[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
Because it is Bert's birthday, I'll highlight our events with the 8th Combat Cargo Group [Squadron]. I'm not going to write about every reunion we have had with them because you can read about them in the diary.
9-10-99 Pensacola – Seattle
Our cab arrived on time at 11:30 and we boarded the MD-11 at 12:50 for Atlanta on a full flight. It was very smooth sailing + we went by cart to our departure for Seattle using the escalator + train amid masses of people. The plane was waiting for us + we left at 4:00 on the 757. That’s 3:00 our time, so we set our watches back two hours for Pacific time, arriving at approx. 7 pm – another good flight with very accommodating attendants – even made me a glass of iced tea! The meal was delicious – I had steak + Bert had chicken. Good fare for Delta.
We caught the Express bus to the Best Western Executive Inn + got a birds-eye view of the city on our half hour ride to the hotel.
We had a message from Bill W to come to the hospitality room + there we greeted the Cs, Van Hs, and had a nice visit + a night cap before retiring in our room across the hall for a good night’s sleep.
Glad to be here!
9/11/1999
Happy Birthday, Bert! What a beautiful day to celebrate. We were up early to catch the Victoria Clipper to Victoria at 8:30. It was a smooth two hour trip on a fast moving catamaran which is the fastest ship of its kind in the country – North America. We had a tour of this incredibly beautiful city with the highlight of the trip to the lovely Butchart Gardens. Our bus driver was a knowledgeable young guy with a great sense of humor. We had several hours to tour the gardens, then we boarded the bus for another hour’s tour + then had some time to take in the sights. We were pretty tired at this point, so found a comfortable restaurant where the eight of us enjoyed a light meal at the Spaghetti House Factory. Our return trip to Seattle was smooth sailing + we arrived back at the hotel about 8:30. We left the Cs + Van Hs + walked to McDonalds for a snack, then retired after another full day. What fun!!!
9-12-99 Seattle
Had breakfast downstairs in the dining room + then took a cab to the First Presbyterian Church with Peg Van H, Doris W, + Frank P. The title of the sermon was "Faith Is a Calling" [as in the prophetic call to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1-18] + the minister, Rev. H made us write this message "A disciple is a person moving from belief to faith." When God speaks, then faith begins, and the scriptures are from 1 Sam 3:1-18, Mark 3:13-19, John 7:37-38, + 1 Pet. 2:9-10.
We had such a large breakfast, we skipped lunch, then practiced our skit for Tues. night. The Hospitality Room was open at 4 o’clock + most of the people were there to greet each other. Our buffet meal was outstanding with every imaginable choice of fruit, vegetables, cheeses – crackers, chicken, ham + breads. The bar was open + everyone was happy seeing each other + no one in the group was “over indulged”!
The gals – all 12 of us – gathered round the table to play cards. The cost is 15¢ to play + we played at least an hr. + a half – fun!
Retired after another full day to get ready for a city tour tomorrow.
The kids sent Bert E-mail birthday messages - cute!
9-13-99 Seattle
Our morning began at 9 am for a 3 hour tour of the city. Well first we had a delicious breakfast at 7 am in the hotel, so we were all set for the complete tour of beautiful scenic Seattle today. The highlight was the Pike Place Market. We also enjoyed seeing the Magnolia + Queen Anne Hill areas of gorgeous homes complete with manicured lawns, gorgeous flowers and sculptured plants/shrubs. These areas had a variety of deciduous trees as well as an abundance of Douglas firs. We crossed the floating bridge into the Bellevue area + back across another bridge.
In the afternoon, Bert and I took the monorail to the shopping area then on down the hill to see the rest of the city + the market. It comprises acres of fresh produce, flowers, bakeries, boutiques, galleries, arts + craft booths. We had grilled tuna salad sandwiches that were delicious at Cutters Bayhouse along the waterfront – lovely.
Cards in the evening with the gals completed another complete day!
9-14-99 Seattle
We packed as much into this final day as possible. We kept our eyes on the weather channel tracking as Hurricane Floyd is threatening the east coast of Fl. + we wanted to make sure Kents are okay.
We spent the morning at the aquarium with the Van Hs. We enjoyed that + it was a special treat seeing the divers go into the tanks to feed the fresh + salt water fish.
In the afternoon we went to the Science Museum what a treat. The Butterfly House was outstanding. The cocoons are shipped from Malaysia, Philippines, + Cost Rica + they cost $3 each in shipments of 500 every two weeks.
We spent the evening bidding farewell to all our 8th Combat buddies after dinner as the festivities are over! We surprised the guests with our performance by the 8th Combat Song – Doris W + her daughter, Nancy, Jan C, + Peg Van H. I accompanied them on the melodien. Fun evening. Full day! Good-bye! Farewell!!
9-15-99 Seattle - Pensacola
The Shuttle Express picked us up at 7:00 + got us to the airport at 7:30 for our flight home.
We boarded the huge 767 at 8:25 + were airborn at 8:35. Had a good warm breakfast, made great time to Atlanta in beautiful weather, and arrived in Atlanta at 4:05 Eastern Time. The train got us over to Gate B in time for a 15 min. breather before boarding our flight to Pensacola at 5:30 + we landed in Pensacola at 5:35 (Central Time).
That dear friend Dick L surprised is by meeting us as we’d planned to call Jim Y because this is choir practice night. Dick + Shirley made it on time for church [for choir practice]. Great friends!
We called Mike + Kent + everyone is at home safe + sound from Hurricane Floyd. Gracias!
Retired early after a wonderful trip!!
Wednesday, September 15, 1999
Thursday, June 10, 1999
Lewis and Clark Trail (1999)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
On Ryan's recommdation, we’ve decided to follow the Lewis and Clark Trail to his h. s. graduation in Bellingham, Wash. We traveled 445 miles the first day and all went well.
5-20-99 Pensacola - Nashville
Today we began the first leg of our 6500 mi. road trip following the Lewis & Clark route. We were blessed with beautiful weather + got an early 7 am start following the usual routes to Montgomery + Birmingham via Rt. 65, then on to Nashville – an eight hour drive where we stopped just a few miles south of Nashville at Brentwood.
Our accommodations at the Mainstay Suites was better than we expected. After a confusing up-to-date check-in via computer, then the assistance of a desk clerk, we found a very desirable room awaiting us. Just one year old, it had the latest in furnishings including all new appliances, sofa bed, desk + double bed – very attractive in a maroon, rose + green décor.
We utilized the pool + had it all to ourselves. After a warm shower, we ate at a new O’Charley’s Restaurant + since it was the only real meal today, we feasted on home made rolls, chicken + salad.
The day couldn’t have been more perfect! Mileage today – 445 miles
5-21-99 Nashville - St Louis
Replacing people with computers isn’t always effective! No one appeared at breakfast to prepare tea/coffee + to check out persons leaving when the computer wasn’t doing the job. However, if having no hot beverage is the only snag on this trip, I won’t complain! The other accommodations here were excellent + I could highly recommend it.
We got on the road at 7:30 + enjoyed the leisure drive once we got out of Nashville. Rt. 24 to Paducah, Ky. was scenic especially the lake areas at the Tenn./Ky. border. Fields of brilliant red poppies were a joyful sight.
I had a hard time convincing Bert we were on the right route at the Ky./Ill. border when we had to exit onto Rt. 57 to Mt. Vernon. We stopped here for gas + had a bite to eat at Fazoli’s.
