[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
In May 1995 we went to an interesting Elderhostel in Amicalola Falls, GA. Then we drove to Charleston and met Kent, Tamiko + Brynne.
5/21/95 Pensacola – Amicalola Falls, Ga.
Mileage 9803 on van 8 a.m.
Took I-10 to Rt. 29 – 65 to Montgomery.
Took Rt. 85 from Montgomery to Atlanta.
We had lunch at Hardees just before going into Ga.
Stayed on Rt. 85 right thru Atlanta. Saw signs 425 days until ’96 Summer Olympics.
Took I-75 to Exit 115 – Rt. 575. Beautiful red, pink + white poppies planted in the median all along the way.
Arrived at the lodge about 4 pm. 420 miles.
As we checked into our lodge – whom did we meet but Shirley + Dave M formerly from Rocky River now residing in Davidson, S.C. Ate dinner with them – had orientation from staff, then retired to our beautiful fourth floor room overlooking this magnificent view of the Appalachian Mtns.
N. Ga. State College is located in Dahlonega – about 18 mi. from here – more about that later when we tour the campus.
Monday 5/22 Amicalola Falls
After breakfast we had a unique way of getting acquainted. We divided into groups of 5 + interviewed each other on paper – then picture taking time where we viewed each person’s picture with a little blurb about each one.
Break time 10:00-10:30. Now class.
Bill Hooks, Land + Sea Instructor - *Great
Don + Laeta Smith – Interesting course on Mtn Music + Its Roots
1) Migration 1700’s – 1860’s – Scots – Irish influence more important than from Eng. Isolates
2) Civil War – 1861-1865
3) Sears Roebuck – 1890-1900 German influence, farmers - more money to buy instruments
4) Discovery – 1900-1925 – Frank Walker – 1922
5) Electrification – 1930-1940
6) Homogination –
Brian Murphy – Your Rights + My Rights in the eve. Political Science from the college
5/23 Amicalola Falls
These are instruments used in the mtns:
Migration – Fiddle, Mtn. Dulcimer, Irish Harp
Civil War – Banjo (linked to Fiddle)
Sears Roebuck – Harmonica – “Devilish Mary”
Horace Kephert (1904) Whisky period
Cecil Sharp – 1918
Discovery – Guitar
Electrification – Accordion
Then we had a short lesson on the 4 Shape Notes – “Bright Mornin’ Stars”
More Mountain Music + Its Roots after lunch
They demonstrated fiddle sticks + fiddle.
Claud the Cloud Hopper – a handmade rhythm instrument. “Baby-O”
Southern Mtn Dance Music was introduced and we’ll put it to music Thurs.
Bill Hooks talked to us about Light Energy: Producer Consumer Disposer
Susan Sullivan came in the p.m. with her yarn + spinning wheel to entertain us after dinner.
Quite a full + interesting day!
5/24 Amicalola Falls
The day began with Bill Hooks + Land and Sea after breakfast. He compared the forest with an apartment building. Rock, soil, litter area (greatest activity – woodland mites+ decomposers here), herbaceous layers (flowering plants), shrubs, underbrush, + then canopy on top.
We boarded the bus at 11 am + went to the No. Ga. College campus.
Brian Murphy, our political science professor, gave us a great lecture on Article IX – rights + spoke on abortion.
A box lunch was served, then we toured the town of Dahlonega, starting with a 25 min. film on gold mining. We stopped at the Amicalola falls enroute to the lodge + dinner.
Bill Hooks was our evening speaker who continued lecturing on the Land + Sea. Very entertaining!
5/25 Amicalola Falls
The day began with Brian Murphy, our Miami U. graduate + a professor in political science who gave us a lot of food for thought regarding one’s rights. (What’s legal + what’s illegal according to the Supreme Court.)
After the break the Smiths came in with their musical instruments. The afternoon was free, but I decided to attend the Smith’s workshop on the Shape Note singing.
The evening was fun! After dinner we had square dancing and singing in the lounge. I was part of the Amicalola Fa La La Singers + we sang “Babylon is Fallen.” One of the guys compared our singing to an Amish prayer meeting!
Packed up for leaving in the a.m.
5/26 Amicalola Falls (Mileage 10,223) – Charleston, S. Car. (Mileage 10,565)
Arose early with the serenade of birds outside the window.
Brian Murphy was our speaker after breakfast. We discussed sexual harassment. The first case was in 1976. In 1980 EEOC was enacted. Quid pro quo – “This for that exchange.”
We had to call it closed at 10:30 + at 11:00 a.m. we hit the road.
Our route – 52 to Dawsonville
Rt. 53 to Gainsville, Ga. where we ate lunch at K-Mart, bought a new battery + watch strap + a bottle of Nexus Shampoo.
Rts. 129 to Athens, 78 – 20 to Augusta
We passed beautiful Lake Sidney Lanier and the Chattahoochee R.
Rts. 78/278 to I-26. Crossed the Savannah R. which divides Ga./S. Car.
These are crops we saw: sorghum, watermelon, peanuts – oats – quail – cattle – nurseries (pines).
Checked into Masters Econ. Inn 7:20 pm.
5/27 Charleston, S. Car
Had a hearty breakfast with the kids at Shoney’s before taking off for a self-guided tour at Middleton Plantation. It was first settled in the late 17th C + stayed in the family until it was engulfed by the Civil War.
After lunch we all soaked up rays at the pool + Brynne dove for pennies.
Kent, Brynne, Bert + I went to the Footprints in the Garden, a giant puppet theatre from Canada. This was part of the Spoleto Festival. (It’s an adaptation of the Noh play from Japan.)
We had dinner at Locklear’s with the kids + Tami’s friend, Marsha C. I had fried green tomatoes + Shrimp salad that was really, really good.
5/28 Charleston, S. Car. (Mileage 10,648) - Valdosta, Ga. (10,935)
We had a nice buffet type breakfast at Holiday Inn with Kent, Tami & Brynne.
Our trip began at 9:30 a.m. + took these routes: US 17 – US 21 to I-95 at Point South. Then it was I-95 South to Exit 14 in Ga. We traveled US 84 through Jessup + Waycross. The latter is a very attractive old railroad town. We stopped here for a frosty at Wendy’s.
Going southwest to Valdosta, we saw lots of rich good farm country - rice + lumber (pine nurseries) and peach trees.
We shopped at the outlet mall at Valdosta, had dinner at Cracker Barrel + retired early at Shoney’s Inn – Lake Park.
Had a little shower mid afternoon, but most of the day was sunny + hot.
5/29/95 Valdosta, Ga. – Pensacola
At 7:15 we left Shoney’s Inn, Lake Park. We filled the tank with gas - $1.02 per gallon. The following routes:
Rt. 84 to Quitman + Thomasville
Rt. 319 to Tallahassee
Rt. 10 to Pensacola
Thomasville, Ga. is a beautiful small town + wasn’t ravaged by the Civil War. As a result, many of the wealthy Northerners came here seeking a warmer climate during the winter months.
Pebble Hill Plantation is an example of the beautiful winter “cottages.” This one was built by the Hanna family of Cleve.
The mileage on the van was 11,209 as we arrived around noon.
Wonderful vacation!
Monday, May 29, 1995
Thursday, February 2, 1995
Key West (1995)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
Feb. 2, 1995 Marco – Key West
At 7:30 am we boarded the Gulf Stream Falcon at Snook Inn for a 4-1/2 hr trip to Key West. There were approx. 150 passengers + we rode outside on the first deck most of the way.
We were met on the island by the Conch (Konk) Tour Tram which took us around the perimeter of Key West a distance of 1-1/2 x 4-1/2 miles, seeing the highlights of the area: Ft. Zachary Taylor, Mallory Sq., Hemingway’s Home, southern most home of U.S., 90 mi to Cuba sign, etc. It was a 14 mi. trip + took 1 hr 45 min. Had a delicious seafood lunch + key lime pie at Two Friends Patio Rest. On Duval St. seeing how the subtropical climate nourishes the lush vegetation, especially palm trees, hibiscus, + bougainvillea, made us anxious to go back + spend a few days next year. We just didn’t have time to see it all. We just got glimpses of old + new Key West, the Bahamian architecture features using shuttle doors on the roofs for ventilation, houses built up on quarry stones to withstand hurricanes, city cemetery, the gravesite of victims of USS Maine, whose sinking precipitated the Spanish Amer. War, + since we had such a limited time to spend there, it was the best way to see the sights. As I said before, we must go back!!
The return trip on the Falcon was my downfall. Because of high winds, we opted to sit inside the cabin + due to lack of oxygen, a full tummy of a late lunch + early dinner, my final hrs seemed like an eternity + I was delighted to land in Marco a little after 10 pm.
Feb. 2, 1995 Marco – Key West
At 7:30 am we boarded the Gulf Stream Falcon at Snook Inn for a 4-1/2 hr trip to Key West. There were approx. 150 passengers + we rode outside on the first deck most of the way.
