[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
10/6/1987 Rocky River – S. Whitley, Ind
237 mi. $20.26 gas
Our first stop was a visit with cousins, Sue + Ron P in Ind. - really fun!
We arrived mid afternoon after a beautiful drive through mist and rain. Fortunately because of the weather Ron was able to come off the combine + tell us all about their harvesting of soy beans + corn. The girls, their two daughters, Stacy + Stephanie got off the school bus at 3:30 and Pat came from work as a cost accountant in Pierceton, a nearby town in Ind. Their beagle was proud to show us her 3 beagle pups which were just 5 days old. Good conversation, delicious food, great B+B!
10/7/1987 S Whitley/Oshkosh
559 mi.
Sue, Bert + I began the day with a brisk 2 mi. walk, then back for country-style breakfast of sausage + eggs to really start the day.
The drive to Oshkosh was quite interesting since we’d never seen Wis. Driving through Chicago at noon was a breeze, then on to Milwaukee where we stopped for a quick peek at an Outlet Mall. I purchased an Amer. Tourister Make-up Case + then we quickly proceeded on through scenic farmland to Pat & John Ns'. The view of Lake Winnebago from their home with the moon shining brightly on the water was breathtaking.
We had dinner at a real German restaurant - Field’s where we tasted real sour kraut + brats – German style. Delicious.
Ian entertained us while Pat gave a talk at League of Women Voters.
John showed us an interesting tape of Yellowstone to whet our appetites for what’s in store tomorrow!
10/8/1987 Oshkosh/ Moorhead, Minn.
$25.67 1079
The rolling hills + fall colors on R. 21 + 94 in Wisconsin were breathtaking! There were many more lakes on today’s drive than I’d expected. The flat prairie land of Minn. was rather monotonous. Eau Claire, Wis. was especially clean + attractive - a blending of the new with the old. What a surprise to see how small the Miss. R. is in Minn – very narrow and shallow here.
Our final destination was Fargo, N. Dak. But we stopped 3 mi east here + found a very nice motel (75) + excellent home cooked food at the Highway Host in the Mall. Concordia College is located here.
10/9/1987 Moorhead/ Forsyth, Mont.
$26.74 motel
After leaving Fargo + the Red River Valley we saw a different type of terain from yesterday's flat prairies. Here we had a sharp rise in elevation, alot of lakes, buttes, and the Theodore Roosevelt National Park + the Painted Canyon. The crops are wheat, sunflowers, sugar beets + potatoes predominately. Their economy depends on raising cattle, sheep, hogs, horses + poultry.
I’m adding the 49th state – Montana –to my list of states visited. We were welcomed by our first snowflakes + temp. in the 20’s. We stayed at the Sundowner Inn in Forsythe + ate dinner at the Blue Spruce Café, a real western café. Interesting town.
10/10/1987 Forsyth/W. Yellowstone, Mont.
1589
From Forsyth to Billings the region was much the same. It’s primarily a farming area – sheep + cattle ranches and the crops are sunflower + sugar beets.
At Laurel, Mont. which is just west of Billings we took Rt. 212, one of the most beautiful highways in the U.S. We drove over the mtns in the Shoshone National Forest to Yellowstone. What spectacular sights! From Red Lodge all the way to Yellowstone shot one picture after another – Beartooth Peak, 10,940 ft. elev. in Wyo. then back to Mont. at Cooke City + Colter Pass.
In Yellowstone we saw it all! The animals were out to show off: moose, elk, mule deer, white-tail deer, bison, coyote, + even a pair of trumpeter swans with their three young, teaching them the art of fishing!
The Ambassador Hotel in W. Yellowstone was a welcome sight after our day with nature. Tomorrow we’ll go back to see Old Faithful.
10/11/1987 W. Yellowstone/ Jackson, Wyo.
1916
I can’t believe how beautiful these two parks are. The morning was spent viewing the geysers in Yellowstone. As usual Old Faithful put on quite a show! The only problem was it was so cold that when the water erupted, all you could see was a cloud of vapor about 100 ft. high. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone was spectacular. It has a depth of about 750 ft. + 1500 ft. wide. Midway Geyser Basin + the Paint Pots were among our favorites.
Driving along the Gibbon River offered a scenic view.
I’ll always remember Yellowstone Lake with its crystal blue color reflecting the same magnificent color of sky.
Again we were thrilled to see the trumpeter swans, bison, + moose so close to the highway.
As we left Yellowstone from the South Exit into the Grand Tetons we were amazed that the mile+ (1,300 ft.) peaks weren’t snow covered + that the elk herd hadn’t migrated yet to Jackson Hole. We visited the Chapel of Transfiguration at Moose + traveled along the Snake River to our night’s lodging at Cache Creek Motor Inn. We really need another day to see it all. It’s so beautiful.
10/12/1987 Jackson Hole/ Mtn Home, Ida.
2115
I just couldn’t leave this area without taking another look at the Grand Tetons, and surrounding mountains, so we went back this a.m. Stopped at the Visitors’ Center + I got my [National Park] Passport stamped. From there we went to beautiful scenic Jenny Lake where we took several pictures.
We followed the Snake R. into Ida. Alpine looks for all the world like Switzerland. We traveled through the Targhee National Forest + the aspins, cottonwoods + pines were gorgeous. Harvesting beets + potatoes was the #1 industry here. We checked in at the Officers' Quarters at Mountain Home AF Base. We lucked out on a room. It was Columbus Day + everything else was closed, so we went into town a distance of nine miles for dinner. Ate at the Highlander.
We called the guys. Kent sounded good - had a good trip to Europe. We tried to get Mike but the lines were all busy so we’ll try tomorrow. (We stayed at the Sagebrush Hotel on base.)
10/13/1987 Mtn Home AB/Bend, Ore. – Pilot Butte view of city
2,541
There weren’t many points of interest from Mt. Home until we reached Oregon + Sawtooth National Forest + Boise, the capital of Ida. The eastern part of the state is primarily plains + plateaus with the usual crops – potatoes, sugar beets, onions, wheat + hay.
When we reached Bend, a beautiful city located on the Deschutes River in the Cascade Mtns., we were surprised + pleased with our surroundings. It was an area we’d love to retire in. Our motel, the Best Western Entrada, is about five miles out of town nestled in pines. Took a "nature walk" up a hill. We fell down twice + called it quits. Had a delicious meal at the Pine House. Lovely day!
10/14/1987 Bend, Ore./Eureka, Calif.
2,936
On our way out of Bend we stopped for apples. Bought a peck of red delicious for $2.00!
We drove to beautiful Crater Lake where we spent about an hour riding around the rim of the basin, a distance of 23 miles.
From there we took Rt. 62 to Medford, then Rt. 5 to Grant’s Pass. Along the Rogue River - lumber, lumber, lumber all the way to Grants Pass. Beautiful coniferous trees provide a splendid view + photographer's delight.
We followed Rt. 199, a very windy mountainous road for about 30 mi. into Crescent City, Calif. where we checked into a Travelers’ Lodge. The Redwood Forest was a welcome treat with its gigantic trees. Spent the night in Crescent City, CA.
10/15/1987 Crescent City/San Bruno
3,256
Enroute to San Bruno we stopped at the Redwood National Forest + walked on the Lady Bird Johnson Trail for about ¼ of a mile. The trees are immense!
We traveled Rt.101 through the coastal range stopping several times to take pictures of the ocean and view the rocky shore.
San Fran. at rush hour is no time for me to be behind the wheel! I relinquished it at Santa Rosa after three hours + Bert took her in to Millie & Tom's at XXXX Rosewood. What a welcome sight! We had a delicious meal after cocktails + sang songs with Tom accompanying us on the organ + retired at midnight.
10/16/1987 San Bruno
Still having fun. It’s so good to be here! We lunched at the Neptune + viewed a greenhouse filled with orchids.
Bert spent time cleaning the van while I did laundry. In the p.m. we went to the Marriot for a wonderful buffet.
10/17/1987 San Bruno
3625
This was a fun exciting day! We left after breakfast, drove the van to Daly City where we parked + took the BART [Bay Area Rapid Transit] to San Fran. There we transferred to the cable car. We walked around Fisherman's Wharf + had lunch at the Old Swiss House – delicious salad + mushroom soup plus sour dough bread. We stopped at China Town on our way back. Saw farmers selling quail, a Chinese funeral procession including a band, + many colorful people at Union Square. Tom cooked steaks outside on the grill + Millie made a beautiful dinner. What a day.
