Day 75 Thursday October 4
We managed to juggle packing and eating so that our tent was not wet when placed in the trunk. No sooner did we start driving than the rain got serious. We drove out of it on the way to Columbus and then had a special treat: a low-fat malted milkshake, courtesy of the United Dairy Farmers convenience store, a chain in Ohio. Our goal for the day was St. Clairsville, Ohio where a number of Imes relatives are buried. Thanks to a super efficient information librarian we found directions to all the cemeteries we were looking for. Our first cemetery was very run down, and we could not locate the graves we were looking for. The second cemetery was in even worse shape: weeds over one's head and a large tree fallen on it. We could see the Iiams stone, but did not whack a trail to it. The probable gravesite of Obedaiah Hardesty is on private property, but the owner was very gracious and keeps the few graves nicely tended. He is Bill's great-great-great-great grandfather. His brother is buried on a hill a few miles away and a very nice gentleman had cut all the brush up to the tiny cemetery. Here lies Obedaiah's brother Richard who fought in the Battle of Boston in 1776. We drove couple of hours into PA and chose to spend the night in a motel because of rain in the forecast. Judy would have preferred the tent because it did not rain and the motel cleaners use perfume to reduce odors and make asthmatics cough. It seems strange to be getting so close to home.
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 76. Easthampton, MA
Day 76 Friday October 4
We drove a long time, but with Judy at the wheel we reached Easthampton and home at 10:30. Although long, it was a beautiful drive through the mountains of Pennsylvania and New York where many of the leaves have turned. On the way we stopped in Wyoming, PA to visit the monument to the Revolutionary Battle of Wyoming where Bill's great-great-great-great grandfather Nicolas Manvil lost his life. He left a widow and six children. The more greats you put in front of a person's name, the more descendants they have! Or, the other way around, if you count your great-great-great-great ancestors, you have a lot of them. In the past two days we have visited four of Bill's ancestors in that category: three grandfathers and an uncle, all of whom fought in the Revolution. We enjoyed a fine dinner with the Truckenmillers in Johnstown, NY before deciding to finish this big journey by coming on HOME. It is a beautiful sight.
We drove a long time, but with Judy at the wheel we reached Easthampton and home at 10:30. Although long, it was a beautiful drive through the mountains of Pennsylvania and New York where many of the leaves have turned. On the way we stopped in Wyoming, PA to visit the monument to the Revolutionary Battle of Wyoming where Bill's great-great-great-great grandfather Nicolas Manvil lost his life. He left a widow and six children. The more greats you put in front of a person's name, the more descendants they have! Or, the other way around, if you count your great-great-great-great ancestors, you have a lot of them. In the past two days we have visited four of Bill's ancestors in that category: three grandfathers and an uncle, all of whom fought in the Revolution. We enjoyed a fine dinner with the Truckenmillers in Johnstown, NY before deciding to finish this big journey by coming on HOME. It is a beautiful sight.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 74 Wilmington, Oh
Day 74 Wednesday October 2
We spent the entire day tracking down Bonecutter relatives. Unfortunately the first Bonecutter to come to America, John Harmon, the Hessian who deserted is buried on private property where visitors are not welcome. But we found the next generation and their many offspring in seven cemeteries in Clinton and Fayetteville counties. The person who runs the Sabina cemetery is also the mayor, and he was extraordinarily helpful. He personally took us to three grave sites and printed out old records that provide a wealth of genealogical information on our relatives. Again the clouds turned to sun, and it became a warm day. We are staying in the same campground - taking a chance that we will avoid any rain. We are using the Wilmington Public Library to catch up on downloading pictures. We have not posted pictures some time because they are chiefly family and grave shots, but we may add some in the next two days.
We spent the entire day tracking down Bonecutter relatives. Unfortunately the first Bonecutter to come to America, John Harmon, the Hessian who deserted is buried on private property where visitors are not welcome. But we found the next generation and their many offspring in seven cemeteries in Clinton and Fayetteville counties. The person who runs the Sabina cemetery is also the mayor, and he was extraordinarily helpful. He personally took us to three grave sites and printed out old records that provide a wealth of genealogical information on our relatives. Again the clouds turned to sun, and it became a warm day. We are staying in the same campground - taking a chance that we will avoid any rain. We are using the Wilmington Public Library to catch up on downloading pictures. We have not posted pictures some time because they are chiefly family and grave shots, but we may add some in the next two days.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 73 Wilmington, OH
Day 73 Tuesday October 1
We began the day with a visit to the grave of my aunt and uncle Grace and Art Rohrbaugh in South Bend. Then we headed southeast to look for more relatives in Ohio. It was a cloudy day and took a while to warm up, but by the time we searched for graves near Troy, OH it was very pleasant. We found the Imes relatives and headed on to Wilmington where my Uncle Ike and Aunt Dorothy once lived. We found a nice private campground south of town and headed back to town to eat, walk, and call Judy's mom. The weather was great for camping, and the campground is next to empty, which means quiet and smokeless!
We began the day with a visit to the grave of my aunt and uncle Grace and Art Rohrbaugh in South Bend. Then we headed southeast to look for more relatives in Ohio. It was a cloudy day and took a while to warm up, but by the time we searched for graves near Troy, OH it was very pleasant. We found the Imes relatives and headed on to Wilmington where my Uncle Ike and Aunt Dorothy once lived. We found a nice private campground south of town and headed back to town to eat, walk, and call Judy's mom. The weather was great for camping, and the campground is next to empty, which means quiet and smokeless!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 72 South Bend, IN
Day 72 Monday September 30
We said good bye to Beth and Ken and drove longer than we usually do to make it to South Bend where we are staying in a KOA. We visited the graves of my aunt and uncle Opal and Raymond Bonecutter in a lovely rural cemetery near Williamsburg, Iowa. We ate our usual sandwich and a yogurt lunch on a bluff looking over the Mississippi. Getting around Chicago was. Work, but went unusually smoothly. We have now completed the cycle of gaining three hours and losing three hours; gaining is more fun. We are set for three days of grave hunting.
We said good bye to Beth and Ken and drove longer than we usually do to make it to South Bend where we are staying in a KOA. We visited the graves of my aunt and uncle Opal and Raymond Bonecutter in a lovely rural cemetery near Williamsburg, Iowa. We ate our usual sandwich and a yogurt lunch on a bluff looking over the Mississippi. Getting around Chicago was. Work, but went unusually smoothly. We have now completed the cycle of gaining three hours and losing three hours; gaining is more fun. We are set for three days of grave hunting.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 71 Waverly, IA
Day 71. Sunday September 29. We begin our last week on the road.
We went to Faith Church in Tripoli for worship. It is very special to see so many old friends and to be with BTS grad and friend Marilyn Sargent, their pastor. Ken had made super soup for lunch. We helped Beth pick tomatoes, and then the three of us walked the rail trail for an hour. We also watched a lot of football including most of the Patriots' win. Boston teams have done so well when we are away; perhaps we should have Red Sox pay to keep us out of state for another month.
We went to Faith Church in Tripoli for worship. It is very special to see so many old friends and to be with BTS grad and friend Marilyn Sargent, their pastor. Ken had made super soup for lunch. We helped Beth pick tomatoes, and then the three of us walked the rail trail for an hour. We also watched a lot of football including most of the Patriots' win. Boston teams have done so well when we are away; perhaps we should have Red Sox pay to keep us out of state for another month.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 70 Waverly, IA
Day 70 Saturday September 28. This is the end of our tenth week of travel.
