafts. We purchased real maple syrup from a young man who told us how, when, and where the syrup was "harvested." The trees are tapped each spring at a time when the weather is such that the sap is moving up and down the trees because of changing temperatures. Each tree is connected by tubing to a central location. His operation was now automated so that there is a slight sucking or pulling on the hose to encourage sap flows.

Dan purchased a Shaker Box from an older gentleman who had a large sign proclaiming his Internet site as "ain't got no email address.com." We thought it was interesting, though, that he then went into detail telling Dan how he purchased his veneer off of Ebay. I wondered over to a farmer's booth and bought a beautiful onion, fresh lettuce and picked-that-morning sweet corn for our dinner. Since it was rainy, we didn't mind the delay in our unplanned route.

Vermont, Upstate New York and Pennsylvania
From Littleton, we proceeded into Vermont. I spotted a potential winery destination. The two lane backroad we were traveling had been a mixture of trees and wide expanses of farm land, cattle, and dairies. We almost missed the cutoff to the winery as it was an obscure road, very narrow. Undaunted, we turned and started up the mountain. We wondered if it was a wrong turn because the map didn't indicate it was too far off the road. Shortly, we came jupon a beautiful little chalet that was the Grandview Winery. The hostess gave us a short tour and round of tasting. We purchased three bottles, one of which was the Foch grape, typical to Vermont. It is very good, but unfortunately it did not make it home. As a matter of fact it was excellent with our evening meal of vegetables from the farmers market.

Sunday , September 24, 2006
This was a lazy day with slow driving through Vermont and north.

After tasting the wine yesterday, we proceeded on in our quest to see the often spoke of Vermont fall colors. In doing so, we ended up at Burlington. We didn’t stop, but decided to proceed north along Lake Champlain and ended up on the Lake Champlain Islands.

It was there we found a State Park overlooking the lake and so we decided to cook our fresh dinner. After a delicious meal of only vegetables, we walked down to the lake with our tea and watched the sun set across the water at the Grand Isle State Park. There wasn't a lot of color, but it was a peaceful respite.

Monday, September 25, 2006
Today, we are slowing making our way up through the islands. It is a beautiful area. The Champlain islands have escaped the glitzy tourist trap look. There are small cottages along the lake and Mom and Pop businesses all along the main route through the islands.

We diverted off the road to check out another part of the North Hero island and found a maple farm. The trees were strung with the tubing with the taps ready to be inserted at the proper time. We were glad to see how it is set up first hand.

On every trip there are disappointments about missing an interesting place that you feel certain you will not have an opportunity to see again. This was the case on Isle LaMotte. We missed the oldest reef, St. Anne’s Shrine and site of the oldest European settlement in Vermont founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1609, and a lighthouse. Part of the reason was the map reader (me) flat missed them, but also it seemed the island could have marked the locations better. At any rate, we exited the island without even having an opportunity to visit the closed cabinet shop that was of interest to Dan.

We crossed over to the State of New York at the top of the Isle of Alburgh and in doing so came within one mile of Canada. We stopped at the small town grocery store and proceeded to Plattsburgh where we spent several hours making a decision about the computer. We finally decided to “spring” for a Gateway because each technician we talked to said the same thing—mine was not going to wake up and I might as well pull the plug.

Tuesday, September 26, 2oo6
Today we spent the day in New York Adirondack Mountains, a beautiful area. It was hard to look at the map and decide which route to take. So, we stopped at an information center to get guidance.

The helpful lady suggested a route that would take us through Lake Placid and surrounding area. We were able to see the site of the Olympics. Seeing the buildings with the classic Olympic symbols was memorable. From there we meandered through the area and finally settled on spending the night at a beautiful State Park. We watched the sun set over the lake. The evening was crisp and we wished we had purchased wood for a campfire. Instead we crawled under the covers for much needed sleep.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006
We passed near the Finger lake Region on our way out and decided to take in this beautiful grape growing region on the way home. We always enjoy our stops at wineries and New York wines are considered excellent by many. Cayuga lake is the eastern most finger lake. The first winery was beautiful with its pond with resident swan and unique animals. I enjoyed the wine but the prices reflected its quality. We did purchase one bottle to cover our tasting. The second winery seemed built for tourist trade. We did not stay long, but I did get a picture of their grapes.

The reason I chose this the Cayuga Lake was because of the Taughannock waterfall at the south end. This was a most enjoyable stop because it included a wine (purchased that morning) and cheese lunch at the top of the falls and then a hike into the base of the falls afterward. Beautiful and Dan would say it shut me up about finding a waterfall!

From there we drove down into Pennsylvania along the beautiful Route 6 and arrived at the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania at dusk. I wanted to get a picture of the sun setting over this huge canyon. When we arrived it was dropping below the horizon and in the process of running to the edge of the viewing area, I did a face plant, turning my ankle! I got the picture, though.

We spent the night boondocking in the parking lot after eating spaghetti by lantern. Very deserted and quiet--almost spooky.