10/18/1987 San Bruno/San Simeon
3656
We left Millie & Tom's early Sun a.m. for San Simeon by way of Rt. 280 + Scenic Hwy 1. We stopped in Carmel for a browsing tour of the shops – very lovely + very expensive.
The 17 mi. highway along the coast was exciting. We saw deer, squirrels, + various birds as well as sea lions, seals, + sea otters. It was a very hilly drive throughout the Del Monte Forest winding through pine forests + groves of Monterey Cypress.
Our drive ended at the San Simeon Lodge where we had dinner + retired early after seeing the Twins beat the Cards in the second World Series game.
10/19/1987 San Simeon/Lompoc
3879
The morning was spent touring the beautiful Hearst Castle. We went from the main hall by bus to the residence which was very elegant.
We left there + went to Vandenberg Air Force Base + Lompoc to visit our friends Fran + Howard D. We had cocktails with Joe and Frank B. They were friends we’d met last year at our B+B in Prince Edward Island.
Today’s drive along the coast was beautiful.
10/20/1987 Lompoc/Glendora
3996
Driving today was unreal. So much traffic on the Ventura Pkwy.
It was interesting visiting a Swedish/Danish village called Solvang. It’s a little too commercial for our taste, so we headed south to Glendora.
We stopped at Santa Barbara to visit the mission.
We arrived at Dottie’s + Bob’s midafternoon. Had a lovely meal with Lola + Larry O'T + Fran + Dick S. Friends from Japan. How nice to be with the Ds + friends!
10/21/1987 Glendora
4,166
This a.m. Ann + Luff J came to Duffs to discuss the church position. Such nice kids! They’re Tom + Cornelia L’s family from Ohio, but now live in Glen Dora. Dottie went to the airport to pick up her friend, Janet, from Cincy. The three of us went to Claremont to window shop + visit in their college town. Pomona College is especially attractive. We went into their jakuzzi when we returned while Bert + Bob watched the financial news on TV. (The market has gone crazy the past week!) The evening was spent catching up on all the news after a delicious steak dinner, + the tape of Tom’s + Kim’s wedding was very entertaining.
10/22/1987 Glendora/San Diego
4,175
We left for San Diego in smog about 9 a.m. Foggy. We love the Ds + their lovely home, but the area is not for us!
How we ever found our old homes in Riverside + Perris is amazing because of all the construction. Not until we got out of Perris on Rt. 215 to San Diego could we see the bright blue sky again.
We checked the Viscount about 2 o’clock, had a 2-1/2 mile walk along Harbor Island Dr. before dinner. Met our squadron gang for cocktails + buffet dinner at 6:00 on the 9th floor. Beautiful view overlooking the harbor on Harbor Island.
10/23/1987 San Diego
We got an early start to the zoo this a.m. Balboa Park is truly beautiful. It’s over 100 acres of land, larger than Central Park. We took the 40 min. ride around the park in a double-decker bus. It gave us a good idea about the places we wanted to go back to see. After a slice of pizza + a glass of milk, we began our 3-1/2 hr. trek. Of all the animals – too numerous to mention – the #1 attraction in our minds at least was the performance given by the condors - outstanding! They spread their wings, perched high on the limbs + looked royally down at us as we focused our lenses to get the best shots. It was no surprise that the Chinese pandas were snoozing as we viewed them because they sleep approximately 18 hr. a day, so we didn’t get a good look.
To complete a perfectly beautiful day we drove to Old Town, a Mexican area about 7 mi. from here, + had the best Mexican food I’ve ever eaten at the Fandango Restaurant. What a day!
10/24/1987 San Diego
We started out this a.m. by driving north to La Jolla, a beautiful + highly prosperous city with attractive shops located a few blocks from the beach.
Afternoon was spent in Old Town [San Diego], seeing the first permanent settlement in Calif. We ate at the same restaurant – El Fandango – although we were surprised as we entered by a different door. From there we drove south to Point Loma for a spectacular view of San Diego + saw the statue of Cabrillo, the founder of the city.
The Eighth Combat Cargo Group [Squadron] gathered together in the Marina Room, on the 9th floor of the Viscount Hotel for our final cocktail party + dinner. Had a delicious prime rib dinner followed by a raffle + Bert won a bottle of Calif. wine as well as a few other lucky souls. The guys entertained us with a WWII movie on VCR + a 2 minute speech by each one. We all said “Sayonara” until we meet in San Antonio in ’89 - God willing.
10/25/1987 San Diego/Las Vegas
4,424
You have to see this place to believe it. It’s unreal, people playing the slots at the various casinos, girls swinging on trapezes high above our heads at Circus-circus + Wedding Chapels where “all checks are accepted” + “no waiting” signs on the marquee. Las Vegas is very little richer because of our stay here – cheap rates at the Rodeway Inn, $5.00 buffet at the Tropicana, and our $2.00 winnings in the slots paid for our bus fare back to the motel. It’s a fun place to visit but I wouldn’t want to make it a habit to come on the annual junkets. I’ve seen it. Bert shares my feelings, but we’re glad we came + we had fun.
Our trip up here thru Calif. was interesting from San Diego thru Riverside + Perris again past San Bernandino + into Barstow where we ate lunch at a MacDonalds. It was a large building which included 2 train cars where we ate. From desert to mtns we finally reach Nev. Mid-afternoon. Called our guys + all’s well. Such a nice day!
10/26/1987 Las Vegas/Kanab, Utah
4,745
It was a long day today - 12 hours on the road. We traveled north from Nev. to Ariz. + Utah where we first visited Zion, then Bryce Canyon.
Things I’ll always remember about Zion are the spectacular with cliff + canyon landscape, the view out the long tunnel, brilliant golden aspens along the Virgin River + the checkerboard mesa. Not the least impressive sights was the Great White Throne + world's largest arch, the Kolob Arch. We hated to leave the area, lingered over a picnic lunch at the river's edge, even though my sandwich was a bit soggy, but all good things have to end, so we wended our way toward Bryce mid-afternoon + arrived shortly before dusk at Bryce. We were disappointed we didn’t arrive in time for picture taking or passport stamping at the Visitors’ Center, but we did manage to get some postcards, slides, turquoise jewelry today + a good night’s lodging in Kanab. Great day!
10/27/1987 Kanab/Phoenix
5,116
We left the motel for the Grand Canyon bright + early. Again the lodge + many of the buildings were closed for the season. The gorgeous views at the North Rim are never ending + we took many pictures to prove it!
Enroute to Phoenix we traveled thru the Coconino National Forest to Flagstone very interesting. From there we took 89A to Oak Creek Canyon - unbelievable beauty! (This was the third time we’d seen it.) Had a lovely visit + dinner with our dear friend, Doreen P in Phoenix where we spent the night.
10/28/1987 Phoenix/Tucson
5,560
Spent the morning catching up on news + doing laundry. We treated Doreen to a delightful lunch at the Pointe. We left shortly for Tucson.
Our first stop was outside of Coolidge at Casa Grande National Monument. This is the site of Hohokam Indian ruins who lived here 600 yrs. ago. Various kinds of cactus including the huge saguaro can be seen here.
It was wonderful visiting Mary + Bob H in their beautiful home “in the desert.” We ate dinner at a quaint Mexican Restaurant, then more conversation at the side of their pool before retiring.
10/29/1987 Tucson/El Paso
5,700
We drove east on Rt. 10 through Ariz., N. Mex., + part of Tex. - over 400 miles. We crossed the Continental Divide through barren desert + irrigated farmlands with vast pecan groves west of El Paso. We crossed the Rio Grande in N. Mex., proceeded through El Paso + continued on Rt. 10 traversing semi-arid range lands with some dry + irrigated farm areas. We’ve been on a continual up-grade on altitude. We arrived in El Paso early so we continued driving to Van Horn where we spent the night at American Inn.
10/30/1987 Van Horn - Big Bend
6,139
Nearly the whole day was spent in Big Bend + what a place it is. Big Bend is situated on the U.S./Mex. boundary with the Rio Grande River dividing the two countries.
The thing that is unique about this National Park is the fact that it includes desert, canyons, + mountains in the 700,000+ acres.
