After Nashville, it was time for relaxing and visiting good people. We spent a couple of days in Greenville, SC with my uncle and aunt. They live a low key lifestyle, maybe due to their surroundings which are rampant Trump supporters that are vocal. But, we hung and drank and ate delicious food(thanks Carol!) while Karen did a bike ride into town and back. I sat on the porch and read.
Off to Raleigh to visit our former library colleague and her husband. Spent some time with my Maddie; attended a gay pride parade-basically slowed down our pace. Our last leg was to the outer banks of NC, where we spent a glorious week beachng it, hanging at the pool, hot tub, games, great food, and the company of my family and some of my favorite friends. It was a great way to end an epic road trip.
Things I've learned in my travels:
This is a beautiful country with many miles of empty vastness-flat farm land and large ranches.We drove through high plains, mountains, beautiful lakes, deserts, oil fields, valleys, all unique and breath taking. Favorite spots were Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, Glacier Nat'l Park, Yellowstone, and Crater Lake.
There is a world of talented musicians.
6 hours of driving a day is my max.
We stayed with many kind folks who gave us a warm bed and meals.Thanks to Lori in Pontiac Michigan, Cheryl and Calvin in Great Falls, Montana, Cathy in Portland Oregon, Dave in Steamboat Springs, CO, Marji in Dallas TX, Bob and Carol in Greenville SC, and Nancy and Mike in Cary, NC.
Best quirky pit stops: Meow Wolf Museum in Sante Fe, Mermaid Bar in Great Falls, MT, and Roswell, NM
Best beauty: Yellowstone National Park and Mackinac Island MI
Best music: Memphis
Best view: Columbia River Gorge
Best historical moment: Meeting an 85 year old Native American on our way to see 5 peaks where he shared his knowledge and history of the area.
Best meal: Salt Lake City at the Mormon Office building
Best cultural experience: Gunther theater in Minneapolis MN
Friendliest city: Milwaukee WI where they have greeters in the city helping you have the best experience.
Summary:
Total number of miles: 10,250
Total number of legs: 33
Total number of hours driving between legs: 144
Number of states we covered: 22
Number of capitals we stopped in or drove through: 11
Musical stops: 8
What a journey!! Thank you, Karen, for agreeing to this epic adventure!
Monday, October 7, 2019
Monday, September 23, 2019
Arkansass for a quick minute and tennessee
Yeah, we had to break up the trek from Dallas to Memphis so we made a pit stop on Little Rock AR. The only thing I knew about Little Rock was Clinton’s library-so, we went to that. And even though it was not on my bucket list, I crossed it off anyway. It, as most presidential museums are, was a tribute to all his accolades on his 8 years on office. I know more about Clinton than I ever knew, or wanted to know. I did ponder, when I looked at the daily itineraries for Clinton, what Trump’s would look like. Had an egg McMuffin. Watched Fox News. Tweeted. Sent some insults out to dignitaries. Tried to have sex with Melania. More news. More McDonald’s More tweets....
Arrived in Memphis in time to tour Sun Studios. Such greats came out of there. Bb king, Johnny cash, and surprise to me, Bobby blu bland. Good stuff.
Today was all Graceland. 4 hours of every piece of memorabilia ever for Elvis. The 2 things I did not see. Elvis in his later years after eating peanut butter and bacon sandwiches, and Priscilla Presley. I do have a better appreciation for his talent and passion for his art. House is over the top. Gaudy as you would suspect.
Then for some serious business-Civil Rights museum which is part of the Lorraine hotel where MLK was assassinated. Boy, a little intense to be that up close and personal. It reminded me a bit of the Kennedy assassination where you see where he is shot and the viewpoint of the sniper. Museum will change your perspective on what civil rights are in this country. So good. Yet very moving.
Arrived in Memphis in time to tour Sun Studios. Such greats came out of there. Bb king, Johnny cash, and surprise to me, Bobby blu bland. Good stuff.
Today was all Graceland. 4 hours of every piece of memorabilia ever for Elvis. The 2 things I did not see. Elvis in his later years after eating peanut butter and bacon sandwiches, and Priscilla Presley. I do have a better appreciation for his talent and passion for his art. House is over the top. Gaudy as you would suspect.
Then for some serious business-Civil Rights museum which is part of the Lorraine hotel where MLK was assassinated. Boy, a little intense to be that up close and personal. It reminded me a bit of the Kennedy assassination where you see where he is shot and the viewpoint of the sniper. Museum will change your perspective on what civil rights are in this country. So good. Yet very moving.