Thursday, September 28, 2006
After finished breakfast, we walked over to the viewing area to see the Canyon in the daylight only to discover the entire bottom covered in fog. We drove to the bottom to check out the Rails to Trail along the river that runs through the bottom of the canyon. If we had more time, we would have walked the five to six mile round trip to see the view from the bottom up.

Our time table was starting to get short so we headed southwest through Pennsylvania. We had hoped to spend time seeking areas of our ancestors, but decided that would be another trip. Instead we took a back road along the Kettle Creek, a beautiful twisty road with true fall colors on the trees. We passed through quaint villages that I would have enjoyed exploring. We were now on a schedule and needed to push on.
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a familiar name to all, was a fun and interesting city along the route. There were groundhogs all over the place--who could blame them.

We skirted as far south of Pittsburg as possible but still ran into lots of traffic. We ended up boondocking the night at a truck stop. I had put our dinner in our little slow cooker, so we spread a tablecloth and had hamburgers & vegetables in tinfoil and broke open another bottle of wine. The truck stop turned out to be a good place to be as their showers were clean and spacious the next morning.

Indiana and Home
Friday, September 29, 2006
Today was a driving day. We needed to be in Huntingburg, Indiana, by nightfall in order to be ready for Dan's aunt's surprise 80th birthday party the next morning. We cranked the Trekker up to 75 plus mph and pretty much ruined our gas mileage average for the trip. However, we arrived in time to meet up with cousins and friends for a evening get together.

Saturday, September 30, 2006
The surprise party was a complete success. We visited with family and friends as well as completely surprising the birthday girl.

Huntingburg turned out to be in a beautiful area. The party was actually on Saturday afternoon, so we visited area Monastery with beautiful architecture. Also, Extreme Makeover Home Addition was building a home about twelve miles away. Now, there is something to behold. Those guys are fast!! It was fun to see it all happen and we were only watching about a total of an hour.

Sunday, October 1, 2006
HOME! A grueling drive but we made it in time to see a beautiful sunset from home. It's good to be here, but had a wonderful time.

2006-01-24T21:33:00.000-06:00

I am posting again at Linda's Backroad Musings. Come on over!

Destination Phoenix January 2006

2006-01-23T20:24:00.000-06:00

Colorado and Grandchildren Friday and Saturday, January 13 and 14

We finally left home around 1:00 pm. We stopped by Chapman to visit Mom and still made it to Colorado by 9:15 pm. It helps that we gained an hour.

I often hear, read or see pictures of beautiful places at sunset. Last night we had a real treat. We traveled through western Kansas as the sun was going down. I felt like we were almost chasing it for a while. Grain elevators, church steeples and windmills stood out against the red sky on the flat skyline. I tried for a picture, but we didn't want to stop and couldn't get it on the run.

So, today we took Trent to his gymnastics class, watched the KSU Wildcats beat KU in basketball and enjoyed playing with the grandchildren. Drue's mother was visiting also so it was good to catch up with her.

Late in the afternoon we decided on a hike. The sun appeared just as it was setting behind the front range. We walked in to one of the unusual rocks located in the area. These rocks are probably the reason for the area being called Monument.

Tomorrow we are getting up early, hoping to reach Holbrook Arizona, while it is still daylight.

Santa Fe Trail and the City Sunday, January 15

We left Colorado early Sunday morning. It was a good decision as I25 was free and clear through the Springs. The first stop we made was at the Ludlow Memorial Monument in southern Colorado. Over 25 men, women and children were killed in an early 1900s union strike involving the coal mining industry. It seems the coal companies commanded complete control over their employees. They shopped in a company store and their children attended company schools. This was their attempt at a strike, but it was a disaster. Eventually, the union was able to make their mark. Dan and I wondered if the song Sixteen Tons was the story of the coal mining industry before the labor movement.

As we entered New Mexico, the terrian became arrid, or at least it seemed that way from the road. Our next stop was a roadside rest stop. As it turned out, this was a very significant place. There was a monument signifing this as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. There was a map showing the route of the trail and we were able to stand there in New Mexico, with the city of Santa Fe probably less than a week away by wagon on the trail and look on the map where that same journey had taken travelers within eleven miles of our home in Kansas. As we left the rest stop, we were sure we saw the ruts from the wagons in the soil.

We decided we could not travel so close to the city of Santa Fe without stopping at least to eat. So, we exited off the interstate and headed toward the center of town. We parked in the visitor's center parking lot and headed down the street. The first restaurant was recommended by a passerby, but had a half hour wait. We progressed on down the street to the Upper Crust Pizza. They had a sign in the window boasting their vote as #1 pizza place in Santa Fe. Dan had Italian and I Greek Calzones. Delicious--#1 in our book.

We quickly visited the oldest church structure in the USA nearby. The original adobe walls and alter were built by Tlaxcalon Indians in 1610.