In the desert we saw a multitude of cactus plants, road runners, kangaroo rats, harrier birds, white tail deer, a red racer snake, pronghorn sheep, goats + quail.
After checking in at the Visitors’ Center, we picnicked in the Chisac Basin. There we evidenced all the characteristics of a desert, yet we were surrounded by the mtns at an elevation of 7,000 ft. In the lowlands are sun drenched river beds, in the mountain canyons there are forests of ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, + Ariz. cypress.
Ft. Stockton on Rt. 10 enroute to San Antonio is where we called home tonight. It dates from 1840 where the U.S. Army established a cavalry post. Oil + gas + the main industry today.
10/31/1987 Fort Stockton/San Antonio
6,512
It was a long, but fast trip today to San Antonio. West Texas is partly desert especially around Ft. Stockton, then the Edwards Plateau with underground water which is the source of San Antonio water.
We had lunch in Kerrville which is about 60 miles west of S. A. – a very attractive area in the hill country.
In the evening we ate at a cafeteria (Luby’s) in the mall. [My niece] Linda + Michael came over in the evening. Everyone here is hale and hearty. Our Mike called to tell us he + Donna are getting married in March. Wow!
11/1/1987 San Antonio
This a.m. we went to the Northwood Presby. Church with Bob + Gen. It was a lovely service + we had communion.
[My niece] Joyce, Rob, + Gabriel came down from Austin + we went to MacArthur Park for a picnic. Before the kids left to go back to Austin, we all went over to Linda’s + Michael's for a visit in their lovely apartment.
Bob then drove us over to Fort Sam to view the old base chapel where we were married 6/12/1948. Very few changes have ever been made over the years. However, Brooks Med. Center is in the process of moving out??
11/2/1987 San Antonio/Baton Rouge
6,835
It was I-10 all the way - Houston, Lake Charles, Lafayette, + finally Baton Rouge. Houston is notably larger than the last time we visited here; Lake Charles looks like a busy deepwater port, Lafayette is something else. The Acadian influence is obvious with the luscious farm land. Although we didn’t stop for a meal, I’m sure Cajun food would be enjoyable! (These are descendants of the Nova Scotia Acadians.) Sugar cane fields are abundant in this area. Live oaks line the highway, as do the cypress trees.
Baton Rouge - "red stick," refers to a tall cypress tree, + it is located at the northern end of the Petrochemical Gold Coast - 100 mi. from New Orleans on the Miss. River.
We checked in at the LaQuinta Motel + then went to dinner at the Piccadilly Cafeteria – a really nice day.
11/3/1987 Baton Rouge/Tupelo, Miss.
7,293
After a short trip from Baton Rouge to Natchez, we were ready to begin our trip on the Natchez Trace. We stopped at the Visitors Information Center + were amazed at the beautiful furnishings of an antebellum home. What a sendoff – all the info we needed. The official map + guide were most helpful + we found ourselves stopping at every milepost site marked on the map. Emerald Mound, the second largest ceremonial mound in the U.S., + the “inn” or “stand” at Mount Locust were the most interesting stops. The mound covers 8 acres + a trail leads to the top. The ranger at Mount Locust told us how the settlers came down the Miss. R. from Ohio with their crops + products to sell in this new market, sold their flat boats for lumber, then walked the long trail home to Ohio. There Old Trace began + not until 1938 with the influence off Jeff Busby, a U.S. Congressman, did the Natchez Trace Pkwy result. It was a beautiful scenic drive.
We had an appetizing Italian buffet at Trace Inn at Tupelo where we spent the night.
11/4/1987 Tupelo/ Nashville
7,665
We stopped at the Visitors’ Center for a short audio/visual presentation and then were on our way to Nashville. We stopped at Colbert Ferry where we saw the stand which Gen. Colbert ran. (He’s supposedly to have charged $75,000 to ferry Gen. Jackson's troops across the river.) We picnicked at the Meriwether Lewis (of the Lewis + Clark fame) campground. We stopped to view several mines + a tobacco farm a short distance from Nashville, thus ending our day + half’ drive on this beautiful, scenic Natchez Trace Hgwy. It was great being with Marianne, Al + the girls for the evening.
11/5/1987 Nashville/Cleveland
7,897
We hated leaving Marianne + Al after such a short visit with them. It was good seeing them doing so well - Marianne is still nursing + enjoying it so much + Al is doing great in the food dispensing machine business. Becky was our hostess until the rest of the family got home. Sherri followed shortly.
It was a wonderful month-long trip - one we’ll always remember + cherish, seeing dear friends + relatives, - viewing so much of this wonderful country, and grateful to God for making it all possible.
(Our speedometer registers 8,430. Wow!)
Friday, November 6, 1987
Thursday, October 1, 1987
Rocky River VI (1986)
Other events this year marked the loss of dear Dad H death at the beautiful Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio, + buried in Wellsville, Ohio where he was born 93 years ago.
It was also the year we decided to look for a winter retreat in sunny Marco Island, Fla. - first as a renter, then as a buyer a year later at Southwind Condominiums on [N] Collier Blvd.
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| Hammy (1/10/1986 in Marco Island, FL) |
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| Bert, Hammy, Kent, Ryan, and Mike (1/12/1986 in Marco Island) |
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| Bert with Erich and Kyle (7/15/1986 at Cedar Point, OH) |
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| Kyle, Hammy, Erich at Jeanne's pool (7/16/1986 in Rocky River, OH) |
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| Bert and Hammy on the wall, Erich, Kent, and Kyle and a lady walking her dog (10/11/1986 in Barrington, RI) |
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| Thanksgiving centerpiece (11/27/1986 in Providence, RI) |
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| Kent, Kyle, Bert, Erich (11/28/1986 in Providence, RI) |
All three grandsons, Kyle + Erich from R.I. + Ryan from Color. spent many vacations with us.
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| Kent, Tamiko, Hammy, Mike, Bert (2/28/1987 in Marco Island, FL) |
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| Kyle and Erich at the Cleveland Natural History Museum (July 1987) |
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| Kyle and Erich at COSI in Columbus, OH (July 1987) |
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| Ryan, Kyle, and Erich (July 1987 in Rocky River, OH) |
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| Bert holding Kyle (1987 in Rocky River) |
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| Bert holding Erich (1987 in Rocky River) |
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| Bert and Kyle (1987 in Rocky River) |
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| Bert and Erich (1987 in Rocky River) |
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| Kyle, Erich, and Hammy (July 1987 in Rocky River, OH) |
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| Erich, Hammy, Kyle (7/18/1987 in Providence, RI) |
Our final destination on this trip is San Diego with the 8th Combat Cargo Group.
[See San Diego (1987).]
Thursday, October 9, 1986
New England and Maritime Provinces (1986)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
9/23/1986 Cleve. – Albany
It’s a good thing we didn’t plan to do much sightseeing today. It rained nearly all day and/or the cloud covering precluded viewing any colors!
Had an interesting meal at the Vineyard in the Colonie Center, an attractive shopping mall across Wolf Rd. from the Days Inn where we had a comfortable room on the "Seniors" second floor. Mileage today was 508 mi.
9/24/1986 Albany – Bangor
The colors today were breathtaking + the scenery rustic + beautiful. We enjoyed the friendly lunch at Minard’s Family Restaurant in Rutland. Called the Ms at the mtn chalet, but no answer, so proceeded on to Woodstock. Enroute there who should we see standing in front of a Dexter Shoe Outlet store - Jack M. They whisked us off to see their chalet where we visited with their family, Kevin, Gail + kids. Lovely view! Killington Mtns area - spectacular!
Quechee Gorge was the highlight in sightseeing as quaint Woodstock with all the rich well-preserved homes dating from the early 1800’s. The Congregational Church + Faulkner’s Home were on our self-guided walking tour. (One of Paul Revere's bells that he crafted is housed in the Cong. Church.)
It was late when we checked into the Quality Inn in Bangor. It was a long 400+ miles of driving today through the Green Mtns of Vt + White Mtns of N.H. but well worth the extra time allotted to the winding, hilly Rt. 2 we chose rather than interstate.
9/25/1986 Bangor – Frederickton
Traveling I-95 from Bangor to the border of New Brunswick was unusually beautiful - full color of red maples interspersed with shades of yellow - orange - green. A scenic view of the Penobscot R. was especially lovely before reaching Houlton, Me + Woodstock, N.B.
