[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
The first leg of our extensive trip in the summer of ’95 includes many areas + many people.
June 30, 1995: Pensacola to Montgomery
We left home about 2 pm after the usual packing up + a pedicure for me at the Parisian Nail Clinic.
Our routes 10, 29, 65, + 85 to Montgomery + Maxwell AFB were as usual, no problem, although we experienced very heavy holiday traffic. We weren’t aware of a heavy thunderstorm with 60 mph winds which preceded us from 3:30-4:30. We arrived at Maxwell AFB about 5:00 pm.
We checked in at the University Inn + had a 2 room suite – cost $20.00.
Dinner at the club was good. I had seafood shishkabob and Bert had veal. Total tab 24.00.
July 1, 1995: Montgomery – Hopkinsville
We got up at 6 am, had coffee in the room, then took off for the Ss in Hopkinsville, Ky.
We followed Rt. 65 nearly all the way – from Montgomery – Birmingham – Nashville – then Rt. 24 into Hopkinsville.
There was more traffic today than we’ve ever seen. After having no success getting breakfast at three restaurants, we drove north of Birmingham + had a bite at McDonalds + were on our way.
The farmland was especially lovely – lots of corn for miles + miles.
A lovely dinner, walk at their beautiful country club and bridge completed the day. A lovely visit with the Ss - wonderful friends.
July 2, 1995: Hopkinsville – Springfield
Left the Ss after a delightful brunch with them + their kids – Bill, Leslie + Brandon – about 9:15 am for S’fld.
We traveled Pennyrile Pkwy to W/K Pkwy for about 100 miles to Elizbethtown, passing large fields of corn + sorghum to Rt. 6. We moved our clocks ahead one hour to Eastern time.
From Rt. 65 we took 265 around Louisville to Rt. 71 which took us to Cincy, then 75 to Dayton + S’fld. Had lunch at Wendy’s in Richwood.
Arrived at Mary Jane’s at 5 pm after about a 10 mile detour on Rt. 41.
Had cocktails in the backyard, caught up on the news, had a delightful dinner + retired early. Another beautiful day!
July 3, 1995: Springfield – Hilliard
After breakfast we drove over to Barb’s + Janie’s to check on their houses. We had an early lunch at Applebee’s, then took off for Edith + Ron’s. (It was just an hour’s drive.)
The Us both amaze me. She’d had two teeth extracted just hours before our arrival + Ron’s doing well in spite of both knees replaced in May.
The Ts came over for cocktails + we all were treated to a delicious dinner at a nearby Chinese restaurant.
We saw a great display of fireworks on TV eminating from downtown.
This was another beautiful day. How lucky we are to have such wonderful friends.
July 4th Hilliard – Strongsville
Had a hearty breakfast with Edith + Ron. Left their place about 9:30 for the Ss, Ardath + John.
The traffic on I-71 was unbelievable, and we’ve never seen so many cops on the roads. It was a pleasant ride however + we were impressed with how green + beautiful Ohio is!
We found Ardath + John in good health and we welcomed his brother, Neal + sister-in-law, Thelma to the Fourth celebration – a feast! It was good seeing Jeanne + Jim LeR, Skip G, and meeting Beth’s dog, Jake. (He’s a brown Lab, good natured pet + has become a happy camper here while Beth gets relocated in Atlanta.)
After the delicious meal, we swapped tales + viewed grandchildren pictures until the wee hours.
Great day!
July 5th Strongsville - Rocky River
We left Ardath + John’s about 11 am + drove to the zoo where we spent the greater part of the day. Before leaving we got to meet Beth’s boy friend, Mark H, who just arrived from Atlanta while visiting Beth.
It was quite interesting going through the Rain Forest. It took 7-1/2 years to complete it but it’s quite nice.
We arrived at McNs in Rocky River late afternoon + were welcomed by Ray + Marie, their daughters, Kay + Pam + the beautiful little granddaughters, Shannon + Sara.
Had a delicious dinner – Ray cooked steaks, + Kay’s husband John joined us.
It was good seeing everyone here. Pam is leaving tomorrow for Wichita + will be moving to Dallas the end of the month.
July 6, 1995 Rocky River
After a good breakfast, we bid good-bye to Pam + Shannon before leaving for the downtown area + Westgate. (They’re going back to Wichita.)
Spent the day visiting downtown Cleveland. We were very impressed with Hall of Fame, Science Bldg., huge Marriott Hotel, Indians Stadium, + new basketball stadium – Many changes!
