Did you miss us? For the last 3 days we have been coastin’ in Big Bend Nat’l Park, Texas. (The park “bends” around the Rio Grande River (2,000 m. long) which divides Texas from Mexico). Now Rip loves to coast. It is one of his favourite things! At home, when returning from Waterdown, once through the hollow at the hilltop he tries to “coast” down Waterdown Road and into our driveway – no gas pedal! It is quite the feat – he has done it many times. The stoplights are the biggest curse – back to Big Bend.
We did lots of coasting in the park. No stoplights there! On our way from the campsite at Chicos (in the mountains which top 8,ooo ft) down to the one by the river at Rio Grande we coasted many miles - record 10 or more! Obviously, no traffic!
We coasted in other ways too. One day it was 97F – we coasted in the heat. On a nature trail illustrating desert plants, we started to feel just as “prickly” as those cactus! Mid-day we decided to do laundry – in the a/c store! Mind you, Rip didn’t have much – he does his “wash and freshly squeezed” bits each day at the campsite and hangs them from the upper bed in the van (aka The Penthouse) to dry. It is a guy thing.
Coastin’ brought many breath-taking sites from multiple deer on our campsite, to the neon tinted birds (tomato-red vermillion flycatcher and bright blue Mexican Jay – wow), to tarantulas, lizards, canyons and river views. A favourite coasting place was a 7:30 am soak in the natural spring hot tub by the RG river. The large, low, stone tub was built in the 1920’s but first nations folk were there long before and left pictographs on the cliffs close by. Hot spring water is considered “old” water, fossil water, ancient and laden with minerals – and claims of therapeutic value for spirit and soul. It was a long, rough, wash-board, pot-holed drive and then walk to get there but soul-quenching as promised.
On our way now to Arizona – more coastin’!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Soul Food - until!
I was going to write about the Soul Food of San Antonio. I was going to chat about the River Walk - 2.5 miles of water, waterfalls, flowers, people, shops and cafes. Wow. It was Fiesta Weekend and thousands of people lined the streets for the Mariachi Parade and filled the Riverwalk with lively chatter and colourful hats and flower headbands. I was going to write about that until.......
I was going to write about our Soul Food visit (that was the sermon title) to Travis Park United Methodist church - happy music, good words (!), enthusiastic Celebration band and singers- they even had Rip a-toe-tapping!! I was going to write more about that until......
Until.......Rip and I survived a tornado. I mean really. We were heading west towards Big Bend National Park and the sky got darker and more purple and the rains began. Suddenly all the cars and trucks in front and behind us pulled off the highway. I mean they pulled off, not slowly onto the shoulder, but right off the highway as if they meant business on scruffy land where you would never think to go. They pulled over and huddled beside large rocks, as close as they could get.
We followed. We knew someone knew something important. We turned on the radio. An announcer was giving instructions for safety - go to the basement of your house if you have one. If you don't get on the floor under a bed - cover your head. If you are in a vehicle, pull over. Take cover. Finally the announcer said that a tornado had been spotted at Interstate 10 and exit 290, heading east.
We were 1/2 mile from I-10 and 290 heading west. Coming our way. The air was cool and clammy and weird. The sky was dark purple, but there was a warm, haunting light on the rocks next to the dark black of the highway pavement.
The rain drops became as large as fists; then the hail started, large as golf balls. Some trucks positioned themselves backwards from how they had been travelling - to protect their windshield. We waited.
We moved when others moved; stopping many times under roadway bridges; going from winds to rain to hail; lighter, heavier, heavier still. In some places it looked like a snowstorm at the side of the road. The hail ping-ed, ping-ed, ping-ed on our RipsJoy windows and metal.
It was some miles before we felt safe again. Rip said I looked like a "deer in the headlights". He pretended all was well - but afterwards said how scared he was to someone at our campsite. So Mars and Venus of us!
We had survived a tornado. The locals say they never get used to it. We arrived at Fort Stockton, Texas and found a campsite, some Soul Food and a bottle of wine. We will get to Big Bend Ntl. Park another day - :) until then!