We spent several hours at Kings Landing viewing century old living before going on to Keddy’s Inn at Fredericton.
Dinner was delightful down on the St. John River at a pub after a nice warm swim in the heated indoor pool at the motel. A special treat was seeing the longest covered bridge in the U.S. at Hartland. (1,282’).
9/26/1986 Fredericton - Moncton
We had a pleasant drive along the St John River from Fredericton to Moncton, a distance of 211 Km. We stopped at one of the many fruit stands for apples + pears.
In Sussex we stopped for ice cream cones - rated the best in Canada. Should be – it’s the dairy capital!
Magnetic Hill was our next stop where we coasted up hill defying the law of gravity.
A trip out to the rocks at Hopewell Cape which reflect the awesome force of the relentless Fundy tides was interesting. We watched the Tidal Bore come in from the bay - a small wave that causes the Petitcodiac R. to rise 28’ after disappeared completely - twice daily.
We drove over to Shediac for their famous lobster dinners in the evening.
9/27/1986 Moncton - Charlottetown, P.E.I.
We boarded the ferry at Tormentina at noon to go to PEI. This ferry which holds 300 cars, has an escalator as well as cafeteria + a number of lounges. We disembarked at Borden after a comfortable hour ride.
We viewed Charlottetown, the art museum (Robt. Harris collection of 19th C. work), and visited the Visitor Information Center where we got a Bed + Breakfast reservation at Chez Nous. This is a lovely farm type area with modern home. Three other couples in addition to the owners, Sandi + Paul G, joined us for the movie "Anne of Green Gables," a delightful film made in Nova Scotia, P.E.I., + New Brunswick.
Dining at the Bonnie Brae restaurant that evening was a real treat – stuffed sole, fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, + blueberry shortcake/crème!! Yummy.
Frank + Jae B
Fran + Howard D
9/28/1986 Charlottetown (Cornwall)
It was such a lovely home we decided to stay here another day with Sandi + Paul G.
After a delicious breakfast of steak, quiche, cereal, bread, fruit, + coffee, we started out to view the beautiful countryside.
We visited a historic museum which was the site of the first settlement by the French in the 1700’s + learned of the hard life of the Acadians.
Then we proceeded to Woodleigh at Burlington where we saw everything that the Col. Johnston built of English landmarks in replica – famous cottages, cathedrals, Tower of London, etc. Fabulous! I bought a Hamilton tartan plaque here made in Scotland.
Going north + east we visited the Green Gables Museum, saw the birthplace + home of Lucy Maud [Montgomery-]MacDonald, the interesting + colorful author of the book "Anne of Green Gables."
Had tea + cake at the Kitchen Witch – a quaint tea room. Enjoyed the view/antiques.
Dinner was at the Off Broadway Inn – Acadian pie- delicious.
Watched the movie “Out of Africa” with the family + guests.
9/29/1986 Cornwall - Cape Breton - Sydney Mines
Our drive to the ferry was scenic. We went by way of Murray R. + Harbour. The boat-ride was a little over an hour + we stopped in New Glasgow for a short lunch, then on to Alex Graham Bell’s Museum at Baddeck. We spent several hours there – very interesting.
After a quick “submarine supper,” we were on our way to Mr. Matthew’s Gowrie House. What a surprise! The Ds who were our b+b mates at Sandi’s were here to greet us as were the Ss from Toronto (Dave + Maurice). This house is filled with gorgeous antiques.
9/30/1986 Sydney Mines
This was the most interesting day! We spent the day at Louisbourg where we saw the fortress – French colonial settlers learning about the history of this area how in the 18th C. That took a greater part of the day, but it was worthwhile since we now understand how the area fell to the British + all the hardships the French had to endure!
We came home to this lovely place called Gowrie on Shore Dr. – a most welcome spot after walking + driving all day in the rain.
The meal prepared by Cliff + Ken was delicious. First we started with a creamed asparagus soup – next the mushrooms baked in a delicate pastry + cream sauce – then the main course which was roast lamb/spinach, mashed pot., squash + broccoli, all cooked to perfection.
Dessert was a raspberry torte – quite nice. Coffee was served in the parlor!
The Ds + two other couples joined us at the table. Three other couples ate in the second dining room.
10/1/1986 Sydney Mines
After a leisurely late breakfast we took off for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park via Cabot Trail. Our first stop was the Gaelic College which is a cultural institution of the Celtic Arts + Crafts. I learned where the Hamilton Clan (Arran) originated in Scotland. I also discovered that there are two tartans for Hamilton, the red as well as the Hunter. We stopped several places along the way for picture taking + viewing. Except for some muddy construction + raindrops it was a very pleasant drive of about 250 miles via the Cabot Trail.
We picked blueberries, saw two bald eagles, a fox out on the road + two dead moose on a truck.
We had dinner with the Ds at Skippers Landing in Sydney Mines + retired early.
10/2/1986 Sydney Mines – Dartmouth
Nothing but beautiful winding hills with bright reds, oranges, yellows, + greens enroute to Halifax on scenic Rts. 4 + 7 today.
We stopped to take pictures of Lake Bras d’Or + North Umberlin Strait. St Mary’s R. at lunch.
Checked into the Sterns Mansion for our bed + breakfast. Not really a mansion – a little disappointing but the Ds came in shortly after we arrived + we all went out for a delicious dinner at MacAskills on the Halifax Harbour. (We have been together at three or four B+Bs and have enjoyed each other's company!)
10/3/1986 Dartmouth
The weather was beautiful today + we drove out to Peggy's Cove and what a thrill that was. I’ve waited 35 years to see the real thing after viewing pictures Bert took while he was here on his buying trips from Greenland. Craggy granite rock formations + lots of fishing boats were picturesque along the coast. We stopped at several gift shops but weren’t impressed.
The tour of the Citadel was impressive. We had 50 min. of slide narration as an introduction by the Park System. Very informative.
This fortification was designed to block a land based attack on the city. The Town Clock is the oldest bldg. extant on Citadel Hill + a recognized symbol of Halifax. It was ordered to be constructed by Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, + it was completed in 1803.
We had dinner with the Ds from Calif. Rode over + back on the ferry to McKelvies + had delicious lobster (Just loved the lobster here.) + choc cheesecake for dessert.
Wonderful day!
10/4/1986 Dartmouth – Digby
It was a dreary, rainy day’s drive here today with few stops enroute to the Mtn Gap Inn. We did stop at Luninberg as it’s a pretty resort port on the harbor off the Atlantic coast.
After checking into our cabin, we did alot sightseeing in this area. We visited the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station, Fort Anne + Port Royal. The first settlement was at Port Royal in 1605 by Champlain. It’s the first permanent settlement in Canada. It was destroyed by the British in 1613, but it was rebuilt.
Other areas grew up in the next century in Maine, New Brunswick, + Nova Scotia + it’s called Acadia.
The New England colonies to the south tried to destroy the Acadian communities. The town was renamed Annapolis Royal in honor of Queen Anne. It became the capital of Nova Scotia. In 1749 the capital was changed to Halifax. In 1755 the Acadians were expelled from the area to France.
The history of this area has been very interesting and the parks system does a fine job in making it come to life.
After a delicious dinner of scallops, for which the area is famous, we retired for a good night’s rest.
10/5/1986 Digby – Moncton
Shortly after leaving the Mtn Gap Inn, I discovered a few clothes missing. After searching my brain a few minutes, I realized they were back in the dresser drawer at Sterns Mansion. (They were still there!) We backtracked to Dartmouth + proceeded to Truro + Moncton around noon.
How fortunate for us to have arrived at the Tidal Bore just in time to see the wave came surging over the low tide at the Salmon River!
The colors in this area are more beautiful than they were when we drove through a week ago.
We’re in a very comfortable room at Journey’s Inn in Moncton. It’s a fairly new chain of motels in Canada + N.Y. + they cater to business people.
Dinner tonight was at a local family style restaurant – lobster salad – very good.
10/6/198: Moncton/St Andrews
We had a beautiful drive through Fundy National Park. We took a few pictures of deer + fawn and through a powerful telescope we were able to see the peregrine falcon nest which the park system is studying to enlarge the number of falcons that are on the endangered list.
