Chicago Living

For a week I am living in a one bedroom in the west tower of Marina City pictured here. My first stay in this building was about 50 years ago also at Christmas time in the apartment of my aunt and uncle who were among the first tenants in this very unique contemporary mixed use complex. Located on the Chicago River the views are fabulous. Today I made the most of my location, the apartment of my son in laws parents, and an unusually bright sunny and not too cold day. I walked up Michigan Avenue to 4th Presbyterian Church, a magnificent Gothic building surrounded by modern high rises. Les was inducted as a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects at a service held here in 1993. Today I enjoyed the Sunday church service with beautiful Christmas music complete with brass and organ and including the Gloria cantata written by John Rutter in 1974. That contemporary piece was beautiful and a contrast to Handel's Messiah I attended in the afternoon It was the most outstanding performance of that piece that I can remember hearing. I had chills during the final Amen. The Harris Theatre was also very impressive mostly underground structure part of Millinium Park. 2 music performance for my soul and a dinner picked up at the Kris Kringle market--bratwurst and sauerkraut and apple strudel eaten here in my room with a view complete a very special day.

Seasonal Travels

My 2003 VW Passat known as Ruby was my transportation for a November trip to Chicago to await the birth of a grandchild.  She arrived on Thanksgiving Day, 11 days past due but good size and healthy.  In the time leading up to her birth I had time to have an overnight with my four year granddaughter. Thanks to the generosity of long time friend Ginny, I had a home to stay in.  I've accumulated cold weather clothes as the pull of the granddaughters will increase my trips and eventually call for a move back to the Chicago area. 

The drive to and from was made more directly and quickly than I would like but I have to say I was pleased with the VW.  I had never driven it on a long trip by myself and it had never been north in cold weather.  I discovered that when the temperature drops below 40, a small alarm sounds and a snowflake appears next to the outside temperature!!  We questioned the seat heaters when we bought the car but they were part of the package.  Now almost 10 years later I'm making use of them.

For Christmas I will fly back and return to Florida via Ginny's car.  I look forward to being with family but my travel will delay my Christmas cards which I so enjoy sending and receiving.  Completing that will be at the top of my New Years Resolutions. Meantime I'll post some granddaughter photos which are sure to appear on the Holiday letter!  A Joyous and Blessed Christmas to all who may read this post in the next weeks. and wishes for a new year without the strife and rancor that seems to have dominated 2011. Thanks for sharing my life on the road.

Big Mama's Last Trip

 Roadtreks pull into Homosassa Springs Parking area.  Heavy rains, high tides and winds impeded our tour, but we still enjoyed the antics of the various wildlife particularly Lou, the hippo. One of the cranes that flew with the light plane from Wisconsin has now made his home at the park after falling for a local Sandhill girl!

 This sign was once a billboard in the early days of the park.  Now part of the State Park System, it's a piece of old Florida that has been preserved and I recommend a visit there.

A morning boat ride on the Crystal River was followed by a tour of ancient shell mounds dating back thousands of years.  Crystal River State Park is renowned for its archaeological finds. A very interesting place to visit as well.

My last official Roadtrek rally was nostalgic as I visited with those owners I've come to know and enjoy and    met others for the first time knowing it might also be the last.  I was invited to come again even as a non-owner and some of the "solo" women offered to put me up some time.  Yes, Big Mama is now part of the life of a Canadian couple who will mainly use her to travel to Florida to their time shares.  In some ways I feel a sense of relief both from a financial and time standpoint. Big Mama gave me a wonderful transition to single life, an excuse to get out and explore in new ways, connects to the natural world and most of all an opportunity to meet some wonderful people who share my adventuresome spirit.

My next trip will be in my faithful VW Passat, Ruby, who has spent more time in the garage than on the road in the last four years.  So Adieu Big Mama; Safe travels and thanks for the memories.