After lunch at Westgate, we returned to McN’s and heard Dr. Boyd, the new supt. of Cleve-Schools on TV. Very impressed.
Dinner that evening was at Applebee’s with Marie, Ray, Warren + Sue L.
Marie + I stayed up to watch Letterman + retired about 1 am.
July 7, 1995 Rocky River - Bay Village
Had a nice breakfast with Marie + Ray, then left about 10:30 to go out to the Ks - Phyllis and Dan in their beautiful new home in Bay Village.
Caught up on the news, had a tasty lunch, then left for a tour of the art museum. It was wonderful as usual. The exhibit of the Pre-Rafael masterpieces from England was outstanding. This artwork from the late 1800’s, early 1900’s was unknown to us.
The lakefront area in Bay has changed – many homes have been raised, making way for new ones – rather on the ostentatious side.
The dinner Phyllis prepared along with Dan’s swordfish on the grill was quite a treat!
Played bridge after dinner, then retired about 11:30.
Wonderful day.
July 8, 1995: Bay Village – Wellsville
This was a busy day! We said good-bye to Phyllis + Dan after a nice hearty breakfast + arrived at the hotel in Wellsville at 11:30. Mike + Donna surprisingly greeted us there but couldn’t stay. (We wanted them to stay and see the alumni reunion. They were enroute to Fl. from Chicago + had to hit the road.)
The lunch was fantastic + the program was interesting. They introduced all of the scholarship winners, and paid tribute to all the donors. They’ve reached their present goal of 100 thousand dollar contributors! I’m glad to say it was our '43 class that initiated this wonderful endeavor.
We visited there + up + down main street, parking in Riverside + viewing the beautiful river!!
Mary + Gene gave us a hearty welcome + after a short visit we were off again for the main events: dinner in the gym, visit with Billie S + ’42 classmates, then over to Riverside with ’43 grads. We pooped out after that + came back to Mary + Gene’s for a good night’s rest!!
July 9, 1995 Wellsville
Mary and I decided we’d had enough scheduled programs, so we decided it was time to relax this a.m. Gene barbecued chicken, we ate at 2:00.
Before the parade, we drove over to the Fox Nursing Home to visit Uncle Wayne. He was very alert + quoted scriptures + The Gettysburg Address.
There was confusion organizing the parade, but we got it started at 6 pm. I rode in a new convertible with the ’43 class. It was fun, but I missed seeing the parade.
The concert at the stadium was a huge success: a band from Pgh., the W.H.S. band, alumni band all performed in excellent style.
Gene, Mary, John J + wife, Patty + we sat together + got home around 10 pm.
Fun day.
July 10, 1995 Wellsville - Put-in-Bay
Left Mary + Gene's around 9:15 + drove to Rocky River by noon. Did some shopping at Heinen's, then proceded on to Helen's arriving at Catawba at 2 o’clock.
Rode across the lake on the Miler Ferry in our van.
The Is + Fs came over for a visit with us before dinner.
Helen took us to the Crew's Nest for a delicious dinner. We all ate the same thing – baked walleye + was it ever good.
There was a beautiful sunset which we enjoyed on the deck.
Retired early.
Spent the next few days with Helen.
July 11, 1995 Put-in-Bay
The morning began with a run to town to get the paper and a T-shirt for Bert.
We spent the afternoon reading and napping. After dinner we sat out on the deck and watched the sun set and after glow.
We had a phone call from Anne E from Wis who had planned to stop here tomorrow enroute from Chicago, but can’t make it because of the illness of her sister.
The All Star game on TV was the highlight of the evening.
I’ve orders from Helen to look up the author Ishi Gurre at the library when we go home.
July 12, 1995 Put-in-Bay
Our am schedule included: a run to town where I bought a Put-in-Bay T-shirt, to the post office to mail cards, to visit Peggy I’s class, and then pick up Helen at the beauty shoppe for lunch.
Ken + Bonnie D from Toledo stopped in for a visit with friends after our lunch at the Crescent. Their friend, a capt. on a freighter, + his wife were entertaining.
After cocktails + dinner, we sat on the deck, watched the sun set, and packed in preparation for our early departure in the morning.
July 13, 1995 Put-in-Bay – Danville, Pa.
We said good-bye early to Helen + were on the first boat out at 7 am, arriving on the mainland at 7:30.
It was Rt. 80 all the way – lots of construction but no heavy traffic or delays.
We ate lunch in Dubois, Pa. at a Dutch Pantry. Bought some apple fritters to take with us.