At Alma we had marvelous sticky buns + coffee for breakfast. At St Johns we ate at the Old Mkt Square, then out to view the reversing falls rapids. They’re at the mouth of the St. John River. We were fortunate to get there at high tide so we got a glorious view from two areas. What a thrill to see that river going upstream with the onrush of the Fundy tides. For a couple seconds I thought I could see a whale, but when I got a full view of the black object, it was obvious that it was not one but three large sea lions!
On to St. Andrews – first sunshine – then a drizzle + cloud cover – finally a downpour. Not a pleasant welcome to Puff Inn where we met our glorious young hostess, Bridgett who teaches art at Fredericton.
Good, good salad + fish chowder at Smugglers Cove.
10/7/1986 St Andrews - Bar Harbor
We had an interesting + delicious breakfast of oatmeal, muffins, eggs + coffee with Bridget who owns the B+B – then off to Wedgewood, her father-in-laws shop, where we “bought the farm.” I’m five Wedgewood plates richer + really, they’re lovely.
By noon we had reached Campobello, Pres. [Franklin D] Roosevelt's summer home, where we visited the gorgeous 34-room cottage. So homey – not at all pretentious. Loved the blues they used in their decor.
We drove around the harbor + downtown area, but decided on the High Seas Motel which is up on the hill, a short distance from the shore. Have a very comfortable room #17 after changing from #14 which was not cleaned.
The smorgasbord here was exceptionally good – many appetizers, soups, + salads plus crab, shrimp, roast beef, ham, Swedish meat balls, lasagna, etc….
We watched the play-offs of the Amer. League Boston vs Angels on TV.
This afternoon we tried finding shoes at Bass outlet. No luck. Good day, as usual.
10/8/1986 Bar Harbor
After doughnuts and coffee in the room, we took off for Acadia National Park. We stopped at the Visitors Center for a short film + orientation of the 4 hr. tour. A book + map helped us chart our route – the Park Loop Rd. Frenchman Bay was our first scenic overlook. The fire overlook showed the devastation of the 1947 fire which destroyed much of the area. (Started in a dump.) We stopped at Sand Beach to feel the texture - small crushed shells of marine animals. This is a beautiful beach used by hearty souls in the summer where the temp is 50-60 degrees F. Cadillac summit (1,530’) was exhilirating. This is the highest point of land along the Atlantic Coast. Extremely windy!!
After descending Cadillac Mtn we did the usual tourist bit. Shopped, ate lunch at a sandwich shop downtown Bar Harbor + returned to our motel - High Seas.
Watched Boston take the second game from Los Angelos in the play off game 9-2, then out to dinner. Had delicious lobster across the road at the Log Cabin Inn.
10/9/1986 Bar Harbor - Ogunquit
The highlight of today's trip was our stop in Freeport at the L.L. Bean store. There are three levels, it’s opened 24 hrs a day - 7 days a week all year. We made a few purchases + did the rest of the shopping area – browsing – too many stores!!
We stopped at Kennebuncport – couldn’t find a room so went on to Ogunquit where we found a room at the Majestic Regency – a nice comfortable place – dinner at the Evergreen.
This ends our first glorious trip after my retirement.
9/23/1986 Cleve. – Albany
It’s a good thing we didn’t plan to do much sightseeing today. It rained nearly all day and/or the cloud covering precluded viewing any colors!
Had an interesting meal at the Vineyard in the Colonie Center, an attractive shopping mall across Wolf Rd. from the Days Inn where we had a comfortable room on the "Seniors" second floor. Mileage today was 508 mi.
9/24/1986 Albany – Bangor
The colors today were breathtaking + the scenery rustic + beautiful. We enjoyed the friendly lunch at Minard’s Family Restaurant in Rutland. Called the Ms at the mtn chalet, but no answer, so proceeded on to Woodstock. Enroute there who should we see standing in front of a Dexter Shoe Outlet store - Jack M. They whisked us off to see their chalet where we visited with their family, Kevin, Gail + kids. Lovely view! Killington Mtns area - spectacular!
Quechee Gorge was the highlight in sightseeing as quaint Woodstock with all the rich well-preserved homes dating from the early 1800’s. The Congregational Church + Faulkner’s Home were on our self-guided walking tour. (One of Paul Revere's bells that he crafted is housed in the Cong. Church.)
It was late when we checked into the Quality Inn in Bangor. It was a long 400+ miles of driving today through the Green Mtns of Vt + White Mtns of N.H. but well worth the extra time allotted to the winding, hilly Rt. 2 we chose rather than interstate.
9/25/1986 Bangor – Frederickton
Traveling I-95 from Bangor to the border of New Brunswick was unusually beautiful - full color of red maples interspersed with shades of yellow - orange - green. A scenic view of the Penobscot R. was especially lovely before reaching Houlton, Me + Woodstock, N.B.
We spent several hours at Kings Landing viewing century old living before going on to Keddy’s Inn at Fredericton.
Dinner was delightful down on the St. John River at a pub after a nice warm swim in the heated indoor pool at the motel. A special treat was seeing the longest covered bridge in the U.S. at Hartland. (1,282’).
9/26/1986 Fredericton - Moncton
We had a pleasant drive along the St John River from Fredericton to Moncton, a distance of 211 Km. We stopped at one of the many fruit stands for apples + pears.
In Sussex we stopped for ice cream cones - rated the best in Canada. Should be – it’s the dairy capital!
Magnetic Hill was our next stop where we coasted up hill defying the law of gravity.
A trip out to the rocks at Hopewell Cape which reflect the awesome force of the relentless Fundy tides was interesting. We watched the Tidal Bore come in from the bay - a small wave that causes the Petitcodiac R. to rise 28’ after disappeared completely - twice daily.
We drove over to Shediac for their famous lobster dinners in the evening.
9/27/1986 Moncton - Charlottetown, P.E.I.
We boarded the ferry at Tormentina at noon to go to PEI. This ferry which holds 300 cars, has an escalator as well as cafeteria + a number of lounges. We disembarked at Borden after a comfortable hour ride.
We viewed Charlottetown, the art museum (Robt. Harris collection of 19th C. work), and visited the Visitor Information Center where we got a Bed + Breakfast reservation at Chez Nous. This is a lovely farm type area with modern home. Three other couples in addition to the owners, Sandi + Paul G, joined us for the movie "Anne of Green Gables," a delightful film made in Nova Scotia, P.E.I., + New Brunswick.
Dining at the Bonnie Brae restaurant that evening was a real treat – stuffed sole, fresh vegetables, Caesar salad, + blueberry shortcake/crème!! Yummy.
Frank + Jae B
Fran + Howard D
9/28/1986 Charlottetown (Cornwall)
It was such a lovely home we decided to stay here another day with Sandi + Paul G.
After a delicious breakfast of steak, quiche, cereal, bread, fruit, + coffee, we started out to view the beautiful countryside.
We visited a historic museum which was the site of the first settlement by the French in the 1700’s + learned of the hard life of the Acadians.
Then we proceeded to Woodleigh at Burlington where we saw everything that the Col. Johnston built of English landmarks in replica – famous cottages, cathedrals, Tower of London, etc. Fabulous! I bought a Hamilton tartan plaque here made in Scotland.
Going north + east we visited the Green Gables Museum, saw the birthplace + home of Lucy Maud [Montgomery-]MacDonald, the interesting + colorful author of the book "Anne of Green Gables."
Had tea + cake at the Kitchen Witch – a quaint tea room. Enjoyed the view/antiques.
Dinner was at the Off Broadway Inn – Acadian pie- delicious.
Watched the movie “Out of Africa” with the family + guests.
9/29/1986 Cornwall - Cape Breton - Sydney Mines
Our drive to the ferry was scenic. We went by way of Murray R. + Harbour. The boat-ride was a little over an hour + we stopped in New Glasgow for a short lunch, then on to Alex Graham Bell’s Museum at Baddeck. We spent several hours there – very interesting.
After a quick “submarine supper,” we were on our way to Mr. Matthew’s Gowrie House. What a surprise! The Ds who were our b+b mates at Sandi’s were here to greet us as were the Ss from Toronto (Dave + Maurice). This house is filled with gorgeous antiques.
9/30/1986 Sydney Mines
This was the most interesting day! We spent the day at Louisbourg where we saw the fortress – French colonial settlers learning about the history of this area how in the 18th C. That took a greater part of the day, but it was worthwhile since we now understand how the area fell to the British + all the hardships the French had to endure!