Ancient Rome

Frank toured us through the incredible ruins of ancient Rome. He is a wealth of knowledge and I just hope I can retain a fraction of the information. We began with the giant Coluseum pictured above. Material from this edifice was recycled into St. Peters. The arches utilized with the keystone at the top have withstood 2000 years of elements of nature and man. It is an amazing structure which we climbed up down and around. On to Palatine Hill with it's layers of remnants of kings and emperors including Nero. Our word palace derived from palatine. Again much climbing and walking often over uneven ground. We finished our 4 hours of history at the forum the government building where the senators now marble busts met in their togas forming a form of democracy we follow today. My afternoon was Villa Bourgese set a beautifully appointed home of a former cardinal with a voracious appetite for art in the days of Bernini and Carravaggio. The Bernini sculptures were fir me the highlight of this art collection in a building containing so much from ceilings to floors as well as walls. It is touted to be the most beautiful interior in Europe. My final challenge if this very long and foot sore day was to find Judy who was visiting her niece an AA flight attendant. I had an address and name of the hotel and knew generally the location but half hour of searching I was not successful. People I asked would send me one way then another. Finally my phone rang and it was them and they came to claim me. I'd been steps away. It mattered little as we had a wonderful dinner in a delightful family owned cafe and celebrated our last night in Rome. All to short but most satisfying despite site feet. Judy and I had a lovely walk back to our hotel put on the correct course by her niece we made no wrong terms enjoying the perfect weather. This is being written at Rome airport awaiting my flight Arrividerci Roma!

Rome 2

This has been a very full day taking buses, subway rides, and lots of walking. We started by walking across the River Tiber encountering a well dressed man in a very nice car asking to use our map then offering us a designer handbag for 150 euro so he could buy petrol. Judy offered him 10 and told him we were on out way to the bankomat and thanks but no thanks. Then we found an Ecology fair where the minister was going to speak, fashion show of Eco friendly clothes and children creating toys from discards. Ben and Jerrys was one of the exhibitors and 2 nuns were sampling. On we went to the Victor Emanuel Memorial a very impressive structure honoring the king who united Italy in 1861. There was a very nice and reasonable outdoor cafe on top of the building overlooking Rome including the Coliseum. Our next stop was the Vatican museum, Sistine chapel and St. Peters pictured here. Our bus didn't seem to go where we thought it would and we then rode the subway. The museum is magnificent and our guide was a Rick Steves write up which was very helpful. My binoculars proved helpful for studying the wonderful art in the chapel. We were able to get seats along the wall which eased our neck craning. St. Peters is huge with incredible sculptures but we have seen so many elaborate churches that I was not over whelmed. We ended up making the long walk back to the hotel but saw many interesting shops along the way. A short time later it was back on the street to the metro same bus as in the morning but then it became more challenging with major traffic problems apparently caused by some sort of work stoppage as a prelude to a major strike that is scheduled for Monday. We were assisted by a young Romanian woman who led us on a long walk to our evening activity. I'm actually trying to shorten this story but it keeps going. After touring Trevi fountain, Spanish steps, a delicious dinner we headed for the subway to hotel area only to find that station closed and instructions to reroute to a bus. Following the crowd we finally emerged above ground in an unfamiliar area and few clues of which direction. It took some sorting out with helpful locals and eventually a bus back to the area of our hotel. A 13 hour day and sore feet but still having a sense of humor the day is done.

Touring Rome

Our plan for easing into Rome was discarded when our recommended guide Frank Van den Broeke offered an afternoon walking tour accompanied by his dog. After a quick "fast food" pizza this 23 year resident Phd. Belgium born man led 6 of us on am amazing and entertaining tour including many sites on my list. He also made arrangements for other activities the next 2 days including suggestion to assist our visit to the Vatican Thursday. We had sore feet and whirling minds collapsing at a sidewalk cafe on Piazza Navone before finding our bus and amazingly our hotel. The photo was taken inside the incredible Pantheon.

