Rachel and sisters went to see the new Harry Potter movie, and I relished the time alone, not driving, and made a blueberry muffin cake. (Used a muffin recipe, but just put it all in a pan.) I enjoyed getting to know Abby and later Amy (roommate), and we ate it all!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day 9 - Michigan (to Chicago)
I was very glad to get back to the USA. Even though we are just across the river, I definitely felt like a foreigner. All I had to do was open my mouth, and everyone would know I was not from around there! So we drove across Michigan, and now the thrill of seeing new things is over, as we had traveled this road 4 years ago. I started simply anticipating seeing Rachel. We stopped at the Berry Patch and Carol and I picked almost five pounds of blueberries. Then on to the Chicago Skyway, Chicago traffic, and finally, Rachel! She lives with four other young women in the city, in one of those tall narrow houses with two stories, an attic, and a basement. They live in the first floor apartment, and are crowded by themselves, so the addition of three more people makes for getting to know each other quickly!
Rachel and sisters went to see the new Harry Potter movie, and I relished the time alone, not driving, and made a blueberry muffin cake. (Used a muffin recipe, but just put it all in a pan.) I enjoyed getting to know Abby and later Amy (roommate), and we ate it all!
Rachel and sisters went to see the new Harry Potter movie, and I relished the time alone, not driving, and made a blueberry muffin cake. (Used a muffin recipe, but just put it all in a pan.) I enjoyed getting to know Abby and later Amy (roommate), and we ate it all!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Day 8 - Canada!
I really haven't been sleeping much. Every night as I try to relax, my mind reviews the events of the day and looks forward to the next. Yesterday's experience at Niagara Falls must have been very invigorating. And , I have to admit that I was a little nervous about driving through a portion of Canada. So, even though it must have been past midnite before I finally slept, I woke at 6:10, and, given my surroundings, I quickly dressed and went down to the lake to watch the sunrise. How cool is that? To be able to see both sunset and sunrise from the same place! There were quite a few seagulls around, and several of them roosted on the roof of the lighthouse.
We went through our usual routine, and took the drive along the lake back to the border crossing in Niagara Falls. It was very easy- and I am glad that we all had passports so we could do this. Yesterday there were long lines, since it was Sunday, but this morning we proceeded across without delay. The customs guy just asked me if I had any guns or knives or pepper spray or mace. My SUV is loaded to the roof so I hope it is just as easy going back!
My traveling companions stayed awake this morning due to the thrill of being in Canada, although the countryside was nothing really out of the ordinary. A lot of it looks like Kansas- lots of cornfields – but the illusion is shattered at the sight of the huge evergreen trees and weeping willows. I listened to “their” music- Tegan & Sara and White Stripes being the most popular at the moment. I was happier when we switched to Coldplay.
We made it to Sarnia around 2, and found a very nice park with a supervised beach, where we ate our picnic lunch. Carol and I rolled up our jeans to go wading, but the water was so cold that only the toes got wet. There were quite a few people in the water, to my amazement. The sign said that the beach is only open in July and August. I am amazed that people can actually live this far north.
So then we found the motel that I had reserved through Hotwire. I did that for the one in Atlanta and got a really good price on a very nice hotel. This time.... well,the building is old, but it is clean, air conditioned, has a fridge and microwave, not to mention the very important wifi internet. So we are catching up and I am going to try to rest. I have driven over 2500 miles in just one week!
We went through our usual routine, and took the drive along the lake back to the border crossing in Niagara Falls. It was very easy- and I am glad that we all had passports so we could do this. Yesterday there were long lines, since it was Sunday, but this morning we proceeded across without delay. The customs guy just asked me if I had any guns or knives or pepper spray or mace. My SUV is loaded to the roof so I hope it is just as easy going back!
My traveling companions stayed awake this morning due to the thrill of being in Canada, although the countryside was nothing really out of the ordinary. A lot of it looks like Kansas- lots of cornfields – but the illusion is shattered at the sight of the huge evergreen trees and weeping willows. I listened to “their” music- Tegan & Sara and White Stripes being the most popular at the moment. I was happier when we switched to Coldplay.
We made it to Sarnia around 2, and found a very nice park with a supervised beach, where we ate our picnic lunch. Carol and I rolled up our jeans to go wading, but the water was so cold that only the toes got wet. There were quite a few people in the water, to my amazement. The sign said that the beach is only open in July and August. I am amazed that people can actually live this far north.