We were met on the island by the Conch (Konk) Tour Tram which took us around the perimeter of Key West a distance of 1-1/2 x 4-1/2 miles, seeing the highlights of the area: Ft. Zachary Taylor, Mallory Sq., Hemingway’s Home, southern most home of U.S., 90 mi to Cuba sign, etc. It was a 14 mi. trip + took 1 hr 45 min. Had a delicious seafood lunch + key lime pie at Two Friends Patio Rest. On Duval St. seeing how the subtropical climate nourishes the lush vegetation, especially palm trees, hibiscus, + bougainvillea, made us anxious to go back + spend a few days next year. We just didn’t have time to see it all. We just got glimpses of old + new Key West, the Bahamian architecture features using shuttle doors on the roofs for ventilation, houses built up on quarry stones to withstand hurricanes, city cemetery, the gravesite of victims of USS Maine, whose sinking precipitated the Spanish Amer. War, + since we had such a limited time to spend there, it was the best way to see the sights. As I said before, we must go back!!
The return trip on the Falcon was my downfall. Because of high winds, we opted to sit inside the cabin + due to lack of oxygen, a full tummy of a late lunch + early dinner, my final hrs seemed like an eternity + I was delighted to land in Marco a little after 10 pm.
Wednesday, February 1, 1995
Pensacola II
Even though we’re home based in Pensacola, many of our winter months were spent in Marco Island after the holidays to sunny warm springtime, first in a rental at H-10 Southwind to a one bedroom at D-7, and then later at C-1. During this time we enjoyed our grandchildren, Kyle + Erich from R.I. + Ryan from Colo.
Our trip to Key West was by boat, the Falcon + I’m sorry to say I was seasick most of the way not a very good sailor!
[See Key West (1995)]
Most of the time, from Jan. - March we spent at Marco + enjoyed our winter visitors, then returned to Pensacola - the best of two worlds.
Saturday, July 30, 1994
Elderhostel at Kennesaw, GA (1994)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
In Jul. 1994 we had an interesting Elderhostel in Kennesaw, Ga.
7/24/94 Pensacola/Kennesaw, Ga.
Left home about 6:45 for Kennesaw Mtn. Elderhostel. Arrived about 1:00. Came up via Rts. 29, 113 to 65 to Montgomery. From there we drove to Atlanta via 85, 285 + 75 to Cartersville, our destination at the lodge. Since our room wasn’t ready until 4 o’clock, we drove over to Allatoona Dam + mineral museum. One thing I didn’t mention was that at Newnan, Ga. where we had lunch at McDonald’s we saw Jim G from church. Small world.
Had a nice dinner, get acquainted fun time, then retired to our room at the lodge.
We’re watching TV rooting for the Braves. Retiring early after a long day.
7/25 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
J. B. Tate, a history professor at Kennesaw State College was our extremely interesting + informative speaker this a.m. He discussed the three causes of the Civil War 1) emotional 2) economic and 3) political as there was no single cause.
After lunch we had the birds come visit us. Monteen McCord brought Sam, a horned owl, barred owl + broad tail hawk.
We were on our own the rest of the afternoon so we drove to the Kennesaw Nat. Battlefield Park + to the Shanty Museum to see the locomotive “General” which was the site of the big chase in Andrew’s raid.
Triska Clark was a very humorous guest speaker, including slides of the area, for after dinner entertainment.
Saw two deer grazing in our front yard in P.M.
7/26 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
Highlights for today included a short walk on the trail before breakfast where we saw several gold finches, a bluebird feeding outside the dining room and two hummingbirds who were also having breakfast.
Dr. Ed Bostick gave us a complete course on kudzu as well as a wonderful account of the geology + biology of Ga.
After lunch + another short walk we had a lesson on the music + artillary of the Civil War by John Carruth and a discussion by J.B. Tate on the second aspect of the causes of the war – the economics involved.
We had a movie “The Great Locomotive Chase’ featuring the famous locomotive, The General.
7/27 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
This a.m. we had a combination of Civil War/music and a taste of the artillary including a demonstration of the workings of a canon by John Carruth. Interesting. Because of rain, the firing was canceled.
After a hearty lunch including yaka soba, we drove up to Exit 126 at Cartersville + toured the Weinman Museum – a vast display of minerals, gemstones + fossils. The huge amethyst geode was the favorite for me. Awesome!
We motored on to Exit 131 to New Echota which was the headquarters for the Cherokees from 1825-1838 when they were forced from the land to Okla.
A quick swim before dinner and a film on the Etowah mounds completed a very interesting day!
7/28 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
Today’s activities began after breakfast at 9:00 A.M. when we boarded the Kennesaw State College bus for a field trip to Atlanta. Our first stop was at the Atlanta History Center where we saw the Gone With the Wind memorabilia as well as many Civil War exhibits. We enjoyed a box lunch at Grant Park + then toured the interesting Cyclorama and a stop at the college campus book store.
When we returned to the lodge, we went to the conference center for a slide presentation on the native birds. Had a barbecue on the patio – ribs, chicken, baked pot., corn cob, salad, strawberry short cake – all delicious.
Joe Head, admission director at the college was our guest speaker this eve. Spoke on the “General.”
In Jul. 1994 we had an interesting Elderhostel in Kennesaw, Ga.
7/24/94 Pensacola/Kennesaw, Ga.
Left home about 6:45 for Kennesaw Mtn. Elderhostel. Arrived about 1:00. Came up via Rts. 29, 113 to 65 to Montgomery. From there we drove to Atlanta via 85, 285 + 75 to Cartersville, our destination at the lodge. Since our room wasn’t ready until 4 o’clock, we drove over to Allatoona Dam + mineral museum. One thing I didn’t mention was that at Newnan, Ga. where we had lunch at McDonald’s we saw Jim G from church. Small world.
Had a nice dinner, get acquainted fun time, then retired to our room at the lodge.
We’re watching TV rooting for the Braves. Retiring early after a long day.
7/25 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
J. B. Tate, a history professor at Kennesaw State College was our extremely interesting + informative speaker this a.m. He discussed the three causes of the Civil War 1) emotional 2) economic and 3) political as there was no single cause.
After lunch we had the birds come visit us. Monteen McCord brought Sam, a horned owl, barred owl + broad tail hawk.
We were on our own the rest of the afternoon so we drove to the Kennesaw Nat. Battlefield Park + to the Shanty Museum to see the locomotive “General” which was the site of the big chase in Andrew’s raid.
Triska Clark was a very humorous guest speaker, including slides of the area, for after dinner entertainment.
Saw two deer grazing in our front yard in P.M.
7/26 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
Highlights for today included a short walk on the trail before breakfast where we saw several gold finches, a bluebird feeding outside the dining room and two hummingbirds who were also having breakfast.
Dr. Ed Bostick gave us a complete course on kudzu as well as a wonderful account of the geology + biology of Ga.
After lunch + another short walk we had a lesson on the music + artillary of the Civil War by John Carruth and a discussion by J.B. Tate on the second aspect of the causes of the war – the economics involved.
We had a movie “The Great Locomotive Chase’ featuring the famous locomotive, The General.
7/27 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
This a.m. we had a combination of Civil War/music and a taste of the artillary including a demonstration of the workings of a canon by John Carruth. Interesting. Because of rain, the firing was canceled.
After a hearty lunch including yaka soba, we drove up to Exit 126 at Cartersville + toured the Weinman Museum – a vast display of minerals, gemstones + fossils. The huge amethyst geode was the favorite for me. Awesome!
We motored on to Exit 131 to New Echota which was the headquarters for the Cherokees from 1825-1838 when they were forced from the land to Okla.
A quick swim before dinner and a film on the Etowah mounds completed a very interesting day!
7/28 Kennesaw Mtn Lodge
Today’s activities began after breakfast at 9:00 A.M. when we boarded the Kennesaw State College bus for a field trip to Atlanta. Our first stop was at the Atlanta History Center where we saw the Gone With the Wind memorabilia as well as many Civil War exhibits. We enjoyed a box lunch at Grant Park + then toured the interesting Cyclorama and a stop at the college campus book store.
When we returned to the lodge, we went to the conference center for a slide presentation on the native birds. Had a barbecue on the patio – ribs, chicken, baked pot., corn cob, salad, strawberry short cake – all delicious.
Joe Head, admission director at the college was our guest speaker this eve. Spoke on the “General.”
Wednesday, April 20, 1994
Rumford, RI (1994)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
April 10, 1994: Pensacola – Montgomery
We started our trip to Providence after church. Left around 1:00 to Montgomery and arrived at Maxwell AFB about 4:00 where we tried to get a room in the VO2 but had no luck, so we exited on Rt. 85 at Exit 6 where we found a comfortable room at a Comfort Inn @$49.95. Dinner tonight was take out from Taco Bell – across the street. Had a nice visit via phone, calling Mary W, our former next door neighbor on Narrow Lane Rd. while we were living in Montgomery, from 35 yr ago.