We had picked up a brochure about the wineries in New Mexico when we stopped by the visitor's bureau. Since we are not ones to pass up the opportunity to visit a winery, we picked two. The first was down a dusty back road. We were not sure it was even still in operation. As we entered the building we were pleasantly surprised. The winemaster was there ready to offer tastes and tell us about his wines. It was a very enjoyable stop and we purchased several of his varities. From there we visited a entirely different winery. The buildings were beautiful and their display of wines had ribbons and metals. However, their snobby young man barely gave us the time of day, charged us $2 to taste and we weren't impressed.

We then hightailed it into Arizona and made our destination of Holbrook by dark. We had to pass by the Petrified Forest National Park. However, we made the decision to travel the 12 miles back the next morning.

Petrified Forest and Phoenix Valley Monday, January 16

It was a good decision to go back the 15 miles to the Petrified Forest National Park although it had snowed the night before and we were unable to drive the more than 20 miles through the area. The visitor's center had very educational video, however, telling how the petrified wood was formed and the history of the National Park. It seems that millions of years ago the area was a forest with dinasours roaming freely. Then at some point there was a flood and the forest was washed to the present site and covered with silt. The silt slowly infiltrated the wood and turned to stone. The water dried up and the wood/stone was buried until the wind slowly exposed the petrified wood.

We realized that when they still hadn't opened the roads through the forest at 9:00, we better get going toward our destination for the day--Phoenix or more accurately Apache Junction. From Holbrook we entered the Apache National forest and the Mazatzal Mountains. At first we laughed that the small bush/trees that we saw on each side of the road sure was a different kind of forest. However, as we progressed further south, the trees were bigger and the mountains more beautiful. We did not realize that Arizona had so much forest and mountians. In realility, the "valley" as they say is the warm part of the state and the northern areas primarily along and north of I 40 are the highlands.

We arrived at Kayzie & Lynns around 2:00 pm.

Desert Botanical Garden Tuesday, January 17

Tuesday found us enjoying the warm weather and our friends hospitality. Kayzie and Lynn felt one place we must see is the Sonoran Desert Botanical Garden. It is a place where we could observe plants and animals found in the Phoenix area.

This was very interesting. We spent so much time there that the sun started to go down and that made it even more beautiful. The Sonoran Desert extends from central Arizona and southeastern California into Mexico. The Phoenix area is located in the northern part of the Sonaran Desert and is dominated by the Saguaro cacti, creosote bush and palo verde trees.

Of course my favorite is the Saguaro (sa-war-o) and it is the signature plant of the Sonoran Desert. It's waxy tough coating prevents water loss. Its shallow root system can quickly absorb a great deal of rainfall. They grow very slowly so a four foot tall cactus is probably at least 25 years old. If they are not killed by a frost persisting over 24 hours, struck by lightning, blown over by high wind or toppled by vandals, a saguaro can live to an age of 200 years.

There were other plants and animals that I will post later.

Superstition Mountain Wednesday January 18

“Located just east of Phoenix, Arizona is a rough, mountainous region where people sometimes go... only to never be seen again. It is a place of mystery, of legend and lore and it is called Superstition Mountain. According to history, both hidden and recorded, there exists a fantastic gold mine here like no other that has ever been seen. It has been dubbed the “Lost Dutchman Mine” over the years and thanks to its mysterious location, it has been the quest of many an adventurer... and a place of doom to luckless others.”

This quote is from the web site of Haunted Arizona (If you have time, it is an interesting read) Superstition Mountain is the hike we decided to take on Wednesday. We were not daunted by the thought of “doom to luckless others." Nevertheless, we brought our cell phones just in case.

We started at the Jacob’s Crosscut trailhead. It was an easy climb at first, so we had to catch a picture of the unusual Saguaro cactus formation.

As we began to climb more seriously, I decided to step off the trail and briefly laid down my camera. My hand shows the result.

The landmarks on the mountain were becoming more visible and beautiful. I am disappointed in my fitness level as I was soon breathing hard.

However, Lynn & Dan took pity (that’s the impression they gave, but privately I knew they welcomed the rest) and we sat on provided benches and enjoyed the fantastic view.

As it turned out, we were not on the trail that would eventually take us to the top of Superstition Mountain so we will try at it another year. This view was not far above us, however, and I wonder if it is the "needle" referred to in the story about the location of the mine.

It is always fun to get out and experience the terrian first hand....

Scottsdale and Oranges Thursday, January 19
Kayzie and I decided a little shopping would be in order and the guys thought they would make the best of it. As it turned out it was a interesting day.

First stop was the Orange Patch. It is exactly what the name implies in that it is a working grove with a store to sell not only their delicious oranges but lots of other tempting ware. We tasted all the varities they had available and decided on the tree rippened Navel. We also bought honey butter for gifts as well as Wickles (a wickedly delicious pickle--I think they are hot) for my friends at the post office.

Next we headed to Scottsdale--a very familiar name to golfers. However, I did not realize it is a shoppers paradise and has beautiful streets. We looked in a couple shops and marveled at the artwork--mostly Native American. I have a birthday in a couple of weeks and Dan bought my present early--anyone who knows me would guess what it is--a purse, of course.