So then we found the motel that I had reserved through Hotwire. I did that for the one in Atlanta and got a really good price on a very nice hotel. This time.... well,the building is old, but it is clean, air conditioned, has a fridge and microwave, not to mention the very important wifi internet. So we are catching up and I am going to try to rest. I have driven over 2500 miles in just one week!
Special note
One of my traveling companions, the 15 year old, dictated this sentence to me to post:
Amy feels that distributing information about her life on the internet violates her civil rights, so she has requested that from now on I refrain from doing so.
So I guess she wants me to pretend that I left her in New York. However,before I stop including her in my musings, I do need to mention that it was her idea to spend the night in Canada. For that part of this adventure, I must thank her. Thank you, Amy!
Amy feels that distributing information about her life on the internet violates her civil rights, so she has requested that from now on I refrain from doing so.
So I guess she wants me to pretend that I left her in New York. However,before I stop including her in my musings, I do need to mention that it was her idea to spend the night in Canada. For that part of this adventure, I must thank her. Thank you, Amy!
Day 7- Niagara Falls
I am sitting on the shore of Lake Ontario in New York.
Now I am in the tent with Amy and Carol. Carol and I had taken a blanket down to the shore, and it started raining, although it didn't last long. This was the best day yet. We slept a little later than usual, and got on the road about 8:30. We seem to have developed a rhythm to our days, and packing up is pretty easy now. It was raining as we set out,and the misty clouds hovering around the green mountaintops were so pretty I felt like crying. I guess that is silly, but I have found myself feeling emotional at the beauty of nature. I didn't know that it was going to get better and better. We went through the Allegheny Mountains, and around 4 pm got to Niagara Falls. I was really unprepared for the majesty of the falls. It is an awesome sight. We decided that we just had to take the boat ride, so the three of us donned the blue ponchos and boarded the Maid of the Mist. It took us past the American falls and very close to the Canadian Horseshoe falls. We took as many pictures as we could without soaking the camera! It was totally amazing and absolutely worth the trip. Everyone should experience Niagara Falls. After we got off the boat, we walked up some steps and were totally drenched and exhilarated. It is awesome, and I don't generally use that word except to describe the majesty of God.
Then we made the hour drive to Golden Hills State Park. The campground is grassy with flowers and clover and a lighthouse. Carol and I ended up in the gazebo on the shore and watched the gorgeous sunset. Now we are in the tent, the three of us, just hanging out. It has been the best day.
Now I am in the tent with Amy and Carol. Carol and I had taken a blanket down to the shore, and it started raining, although it didn't last long. This was the best day yet. We slept a little later than usual, and got on the road about 8:30. We seem to have developed a rhythm to our days, and packing up is pretty easy now. It was raining as we set out,and the misty clouds hovering around the green mountaintops were so pretty I felt like crying. I guess that is silly, but I have found myself feeling emotional at the beauty of nature. I didn't know that it was going to get better and better. We went through the Allegheny Mountains, and around 4 pm got to Niagara Falls. I was really unprepared for the majesty of the falls. It is an awesome sight. We decided that we just had to take the boat ride, so the three of us donned the blue ponchos and boarded the Maid of the Mist. It took us past the American falls and very close to the Canadian Horseshoe falls. We took as many pictures as we could without soaking the camera! It was totally amazing and absolutely worth the trip. Everyone should experience Niagara Falls. After we got off the boat, we walked up some steps and were totally drenched and exhilarated. It is awesome, and I don't generally use that word except to describe the majesty of God.
Then we made the hour drive to Golden Hills State Park. The campground is grassy with flowers and clover and a lighthouse. Carol and I ended up in the gazebo on the shore and watched the gorgeous sunset. Now we are in the tent, the three of us, just hanging out. It has been the best day.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
I did it!
I finally figured out the slideshow. You have to have Picasa web albums and they have to be public. Also, I think I made it easier to comment, if you want to give it a try.
Good night!
Good night!