We had a great day with the Burrow and Wolfe families highlighted by a trip to the UNIDome to see the University of Northern Iowa play McNeese State. The Panthers won 41-6. Judy, Beth and Lynley are all UNI grads. We ate well all day, also, with Ken at the grill.
We had a great day with the Burrow and Wolfe families highlighted by a trip to the UNIDome to see the University of Northern Iowa play McNeese State. The Panthers won 41-6. Judy, Beth and Lynley are all UNI grads. We ate well all day, also, with Ken at the grill.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 69 Waverly, IA
Day 69 Friday September 27. (This is the 100th Anniversary of Ralph Imes' birth)
The funeral for Bob Truckenmiller went very well. There was a good crowd. Greg shared a glowing tribute from another Boy Scout leader; Bob led the local troop for 40 years! He had been mayor and fire chief and pretty much you-name-it in Ocheyedan. Jack had made a lovely video tribute which was shown during the service. After a luncheon in the town hall we headed for Waverly by way of Fonda and Pomeroy. We have many wonderful memories of both towns and are sorrowful to see how much their business districts have declined. In Pomeroy both the UCC and UMC churches have been torn down. We made it to Daughter Beth's house just before granddaughter Lynley Wolfe and her husband Jon arrived home from their new jobs in Des Moines. Ken was working at the high school football game and wasn't able to join us for a good meal at the Bremer Diner. Every one is looking good and flourishing.
The funeral for Bob Truckenmiller went very well. There was a good crowd. Greg shared a glowing tribute from another Boy Scout leader; Bob led the local troop for 40 years! He had been mayor and fire chief and pretty much you-name-it in Ocheyedan. Jack had made a lovely video tribute which was shown during the service. After a luncheon in the town hall we headed for Waverly by way of Fonda and Pomeroy. We have many wonderful memories of both towns and are sorrowful to see how much their business districts have declined. In Pomeroy both the UCC and UMC churches have been torn down. We made it to Daughter Beth's house just before granddaughter Lynley Wolfe and her husband Jon arrived home from their new jobs in Des Moines. Ken was working at the high school football game and wasn't able to join us for a good meal at the Bremer Diner. Every one is looking good and flourishing.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 68 Worthington, MN
Day 68 Thursday September 26
This is Phyllis' 89th birthday. Evelyn had arranged to have cupcakes made to be served as dessert at the noon meal. She, Judy and Bill joined Phyllis and Albert for that meal where we also presented her with a corsage for the special day. She had several other nice gifts, and it made for a good celebration. Stuart had a conflict, but made it just at the end of the meal. We bade every one farewell and headed for Worthington where we spent the night. As soon as we had checked in, we headed for Ocheyedan to be present for the family visiting hours. It was good to catch up with Rachel, Greg and boys as well as Diane and much of Bob's family. His death is both very sad and a great relief. That the battle is over.
This is Phyllis' 89th birthday. Evelyn had arranged to have cupcakes made to be served as dessert at the noon meal. She, Judy and Bill joined Phyllis and Albert for that meal where we also presented her with a corsage for the special day. She had several other nice gifts, and it made for a good celebration. Stuart had a conflict, but made it just at the end of the meal. We bade every one farewell and headed for Worthington where we spent the night. As soon as we had checked in, we headed for Ocheyedan to be present for the family visiting hours. It was good to catch up with Rachel, Greg and boys as well as Diane and much of Bob's family. His death is both very sad and a great relief. That the battle is over.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 67 Alexandria, MN
Day 67 Wednesday September 25
Another quiet day. Rachel and sons flew to Minneapolis where Greg met them, took them to Mall of America, and headed back to Ocheyedan. We visited with Phyllis and Albert and took them out for lunch where I enjoyed a grilled walleye sandwich. There is no better fish. They were going to rest. But were pleased to have company Gene and Judy Pierce, a first cousin once removed of Albert from International Falls. We went to the Kensington Runestone Museum and enjoyed the various exhibits on Alexandria history. We just missed the Pierces.
Another quiet day. Rachel and sons flew to Minneapolis where Greg met them, took them to Mall of America, and headed back to Ocheyedan. We visited with Phyllis and Albert and took them out for lunch where I enjoyed a grilled walleye sandwich. There is no better fish. They were going to rest. But were pleased to have company Gene and Judy Pierce, a first cousin once removed of Albert from International Falls. We went to the Kensington Runestone Museum and enjoyed the various exhibits on Alexandria history. We just missed the Pierces.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 66 Alexandria, MN
Day 66 Tuesday September 24
We had a quiet day in Alexandria visiting with Judy's parents. The big event of the day was the monthly birthday party where every one with a September birthday was recognized. The four of us enjoyed the accordion player who had a lot of spunk. Evelyn and Stuart were in St. Cloud for a test to determine if she is a candidate for nerve deadening to relieve the pain she has in her hip. Rachel let us know that she is flying out to Bob's funeral with her boys.
We had a quiet day in Alexandria visiting with Judy's parents. The big event of the day was the monthly birthday party where every one with a September birthday was recognized. The four of us enjoyed the accordion player who had a lot of spunk. Evelyn and Stuart were in St. Cloud for a test to determine if she is a candidate for nerve deadening to relieve the pain she has in her hip. Rachel let us know that she is flying out to Bob's funeral with her boys.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 65 Alexandria, MN
Day 65. Monday September 23
We started slowly as Judy was exhausted. She took some Prednizone to ward off further trouble. Bill washed four loads of clothes and then we started our cemetery rounds. A quick trip to Mendota was very successful followed by good luck in Mound where we also had lunch by the lake. It was pretty, but extremely windy. Then we visited three predominately Finnish cemeteries near Knapp without finding Judy's relatives. Back we went to the Lake Jennie cemetery where we found every one we were looking for. On we went to Alexandria just in time to have supper with Judy's parents.
Sadly we learned on this drive that Bob Truckenmiller had just died. We visited with Phyllis and Albert and then with Stuart and Evelyn and turned in early. The drugs kept Judy awake, but she finally had a very good sleep.
We started slowly as Judy was exhausted. She took some Prednizone to ward off further trouble. Bill washed four loads of clothes and then we started our cemetery rounds. A quick trip to Mendota was very successful followed by good luck in Mound where we also had lunch by the lake. It was pretty, but extremely windy. Then we visited three predominately Finnish cemeteries near Knapp without finding Judy's relatives. Back we went to the Lake Jennie cemetery where we found every one we were looking for. On we went to Alexandria just in time to have supper with Judy's parents.
Sadly we learned on this drive that Bob Truckenmiller had just died. We visited with Phyllis and Albert and then with Stuart and Evelyn and turned in early. The drugs kept Judy awake, but she finally had a very good sleep.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 64 Bloomington, MN
Day 64 Sunday September 22
We packed up, showered and headed to Perkins for a warm breakfast. Then we zipped over to the Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis to find there was no way to locate a grave on a Sunday. We went to a contemporary service at Colonial Church in Edina and then headed to the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery which was closed. A visit to Mendota Heights (Resurrection Cemetery) persuaded us that Sunday grave searches were a poor choice. So we ate lunch beside a baseball field and read the Sunday paper. The mayor of Mendota came by; we think she was worrying that we intended to drive out on the ball field. We went to Mall of America for a walk. It was jammed, and Judy was feeling poorly. The smoky night had triggered her asthma. So we found a nearby motel and checked in. We had a great meal at a nearby Outback and then spent a very quiet evening. Unfortunately Judy had a very bad night struggling with congestion.