Stopping at the Gateway Arch was interesting seeing the Lewis + Clark exhibits underneath the arch at the Museum of Westward Expansion. The exhibits are presented in concentric semicircles that represent interactive time lines. The trail began here at the arch.
We didn’t take time to take the ride to the top of the arch as there was a line of students waiting to get tickets. We opted for a tour of the Lewis + Clark Center in St. Charles, about 20 miles west on Rt. 70.
We had a difficult time finding it as it was located in a large bldg. on Riverside Dr. + poorly marked. It was interesting to see the artifacts of these two brave men + all the others who accompanied them on this arduous two year journey from 1804-1806. There were some 40 other brave souls who made the trip as well. (More about that as we pursue their route to the West.)
Our reservation to the Best Western Country Inn in St. Charles was a challenge trying to locate it but at last we found it tucked away on a service road off I-70 + it felt good to be “home” for another day’s trek of 350 miles.
We walked across the road to Judd’s for barbecue - it was good – very satisfying.
5-22-99 St Louis - Kansas City
We had an excellent breakfast of fruit, cereal, juice + coffee + were on our way at 8 am for K.C. Rt. 70 had more bumps than we needed so we detoured to Jefferson City and toured the capital.
The history of the state was nicely displayed with pictures of prominent people as well as dioramas of the diversified land. Very impressive.
We arrived in K.C. shortly after 2 pm + parked in the downtown Crown Center garage. We visited the impressive Hallmark Visitors Center. We watched a technician making dies, saw Keepsake ornaments for the past 23 years, saw memorabilia from more than 80 years of history + saw a 13 min. video before going next door to the Kaleidoscope bldg. Here we saw children, ages 5-12 creating all kinds of art work of various media.
We drove through a maze of routes reaching Best Western Country Inn near the K.C. International Airport.
Had a nice chat with Chilly + Dot C + ate dinner at the Holiday Inn. Mileage today nearly 300 mi. 1087 mi since leaving home.
5-23-99 Kansas City - Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
The mileage now reads 1083 + we’ve had no problems weather wise so we can relax a bit today as there are no big cities or traffic jams to comtemplate for today.
We started out about 8 am after a somewhat meager breakfast for a 3 star AAA motel. For a fairly new motel, it was poorly staffed + falling apart, but we’ll move on + not let that spoil our trip.
There weren’t many routes to remember, just the exits for rest areas + places we stopped to sight see. There was not much to see today so we just moseyed along on Route 29 from Mo. – Neb. - Iowa + S. Dak.
Our first stop was at the Lewis + Clark State Park just south of St. Joseph, Mo. It was a very attractive camping area on the Missouri River with a well built shelter constructed by the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] in the 1930s. People were very relaxed fishing in the peaceful environment.
We meandered along the Missouri R. into Nebraska driving through Omaha + into Council Bluffs, Iowa. St. Jo is known for the starting point of the Pony Express to Calif. + is an important grain + livestock center.
Council Bluffs faces Omaha across the Missouri R. + the first transcontinental railroad started here.
Omaha boomed from the westward expansion + is now one of the Midwest’s larger lifestock markets.
The most interesting part of the trip today was the Squaw Creek Nat. Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, Mo. There we saw red winged blackbirds, swallows that nest on banks in the water, rass ducks, cormorants, snow geese + nesting boxes for wood ducks. This was a 10 mile trip @ 25 mph + well worth the detour.
We stopped at the Iowa State Lewis + Clark State Park + saw a replica of the keelboat that they used on the Missouri R. This was located in Onawa, Iowa.
After passing Sioux City, we stopped at the S. Dak. Welcome Center + got a lot of maps + info for our trip tomorrow.
We sped at the 75 mph speed limit all the way into Sioux Falls, arriving at 5 pm. Wonderful meal + accommodations. I’m tired and off to bed!!
The restaurant where we ate last night was the Timber Lake Steak House, highly recommended + we ordered steak + chicken. Well, mine was just an ordinary piece of sirloin on a kibob, but the soup was out of this world. It was a wild rice concoction with tiny bits of ham. So delicious I’ll never be able to duplicate so I won’t try. Their prices were a little high, but the atmosphere was attractive + we enjoyed it after the long day’s drive.
Our room at the Best Western Empire Tower was lovely + we enjoyed a swim before dinner. The motel lived up to the 3 star rating.
Bert tried to send messages out but couldn’t connect on the Internet.
We had a great day. The mileage now is 1506.
5-24-99 Sioux Falls, S. Dak. - Bismarck, N. Dak.
Our breakfast was complete with cereal, banana, skim milk, muffin + juice + coffee. We slept in a little longer + didn’t get away as early as usual: 8:30.
It was another bright + sunny day + we stopped at the amazing corn palace in Mitchelle. This is a fanciful Moorish-style building covered with patterns created from various natural shades of corn + outlined with grasses + grain. It’s redesigned annually.
From there we continued on Rt. 90 to Chamberlain where we stopped at the Visitor’s Center.
We continued along following the scenic Missouri R. route of rich farm land, rolling hills, large herds of cattle + and never have I seen the sky bluer or the grass greener.
We followed the Lewis + Clark H’way signs + took a 4 mi. dirt road to the river – one of the sites where they landed.
Mid-afternoon we made a phone call in Pierre (Peer), the capital to make our reservation for tonight at the Comfort Inn in Bismarck.
This was an especially long day of driving with beautiful scenery. The only glitch was our clothes pole broke + all the clothes that were neatly hung spilled.
When we drove into the motel, we partially unloaded, then Bert took off to the hardware store + I took off for the pool.
We opted for carry out food tonight as we wanted to see the last segment of “Mad About You.” It was just O.K.
Our room is very comfortable + very reasonably priced.
We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s tour of the capital.
P.S. On the 4 mi. dirt road to the river we met a young calf on the road who eyeballed us. As soon as I got my camera out, he darted across the road. However I did manage to get a good shot of a mother cow with her calf crossing the dirt road. That made my day.
5-25-99 Bismarck, N. Dak. - Miles City, Mont.
This was a super motel + excellent breakfast. So much to see here! Our first stop today was at 8 am at the capitol bldg.
Tony our guide gave us a tour of this 19th story “skyscraper” – one of a kind. It is an Art Deco design + houses the Supreme Court + legislative chambers. All the state offices are housed in this one building. It is made of white limestone on a black granite base. An observation deck on the 18th floor gave us an unbelievable view on this beautiful sunny day. Supposedly we could see for 35 miles. The bronze statue of Sacajawea here was worthy of a snapshot.
Then we drove to Mandan + visited the Fort Abe Lincoln Park where we took pictures of the Earth Mounds built by the Mandan Indians.
The ruins of an On-a-Slant Village are here + a museum telling of the fur trade + effect of the homesteading era had on the area. Custer’s infantry + cavalry bldgs. are replicated here also.
We decided on going back to Bismarck as we’d heard so much about the Lewis + Clark Interpretive Museum at Washburn, we had to forego our plans to make Billings our stop for tonight. Are we glad we decided to take the time to drive north about 30 mi. to see it. Everything was so well displayed about all you’d ever want to know about these two courageous men was there - hands on materials, paintings, relics, maps, etc. When these men + their party came to this area on the Missouri R., Lewis and Clark stayed here four months, then returned here on their way back from the Pacific O. An amusing incident was reading about the medicines they took. Lewis administered (prescribed) Dr. Rush’s “thunder-clapper’s” prescription for practically everything + Lewis took 50 dozen of these pills with them.