I was going to write about our Soul Food visit (that was the sermon title) to Travis Park United Methodist church - happy music, good words (!), enthusiastic Celebration band and singers- they even had Rip a-toe-tapping!! I was going to write more about that until......
Until.......Rip and I survived a tornado. I mean really. We were heading west towards Big Bend National Park and the sky got darker and more purple and the rains began. Suddenly all the cars and trucks in front and behind us pulled off the highway. I mean they pulled off, not slowly onto the shoulder, but right off the highway as if they meant business on scruffy land where you would never think to go. They pulled over and huddled beside large rocks, as close as they could get.
We followed. We knew someone knew something important. We turned on the radio. An announcer was giving instructions for safety - go to the basement of your house if you have one. If you don't get on the floor under a bed - cover your head. If you are in a vehicle, pull over. Take cover. Finally the announcer said that a tornado had been spotted at Interstate 10 and exit 290, heading east.
We were 1/2 mile from I-10 and 290 heading west. Coming our way. The air was cool and clammy and weird. The sky was dark purple, but there was a warm, haunting light on the rocks next to the dark black of the highway pavement.
The rain drops became as large as fists; then the hail started, large as golf balls. Some trucks positioned themselves backwards from how they had been travelling - to protect their windshield. We waited.
We moved when others moved; stopping many times under roadway bridges; going from winds to rain to hail; lighter, heavier, heavier still. In some places it looked like a snowstorm at the side of the road. The hail ping-ed, ping-ed, ping-ed on our RipsJoy windows and metal.
It was some miles before we felt safe again. Rip said I looked like a "deer in the headlights". He pretended all was well - but afterwards said how scared he was to someone at our campsite. So Mars and Venus of us!
We had survived a tornado. The locals say they never get used to it. We arrived at Fort Stockton, Texas and found a campsite, some Soul Food and a bottle of wine. We will get to Big Bend Ntl. Park another day - :) until then!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Is it Saturday?
We have arrived in San Antonio during the Mariachi Festival! It was a 5 hour drive today and we were as impressed with the rest stops as ever - one had a "stretch your legs trail" made out of cork - 1/4 mile of cushy walking - it was great.
I keep thinking it can't be Saturday - usually on Saturday I am on the computer finishing the sermon, or at a wedding or w. appointment, and then back on the computer. It is such a treat to be free to enjoy the Riverwalk here in SA. Thanks, Heather! It really is Saturday after all.
I keep thinking it can't be Saturday - usually on Saturday I am on the computer finishing the sermon, or at a wedding or w. appointment, and then back on the computer. It is such a treat to be free to enjoy the Riverwalk here in SA. Thanks, Heather! It really is Saturday after all.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Alligator Pie
"Alligator pie, alligator pie, if I don't get some I think I'm gonna die!"
Do you remember reading that book to your kids - I do. I thought it was a delightful, imaginery poem. Imagine - eating alligator? Never! It was such a funny thought.
Never say never. Last night we settled into a KOA campground - early this time! Then we headed out to "Boutin's-A-Cajun Music and Dining experience". It was recommended for a true taste of Louisana - complete with bayou shack decor! As promised a group of musicians were strummin' up a beat as we entered. There was an accordian, banjo, guitar, drum and a real "down home"singer. And a large dance floor with "real" type dancing.
We weren't too hungry after our beignet spiritual experience (!) - so I ordered a crab bisque soup and Rip ordered fried alligator - our waitress said it was her favourite. I loved my soup, and considered for more than a few moments about the alligator. Not sure why I can't stomach the thought of venison - but alligator seemed an easier challenge- perhaps it's the image of Bambi ingrained from childhood!
Bottom line - the alligator was delicious; a bit like chicken and very tender and tasty.
Maybe the writer of that children's book wasn't kidding after all.