Our final stop is Nashville, which I did a quick visit to a few years ago. This time, we hit grand olde Opry for a background tour and a LATE night on Broadway, looking for any music that wasn’t country. Great success for the most part. Next day was country music hall of fame- so we hit both country and rock and roll. Another night of music, but a way earlier night. Joys of senior life. Lol. I think our last 4 legs did us in. It was a great end to our music journey.
On to SC. THEN Raleigh NC. and then the beach!!
On to SC. THEN Raleigh NC. and then the beach!!
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Big Texas
Yowsa. It’s hot. It’s big sky. It’s music, cowboys, and oil. After a trek through south eastern New Mexico and north western Texas, I get the oil wells. Pumps everywhere. I believe we crossed into one of the largest oil basin in the world. Flat, oil drills, and horses.
First stop was San Antonio, a charming downtown with a river walk and the Alamo. We arrived early afternoon so our bus ride took us to the Japanese Tea Gardens. It was beautiful and very grateful for the air conditioned bus.
Riverwalk hosted a boat parade to celebrate their Texan independence. The Alamo was a refresher of American history with the true story behind it. Have a greater appreciation of an important event in our country.
Austin was spent partially in a sports bar watching the ravens beat the cardinals (many thanks to karen the non sports woman). We had a chance to hear some great blues that night and Austin won my heart. I would to go back and spend more time.
Dallas is as I remember it. Except hotter than hades. Did the Kennedy museum, water gardens, a museum, and cowtown. And some much needed downtime thanks to marvelous friends like Marji.
Another down day, laundry, and a movie, we will head to Arkansas! I have concluded I will never live in a state that begins with a vowel.
Mileage....a lot....
First stop was San Antonio, a charming downtown with a river walk and the Alamo. We arrived early afternoon so our bus ride took us to the Japanese Tea Gardens. It was beautiful and very grateful for the air conditioned bus.
Riverwalk hosted a boat parade to celebrate their Texan independence. The Alamo was a refresher of American history with the true story behind it. Have a greater appreciation of an important event in our country.
Austin was spent partially in a sports bar watching the ravens beat the cardinals (many thanks to karen the non sports woman). We had a chance to hear some great blues that night and Austin won my heart. I would to go back and spend more time.
Dallas is as I remember it. Except hotter than hades. Did the Kennedy museum, water gardens, a museum, and cowtown. And some much needed downtime thanks to marvelous friends like Marji.
Another down day, laundry, and a movie, we will head to Arkansas! I have concluded I will never live in a state that begins with a vowel.
Mileage....a lot....
Friday, September 13, 2019
Alot of New mexico
FINALLY-we left NM! It was a journey of 4 stops...wasn't planning on Taos, but worth the side trip..This is 3 days of NM...
September 10
Today, we drove down to Taos as a local in Steamboat Springs suggested we spend a little time there. We approached from the north and as we entered New Mexico, terrain changed drastically. No more mountians. And a road that was the longest straight road I have ever traveled. A huge valley, with distance peaks on each side. Every once in a while, you would see a lone trailer in the distance-right in the middle of nothing. Karen and I both thought we had entered the land of Breaking Bad-I was just waiting to see a man running down the 2 lane highway in his whitey tighteys.
Just as we made that observation, we passed by the Earthship community. Oh yeah, right out of an alien film..strange houses built into hills. Got to hand it to them-total up-cycled homes that use solar and wind for power. They may be the only community standing if we don't get serious about our planet...
September 11
Santa Fe- Such a cool little desert town. Filled with adobe houses, Native American jewelry, and the coolest museum I have ever been in-the Meow Wolf museum. George R R Martin ( yes from Game of Thrones) bought a 25,000 sq. foot building and invited over 200 artists to install art pieces that are interactive and well, very strange and quirky. Fabulous experience and highly recommend..it took 4 hours to go through the whole thing. And we probably missed some things, as it was room after room after room...
September 12
Albequerque..