We drove 176 mi. today via Rts 10, 29, 65, + 85.
Other than no room at Maxwell, no snags so far.
4/11/94 Montgomery to Henderson, N.C.
Celebrated my B’day.
This was quite a drive today - 576 miles through Ala., Ga., + the Carolinas traveling all the way on Rt. 85. The foliage was outstanding – dogwoods, redbuds, and wisteria. This is the first time we’ve ever made it through Atlanta without any traffic problems. There was a lot of construction from Greensboro, S.C. to Durham, N.C. We want to be sure to hit Atlanta when it’s not during rush hour because 10:30 am was a cinch today! After 10-1/2 hrs on the road we were glad to pull in our motel, the Budget Host Inn at Henderson. We didn’t have much choice in motels, but this was a ** in the AAA book + it’s clean. We celebrated my birthday at the Holiday Inn restaurant with lasagna + veal. Nice day.
Gasoline cheap in Ga. - 80¢ a gal.
4/12/94 Henderson to Severna Park, Md.
The day began with breakfast in the room – banana + our own tea + coffee. Temp. a bit cooler so our jackets felt good. The routes were 85, 95, + 495. We stopped at Hardees for breakfast + then got on our way to Richmond where we visited Ft. Harrison + toured the Richmond Battlefield National Park. It’s an interesting city + we wished we had time to tour all the museums. Lunch was at Camp Hill, Md. at a Friendly Rest. Heavy traffic on the Beltway going through Wash. + Baltimore. We arrived at DeGs around 2:30 after a 270 mile drive. They had the card table ready + we played a few hands of bridge before + after dinner. Dottie made a crab casserole for us + we retired around midnight. Fun day! Flowers + shrubs – forsythia + pear trees along with pink + white dogwood made a beautiful scene all along our Va. + Md. routes. Gas still cheap - under a dollar a gallon. Mileage this far - 1,020 miles.
4/13/94 Severna Park, Md.
The day began with a big breakfast of sausage, eggs + toast in DeG's kitchen. Then we set out for the Eastern Shore and Chestertown where we ate at the quaint restaurant, the iron Kettle. Many of the shops date back to Revolutionary War days + are filled with interesting antiques. It was about an hour's drive past Kent Island and on to Chesapeake Bay.
After we had lunch we headed back with a slight delay while Bill had to call AAA for a battery charger.
We finished our day at the bridge table + a light supper. We played a total of 48 hands of bridge!
4/14/94 Severna Park to Rumford, R.I.
We left DeGs at 8:15 + arrived at Kent and Tamiko's, at 5:00 pm. a distance of 400 miles. It was pleasant driving through Md. + Delaware seeing spring in action but we met reality + traffic when we got to the N. J. Turnpike + Garden State Pkwy. Then again it was hazardous in most of Conn. with alot of construction going on.
How happy we were to see the kids! Kent was here to greet us + Tamiko + Brynne came in shortly afterwards from dance class.
After a light supper we celebrated our mutual birthdays with cake + presents including lots of cards.
I read to Brynne, she slept in her new nightgown dressed the same as her doll Samantha’s + we retired very early after a busy day.
Total mileage from Pensacola 1420 mi.
4/15/94 Rumford
After breakfast we headed southwest to Cranston to meet the Bs - Rita + Ed. (They’re part of the Combat Cargo Group [Squadron] who’ll be coming to the reunion in Pensacola.) They took us to a good restaurant called Chelo’s in Cranston. We had a nice visit. Then Bert + I drove over to Cranston H.S. West where we watched Kyle’s baseball team from Classical H.S. play Cranston. Kyle’s team lost 15-3, but we got to see him catch a fly ball in left field for the first out of the game - great catch! Dinner here with the kids – fish + chips. Later Kent and Tamiko worked on income tax + made it to the p. o. in time to escape the deadline + penalty. Nice day.
4/16/94 Rumford
This was the big day – Brynne’s birthday party. The zoo plans were changed as we were rained out. Plan B – the kids came here instead. The girls, Katie + Tessa arrived first, then came Kevin + Chuck, followed by Christian + Alex. The tiger cake (or was it a lion) was on hand with five glowing candles – then ice cream + pretzels for the boys who didn’t want the cake/ice cream. Brynne opened a wide assortment of gifts with Christian’s help. They had their choice of games in the basement or a movie. What fun! I ended up playing school with the girls as we had a few live boys with balloons.
In the evening, Kent + Tamiko took advantage of our offer to watch Brynne by taking in a movie + dinner out + we took over our favorite roll – playing with the kids. G’pa made a pizza + we retired early.
4/17/94 Rumford
Today we had a nice brunch at home. Then we put the rain checks to the zoo to use by taking Brynne + her friend, Katie, along with Kyle + Erich to the zoo. We managed to get through all the exhibits before the rains came.
I took advantage of a little time off from the activities when we got home to take a quick nap.
We went out for dinner at the newly renovated Union Station Grill. It was very good food. After dropping off the boys at Mary Jane’s, we had a little dessert + retired early for our early departure to Pensacola.
4/18/94 Rumford/ Winchester, Va.
We got off at 7:20 for our first destination – Winchester, Va. It was a 10-1/2 hr trip travelling the Merritt Pkwy from New Haven to Rt. 287 then across the Tappan Zee Bridge, Garden State Pkwy, on to Rt. 80, Pa. Tpk, then Rt. 78 + Rt. 81. Cities we went through were Allentown, Pa., Harrisburg, then on to Md., Welcome Center in W. Va. + on to Winchester, Va. – a distance of 510 miles. We had a comfortable room for $44 at Comfort Inn. For dinner we walked across the street to Chason’s Country Buffet + had a feast. If we’re ever in the area again we’ll come back again. For $15.00 for dinner you can’t beat the price.
4/19/94 Winchester to Chattanooga
What a day! It started out beautifully. All through Va. on Rt. 81 we saw spectacular foliage, especially flowering apple and pear blossoms, redbud + dogwood trees. Cities that impressed us with their large rolling lots + architecture in homes adapted to the terrain were Staunton, Harrisburg, Roanoke, Wytheville, + Bristol. Traffic through Knoxville on 40, then 75, was heavy. Our luck changed when we stopped at the Welcome Center near Athens. The van wouldn’t start so we had to call AAA who gave us a jump start + we were off for a short distance, then the car stopped completely. Upon checking, we discovered a fire under the van, and a nice girl stopped to offer her help. She drove/Bert hitched a ride to Exit 33 where he got a wrecker + we were towed to our Comfort Inn in Chattanooga - a distance of about 30 mi. Mileage from Kent's is now 1,021. We’ll just have to wait + see what tomorrow brings.
4/20/94 Chattanooga – Pensacola
The day began at 7 am when the wrecker came to tow the van to the Dodge dealer’s. With a new alternator we were on our way to Pensacola at 10:30 am. We stopped at Gadsden for a bite of lunch, then on to Birmingham on Rt. 59 to Montgomery on Rt. 65. Ala. has the best roads + cleanest rest rooms on the whole trip. We had a heavy shower in Flomaton, but by the time we got to Pensacola, it had stopped. We made it to the p. o. in time to pick up our mail + got home at 5 pm. with the mileage is 1455 from R.I. I heated left overs + we got caught up on our mail, watched a little TV, did some laundry + retired early – the end of a great trip.
April 10, 1994: Pensacola – Montgomery
We started our trip to Providence after church. Left around 1:00 to Montgomery and arrived at Maxwell AFB about 4:00 where we tried to get a room in the VO2 but had no luck, so we exited on Rt. 85 at Exit 6 where we found a comfortable room at a Comfort Inn @$49.95. Dinner tonight was take out from Taco Bell – across the street. Had a nice visit via phone, calling Mary W, our former next door neighbor on Narrow Lane Rd. while we were living in Montgomery, from 35 yr ago.
We drove 176 mi. today via Rts 10, 29, 65, + 85.
Other than no room at Maxwell, no snags so far.
4/11/94 Montgomery to Henderson, N.C.
Celebrated my B’day.
This was quite a drive today - 576 miles through Ala., Ga., + the Carolinas traveling all the way on Rt. 85. The foliage was outstanding – dogwoods, redbuds, and wisteria. This is the first time we’ve ever made it through Atlanta without any traffic problems. There was a lot of construction from Greensboro, S.C. to Durham, N.C. We want to be sure to hit Atlanta when it’s not during rush hour because 10:30 am was a cinch today! After 10-1/2 hrs on the road we were glad to pull in our motel, the Budget Host Inn at Henderson. We didn’t have much choice in motels, but this was a ** in the AAA book + it’s clean. We celebrated my birthday at the Holiday Inn restaurant with lasagna + veal. Nice day.