We took county road west, then south to Dickinson where we picked up Rt. 94 again + made a reservation for tonight’s lodging at miles City, Mont. We still had several hundred miles to drive, but the scenery was exquisite + the 75 mph speed limit got us here in time for a nice swim at the Best Western War Bonnet Inn + a prime rib dinner at a local family restaurant. We drove 400 miles today.
5-26-99 Miles City, Mont. – Bozeman
The mileage as we drove in to the War Bonnet Inn (Best Western) was 2,338 miles. When we checked in to the Western Heritage Inn at 6:30 this evening, the mileage read 2867, so you can see we put in a full day on the road.
First of all, we decided the van needed a lube + bath, so while he van was being cared for at Wal-Mart, we outfitted ourselves in new jeans as this is the Western wear + it’s all we’ve had on for the past few days.
Since we changed our itinerary today, we decided to get off the interstate today + drive state rt. 59 to Jordan + up Rt. 87 to Great Falls. What a treat. It was marvelous country + we saw many different types of terrain from prairie to snow capped mountains. Quite a few antelope were spotted as well as magpies, deer, horses, cattle + Bert even saw a coyote! Miles + miles of sagebrush + grass land were seen for miles + miles. (Redundant – sorry!)
At Great Falls we had a time finding the Visitors Center because of detours, but when we located it, it was worthwhile as the lady there was very helpful.
She gave us directions + a map of the location where Lewis + Clark portaged. We went to the Black Eagle Falls Overlook. Giant Springs, the world’s shortest river (Roe), + the Rainbow Falls Overlook. This is the area where L+C + group nearly perished after a violent rain + hailstorm + were nearly swept into a deep ravine.
After we left the falls, we took Rt. 15 down to Helena, the capital, then Bozeman, + it was the most spectacular drive I’ve ever taken through the Helena National Forest. It’s a combination of sagebrush, bunch grass to douglas fir, lodgepole pine + spruce with the beautiful Missouri R. meandering through it. Just beautiful.
We checked in at the motel. I used the whirlpool (too much chlorine), + steam room. We showered + had dinner at the 4B restaurant.
This was a full day – 10 hrs. on the road + over 500 miles, but just great – very fulfilling.
5-27-99 Bozeman – Missoula
Our accommodations at the Western Heritage Inn were quite nice. In the lobby + breakfast area we had a rustic décor with stuffed animals on the wall: a Kodiak bear, caribou, elk + deer.
The first stop was to tour MSU [Montana State University] where Ryan will be a freshman in Aug. We were impressed with the attractive bldgs. + took some pictures.
We stopped at the County Market + bought apples for our daily lunch. Then I made a reservation for a room this evening at the Bel-Air Motel in Missoula.
We stopped at AAA for maps + then drove to at Three Forks + took pictures of the Madison, Jefferson, + Gallatin Rivers which form the Missouri R. + this is the Headwater where the Missouri begins.
Lewis + Clark camped here + the park shows pictures, which we took, of their landing. This was the home of Sacajawea where she as a Shoshone was kidnapped by the Minnetaree Indians; later she married the fur trader Charboneau + went along with Lewis + Clark + was quite an asset to the expedition!
Our next stop was at the Berkeley Open Pot Copper Mine at Butte. From there we traveled to Missoula on I-90, a distance of about 85 miles + got here mid afternoon in time to do laundry + take a swim in the indoor pool.
We’ve now driven 3,096 miles + the couple in the room next to us at the Bel-Air Motel came from Pensacola where they were attending the Brownsville Assembly of God. Small world!
After our swim we got cleaned up + found an interesting Old World Cooking type restaurant. It’s the Perugia + tonight they featured Greek food in addition to Italian menu. Bert had lasagna which he said was not your typical Sam’s. Mine was Greek: Pastitso (Pasta + Veal Casserole) Moussaka, Eggplant + Lamb, Cypriot sausage + Sweet Spiced Rice – Delicious.
Bert sent E-mail messages while I made motel reservation at Comfort Inn in Walla Walla, Wash. for tomorrow.
Nice relaxing day.
5-28-99 Missoula, Mont. - Walla Walla, Wash.
The mileage starting out today is 3100. We had to eat at McDonalds as the motel office wasn’t opened. The Bel Air is definitely not a AAA facility + should be removed from their list of accredited motels.
Our day was perfect otherwise. We bought apples, our daily lunch, at Safeway + began the beautiful Lolo Pass Drive through the beautiful Clearwater National Forest. We followed the Selway River to Lowe R, Idaho, stopped at the ranger’s station + learned about the paving of the highway in ’62, and observed white water rafting on the rough Locksa. The lady here at the Powel Ranger Station told us that $2 million dollars was the cost in ’57 appropriated for paving this road + it was Sen. Gore (Al’s father) who was instrumental in passing this bill.
We took pictures of the numerous places L+C + company landed + there are a lot of plaques that tell their story of the hardship Lewis + Clark endured especially going over the mountains to reach the coast.
*Fish hatchery at Orofino, Ida.
The scenery all along Lolo Pass is splendid, good highway, interesting towns, changes in elevation, winding roads, rough water, etc.
We stopped at the Nez Perce National Historic Park at Kamiah, ID + the museum had a lot of artifacts + saw a 23-minute film which was interesting. Although the Nez Perce Nation lost alot of territory because of an unfair settlement, they were very friendly with Lewis + Clark because they were kind to the Nez Perce + established a good relationship with them. The man who was narrating the filmed praised them (L+C) for helping them.
After passing Lewiston, Ida., the highway was less winding + we made better time. All told it was a long drive, but well worth it. We drove over 380 mile + it took us about nine hrs because of all the stops.
Our motel is beautiful accommodations a *** Comfort Inn – gorgeous roses – indoor pool + whirlpool + cookies + coffee in the lobby. Only problem - Bert couldn’t get on the Internet!
Had a delicious dinner at Jacob’s across the way. Jared Jones, quarterback at FSU [Florida State University] was our Server in Walla Walla, Wash. Small world.
5-29-99 Walla Walla - Portland
We left the beautiful Comfort Inn at 8:30 + the mileage was 3422. We took Rt. 11 through the Umatilla Indian Reservation. After that, + kept going west because there weren’t any historical markings, we drove on through Pendleton on Rt. 84. The mill was closed since it’s Sat. so we couldn’t take a tour. On through beautiful rolling hills – foothills of the Cascades into Ore. shortly after leaving Walla Walla.
Our next stop was The Dalles where the Columbia River narrows here + the French christened it “les dalles,” meaning “the trough” + Lewis + Clark described it as “the great Indian mart of this country.” The Columbia Gorge is beyond words – it’s breathtakingly beautiful here. We took the train out to the lock + dam + watched the salmon, shad + sturgeon climbing the ladders enroute to the Pacific where they spawn, then die, ending the cycle.
On the Hood River, north of the Columbia, we saw many wind surfers going at a rapid pace. Along our route were beautiful tall Douglas firs from the peaks to the highway + large numbers of forsythias were mixed in between. What a beautiful sight – the bright yellows with the tall pines. All along this scenic route was the majestic Mount Hood looking over the whole area – Mt Hood National Forest.