Lecce

Walked our feet off on our one day here. Visited at least 6 of the 88 churches working around their various openings, closings including weddings. Most interesting archeological museums with many artifacts going back to prehistory. Special meaning were those found in ares were we have been touring the last week. Ducked out of rainstorm into a pizzeria for the first pizza here. The photo is the remains of the Roman Amphitheater from 1st century part of a main square near the hotel. Also saw an exhibit on the design of 1960 amphitheater built in Rome for the Olympics in a special tribute to Italian architect Pier Luigi Nervi.

Back roads

Our final day of cycling took us along small back roads such as the one pictured. We worked our way to the eastern most point of Italy with Croatia, Albania and Greece coast lines not far away though not visible with hazy conditions. Our ride also took us along the sea shore but became very challenging as the road rose up many hills which finally became too much for me and I opted for a ride in the support van for the last few miles. Other highlights of the day were a very tasty picnic lunch over looking the sea and a visit to a private home to see a demonstration of hand made pasta as it has been done done for generations.

Otranto

Our 20 mile ride today took us thru villages and courtyard back roads some with hills most of which I was able to make. Lunch stop was Otranto a seaside town pictured above. We joined 5 others from the tour at outdoor tables for a lunch of rustici a hot pocket type sandwich of cheese and tomato sauce. Quite tasty but not too much to have room for Gelato coffee gelato served with expresso a dish called affogatti a meal in itself. Lots of people were cooling in the Adriatic waters which were very shallow near the shoreline. Sailboats could be seen in the distance but didn't seem to have much wind. We remounted our bikes and rode away from the town and the sea to our Masseria our home for the next 2 nights a beautiful peaceful place in the countryside. Tonight we will return to Otranto for more touring and dinner. It will be difficult to match last nights multiple course feast of local medieval specialities.

Trulli

Today we rode a shuttle van to Alberobello, aUNesco World heritage site because of it's many loose stone cylinder buildings with cone shaped tops some having mysteries chalk marks to "ward off evil or to bless the house. Our tour guide was a young California woman who had fallen in love and stayed here. She said the original trullis were built by Turks trying to avoid paying taxes assessed based on roofs. The could remove a stone and collapse the roof. Later used for storage the are now used again as housing. She arranged for us to visit one such property in the town. Many are also used as gift shops in the popular tourist town. We saw many more trullis as we pedaled 24 miles through the countryside.

Olive Oil

Today's ride was18 miles for me. I opted out of 7 more which were advertised to be mostly uphill. Olive trees of all sizes and shapes were along the way. Our first stop was an olive oil museum which stopped production in the 40s but illustrated the equipment and process that had been used. Today the former family farm is a popular place for weddings and the evidence of a recent one was still there. As in other Masserias there is a small chapel that was used by the workers and family. This was also true at our lunch spot a still active olive oil producing Masseria where we had a six course lunch featuring their organic home grown produce. We were encouraged to try different olive oils with the different courses. I purchased a bottle of one of them. We are now in Ostuni further south in Puglia area and known for their white buildings as the pearl. From this hilltop town the Adriatic can be seen in the distance. Photo taken as some of our group stopped to photograph farm workers in the fields. Much of planting and harvesting done by hand including olives shaken from trees into nets.

Last day for beach

We rode 26 miles today, 17 of them with a strong head wind along the dark and turquoise Adriatic Sea. In town of Monopoli visited a beautiful Baroque church with marble mosaics, then walked part of business area before a great lunch of salad, carprese, and steamed mussels at recommended all fish restaurant with stone vaulted walls and ceiling. Followed another recommendation a gelateria where I had a combination watermelon lemon ice. On our return to Masseria took advantage of shuttle to beach club for long walk amidst waves. Tomorrow we ride to our next hotel.

First ride

Our two leaders Laura and Guilliano
show us our bikes and equipment before beginning out first ride which included a visit to an archeological site dating back to pre history. Work was in progress as we toured. Part of the Apian way which goes to Rome could be seen.