We packed up, showered and headed to Perkins for a warm breakfast. Then we zipped over to the Hillside Cemetery in Minneapolis to find there was no way to locate a grave on a Sunday. We went to a contemporary service at Colonial Church in Edina and then headed to the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery which was closed. A visit to Mendota Heights (Resurrection Cemetery) persuaded us that Sunday grave searches were a poor choice. So we ate lunch beside a baseball field and read the Sunday paper. The mayor of Mendota came by; we think she was worrying that we intended to drive out on the ball field. We went to Mall of America for a walk. It was jammed, and Judy was feeling poorly. The smoky night had triggered her asthma. So we found a nearby motel and checked in. We had a great meal at a nearby Outback and then spent a very quiet evening. Unfortunately Judy had a very bad night struggling with congestion.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip Day 63 Jordan, MN
Day 63. Saturday September 21
We completed our ninth week with a great day. We met Albert Henrickson's first cousin Roland Olson at the Lake Jennie Evangelical Church along with his daughter Sandra Pietig. They had many pictures. The church had many pictures. We toured the neighborhood where four of Judy's relatives had farmed, and stopped at the place where Roland had grown up. The current residents clearly are wonderful gardeners: flowers and plants galore. We had a pleasant lunch, and then headed to Hutchinson to visit Inez Settergren who has been doing genealogical work for forty years. She had much to share with us. The one down side to a wonderful day was that our campground was full of smoke from campfires. We hid out in the laundry and then jumped in bed.
We completed our ninth week with a great day. We met Albert Henrickson's first cousin Roland Olson at the Lake Jennie Evangelical Church along with his daughter Sandra Pietig. They had many pictures. The church had many pictures. We toured the neighborhood where four of Judy's relatives had farmed, and stopped at the place where Roland had grown up. The current residents clearly are wonderful gardeners: flowers and plants galore. We had a pleasant lunch, and then headed to Hutchinson to visit Inez Settergren who has been doing genealogical work for forty years. She had much to share with us. The one down side to a wonderful day was that our campground was full of smoke from campfires. We hid out in the laundry and then jumped in bed.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 62 Jordan, MN
day 62 Friday September 20
We began the day on a sad note as we found the grave of an Exeter friend Charlie Ryberg who was killed in Vietnam in 1967, a year after he graduated from Harvard. We found more of Judy's relatives in The Vernon Center cemetery; then we lunched in Mankato where a powwow was in progress. Many schoolchildren were coming to a special event for them at the powwow. We were at the Jordan KOA early and treated ourselves to a dinner at Whole Foods in Edina. The weather has turned cool with scattered thunder showers which fortunately missed our tent! The campground is crowded with people attend ding or taking part in the Renaissance Faire.
We began the day on a sad note as we found the grave of an Exeter friend Charlie Ryberg who was killed in Vietnam in 1967, a year after he graduated from Harvard. We found more of Judy's relatives in The Vernon Center cemetery; then we lunched in Mankato where a powwow was in progress. Many schoolchildren were coming to a special event for them at the powwow. We were at the Jordan KOA early and treated ourselves to a dinner at Whole Foods in Edina. The weather has turned cool with scattered thunder showers which fortunately missed our tent! The campground is crowded with people attend ding or taking part in the Renaissance Faire.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 61 Jackson, MN
Day 61 Thursday September 19
We had great luck in the morning finding all the graves Judy was looking for in Sioux City and Hinton. We also paid a quick visit to former Tripoli parishioner Dawn Snyder at the Nature Center she works in . In the afternoon we visited old Fonda parishioners Chuck and Beth Wyatt and stopped at the Sibley hospital to see Bob Truckenmiller who is critically ill. We had a good visit with our son-in-law Greg and his mother. Spent a chilly night at the KOA in Jackson,Mn.
We had great luck in the morning finding all the graves Judy was looking for in Sioux City and Hinton. We also paid a quick visit to former Tripoli parishioner Dawn Snyder at the Nature Center she works in . In the afternoon we visited old Fonda parishioners Chuck and Beth Wyatt and stopped at the Sibley hospital to see Bob Truckenmiller who is critically ill. We had a good visit with our son-in-law Greg and his mother. Spent a chilly night at the KOA in Jackson,Mn.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 60. North Sioux City, S.D.
Day 60. Wednesday September 18
Tuesday had been too long, challenging and less than satisfying. Everything went vastly better today.
We went to six cemeteries: one in Climbing Hill, one in Anthon, and four in Sioux City. We found literally dozens of relatives including Judy's great,great, great- grandfather who was born in 1813!
We had a picnic in the Anthon Park. We delighted in the rolling hills of Woodbury County although worrying that the crops need several more weeks without frost before they will be ready for harvesting. The spring was just too wet here. We went over to the KOA in North Sioux City and set up the tent, grabbed a salad and Chinese meal at another HyVee, and caught up with our clothes washing where we heard a fellow's life story, sort of like having our own unscheduled AAmeeting.
It was a great day.
Tuesday had been too long, challenging and less than satisfying. Everything went vastly better today.
We went to six cemeteries: one in Climbing Hill, one in Anthon, and four in Sioux City. We found literally dozens of relatives including Judy's great,great, great- grandfather who was born in 1813!
We had a picnic in the Anthon Park. We delighted in the rolling hills of Woodbury County although worrying that the crops need several more weeks without frost before they will be ready for harvesting. The spring was just too wet here. We went over to the KOA in North Sioux City and set up the tent, grabbed a salad and Chinese meal at another HyVee, and caught up with our clothes washing where we heard a fellow's life story, sort of like having our own unscheduled AAmeeting.
It was a great day.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 59 Sioux City, IA
Day 59 Tuesday September 17. Bill's 71st birthday.
We celebrated this birthday with another day of driving. It started poorly: we have a list of deceased relatives of Judy for whom we want to find their graves. First our GPS took us to the Penitentiary in Leavenworth rather than the military cemetery. Then we almost got stuck on two roads in rural Nebraska looking for another cemetery. The car was coated with mud. Finally we reached Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha where three fellows helped us find all the persons Judy was looking for. They actually had to unearth one tombstone. Finally we ended up at the Honey Creek Cemetery in rural Pottawattamie County! Iowa. At this lovely pastoral setting, we found a batch of her relatives. All these adventures made us late getting to Sioux City. So we ate a salad at HyVee, found a motel and collapsed.