Gasoline cheap in Ga. - 80¢ a gal.
4/12/94 Henderson to Severna Park, Md.
The day began with breakfast in the room – banana + our own tea + coffee. Temp. a bit cooler so our jackets felt good. The routes were 85, 95, + 495. We stopped at Hardees for breakfast + then got on our way to Richmond where we visited Ft. Harrison + toured the Richmond Battlefield National Park. It’s an interesting city + we wished we had time to tour all the museums. Lunch was at Camp Hill, Md. at a Friendly Rest. Heavy traffic on the Beltway going through Wash. + Baltimore. We arrived at DeGs around 2:30 after a 270 mile drive. They had the card table ready + we played a few hands of bridge before + after dinner. Dottie made a crab casserole for us + we retired around midnight. Fun day! Flowers + shrubs – forsythia + pear trees along with pink + white dogwood made a beautiful scene all along our Va. + Md. routes. Gas still cheap - under a dollar a gallon. Mileage this far - 1,020 miles.
4/13/94 Severna Park, Md.
The day began with a big breakfast of sausage, eggs + toast in DeG's kitchen. Then we set out for the Eastern Shore and Chestertown where we ate at the quaint restaurant, the iron Kettle. Many of the shops date back to Revolutionary War days + are filled with interesting antiques. It was about an hour's drive past Kent Island and on to Chesapeake Bay.
After we had lunch we headed back with a slight delay while Bill had to call AAA for a battery charger.
We finished our day at the bridge table + a light supper. We played a total of 48 hands of bridge!
4/14/94 Severna Park to Rumford, R.I.
We left DeGs at 8:15 + arrived at Kent and Tamiko's, at 5:00 pm. a distance of 400 miles. It was pleasant driving through Md. + Delaware seeing spring in action but we met reality + traffic when we got to the N. J. Turnpike + Garden State Pkwy. Then again it was hazardous in most of Conn. with alot of construction going on.
How happy we were to see the kids! Kent was here to greet us + Tamiko + Brynne came in shortly afterwards from dance class.
After a light supper we celebrated our mutual birthdays with cake + presents including lots of cards.
I read to Brynne, she slept in her new nightgown dressed the same as her doll Samantha’s + we retired very early after a busy day.
Total mileage from Pensacola 1420 mi.
4/15/94 Rumford
After breakfast we headed southwest to Cranston to meet the Bs - Rita + Ed. (They’re part of the Combat Cargo Group [Squadron] who’ll be coming to the reunion in Pensacola.) They took us to a good restaurant called Chelo’s in Cranston. We had a nice visit. Then Bert + I drove over to Cranston H.S. West where we watched Kyle’s baseball team from Classical H.S. play Cranston. Kyle’s team lost 15-3, but we got to see him catch a fly ball in left field for the first out of the game - great catch! Dinner here with the kids – fish + chips. Later Kent and Tamiko worked on income tax + made it to the p. o. in time to escape the deadline + penalty. Nice day.
4/16/94 Rumford
This was the big day – Brynne’s birthday party. The zoo plans were changed as we were rained out. Plan B – the kids came here instead. The girls, Katie + Tessa arrived first, then came Kevin + Chuck, followed by Christian + Alex. The tiger cake (or was it a lion) was on hand with five glowing candles – then ice cream + pretzels for the boys who didn’t want the cake/ice cream. Brynne opened a wide assortment of gifts with Christian’s help. They had their choice of games in the basement or a movie. What fun! I ended up playing school with the girls as we had a few live boys with balloons.
In the evening, Kent + Tamiko took advantage of our offer to watch Brynne by taking in a movie + dinner out + we took over our favorite roll – playing with the kids. G’pa made a pizza + we retired early.
4/17/94 Rumford
Today we had a nice brunch at home. Then we put the rain checks to the zoo to use by taking Brynne + her friend, Katie, along with Kyle + Erich to the zoo. We managed to get through all the exhibits before the rains came.
I took advantage of a little time off from the activities when we got home to take a quick nap.
We went out for dinner at the newly renovated Union Station Grill. It was very good food. After dropping off the boys at Mary Jane’s, we had a little dessert + retired early for our early departure to Pensacola.
4/18/94 Rumford/ Winchester, Va.
We got off at 7:20 for our first destination – Winchester, Va. It was a 10-1/2 hr trip travelling the Merritt Pkwy from New Haven to Rt. 287 then across the Tappan Zee Bridge, Garden State Pkwy, on to Rt. 80, Pa. Tpk, then Rt. 78 + Rt. 81. Cities we went through were Allentown, Pa., Harrisburg, then on to Md., Welcome Center in W. Va. + on to Winchester, Va. – a distance of 510 miles. We had a comfortable room for $44 at Comfort Inn. For dinner we walked across the street to Chason’s Country Buffet + had a feast. If we’re ever in the area again we’ll come back again. For $15.00 for dinner you can’t beat the price.
4/19/94 Winchester to Chattanooga
What a day! It started out beautifully. All through Va. on Rt. 81 we saw spectacular foliage, especially flowering apple and pear blossoms, redbud + dogwood trees. Cities that impressed us with their large rolling lots + architecture in homes adapted to the terrain were Staunton, Harrisburg, Roanoke, Wytheville, + Bristol. Traffic through Knoxville on 40, then 75, was heavy. Our luck changed when we stopped at the Welcome Center near Athens. The van wouldn’t start so we had to call AAA who gave us a jump start + we were off for a short distance, then the car stopped completely. Upon checking, we discovered a fire under the van, and a nice girl stopped to offer her help. She drove/Bert hitched a ride to Exit 33 where he got a wrecker + we were towed to our Comfort Inn in Chattanooga - a distance of about 30 mi. Mileage from Kent's is now 1,021. We’ll just have to wait + see what tomorrow brings.
4/20/94 Chattanooga – Pensacola
The day began at 7 am when the wrecker came to tow the van to the Dodge dealer’s. With a new alternator we were on our way to Pensacola at 10:30 am. We stopped at Gadsden for a bite of lunch, then on to Birmingham on Rt. 59 to Montgomery on Rt. 65. Ala. has the best roads + cleanest rest rooms on the whole trip. We had a heavy shower in Flomaton, but by the time we got to Pensacola, it had stopped. We made it to the p. o. in time to pick up our mail + got home at 5 pm. with the mileage is 1455 from R.I. I heated left overs + we got caught up on our mail, watched a little TV, did some laundry + retired early – the end of a great trip.
Saturday, July 24, 1993
Wellsville 50th Reunion (1993)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
The rest of '93 we visited in Ohio + R.I. Went to Wellsville H.S. Alumni 50th Reunion, stopped at Mary + Gene's, then up to Put-in-Bay to see Helen Sinram.
7/3/93 Pensacola to Sweetwater, Tenn.
We left at 8 a.m. Took I-10 to Cantonment, Rt. 29 to Flomaton, then I-65 to Chatanooga. Of interest today, Bert had trouble with his zipper + lost his GM card. All went well after lunch. We followed I-75 to Sweetwater where we spent the night at the Quality Inn. Had a delicious buffet at the inn + retired early. Total mileage 446 miles – travel time 8 hrs. – not a bad trip + traffic moderate considering it’s a holiday weekend. Temp. in high 90’s + humidity high so we welcomed the air conditioned room. Very comfortable. At Birmingham we took 459, then Rt. 59 to Chatanooga – from there we took Rt. 24 to 75 to Chatanooga.
7/4/93 Sweetwater to S’fld
The mileage is 818 from Pensacola. We took I-75 all the way to Dayton where we picked up 675, then Rt. 70 into S’fld + Mary Jane’s when we arrived here about 4 pm. Had a nice supper, then went to Cliff Park for a concert. We left at intermission + came back to watch the Country Club fireworks in our backyard.
7/5/93 Mary Jane B’s
Got up early + went to Brown Reservoir to walk on the dam. Had breakfast, then went to the mall + to Yellow Springs to window shop. Had delicious lunch at the Country Connection in New Carlisle. We stopped at Meijers large super mkt after a long drive through the country. Had dinner at the country club. Wanda + Ray G joined us. Afterwards M.J. drove us around the north + west areas to see new housing. Retired early. Full day!
7/6/93 Springfield/Hilliard
Left Mary Jane’s about 11 am + arrived at Edith + Ron’s at noon traveling Rt. 70 + 270 exiting to Mill Run Villas on Exit 13. Had a nice lunch + visit. The Ms – Bill + Ruth – came over for cocktails, then we went to dinner at Wilhelm’s a 55 restaurant in Dublin. Nice!! Came back + visited some more until about 10:30. We retired to the “loft” after a very pleasant day!