Olive Trees

Staying our first nights at Masseria Torre Coccaro a luxurious small inn built out of a former (16th century) farm complex complete with a chapel. It is close to the Adriatic along which we walked a harbor this morning in Savelletri. Olive trees including ancient ones are everywhere including on the Masseria property as the one pictured. Also seen fig and pomegranate trees, many planets we have in Florida and agricultural produce including chard and zucchini. Prickly pears are numerous and we hope to sample the cooked version. This afternoon is our first bike ride and orientation meeting. There are about 22 in the group. Weather perfect today.

Musings from the Beach

Federal Beach, Hobe Sound, FL

A trip to the beach was my answer to this national day of mourning.  The continuum of rolling waves gives me solace.  In the 13 years I have lived here, the trips to the beach have been too few and far between.  Perhaps I appreciate it even more because of that, but I also know I will miss being able to seek it out as a refuge when I am no longer living here. Our Federal beach in nearby Hobe Sound is rarely crowded and I enjoyed my walk along the edge of the waves which at one point almost took away my shoe.  I was trying to photo a small sandpiper and was surprised to see him at rest.  They usually are running in and out of the waves.  As I came closer I discover the poor bird had only one leg.  It added to the sadness of the day.

It’s been a busy week trying to tie up the loose ends of my 7 week absence and trip of 4984 miles!  I can see by reviewing the photos on my disc that I really haven’t completed working on those from the first half of the year, Disney, Mississippi and Alabama.  Now I’m getting ready for another adventure in Italy. It will be my fourth bicycle trip with VBT tours and Judy from Maryland as my roomie.  This time we’ll add on the trip extension which will give us 3 days in Rome.  Judy has visited there before but is happy to follow my desires for sightseeing.  It’s difficult to pare down the many places I want to visit. Before that we’ll do our bicycling in Puglia, the heel of the “boot” which sounds like a wonderful area described by one writer as “flat and fertile” an area with connections to Greece both current day (ferry from Bari where we’ll land) and historically.  I’ve posted a link below for a USA article that describes the area.

Yesterday I rode over 16 miles on my bike but wasn’t able to get out early enough today to beat the Florida heat. I did notice that Bari’s temperature today is about the same as Stuart, FL

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2007-04-24-puglia-italy_N.htm

Stephen Foster State Park

Carillon Tower

My last night of camping for a while is at this Florida park about 30 miles south of the Georgia border. It's on the Suwanee river and is a cultural center highlighting Foster as well as crafts and other music. The annual Florida Folk festival is held here on Memorial Day weekend and there are many other events during the year. I was surprised by the carillon which was designed and created by the Deagan Co of Chicago and having 97 bells. It chimed until 6 pm so I'm not sure if I can count on it as an alarm clock.

Family Camping

My summer travel is coming to an end but the past weekend will certainly be a highlight. I proposed a family camping trip for the time I would be taking care of my almost 4 year old granddaughter. Only sister Gayle from Madison and daughter Emily bought into it and we agreed on Kettle Morraine State Forest campground. Gayle's two children arrived from Ethiopia little over a year ago but their assimilation was evident as they joined right into the activities of kite flying, bike rides, swimming, games of hide and seek, Barbie dolls, campfire cookouts etc with their cousin and contemporary Katherine. Mom Gayle is pictured with them in front of their huge tent daughter Emily borrowed from a coworker which served as a great playroom as well as sleeping quarters Emily and husband Brett did a great job of assembling and disassembling and Brett was our campfire master as well. Hopefully the children will have good memories. For me it capped off weeks of enjoying the wonderful times much of which was spent in outdoor settings.