We celebrated this birthday with another day of driving. It started poorly: we have a list of deceased relatives of Judy for whom we want to find their graves. First our GPS took us to the Penitentiary in Leavenworth rather than the military cemetery. Then we almost got stuck on two roads in rural Nebraska looking for another cemetery. The car was coated with mud. Finally we reached Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Omaha where three fellows helped us find all the persons Judy was looking for. They actually had to unearth one tombstone. Finally we ended up at the Honey Creek Cemetery in rural Pottawattamie County! Iowa. At this lovely pastoral setting, we found a batch of her relatives. All these adventures made us late getting to Sioux City. So we ate a salad at HyVee, found a motel and collapsed.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 58 Olathe, KS
Day 58 Monday September 16
We did a lot of driving on this day. It was a gray day and either rained or threatened rain on us most of the day. So we went up the Oklahoma Tpke almost to the northeast end and then came up Eastern Kansas to Olathe. We stopped in Fort Scott to tour the Ft. Scott National Historic Site which dates back to the 1840-1870 period. It represents NPS Site 363 for Bill, the last one on this trip. We opted for a motel. And then went out for an early birthday dinner for Bill. At Zio's he had a Thai Chicken Pasta to die for. Judy thought the lasagne was mighty good, too. We topped off the evening with a margarita sherbet at a local ice cream store. No alcohol, but also mighty tasty. A nice birthday treat.
We did a lot of driving on this day. It was a gray day and either rained or threatened rain on us most of the day. So we went up the Oklahoma Tpke almost to the northeast end and then came up Eastern Kansas to Olathe. We stopped in Fort Scott to tour the Ft. Scott National Historic Site which dates back to the 1840-1870 period. It represents NPS Site 363 for Bill, the last one on this trip. We opted for a motel. And then went out for an early birthday dinner for Bill. At Zio's he had a Thai Chicken Pasta to die for. Judy thought the lasagne was mighty good, too. We topped off the evening with a margarita sherbet at a local ice cream store. No alcohol, but also mighty tasty. A nice birthday treat.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 57 Oklahoma City
Day 57 Sunday September 15
We started our 9th week on a quiet note. We went to church at the Altus Presbyterian Church and then had lunch with Sam and Victoria. It has been very good to see Sam. We drove to Oklahoma City with only a stop for frozen yogurt. It has been in the upper 90,s - way too hot to take a walk. So we walked in a Norman mall. We have camped just East of Oklahoma City and called everybody. Albert did not have a good day. His dementia is bringing multiple complications. Tonight is our first night on our new air mattress. Stay tuned for late breaking reports.
We started our 9th week on a quiet note. We went to church at the Altus Presbyterian Church and then had lunch with Sam and Victoria. It has been very good to see Sam. We drove to Oklahoma City with only a stop for frozen yogurt. It has been in the upper 90,s - way too hot to take a walk. So we walked in a Norman mall. We have camped just East of Oklahoma City and called everybody. Albert did not have a good day. His dementia is bringing multiple complications. Tonight is our first night on our new air mattress. Stay tuned for late breaking reports.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013. Day 56 Altus, OK
Day 56 Saturday September 14.
Today we complete the 8th week of our 11 week journey. We did some housekeeping in the morning and then Sam picked us up for a tour of the Altus Air Force Base. We saw where he works and went to his home where we met his roommate Victoria and their dog. After a sandwich for lunch, we took a walk around the base, which was a little longer than we intended in the 90 degree heat of the day. We cooled off by watching several foot ball games. A call to Alexandria revealed that Albert is back home with some medicine changes and the hope that things might go better for Phyllis. We had a fine Mexican meal with Sam and then he dropped us off at the motel where we still cannot connect the laptop , but are having good luck with the IPad. It has been very good to see Sam. He has applied for a position in Guam. Grandpa, of course, hopes that he will get it. There is a National Park site in Guam.
Today we complete the 8th week of our 11 week journey. We did some housekeeping in the morning and then Sam picked us up for a tour of the Altus Air Force Base. We saw where he works and went to his home where we met his roommate Victoria and their dog. After a sandwich for lunch, we took a walk around the base, which was a little longer than we intended in the 90 degree heat of the day. We cooled off by watching several foot ball games. A call to Alexandria revealed that Albert is back home with some medicine changes and the hope that things might go better for Phyllis. We had a fine Mexican meal with Sam and then he dropped us off at the motel where we still cannot connect the laptop , but are having good luck with the IPad. It has been very good to see Sam. He has applied for a position in Guam. Grandpa, of course, hopes that he will get it. There is a National Park site in Guam.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013. Day 55. Altus, OK
Day 55 Friday September 13
It was lovely and dry as we packed up and headed for Oklahoma. We had a nice lunch in a fine park in Sayre, OK next to their local ball field and rodeo grounds. Then we drove to the Washita Battlefield NHS (site 362), which is another sad chapter in the story of the Indian Wars. It relates directly to the Sand Creek Massacre, the site of which we had visited several weeks ago in Eastern Colorado. We had a sobering walk through the scene of the attack. Then it was on to Altus where we actually are staying in a motel! We met our grandson Sam Burrow for a fine Billy Sims barbecue dinner, and then spent a very quiet night trying to get online with our laptop. We drove through a shower, but this flat farmland is very, very dry. Albert is still in the hospital, but hopes to come home tomorrow.
It was lovely and dry as we packed up and headed for Oklahoma. We had a nice lunch in a fine park in Sayre, OK next to their local ball field and rodeo grounds. Then we drove to the Washita Battlefield NHS (site 362), which is another sad chapter in the story of the Indian Wars. It relates directly to the Sand Creek Massacre, the site of which we had visited several weeks ago in Eastern Colorado. We had a sobering walk through the scene of the attack. Then it was on to Altus where we actually are staying in a motel! We met our grandson Sam Burrow for a fine Billy Sims barbecue dinner, and then spent a very quiet night trying to get online with our laptop. We drove through a shower, but this flat farmland is very, very dry. Albert is still in the hospital, but hopes to come home tomorrow.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 54 Amarillo,TX
Day 54 Thursday September 12
We had wild night trying to cope with air loss from our mattress. So we took step two and blew it up and sealed it with electrical tape. Then we headed to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is a beautiful site. We enjoyed a picnic and a good hike there. Then we went to the town of Canyon, home of West Texas A&M where there is a wonderful Panhandle-Plain Historical Museum. It is first rate, and we spent two hours there. Coming back to the tent, we found the air mattress in sad shape and pronounced it dead. Of course, a new one, which was easy to find, needs ten hours of charging before you can blow it up! We improvised and slept pretty well. It was a difficult evening as we learned that Judy's Dad had been taken to the hospital. He is suffering from developing dementia which makes it hard to deal with him at times. Judy's Mom sounded exhausted from that stress.
We did have an excellent meal at a United food market. The weather was very pleasant.
We had wild night trying to cope with air loss from our mattress. So we took step two and blew it up and sealed it with electrical tape. Then we headed to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It is a beautiful site. We enjoyed a picnic and a good hike there. Then we went to the town of Canyon, home of West Texas A&M where there is a wonderful Panhandle-Plain Historical Museum. It is first rate, and we spent two hours there. Coming back to the tent, we found the air mattress in sad shape and pronounced it dead. Of course, a new one, which was easy to find, needs ten hours of charging before you can blow it up! We improvised and slept pretty well. It was a difficult evening as we learned that Judy's Dad had been taken to the hospital. He is suffering from developing dementia which makes it hard to deal with him at times. Judy's Mom sounded exhausted from that stress.