7/7/93 Hilliard/Rocky River
Left Edith + Ron’s a few minutes after 10:00 + arrived in R.R. about 12:30. Had lunch at Friendly’s + drove around town after talking with Gloria H about U’s house. Dinner with Marie + Ray McN’s was at Fratella’s in Avon Lake. Delicious pastas. Charlie Rose on PBS was interesting + after a full day of fun, we retired at midnight.
7/8/93 Rocky River
Had a nice walk in the park at 7 am. The McNs took us on a tour of Cleve. to see all the changes. Lunch on a barge – Hornblower on Lake Erie. Checked Edith + Ron’s house then had dinner with Erie Rd. gang at Salmon Dave’s after cocktails at Ls.
7/9/93 Rocky River/Wellsville
Fri. Arrived shortly afternoon at Mary + Gene’s. Weather - hot + humid. Had a nice supper with them. Went into Well. + had a delightful party at Vivian S B’s house on Wells Ave. About 50 alumni + spouses on hand. Visited with Mike + Phyllis.
Sat. Left after lunch, toured River Museum – saw both g’pas there plus lots of other pictures. Toured the high school, then met at the old River View Hotel to hear about the renovations sponsored by the W. Alum. The eve. was spent at the Masonic Temple where we had turkey dinner + later dancing. It was decorated beautifully – tigers, orange + black balloons + streamers. We received our 50 yr. diplomas. Fun! (Visited Dolores + Chauncey in afternoon.)
7/11/93 Wellsville
Sun. Left for church which was held at the Epis. Church on 11th + Main. Committee gave a lovely service. Afterwards we had a picnic at the marina – chicken by Richard C – baked beans, pot. salad, rolls + beverages – quite a feast. We let all our balloons fly over the river. Beautiful sight! We spent the evening reminiscing with Mary + Gene.
7/12/93 Wellsville/Put-in-Bay
Left Mary + Gene’s at 9:00 + had trouble with the van stalling on us. Stopped in R.R. + got NAPA thermos-aid + premium gas. Had a bite to eat at Friendly’s. Arrived at the dock at Catawba + I’m writing this here at 2:15 awaiting loading on the ferry.
Helen was surprised at our arrival + we were surprised to see the Cs – 17 yr. old Kirkland, 15 yr old Ben + 9 yr old Anna. It was great seeing Naomi + Kirk. Cooked burgers on the grill. Talked until 10:30 + retired to the loft. Fun day! Spectacular sunset.
7/13 -7/14 Put-in-Bay
Tues. Had an early morning walk to town before breakfast. Enjoyed being with the kids. Ben + Anna were both vying for Carrie L’s attention. Naomi + I had to round them up – they nearly missed the boat. We had a problem with the van + got it fixed – a vacuum leak. Helen took us to dinner at the Skyway.
Wed. Helen + I visited Peg I’s school in a.m. Had lunch at the Crew’s Nest. Heard the sad news there that Joe D was electrocuted retreaving a pair of glasses in the water off the dock. (He was a former student of mine.) Dinner at Pat Daily’s was good.
7/15/93 Put-in-Bay/Danville, Pa.
Left on the 7 a.m. ferry from P.I.B. Had a great visit with Helen. Arrived in Danville around 2:30 after a good trip across I-80. Checked the various motels + decided on Days Inn, the former Sheraton. Had a relaxing swim + whirl pool before dinner at B.J’s Ribs. A wonderful meal of ribs, barbecued chicken + shrimp. Had a tour of the city. Of interest was the Geisinger Medical Center.
7/16/93 Danville/Rumford, R.I.
Left about 7:15 + arrived at Kent + Tamiko’s at 2:30 – a very easy drive considering the congested N.E. traffic. Traveled I-80 + 287 across the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson R. Went to see Erich’s team play in an All-Star game. Mt. Pleasant/S. Providence. His team squeaked through with an 8-7 victory + will now vie for state champs. We stopped to get fish + chips. Ate about 8:30, talked until 11:00 + retired after a wonderful day to Brynne’s room. She’s darling!
7/17/93 Rumford
Sat. After lunch we went to the Slater Mill in Pawtucket to see the art exhibit of Don Bosquet. Afterwards we drove through Providence to see the new bridges + progress that’s taking place. Kent cooked burgers on the grill.
Sun. Left at 11 am for Goosewing Beach in Little Compton. Weather was beautiful. Lunch at Abraham Manchester was delicious. Erich went over to Mary Jane’s + Kyle stayed here to baby sit Brynne tomorrow when Tami + Kent go to work. Fun day!
Mon. Took Brynne + Kyle to Rehobath, Mass. playground in afternoon. I cooked ham New Eng. dinner. Had a family discussion before retiring.
7/20/93 Rumford/Towson, Md.
Left about 7:15 + arrived at Mary Jane + Walt L’s at 3:15. The routes traveled are 95 to 287 which is the Garden State Pkwy to the N. Jersey Turnpike. We exited at 6 instead of 1 so had to backtrack to the Pa. Turnpike + drive thru Phily to Baltimore. That was Rt. 95 and known as the Kennedy Mem. Hwy. Walt + Mary Jane live in a beautiful area of Towson – very spacious + comfortable townhouse. She served an Imperial Crabmeat dish with Greek salad, fruit + frozen yogurt. It was delightful. We spent many hours in good conversation + reminiscing before retiring. A delightful day in spite of the hectic drive getting here – a distance of 400 mi. for a nice visit with Mary Jane + Walt L.
7/21/93 Towson
Our day began by driving to Ft. McHenry. We saw a film describing the Battle of Baltimore + the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key. (It became our national anthem in 1931.) Ft. McHenry spans the period from the Amer. Rev. through World War II. It derives its name from McHenry who was sec. of war under Geo. Wash. + John Adams.
We had lunch at Sanders at Loch Raven near the dam, then drove to Hampton to see the mansion + grounds that were originally own by the Ridgely family + are now National historic site. I got my passport book stamped here + at Ft. McHenry.
Dottie + Bill DeG, other AF retired friends came over for dinner. More fun!
7/22/93 Towson/Bristol, Tenn.
It was a beautiful 400 mi. drive today with mild temp. Routes traveled were: 695 to 95 around Baltimore, then 495 to 66 around D.C. South on 66 to 81 which we followed past Front Royal, Strasburg, lunch at Woodstock on to Staunton. We stopped enroute to these places at Manassas (Bull Run) National Battlefield Park + got the passport book stamped and saw a Civil War film. We passed Lexington, home of VMI + Wash. + Lee U. where Robt. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Geo. Wash., + Geo. Marshall attended college. We also passed Roanoke before arriving in Bristol where we had dinner at Bristol Choice + stayed overnight at the Ho-Jo Motel. Nice day.
7/23/93 Bristol, Tenn to Atlanta
Left about 7:30 + arrived at Chickamauga/Chattanooga Nat’l Military Park around noon. We traveled Rt. 81, then 40 to Knoxville. The 16 min. film at the park was excellent. We continued driving to Kennesaw Mtn. Nat’l Battlefield Park – Rt. 75. Then we got on 285 + exited at 28 for Fairfield Inn where we spent the night. It was a welcome sight after heavy traffic. We took a swim, then cleaned up for dinner. Ate at Ruby Tuesday’s, then walked thru the mall. Bert bought a hat at Eddie Bauer’s. The interesting plant that has taken over the entire landscape in Ga. is the kudzu.
7/24/93 Atlanta/Pensacola
After an hour + a half drive to Calloway Gardens on Rt. 85 South, we spent about 4 hrs. touring the beautiful gardens: the horticultural center, the chapel, the log cabin, butterfly house + Mr. Cason’s veg. garden. It was a hot day + although we’d have enjoyed staying for the circus act + water show, felt we’d better get home. The drive through Montgomery on Rt. 65 + 113 + 29 into Flomaton + into Pensacola on I-10 were very calm -piece of cake. Stopped to get veg. + fruit in Ala. + arrived home around 5 p.m. having added 3775 mi. to the van + visited 13 National Parks. Great trip!
The rest of '93 we visited in Ohio + R.I. Went to Wellsville H.S. Alumni 50th Reunion, stopped at Mary + Gene's, then up to Put-in-Bay to see Helen Sinram.
7/3/93 Pensacola to Sweetwater, Tenn.
We left at 8 a.m. Took I-10 to Cantonment, Rt. 29 to Flomaton, then I-65 to Chatanooga. Of interest today, Bert had trouble with his zipper + lost his GM card. All went well after lunch. We followed I-75 to Sweetwater where we spent the night at the Quality Inn. Had a delicious buffet at the inn + retired early. Total mileage 446 miles – travel time 8 hrs. – not a bad trip + traffic moderate considering it’s a holiday weekend. Temp. in high 90’s + humidity high so we welcomed the air conditioned room. Very comfortable. At Birmingham we took 459, then Rt. 59 to Chatanooga – from there we took Rt. 24 to 75 to Chatanooga.