Thought of passing through this fine city, but Karen wanted to see the petroglyphs and the Nativre American Cultural enter. I also had the chance to catch up with Marlene, an old friend who was in my wedding. We had some great quality time together and I had chance to meet her hubby. After the heritage center, in the hottest part of the day, Karen and I went out to the petroglyph National Park, which had some trails with many drawings from many many years ago-don't know how long, as I was more concerned with looking for rattlesnakes and keeping my balance on a mountain that challenged my vertigo.Karen enjoyed it, but the heat drove us back to the hotel for r and r and a swim. We had dinner with Marlene and her hubby which was quite a nightcap for the visit,
Update on the miles:close to 6500 miles!
Monday, September 9, 2019
Steamboat springs
land of the rich ski trend setters in the winter. And then you have the locals, who are so nice, down to earth, and real. It is a sweet town, lined with restaurants, shops, and of course, mountains. We took an awesome hike though the woods at Hahns Peak Lake, a small drive from downtown. We stayed in the downtown area with Karen's Ex-husband, walking distance to everything.
Time well spent- we met some awesome folks and onto a new adventure! By the way, the show Southern Charm filmed an episode here. . I know this is an interest to some of you 🙂
Time well spent- we met some awesome folks and onto a new adventure! By the way, the show Southern Charm filmed an episode here. . I know this is an interest to some of you 🙂
Friday, September 6, 2019
Reno and Tahoe
Reno. Land of casinos and....casinos. Kinda like a mini Vegas. We did get to downtown and did a little river walk along the Truckee River. They are trying to bring some outside space to downtown, where most people are holed up in dark casinos watching flashing lights on their machines.
The next day, we headed up to Virginia City- an old mining town from the late 1800’s, where they felt compelled to bring buses of tourists in with tacky gift shops, fake gun shows, and a museum called “the way it was”. Stupid us, we thought it would be the way it was during the Comatock Lode. Yes, there was some info about that. But also sold welcome to Montana signs, Buffalo Bill trinkets, and Yellowstone pictures. I was confused. Seems most of the merchants in Virginia City were tired of tourists, as we only encountered one pleasant individual in the whole place. We took a trolley ride- driver was sitting on the trolley with no one else on there.
Me. “Do we need a ticket other than our receipt like the train?”
Driver. “Did you buy a ticket?” “Then get on!!”
Karen. “Are you the tour guide?”
Driver. “I’m the driver! Been sitting here for 2 hours. Get on the trolley””!”
All righty. I am feeling so welcomed....
Went into a shop and the owner had on a Maryland T-shirt on. He was from Waldorf. Now, how the hell so u move to bum fuck Virginia city- giant tourist trap on the middle of no where and open a movie poster shop?” What are u hiding???
Today was Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous walk along the lake, breathtaking views, and cool temps. Again, we are so lucky !
Advice: skip Virginia city.
The next day, we headed up to Virginia City- an old mining town from the late 1800’s, where they felt compelled to bring buses of tourists in with tacky gift shops, fake gun shows, and a museum called “the way it was”. Stupid us, we thought it would be the way it was during the Comatock Lode. Yes, there was some info about that. But also sold welcome to Montana signs, Buffalo Bill trinkets, and Yellowstone pictures. I was confused. Seems most of the merchants in Virginia City were tired of tourists, as we only encountered one pleasant individual in the whole place. We took a trolley ride- driver was sitting on the trolley with no one else on there.
Me. “Do we need a ticket other than our receipt like the train?”
Driver. “Did you buy a ticket?” “Then get on!!”
Karen. “Are you the tour guide?”
Driver. “I’m the driver! Been sitting here for 2 hours. Get on the trolley””!”
All righty. I am feeling so welcomed....
Went into a shop and the owner had on a Maryland T-shirt on. He was from Waldorf. Now, how the hell so u move to bum fuck Virginia city- giant tourist trap on the middle of no where and open a movie poster shop?” What are u hiding???
Today was Lake Tahoe. Gorgeous walk along the lake, breathtaking views, and cool temps. Again, we are so lucky !
Advice: skip Virginia city.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Portland and the gorge
despite the reputation of ‘being weird”, Portland has been an incredible place to visit. I finally got my elk burger and some fantastic ice cream at the salt and straw- a famous institution of great ice cream with flavors like pear and blue cheese and chocolate zucchini bread. We popped in the biggest bookstore ever called Powell’s, which is a full block big. Rooms are colors, multiple doors to enter and exit and walls of books. I could not find my way out. We hit that place twice.
Spent the day at Mt St. Helens and got quite a history lesson on the explosion and aftermath from a ranger from New York. My take away- how quickly life returns after devastation.