Day 6- Pennsylvania
It was wonderfully cool when I stepped outside at 6:30 am-- in the upper 50's. We are getting really good at packing up, and after partaking of the motel's complimentary breakfast, we were on the road by 7:30. The girls did their usual thing, sleeping, as I enjoyed the morning, meditating as I drove on God's sovereignty in our lives. In just a couple of hours, we had gone through West Virginia and Maryland and into Pennsylvania. We stopped at Gettysburg and took some pictures, but didn't take the entire drive around the battlefield—it is really an all day undertaking. I saw enough to get kind of emotional- the place is huge, and I got goose bumps- the second time on this trip. All those people dying. All those mothers losing sons, wives losing husbands. War is a terrible thing, and to think that it happened right here.
So we continued on, going through Yorktown and near Lancaster, through some beautiful countryside with LOTS of corn growing everywhere, and arrived in Hershey. I had done a little research, and had discovered that Chocolate World has a free tour. I found the way, going by Hershey Park, which has huge rollercoasters so close to the road we could hear people screaming. Upon arriving for the tour, we were surprised to find that you get in these big cars that go through what Amy says is not the real factory, but it all looked real. It included funky music and singing cows. It was fun and I suppose it was supposed to whet your appetite to spend tons of money. The rest of it is what my father always called a “tourist trap” and steered clear of. We did spend too much money just on lunch and stocked up on enough chocolate to last a long time.
Harrisburg, which is the capitol of Pennsylvania, is just 10 miles away, and we drove through parts of the city courtesy of my helpful GPS. I really enjoy looking at the architecture. All the houses along the roads we drove on are large two story with basement and attic. I wish I could see inside! Gettysburg and the other smaller towns all have traffic circles in the center and large churches and government buildings.
So we are resting again, enjoying the lack of responsibility.
So we continued on, going through Yorktown and near Lancaster, through some beautiful countryside with LOTS of corn growing everywhere, and arrived in Hershey. I had done a little research, and had discovered that Chocolate World has a free tour. I found the way, going by Hershey Park, which has huge rollercoasters so close to the road we could hear people screaming. Upon arriving for the tour, we were surprised to find that you get in these big cars that go through what Amy says is not the real factory, but it all looked real. It included funky music and singing cows. It was fun and I suppose it was supposed to whet your appetite to spend tons of money. The rest of it is what my father always called a “tourist trap” and steered clear of. We did spend too much money just on lunch and stocked up on enough chocolate to last a long time.
Harrisburg, which is the capitol of Pennsylvania, is just 10 miles away, and we drove through parts of the city courtesy of my helpful GPS. I really enjoy looking at the architecture. All the houses along the roads we drove on are large two story with basement and attic. I wish I could see inside! Gettysburg and the other smaller towns all have traffic circles in the center and large churches and government buildings.
So we are resting again, enjoying the lack of responsibility.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Day 5- Shenandoah Valley
We luxuriated this morning by sleeping later since we were staying in the area. Actually, I woke up and enjoyed some quiet time before waking the girls.We had a continental breakfast, and then set off for the Frontier Culture Museum. It's one of those living history affairs, with real people dressed in period clothes really working the farms. They had farmhouses that were actually moved here from England, Ireland, and Germany, as well as several American farmhouses from the 19th century. It was very interesting, and also included a couple of nature walks, one very uphill. I was glad for the exercise after being in the car so much.
After a quick lunch back at the motel room, we took off for the Grand Caverns, in Grottoes, about 20 miles away. It has been a long time since I had been in a cave, Carol had never been in one, and Amy had only been in a small one in Europe. It is very beautiful and inspiring, and another example of God's creativity. When we came out, a light rain was falling, emphasizing the beauty of the greenery after being underground for over an hour.
Since everyone was tired from all the walking, I decide a scenic drive would be in order, so found the way to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. We climbed to over 3000 feet, and enjoyed the awesome views of the Shenandoah Valley. We took several country roads in our travels today, and it was very enjoyable.
So we had a taste of history in the morning, and science in the afternoon. We decided that we would be fine just going back to our room and relaxing. Upon arriving, we decided against swimming due to the presence of about 20 junior high boys! We saw some of them yesterday in baseball uniforms, so figure they are here for some kind of competition. So, we're just chillin' – we have food and shelter, and with the addition of modern conveniences and technology, I would say we have more than what we need.