Then we headed to the Scottsdale Museum. The lady in charge suggested we head over to the square to watch the dancers. We took her advice.

The music was beautiful. There were representatives from at least five tribes in the group. At the end of their concert we were all invited to form a big friendship circle while they played music and danced in the middle.

From there we headed back to the museum and learned how water was trenched into the area--the one important element in the settlement of the desert.

We ended the afternoon with window shopping and admiring the art at each street corner.

This best describes our visit with our long-time special friends.

On the road again January 20

We enjoyed our visit with Kay and Lynn, but all things must come to an end as three days is our limit to impose on family or friends. So, we were up at 6:00 am eating their delicious steel cut oats made in the crock pot and served with brown sugar, raisins, English walnuts and a little milk. We left around 7:00 and as it turned out, a perfect time.

The route Lynn suggested out of the valley was east to Globe and then northeast on Hwy 60 through Salt River Canyon. The canyon was beautiful in the morning light. We did not make good time through the mountains as we kept pulling over to enjoy the views.

It was around 11:30 am when we arrived in Holbrook and I40. We needed to drive across New Mexico as Tucumcari was our destination. So, it was pedal to the metal as they say the rest of the day with only rest stops. We reached Albuquerque at 5:00 and wouldn't you know I was driving. I gripped the wheel, watched the vehicle in front, stayed with the traffic and Dan read signs. We zoomed right through.

Earlier in the day I noticed Ute Lake State Park at Logan, New Mexico. Since we had planned to head northeast on Hwy 54, we decided to bypass Tucumcari for the night stay and heard to Logan. Again, a good decision primarily because they had a little Mom and Pop diner that served delicious suppers and breakfasts.

This was not the diner, but the local watering hole. Hmmm, can't say they didn't warn their customers.

Kansas and Home January 21 and 22

We always feel good when we cross the State line. We planned on staying the night with our Salina family, so we decided continue our exploration of the Santa Fe Trail route as well as southwest Kansas, but not before visiting--briefly--Oklahoma and Texas. We followed Hwy 56 up from Texas through the Cimarron National Grassland. The 108,175 acres is the only land managed by the Forest Service in Kansas. It was created after the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in an effort to reconstruct the land.

At Montezuma is Kansas' first wind farm. It is impressive. Here are some facts we learned at the informational site. The blade length is 77 feet and each tower is 30 stories to the top of the blade. Wind energy facilities generate power at 5 cents per kilowatt hour. The Montezuma site is 12,000 acres and produces enough energy for 33,000 homes. Wind farms have not been met with a great deal of enthusiasm by land owners especially in the Flint Hills, however Kansas does rank 3rd in wind energy potential.

Our next stop was Dodge City for lunch. Boot Hill was closed so we ate fast food and moved on. How do you know you are in Dodge City? There is Wyatt Earp Liquor, Wyatt Earp Inn, Doc Holiday Liquor, Miss Kitty Boutique, Boot Hill 66 and Hitch' Post Travel Plaza. I even thought I saw Shoots Haircutting.

At Kinsley Hwy 56 meets the Santa Fe Trail. Near Larned is Fort Larned, a National historical site. This is well worth a stop. The Fort has been almost completely restored complete with furnishings, clothes and guns. Pete Bethke was the Park Service Ranger in charge when we were there. Perhaps it was because we were the only visitors at the time, but he took the time to answer all of our questions in detail. Almost all the buildings were open.

Fort Larned was built as a guardian of the Santa Fe trail in 1860. The trail carried several million dollars in commercial traffic between Independence Mo. and Santa Fe NM. With the acquision of land after the Mexican War and the gold rushes the trail became even more popular. Soon the great influx of travelers began to disrupt the Indians way of life so skirmishes and full scale attacks began. Fort Larned was built to protect travelers along the Trail. Mr. Bethke told us that actually it was cheaper for the infantry to walk with the travelers rather than the cavalry on horses.

The need for the fort decreased after the railroad progression in the 1870s and in 1884 it was sold at public auction. For the next 80 years it was a working farm, with the family living in the General's headquarters. In 1964 Fort Larned became a national historical site. Most of the buildings have been kept intact with the exception of the Blockhouse which was rebuilt exactly as it was originally. We are looking forward to taking our grandchildren to visit during one of the Park's summer programs. Mr. Bethke told us the children are allowed to sit on the bunkbeds and try on the soldiers clothing. Again, it is one of only five Kansas National historical sites (Nicodemus, Brown v. Board of Education, Fort Scott and Tallgrass Prairie).

From Fort Larned we traveled just a few miles more to stop at the Santa Fe Trail museum. We stayed so long at the fort that we only had a short time at the museum before it closed. The one fact I learned there was that merchants traveled on the Santa Fe Trail north from Mexico as well as south from Independence. The museum had many exhibits of period clothing, wagons, dishes, etc. It is well done and worth the small admission charge.

We briefly stopped by Pawnee Rock, a once high outcropping of rock on the prairie that could be seen for miles. At the top of the rock, the flag at Fort Larned could be seen.