Solos

The Elkhorn Rally was a real treat in part because of the excellent organization of the leaders with two outside events, a boat ride on Lake Geneva and a theatre in the round production with a luncheon in Ft. Atkinson, but also because there were more than 20 Solos, as we who drive alone are called, in attendance.  Traveling from all over the US, they are an adventuresome group of interesting women. We had many stories to share accompanied by laughter as we recounted the times of being asked, “You are going by yourself?” The camaraderie we shared and the friendships built during these days spent together was very special. 
I am now in Clarendon Hills, a southwest suburb of Chicago visiting my friend Ginny.  I've been keeping a close eye on Hurricane Irene and breathing a sigh of relief that it appears it will spare Florida.  My heart goes out to the Bahamas though where we enjoyed our sailing days in the 90's.
On the way here I spent some time with my sister Margaret in Rock City, IL.  They have an abundance of home grown vegetables including giant zuccini which I have used in a main dish, zuccini bread and zuccini pancakes and still not used up! Fortunately Ginny allows kitchen priviledges and I've had fun getting back to cooking.

Irish Fest

Had a great evening last night at Milwaukee's lakefront festival grounds lots of traditional as well as new music including the wild and crazy group Gaelic Storm who were featured in Titanic and are a perennial favorite in this city judging by the crowd who knew the songs and the hand motions that were part of it all. The group pictured are the Wolfe Tones. I particularly enjoyed Visten 3 excellent Acadian musicians from PEI area. Good bus transportation from our camping area at State Fair Park. Hopefully today's rain won't deter our return for more.

Roadtrek Rally

110 roadtreks arrived at Walworth County fairgrounds in Elkhorn WI on Monday. It is the nicest fairgrounds I've ever been to and it would be fun to come back for the fair which starts in 2 weeks. Of the 110 there are 22 driven by solos like me and most of us are parked in the same area. We enjoy trading stories and tips Those attending are from all over the US and Canada as well Today we rode buses into the town of Lake Geneva and had a lovely boat ride with ice cream Sundays on a boat similar to the one in the photo. I have many memories of my times in my life spent here including the first night of my honeymoon of my first marriage.

On Wisconsin

I am now in Milton WI southeast of Madison.  This was my rendezvous point with Roadtrek friend and fellow dulcimer player Susan from Kissimmee who has been work camping in Minnesota.  Our home for the night is Hidden Valley RV Park and it qualifies as a "Resort".  I was ready after 6 days of dry camping meaning no water or electric other than what I have in my van from my water tank and generator sources.  We had only two showers available for many, many people who didn't want to use the one in our motor homes.  Fortunately as a former boat cruiser this isn't my first time where sponge baths had to suffice.  The hot water shower in a nice stiall though was a real treat.  I also did some water exercise in their pool during the hour of "adult only" swimming and washed two loads of laundry.  A clean me and clean sheets capped off the day with Susan doing her usual great job of feeding me!  Lots of other Roadtreks here some of which are our chapter officers.  Tomorrow there will be a board meeting at our next location, Walworth County fairgrounds, in Elkhorm which is about an hour away.  I'll be attending the board meeting in the place of our Region 5 VP's at their request.  It will be educational to get more inside knowledge of the running of the organization.
The FMCA meeting had a number of very helpful seminars both in the care and maintenance of the vehicle as well as digital photography and other computer and navigational classes.  I attend a very informative one on insurance which will come in handy as I just learned my annual motor home premium has risen by 5%!  It's more than doubled in my four years of ownership.  My agent is going to price an alternative to Progressive, but I regret not seeing the agent at the FMCA who gave the talk.  I may try to reach her later this week.
This photo was taken at our FMCA camping area.  Note the Roadtrek dwarfed by the big guys. It's not Big Mama.  We were parked on a narrow strip o grass next to that prairie restoration in my last post.

The weather has been wonderful though a bit cool for me at night and I've used the heater several times to warm the place up before crawling out of my sleeping bag.  My bag has a summer side and a winter side.  It looks like I'll be using the winter side for the next couple of weeks before heading south.