Do you remember reading that book to your kids - I do. I thought it was a delightful, imaginery poem. Imagine - eating alligator? Never! It was such a funny thought.
Never say never. Last night we settled into a KOA campground - early this time! Then we headed out to "Boutin's-A-Cajun Music and Dining experience". It was recommended for a true taste of Louisana - complete with bayou shack decor! As promised a group of musicians were strummin' up a beat as we entered. There was an accordian, banjo, guitar, drum and a real "down home"singer. And a large dance floor with "real" type dancing.
We weren't too hungry after our beignet spiritual experience (!) - so I ordered a crab bisque soup and Rip ordered fried alligator - our waitress said it was her favourite. I loved my soup, and considered for more than a few moments about the alligator. Not sure why I can't stomach the thought of venison - but alligator seemed an easier challenge- perhaps it's the image of Bambi ingrained from childhood!
Bottom line - the alligator was delicious; a bit like chicken and very tender and tasty.
Maybe the writer of that children's book wasn't kidding after all.
No means NO
New Orleans is a fascinating place, called "an inevitable city on an impossible site". We could not believe the miles and miles of bridges to get there! We see few signs of the hurricane Katrina aftermath even though 80% of the city was under water. It is a city with character. The first settlers arrived in 1699 from France and were joined by the Cajuns (Acadians from Nova Scotia) and some German settlers. We spent the morning on the Riverwalk - a beautiful walkway along the Mississippi River where you can watch the Steamboats coming and going and enjoy the little shops, fountains and even a Southern beverage and food museum. In the afternoon we ambled our way through the French Quarter, pausing for a cold drink in a market area bistro listening to a jazz band, The Old Skools! The French Quarter is a little bit of France with the narrow streets with shops and bars and live music everywhere. There is a character at every corner!
Last stop was the famous Cafe du Monde, French market coffee stand begun in 1862, where they make mouthwatering beignets (homemade donuts floating on a cushion of icing sugar). My black capris bear witness to this treat (and the hips under them of course!). The beignets were warm, soft, melt-in-your-mouth - this has to qualify as a true sabbatical spiritual experience!
We walked our socks off on this most perfect day of sun and sightseeing, and as we headed out of the city Rip asked me, "Where is a town called No?" I said I didn't know, but proceeded to look up the name in our CAA guide book. I couldn't find it. Rip said he saw No Wireless, No Taxis and No Airport - it suddenly dawned on me - NO on all those signs is short for New Orleans! Duh. Our minds are truly on vacation.
Last stop was the famous Cafe du Monde, French market coffee stand begun in 1862, where they make mouthwatering beignets (homemade donuts floating on a cushion of icing sugar). My black capris bear witness to this treat (and the hips under them of course!). The beignets were warm, soft, melt-in-your-mouth - this has to qualify as a true sabbatical spiritual experience!
We walked our socks off on this most perfect day of sun and sightseeing, and as we headed out of the city Rip asked me, "Where is a town called No?" I said I didn't know, but proceeded to look up the name in our CAA guide book. I couldn't find it. Rip said he saw No Wireless, No Taxis and No Airport - it suddenly dawned on me - NO on all those signs is short for New Orleans! Duh. Our minds are truly on vacation.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Niagara Falls!
We lost track of time on Pensacola Beach - it was divine. We walked a pier and the beach which stretches for miles and miles. There are covered picnic tables with barbecues, washrooms and clean, white sand and turquoise surf. It is so picturesque. After a light bite at McGuire's Irish Pub (complete with 750,000 one dollar bills on the ceiling signed by native Irish visitors), it was too dark to find a regular campsite.
This is where church hospitality comes in! We spotted a beautiful church of the Latter Day Saints with lovely manicured property and pulled in to a darker, back spot for the night. Perfect - well almost! At 3 am or so I sat up and thought that Niagara Falls had descended on the van! Water, water everywhere - we didn't see a cloud in sight as we retired for the night - what was this? Monsoon? Cloud burst?