It was dark when we arrived to a joyous welcome at Salina. We played games with the boys, our kids, ate some welcome homecooked food and went to bed. Sunday would be a stop by Chapman to visit Mom and home.

Kansas Home along Hwy 56

2006-01-22T17:26:00.000-06:00

Kansas and Home January 21 and 22

We always feel good when we cross the State line. We planned on staying the night with our Salina family, so we decided continue our exploration of the Santa Fe Trail route as well as southwest Kansas, but not before visiting--briefly--Oklahoma and Texas. We followed Hwy 56 up from Texas through the Cimarron National Grassland. The 108,175 acres is the only land managed by the Forest Service in Kansas. It was created after the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in an effort to reconstruct the land.

We briefly stopped by Pawnee Rock, a once high outcropping of rock on the prairie that could be seen for miles. At the top of the rock, the flag at Fort Larned could be seen.

Canada here we come!

2005-08-18T15:59:00.000-05:00

Canada Fishing Trip August 2005

August 19, 2005

Barely reached a rest area north of Kansas City before the rain hit last night. We backed up a little side road and rested comfortably with the rain on the van. Woke at our regular time this morning to a beautiful sunrise. Breakfast at Micky Ds and back on the road.

This is the coolest thing--Iowa has free internet access at their rest stops!

We are headed to Mason City. Flew by Ames, Hooblers, and thought of you. Wanted some of those delicious muffins on the south side but had eaten too much Amish peanut brittle purchased at the Iowa visitors center.

Well, got to get going Looking to get up in Lake country tonight but it looks like more rain for sleeping.

Sunday at Cedar Lake Lodge August 21, 2005

Cedar Lake is an island. There are six cabins like ours and 6 others that accommodate larger groups. Our cabin is modern with a hot shower. Our little kitchen was totally sufficient to cook three small walleye and six small mouth bass for supper. (More about that later) The island has a peninsula which is where the lodge is located. It is so narrow that our front porch overlooks one side and I can see the water on the other side from our back door. It is beautiful.

We both slept great last night. Dan built a fire in our little stove this morning while I fixed fried Polenta and eggs for breakfast. We headed down to our boat around 9:00--later than the diehard fishermen. It had rained earlier so we were fully outfitted with our rain gear. We arrived back at our cabin around 2:00 for fired hamburgers and salad. It was then we decided to hire a guide for a half day. We needed help.

After lunch, while Dan was visiting with some other guests, I decided to throw some "junk" in off the dock. I ended up with the walleye we had for supper and two bass. Then Dan and I went back out in the boat and Dan caught three more bass to my one.

The fresh fish for supper was wonderful--simply delicious.

Tomorrow--help from a pro.

This is Al, the owner of the camp with me and my string of dock fish.

Monday at Cedar Lake Lodge August 22, 2005

Another great night of sleeping here on the island. Dan had to start a fire in our stove again this morning--I would not be a good pioneer woman as I laid in bed until the cabin warmed up. Breakfast was fresh blueberry pancakes and eggs.

The day was beautiful once the sun came up. We were in our boat around 9:00 am. We took off north on the lake. We knew we were getting help with our fishing later, so we decided to explore the lake and also dip our hooks once in a while. While sitting in a shaded area, we had an opportunity to watch a Loon catch its meal. They are a diving bird--we should have timed how long it stayed down. We have also observed Eagles dive for food on several occasions. Eagles are plentiful here--a majestic bird--but have a disappointing sound, high pitched and short. It's the Loons that have caught our hearts. Out on the lake at night they sound beautiful.

Another observation about Cedar Lake--it is a natural lake. Unlike our man made lakes in Kansas, it has little islands sprinkled throughout. This picturesque setting is hard to capture with a camera, but I am trying.

Al and Kim are our hosts and the owners of the resort. Kim had to return to their winter home in Florida so we are getting acquainted with Al and his young employees, Brenden and Chelsie. Al is letting me use his computer to post my journal. This is just one of the many things he has done to make our stay both enjoyable and memorable. We missed the liquor store at Vermillion Bay. We lamented that fact to Brenden & Chelsie as we were arriving and they were leaving for the weekend. We no sooner arrived at our cabin and there appeared a case of Lucky Lager Biere Beer. We are totally hooked on this Canadian brew. Their brewing standards are different and it is good. This is Brenden and Chelsie.

At 5:00 pm Brenden loaded us in the boat. His fishing gear consisted of a rod & reel, a little bag of 1/8 oz jigs and minnows. We headed out to three or four of his favorite spots. He was an excellent teacher--we caught our limit of walleye and had to begin catch and release. We learned how to "jig"--for fish that is--and Dan caught one that has gone into the freezer to bring home. They go by inches up here, but it was probably between three and four pounds. Not huge by Cedar Lake standards by any means, but it was good by us.