On the Prairie

From the family motor coach assn meeting in Madison WI where Big Mama is parked in an area of prairie restoration. The back side of us are hundreds of huge motor homes. About 3000 people are here. Lots of good classes relating to RVing from plumbing to tires to computing on the road. Ihad a great Weekend with the Bob Larsen family in Sister Bay including two great bike rides with Andy Larsen through the back roads of Wisconsin.

Catching Up in Wisconsin

This is the first time in a while I've had internet access and time to get caught up.  I've made some quick posts along the way but I'm pasting below some entries and photos from July 31 to the present.  I am now at my brother in law's house in Sister Bay Wisconsin located on the Door Peninsula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan.  Nephew Andy and I had a good 10 mile bike ride this morning and I made it up all the hills! (Andy refers to them as "inclines"!)

July 31 The month is gone and I am in the 3^rd week of my 7 week trip.  I’m now in western New York state less than 100 miles from Niagara Falls in Golden Hill Campground which is on the south shore of Lake Ontario.  Large freighters can be seen in the distance, probably having recently exited the Welland Canal which has locks over the Niagara escarpment.  Les and I did that canal with our sailboat in 1992.  A beautiful sunset  which I could see from my fantastic campsite overlooking the lake.  Today I drove from Ithaca NY past towns named Ulysses, Ovid, Lodi, etc and made a stop in Seneca Falls where a National Park Ranger spoke in the Weslyan Chapel used as the meeting place for the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1848. The adjoining visitors center has excellent displays of the women’s movement for equality before and after that time but requires a lot of patience as much has to be read.  I found it a bit difficult to follow and some of the interactive exhibits didn’t seem to function.  I was a bit disappointed in the film; normally these are excellent in National Park facilities.  Never the less I think it is an important history to remember and realize that we are not there yet.

The Finger Lakes area, of which Ithaca and Seneca Falls are in, is a very picturesque with many farms among the lakes where a variety of fruits and vegetables are grown as well as dairy cattle. Sarah took me to their wonderful farmers market as part of our long day tour of the area which included a winery. It was wonderful to spend time with this busy lady, a PhD, a woman who works with agriculture issues around the world and now the mother of an adorable baby boy.

My time in Pennsylvania with boating friends Elizabeth and Don was very relaxing which was just what I needed.  I caught up on some phone calls, bill paying, laundry, and emails.  We had rousing games of dominoes both nights and a good dinner overlooking a very foggy Susquehanna River which I would later follow as I made my way north to Ithaca. I managed to interest Elizabeth in the dulcimer as well.

August 2, 2011 Yesterday, August 1 was my Erie Canal Day.  It might be said it was a “bucket list” item.  I envied Les going through it in the early 80’s on his Chris Craft motorsailer and tried to figure out how I could experience some of it.  I had researched a NY State week long bike ride along the canal but knew I couldn’t do the 50 miles a day.  Further research showed a boat ride through the last 2 locks on the west end of the canal which departed from Lockport, NY.  The area also had a bike path that looked doable.  I rode 11 miles on the path but it still gave me a sense of the old tow path. I then took the almost 2 hour boat trip.  Most of the time was involved in locking.  Many other passengers seemed bored or knew little about locks.  I enjoyed it all.

Back at the campground, I decided to throw away my tablecloth which had taken a beating in a storm the night before.  It was the strongest storm I’ve “ridden out” in Big Mama.  She was shaking side to side.  Fortunately, I had a radar program on my phone, suggested by my friend Elizabeth, so I was able to track the progress and size of the storm.  It did provide some stress for a couple of hours and the resulting exhaustion didn’t help my stamina for the bike ride.  I turned in shortly after 8:45 sunset.  I awoke to the sun rising.  My campsite at this park has an unbelievable unobstructed view of both sunrise and sunset reflecting in the Lake Ontario waters. I was sorry to leave this one.