Our final day was spent at the Columbia River gorge at the butt crack of dawn. Worth it- we got to Multnomah Falls at 815 am and within 2 hours, it looked like New York City at New Years.
We headed to Larch Mountain, where you can see 5 mountains at the top. I would like to tell you all the names but the mind is going. I remember Hood, Rainer, and Jefferson. Karen and I followed a 1951 Buick Roadmaster up the mountain ( at 20 mph), with 2 elderly gentlemen we ran into on the path to the top. Come to find out, one is an 85 year old Native American, who gave us nature info up the 108 steps to the top. We ate wild huckleberries and he shared the names of the moutains in his native tongue of Wasco, part of the Chinook tribe. His father lived to 118 and froze to death. hmmm....that really sucks. Then he shared a song at the top of the mountain and gave us tribal blessings for safe travels. Highlight of the trip.
On to Timberline Lodge, where you are literally at the base of Mount Hood. The lodge had a party going on, with a mix of aging baby boomers in tie dye everything and the millennials, who have thrown themselves down the mountain on bikes or snow board. Yep- snow boarding on mount hood in August.
Last stop was bridge of the gods, from the movie Wild. What a great 2 days. On the road again tomorrow.
Mileage so far around 3500. Have to check.
Spent the day at Mt St. Helens and got quite a history lesson on the explosion and aftermath from a ranger from New York. My take away- how quickly life returns after devastation.
Our final day was spent at the Columbia River gorge at the butt crack of dawn. Worth it- we got to Multnomah Falls at 815 am and within 2 hours, it looked like New York City at New Years.
We headed to Larch Mountain, where you can see 5 mountains at the top. I would like to tell you all the names but the mind is going. I remember Hood, Rainer, and Jefferson. Karen and I followed a 1951 Buick Roadmaster up the mountain ( at 20 mph), with 2 elderly gentlemen we ran into on the path to the top. Come to find out, one is an 85 year old Native American, who gave us nature info up the 108 steps to the top. We ate wild huckleberries and he shared the names of the moutains in his native tongue of Wasco, part of the Chinook tribe. His father lived to 118 and froze to death. hmmm....that really sucks. Then he shared a song at the top of the mountain and gave us tribal blessings for safe travels. Highlight of the trip.
On to Timberline Lodge, where you are literally at the base of Mount Hood. The lodge had a party going on, with a mix of aging baby boomers in tie dye everything and the millennials, who have thrown themselves down the mountain on bikes or snow board. Yep- snow boarding on mount hood in August.
Last stop was bridge of the gods, from the movie Wild. What a great 2 days. On the road again tomorrow.
Mileage so far around 3500. Have to check.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Idaho
Did you know Idaho grows 33% of the potatoes in America? And Coeur d’Alene has the longest boardwalk in the US? And women through their bras off a chair lift and land on a tree called the Brundage Bra tree. Yes folks, these are just a few fascinating facts of beautiful Idaho. We had one night in Coeur d’Alene and it was worth it. Found a great meal and walked the longest boardwalk.
We also spent some time in Spokane WA, simply because it’s 30 miles away. We stumbled into a 5 day festival called pig out in a park. Okay, I can do that. Caught an interesting musical act made up of one guy who played the hand drum, synthesizer, and a digeredoo. It’s was mesmerizing to see him handle all 3 at the same time. We also found a quirky bookshop where they had a bumper sticker “Spokane, keep it sort of gross.” Uh, I got nothin.
Tomorrow is a red letter day as we are in Portland for longer than 48 hours! Yippee!!!
We also spent some time in Spokane WA, simply because it’s 30 miles away. We stumbled into a 5 day festival called pig out in a park. Okay, I can do that. Caught an interesting musical act made up of one guy who played the hand drum, synthesizer, and a digeredoo. It’s was mesmerizing to see him handle all 3 at the same time. We also found a quirky bookshop where they had a bumper sticker “Spokane, keep it sort of gross.” Uh, I got nothin.
Tomorrow is a red letter day as we are in Portland for longer than 48 hours! Yippee!!!
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Wild wonderful Wyoming.