Rip was sent to investigate. Sure enough, we had parked, nose forward, right in front of a large nozzle for an automatic lawn sprinkler system. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at 3 am.
Niagara Falls - look out!
This is where church hospitality comes in! We spotted a beautiful church of the Latter Day Saints with lovely manicured property and pulled in to a darker, back spot for the night. Perfect - well almost! At 3 am or so I sat up and thought that Niagara Falls had descended on the van! Water, water everywhere - we didn't see a cloud in sight as we retired for the night - what was this? Monsoon? Cloud burst?
Rip was sent to investigate. Sure enough, we had parked, nose forward, right in front of a large nozzle for an automatic lawn sprinkler system. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard at 3 am.
Niagara Falls - look out!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Home Jane!
We had a great visit with our dear friends, Jan and Greg, and family in Tallahassee. We thought we were arriving after dinner, and walked into their beautiful home to the smells of roast beef and Yorkshire pudding wafting past our noses - yummy! I had not enjoyed Yorkshire pudding in a long time - a memory of my Mom who was born in Yorkshire.
Nicole and Dalton, their children, were 3 and 6 when we visited their home last - wow - at 13 and 16 they are awesome young people - Dalton a handsome, keen mathemetician going away to some State competition next weekend - and Nicole a clever self taught musician with personality pizzaz! We are proud to know you.
We are "ripping" down the highway toward New Orleans. Our CAA tour book says that there is a phenomenal National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. We defer to our GPS -"home Jane" - take us there! And she does. It is free and awesome! From Blue Angels to Corsairs Rip is in airplane heaven. I get to sit in a cockpit (they made men smaller then, didn't they?). Then we experience the Imax theatre production of Grand Canyon - wow, my stomach says I am in that plane! We love the kayak trip down the Colorado River - we were really with them.
Our CAA book says don't miss the Pensacaola Beach - "home Jane" again! She delivers. It is a beach like no other - pure white sand, amazing, deserted, gorgeous, long. The sand is so white because it is 99% quartz. So soft. We sit for a time with snacks and music and a glass of wine. It doesn't get better. We have come to rely on Jane - our expert navigator - thanks for saving directional spats - ha, ha! From the old days of "Home, James!" we are converts to "Home, Jane!" Thank you, Jane, and thank you to whoever is sharing is internet connection on the beach!
Nicole and Dalton, their children, were 3 and 6 when we visited their home last - wow - at 13 and 16 they are awesome young people - Dalton a handsome, keen mathemetician going away to some State competition next weekend - and Nicole a clever self taught musician with personality pizzaz! We are proud to know you.
We are "ripping" down the highway toward New Orleans. Our CAA tour book says that there is a phenomenal National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. We defer to our GPS -"home Jane" - take us there! And she does. It is free and awesome! From Blue Angels to Corsairs Rip is in airplane heaven. I get to sit in a cockpit (they made men smaller then, didn't they?). Then we experience the Imax theatre production of Grand Canyon - wow, my stomach says I am in that plane! We love the kayak trip down the Colorado River - we were really with them.
Our CAA book says don't miss the Pensacaola Beach - "home Jane" again! She delivers. It is a beach like no other - pure white sand, amazing, deserted, gorgeous, long. The sand is so white because it is 99% quartz. So soft. We sit for a time with snacks and music and a glass of wine. It doesn't get better. We have come to rely on Jane - our expert navigator - thanks for saving directional spats - ha, ha! From the old days of "Home, James!" we are converts to "Home, Jane!" Thank you, Jane, and thank you to whoever is sharing is internet connection on the beach!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Skinny's
Anna Marie Island is a skinny piece of paradise, a 26 mile long white sand beach. Skinny is a word that brings many images - never pertaining to my body, I know, :) but I have known those who might be called skinny or better yet slender, slim, svelte, etc.