We were still on the Lewis + Clark Trail + stopped at the L+C State Park to take pictures. One plaque said "They loved salmon + stayed awhile." The salmon do swim up to this area + we saw one that a couple caught + they said it weighed about 18#.
This being Memorial Day weekend, rooms were hard to find + the prices are high. Gas is $1.59 gal. We found a nice comfortable beautifully furnished **Best Western + after dinner we decided it was a full day! The Fortniter suite was so nice; the owner was so helpful that it should be rated ***. Their suggestion to try Steamers for dinner was excellent - an attractive, roomy place with stained glass windows + oriental rugs. Good choice.
May 30, Portland, Ore. - McChord AFB
The mileage is now 3685. We began touring Portland about 9 am after a very complete + satisfying breakfast.
We had to leave the Lewis + Clark trail here as we had lots to see + we didn’t want to be on the road too long. So we said “adieu” at the Columbia + bid these two brave men on to the Pacific Ocean + the Clatsops where they were well fed before they prepared for their return trip home.
After viewing the beautiful Rose Garden in Peninsula Park, which is one of the largest sunken gardens in America, we wandered around for what seemed to be hours before finding the fabulous Japanese Gardens.
Are we ever glad we found it because we never saw anything as beautiful anywhere in Japan during our three year tour in ’65-’68. We toured for over an hour with a guide who explained the differences in the five traditional styles of gardens, a Japanese tea house + a pavilion that opens onto a view of Portland + the mountains surrounding the city.
It wasn’t too late to take a trip up the mountain to see the famous Mt St Helens that erupted violently in 1982. More than 1300 feet of the mountain’s top cascaded into the Toutle River Valley below destroying 150,000 square acres of forest + killing everything above ground. Fifty-seven people perished. Now the land blooms again + fish swim in the rivers + lakes.
We saw an excellent 15 min. film at the Interpretive Center which was about 5 miles from Hwy 5, then to get a closer look, we drove another 40 miles on SR504 because it was a gorgeous day + the highway was good. Were we glad we took the extra time to view the spectacular sight because we were within 4 miles of it! We would’ve liked to stay longer but had to move on.
Tonight’s lodging was more than we expected at McChord AF Base in Tacoma - beyond words. We got the key to a beautifully furnished apartment: living room with TV, VCR, desk for computer, dining area, kitchen (new appliances), new bath – double sink, + bed with huge closet, another TV + VCR. I think we’ll stay! Oh, yes – TV dinners, frozen breakfast meals in frig, so we’ll eat here. A great day! Mileage: 3941.
5-31-99 McChord AFBase, Wash. – Whidbey Island
We left our lovely Airey Suite of the Evergreens Inn after making breakfast in the microwave, doing some laundry, ironing + packing + checking out at 11:30. We picked up a few items at the BX, then headed north on Rt. 5 in a drizzling rain. By the time we got to Seattle the windshield wipers were going full speed. At the Mount Vernon exit we left rt. 5 and drove approximately 20 miles toward Whidbey Island. The rain stopped + the sun was shining brightly. We passed the beautiful Deception Pass State Park + the 182 ft high bridge over swirling waters. The name “deception” comes from the explorer, George Vancouver, who thought Whidbey was merely a peninsula rather than an island. There are a lot of birds in the area, but it’s quite windy so we’ll look for them tomorrow on our way to Vancouver.
There’s not much to report here. We’re happy to have a nice clean room for the night at the BOQ – nothing fancy. As we came back from dinner at McDonald's, we parked next to a naval officer from Pensacola! We agreed we’d rather have the hot humid weather there than this fierce north wind!!
6-1-99 Whidbey Island, Wash. - Vancouver, B.C.
We started out this morning in a drizzling rain in Oak Harbor + as we approached Rt. 5 going toward Bellingham, it was raining hard. We stopped at the Travelodge + confirmed our reservations for Mike + Donna + us for later in the week. We called Ryan + Leslie + left a message that we would see them Thurs.
It was a short drive to Vancouver + we stopped at the Tourist Information Center to check on reservations for tonight + tomorrow night. The girl there was very helpful in directing us to an area accessible to downtown for motels less than an arm and a leg. She also gave us good directions for finding this place as well as directions to a Chev. garage. Unfortunately the hook broke that holds the clothes rod + we have to get a replacement tomorrow – hopefully.
We checked into nice clean comfortable Quality Inn in a multi-national neighborhood about 2:00 pm., got a bite to eat after unloading everything in the van + started out driving in the rain to find Stanley Park.
It was raining pretty hard when we left the motel, so I didn’t bother taking my camera. What a mistake this was! It’s a good thing we decided to stay here another day because we wanted to get some pictures of the beautiful gardens. When we stopped at the Tea House restaurant to take in the view, the view of the Strait of Georgia was spectacular.
We came back to the motel, looked over our travel brochures + decided we drive to Grouse Mtn. tomorrow for an overview of the area.
Dinner was downstairs at the Jaguar restaurant where we had shrimp stir fry (me) + Monte Cristo + salad for Bert.
We’re anxious to see more of this international city + look forward to our travels tomorrow!
6-2-99 Vancouver
This was an unusually beautiful day, unlike yesterday when it was cold, windy + rainy. We took advantage of the weather to go sightseeing.
First we had to go to the Chev. dealer to have the part replaced on the van that broke. This was a relatively simple procedure + took just a few minutes to install once the part was located. Now we can hang up our clothes even though it cost us an arm and a leg. Chev. you’ll hear from us!!
By 10:30 we were on our way to Grouse Mountain. From downtown we followed Georgia St. westbound through Stanley Park across Lion’s Gate Bridge + on to Capilano. We didn’t stop at the Suspension Bridge as it was too scary. The scenery in the northern part of Vancouver is even more beautiful than the brochures + well worth a trip to the mountains.
We rode the tram a distance of 3700 ft. to the top of the mountain. It was fun walking in the snow + taking pictures. Theatre in the Sky was the video that was excellent. We got a panoramic view of all the city, took more pictures and saw everything we tried to see yesterday.
We circled the city trying to find different locations on the map. I made some bad calls, but so did Bert, so we just blamed the poor map makers!
The area where we are staying is in Burnaby + it’s located near the Metro so people who commute are not dependent on cars. Good! If we would be here for longer we’d use this means of transportation rather than battle the traffic.
We made a trip to Safeway next door + bought our supply of fruit.
Had dinner again at Jaquar’s next door as it’s so convenient.
Bert has been so frustrated trying to get on line for two days. After numerous phone calls, he did get connected + it was so good to get + Bert was so happy to finally get online + send out messages to family + friends. It was a good ending for a full day.
The mileage is now 4,324 miles.
6-3-99 Vancouver – Bellingham
We packed up and checked out around 9:00 a.m. and it was just 25 miles to the U.S. border + another 24 miles to Bellingham. We took 91A across the Fraser River + onto the States via Rt. 91 – a beautiful day + a beautiful drive. It was early when we got into the area, so we took a drive along the Birch Bay area + stopped at a Family Medical Clinic + made an appointment to see a doctor to check my thumbs this afternoon.
Since our room was ready, we checked into the Travelodge + it appears to be acceptable for our three days in Bellingham for Ryan's graduation.
This afternoon we drove up to a quaint little city called Lynden. I saw a doctor who looked at my thumbs + advised me to keep them hot + dry, + to see my doctor when I get back home. He was an Ohio State graduate + very personable, Dr. Jeff Ries.