We came home to this lovely place called Gowrie on Shore Dr. – a most welcome spot after walking + driving all day in the rain.
The meal prepared by Cliff + Ken was delicious. First we started with a creamed asparagus soup – next the mushrooms baked in a delicate pastry + cream sauce – then the main course which was roast lamb/spinach, mashed pot., squash + broccoli, all cooked to perfection.
Dessert was a raspberry torte – quite nice. Coffee was served in the parlor!
The Ds + two other couples joined us at the table. Three other couples ate in the second dining room.
10/1/1986 Sydney Mines
After a leisurely late breakfast we took off for the Cape Breton Highlands National Park via Cabot Trail. Our first stop was the Gaelic College which is a cultural institution of the Celtic Arts + Crafts. I learned where the Hamilton Clan (Arran) originated in Scotland. I also discovered that there are two tartans for Hamilton, the red as well as the Hunter. We stopped several places along the way for picture taking + viewing. Except for some muddy construction + raindrops it was a very pleasant drive of about 250 miles via the Cabot Trail.
We picked blueberries, saw two bald eagles, a fox out on the road + two dead moose on a truck.
We had dinner with the Ds at Skippers Landing in Sydney Mines + retired early.
10/2/1986 Sydney Mines – Dartmouth
Nothing but beautiful winding hills with bright reds, oranges, yellows, + greens enroute to Halifax on scenic Rts. 4 + 7 today.
We stopped to take pictures of Lake Bras d’Or + North Umberlin Strait. St Mary’s R. at lunch.
Checked into the Sterns Mansion for our bed + breakfast. Not really a mansion – a little disappointing but the Ds came in shortly after we arrived + we all went out for a delicious dinner at MacAskills on the Halifax Harbour. (We have been together at three or four B+Bs and have enjoyed each other's company!)
10/3/1986 Dartmouth
The weather was beautiful today + we drove out to Peggy's Cove and what a thrill that was. I’ve waited 35 years to see the real thing after viewing pictures Bert took while he was here on his buying trips from Greenland. Craggy granite rock formations + lots of fishing boats were picturesque along the coast. We stopped at several gift shops but weren’t impressed.
The tour of the Citadel was impressive. We had 50 min. of slide narration as an introduction by the Park System. Very informative.
This fortification was designed to block a land based attack on the city. The Town Clock is the oldest bldg. extant on Citadel Hill + a recognized symbol of Halifax. It was ordered to be constructed by Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, + it was completed in 1803.
We had dinner with the Ds from Calif. Rode over + back on the ferry to McKelvies + had delicious lobster (Just loved the lobster here.) + choc cheesecake for dessert.
Wonderful day!
10/4/1986 Dartmouth – Digby
It was a dreary, rainy day’s drive here today with few stops enroute to the Mtn Gap Inn. We did stop at Luninberg as it’s a pretty resort port on the harbor off the Atlantic coast.
After checking into our cabin, we did alot sightseeing in this area. We visited the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station, Fort Anne + Port Royal. The first settlement was at Port Royal in 1605 by Champlain. It’s the first permanent settlement in Canada. It was destroyed by the British in 1613, but it was rebuilt.
Other areas grew up in the next century in Maine, New Brunswick, + Nova Scotia + it’s called Acadia.
The New England colonies to the south tried to destroy the Acadian communities. The town was renamed Annapolis Royal in honor of Queen Anne. It became the capital of Nova Scotia. In 1749 the capital was changed to Halifax. In 1755 the Acadians were expelled from the area to France.
The history of this area has been very interesting and the parks system does a fine job in making it come to life.
After a delicious dinner of scallops, for which the area is famous, we retired for a good night’s rest.
10/5/1986 Digby – Moncton
Shortly after leaving the Mtn Gap Inn, I discovered a few clothes missing. After searching my brain a few minutes, I realized they were back in the dresser drawer at Sterns Mansion. (They were still there!) We backtracked to Dartmouth + proceeded to Truro + Moncton around noon.
How fortunate for us to have arrived at the Tidal Bore just in time to see the wave came surging over the low tide at the Salmon River!
The colors in this area are more beautiful than they were when we drove through a week ago.
We’re in a very comfortable room at Journey’s Inn in Moncton. It’s a fairly new chain of motels in Canada + N.Y. + they cater to business people.
Dinner tonight was at a local family style restaurant – lobster salad – very good.
10/6/198: Moncton/St Andrews
We had a beautiful drive through Fundy National Park. We took a few pictures of deer + fawn and through a powerful telescope we were able to see the peregrine falcon nest which the park system is studying to enlarge the number of falcons that are on the endangered list.
At Alma we had marvelous sticky buns + coffee for breakfast. At St Johns we ate at the Old Mkt Square, then out to view the reversing falls rapids. They’re at the mouth of the St. John River. We were fortunate to get there at high tide so we got a glorious view from two areas. What a thrill to see that river going upstream with the onrush of the Fundy tides. For a couple seconds I thought I could see a whale, but when I got a full view of the black object, it was obvious that it was not one but three large sea lions!
On to St. Andrews – first sunshine – then a drizzle + cloud cover – finally a downpour. Not a pleasant welcome to Puff Inn where we met our glorious young hostess, Bridgett who teaches art at Fredericton.
Good, good salad + fish chowder at Smugglers Cove.
10/7/1986 St Andrews - Bar Harbor
We had an interesting + delicious breakfast of oatmeal, muffins, eggs + coffee with Bridget who owns the B+B – then off to Wedgewood, her father-in-laws shop, where we “bought the farm.” I’m five Wedgewood plates richer + really, they’re lovely.
By noon we had reached Campobello, Pres. [Franklin D] Roosevelt's summer home, where we visited the gorgeous 34-room cottage. So homey – not at all pretentious. Loved the blues they used in their decor.
We drove around the harbor + downtown area, but decided on the High Seas Motel which is up on the hill, a short distance from the shore. Have a very comfortable room #17 after changing from #14 which was not cleaned.
The smorgasbord here was exceptionally good – many appetizers, soups, + salads plus crab, shrimp, roast beef, ham, Swedish meat balls, lasagna, etc….
We watched the play-offs of the Amer. League Boston vs Angels on TV.
This afternoon we tried finding shoes at Bass outlet. No luck. Good day, as usual.
10/8/1986 Bar Harbor
After doughnuts and coffee in the room, we took off for Acadia National Park. We stopped at the Visitors Center for a short film + orientation of the 4 hr. tour. A book + map helped us chart our route – the Park Loop Rd. Frenchman Bay was our first scenic overlook. The fire overlook showed the devastation of the 1947 fire which destroyed much of the area. (Started in a dump.) We stopped at Sand Beach to feel the texture - small crushed shells of marine animals. This is a beautiful beach used by hearty souls in the summer where the temp is 50-60 degrees F. Cadillac summit (1,530’) was exhilirating. This is the highest point of land along the Atlantic Coast. Extremely windy!!
After descending Cadillac Mtn we did the usual tourist bit. Shopped, ate lunch at a sandwich shop downtown Bar Harbor + returned to our motel - High Seas.
Watched Boston take the second game from Los Angelos in the play off game 9-2, then out to dinner. Had delicious lobster across the road at the Log Cabin Inn.
10/9/1986 Bar Harbor - Ogunquit
The highlight of today's trip was our stop in Freeport at the L.L. Bean store. There are three levels, it’s opened 24 hrs a day - 7 days a week all year. We made a few purchases + did the rest of the shopping area – browsing – too many stores!!
We stopped at Kennebuncport – couldn’t find a room so went on to Ogunquit where we found a room at the Majestic Regency – a nice comfortable place – dinner at the Evergreen.
This ends our first glorious trip after my retirement.
Monday, September 15, 1986
Rocky River V (1985)
As a teacher at Harrison School, I really like the arrangement, loved the students, their parents, my student teachers from Cleve. State, but when I turned sixty, I decided to retire. My principal couldn't convince me to stay. After 20 years in the classroom, Bert + I decided to see some more of the country.
At the end of the school year, I retired after 16 great years at Harrison School, and 23 total years for retirement. (The last three years were a buy-out for all teachers that year, but my principal insisted it wasn't for me!) At the age of 60 I was ready to travel with family.