Carl "Skinny" and his wife opened a homemade hamburger place on the island in 1952 and the family has never looked back and neither have their visitors. The homemade hamburgs and curly fries and tender, crisy onion rings are a taste to behold! I could not figure out the name "Skinny's" on first hearing, for I am sure no one who eats this food could be skinny for long! On the other hand, one visit clarified the origin of the name, and indeed that clientelle that visit there are (many of them) - skinny, bikini clad bodies that call this place a regular hot spot on vacation. No wonder it is hard to find a place to sit!
Before our skinny lunch, Rip and Larry went for a walk to the pier and Rip rescued some starfish babies who somehow found their way out of the water. It reminds me of the story of the man who was throwing starfish back into the water to save them, and someone asked him why he bothered since so many were not going to make it. He said, "but this one did". So true. A skinny moment of opportunity for those particular starfish.
Our time on Anna Maria Island is coming to a close. What a "skinny" moment in time of rest, beach walks, laughter of good friends, savouring of delicious food. We hear about Susan Boyle, British singer whose "skinny" moment on TV has changed her life forever. Even Simon Cowell was blown away - what can we say?
We may not be skinny, but Rip and I have had many "skinny" moments of bliss thus far.
Carl "Skinny" and his wife opened a homemade hamburger place on the island in 1952 and the family has never looked back and neither have their visitors. The homemade hamburgs and curly fries and tender, crisy onion rings are a taste to behold! I could not figure out the name "Skinny's" on first hearing, for I am sure no one who eats this food could be skinny for long! On the other hand, one visit clarified the origin of the name, and indeed that clientelle that visit there are (many of them) - skinny, bikini clad bodies that call this place a regular hot spot on vacation. No wonder it is hard to find a place to sit!
Before our skinny lunch, Rip and Larry went for a walk to the pier and Rip rescued some starfish babies who somehow found their way out of the water. It reminds me of the story of the man who was throwing starfish back into the water to save them, and someone asked him why he bothered since so many were not going to make it. He said, "but this one did". So true. A skinny moment of opportunity for those particular starfish.
Our time on Anna Maria Island is coming to a close. What a "skinny" moment in time of rest, beach walks, laughter of good friends, savouring of delicious food. We hear about Susan Boyle, British singer whose "skinny" moment on TV has changed her life forever. Even Simon Cowell was blown away - what can we say?
We may not be skinny, but Rip and I have had many "skinny" moments of bliss thus far.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Hug Tester
A little girl comes home from her Grandmother's house bursting with the story of Snow White that she saw on DVD. "Mom, Snow White met a prince at the end, and guess what happened then?" Her mom said, "they lived happily ever after". "No, Mom. Wrong."
-"they got married"!!
And so began the sermon on, of all texts, Ephesians 5:22-33. I dare you to look it up! It is a passage I have avoided like the plague for 14 years. Enough said. I can't even bring myself to type those words of Paul. Peaked your curiosity yet?
First Baptist church is full of the joy of the Lord, so to speak. My friend Bettejane attends with 2 other friends on the island. I can see why. Talk about the "comfortable pew". It is like entering a theatre - greeters on the sidewalk and again inside; one of them has a tag "I'm a hug tester!" - the "sanctuary" is complete with sloped floor with comfy padded seats, large stage platform, 22 piece orchestra (you heard me!) and 52 in the choir with 4 song leaders out front and a grand piano - hundreds in the "pews" and that's on a "low" Sunday when some of the snowbirds have already left for home. Last week's attendance - 1,230! Oh, and this note for my church family folk and colleagues - the offering from last week was $35,294.64. No signs of a drooping economy here.
Pastor Rick is nowhere to be seen before the sermon. It is all about the singing! And everyone seems overjoyed with the love of God in the spirit. There is lots of clapping, smiling - and of course during the greeting - hugging! I love it that people are happy there. The sermon begins and is really very well done - Pastor Rick is a great speaker and he wanders in and out of the text and everyday life. He is traditional and engaging and knowledgable. His only mistake in my mind - 45 minutes is just too long no matter how good it is. I found out what it is to be a pew sitter once again - end of sermon!