Ryan came over + picked us up and we went to his place for dinner. They had a wonderful meal for us: grilled salmon, rice, and salad. It was very good and we had a nice visit with Leslie and Sam.
The awards assembly at Schome High School was very interesting. Many students were honored in various categories. Ryan received a scholarship to Montana State in Bozeman + we’re so proud of him! At the end of the awards, the students + faculty gave a cheer: “Sun, sun, sun” as that’s what everyone is praying for tomorrow as it will be much nicer having graduation outside. We’ll see.
They served refreshments afterwards, and Ryan introduced us to all his close friends. We were so glad + really impressed with all these such nice kids and their enthusiasm for pursuing further education.
6-4-99 Bellingham
We drove over to a pretty little community called Fairhaven + saw the station + the rose garden. You can catch the Alaska ferries here. We drove along the scenic Chuckanaut Dr. + on a clear day you can see the San Juan Islands, but it was cloudy + misty, so we didn’t take any pictures. There were magnificent views of Puget Sound.
After a trip to the local supermarket, where we bought fruit, we took another drive along Lake Whatcom Blvd. where we saw the beautiful falls + lake. We stopped at the fisheries there + saw huge tanks of cold water fish – trout, salmon + char.
We made a reservation for lodging tomorrow night at Moses Lake Travelodge.
Donna + Mike drove in about 2:00 from their long flight from Seattle, so we let them rest a couple hours.
Ryan came over at 5:30 + took us to the Marina for a wonderful meal of seafood + salad.
Ryan invited us to go to his friends’ graduation parties. What beautiful homes! Tyler is a friend who, with his date, went to the prom with Ryan + his date. His parents had quite a spread + they live on Lake Whatcom. We stayed for about an hour there + I thought we were coming back to the motel. Instead, we went to another party on the south side of the lake. We had met Sarah the night before at the Awards Assembly. She’s a beautiful girl + was Ryan’s date for the prom. We socialized a little while with more nice people + tried to eat more wonderful food, but were too full.
Another rainy day - we had to don raincoats all day, but these folks are used to it, + just take it for granted that it’s typical Wash. weather. In spite of the inconvenience, we had a wonderful day.
6-5-99 Bellingham - Moses Lake
This morning we did laundry, packed + checked out. Donna + Mike joined us + we went over to Leslie's for brunch. It was lovely. We met more of Ryan's friends. Since we had to be over at the school at 11:30 to park for the graduation, we said our good-byes there. It is a good thing as there was no way to find Ryan in a crowd of over 3,000 people there after graduation.
We were really impressed with all the speakers, especially Nick Stevens, the class president + the principal + superintendent.
There were over 300 graduates + Ryan sat in a row nearest us + we sat in the 10th row of the bleachers with Mike and Donna and could see Ryan + had a good view of the whole class. The convocation was held in the W. Wash. U. auditorium because of rain. (It was another rainy + breezy day!)
The Schome Mariners is a great school + this was not only a highlight of the seniors’ year, but a highlight of our entire trip!
We left for Moses Lake at 5 o’clock + arrived here at 9:30. It was just beginning to get dark. It’s out on the prairie land + coming into town we saw all the crops grown here as the names are printed on the fences. Sweet corn, field corn, wheat, hay, alfalfa, sugar beets, oats + potatoes are grown here due to their irrigation system. Otherwise it would just have been miles + miles of sagebrush.
As we followed Rt. 5, 405, + 90 these are the areas we passed: the Sgagit River, Wenatchee National Forest, outskirts of Seattle, Lake Sammanish, Snoqualmie National Forest, + Ellensberg. This latter place is where the Wenatchee, Nez Perce, + Yakama Indians hunted + fished peacefully. The Yakama River runs along the highway and the Columbia is also here in the Ellensberg area. The whole trip through the Cascades was beautiful + we saw a huge brilliant rainbow + another one that was muted.
The mileage is now 4725.
6-6-99 Moses Lake - Bozeman, Mont.
Breakfast this morning wasn’t the usual fare. This Travelodge was adequate – clean bed + shower but no breakfast included. At 5 am Sporty's Bar was opened for business. The "good old boys" rolled in, took their cups + the waitress rolled dice to see if she paid or they coughed up their 75 cents. The food was good + we never complained that everyone was smoking including the gal who served us. I’ve never heard so much laughter at 5:45.
We kept moving east by 7:15 but since we had a time change, we moved up the clock an hour. We drove 8-1/2 hours today + made good time considering the fact that we had a lot of rain + mountains to deal with.
We saw more beautiful country to Spokane, then on to Coeur d’Alene + the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. We had the time change from Pacific to Mountain in this area. We traveled I-90 past the Clark Fork + the Lolo National Forest. We didn’t drive over the scenic Lolo Pass as we did that on our way out to the coast.
We continued on I-90 through Missoula, where we stayed enroute west, and passed through the beautiful Deerlodge National Forest. At Butte we passed the Continental Divide and at Three Forks we saw the Missouri Headwaters again where the three rivers, Jefferson, Madison, + Gallatin come together + the Missouri River begins. This confluence was documented by Lewis + Clark on their trip to the Pacific in 1805.
We reached our motel, the Western Heritage Inn, early + it was good to have dome “free time.” This is where we stayed on our way out. It’s clean, safe + comfortable. Bert was able to log on while I took a long relaxing “bath” in the spa area – whirlpool + steam room. It helped clear the sinuses!!
We ate a nice meal at Fuddruckers before retiring early.
Mileage is now 5,235.
6-7-99 Bozeman, Mont. - Rapid City, S. Dak. (Wall, S. Dak.)
Mileage – 5,818
This was a long trip today but we saw beautiful scenery again, and we learned it pays to have a reservation. We took a chance that we’d be able to stay at the base in Rapid City; well, the BOQ was filled when we arrived. We made a few phone calls in Rapid City to no avail. We enjoyed seeing all the planes + activity at Ellsworth AFB. We drove another 43 miles to Wall where we checked in to a new *** Best Western at 6:00 pm – not too bad!
We left Bozeman in the rain at 39 degrees which was par for the course. We drove through the Gallatin National Forest + followed the Yellowstone River through Billings. We drove through the Crow Indian Reservation + at Exit 510 we decided to take a break + checked out the Crow Casino. We gave the Indians 50 cents, used the restroom, took a picture of the Casino + the little white church adjacent to it.
We headed east on I-90, followed the Bighorn River into Wyo. + the Bighorn National Forest. Sheridan is the largest city in Northern Wyo. + the town was once the heart of the Indian wars. Next city we passed was Buffalo which is a ranching town at the foot of the Bighorn Mtns. Its early days were not so friendly: many battles with the Sioux + Cheyenne Indians + the Johnson County War between ranchers + farmers took place in the vicinity.
We’re now in the Black Hills area of S. Dak. + there are many tourists here from all over the country. We’ve been here before with Kent + Mike so we didn’t stop at Mt. Rushmore Nat’l Monument or do any of the other tourist attractions.
A note about Wall, S. Dak. This place has been known for years as a tourist stop which started as a drug store in 1909. There is a block long Wall Drug Store with all kinds of shops in it + Main Street still has many buildings constructed during the days of western expansion. The ruts made by the wagons that carried prospectors + their supplies to the goldfields of the Black Hills are still visible on the nearby prairies. We’ve already been to the Badlands so we’ll forego that trip + we are moving on east.