7/4/93 Sweetwater to S’fld
The mileage is 818 from Pensacola. We took I-75 all the way to Dayton where we picked up 675, then Rt. 70 into S’fld + Mary Jane’s when we arrived here about 4 pm. Had a nice supper, then went to Cliff Park for a concert. We left at intermission + came back to watch the Country Club fireworks in our backyard.
7/5/93 Mary Jane B’s
Got up early + went to Brown Reservoir to walk on the dam. Had breakfast, then went to the mall + to Yellow Springs to window shop. Had delicious lunch at the Country Connection in New Carlisle. We stopped at Meijers large super mkt after a long drive through the country. Had dinner at the country club. Wanda + Ray G joined us. Afterwards M.J. drove us around the north + west areas to see new housing. Retired early. Full day!
7/6/93 Springfield/Hilliard
Left Mary Jane’s about 11 am + arrived at Edith + Ron’s at noon traveling Rt. 70 + 270 exiting to Mill Run Villas on Exit 13. Had a nice lunch + visit. The Ms – Bill + Ruth – came over for cocktails, then we went to dinner at Wilhelm’s a 55 restaurant in Dublin. Nice!! Came back + visited some more until about 10:30. We retired to the “loft” after a very pleasant day!
7/7/93 Hilliard/Rocky River
Left Edith + Ron’s a few minutes after 10:00 + arrived in R.R. about 12:30. Had lunch at Friendly’s + drove around town after talking with Gloria H about U’s house. Dinner with Marie + Ray McN’s was at Fratella’s in Avon Lake. Delicious pastas. Charlie Rose on PBS was interesting + after a full day of fun, we retired at midnight.
7/8/93 Rocky River
Had a nice walk in the park at 7 am. The McNs took us on a tour of Cleve. to see all the changes. Lunch on a barge – Hornblower on Lake Erie. Checked Edith + Ron’s house then had dinner with Erie Rd. gang at Salmon Dave’s after cocktails at Ls.
7/9/93 Rocky River/Wellsville
Fri. Arrived shortly afternoon at Mary + Gene’s. Weather - hot + humid. Had a nice supper with them. Went into Well. + had a delightful party at Vivian S B’s house on Wells Ave. About 50 alumni + spouses on hand. Visited with Mike + Phyllis.
Sat. Left after lunch, toured River Museum – saw both g’pas there plus lots of other pictures. Toured the high school, then met at the old River View Hotel to hear about the renovations sponsored by the W. Alum. The eve. was spent at the Masonic Temple where we had turkey dinner + later dancing. It was decorated beautifully – tigers, orange + black balloons + streamers. We received our 50 yr. diplomas. Fun! (Visited Dolores + Chauncey in afternoon.)
7/11/93 Wellsville
Sun. Left for church which was held at the Epis. Church on 11th + Main. Committee gave a lovely service. Afterwards we had a picnic at the marina – chicken by Richard C – baked beans, pot. salad, rolls + beverages – quite a feast. We let all our balloons fly over the river. Beautiful sight! We spent the evening reminiscing with Mary + Gene.
7/12/93 Wellsville/Put-in-Bay
Left Mary + Gene’s at 9:00 + had trouble with the van stalling on us. Stopped in R.R. + got NAPA thermos-aid + premium gas. Had a bite to eat at Friendly’s. Arrived at the dock at Catawba + I’m writing this here at 2:15 awaiting loading on the ferry.
Helen was surprised at our arrival + we were surprised to see the Cs – 17 yr. old Kirkland, 15 yr old Ben + 9 yr old Anna. It was great seeing Naomi + Kirk. Cooked burgers on the grill. Talked until 10:30 + retired to the loft. Fun day! Spectacular sunset.
7/13 -7/14 Put-in-Bay
Tues. Had an early morning walk to town before breakfast. Enjoyed being with the kids. Ben + Anna were both vying for Carrie L’s attention. Naomi + I had to round them up – they nearly missed the boat. We had a problem with the van + got it fixed – a vacuum leak. Helen took us to dinner at the Skyway.
Wed. Helen + I visited Peg I’s school in a.m. Had lunch at the Crew’s Nest. Heard the sad news there that Joe D was electrocuted retreaving a pair of glasses in the water off the dock. (He was a former student of mine.) Dinner at Pat Daily’s was good.
7/15/93 Put-in-Bay/Danville, Pa.
Left on the 7 a.m. ferry from P.I.B. Had a great visit with Helen. Arrived in Danville around 2:30 after a good trip across I-80. Checked the various motels + decided on Days Inn, the former Sheraton. Had a relaxing swim + whirl pool before dinner at B.J’s Ribs. A wonderful meal of ribs, barbecued chicken + shrimp. Had a tour of the city. Of interest was the Geisinger Medical Center.
7/16/93 Danville/Rumford, R.I.
Left about 7:15 + arrived at Kent + Tamiko’s at 2:30 – a very easy drive considering the congested N.E. traffic. Traveled I-80 + 287 across the Tappan Zee Bridge over the Hudson R. Went to see Erich’s team play in an All-Star game. Mt. Pleasant/S. Providence. His team squeaked through with an 8-7 victory + will now vie for state champs. We stopped to get fish + chips. Ate about 8:30, talked until 11:00 + retired after a wonderful day to Brynne’s room. She’s darling!
7/17/93 Rumford
Sat. After lunch we went to the Slater Mill in Pawtucket to see the art exhibit of Don Bosquet. Afterwards we drove through Providence to see the new bridges + progress that’s taking place. Kent cooked burgers on the grill.
Sun. Left at 11 am for Goosewing Beach in Little Compton. Weather was beautiful. Lunch at Abraham Manchester was delicious. Erich went over to Mary Jane’s + Kyle stayed here to baby sit Brynne tomorrow when Tami + Kent go to work. Fun day!
Mon. Took Brynne + Kyle to Rehobath, Mass. playground in afternoon. I cooked ham New Eng. dinner. Had a family discussion before retiring.
7/20/93 Rumford/Towson, Md.
Left about 7:15 + arrived at Mary Jane + Walt L’s at 3:15. The routes traveled are 95 to 287 which is the Garden State Pkwy to the N. Jersey Turnpike. We exited at 6 instead of 1 so had to backtrack to the Pa. Turnpike + drive thru Phily to Baltimore. That was Rt. 95 and known as the Kennedy Mem. Hwy. Walt + Mary Jane live in a beautiful area of Towson – very spacious + comfortable townhouse. She served an Imperial Crabmeat dish with Greek salad, fruit + frozen yogurt. It was delightful. We spent many hours in good conversation + reminiscing before retiring. A delightful day in spite of the hectic drive getting here – a distance of 400 mi. for a nice visit with Mary Jane + Walt L.
7/21/93 Towson
Our day began by driving to Ft. McHenry. We saw a film describing the Battle of Baltimore + the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key. (It became our national anthem in 1931.) Ft. McHenry spans the period from the Amer. Rev. through World War II. It derives its name from McHenry who was sec. of war under Geo. Wash. + John Adams.
We had lunch at Sanders at Loch Raven near the dam, then drove to Hampton to see the mansion + grounds that were originally own by the Ridgely family + are now National historic site. I got my passport book stamped here + at Ft. McHenry.
Dottie + Bill DeG, other AF retired friends came over for dinner. More fun!
7/22/93 Towson/Bristol, Tenn.
It was a beautiful 400 mi. drive today with mild temp. Routes traveled were: 695 to 95 around Baltimore, then 495 to 66 around D.C. South on 66 to 81 which we followed past Front Royal, Strasburg, lunch at Woodstock on to Staunton. We stopped enroute to these places at Manassas (Bull Run) National Battlefield Park + got the passport book stamped and saw a Civil War film. We passed Lexington, home of VMI + Wash. + Lee U. where Robt. E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, Geo. Wash., + Geo. Marshall attended college. We also passed Roanoke before arriving in Bristol where we had dinner at Bristol Choice + stayed overnight at the Ho-Jo Motel. Nice day.
7/23/93 Bristol, Tenn to Atlanta
Left about 7:30 + arrived at Chickamauga/Chattanooga Nat’l Military Park around noon. We traveled Rt. 81, then 40 to Knoxville. The 16 min. film at the park was excellent. We continued driving to Kennesaw Mtn. Nat’l Battlefield Park – Rt. 75. Then we got on 285 + exited at 28 for Fairfield Inn where we spent the night. It was a welcome sight after heavy traffic. We took a swim, then cleaned up for dinner. Ate at Ruby Tuesday’s, then walked thru the mall. Bert bought a hat at Eddie Bauer’s. The interesting plant that has taken over the entire landscape in Ga. is the kudzu.