I am glad to have experienced this worship service. The best part - the hug tester - who was very careful and appropriate - and the height of friendly.
Blessings on all!
-"they got married"!!
And so began the sermon on, of all texts, Ephesians 5:22-33. I dare you to look it up! It is a passage I have avoided like the plague for 14 years. Enough said. I can't even bring myself to type those words of Paul. Peaked your curiosity yet?
First Baptist church is full of the joy of the Lord, so to speak. My friend Bettejane attends with 2 other friends on the island. I can see why. Talk about the "comfortable pew". It is like entering a theatre - greeters on the sidewalk and again inside; one of them has a tag "I'm a hug tester!" - the "sanctuary" is complete with sloped floor with comfy padded seats, large stage platform, 22 piece orchestra (you heard me!) and 52 in the choir with 4 song leaders out front and a grand piano - hundreds in the "pews" and that's on a "low" Sunday when some of the snowbirds have already left for home. Last week's attendance - 1,230! Oh, and this note for my church family folk and colleagues - the offering from last week was $35,294.64. No signs of a drooping economy here.
Pastor Rick is nowhere to be seen before the sermon. It is all about the singing! And everyone seems overjoyed with the love of God in the spirit. There is lots of clapping, smiling - and of course during the greeting - hugging! I love it that people are happy there. The sermon begins and is really very well done - Pastor Rick is a great speaker and he wanders in and out of the text and everyday life. He is traditional and engaging and knowledgable. His only mistake in my mind - 45 minutes is just too long no matter how good it is. I found out what it is to be a pew sitter once again - end of sermon!
I am glad to have experienced this worship service. The best part - the hug tester - who was very careful and appropriate - and the height of friendly.
Blessings on all!
The Next Exit
Saturday found us rolling down highway I-75 toward Anna Maria Island in Florida. The landscape has changed from budding trees to full blown tree foliage; from a chilly wind to shorts and sandals, and "the wages of sin are death" to "adult superstore ahead"! Whew. Every exit we anticipate what is next - the next fast food outlet - a quick rest area stop or a pecan fix at Stuckey's and of course Rip's favourite - Flying J's for gas (he has a discount card with a real value of several cents on a gas fill up - can't be beat! It is a dream gas station with internet, lounge chairs in front of a megga screen TV and - if you need a pick-me-up- showers! Twice we have gotten gas at some other stop and then the next exit was a Flying J's and you must have heard Rip's groan clear to Ontario. It appears our GPS has limits.
Okay there is a solution. Believe it or not, we found a book called, "The Next Exit", which lists all the stops on major highways in the US and what gas, food and accommodation we might find- so no more guessing games or watching the gas needle drop into the red zone in hopes of "the next stop".
It's so true of life, isn't it, that we are keen to know exactly what is ahead and spend a lot of time anticipating the next move and thinking about the future instead of living in the present moment. Along the highway, when we are not possessing about "the next exit", we are singing the songs of "Joseph" and munching Picard's peanuts and savouring each new scene.
Sabbatical time allows such a delightful refocus of "being" - the hours fly by and we have arrived at our friends and neighbour's (Bettejane and Larry) beautiful condo by the beach - you can smell the sea and after 15 hours of driving we are very glad to have arrived at "the next exit"!
Okay there is a solution. Believe it or not, we found a book called, "The Next Exit", which lists all the stops on major highways in the US and what gas, food and accommodation we might find- so no more guessing games or watching the gas needle drop into the red zone in hopes of "the next stop".
It's so true of life, isn't it, that we are keen to know exactly what is ahead and spend a lot of time anticipating the next move and thinking about the future instead of living in the present moment. Along the highway, when we are not possessing about "the next exit", we are singing the songs of "Joseph" and munching Picard's peanuts and savouring each new scene.