More tomorrow---

Tuesday at Cedar Lake Lodge August 23, 2005

I like this sleeping in and having Dan warm the cabin and start the coffee. We didn't get up until 8:00 this morning because we finished cleaning, frying and eating our last night's catch at 11:00 pm. I was afraid I wouldn't sleep after eating so late, but no problem.

Our plan for today was to catch enough fish this morning for a shore lunch. There are sites all over the lake that have a fire pit and picnic table. Al provided us with a shore lunch box the first day, but we had not been able to use it because we haven't caught any fish by noon! This morning, we loaded our shore lunch box, some firewood, oil, favorite fish breading and beer. We headed out to catch our lunch. We did catch a walleye in our best spot from last night. Then we were unable to catch anymore there. By this time, we were hungry, so we decided to fall back on plan two--perch. They are easy and fun to catch. So, our lunch was on the stringer and we headed up the lake to the shore lunch spot that I had my eye on for two days. Unfortunately, someone had beat us to it. We headed on up the lake. The next one we came to was vacant and actually a better spot. Dan dressed the fish while I made the fire. There was a seasoned pan in the shore lunch box that had a nice long handle--perfect for cooking over the fire. The fish was ready quickly because they were little filets. We kicked back and enjoyed our meal with beers.

It was then back to the cabin to get organized until we went back out. Canada is very
strict about their fishing laws. We have one Walleye in the freezer, so our possession limit is three fish a day. Since we had one with our shore lunch, we could only catch two keepers. It didn't take long for us to start a stringer. Thankfully, they all stayed alive and we were able to keep the two biggest. Top top it off, there was a spectacular sunset across the water combined with wolf and loon calls. It was nearly dark when we arrived back at camp. Once again we were eating fried walleye at 10:30 at night--a perfect ending to a beautiful day.

Wednesday at Cedar Lake Lodge August 24, 2005

Today, we decided to take a break from fishing for a few hours. It was a beautiful day and probably should have been on the water as the word around camp when we returned was that the fishing was good. But, it was also a good day to travel.

Red Lake is one of the northern most towns in Northwestern Ontario. From the Cedar Lake Lodge parking lot, it was about two hours north. There is a very active logging industry in this part of Canada. It would seem they would never run out of wood up here as there are forests as far as the eye can see. We met many logging trucks on the road.

Ear Falls is about half way there. It is a small city that has a power plant where the falls was located. There was an information center located on the highway, and we never pass up an opportunity to pick up a map and information. The young lady working there was starting her junior year in high school so we learned about her school in the long, hard winters. She commutes by bus one hour each way to Red Lake High School. Her school had a girls and boys hockey team and the rest were indoor sports. She said they travel great distances for hockey games and might be gone several days.

After visiting the Ear Falls information center, we continued north. Red Lake is a clean, pretty city that sits on the shore of the lake. The city has many sea planes around the shore and there is actually an airport. In the winter the planes change to skis instead of the water floats. We drove around the city a bit and ate lunch at a restaurant that overlooked the lake. It was nice to be able to see the sea planes take off and land while we ate.

On the way home, we stopped by the local landfill. Al said this would be our best opportunity to see a bear. The landfill was sit up to have people back in with their trash and dump it over an edge. We parked and eased up to the edge and as we looked over, there was a big black bear looking back--maybe about five yards away. We didn't care
about us, though, as he had found a sack of trash that interested him. The diet of human garbage must have agreed with him as he was sleek and fat. On the road out of the landfill was bear droppings and it contained--a plastic trash bag, of course.

Tonight it was back to the lake to catch some walleye. We caught our limit with the biggest being 14 inches. Dan still has the biggest at 18. It was nearly totally dark by the time we returned to the dock. Dan cleaned the fish. I could not resist, I had to cook one of the small ones to eat around the campfire. Tomorrow is our last day to catch a big walleye--or two.

Thursday at Cedar Lake Lodge August 25, 2005

You might think we would be up and at the fishing this morning since we slacked yesterday, but I had to have my fire and coffee. Another round of fresh blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup. The blueberries were purchased in Dryden on the way up to the lake. We found the maple syrup in Red Lake. I had to gather everything up for another shore lunch as we were feeling optimistic about our day.

We were off the dock around 10:30. The first spot was too rough. We had to have our usual "discussion" about where to go next. We decided not to argue with success so we headed to Sawmill Bay. We caught a couple walleye right away, but were small so they went back. I then had quite a thrill--a Northern hit my jig. They are fun to catch, maybe like a bass. It even jumped out of the water. It was over 20 inches long. I guess most people don't keep Northerns because they are not that good to eat. Dan did clean it for me so we could make a judgment on that issue--besides I was pretty proud of the catch.

Then Dan caught a couple of the biggest Perch I have ever seen. I bet they were nearly a pound. We headed to a new shore lunch spot, Dan cleaned the Perch and we fired fish over the campfire again.

After lunch, we continued to fish in another of our favorite spots. We love this place because the water is calmer and there is a beaver that swims around that is fun to watch. Also, we nearly always catch fish there. True to form, Dan caught another 18 inch walleye. What a beauty. We caught several more small walleye and small mouth bass. By then it was getting close to 4:00 and we had promised to cook the steaks and hamburgers we brought but never ate and had invited Al and Chelsie. Branden had to go to the dentist and missed the meal.