Today August 2 I had an early start to try to beat the crowd at Niagara Falls.  Surprisingly, tour groups were already boarding buses at 9 a.m.  Among the visitors, many different countries were represented. I was told I had to park on Goat Island.  This turned out to be a real bonus.  The young man at the information stand, whose job I’m sure is to sell tickets to the many attractions, showed me how I could get a good view of the falls and surrounding waters by walking around the island.  It was a perfect day with a rainbow, mist falling around me and the rush of the water heard everywhere and well worth the $10 parking fee.  I decided next to head for Stratford Canada to try to see some Shakespeare.  Unfortunately I never could find a place to park in Stratford to inquire about either camping facilities or tickets.  I have never seen so many parked cars everywhere.  The town’s population is only 32,000 according to the sign but it must be many more during the festival.  I finally gave up and headed west to Lake Huron where I had a bit of difficulty finding a site available.  I’m in one called Carolina Beach which is mostly permanent units.  It’s the most expensive yet and not a lot in the way of amenities, at least for me. 

August3 -4 I crossed back into the US at Sarnia, Ontario/Port Huron Michigan border.  It took about 30 minutes to clear customs and I had no destination.  At the first rest area on Interstate 69, I called the Michigan Park System reservation number and to my surprise my first choice, Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater had a site for the next two nights.  It is right on the beach amidst the sand dunes on Lake Michigan in a delightful port town which we had visited by boat the last time in 1991. I was able to bike into town, run some errands, enjoy a farmers market, and visit with locals at sunset.

August 5 I was up at 6 eastern time and on the road by 7 going to Luddington Michigan to catch the ferry that crosses to Manitowac Wisconsin.  Told to be there by 8, I was in line by 7:30 which turned out to be a good move as I was loaded early and off loaded in the first vehicles.  This is the first ferry I've experienced in which they drive the car on and off the ferry, my biggest dread of the ferry trip!  This ferry has been around since the 50's and in constant jeopardy of being discontinued.  Many aboard were viewing their crossing as a historic occasion that might not be possible in a couple of years. It was a beautiful calm day, perfect for a crossing, but not so good for the sailboats which would need more wind.

 Leaving Ludington Michigan aboard SS Badger

 Sunset over Lake Ontario

 Erie Canal approaching locks

 In Erie Can Lock going up 25 feet

 Sand dune between beach and campground

 Sandy's sandy camp site Pentwater MI

 SS Badger Ferry crosses lake Michigan

Four hours later I was on my way north through Wisconsin, picking up a bag of "cheese curds" to nibble on the way.

Michigan

The photo was taken at Niagara Falls. I discovered you can have a great viewing at a low cost: $10 for parking on Goat Island. It's very walkable with fantastic views of the falls and the tributaries rushing toward them. The roar is there and the mist is ever present making the island very verdant. Skylines of both the US and Canadian sides can be seen. No commercialism at all. For my part I was happy to photo the tour boat coming under the rainbow than to be on it and receiving the souvenir blue rain poncho.
Hopefully I'll be able to report more and add more photos in the next few days. I'm basking in beautiful weather among the sand dunes in Pentwater Michigan. Last time here was 20 years ago aboard our sailboat Partnership.

Finger Lakes Area

My nephew Ben and Grand nephew Enzo

Niece Sarah carrying Enzo on our hike to Taughannock Falls which falls into Cayuga Lake, Ithaca, NY.

Shenandoah National Park

Finishing 3 wonderful days at Big Meadows Campground filled with hikes ranger talks bike ride and fun and fellowship with cousin Jim and wife Jane from Maryland Park is celebrating its 75th year. The first presidential retreat was built here by Hoover at his expense. We had a great tour of Rapadian led by a ranger. Driving Skyline Drive is driving through a forest. What a treasure only 100 miles from D C.