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| Bert and Hammy (8/16/1985 in Rocky River, OH by YK) |
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| Hammy (12/26/1985 in Providence, RI) |
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| Bert (1985 in Providence, RI) |
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| Hammy reading to Erich (1985 in Providence) |
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| Kyle, Erich, and Bert (12/27/1985 at the Holiday Inn, Providence, RI) |
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| Bert, Erich, Kyle, and Kent (1985 in Providence, RI) |
Our first trip after retirement was to head north + east from Cleveland to Albany and view the glorious fall colors.
[See New England and Maritime Provinces (1986).]
Sunday, August 5, 1984
Alaska (1984)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
July 21, 1984 Ft. Collins to Vancouver, BC/Cool
Left Ft. Collins for Vancouver, B.C. from Ramada Inn’s Frontier Airlines office at 7:25 for Stapleton. Lovely flight once we got a seat assignment – 3 people assigned to our seat! We boarded the beautiful new Noordam ship at 2:30 pm, largest in the [Holland American Line] fleet, + newest in the world. We had hamburgers in the Lido room, then cocktails in the Piet Hein Lounge on the Promenade Deck. Sailed at 7 p.m. dinner at 8:00, then on to explore the Admiral's Lounge for dancing + entertainment. Beautiful scenic view of Mt Ranier [Mount Baker] + other ships leaving the harbor. Mary + Don S, Edna + Harlan joined us for an elegant meal. We turned in at midnight.
July 22, 1984 Sailing toward Ketchikan/Cool/Sunny
An early morning swim in the heated salt water pool got us off to a good start for the day. Spent the afternoon sunny on the deck - watched the four Phillipino ice carvers demonstrate their artistic sculpturing at the side of the pool. The Captain's cocktail party followed by a scrumptious dinner with champagne was enjoyed with friends compliments of the Thomas who sat with us + the Ss. We tried the movie “Yentl” but couldn’t stay awake so we crashed early for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
July 23, 1984 Ketchikan, Alaska/Perfect – No rain!
We docked early + went into a tender across the bay to Ketchikan. Had an excellent tour of the Tongass National Forest to see the totem poles made by the Tlingit + Maida Indians. Had a nice lunch at the Lido Lounge Deck + a swim in the warm salt water pool, followed by a sauna bath. Dinner was delightful as usual with cocktails in the Crow’s Nest followed by a floor show in the Admiral's Lounge afterwards. Packing for the tomorrow’s trip to Juneau was the last item of today’s agenda.
July 24, 1984 Juneau/Rainy – 52 degrees
After 3 glorious days of sailing of clear sunny skies on the Noordam, we reached Juneau in typical drizzling rain. Had a tour of the city + then on to our hotel the Breakwater Inn - not too plush but comfortable. Our room overlooks the Gastineau Chanel where there are various types of boats tied up. The mountains are spectacular, but there’s no where for Juneau to grow, so they’re building across the channel in Douglas, a lovely residential area. Taking advantage of a good night's sleep to rest up for tomorrow.
July 25, 1984: Skagway/Fair
Left Juneau for the Mendenhall Glacier at 9:30. Interesting. Saw several bald eaglets nesting + salmon spawning in a nearby stream. Boarded the MV Fairweather at Yankee Cove for a beautiful 100 mile, 4 hr. trip up the Lynn Canal to Skagway where we checked in at the Klondike Hotel. This is by far the most interesting town we’ve seen so far. Pop. is 914, with tourism as its chief industry. After a fine meal in the Klondike Inn we were entertained at the Eagles Hall with "Skagway in the Days of '98" - history of Skagway.
July 26, 1984 Whitehorse, Yukon/Cool, Sunny
When Vladimir brought Bert herbal tea that Peter Rabbit drinks, for breakfast at the Klondike Inn in Skagway, I thought we were in for it. However, it was a very lovely day. We took an hour walk of the town of 900, shopped, had lunch at the Sour Dough Café + then headed north via motor coach over the new road thru the pass to Whitehorse. Had dinner with Dr. + Mrs. G of Indianapolis at the Parthenon Greek Restaurant. Took a walk + it was still light at 11:00 p.m. when we turned in at the Regina Hotel, overlooking the Yukon River.
July 27, 1984 Whitehorse to Beaver Creek/Fair
To our pleasant surprise we boarded our motor coach promptly at 8:00 as scheduled with only 13 passengers. Great! Scenery in the Yukon Ter. is very similar, so although it was lengthy over the Haines + Alaska Hgways, it was very scenic – snow-capped mtns, pines + lakes + Lake Kluane was especially beautiful. Stayed at the Al-Kon Lodge, very small room – new – comfortable + expensive. Had a tasty meal in the lodge, then over to the Community Center by shuttle bus for an interesting slide show of the Inside Passage.
July 28, 1984 Fairbanks/Cool/Sunny
We left Beaver Creek in the Yukon + drove to the Can-Alaska border. The inspector was surprised to note my birthplace as he knew someone from there at Ohio U. Drove to Tok for lunch. The Alaska Hgway to Fairbanks is insulated due to the extreme temperatures. We stopped to see the malmutes + Alaskan huskies as well as the Pipe Line enroute here. After checking in we went to a delicious salmon bake with our friends Mary + Don S from the Noordam. The Ds from Seattle joined us. Had quite a nice meal + evening.
July 29, 1984 Fairbanks/Rainy
This was our first day for raincoats. Had a bus tour of the city with stops at the U. of Alaska Museum + the Visitors Center. The pipe line tour was great. It’s 800 mi from the Beaufort Sea to the Pac. Ocean (Prudhoe Bay - Valdez). Cost 9 billion $. Travels 7’ an hour + it’s kept at temp. of 140-160 degrees. We walked downtown upon return to the hotel, shopped in the rain, had lunch + came back to hotel to watch the Olympic Games on TV. Dinner with Ds at Clinker Bagger. Delicious meal + delightful English Tudor atmosphere.
July 30, 1984 Mt McKinley/Beautiful
This was the highlight of our tour. We checked in at the Chalet and started on our Wildlife Tour of Denali. We weren’t sure of what we’d see, but in addition to seeing beautiful Mt McKinley in all its splendor, we saw 4 bears, a dozen caribou, 2 moose, and 4 Dall sheep – quite a day. The Nenana R. was flowing at our front door + we watched people riding in rubber rafts in very swift current. After dinner we watched the Olympics in the lounge.
July 31, 1984 Anchorage/Cool/Cloudy
We left for Anchorage about 10:00. Saw a dog sled demonstration at the Denali Hotel. Interesting. Boarded our bus around 1:00. Nothing much to report. Visited a fruit stand en route + saw a movie. Had dinner at the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel with the Ds. What delightful evening – had shrimp + beef tenderloin. Beautiful, beautiful view of the city. Mary + Don Ss called to say they couldn’t join us for dinner so we bid farewell to our Peoria, Ill. friends via phone.
Aug. 1, 1984 Anchorage/Cool – A Little a.m. drizzle
Our morning city tour included stops at the museum and Earthquake Park. The flowers are the most beautiful colors, sizes + shapes ever. I'll always remember the beautiful hanging baskets - the larkspur, lobelia, marigolds, forget-me-nots, begonias, + dahlias, to name a few. The city is growing leaps + bounds. The Kenai Mts, Alyeska ski lift, + Portage Glacier were on the afternoon tour – all extremely interesting. Our dinner at the Downtown Deli across from the Visitors Center was one of the best meals we’ve had on the trip. We said “Good-bye” to our friends the Ds - Gladys + Leonard from Wash. Quite a day.
Aug. 2, 1984 Anchorage – Seattle/Cool - Clear
We had a 4:30 a.m. call to get bags out at the Hilton at 4:45, leaving early for our trip to the Lower 48. Had a good flight + arrived at the Edgewater in Seattle shortly after noon. Wasted no time getting to the Science Center, sight of the [1962] World's Fair. Enjoyed the China Exhibit, "Behold Hawaii" on a 3-1/2 story high screen, 60 ft. wide at the Imax Theatre, then a ride to the top (550’) of the Space Needle. Had a delicious seafood dinner at the pier called Elliott’s – a most interesting floor – ceiling bar. The walk back to the hotel was interesting along the pier as the fleet’s in for Seafarer’s Weekend. Home tomorrow via Colo.