WiFi is touch and go in these here parts. I am sitting in a restaurant typing this so it will be short and sweet. This is way different than my first visit here, as that was another state of abyss. Here are gorges, rock formations, ranches-lots of them. We are in charming Cody WY, the rodeo capital of the world. Lots of cowboys, beef, and Buffalo Bill. We spent the day in Yellowstone, not realizing how enormous it is. We covered a few picture spots and old faithful after 7 hours. The parks centerpiece is the beautiful Yellowstone Lake, with brown ribboned mountains of rock. It is quite a sight. The beauty in this country is beyond words.
Tomorrow we are tackling the northern route, which will be most of the day. Grand Tetons may not happen just due to distances.
We are staying in a charming old motor inn called the Big Bear. Crusty old cowboys hanging about, free horseback riding lessons, and love music every night, which is an ancient man with a keyboard twanging out Led Zeppelin. I love this cowboy town.
part 2:
2 full days in Yellowstone and we feel we just scratched the surface. I had no idea the park was that big. 20 to 40 miles between highlights so a trip to the inside of Yellowstone was 3 hours from Cody. It is a breathtaking park, vast and diverse. We ran into many bison ( literally) as they stroll down the road taking in sights. No beat sightings, but we saw one elk. Guess the vastness of the park doesn’t lend itself to large number of bears in one location. Not that I’m complaining. Beauty is the key.
Took a stroll through Cody this morning and bought all things huckleberry. And a piece of buffalo jerky. Took a quick tour of buffalo bill’s heritage center- not enough time in this sweet little town. Worth another visit. And also to visit grand Tetons. Time simply was not on our side.
Heading back to Montana. Hyped on coffee and again in our home away from home- the car. Happy to have Marji here with us- a nice addition.
Tomorrow we are tackling the northern route, which will be most of the day. Grand Tetons may not happen just due to distances.
We are staying in a charming old motor inn called the Big Bear. Crusty old cowboys hanging about, free horseback riding lessons, and love music every night, which is an ancient man with a keyboard twanging out Led Zeppelin. I love this cowboy town.
part 2:
2 full days in Yellowstone and we feel we just scratched the surface. I had no idea the park was that big. 20 to 40 miles between highlights so a trip to the inside of Yellowstone was 3 hours from Cody. It is a breathtaking park, vast and diverse. We ran into many bison ( literally) as they stroll down the road taking in sights. No beat sightings, but we saw one elk. Guess the vastness of the park doesn’t lend itself to large number of bears in one location. Not that I’m complaining. Beauty is the key.
Took a stroll through Cody this morning and bought all things huckleberry. And a piece of buffalo jerky. Took a quick tour of buffalo bill’s heritage center- not enough time in this sweet little town. Worth another visit. And also to visit grand Tetons. Time simply was not on our side.
Heading back to Montana. Hyped on coffee and again in our home away from home- the car. Happy to have Marji here with us- a nice addition.
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Desolate Prairie..North Dakota and Montana
There's not much to report these last 2 days-we spent a great deal of time shaving off miles. 840 miles in 2 days. Sights we saw? Cows. Soy bean fields. Wheat fields. Sunflower fields. Not much else. Our stopover in Bismarck was a delight. Diner food and live music and shooting the shit with 2 great local couples. One was born and raised in ND-grew up on a cattle farm. One actually moved to Bismarck from a very small town in Oregon of 40 people. Seems Bismarck it big city livin!
I got nothing on Billings. Saw some great caves dating back thousands of years. Made an attemot to look for music tonight. All that was happening was music bingo, No clue.
Hotel is ah...clean. With a casino. Casinos are attached to everything here. I asked the bartender about a restaurant-she then told me the later it gets here the weirder the crowd gets. They had an overdose in the casino and robbed a couple of times. I probably didn't need know that. I guess the frst clue was the lobby sign tht saif "No Billings residents". Hmmmm...
Seems Billings is a bit depressed, yet nice vistas. A railroad town still functioning as one.
Looking forward to the next couple of days in Cody and Yellowstone!
I got nothing on Billings. Saw some great caves dating back thousands of years. Made an attemot to look for music tonight. All that was happening was music bingo, No clue.
Hotel is ah...clean. With a casino. Casinos are attached to everything here. I asked the bartender about a restaurant-she then told me the later it gets here the weirder the crowd gets. They had an overdose in the casino and robbed a couple of times. I probably didn't need know that. I guess the frst clue was the lobby sign tht saif "No Billings residents". Hmmmm...
Seems Billings is a bit depressed, yet nice vistas. A railroad town still functioning as one.
Looking forward to the next couple of days in Cody and Yellowstone!