After a quick lunch back at the motel room, we took off for the Grand Caverns, in Grottoes, about 20 miles away. It has been a long time since I had been in a cave, Carol had never been in one, and Amy had only been in a small one in Europe. It is very beautiful and inspiring, and another example of God's creativity. When we came out, a light rain was falling, emphasizing the beauty of the greenery after being underground for over an hour.
Since everyone was tired from all the walking, I decide a scenic drive would be in order, so found the way to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. We climbed to over 3000 feet, and enjoyed the awesome views of the Shenandoah Valley. We took several country roads in our travels today, and it was very enjoyable.
So we had a taste of history in the morning, and science in the afternoon. We decided that we would be fine just going back to our room and relaxing. Upon arriving, we decided against swimming due to the presence of about 20 junior high boys! We saw some of them yesterday in baseball uniforms, so figure they are here for some kind of competition. So, we're just chillin' – we have food and shelter, and with the addition of modern conveniences and technology, I would say we have more than what we need.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Day 4- Virginia
A very loud bird woke me at 6:30 after a short night. Besides being pretty warm, my mind kept reviewing all that we had seen and experienced and looking forward to what is yet to come. We again were able to get on the road in about an hour, stopping at a Hess station to fuel the car and get coffee. They have good coffee, and flavored creamers. Yum! It was somewhat overcast, and a little foggy at first. Today I listened to the 27 Beatles songs I have on my Ipod, and decided that most of their songs are not very deep, or have a hidden meaning that is beyond me. Then I listened to Avalon, Caedmon's Call, and Chris Rice, which were much more enjoyable as I drove North through North Carolina and into Virginia. The scenery was pretty much trees, trees, trees. I could imagine the beauty of the changing colors in the fall.
I took a detour off the interstate again to see what the country side looked like, and went through Rose Hill, North Carolina, “Home of the World's Largest Frying Pan”. I looked, but didn't see it. Then we got toHalifax County, where the spirit of independence was born. I didn't know that. We indulged in Starbucks for “lunch”, and finally, after more rain, we got to the mountains and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
After settling in to our motel room, I found a Kroger and stocked up on food and snacks, then we checked out the historic downtown Staunton. It is pronounced Stanton. It is very hilly and exciting with huge houses, churches, hotels, and government buildings, all very close together and nowhere to park. So we took a scenic route “home” and enjoyed another beautiful sunset.
I took a detour off the interstate again to see what the country side looked like, and went through Rose Hill, North Carolina, “Home of the World's Largest Frying Pan”. I looked, but didn't see it. Then we got toHalifax County, where the spirit of independence was born. I didn't know that. We indulged in Starbucks for “lunch”, and finally, after more rain, we got to the mountains and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.
After settling in to our motel room, I found a Kroger and stocked up on food and snacks, then we checked out the historic downtown Staunton. It is pronounced Stanton. It is very hilly and exciting with huge houses, churches, hotels, and government buildings, all very close together and nowhere to park. So we took a scenic route “home” and enjoyed another beautiful sunset.
Day 3- Wilmington, NC (Cape Fear)
We woke up early again, and stopped at McDonalds's for a quick breakfast. I was glad to get out of Atlanta-the traffic is awful! But then, for the rest of the day, it was miles and miles of trees, trees, trees. I will never feel bad about throwing paper away again- really, I will continue to recycle, but I do not see how we will ever run out of trees. And the spaciousness of it all-anyone concerned about overpopulation should drive across America-or just South Carolina for that matter. We drove over 400 miles, and it was nothing but trees and grass with small towns scattered here and there. I detoured off the interstate a couple of times just to see the country, and it was beautiful. Just because there are overcrowded cities doesn't mean the world is overpopulated!
Okay, so we drove across Georgia, South Carolina, and are now in Wilmington, North Carolina. Had a few torrential downpours on the way, very short and intense. After getting food at Chic Filet, we went to Wrightsville Beach, but access is difficult so we just stayed long enough to put our feet in the water and get a picture. Got some saltwater taffy at a tourist store. Then we found the KOA campground hidden in the middle of town, it is very nice but something got messed up on the reservation and we have no electricity. Or internet. We set up the tent, then decided to go to downtown Wilmington. It is a very historic city, and also has a nice riverwalk along Cape Fear River. We got there just in time to partake of a very beautiful sunset, and I got some pretty good pictures. There were some people selling handmade natural jewelry, and Amy and Carol each picked out a necklace-Amy's is colored broken shells, and Carol's is made out of coconut. There were some beautiful old houses and interesting shops, but it was getting dark, and just as we were wishing out loud for ice cream, we turned a corner on the way back to the car and there was a sign- home made ice cream. We were all very happy- I got chocolate peanut butter, Carol got coffee, and Amy got dark chocolate.