With that we are gathering up our stuff this evening. I will write a couple of observations about our week. First, I am not sure where the mosquitoes that we heard so much about are right now, but we have yet to see one here or on our way up. So, all the bug repellant we purchased has not been used. However, I should have brought more sun screen as we both have red faces right now. We should have brought more beer--it is the vegetable in the meals--and it is a bit pricey up here. However, as I said earlier we do like the Canadian brew. The rain gear has been used and necessary. The tackle box could fit in a cigar box--jigs, and that's about it unless you are into trolling. I am sure there are more, but I need to get our things packed up. It's been a wonderful, beautiful week. Tomorrow we are off to Thunder Bay and down the west side of Lake Superior on our way home.

Friday Pack Up Leave Cedar Lake and Rain August 26, 2005
We off loaded Al’s pontoon around 8:00 am Friday morning. It looked gray and rainy, but since we were spending the day on the road, it didn’t worry us. However, we didn’t expect the rain to “set in” as we say in Kansas. It rained the entire day sometimes so hard Dan had to run the windshield wipers on high.

The drive from Cedar Lake to Thunder Bay was pretty much the same as our trip north to Red Lake—trees, logging trucks and saw mills. Lumber has to be the main source of income for many of the residents in the northwestern part of Ontario. I had studied the map and information on the area around Thunder Bay and one place I wanted to visit no matter what the weather was Kakabeka Falls.

First, the story. The chief of the Ojibway (Chippawa in the states) named Chief White Bear heard that the warrior Sioux were approaching his camp on the Kaministiquia river. His daughter, Green Mantle, decided to take matters in her own hands. She walked up river and into the Sioux camp pretending to be lost. She convinced her foes that she was confused and would lead them to her tribe if they would just take her home. The warriors were elated that someone who knew the river so well would lead them to their destination. At this point, the story differs as to weather Green Mantle lived or perished. I prefer the one where her canoe was in the lead with the rest of the Sioux warriors tied behind. They all descended over the falls tied together. She led them to their deaths and sacrificed her own to save her people. The legend says that her image can still be seen in the mist over the falls. This falls is also called the Niagara of the north. It was beautiful and impressive in our full rain gear and umbrellas.

From the falls we decided, since it was 2:00, we would eat at one of the local ice cream/sandwich shops. The menu had something called Poutine. This was a new food, so we gave it and hamburgers a try. The Poutine turned out to be unbelievable. It was a huge plate of fries with curds of cheese (don’t know what kind) and the whole thing was covered with delicious hot brown gravy which sort of melted the cheese. Wow, what a meal. Also, the hamburgers were served with sweet pickles and sweet mustard relish.

Since it was still pouring down rain, we decided not to hike in to the Pigeon River site which was near the US/Canada border. This park was about the route of the Voyageurs (fur traders). I was sad as this site had two waterfalls!

We entered the US and progressed south along the coast. It was time we needed a spot to spend the night. We were thinking motel room since the rain was relentless. Grand Marais is a beautiful little town along the Lake Superior coast. We drove around looking for a “vacancy” sign. Everything was full. I ran in Best Western in full rain gear among the rather well dressed clientele and asked the rate for a room. They had one available, but we decided to give it some thought over a Sven & Ole’s pizza. (Dan’s brother tells really funny jokes about these two) We finally decided to have the Vild Vun (Wild One) which included wild rice on its topping. All the rain had made us hungry despite the Poutine and burgers.

It was during the pizza that the sky showed promise of clearing so we progressed down the coast a short distance to Temperance River State Park. We were glad we did. It was a beautiful setting for the night and it also had a beautiful waterfall that we enjoyed on an early morning hike. Sure beat a motel room looking at the parking lot.

Saturday Lake Superior and Home August 27 - 28, 2005

We awoke Saturday morning to blue skies. It took a bit for the fog to clear, but there was promise. On our way out of town at the start of our trip, we stopped at Cabela’s in Kansas City and purchased a little backpacking stove. Everyone who camps should have one. It fits in our glove compartment and heats water for coffee quickly. It was with a fresh cup of coffee made in our coffee press that we checked the map and planned our day.

If I were to recommend this trip, I would say to spend at least two and possibly three days covering the same territory. We could not do it justice in a day. However, we did see some beautiful sights.

The Temperance River State Park, where we camped Friday night, had a beautiful waterfall. The water fell down a narrow gorge and provided quite scene with the green trees on either side. When we turned the other direction we could see that same river flowing into Lake Superior. A great way to start the day.

From there we made our way down the coast. By this time the fog had lifted although it was still a little hazy. Even with that, we could see boats a long way out on the water.
Our next stop was Tellegouche State Park. This park boasted the highest waterfall in the state of Minnesota as well as a lakeside trail called Shovel Point. The waterfall was beautiful but we spent the most time on the shore enjoying the sound of waves and looking out over the water. The water was unbelievably clear—much different than the ocean. We watched mother duck and her brood swimming in front of us. We could have stayed longer, but moved on.

