[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
In October 14-19, 2006 we had the 8th Combat Cargo Group [Squadron] Reunion in Peoria.
10/13/06
Pensacola to Brentwood, Tn.
We rolled
out of the driveway at 8 a.m. as planned. It was a cool day + we had a few
sprinkles enroute to Ala.
We
followed I-10 to Rt 29 to Flomaton where we picked up Rt 65 which took us all
the way to Brentwood which is south of Nashville.
The leaves
are changing color although not as vivid as we’ll expect tomorrow.
At the
Tennessee Welcome center we saw the EMS working on a man trying to survive him. A large crowd was gathering, so we moved on + hopefully they were able to
survive him.
Our
Comfort Inn is quite adequate + while Bert is on the computer, I’m planning to
read.
I called
both the Jax kids + Largo Ss to report in + found everyone at home ready
to eat.
Our meal
tonight was at Panera Bread where everyone was doing there “thing” on computers
+ cell phones. I’m glad we‘ve lived long enough to experience this “new age.”
Oh, our
meal was very tasty after a long 8-1/2 hr drive – Soup, salad + sandwiches.
I’ll check
the mileage tomorrow.
10/14/06
Brentwood to Peoria, Ill.
Our
mileage was 435. We started our trip today at 7:30 and it was a great move! Driving through Nashville at 8:30 on Sat. a.m. was good planning. We just
sailed through town on Rt. 24 and stayed on it to Paducah, crossing the
beautiful Ohio R. The scenery we saw today was magnificent seeing how cities
like Clarksville grew from the power generated from the Cumberland R. + Barkley
Dam. Hopkinsville is one of the leading dark-fire or slow-smoked tobacco markets
in the nation. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area offers miles of
hiking. From this area we were routed on 57 passing miles of flat farm land
into Champaign + Urbana (home of the U. of Ill.) where we picked up Rt. 74. This took us to Peoria where we arrived here after a pleasant 8-1/2 hr. day. The mileage was 907 when we drove into the Hampton Inn parking lot.
People who
had already arrived + were here to greet us were the Van Hs – Peg + Van, the
Ts (hosts) Betty + Chuck, Scotty W, + Emil M who drove together
from Columbus. Shack S + his caregiver came from Dallas – wheelchair +
all, in time to go to a fine restaurant for dinner. Retired about 10:30. Lovely
day!
10/15/06
Peoria
After a
good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we spent the a.m. catching up on the
news via TV + lap top. The weather wasn’t conducive to outdoors activities. A
few of us gathered at the casino to check out the machines. We used the $5.00
free comp, then met at the buffet for a 2 for 1 meal. It was fair. The
Par-a-dice casino has a lot to be desired!
Betty +
Chuck T are excellent hosts + put on a great spread – salad, sandwiches,
vegies + dip. They also had a birthday cake for Ed M who arrived late from
Ariz. but in time for the celebration.
Since no
entertainment is planned for tomorrow, we decided to make copies of the Twelve
Days of Christmas + hopefully everyone will take part in it.
The gals
gathered around the table for our usual 15¢ card game + the guys rehashed old
war stories.
Another
fun day with a great group.
10/16/06
Peoria
Today’s
big event is the bus trip to Springfield to the Abe Lincoln Museum. In spite of
a drizzling rain the entire day, it was a very pleasant trip.
We boarded
the bus at 9:45 + arrived at the museum, a distance of 66 miles about 1-1/2 hrs
later.
Seeing
this museum is a once in a lifetime experience. In four hours we experienced
the rustic Indiana cabin, the horror of slavery, to the 21st Century
technology of the modern-day television. We drove through the area where the Lincolns
lived during their stay in Springfield.
The café inside
the museum served soup + salads where we joined the rest of our group for a
light lunch.
Our driver
took us on a scenic view of Peoria on Grandview Dr. where we saw beautiful
homes + spectacular trees + flowers. The colors are unbelievable.
As usual
we met in the hospitality room after a buffet dinner at the Pa-a-dice Casino. Fun! Fun! Fun!
10/17/06
Peoria
I started
the day at 6:15 at the pool where I did my exercises and enjoyed the whirlpool.
Our trip
today to Tanner’s Apple Market was the highlight of the day. It’s located 28
miles north of hear + we had fun sampling all the various types of apples. We
bought a bushel of mixed: Golden delicious, Fuji, and Golden Gala. I talked
with the owner, Mrs. Tanner who’s the second generation of the Tanner family +
she hopes their children will continue the store. It certainly is extensive +
very interesting.
In the
evening we enjoyed the dinner + say our “good-byes” to our wonderful friends. We gave a tribute to our dearly departed at the dinner.
Had a few
games of cards in the hospitality room with the gals before retiring.
It’s been
a very successful reunion – 23 brave souls returned. Hope we’ll all make it
next year!
10/18/05
Peoria – Brentwood, Tn.
We arrived
here at the same Comfort Inn where we stayed enroute to Peoria in the same
room! How’s that for planning!? (We called + made the reservation at the Tn
Welcome Station.)
Our
departure time was 7:50 am after having breakfast with Rose + Harold H,
and hugs from Peg Van H.
We didn’t
stop for lunch. Just snacked on cookies (Marge Anderson’s) + an apple from
Tanner’s Orchard. So we made it here in 8-1/2 hrs – that’s 476 miles coming in
on I-65, using the 155 by-pass. The traffic wasn’t as hectic this time. Maybe
it’s because we’re more seasoned drivers in the Nashville area!! We paid $2.05
for gas + I thought that was a bargain until I read what it was a few years ago
at 98¢ a gal.
We stayed
at this *** Comfort Inn in Brentwood en route to Peoria so we decided to stay
here going home. Not that it was plush – specially equipped + only $68.00. Had
another meal at Panera Bread next door. Interesting seeing all these young
people with their laptops!
10/19/06
Brentwood – Pensacola
There’s
not a lot to report today. It was a direct I-65 route from Brentwood to
Pensacola.
We got a 9
hrs sleep last night so we were on our way a little after 8 am.
The
weather was in our favor in Tenn. + we enjoyed the brilliant color of the
leaves.
Bert drove
us out of the city traffic + I took the wheel in Ala. From the time we left the
Welcome Center through the whole state, it poured, especially in Birmingham,
but I drove carefully + we made it home safely in 8-1/2 hrs.
After unpacking the full 2 carts, we
cleaned up + went to dinner. Jane W + Keener T joined us.
We caught
up on the news here + read part of our mail before retiring at 10 pm. Wonderful
trip!