Friday, August 23, 2019
Minneapolis the land of flour and malls
Minneapolis has made great advancements to deal with the weather from hell, Stadium is inside. Downtown is completely connected with skywalks so you never need to walk outside-ever.The sidewalks are heated so you never deal with icy walkways and parking lots. And they have the most giant mall known to man-500+ stores, amusement park, an aquarium, mini golf, adventure golf...oh a zipline...youget the idea. It'd fucking cold. Hang at the mall....
Karen and I a couple of hours there and covered 5 stores and a restaurant. And a roller coaster ride for good measure. We followed that with a visit tto the Guthrie Theater for a play-excellent show by the play writer who did Ruined and Sweat. We were in the 3rd balcony which was one row only in the very top of the theater. I simply stayed in my seat and avoided all glances down...
Today was Mill City Museum, also known as the Gold Medal factory, It had a flour explosion in the late 1800's, destroyed the mill and killed 13 people. I had no idea flour was so flammable..They rebuilt and then closed for good in 1965, only to have most of the building burned by fire. Company taken over by General Mills and Pillsbury. Walked the pedestrian bridge that was used by trains long ago, grabbed lunch in a small deli, ate in Minnehaha Park and called it a day.
We are headed into land of the abyss tomorrow. Lots of.....hmmm..wheat fields, maybe a cow, 2 towns, where we will land in Bismarck, population of 70K. But hey, they are having a beer and donut festival tomorrow night! And perhaps I might ctch a glimpse of the northern lights..
Mileage so far: 1,706
Pics are on Facebook.
Karen and I a couple of hours there and covered 5 stores and a restaurant. And a roller coaster ride for good measure. We followed that with a visit tto the Guthrie Theater for a play-excellent show by the play writer who did Ruined and Sweat. We were in the 3rd balcony which was one row only in the very top of the theater. I simply stayed in my seat and avoided all glances down...
Today was Mill City Museum, also known as the Gold Medal factory, It had a flour explosion in the late 1800's, destroyed the mill and killed 13 people. I had no idea flour was so flammable..They rebuilt and then closed for good in 1965, only to have most of the building burned by fire. Company taken over by General Mills and Pillsbury. Walked the pedestrian bridge that was used by trains long ago, grabbed lunch in a small deli, ate in Minnehaha Park and called it a day.
We are headed into land of the abyss tomorrow. Lots of.....hmmm..wheat fields, maybe a cow, 2 towns, where we will land in Bismarck, population of 70K. But hey, they are having a beer and donut festival tomorrow night! And perhaps I might ctch a glimpse of the northern lights..
Mileage so far: 1,706
Pics are on Facebook.
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
The Youp..
Have to say, spent most of today near Lake Michigan, travelling around Lake Michigan, in Lake Michigan, or a combination of Huron and Michigan. I guess I always knew they were big lakes, but this was a dose of reality. 4 hours to get from the top of the lake to Green Bay, also on the lake. Beautiful, clean, and as they say...no salt, no sharks. But also no dolphins...
Mackinac Island is a beautifuk spot in the middle of a couple of these famous lakes. No cars. Charming village where you land by ferry and the well oiled machine of the island works their traffic patterns. Its a hilly island, with posh homes and condos. And of course, the ever Grand Hotel. So, luggage to the Grand is shipped for you up the hill via horse and cart. Everyone else who has luggage unloaded-you figure it out. Granted, a room at the Grand start at 400 a night-least they can do is bring your luggage to the hotel. Karen and I bought a 10.00 pass to allow us to roam the lobby and veranda. I did take full advantage-sat on the veranda in a rocking chair and asked the outside butler for a beverage. I thought of asking for bocce ball attire, but probably too much.
Breathtaking day of temps in the 70's. We arrived in Green Bay this evening-minutes away from Lambeau Field. We are staying in a hotel that advertises"'themed rooms". So, what exactly does that mean? Spiderman rooms? Leather rooms? Brett Farve rooms?
Goal tomorrow-cheese. Thats it.
Mileage: 533 from Muskegon to Green Bay WI
Mackinac Island is a beautifuk spot in the middle of a couple of these famous lakes. No cars. Charming village where you land by ferry and the well oiled machine of the island works their traffic patterns. Its a hilly island, with posh homes and condos. And of course, the ever Grand Hotel. So, luggage to the Grand is shipped for you up the hill via horse and cart. Everyone else who has luggage unloaded-you figure it out. Granted, a room at the Grand start at 400 a night-least they can do is bring your luggage to the hotel. Karen and I bought a 10.00 pass to allow us to roam the lobby and veranda. I did take full advantage-sat on the veranda in a rocking chair and asked the outside butler for a beverage. I thought of asking for bocce ball attire, but probably too much.