6-8-99 Wall, S. Dak. - St Joe, Mo.
This was a long day today – 600 miles + 10 hrs of driving. We left at 7:15, but we set our clocks ahead to 8:15 as we go into Central Time at Murdo, S. Dak.
We passed the Black Hills area, the name given for the thick pine forest covering the slopes. The Lakota Sioux sought guidance from their ancestors here. Mining is still important in the area.
We followed the Missouri river to Chamberlain. This is the demarcation line between the corn + grain area to the east + cattle country to the western part of the state.
We passed through Sioux Falls, S. Dak. This was named for the Big Sioux River + began as a fur-trading settlement + stone quarying settlement. From Sioux City, Iowa to Council Bluffs we followed the Missouri River. We never got into Nebraska, but Omaha was just across the river.
Kansas was a welcome sight + we have a nice room at the Ramada. Used the pool area, had dinner here (St. Joe), + will retire early.
Mileage - 6,421.
6-9-99 St Joe, Mo. - Clarksville, Tenn.
Mileage 7,006
We left St. Joe about 8 o’clock + Bert did most of the driving this a.m. We crossed the Missouri River into Kansas City + the traffic was very heavy. The roads have alot to be desired with lots of construction on Rt. 70. The Missouri R. was with us again all the way into St. Louis + since we’d traveled this way on our way out, we didn’t do any exploring. Crossing the river into Ill. we passed fields + fields of corn in the Alton-Belleville area. We passed Scott AFB + at Mt. Vernon, we stopped + made a phone call to Clarksville, Tenn. to reserve a room for tonight. We planned to stop overnight at Paducah, Ky. but decided we could drive another 90 miles + have a shorter trip on Thurs.
We followed Rt.57 South + at Carbondale we stopped for fuel + something to drink as the temp. all day has been in the 90’s. I had to laugh at one of the girls, from the busload of kids, washing her hair in the sink in the restroom! Crossing from Missouri to Ill. we crossed the Mississippi River. Then when we crossed into Ky. from Ill., we went over the beautiful Ohio River. What a thrill! (You can take a person out of the hills but you can’t take the hills out of the person) + how I love that Ohio River! When we came into Tenn., we crossed the Tenn. and Cumberland Rivers.
Our "home" tonight is the best place we’ve had on the entire trip at the Executive Inn Best Western in Clarksville. We had a swim in the nice size pool + the water (outside) was nice + warm. The whirlpool was marvelous. We have a nicely furnished living room, TV + a king size bed, desk, another TV, chest of drawers, frig, microwave, walk-in closet; everything newly furnished. We lucked out on these accommodations! Had a good meal at Olive Garden. This is a beautiful area – tobacco + wheat fields or is it corn??
Drove 585 miles - 9-1/2 hours.
6-10-99 Clarksville, Tenn. – Pensacola
The mileage was 7008 when we started out at 7:15. We followed Rt. 24 out of Clarksville for about 20 miles + just as we were about to get on Rt. 65 to start our trip south to Nashville, the traffic was horrendous - cars madly crossing lanes, when I remarked “That car is about to have an accident.” I don’t know if the black car was responsible, but a very serious accident occurred + we were just five cars behind the wreck. A huge truck with a load of shingles was involved; fire trucks + emergency vehicles came zooming from all directions + it looked as though we would be held up in traffic for quite awhile. It was announced on the radio that there was a fatality + we’ll never know the particulars. Road rage is so senseless + that was positive proof of it.
We had been saying over + over again how perfect this trip had been until this accident today. The weather was cooperative all the way, we followed the Lewis + Clark trail all the way from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, and saw beautiful country – an experience few people are fortunate enough to enjoy. We are so grateful we were able to drive this huge expanse of our great U.S.A. We shall always reminisce with delight!!
We drove a total of 493 miles today and a grand total of 7,499 - two weeks going out, three days with Ryan, Leslie, Sam + friends + five days on the return trip. Mike and Donna joined us in Bellingham!
One lesson we learned on this trip for future travels, always call ahead early in the day for motel reservations. You get the choice rooms + as a rule, better rates. We paid anywhere from $12 a night at Whidbey Island NAS in Puget Sound to $75.00 in Wall, S. Dak., home of Wall Drug.
Someday, hopefully our children + grandchildren will be able to make the trip retracing the route of these two courageous men, Lewis and Clark, on their trip out West.
“Happy birthday, Kent!” Can’t get you on the phone. Hope you got the E-mail!
On Ryan's recommdation, we’ve decided to follow the Lewis and Clark Trail to his h. s. graduation in Bellingham, Wash. We traveled 445 miles the first day and all went well.
5-20-99 Pensacola - Nashville
Today we began the first leg of our 6500 mi. road trip following the Lewis & Clark route. We were blessed with beautiful weather + got an early 7 am start following the usual routes to Montgomery + Birmingham via Rt. 65, then on to Nashville – an eight hour drive where we stopped just a few miles south of Nashville at Brentwood.
Our accommodations at the Mainstay Suites was better than we expected. After a confusing up-to-date check-in via computer, then the assistance of a desk clerk, we found a very desirable room awaiting us. Just one year old, it had the latest in furnishings including all new appliances, sofa bed, desk + double bed – very attractive in a maroon, rose + green décor.
We utilized the pool + had it all to ourselves. After a warm shower, we ate at a new O’Charley’s Restaurant + since it was the only real meal today, we feasted on home made rolls, chicken + salad.
The day couldn’t have been more perfect! Mileage today – 445 miles
5-21-99 Nashville - St Louis
Replacing people with computers isn’t always effective! No one appeared at breakfast to prepare tea/coffee + to check out persons leaving when the computer wasn’t doing the job. However, if having no hot beverage is the only snag on this trip, I won’t complain! The other accommodations here were excellent + I could highly recommend it.
We got on the road at 7:30 + enjoyed the leisure drive once we got out of Nashville. Rt. 24 to Paducah, Ky. was scenic especially the lake areas at the Tenn./Ky. border. Fields of brilliant red poppies were a joyful sight.
I had a hard time convincing Bert we were on the right route at the Ky./Ill. border when we had to exit onto Rt. 57 to Mt. Vernon. We stopped here for gas + had a bite to eat at Fazoli’s.
Stopping at the Gateway Arch was interesting seeing the Lewis + Clark exhibits underneath the arch at the Museum of Westward Expansion. The exhibits are presented in concentric semicircles that represent interactive time lines. The trail began here at the arch.
We didn’t take time to take the ride to the top of the arch as there was a line of students waiting to get tickets. We opted for a tour of the Lewis + Clark Center in St. Charles, about 20 miles west on Rt. 70.
We had a difficult time finding it as it was located in a large bldg. on Riverside Dr. + poorly marked. It was interesting to see the artifacts of these two brave men + all the others who accompanied them on this arduous two year journey from 1804-1806. There were some 40 other brave souls who made the trip as well. (More about that as we pursue their route to the West.)
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| Bert with Lewis & Clark Trail marker in St Charles, MO |
We walked across the road to Judd’s for barbecue - it was good – very satisfying.
5-22-99 St Louis - Kansas City
We had an excellent breakfast of fruit, cereal, juice + coffee + were on our way at 8 am for K.C. Rt. 70 had more bumps than we needed so we detoured to Jefferson City and toured the capital.