We did have an excellent meal at a United food market. The weather was very pleasant.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 53 Amarillo, TX
Day 53 Wednesday September 11
In the middle of the night we experienced a deluge. It was amazing to look out in the morning and find no puddles. We got up at six and packed the tent. After washing up we went to the Rabbit Ear Cafe for a hot breakfast while it started to rain again. We drove in the rain well into the Texas Panhandle. We had lunch in the Lake Meredith NRA (site 360) where it was so windy that we put out our tent, tent fly, and plastic from under the tent, and they were all dry in less than 20 minutes.
We went on to the Alibates Quarries National Monument (site 361) where we watched a video about the site. You can only tour it by reservation. Arriving at the Amarillo KOA in good time, we made calls to determine what to do about our air mattress leaking air around its pump. The first advice was to grease it with Vaseline. We had a great meal at Abuelo's, an Amarillo tradition.
In the middle of the night we experienced a deluge. It was amazing to look out in the morning and find no puddles. We got up at six and packed the tent. After washing up we went to the Rabbit Ear Cafe for a hot breakfast while it started to rain again. We drove in the rain well into the Texas Panhandle. We had lunch in the Lake Meredith NRA (site 360) where it was so windy that we put out our tent, tent fly, and plastic from under the tent, and they were all dry in less than 20 minutes.
We went on to the Alibates Quarries National Monument (site 361) where we watched a video about the site. You can only tour it by reservation. Arriving at the Amarillo KOA in good time, we made calls to determine what to do about our air mattress leaking air around its pump. The first advice was to grease it with Vaseline. We had a great meal at Abuelo's, an Amarillo tradition.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 52. Clayton, NM
Day 52 Tuesday September 10
A slow, but beautiful drive up Taos Canyon brought us to the lovely valley around Angel Fire where I met a Wing relative clerking in the Post Office. Nearby is a State Park which memorializes those who died in the War in Vietnam. It is a beautiful memorial in a stunning setting. Built by a grieving father and his surviving son, it was taken over by the DAV and then by the State dod New Mexico. They do a good job of remembering a very difficult time. We had a picnic in Cimmaron and found a wonderful old-time soda fountain in a gallery where they have hundreds of Boy Scout patches on the wall: Philmont Ranch is four miles south. On we went to NPS site #359 Capulin Volcano National Monument. We were awed by the views from the top, and took a rim trail at 8,200 feet which gained 300 feet in altitude. Judy managed to finish the whole trail. Bill saluted her. We spent the night in a KOA in Clayton, NM. it had a nice shelter to break the wind from the southwest for our tent site.
We watched several storms go around us and went to bed.
A slow, but beautiful drive up Taos Canyon brought us to the lovely valley around Angel Fire where I met a Wing relative clerking in the Post Office. Nearby is a State Park which memorializes those who died in the War in Vietnam. It is a beautiful memorial in a stunning setting. Built by a grieving father and his surviving son, it was taken over by the DAV and then by the State dod New Mexico. They do a good job of remembering a very difficult time. We had a picnic in Cimmaron and found a wonderful old-time soda fountain in a gallery where they have hundreds of Boy Scout patches on the wall: Philmont Ranch is four miles south. On we went to NPS site #359 Capulin Volcano National Monument. We were awed by the views from the top, and took a rim trail at 8,200 feet which gained 300 feet in altitude. Judy managed to finish the whole trail. Bill saluted her. We spent the night in a KOA in Clayton, NM. it had a nice shelter to break the wind from the southwest for our tent site.
We watched several storms go around us and went to bed.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 51 Taos, NM
Day 51 Monday September 9
This was another day spent chiefly driving. We had two light rains early in the morning which complicated our packing, but we got it done in a timely manner. For Bill the big moment of the day was seeing a mountain lion run across the road a few miles east of Durango. We enjoyed lunch in Pagosa Springs, and walked over to see the mineral springs for which the town is named. They have a strong and unpleasant odor. But they are clearly a draw. Our other stop for the day was at the bridge over the Rio Grande canyon northwest of Taos. We have chosen not to fight the wind and rain, and are in a Taos motel. There is rain in the forecast for the next three days. Bummer.
This was another day spent chiefly driving. We had two light rains early in the morning which complicated our packing, but we got it done in a timely manner. For Bill the big moment of the day was seeing a mountain lion run across the road a few miles east of Durango. We enjoyed lunch in Pagosa Springs, and walked over to see the mineral springs for which the town is named. They have a strong and unpleasant odor. But they are clearly a draw. Our other stop for the day was at the bridge over the Rio Grande canyon northwest of Taos. We have chosen not to fight the wind and rain, and are in a Taos motel. There is rain in the forecast for the next three days. Bummer.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 50 Cortez, CO
Day Sunday September 8
We had a fine start to our eighth week of traveling. After a nice worship service at St. Barnabas of the Valley, we spent much of the day in Mesa Verde. It is an inspiring site. We saw much more than we did when here 16 years ago. Then we drove to the Yucca House National Monument, which is a strange site. It is unexcavated and has just a few spots that reveal the pueblo buried below it. The only entrance is through a farmer's yard and feed lot. Since the Ranger at Mesa Verde, where we got the stamp for this 358th NPS site, suggested that the place was rife with snakes, we looked and left.
Several storms have bypassed us. May they do so all night.
We had a fine start to our eighth week of traveling. After a nice worship service at St. Barnabas of the Valley, we spent much of the day in Mesa Verde. It is an inspiring site. We saw much more than we did when here 16 years ago. Then we drove to the Yucca House National Monument, which is a strange site. It is unexcavated and has just a few spots that reveal the pueblo buried below it. The only entrance is through a farmer's yard and feed lot. Since the Ranger at Mesa Verde, where we got the stamp for this 358th NPS site, suggested that the place was rife with snakes, we looked and left.
Several storms have bypassed us. May they do so all night.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 49. Cortez, CO
Day 49 Saturday September 7
Another day of too much driving, but we made it all the way to Cortez, CO, where we plan to visit Mesa Verde, another old favorite park, and try to figure out how to visit Yucca House, which we have not done. The night was quite exciting as it brought a thunderstorm: very little rain, but some crackling lightning. Judy prefers the storm to fighting air conditioning in a motel. We have only stayed in two motels in the last three weeks. The great reservations of northeastern Arizona look inhospitable unless you have read Tony Hillerman novels or otherwise acquired an appreciation of Navaho culture. We did play tourist and stopped to take pictures at the Four Corners Monument.
We are in a lovely KOA in Cortez. The only problem is that they do have Mosquitos. We haven't encountered any in a month. We have finished seven weeks of this big adventure.
Another day of too much driving, but we made it all the way to Cortez, CO, where we plan to visit Mesa Verde, another old favorite park, and try to figure out how to visit Yucca House, which we have not done. The night was quite exciting as it brought a thunderstorm: very little rain, but some crackling lightning. Judy prefers the storm to fighting air conditioning in a motel. We have only stayed in two motels in the last three weeks. The great reservations of northeastern Arizona look inhospitable unless you have read Tony Hillerman novels or otherwise acquired an appreciation of Navaho culture. We did play tourist and stopped to take pictures at the Four Corners Monument.