Sabbatical time allows such a delightful refocus of "being" - the hours fly by and we have arrived at our friends and neighbour's (Bettejane and Larry) beautiful condo by the beach - you can smell the sea and after 15 hours of driving we are very glad to have arrived at "the next exit"!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Craving the Caving
We got up and ready for the 8 am opening of the Visitor's Centre as we knew that some of the caving tours sell out quickly. We parked in the lot at 8:05 am and went to the doors - closed. Hmmm. Another car rolled up - okay we are clueless. We had gained 1 hour in our travels and the time was really 7:05 am. We are not so smart after all!
Took the Historic Tour in the morning (2 hours) and Frozen Niagara (1 hour) in the afternoon. Amazing Just to give you some idea, please picture going through passages called, "Tall Man's Misery" and "Fat Man's Agony". Okay, you must have a visual. Let us just say that it is a lot easier to be 5'2" than 6' - okay already.
The Mammoth Caves have 367 miles of caves - it is all so interesting and the history would fascinate even the most claustrophic of persons. It is so beautiful you can just see the Creator's handiwork - you just could not miss it really. The Green River carved all the caverns over time. It was an experience to remember. We thought it might not be busy, but some of the schools in nearby states were on school break so there were lots of families touring today.
After 3 hours of caving we had seen quite a lot and decided to move on. It is a beautiful day - it must be 75F and blue, sunny sky. We left for Bowling Green and toured the Corvette Museum - quite a contrast to caving let's say. We decided to quit the day early and relax rather than logging more hours on the road. After all, I am in withdrawal from having an agenda, and I cannot believe that my daybook says nothing at all for Friday, April 17th. It says nothing, but I have experienced breathtaking moments. Says a lot about sabbatical time.
Took the Historic Tour in the morning (2 hours) and Frozen Niagara (1 hour) in the afternoon. Amazing Just to give you some idea, please picture going through passages called, "Tall Man's Misery" and "Fat Man's Agony". Okay, you must have a visual. Let us just say that it is a lot easier to be 5'2" than 6' - okay already.
The Mammoth Caves have 367 miles of caves - it is all so interesting and the history would fascinate even the most claustrophic of persons. It is so beautiful you can just see the Creator's handiwork - you just could not miss it really. The Green River carved all the caverns over time. It was an experience to remember. We thought it might not be busy, but some of the schools in nearby states were on school break so there were lots of families touring today.
After 3 hours of caving we had seen quite a lot and decided to move on. It is a beautiful day - it must be 75F and blue, sunny sky. We left for Bowling Green and toured the Corvette Museum - quite a contrast to caving let's say. We decided to quit the day early and relax rather than logging more hours on the road. After all, I am in withdrawal from having an agenda, and I cannot believe that my daybook says nothing at all for Friday, April 17th. It says nothing, but I have experienced breathtaking moments. Says a lot about sabbatical time.
Thursday antics
Cabela's makes Pro Bass in Ontario look like a minnow compare to a whale! With 225, 000 square feet in the store, it was a legitimate workout just to use the washrooms (well, maybe not quite, but it makes me feel better to say that!). There is a dog kennel, a mountain, inside, and a lake outside - to try out your new fishing boat, kayak or canoe of course! They sell "shorts by the inch" - now that's a first! I bought a camp dinner that heats itself up - sounds like a hotflash to me (and they call that cutting edge technology!).
We drove on to the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky - it was a real country drive at the end through Mennonite country - the caves are located in "dry" county - very picturesque. The red bud trees are in full bloom all along the roadways - the person who named the tree is obviously colour blind - the "purple" trees were breathtaking. Most of Kentucky was declared a disaster area in January during an ice storm and most of the trees along the way were bent over like one of those candle lighters that have the bent torch. Anyway, toward the end of our destination our GPS started to say "road ends at water" - sure enough the road suddenly comes to a river and there is a ferry transporting cars back and forth! We thought this was a nuisance at first, but in the end it was a really amazing ride - and free of charge.
Found a campsite in a gorgeous campground next to the Visitor's Centre at the Mammoth Caves -for a whole $17. Our first night in "Rips Joy" - awesome!