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| Missouri State Capitol |
We arrived in K.C. shortly after 2 pm + parked in the downtown Crown Center garage. We visited the impressive Hallmark Visitors Center. We watched a technician making dies, saw Keepsake ornaments for the past 23 years, saw memorabilia from more than 80 years of history + saw a 13 min. video before going next door to the Kaleidoscope bldg. Here we saw children, ages 5-12 creating all kinds of art work of various media.
We drove through a maze of routes reaching Best Western Country Inn near the K.C. International Airport.
Had a nice chat with Chilly + Dot C + ate dinner at the Holiday Inn. Mileage today nearly 300 mi. 1087 mi since leaving home.
5-23-99 Kansas City - Sioux Falls, S. Dak.
The mileage now reads 1083 + we’ve had no problems weather wise so we can relax a bit today as there are no big cities or traffic jams to comtemplate for today.
We started out about 8 am after a somewhat meager breakfast for a 3 star AAA motel. For a fairly new motel, it was poorly staffed + falling apart, but we’ll move on + not let that spoil our trip.
There weren’t many routes to remember, just the exits for rest areas + places we stopped to sight see. There was not much to see today so we just moseyed along on Route 29 from Mo. – Neb. - Iowa + S. Dak.
Our first stop was at the Lewis + Clark State Park just south of St. Joseph, Mo. It was a very attractive camping area on the Missouri River with a well built shelter constructed by the CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] in the 1930s. People were very relaxed fishing in the peaceful environment.
We meandered along the Missouri R. into Nebraska driving through Omaha + into Council Bluffs, Iowa. St. Jo is known for the starting point of the Pony Express to Calif. + is an important grain + livestock center.
Council Bluffs faces Omaha across the Missouri R. + the first transcontinental railroad started here.
Omaha boomed from the westward expansion + is now one of the Midwest’s larger lifestock markets.
The most interesting part of the trip today was the Squaw Creek Nat. Wildlife Refuge in Mound City, Mo. There we saw red winged blackbirds, swallows that nest on banks in the water, rass ducks, cormorants, snow geese + nesting boxes for wood ducks. This was a 10 mile trip @ 25 mph + well worth the detour.
We stopped at the Iowa State Lewis + Clark State Park + saw a replica of the keelboat that they used on the Missouri R. This was located in Onawa, Iowa.
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| Bert with replicas of the keelboat in the river and another boat |
We sped at the 75 mph speed limit all the way into Sioux Falls, arriving at 5 pm. Wonderful meal + accommodations. I’m tired and off to bed!!
The restaurant where we ate last night was the Timber Lake Steak House, highly recommended + we ordered steak + chicken. Well, mine was just an ordinary piece of sirloin on a kibob, but the soup was out of this world. It was a wild rice concoction with tiny bits of ham. So delicious I’ll never be able to duplicate so I won’t try. Their prices were a little high, but the atmosphere was attractive + we enjoyed it after the long day’s drive.
Our room at the Best Western Empire Tower was lovely + we enjoyed a swim before dinner. The motel lived up to the 3 star rating.
Bert tried to send messages out but couldn’t connect on the Internet.
We had a great day. The mileage now is 1506.
5-24-99 Sioux Falls, S. Dak. - Bismarck, N. Dak.
Our breakfast was complete with cereal, banana, skim milk, muffin + juice + coffee. We slept in a little longer + didn’t get away as early as usual: 8:30.
It was another bright + sunny day + we stopped at the amazing corn palace in Mitchelle. This is a fanciful Moorish-style building covered with patterns created from various natural shades of corn + outlined with grasses + grain. It’s redesigned annually.
From there we continued on Rt. 90 to Chamberlain where we stopped at the Visitor’s Center.
We continued along following the scenic Missouri R. route of rich farm land, rolling hills, large herds of cattle + and never have I seen the sky bluer or the grass greener.
We followed the Lewis + Clark H’way signs + took a 4 mi. dirt road to the river – one of the sites where they landed.
Mid-afternoon we made a phone call in Pierre (Peer), the capital to make our reservation for tonight at the Comfort Inn in Bismarck.
This was an especially long day of driving with beautiful scenery. The only glitch was our clothes pole broke + all the clothes that were neatly hung spilled.
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| Clothes pole "glitch" |
We opted for carry out food tonight as we wanted to see the last segment of “Mad About You.” It was just O.K.
Our room is very comfortable + very reasonably priced.
We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s tour of the capital.
P.S. On the 4 mi. dirt road to the river we met a young calf on the road who eyeballed us. As soon as I got my camera out, he darted across the road. However I did manage to get a good shot of a mother cow with her calf crossing the dirt road. That made my day.
5-25-99 Bismarck, N. Dak. - Miles City, Mont.
This was a super motel + excellent breakfast. So much to see here! Our first stop today was at 8 am at the capitol bldg.
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| Bert and van at the North Dakota State Capitol |
Then we drove to Mandan + visited the Fort Abe Lincoln Park where we took pictures of the Earth Mounds built by the Mandan Indians.
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| Mandan Earth Mounds |
We decided on going back to Bismarck as we’d heard so much about the Lewis + Clark Interpretive Museum at Washburn, we had to forego our plans to make Billings our stop for tonight. Are we glad we decided to take the time to drive north about 30 mi. to see it. Everything was so well displayed about all you’d ever want to know about these two courageous men was there - hands on materials, paintings, relics, maps, etc. When these men + their party came to this area on the Missouri R., Lewis and Clark stayed here four months, then returned here on their way back from the Pacific O. An amusing incident was reading about the medicines they took. Lewis administered (prescribed) Dr. Rush’s “thunder-clapper’s” prescription for practically everything + Lewis took 50 dozen of these pills with them.
We took county road west, then south to Dickinson where we picked up Rt. 94 again + made a reservation for tonight’s lodging at miles City, Mont. We still had several hundred miles to drive, but the scenery was exquisite + the 75 mph speed limit got us here in time for a nice swim at the Best Western War Bonnet Inn + a prime rib dinner at a local family restaurant. We drove 400 miles today.
5-26-99 Miles City, Mont. – Bozeman
The mileage as we drove in to the War Bonnet Inn (Best Western) was 2,338 miles. When we checked in to the Western Heritage Inn at 6:30 this evening, the mileage read 2867, so you can see we put in a full day on the road.
First of all, we decided the van needed a lube + bath, so while he van was being cared for at Wal-Mart, we outfitted ourselves in new jeans as this is the Western wear + it’s all we’ve had on for the past few days.
Since we changed our itinerary today, we decided to get off the interstate today + drive state rt. 59 to Jordan + up Rt. 87 to Great Falls. What a treat. It was marvelous country + we saw many different types of terrain from prairie to snow capped mountains. Quite a few antelope were spotted as well as magpies, deer, horses, cattle + Bert even saw a coyote! Miles + miles of sagebrush + grass land were seen for miles + miles. (Redundant – sorry!)
At Great Falls we had a time finding the Visitors Center because of detours, but when we located it, it was worthwhile as the lady there was very helpful.
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| Statue of Lewis & Clark in Great Falls, MT |
After we left the falls, we took Rt. 15 down to Helena, the capital, then Bozeman, + it was the most spectacular drive I’ve ever taken through the Helena National Forest. It’s a combination of sagebrush, bunch grass to douglas fir, lodgepole pine + spruce with the beautiful Missouri R. meandering through it. Just beautiful.