We are in a lovely KOA in Cortez. The only problem is that they do have Mosquitos. We haven't encountered any in a month. We have finished seven weeks of this big adventure.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 48. Williams, AZ
Day 48 Friday September 6
This was a drive and drive some more day. The Mohave between Barstow and Needles, California is very desolate. A couple of hours into Arizona as you reach higher altitudes, the landscape is more appealing. Right now it is ablaze with yellow flowers which have responded to the rains of the past two months. We made good time to Williams, quick washed two loads of clothes since we were down to our last day's supply, and naively headed to the Grand Canyon - thinking we would eat a picnic supper at Mather Point. Hah! It is still a jam after school has started. We got in a late walk, and ate our supper in the car afterward. It was a joy to see the Canyon again and to stand in the empty parking lot to scan the heavens. It is so clear there. We also enjoyed the herd of elk grazing on the lawns of several inns.
This was a drive and drive some more day. The Mohave between Barstow and Needles, California is very desolate. A couple of hours into Arizona as you reach higher altitudes, the landscape is more appealing. Right now it is ablaze with yellow flowers which have responded to the rains of the past two months. We made good time to Williams, quick washed two loads of clothes since we were down to our last day's supply, and naively headed to the Grand Canyon - thinking we would eat a picnic supper at Mather Point. Hah! It is still a jam after school has started. We got in a late walk, and ate our supper in the car afterward. It was a joy to see the Canyon again and to stand in the empty parking lot to scan the heavens. It is so clear there. We also enjoyed the herd of elk grazing on the lawns of several inns.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 47 Barstow, CA
Day 47 Thursday September 5
We got a good start and bought block ice at the local market before heading south. We are always grateful for the block option because it keeps the cooler cooler and lasts much longer. We zipped past Fresno and lunch at a nice park in Delano. We enjoyed the farm scenes the past two days: vineyards, today for raisins, and pistachios, walnuts and almonds plus corn, hay, tomatoes, and garlic.
We stopped at a fancy Farmer's Market near Bakersfield and then headed to Keene to find the Cesar Chavez National Monument beside the United Farm Workers' head offices. He is buried in a lovely Memorial Garden next to the small museum the National Park Service runs. The nice young ranger was used to people coming to look for the stamp. This is park site 357 for Bill. We are missing one site because of the road closure in Yosemite. We would need to drive an extra 500 miles to get to the Devil's Postpile. So we have come on to Barstow in the midst of the Mojave Desert. We are staying in a motel for the first time in 12 days! We planned to tent but the wind and scattered showers made Bill anxious about tenting. Our motel was without electricity when we checked in because of an earlier storm. But it was restored while we ate at Coco's where Bill was very pleased to have a Mediterranean Cod which his cardiologist would have applauded. It is nice to try sleeping in a bed again.
We got a good start and bought block ice at the local market before heading south. We are always grateful for the block option because it keeps the cooler cooler and lasts much longer. We zipped past Fresno and lunch at a nice park in Delano. We enjoyed the farm scenes the past two days: vineyards, today for raisins, and pistachios, walnuts and almonds plus corn, hay, tomatoes, and garlic.
We stopped at a fancy Farmer's Market near Bakersfield and then headed to Keene to find the Cesar Chavez National Monument beside the United Farm Workers' head offices. He is buried in a lovely Memorial Garden next to the small museum the National Park Service runs. The nice young ranger was used to people coming to look for the stamp. This is park site 357 for Bill. We are missing one site because of the road closure in Yosemite. We would need to drive an extra 500 miles to get to the Devil's Postpile. So we have come on to Barstow in the midst of the Mojave Desert. We are staying in a motel for the first time in 12 days! We planned to tent but the wind and scattered showers made Bill anxious about tenting. Our motel was without electricity when we checked in because of an earlier storm. But it was restored while we ate at Coco's where Bill was very pleased to have a Mediterranean Cod which his cardiologist would have applauded. It is nice to try sleeping in a bed again.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 46 Coarsegold, CA
Day 46 Wednesday September 3
We got a good start, and had our usual sandwich and a Greek yogurt lunch on a bench in a tiny park in Mariposa. Then we followed the Merced River into Yosemite. A detour around a giant landslide which covered the road and coming across a car that had minutes before missed a curve and ended up in the river were sobering moments. But we made it to Yosemite, which has only the most modest of entrance signs. We worked our way through the Valley taking in the awesome sites. Getting the stamp at the Visitor's Center made site 356 official. A lovely walk to the dry Lower Falls elicited a promise from Bill that we would return in a spring month. Leaving the park we stopped at the Tunnel Overlook for a most dramatic view of the entire Valley. That was probably the highlight of our visit. We were rejoicing that there was no smoke to choke Judy or to obscure the views. The park was crowded, but nowhere near what it can be. Most of the visitors were foreign tourists who probably felt they would try Yosemite since it was their only chance. Californians were not there. We spent the night in a nice KOA just south of Coarsegold, CA. We slept incredibly well in this quiet locale where we could see millions of stars.
We got a good start, and had our usual sandwich and a Greek yogurt lunch on a bench in a tiny park in Mariposa. Then we followed the Merced River into Yosemite. A detour around a giant landslide which covered the road and coming across a car that had minutes before missed a curve and ended up in the river were sobering moments. But we made it to Yosemite, which has only the most modest of entrance signs. We worked our way through the Valley taking in the awesome sites. Getting the stamp at the Visitor's Center made site 356 official. A lovely walk to the dry Lower Falls elicited a promise from Bill that we would return in a spring month. Leaving the park we stopped at the Tunnel Overlook for a most dramatic view of the entire Valley. That was probably the highlight of our visit. We were rejoicing that there was no smoke to choke Judy or to obscure the views. The park was crowded, but nowhere near what it can be. Most of the visitors were foreign tourists who probably felt they would try Yosemite since it was their only chance. Californians were not there. We spent the night in a nice KOA just south of Coarsegold, CA. We slept incredibly well in this quiet locale where we could see millions of stars.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 45 Los Banos, CA
Our campground had excellent facilities including the WiFi until 1,000 people tried to get on it at once. But our site featured a lot of worms and a tree that seemed to shed little brown pellets on us. So we had a lot of cleaning to do as we packed up. We loaded the car, then showered, and treated ourselves to breakfast at Denny's. Judy loved her eggs, sausage and pancakes. Bill was pleased that they have a vegetarian egg white omelet complete with fruit and oatmeal. What more could a heart patient ask for? Today was our only time in San Francisco. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge where you pay your toll online within two days of crossing, drove through the city and headed to Santa Clara and San Jose where we spent the rest of the day looking for Judy's Peggar relatives who are buried there. We had great luck in Santa Clara - good and accurate help at both cemeteries which turned out to be less than a mile apart. The Catholic Cemetery dates back to the original mission. It had some most unusual tombstones. The huge cemetery in San Jose was more of a challenge. We got our day's worth of walking there. Then out of the Bay area, over the mountains we went to the KOA west of Los Banos. It was a lovely spot with a very modest number of campers, and we enjoyed a great night's sleep. We started to catch up on our email and blogging.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 44 Petaluma, CA
Day 44 Monday September 2 Labor Day
We had a very quiet day, and watched most of our neighbors pack up and head for home. Only a handful of children were still playing in the street. After lunch we headed back to Point Reyes. Bill tried a short cut which ended up taking an extra half hour through some beautiful big trees which it was hard to appreciate because Judy was anxious to get to the shore. The views at the lighthouse were worth the trip. We did not climb down 30 stories to climb up the lighthouse, but we marveled at the spectacular beach to the north and the beautiful bay to the south. Bill had to park a quarter of a mile away because of the crowds. At Sir Francis Drake Bay we walked back to an overlook to find a whole colony of elephant seals sunbathing. The fog started to roll in as we left. We needed gas, and had to pay $4.31 in Pt. Reyes Station. Gas has usually been cheaper than we expected in California - running 3.50 to 3. 80. We have been getting many of our meals from Whole Foods and the Lucky supermarket. Tonight was shrimp from Lucky which we ate at another campsite because we had new neighbors who had started a big campfire. We stayed away until bedtime. The campground feels much more manageable with many fewer residents.