Had a nice visit with Mike, Leslie, + Ryan for a few days before going home to Rocky River. Since school will start in a few weeks, I had to get lesson plans ready. I spent at least six weeks teaching about Alaska. My third graders all wanted to go there, + I wonder how many of them will make it via military service. They thought I was rich because I’d traveled so much. Because of our military life I told them they could do the same.
July 21, 1984 Ft. Collins to Vancouver, BC/Cool
Left Ft. Collins for Vancouver, B.C. from Ramada Inn’s Frontier Airlines office at 7:25 for Stapleton. Lovely flight once we got a seat assignment – 3 people assigned to our seat! We boarded the beautiful new Noordam ship at 2:30 pm, largest in the [Holland American Line] fleet, + newest in the world. We had hamburgers in the Lido room, then cocktails in the Piet Hein Lounge on the Promenade Deck. Sailed at 7 p.m. dinner at 8:00, then on to explore the Admiral's Lounge for dancing + entertainment. Beautiful scenic view of Mt Ranier [Mount Baker] + other ships leaving the harbor. Mary + Don S, Edna + Harlan joined us for an elegant meal. We turned in at midnight.
July 22, 1984 Sailing toward Ketchikan/Cool/Sunny
An early morning swim in the heated salt water pool got us off to a good start for the day. Spent the afternoon sunny on the deck - watched the four Phillipino ice carvers demonstrate their artistic sculpturing at the side of the pool. The Captain's cocktail party followed by a scrumptious dinner with champagne was enjoyed with friends compliments of the Thomas who sat with us + the Ss. We tried the movie “Yentl” but couldn’t stay awake so we crashed early for a full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
July 23, 1984 Ketchikan, Alaska/Perfect – No rain!
We docked early + went into a tender across the bay to Ketchikan. Had an excellent tour of the Tongass National Forest to see the totem poles made by the Tlingit + Maida Indians. Had a nice lunch at the Lido Lounge Deck + a swim in the warm salt water pool, followed by a sauna bath. Dinner was delightful as usual with cocktails in the Crow’s Nest followed by a floor show in the Admiral's Lounge afterwards. Packing for the tomorrow’s trip to Juneau was the last item of today’s agenda.
July 24, 1984 Juneau/Rainy – 52 degrees
After 3 glorious days of sailing of clear sunny skies on the Noordam, we reached Juneau in typical drizzling rain. Had a tour of the city + then on to our hotel the Breakwater Inn - not too plush but comfortable. Our room overlooks the Gastineau Chanel where there are various types of boats tied up. The mountains are spectacular, but there’s no where for Juneau to grow, so they’re building across the channel in Douglas, a lovely residential area. Taking advantage of a good night's sleep to rest up for tomorrow.
July 25, 1984: Skagway/Fair
Left Juneau for the Mendenhall Glacier at 9:30. Interesting. Saw several bald eaglets nesting + salmon spawning in a nearby stream. Boarded the MV Fairweather at Yankee Cove for a beautiful 100 mile, 4 hr. trip up the Lynn Canal to Skagway where we checked in at the Klondike Hotel. This is by far the most interesting town we’ve seen so far. Pop. is 914, with tourism as its chief industry. After a fine meal in the Klondike Inn we were entertained at the Eagles Hall with "Skagway in the Days of '98" - history of Skagway.
July 26, 1984 Whitehorse, Yukon/Cool, Sunny
When Vladimir brought Bert herbal tea that Peter Rabbit drinks, for breakfast at the Klondike Inn in Skagway, I thought we were in for it. However, it was a very lovely day. We took an hour walk of the town of 900, shopped, had lunch at the Sour Dough Café + then headed north via motor coach over the new road thru the pass to Whitehorse. Had dinner with Dr. + Mrs. G of Indianapolis at the Parthenon Greek Restaurant. Took a walk + it was still light at 11:00 p.m. when we turned in at the Regina Hotel, overlooking the Yukon River.
July 27, 1984 Whitehorse to Beaver Creek/Fair
To our pleasant surprise we boarded our motor coach promptly at 8:00 as scheduled with only 13 passengers. Great! Scenery in the Yukon Ter. is very similar, so although it was lengthy over the Haines + Alaska Hgways, it was very scenic – snow-capped mtns, pines + lakes + Lake Kluane was especially beautiful. Stayed at the Al-Kon Lodge, very small room – new – comfortable + expensive. Had a tasty meal in the lodge, then over to the Community Center by shuttle bus for an interesting slide show of the Inside Passage.
July 28, 1984 Fairbanks/Cool/Sunny
We left Beaver Creek in the Yukon + drove to the Can-Alaska border. The inspector was surprised to note my birthplace as he knew someone from there at Ohio U. Drove to Tok for lunch. The Alaska Hgway to Fairbanks is insulated due to the extreme temperatures. We stopped to see the malmutes + Alaskan huskies as well as the Pipe Line enroute here. After checking in we went to a delicious salmon bake with our friends Mary + Don S from the Noordam. The Ds from Seattle joined us. Had quite a nice meal + evening.
July 29, 1984 Fairbanks/Rainy
This was our first day for raincoats. Had a bus tour of the city with stops at the U. of Alaska Museum + the Visitors Center. The pipe line tour was great. It’s 800 mi from the Beaufort Sea to the Pac. Ocean (Prudhoe Bay - Valdez). Cost 9 billion $. Travels 7’ an hour + it’s kept at temp. of 140-160 degrees. We walked downtown upon return to the hotel, shopped in the rain, had lunch + came back to hotel to watch the Olympic Games on TV. Dinner with Ds at Clinker Bagger. Delicious meal + delightful English Tudor atmosphere.
July 30, 1984 Mt McKinley/Beautiful
This was the highlight of our tour. We checked in at the Chalet and started on our Wildlife Tour of Denali. We weren’t sure of what we’d see, but in addition to seeing beautiful Mt McKinley in all its splendor, we saw 4 bears, a dozen caribou, 2 moose, and 4 Dall sheep – quite a day. The Nenana R. was flowing at our front door + we watched people riding in rubber rafts in very swift current. After dinner we watched the Olympics in the lounge.
July 31, 1984 Anchorage/Cool/Cloudy
We left for Anchorage about 10:00. Saw a dog sled demonstration at the Denali Hotel. Interesting. Boarded our bus around 1:00. Nothing much to report. Visited a fruit stand en route + saw a movie. Had dinner at the rooftop of the Hilton Hotel with the Ds. What delightful evening – had shrimp + beef tenderloin. Beautiful, beautiful view of the city. Mary + Don Ss called to say they couldn’t join us for dinner so we bid farewell to our Peoria, Ill. friends via phone.
Aug. 1, 1984 Anchorage/Cool – A Little a.m. drizzle
Our morning city tour included stops at the museum and Earthquake Park. The flowers are the most beautiful colors, sizes + shapes ever. I'll always remember the beautiful hanging baskets - the larkspur, lobelia, marigolds, forget-me-nots, begonias, + dahlias, to name a few. The city is growing leaps + bounds. The Kenai Mts, Alyeska ski lift, + Portage Glacier were on the afternoon tour – all extremely interesting. Our dinner at the Downtown Deli across from the Visitors Center was one of the best meals we’ve had on the trip. We said “Good-bye” to our friends the Ds - Gladys + Leonard from Wash. Quite a day.
Aug. 2, 1984 Anchorage – Seattle/Cool - Clear
We had a 4:30 a.m. call to get bags out at the Hilton at 4:45, leaving early for our trip to the Lower 48. Had a good flight + arrived at the Edgewater in Seattle shortly after noon. Wasted no time getting to the Science Center, sight of the [1962] World's Fair. Enjoyed the China Exhibit, "Behold Hawaii" on a 3-1/2 story high screen, 60 ft. wide at the Imax Theatre, then a ride to the top (550’) of the Space Needle. Had a delicious seafood dinner at the pier called Elliott’s – a most interesting floor – ceiling bar. The walk back to the hotel was interesting along the pier as the fleet’s in for Seafarer’s Weekend. Home tomorrow via Colo.
Had a nice visit with Mike, Leslie, + Ryan for a few days before going home to Rocky River. Since school will start in a few weeks, I had to get lesson plans ready. I spent at least six weeks teaching about Alaska. My third graders all wanted to go there, + I wonder how many of them will make it via military service. They thought I was rich because I’d traveled so much. Because of our military life I told them they could do the same.
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