Breathtaking day of temps in the 70's. We arrived in Green Bay this evening-minutes away from Lambeau Field. We are staying in a hotel that advertises"'themed rooms". So, what exactly does that mean? Spiderman rooms? Leather rooms? Brett Farve rooms?
Goal tomorrow-cheese. Thats it.
Mileage: 533 from Muskegon to Green Bay WI
Monday, August 19, 2019
Hitsville USA
Detroit. Home of Motown. Barry Gordy opened a recording studio in his house and made american music history. He started the business with 800.00-a loan from his family, which he had to pay back with 6% interest. Perhaps this is the business model we should practice in this country...
After a bit of soul, we headed to Third Man records, where Jack White presses his records for his label. Different vibe in a good way. He spends time between Detroit and Nashville and it brought back one of the first concerts I went to with Andrew duting White Stripes era..
Time for eats...popped into the Traffic Jam and Snug restaurant-just because of the name. They brew beer, bake bread, and make cheese. What else does one need?
We ventured down to the river walk along the Detroit river-with a view of Canada, which is really a short swim away if you wanted to venture there. Detroit has cleaned its act up. No need to carry weapons (although you can with a license). Years ago, it wouldn't be a city you would wander around in. The walk along the river was busy with families from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Our day ended in Pontiac, where Krista and Nick's good friend Laurie graciously offered us a bed and lots of dog love. Up early today and landed in St. Ignace MI in the UP, also known as 'youp"
mileage:265
After a bit of soul, we headed to Third Man records, where Jack White presses his records for his label. Different vibe in a good way. He spends time between Detroit and Nashville and it brought back one of the first concerts I went to with Andrew duting White Stripes era..
Time for eats...popped into the Traffic Jam and Snug restaurant-just because of the name. They brew beer, bake bread, and make cheese. What else does one need?
We ventured down to the river walk along the Detroit river-with a view of Canada, which is really a short swim away if you wanted to venture there. Detroit has cleaned its act up. No need to carry weapons (although you can with a license). Years ago, it wouldn't be a city you would wander around in. The walk along the river was busy with families from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Our day ended in Pontiac, where Krista and Nick's good friend Laurie graciously offered us a bed and lots of dog love. Up early today and landed in St. Ignace MI in the UP, also known as 'youp"
mileage:265
Saturday, August 17, 2019
Cleveland
What a fabulous weekend of music! Woodstock films, history, videos of every musician we all love, and a kick ass performance from the Zombies, who, by the way, have DEFINITELY aged. Well, like usual. We ate from food trucks as we waited for the Zombies and then the skies opened up. I think the rock and till gods wanted us to have a full experience as Woodstock 69 as it poured.
I always learn something new and today was no exception. I honestly was not familiar with the Small Plates, who had Ron wood and rod stewart. Sorry, small faces. As Karen said, I was probably hungry. 🙂
Preparing to another music day in Detroit. Time for Motown!
Mileage: 455
Mileage: 455
Thursday, August 15, 2019
pre-journey trip
How does one pack for a 6 week journey? It is a question I ponder this week. I have asked a friend for advice-she recommended not over packing as she had done. She was prepared for glamour nights and camping days in the attire department and only wore a third of what she brought. so, i can leave home my glitter dress and pumps. She also packed art supplies, thinking she might be inspired to paint or create-wrong. No time for that. So, I have limited my selections to activities to do in the car. Snacks. Out of control. We have enough for the entire country if there is a zombie apocolypse. Technology-everything and then some. My good friend Lori gave me a rocketbook everlast, which I am learning hopefully before I leave. Of course, this all hinges on internet service.
Will I forget something? Probably. But it isn't like I am traveling Mt. Everest. They do have stores in the wild west. Except for maybe the lonliest road on the planet-which we probably won't be traveling to.
Cleveland or bust!
Will I forget something? Probably. But it isn't like I am traveling Mt. Everest. They do have stores in the wild west. Except for maybe the lonliest road on the planet-which we probably won't be traveling to.
Cleveland or bust!
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