We had a very quiet day, and watched most of our neighbors pack up and head for home. Only a handful of children were still playing in the street. After lunch we headed back to Point Reyes. Bill tried a short cut which ended up taking an extra half hour through some beautiful big trees which it was hard to appreciate because Judy was anxious to get to the shore. The views at the lighthouse were worth the trip. We did not climb down 30 stories to climb up the lighthouse, but we marveled at the spectacular beach to the north and the beautiful bay to the south. Bill had to park a quarter of a mile away because of the crowds. At Sir Francis Drake Bay we walked back to an overlook to find a whole colony of elephant seals sunbathing. The fog started to roll in as we left. We needed gas, and had to pay $4.31 in Pt. Reyes Station. Gas has usually been cheaper than we expected in California - running 3.50 to 3. 80. We have been getting many of our meals from Whole Foods and the Lucky supermarket. Tonight was shrimp from Lucky which we ate at another campsite because we had new neighbors who had started a big campfire. We stayed away until bedtime. The campground feels much more manageable with many fewer residents.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 43 Petaluma, CA
Day 43 Sunday September 1
We attended worship at the United Church of Christ of Petaluma. From its location in a residential area, Bill guessed that it was started in the late 50's or early 60's: 1957 was the actual date. A good crowd for a Labor Day Sunday. An open tent around the communion table conveyed the theme of the sermon: all are welcome at this table. A recently married Lesbian couple who have been together for many years hosted coffee hour. We had a nice visit with a long time member whose husband is retired from the National Park Service! On Friday Judy had plugged our laptop into an outlet above a washing machine in the KOA laundry. That act stopped two washing machines and caused the laptop screen to go dark. None of our efforts could revive it. We went again to Santa Rosa to Best Buy to find a member of their Geek Squad to help us. He turned it on and started telling us what he would have to do to recover the data on it, especially our pictures. Lo and behold! As he talked the computer came back to life. We quick bought a flash drive to back it up. Then we drove over to the Point Reyes National Seashore. It was late to go to the shore. Judy was disappointed that we only had time for for two walks at the Visitor's Center: a hike along the San Andreas fault and a visit to a reconstructed Indian village. We went back to our very fine, but way too full campground for another evening in the tent to escape the campfires. Judy is exhausted by the chaos of so many people in such a small space.
We attended worship at the United Church of Christ of Petaluma. From its location in a residential area, Bill guessed that it was started in the late 50's or early 60's: 1957 was the actual date. A good crowd for a Labor Day Sunday. An open tent around the communion table conveyed the theme of the sermon: all are welcome at this table. A recently married Lesbian couple who have been together for many years hosted coffee hour. We had a nice visit with a long time member whose husband is retired from the National Park Service! On Friday Judy had plugged our laptop into an outlet above a washing machine in the KOA laundry. That act stopped two washing machines and caused the laptop screen to go dark. None of our efforts could revive it. We went again to Santa Rosa to Best Buy to find a member of their Geek Squad to help us. He turned it on and started telling us what he would have to do to recover the data on it, especially our pictures. Lo and behold! As he talked the computer came back to life. We quick bought a flash drive to back it up. Then we drove over to the Point Reyes National Seashore. It was late to go to the shore. Judy was disappointed that we only had time for for two walks at the Visitor's Center: a hike along the San Andreas fault and a visit to a reconstructed Indian village. We went back to our very fine, but way too full campground for another evening in the tent to escape the campfires. Judy is exhausted by the chaos of so many people in such a small space.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 42 Petaluma, CA
Day 42 Saturday August 31
We hurried around in time to cross the Richmond bridge over the north end of San Francisco Bay and head to Danville to catch a 10:00 bus to the Eugene O'Neil National Historic Site. Unfortunately you are supposed to park in a municipal lot which is the scene of the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Then when we did find a parking spot, we hurried to the bus stop only to find it leaving because it only has 12 seats, and it was full.
Judy was not pleased. We found a paper, reparked the car in a spot good for 4 hours, got a bite to eat, etc. and were first in line for the 12:00 bus. The site is a house the O'Neils lived in from 1937 to 1944. We were ready to return in 20 minutes, but the bus stayed an hour and a half. This was site 354 for Bill, but a definite negative from Judy. We went back to Richmond to visit the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site and Memorial. It is still being developed, but we had an hour and a half walk around the Bay. The walk was definitely the high point of Judy's day. Site 355 if you are
counting. Smoke and noise trapped Judy in the tent from suppertime until bedtime. Not the best day of this trip.
We hurried around in time to cross the Richmond bridge over the north end of San Francisco Bay and head to Danville to catch a 10:00 bus to the Eugene O'Neil National Historic Site. Unfortunately you are supposed to park in a municipal lot which is the scene of the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Then when we did find a parking spot, we hurried to the bus stop only to find it leaving because it only has 12 seats, and it was full.
Judy was not pleased. We found a paper, reparked the car in a spot good for 4 hours, got a bite to eat, etc. and were first in line for the 12:00 bus. The site is a house the O'Neils lived in from 1937 to 1944. We were ready to return in 20 minutes, but the bus stayed an hour and a half. This was site 354 for Bill, but a definite negative from Judy. We went back to Richmond to visit the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site and Memorial. It is still being developed, but we had an hour and a half walk around the Bay. The walk was definitely the high point of Judy's day. Site 355 if you are
counting. Smoke and noise trapped Judy in the tent from suppertime until bedtime. Not the best day of this trip.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 41 Petaluma,CA
Day 41 Friday August 30
Judy had dropped the Ipad yesterday and broke the glass on it. So we headed to Best Buy in Santa Rosa who sent us on to the Apple Store. Basically they replaced it for half the cost of a new one. We were taken care of by noon. We found a local park for our usual sandwich and a Greek yogurt lunch(we are big on Oikos right now). We shared the spot with two homeless men. Then we headed through the Sonoma wine country along the Russian River to the Frank Armstrong Natural Reservation, a major stand of redwoods. We greatly enjoyed a hike through them. Back at campground we found we had been invaded by 1,000 people for the weekend. There were probably 200 of them under the age of 8 riding bikes and scooters everywhere. Bill began to dread trying to drive anywhere in the campground. Every one wanted a campfire which confines Judy to the tent.
We managed to get a good night.s sleep despite the distractions.