Okay, so we drove across Georgia, South Carolina, and are now in Wilmington, North Carolina. Had a few torrential downpours on the way, very short and intense. After getting food at Chic Filet, we went to Wrightsville Beach, but access is difficult so we just stayed long enough to put our feet in the water and get a picture. Got some saltwater taffy at a tourist store. Then we found the KOA campground hidden in the middle of town, it is very nice but something got messed up on the reservation and we have no electricity. Or internet. We set up the tent, then decided to go to downtown Wilmington. It is a very historic city, and also has a nice riverwalk along Cape Fear River. We got there just in time to partake of a very beautiful sunset, and I got some pretty good pictures. There were some people selling handmade natural jewelry, and Amy and Carol each picked out a necklace-Amy's is colored broken shells, and Carol's is made out of coconut. There were some beautiful old houses and interesting shops, but it was getting dark, and just as we were wishing out loud for ice cream, we turned a corner on the way back to the car and there was a sign- home made ice cream. We were all very happy- I got chocolate peanut butter, Carol got coffee, and Amy got dark chocolate.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 2 - Atlanta
I woke up with the dawn, at about 6 am, roused the girls, and miraculously, we were on the road by 7. It was another beautiful, clear day. Carol and Amy went back to sleep as we headed down the highway, and I enjoyed the solitude, listening to Enya again, because I like the quietness of it, and just enjoying the ride. The scenery was pretty monotonous, although very pretty, with lots of trees and that vine thing that grows like crazy. We got to Georgia, and it was more of the same. Carol and Amy woke up and we listened to music and comedy clips.
We got to Atlanta at 3 pm Eastern time, I guess the time change was at the Georgia border. I used the GPS to look for a civil war museum, and sure enough, found one. It was called the Cyclorama, which definitely peaked my interest! It is very hard to explain, so check it out on the web www.atlantacyclorama.org. Then we found our hotel, and have been chillin' ever since.
We got to Atlanta at 3 pm Eastern time, I guess the time change was at the Georgia border. I used the GPS to look for a civil war museum, and sure enough, found one. It was called the Cyclorama, which definitely peaked my interest! It is very hard to explain, so check it out on the web www.atlantacyclorama.org. Then we found our hotel, and have been chillin' ever since.
Day 1- Mississippi
We left at 7:45 am. There was light rain with a beautiful sky until we got past Beaumont. The girls slept on and off, and I felt my mind clearing as I drove down the interstate listening to Enya. The only thing really interesting in Louisiana was the Atchafalaya Swamp, and we never saw a rest area-had to eat our lunch at a gas station. When we got to Mississippi, there was a beautiful welcome center and some kind of Nasa Rocket tour, but we didn't go on it. We took the scenic route, highway 90, so we could see the white beaches n Gulfport and Biloxi, and it was a beautiful sight. I almost stopped, but resisted the temptation. It looked like they were still rebuilding after the last hurricane.
We got to Ocean Springs, which was only 15 miles from our destination, and I used the GPS to find a Denny's, because I had a craving for the veggie omelet and hashbrowns. The girls both had chicken fingers. Then we found Shepherd State Park, in the woods in Gautier, and made short work of setting up the tent. When dusk came the crickets started their song, and it is very peaceful, albeit somewhat warm.
We got to Ocean Springs, which was only 15 miles from our destination, and I used the GPS to find a Denny's, because I had a craving for the veggie omelet and hashbrowns. The girls both had chicken fingers. Then we found Shepherd State Park, in the woods in Gautier, and made short work of setting up the tent. When dusk came the crickets started their song, and it is very peaceful, albeit somewhat warm.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Looking for the road
I found this beautiful picture of a road in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, one of the places we're going. I hope to see beauty like this, and enjoy a refreshing of my mind and soul, as well as time well spent with Amy and Carol.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
A road in the Shenandoah Valley
From the internet. I hope to find this kind of beauty