July 23 with Lester

 Lester McCumbers (center) with Kim and Bill

Planing this trip, I wanted to do something special on July 23, the birthday of my Les(ter) and the 4th anniversary of my decision to buy a small motor home which has led to 4 years of adventure.  Knowing I would be in the "fiddle capital" area Galax Virginia, I googled for music venues.  I found the Blueridge Parkway Music Center, a new facility with a display tracing American Music roots from the 1600's with African, English, and Scot-Irish influences. I was told on the phone that I had a special night with 2 "old time" family fiddler groups, 90 year old Lester McCumbers who has been performing since he was 12.  In addition to the 7 p..m. concert, ticket holders could attend a special 5 p.m. performance where both bands would play and talk about themselves and their music.  All this for $10!  In addition the Galax well known restaurant Smokehouse Barbeque had great barbeque sandwiches with slaw and brownies for dessert with my water totalling $7.  It was a great evening celebrating music heritage and for me, remembering my Les(ter).
If your travels take you near the Blue Ridge Park Way, part of our National Park System, between June and September, check the Music Center out. Frequently area musicians are playing on the porch and you can enjoy the music and scenery from a rocking chair.

Onto the Blue Ridge Parkway

Dulcimer jamming begins even before the camp starts.  Jams continued frequently each day.

 Taken from my chair in the ensemble group

Julian Price Campgroud on Blue Ridge Parkway

Scene near Blowing Rock on Parkway.  "Smokey looking"  This area has a number of horse trails and I saw a number of riders and horse trailers as well as motorcycles and bicycles along the way.

July 22, 2011 Julian Price Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This area was the former estate of Julian Price.  It is a scenic area near Blowing Rock.  My day ended a bit later than planned but there were many activities packed into it from my 6:30 a.m. alarm.  Today was departure from Western Carolina U where we had creased our finger tips on dulcimer strings as well as added to our musical skills with new songs, new methods of playing, new appreciation of the versatility of the instrument.  Came to know many people who shared the love of the dulcimer and though at various skills levels, were more than willing to give us newbies a hand. Our closing assembly included the performance of the ensemble in which I participated.  The 3 pieces of music were challenging and I admit I had to skip over some of the more difficult parts but I’m told it came out well and may yet appear on U Tube!  Saying goodby  was difficult and of course we were encouraged to return next year as well as participate in a winter workshop in January.

My stop in Asheville to get groceries also included showing off my Roadtrek to a friend of a friend.  It was a coincidence that I received an email this week which asked my permission for someone in Asheville to get in touch re the vehicle.  Little did she know I was just an hour away from Asheville and had already planned a stop there.  It’s always fun to show off the features of the compact little travel van.

I was on the Parkway by 4 and thought it would take less than 2 hours to reach the campground.  Those curves going through the mountain add a lot of time, not to mention the scenic vistas, too good to miss.  The Smokeys were living up to their name with lots of low lying white clouds in the valleys. The temperature was low 70’s high 60’s which I’m sure most of the country would love to experience.  Tonight I’ll sleep with the windows open and the forest fragrance coming it.  Rhododenron bushes are nearby and many still have blossoms. It is a beautiful area.

Dulcimer Week

This is the last full day of classes and I've learned so much. Tonight there will be a community concert by all the instructors. Last night was aconcert by students and some staff followed by cakes made by one of the students in the shape of dulcimers after which we did some clog and reel dancing on the outside terrace. So much talent in this group.

Dulcimer Week

This is Blue Ridge Hall a conference center & dormitory facility recently opened at Western Carolina U. It's about an hour west of Asheville. Mornings are filled with a skills class taught by a fabulous teacher Janita Baker from California an owner of Blue Lion company. There are 7 in our class all eager to learn at 8:30 in am. Afternoons begin with electives. I did chords on Monday & fifties music Tues where we sang as well as played (they didn't use many chords with that music). Then we beginners have an hour of slow tempo jamming. After that is ensemble practice. We will perform Friday. One of the pieces is from Beethovens 5th. Way above my ability level but I'm trying. Evenings are performances by instructors in small intimate settings. The day ends with optional devotions & a jam session til ?? We sleep in dorm rooms & eat inthe college dining hall with students athletes & others here for summer programs. Makes you feel young.

Scenes of Vicksburg, MS from April trip