Judy had dropped the Ipad yesterday and broke the glass on it. So we headed to Best Buy in Santa Rosa who sent us on to the Apple Store. Basically they replaced it for half the cost of a new one. We were taken care of by noon. We found a local park for our usual sandwich and a Greek yogurt lunch(we are big on Oikos right now). We shared the spot with two homeless men. Then we headed through the Sonoma wine country along the Russian River to the Frank Armstrong Natural Reservation, a major stand of redwoods. We greatly enjoyed a hike through them. Back at campground we found we had been invaded by 1,000 people for the weekend. There were probably 200 of them under the age of 8 riding bikes and scooters everywhere. Bill began to dread trying to drive anywhere in the campground. Every one wanted a campfire which confines Judy to the tent.
We managed to get a good night.s sleep despite the distractions.
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 40 Petaluma, CA
Day 40 Thursday August 29
A lovely young family from British Columbia was in the site we had originally reserved, and they were leaving early and graciously let us move our tent down the hill to that site. We had arrived a day early because of our skipping Reno due to the fire. We got successfully moved and headed to Martinez where we had a quick sandwich and a quick tour of John Muir's house, which is NPS site 352 for Bill. From there we were bussed to the Port Chicago National Memorial, site 353. This is a tragic story of the explosion of two ships being loaded with ammunition in 1944. It killed over 300 men, the majority of who were African-American stevedores. The dock was replaced in six weeks, but 50 black sailors refused to go back to work without more training and provision for safety. They were charged with mutiny and found guilty. They served a year or so before President Truman granted them clemency. It is a significant story in the history of the American Civil Rights movement. We were on the bus with several other park and park stamp aficionados. By the time we got home, we had a quick supper, checked email, read the paper and fell into bed.
A lovely young family from British Columbia was in the site we had originally reserved, and they were leaving early and graciously let us move our tent down the hill to that site. We had arrived a day early because of our skipping Reno due to the fire. We got successfully moved and headed to Martinez where we had a quick sandwich and a quick tour of John Muir's house, which is NPS site 352 for Bill. From there we were bussed to the Port Chicago National Memorial, site 353. This is a tragic story of the explosion of two ships being loaded with ammunition in 1944. It killed over 300 men, the majority of who were African-American stevedores. The dock was replaced in six weeks, but 50 black sailors refused to go back to work without more training and provision for safety. They were charged with mutiny and found guilty. They served a year or so before President Truman granted them clemency. It is a significant story in the history of the American Civil Rights movement. We were on the bus with several other park and park stamp aficionados. By the time we got home, we had a quick supper, checked email, read the paper and fell into bed.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013 Day 39 Petaluma, CA
Day 39 Wednesday August 28
We got a good start on the day and had time for a good visit to the Crocker Art Museum. Crocker was one of the four men associated with the Central and Southern Pacific railroads, and the original museum was in his Sacramento mansion. It has an excellent collection of California and modern American artists. We shared a picnic table with a homeless gentleman, and then headed to Petaluma. We were delighted to find that the KOA had a strong WiFi, and caught up on email and blogging. The weather was in the low nineties until a heavy fog rolled in. Then we needed our jackets. Unfortunately our neighbors on both sides had campfires. So we retreated to the tent. Judy used her earplugs to miss the woman across the road berate her husband for a couple of hours.
We got a good start on the day and had time for a good visit to the Crocker Art Museum. Crocker was one of the four men associated with the Central and Southern Pacific railroads, and the original museum was in his Sacramento mansion. It has an excellent collection of California and modern American artists. We shared a picnic table with a homeless gentleman, and then headed to Petaluma. We were delighted to find that the KOA had a strong WiFi, and caught up on email and blogging. The weather was in the low nineties until a heavy fog rolled in. Then we needed our jackets. Unfortunately our neighbors on both sides had campfires. So we retreated to the tent. Judy used her earplugs to miss the woman across the road berate her husband for a couple of hours.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Great San Francisco Trip 2013. Day 38 Granite Bay, CA
Day 38 Tuesday August 27. The halfway point on our trip.
We started the day with a car wash that was actually done by hand for $8 dollars. We scarcely recognized our car. A quick trip into Sacramento brought us to the site of John Sutter's Fort, which is located right across the street from the Pioneer Congregational Church, UCC. We had a quick tour there, and then headed to the Railroad Museum. We ate a picnic off the trunk of our car in the parking garage, and then had a great time in the museum. It is extremely well done. Then we walked around Old Sacramento, which is the original tourist trap, but high prices for simple items aside, it looks great. We then walked around the State Capitol, a longer walk than we had been doing recently. We rewarded ourselves with fat free frozen yogurt, which you serve yourself. This is a reward that Bill is very partial to. Traffic was heavy on our way back to the campground, a reminder that beautiful as California is, it is jammed with people. Our scouts had a campfire which kept Judy in the car much of the evening, but they went to bed in a timely fashion, as did we.
We started the day with a car wash that was actually done by hand for $8 dollars. We scarcely recognized our car. A quick trip into Sacramento brought us to the site of John Sutter's Fort, which is located right across the street from the Pioneer Congregational Church, UCC. We had a quick tour there, and then headed to the Railroad Museum. We ate a picnic off the trunk of our car in the parking garage, and then had a great time in the museum. It is extremely well done. Then we walked around Old Sacramento, which is the original tourist trap, but high prices for simple items aside, it looks great. We then walked around the State Capitol, a longer walk than we had been doing recently. We rewarded ourselves with fat free frozen yogurt, which you serve yourself. This is a reward that Bill is very partial to. Traffic was heavy on our way back to the campground, a reminder that beautiful as California is, it is jammed with people. Our scouts had a campfire which kept Judy in the car much of the evening, but they went to bed in a timely fashion, as did we.
Great San Francisco Trip 2013. Day 37. Granite Bay, CA
Day 37 Monday August 26
Judy reveled in the dry, clear air and slept very well. We made a dubious choice and headed back east to the Marshall Discovery State Historic Site. It is very well done, but the smoke was too present for Judy and we headed for Auburn to eat lunch and then drove to Grass Valley, which we decided is a misnomer. It has a lot of trees, but no grass. We enjoyed the Empire Gold Mine State Historic Site. The thought of working two miles underground was not appealing. The Bourne family owned the mines, and their gardens are still beautifully kept. We went to the cemetery to try to find one of Judy's Pegar relatives, but it is a large one with no office, and many of the graves are cement slabs with the name on a plaque at the end. We were not up to such an undertaking. Unfortunately the Auburn Library did not have a strong enough Wifi to let us do our work. So back to Granite Bay to discover that we had a scout troop for neighbors. They went to bed at a reasonable hour, and we slept well.
Judy reveled in the dry, clear air and slept very well. We made a dubious choice and headed back east to the Marshall Discovery State Historic Site. It is very well done, but the smoke was too present for Judy and we headed for Auburn to eat lunch and then drove to Grass Valley, which we decided is a misnomer. It has a lot of trees, but no grass. We enjoyed the Empire Gold Mine State Historic Site. The thought of working two miles underground was not appealing. The Bourne family owned the mines, and their gardens are still beautifully kept. We went to the cemetery to try to find one of Judy's Pegar relatives, but it is a large one with no office, and many of the graves are cement slabs with the name on a plaque at the end. We were not up to such an undertaking. Unfortunately the Auburn Library did not have a strong enough Wifi to let us do our work. So back to Granite Bay to discover that we had a scout troop for neighbors. They went to bed at a reasonable hour, and we slept well.
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