It was just 2:30 this afternoon when we checked into the Days Inn in Danville, Pa. It’s hot – 90 degrees while I’m writing. Even our air conditioned room isn’t very cool.
Tonight we had dinner at BJ’s + ordered the famous barbecue – ribs, shrimp + chicken breast. The bldg. was built in 1888 – very charming.
Drove + walked around downtown area + retired early.
July 14, 1995 Danville – Providence
This is record heat weather so we got an early start from the hotel at 7:45.
The drive through the rest of Pa. on Rt. 80 was uneventful + I did some of the driving until we got to the Delaware Water Gap. It’s a National Recreation Area + part of the park system on the Appalachian Trail. It’s in N.J. along the Delaware River + as you look out, you see Pa. across the river.
From 80 we took Rt. 287, across the Tappan Zee Bridge + on to Rt. 95 + Conn. We stopped in Stamford for a sandwich after driving thru White Plains looking for a “cool” spot. Ha!
We were happy to arrive at Kent’s + Tamiko’s + catch up on their news.
We played games + puzzles in the basement with Brynne.
July 15, 1995 Providence
It’s hot – a record 95-100 degrees! a record for this date.
Kent took us on a tour of downtown + then we picked up the boys while Brynne + Tamiko went to a soccer luncheon.
After lunch we drove to Barb H's to see her Tapestry Garden (perennials) in Uxbridge, Mass. It was so hot in Uxbridge. The kids got some plants, we had a nice visit with Barb’s parents, Lil + Bob C, and had a refreshing glass of iced tea on their deck.
The pool was a welcome treat at their Swim Club, and then dinner was pizza + pasta at Uncle Tony’s.
We showed the kids the kimishibai box + the artwork from Japan.
Good day in spite of the heat wave.
July 16, 1995 Providence
It’s cool! Hurrah! We’re “chilling” out today – just resting up for tomorrow and the trip South tomorrow.
Kent took Brynne + the boys swimming before lunch. After lunch we took Erich + Kyle over home + Kent drove us around to see more of downtown Providence. It’s looking more prosperous than several years ago.
We watched the Discovery Channel with Brynne after supper. The kids worked on the computer + we all retired early.
Temp. this evening in high 60’s.
July 17, 1995 Providence - Potomac, Md.
Mileage was 784 when we left the kids’. Took I-95 to New Haven where we picked up the Merritt Pawy – then 287 to the Garden State Pkwy + on to N.J. Turnpike. We exited at Exit 7 + filled the tank @ 1.07.9. Had lunch at Stewart’s in Bordentown – a Calif. burger + black cow. Proceeded on N.J. Turnpike to Exit 1 – Dela. Mem. Bridge.
Arrived at Peggy B’s about 4 pm. What a treat to see her looking so well. After a couple hours catching up on family, friends, etc., we had a lovely supper. Peg + I stayed up a few hours longer + talked after dad went to bed because he did most of the driving today + was very tired.
The mileage today was 1217.
Weather – still hot but cooler.
7/18/95 Potomac – Spartanburg, S. Car.
We left Peg’s about 8 am after a nice breakfast. We found I-270 with not too much difficulty + got onto the Beltway (495) after about 10 min. We took I-95 to Richmond + I did alot of the driving today. We exited at Exit 51 where we took I-85 the rest of the drive. We experienced lots of construction + heavy truck traffic.
We had lunch at Wendy’s at South Hill, Va. near the N. Car. Welcome Center.
When we entered S. Car., we stopped at the Visitors’ Welcome Center and made a reservation at the Ramada Inn in Spartansburg w coupon for $39. Nice comfortable room.
After a refreshing swim in the pool, we showered + dressed + had dinner at the next door Steak + Ale. I had steak + Bert had flounder. Good, good day.
July 19, 1995 Spartanburg – Pensacola
Mileage today – 1690
This, our final leg of the journey, proved to be a very interesting one. All went well through the NW corner of S. Car. on Rt. 85 through Greenville to Commerce – all very prosperous looking area with good highway. It was from Commerce south to Athens – where we began meandering over country roads, averaging 35 mph + hitting every red light possible. Bert insisted it was better than traveling the interstate + besides we “needed to see that part of Ga.” Not until Warner Robbins AFB, could I convince him we’d already been there! It was beautiful farmland. (If we couldn’t identify the plant, we called it either corn or beans.)
I set the cruise control on 70 the last leg of the trip on I-10, and the speedometer read 2315, a total of 3808 miles + a wonderful vacation w family + friends!!!