We drove on to the Mammoth Caves in Kentucky - it was a real country drive at the end through Mennonite country - the caves are located in "dry" county - very picturesque. The red bud trees are in full bloom all along the roadways - the person who named the tree is obviously colour blind - the "purple" trees were breathtaking. Most of Kentucky was declared a disaster area in January during an ice storm and most of the trees along the way were bent over like one of those candle lighters that have the bent torch. Anyway, toward the end of our destination our GPS started to say "road ends at water" - sure enough the road suddenly comes to a river and there is a ferry transporting cars back and forth! We thought this was a nuisance at first, but in the end it was a really amazing ride - and free of charge.
Found a campsite in a gorgeous campground next to the Visitor's Centre at the Mammoth Caves -for a whole $17. Our first night in "Rips Joy" - awesome!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Here we are in Dundee, Michigan. We picked up our half-pint (meaning "mini") microwave from Randy in Detroit and have now experienced the ultimate Outdoors Experience at Cabela's. Had a delicious Bruschetta bread and salad at the River Side Pub by the water. Finding the people here so friendly- at the grocery store we were given a 10% discount even though we didn't have the discount card. Truly American hospitality.
Trivia for the day - did you know that if you are driving a vehicle you are not familiar with - you can tell which side the gas tank is on by looking at the picture of the gas pump on your display. If the pump handle is on the right; your gas tank is on the right; similarly left and left! Does everybody know that??
Our vehicle, Rips Joy, is a dream come true. We toasted my Mom tonight - she gave Rip a license plate called "Rips Joy" for his boat and now we have this Westfalia thanks to her.
A great day - a wonderful beginning!
Trivia for the day - did you know that if you are driving a vehicle you are not familiar with - you can tell which side the gas tank is on by looking at the picture of the gas pump on your display. If the pump handle is on the right; your gas tank is on the right; similarly left and left! Does everybody know that??
Our vehicle, Rips Joy, is a dream come true. We toasted my Mom tonight - she gave Rip a license plate called "Rips Joy" for his boat and now we have this Westfalia thanks to her.
A great day - a wonderful beginning!
We're off!
Hard to believe everything is ready and we are packed. I think the RipsJoy is going to be slow going with all our stuff! First stop - Detroit to pick up a "half-pint" microwave advertised on the internet. Oh no, something more to install!! We will meet our first new contact.
Tonight - a motel across the street from Cabela's - if you don't know what that is you are probably not male or a fisherperson! 'Bye for now!
Tonight - a motel across the street from Cabela's - if you don't know what that is you are probably not male or a fisherperson! 'Bye for now!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
It's 2 days to go before we leave on our sabbatical adventure! I feel so very fortunate to be given this opportunity to explore, learn and begin an such an extravaganza! I think everybody should have this kind of opportunity to rejuvenate - lots of people work hard and deserve such a time for renewal. I am struggling to leave in many ways, leaving behind so many wonderful people - some of them ailing - and of course saying goodbye to Cleo (our cat) who is already sitting on my desk chair looking longingly - she "knows" - I can just tell!
I hope I will be able to post these blogs (short for "web-log" I found out!) - it only took me 3 hours to set it up - the prompter says a few minutes, but they don't know me obviously! The prompter also says no exclamation marks in the labels - too bad; I am such an exclamation person!!!!!!
I drove the Westfalia to the bank today - a brave ride - I think it makes Rip nervous when I drive it - that will pass quickly enough after a few thousand kilometres I am guessing!
Well, this is my first post and the count-down is on!
I hope I will be able to post these blogs (short for "web-log" I found out!) - it only took me 3 hours to set it up - the prompter says a few minutes, but they don't know me obviously! The prompter also says no exclamation marks in the labels - too bad; I am such an exclamation person!!!!!!
I drove the Westfalia to the bank today - a brave ride - I think it makes Rip nervous when I drive it - that will pass quickly enough after a few thousand kilometres I am guessing!
Well, this is my first post and the count-down is on!
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