7/24/93 Atlanta/Pensacola
After an hour + a half drive to Calloway Gardens on Rt. 85 South, we spent about 4 hrs. touring the beautiful gardens: the horticultural center, the chapel, the log cabin, butterfly house + Mr. Cason’s veg. garden. It was a hot day + although we’d have enjoyed staying for the circus act + water show, felt we’d better get home. The drive through Montgomery on Rt. 65 + 113 + 29 into Flomaton + into Pensacola on I-10 were very calm -piece of cake. Stopped to get veg. + fruit in Ala. + arrived home around 5 p.m. having added 3775 mi. to the van + visited 13 National Parks. Great trip!
Tuesday, May 4, 1993
8th Combat Cargo Squadron Reunion in Las Vegas (1993)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
Had a trip out west in 1993 for 8th Combat Cargo Grp [Squadron] in Las Vegas. Stopped in Kerrville to see Millie + Tom and on to San Antonio for a visit with Bob, Gen, Linda and Michael.
4/20/93 Pensacola to Vicksburg
Left at 7:15 on I-10 thru Ala. + Miss. to Rt. 12 + 55 north to Vicksburg. Strong winds + steady rain in afternoon. Took 2 hr. self guided (with tape) tour if the National Military Park. In addition to the interesting displays of the tourist museum, U.S.S. Cairo + museum, we were impressed with the numerous birds: hundreds of cardinals, wild canaries + Indigo Buntings. The main idea of this battle was to control the Mississippi R. The huge memorials erected by Illinois who sent 36,000 soldiers to the war + the stately Wis. statue with the eagle on top. Stayed overnight at Quality Inn.
4/21/93 Vicksburg to Ft. Smith, Ark.
We got off early on I-20, then Rt. 65 to Little Rock, then I-40 to Ft. Smith where we spent the night at a very nice Quality Inn. We stopped at the Tourist Inf. Center where we picked up brochures. Bill Clinton is big here + they’re proud of our 42nd Pres. At Russellville we stopped + got wooden candlesticks for Kent + Tamiko’s 5th Anniversary. Lake Providence sign as we entered the town was “Keep L. P. Beautiful – Don’t Litter” + it was a shade worse than poor depressed Wellsville – almost the entire downtown area was boarded up. We ate at Wyatt’s Cafeteria + bought Mike a shirt for his b.d. in the mall.
4/22/93 Ft. Smith – Okla. City
We toured the historic area after breakfast before leaving for Muskogee. There we visited the Five Civilized Tribes Museum + that was interesting learning about the Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw, Cherokee, + Seminole tribes. The Azalea Festival was on + that was a sight to behold in the park – thousands of flowers in bloom – right at their peak!! The drive to Okla City was about 3 hr from there. We spent the evening visiting with Rs + As + had dinner at Harrigand. Wanda + Sam have been friends since the late 50’s + Dodie + Jim were neighbors in Japan. We spent the night at As.
4/23/93 Okla. City – Albuquerque
After a delicious, hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon + eggs, we left for a long journey today. The strong gusty winds we encountered delayed our arrival in Albuquerque. With 70,000 people arriving for an Indian arts + crafts show, finding a motel room was a real challenge. We succeeded in locating a new Days Inn with comfortable accommodations on I-40 West of town. Our pasta dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant was very tasty. I had a spinach lasagna + Bert had a fettucini dish.
4/24/93 Albuquerque - Flagstaff
We got an early start + continued to drive across the state in gusty winds. Stopped to see the Petrified Forest + Painted Desert. We were disquieted seeing how commercialized the Indian villages have become. They even paint their wares on the rocks in front of their stores. This is nature! We tried to get a room reserved for tonight in Kingman but no luck, so we stopped in Flagstaff + loved it. Beautiful city! Had a delicious Mexican dinner at the Green Tree Village across from Days Inn at a place called Salsa Brava. U. Northern Ariz. located here – very nice. We hope to come back here sometime.
4/25/93 Flagstaff – Las Vegas
Got an early start – gas at Williams 1.38 – highest yet. Big breakfast at Denny’s in Kingman. Lots of people there for a trade show + car show. Stopped at Lake Mead National Park for a short time, then on to Las Vegas. Arrived early at Flamingo Hilton + room wasn’t ready. Waited an hour for luggage to get up to the room. Had a social hour + met the folks at the Chablis Room. Afterwards we met again in the hospitality room on the 28th floor for more fun. Betty + Chuck T are our host + Hostess. Retired early – Pacific Time 9:00 p.m. (We’d been on Central + Mtn.)
4/26/93 Las Vegas
We boarded the bus at 9:00 A.M. for our trip to Hoover Dam + Lake Mead. The two hour boat ride and the elevator down to the bottom of the dam were very impressive. The weather was warm, bright + sunny + allowed us to enjoy the day fully. The evening was spent at Lindy’s for dinner + a walk with Jan C afterwards on the glitzy stream – unbelievable show by the lions at Caesar’s Palace + a volcano eruption at the country’s largest hotel, the Mirage. Hospitality at room 28128 with the gang!
4/27/93 Las Vegas
The ladies boarded a bus at 8:30 for a city tour, trip to Liberace’s Museum + lunch at a mall. The afternoon the guys had a business meeting + pictures taking session after touring Nellis AF Base. I took a few pictures of the strip + tried my luck at the 5¢ slot machine. Made a couple bucks, then got dressed for dinner at City Lights dinner theatre. Met at the hospitality room afterwards + bid our good-byes until next year when they’ll come in Sept. to Pensacola. Good group!
4/28/93 Las Vegas – Phoenix
We packed it up today + checked out at 8:00 am. We took Rt. 93 + had long delays through the Joshua National Forest. We stopped at Kingman for breakfast. At Wickenberg we called Doreen + gave her an idea of the time to expect us. What should have been a 6 hr. trip took us 8 hr. We had a nice evening discussing + reminiscing. Hugh wasn’t there as he’d had to make a trip up north. Their home is very lovely. Our meal was delicious + we had a very good night’s sleep.
4/29/93 Phoenix to Tucson
Left Doreen’s after a nice breakfast, picture taking + review of directions to Mary + Bill E’s in Tucson. We stopped to see the Casa Grande National Museum with the huge saguaro cacti + remains of the Hohokam Indians. Coming across the desert area we were impressed with the state flowery tree, the Palo Verde. We found their lovely home after a drive up the mountain + had fun reminiscing + getting acquainted with Bill from Pecos. (Loved having you – Come back soon!!) Our dinner this evening was at Lea’s Mexican restaurant. Flowers to remember are: Mexican Bird of Paradise, Oleanders, Lantana. Cactus: Ocatillo, Saguaro, Prickly Pear, Cholla.
4/30//93 Tucson to Van Horn, Tex.
Had a nice breakfast, said our good-byes to Mary + Bill + left about 8:30. Our first stop was at the Saguaro Nat. Monument just east of Tucson. Before getting back on I-10, we rode over the Old Spanish Trail for a short distance. Going through the Sonoran Desert we saw more of the stately saguaro cactus on the mtn side as well as in the desert. The state tree, Paloverde had mistletoe in the branches. It was a long trip today – passing thru El Paso at the busy rush hr was hectic + we were glad to pull into the newly furnished Best Western in Van Horn for dinner + a good night’s rest.
5/1/93 Van Horn to Kerrville
It was an early drive today to Millie + Tom’s – I-10 all the way – about 370 miles. We stopped in Sonora for lunch at Dairy Queen. We arrived early in Kerrville to see Millie + Tom. Tom drove us all over the area. Had a discussion about the Guadalupe Mtns in the area – the uplifted remnants of an ancient undersea reef. Had a delicious dinner which Millie cooked, then we went to K-Mart looking for an owl or an eagle to scare the birds that are building nests of mud – they’re swallows, we think.
5/2/93 Kerrville
Millie + Tom treated us to a delightful trip to the LBJ Ranch in Johnson City today in their motor home. We saw his restored boyhood home + his reconstructed birthplace house along the Pedernales R. The whole area is covered with wildflowers that Lady Bird can take credit for. We stopped at the Gallery for lunch afterwards in Fredericksburg. Another stop was at Lowes where they purchased an inflated owl to scare the birds away from their porch because of all the muddy nests they make.
5/3/93 Kerrville to San Antonio
We left Millie + Tom’s after a good breakfast + got to Oakwell Farms around 11:00 at Bob + Gen’s in San Antonio. Their apartment is lovely. They took us to lunch at New Braunfels Smokehouse in Alamo Hts. Then we took a tour of Brackenridge Park where we saw a variety of flowers + fish. For dinner we picked up Linda + had some Mexican food at Adelante. We dropped her off, saw their home, talked with Michael, then went for a walk around their area. Watched TV. Northern Exposure was really outstanding.
5/4/93 San Antonio to Baton Rouge
We left Bob + Gen’s about 8:15 + followed I-10 all the way to Baton Rouge. There was a little traffic – the only cities of any size were Houston, which wasn’t as hectic as usual, Lake Charles + Lafayette. When we entered La., we were impressed with the hospitality at the Tourist Info Center, and made a reservation at the Newcourt Inn. It’s very nice – on the west side of Baton Rouge. Our meal that evening was at Sophie’s Buffet at the Holiday Inn. We were impressed + gave the accommodations here a ***!