The picturesque Split Rock Lighthouse was next. It was built because many ships sailed the region carrying steel bulk ore. In one storm in November, 1905, 29 ships were damaged. The ore companies portioned congress to build the lighthouse. The water off the point has been called “the most dangerous piece of water in the world.” We did not take the time to tour the lighthouse proper, but as we moved down the road, we had an opportunity to take a picture of the lighthouse and the cliff where it is perched.

We arrived at Gooseberry Falls in time for lunch. We put our sandwiches in the backpack and hiked to the base of the top falls. Gooseberry Falls actually is three falls. At the edge of the falls are many rocks that can be climbed and sat on. What a great setting to eat a lunch. This falls seemed to be a favorite with families. There were numerous children enjoying the water with their parents.

From Gooseberry, we pretty much headed home. Twin Harbors and Duluth offer many attractions, but we felt like we needed to get though Minnesota by evening--which we did. We drove to one of the first rest stops in Iowa and “hit the hay” as my Dad used to say. This morning, it was through Iowa, part of Missouri and home. It was a great time!
Tomorrow I will add a few pictures to the posts.

Camp site in Cascade River State Park
Picture by Linda

Cascade River Falls
Picture by Linda

Lake Superior shore line
Picture by Linda

Split Rock Lighthouse
Picture by Linda

Kansas Goodland to Berryton Hwy 36

2005-07-06T23:01:00.000-05:00

We took off for home this morning. At Goodland, we decided to do a Kansas road trip. First stop, lunch at a delicious "Real Mexican Food" restaurant named Reyaldo's in Goodland. Directions? Going east, exit at the first Goodland exit and turn right at the first stoplight. Goodland isn't too big so it's not hard to find.
Posted by Picasa

I liked this statue in front of the Thomas County courthouse in Colby.
Posted by Picasa

This was in a small town near Colby. The western Kansas wheat harvest must have been good because at this elevator they were dumping it on the ground. We saw this other places also.
Posted by Picasa

Dan and I are standing on the exact center of the adjoining United States. This is near Lebanon Kansas. It was out in the middle of a wheat field. Believe it or not there were others there!
Posted by Picasa

This is the biggest ball of twine in the world! Visit Cawker City to view.
Posted by Picasa

Looks like there is a Twine-a-Thon celebration!
Posted by Picasa

This was taken at the Old Stone Church near Maple Hill. We were on our way to pick up Skye and then home!
Posted by Picasa

Breckenridge--Family Vacation July 2005

2005-07-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

July 3, 2005

We arrived in the Springs around 6:00 mountain time last night. There was a threat of rain most of the trip. Western Kansas was beautiful drive as wheat harvest was in full swing. We could see the dust from the combines at great distances. I will post pictures later.

Interstate 70 is definitely a funnel into Colorado. We spotted tags from 23 states and one custom wheat harvesting group from Canada.

We are leaving for Breckenridge soon. I will post pictures & details later.

Checking out the Art Fair
Posted by Picasa

Waiting out the rain storm
Posted by Picasa

Lunch
Posted by Picasa

Check this mailbox! You could have it for $850
Posted by Picasa

Sundown
Posted by Picasa

This is downtown Breckenridge. There are flowers everywhere. The condo is in the back left (blue).
Posted by Picasa

The grandboys and their parents rode the ski lift up and then came down the run on little scooters. It was a highlight for all.
Posted by Picasa

Carly Kay didn't get to ride the superslide so guess who babysat!
Posted by Picasa

Marc and Adam with Kim and Aaron in the next chair
Posted by Picasa
It looks like it will be a hike this morning, then back to Breckenridge for the 4th parade at ll:00. There are so many things to do, I don't think anyone will be bored today! Pictures this evening.

Hiking makes everyone thirsty
Posted by Picasa

We did not make it to the Wheeler Trail Jct but the trail followed a beautiful mountain stream that the grandboys could play in. They had a good time. There is a waterfall at the end of this trail that I will have to check out another time.
Posted by Picasa

It was a very beautiful trail
Posted by Picasa

Bacon, eggs & pancakes compliments of chef Doug. The kids are super excited and were ready to go swimming at 7:00am.

We returned to the Springs (I should say Monument as that is Colorado Family's new address) around noon. We didn't do much this afternoon. After dinner on the deck, we decided to get a little ice cream at Palmer Lake. It was enjoyed by all.
Posted by Picasa

The sunset was beautiful over the mountains.
Posted by Picasa

We are back from Breckenridge and enjoying just hanging out. I wanted to take Trent to a playground so Doug suggested we ride bikes. He told me there might be a couple hills but nothing I couldn't handle. They were mountains to an out-of-shape flatlander. Here I am after returning, legs hardly holding me up. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Doug, pulling Trent in a bike trailer hardly breathing hard.

Left for home July 6th
See Goodland to home post