Had a trip out west in 1993 for 8th Combat Cargo Grp [Squadron] in Las Vegas. Stopped in Kerrville to see Millie + Tom and on to San Antonio for a visit with Bob, Gen, Linda and Michael.
4/20/93 Pensacola to Vicksburg
Left at 7:15 on I-10 thru Ala. + Miss. to Rt. 12 + 55 north to Vicksburg. Strong winds + steady rain in afternoon. Took 2 hr. self guided (with tape) tour if the National Military Park. In addition to the interesting displays of the tourist museum, U.S.S. Cairo + museum, we were impressed with the numerous birds: hundreds of cardinals, wild canaries + Indigo Buntings. The main idea of this battle was to control the Mississippi R. The huge memorials erected by Illinois who sent 36,000 soldiers to the war + the stately Wis. statue with the eagle on top. Stayed overnight at Quality Inn.
4/21/93 Vicksburg to Ft. Smith, Ark.
We got off early on I-20, then Rt. 65 to Little Rock, then I-40 to Ft. Smith where we spent the night at a very nice Quality Inn. We stopped at the Tourist Inf. Center where we picked up brochures. Bill Clinton is big here + they’re proud of our 42nd Pres. At Russellville we stopped + got wooden candlesticks for Kent + Tamiko’s 5th Anniversary. Lake Providence sign as we entered the town was “Keep L. P. Beautiful – Don’t Litter” + it was a shade worse than poor depressed Wellsville – almost the entire downtown area was boarded up. We ate at Wyatt’s Cafeteria + bought Mike a shirt for his b.d. in the mall.
4/22/93 Ft. Smith – Okla. City
We toured the historic area after breakfast before leaving for Muskogee. There we visited the Five Civilized Tribes Museum + that was interesting learning about the Chickasaw, Creek, Choctaw, Cherokee, + Seminole tribes. The Azalea Festival was on + that was a sight to behold in the park – thousands of flowers in bloom – right at their peak!! The drive to Okla City was about 3 hr from there. We spent the evening visiting with Rs + As + had dinner at Harrigand. Wanda + Sam have been friends since the late 50’s + Dodie + Jim were neighbors in Japan. We spent the night at As.
4/23/93 Okla. City – Albuquerque
After a delicious, hearty breakfast of pancakes, bacon + eggs, we left for a long journey today. The strong gusty winds we encountered delayed our arrival in Albuquerque. With 70,000 people arriving for an Indian arts + crafts show, finding a motel room was a real challenge. We succeeded in locating a new Days Inn with comfortable accommodations on I-40 West of town. Our pasta dinner at a nearby Italian restaurant was very tasty. I had a spinach lasagna + Bert had a fettucini dish.
4/24/93 Albuquerque - Flagstaff
We got an early start + continued to drive across the state in gusty winds. Stopped to see the Petrified Forest + Painted Desert. We were disquieted seeing how commercialized the Indian villages have become. They even paint their wares on the rocks in front of their stores. This is nature! We tried to get a room reserved for tonight in Kingman but no luck, so we stopped in Flagstaff + loved it. Beautiful city! Had a delicious Mexican dinner at the Green Tree Village across from Days Inn at a place called Salsa Brava. U. Northern Ariz. located here – very nice. We hope to come back here sometime.
4/25/93 Flagstaff – Las Vegas
Got an early start – gas at Williams 1.38 – highest yet. Big breakfast at Denny’s in Kingman. Lots of people there for a trade show + car show. Stopped at Lake Mead National Park for a short time, then on to Las Vegas. Arrived early at Flamingo Hilton + room wasn’t ready. Waited an hour for luggage to get up to the room. Had a social hour + met the folks at the Chablis Room. Afterwards we met again in the hospitality room on the 28th floor for more fun. Betty + Chuck T are our host + Hostess. Retired early – Pacific Time 9:00 p.m. (We’d been on Central + Mtn.)
4/26/93 Las Vegas
We boarded the bus at 9:00 A.M. for our trip to Hoover Dam + Lake Mead. The two hour boat ride and the elevator down to the bottom of the dam were very impressive. The weather was warm, bright + sunny + allowed us to enjoy the day fully. The evening was spent at Lindy’s for dinner + a walk with Jan C afterwards on the glitzy stream – unbelievable show by the lions at Caesar’s Palace + a volcano eruption at the country’s largest hotel, the Mirage. Hospitality at room 28128 with the gang!
4/27/93 Las Vegas
The ladies boarded a bus at 8:30 for a city tour, trip to Liberace’s Museum + lunch at a mall. The afternoon the guys had a business meeting + pictures taking session after touring Nellis AF Base. I took a few pictures of the strip + tried my luck at the 5¢ slot machine. Made a couple bucks, then got dressed for dinner at City Lights dinner theatre. Met at the hospitality room afterwards + bid our good-byes until next year when they’ll come in Sept. to Pensacola. Good group!
4/28/93 Las Vegas – Phoenix
We packed it up today + checked out at 8:00 am. We took Rt. 93 + had long delays through the Joshua National Forest. We stopped at Kingman for breakfast. At Wickenberg we called Doreen + gave her an idea of the time to expect us. What should have been a 6 hr. trip took us 8 hr. We had a nice evening discussing + reminiscing. Hugh wasn’t there as he’d had to make a trip up north. Their home is very lovely. Our meal was delicious + we had a very good night’s sleep.
4/29/93 Phoenix to Tucson
Left Doreen’s after a nice breakfast, picture taking + review of directions to Mary + Bill E’s in Tucson. We stopped to see the Casa Grande National Museum with the huge saguaro cacti + remains of the Hohokam Indians. Coming across the desert area we were impressed with the state flowery tree, the Palo Verde. We found their lovely home after a drive up the mountain + had fun reminiscing + getting acquainted with Bill from Pecos. (Loved having you – Come back soon!!) Our dinner this evening was at Lea’s Mexican restaurant. Flowers to remember are: Mexican Bird of Paradise, Oleanders, Lantana. Cactus: Ocatillo, Saguaro, Prickly Pear, Cholla.
4/30//93 Tucson to Van Horn, Tex.
Had a nice breakfast, said our good-byes to Mary + Bill + left about 8:30. Our first stop was at the Saguaro Nat. Monument just east of Tucson. Before getting back on I-10, we rode over the Old Spanish Trail for a short distance. Going through the Sonoran Desert we saw more of the stately saguaro cactus on the mtn side as well as in the desert. The state tree, Paloverde had mistletoe in the branches. It was a long trip today – passing thru El Paso at the busy rush hr was hectic + we were glad to pull into the newly furnished Best Western in Van Horn for dinner + a good night’s rest.
5/1/93 Van Horn to Kerrville
It was an early drive today to Millie + Tom’s – I-10 all the way – about 370 miles. We stopped in Sonora for lunch at Dairy Queen. We arrived early in Kerrville to see Millie + Tom. Tom drove us all over the area. Had a discussion about the Guadalupe Mtns in the area – the uplifted remnants of an ancient undersea reef. Had a delicious dinner which Millie cooked, then we went to K-Mart looking for an owl or an eagle to scare the birds that are building nests of mud – they’re swallows, we think.
5/2/93 Kerrville
Millie + Tom treated us to a delightful trip to the LBJ Ranch in Johnson City today in their motor home. We saw his restored boyhood home + his reconstructed birthplace house along the Pedernales R. The whole area is covered with wildflowers that Lady Bird can take credit for. We stopped at the Gallery for lunch afterwards in Fredericksburg. Another stop was at Lowes where they purchased an inflated owl to scare the birds away from their porch because of all the muddy nests they make.
5/3/93 Kerrville to San Antonio
We left Millie + Tom’s after a good breakfast + got to Oakwell Farms around 11:00 at Bob + Gen’s in San Antonio. Their apartment is lovely. They took us to lunch at New Braunfels Smokehouse in Alamo Hts. Then we took a tour of Brackenridge Park where we saw a variety of flowers + fish. For dinner we picked up Linda + had some Mexican food at Adelante. We dropped her off, saw their home, talked with Michael, then went for a walk around their area. Watched TV. Northern Exposure was really outstanding.
5/4/93 San Antonio to Baton Rouge
We left Bob + Gen’s about 8:15 + followed I-10 all the way to Baton Rouge. There was a little traffic – the only cities of any size were Houston, which wasn’t as hectic as usual, Lake Charles + Lafayette. When we entered La., we were impressed with the hospitality at the Tourist Info Center, and made a reservation at the Newcourt Inn. It’s very nice – on the west side of Baton Rouge. Our meal that evening was at Sophie’s Buffet at the Holiday Inn. We were impressed + gave the accommodations here a ***!
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