We checked in at the motel. I used the whirlpool (too much chlorine), + steam room. We showered + had dinner at the 4B restaurant.
This was a full day – 10 hrs. on the road + over 500 miles, but just great – very fulfilling.
5-27-99 Bozeman – Missoula
Our accommodations at the Western Heritage Inn were quite nice. In the lobby + breakfast area we had a rustic décor with stuffed animals on the wall: a Kodiak bear, caribou, elk + deer.
The first stop was to tour MSU [Montana State University] where Ryan will be a freshman in Aug. We were impressed with the attractive bldgs. + took some pictures.
We stopped at the County Market + bought apples for our daily lunch. Then I made a reservation for a room this evening at the Bel-Air Motel in Missoula.
We stopped at AAA for maps + then drove to at Three Forks + took pictures of the Madison, Jefferson, + Gallatin Rivers which form the Missouri R. + this is the Headwater where the Missouri begins.
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| Hammy at the headwaters of the Missouri River |
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| Bert & Hammy |
Our next stop was at the Berkeley Open Pot Copper Mine at Butte. From there we traveled to Missoula on I-90, a distance of about 85 miles + got here mid afternoon in time to do laundry + take a swim in the indoor pool.
We’ve now driven 3,096 miles + the couple in the room next to us at the Bel-Air Motel came from Pensacola where they were attending the Brownsville Assembly of God. Small world!
After our swim we got cleaned up + found an interesting Old World Cooking type restaurant. It’s the Perugia + tonight they featured Greek food in addition to Italian menu. Bert had lasagna which he said was not your typical Sam’s. Mine was Greek: Pastitso (Pasta + Veal Casserole) Moussaka, Eggplant + Lamb, Cypriot sausage + Sweet Spiced Rice – Delicious.
Bert sent E-mail messages while I made motel reservation at Comfort Inn in Walla Walla, Wash. for tomorrow.
Nice relaxing day.
5-28-99 Missoula, Mont. - Walla Walla, Wash.
The mileage starting out today is 3100. We had to eat at McDonalds as the motel office wasn’t opened. The Bel Air is definitely not a AAA facility + should be removed from their list of accredited motels.
Our day was perfect otherwise. We bought apples, our daily lunch, at Safeway + began the beautiful Lolo Pass Drive through the beautiful Clearwater National Forest. We followed the Selway River to Lowe R, Idaho, stopped at the ranger’s station + learned about the paving of the highway in ’62, and observed white water rafting on the rough Locksa. The lady here at the Powel Ranger Station told us that $2 million dollars was the cost in ’57 appropriated for paving this road + it was Sen. Gore (Al’s father) who was instrumental in passing this bill.
We took pictures of the numerous places L+C + company landed + there are a lot of plaques that tell their story of the hardship Lewis + Clark endured especially going over the mountains to reach the coast.
*Fish hatchery at Orofino, Ida.
The scenery all along Lolo Pass is splendid, good highway, interesting towns, changes in elevation, winding roads, rough water, etc.
We stopped at the Nez Perce National Historic Park at Kamiah, ID + the museum had a lot of artifacts + saw a 23-minute film which was interesting. Although the Nez Perce Nation lost alot of territory because of an unfair settlement, they were very friendly with Lewis + Clark because they were kind to the Nez Perce + established a good relationship with them. The man who was narrating the filmed praised them (L+C) for helping them.
After passing Lewiston, Ida., the highway was less winding + we made better time. All told it was a long drive, but well worth it. We drove over 380 mile + it took us about nine hrs because of all the stops.
Our motel is beautiful accommodations a *** Comfort Inn – gorgeous roses – indoor pool + whirlpool + cookies + coffee in the lobby. Only problem - Bert couldn’t get on the Internet!
Had a delicious dinner at Jacob’s across the way. Jared Jones, quarterback at FSU [Florida State University] was our Server in Walla Walla, Wash. Small world.
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| Jacob's Restaurant where Jared Jones was the server |
We left the beautiful Comfort Inn at 8:30 + the mileage was 3422. We took Rt. 11 through the Umatilla Indian Reservation. After that, + kept going west because there weren’t any historical markings, we drove on through Pendleton on Rt. 84. The mill was closed since it’s Sat. so we couldn’t take a tour. On through beautiful rolling hills – foothills of the Cascades into Ore. shortly after leaving Walla Walla.
Our next stop was The Dalles where the Columbia River narrows here + the French christened it “les dalles,” meaning “the trough” + Lewis + Clark described it as “the great Indian mart of this country.” The Columbia Gorge is beyond words – it’s breathtakingly beautiful here. We took the train out to the lock + dam + watched the salmon, shad + sturgeon climbing the ladders enroute to the Pacific where they spawn, then die, ending the cycle.
On the Hood River, north of the Columbia, we saw many wind surfers going at a rapid pace. Along our route were beautiful tall Douglas firs from the peaks to the highway + large numbers of forsythias were mixed in between. What a beautiful sight – the bright yellows with the tall pines. All along this scenic route was the majestic Mount Hood looking over the whole area – Mt Hood National Forest.
We were still on the Lewis + Clark Trail + stopped at the L+C State Park to take pictures. One plaque said "They loved salmon + stayed awhile." The salmon do swim up to this area + we saw one that a couple caught + they said it weighed about 18#.
This being Memorial Day weekend, rooms were hard to find + the prices are high. Gas is $1.59 gal. We found a nice comfortable beautifully furnished **Best Western + after dinner we decided it was a full day! The Fortniter suite was so nice; the owner was so helpful that it should be rated ***. Their suggestion to try Steamers for dinner was excellent - an attractive, roomy place with stained glass windows + oriental rugs. Good choice.
May 30, Portland, Ore. - McChord AFB
The mileage is now 3685. We began touring Portland about 9 am after a very complete + satisfying breakfast.
We had to leave the Lewis + Clark trail here as we had lots to see + we didn’t want to be on the road too long. So we said “adieu” at the Columbia + bid these two brave men on to the Pacific Ocean + the Clatsops where they were well fed before they prepared for their return trip home.
After viewing the beautiful Rose Garden in Peninsula Park, which is one of the largest sunken gardens in America, we wandered around for what seemed to be hours before finding the fabulous Japanese Gardens.
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| Hammy & Bert at the Rose Garden in Peninsula Park |
It wasn’t too late to take a trip up the mountain to see the famous Mt St Helens that erupted violently in 1982. More than 1300 feet of the mountain’s top cascaded into the Toutle River Valley below destroying 150,000 square acres of forest + killing everything above ground. Fifty-seven people perished. Now the land blooms again + fish swim in the rivers + lakes.
We saw an excellent 15 min. film at the Interpretive Center which was about 5 miles from Hwy 5, then to get a closer look, we drove another 40 miles on SR504 because it was a gorgeous day + the highway was good. Were we glad we took the extra time to view the spectacular sight because we were within 4 miles of it! We would’ve liked to stay longer but had to move on.
Tonight’s lodging was more than we expected at McChord AF Base in Tacoma - beyond words. We got the key to a beautifully furnished apartment: living room with TV, VCR, desk for computer, dining area, kitchen (new appliances), new bath – double sink, + bed with huge closet, another TV + VCR. I think we’ll stay! Oh, yes – TV dinners, frozen breakfast meals in frig, so we’ll eat here. A great day! Mileage: 3941.
5-31-99 McChord AFBase, Wash. – Whidbey Island
We left our lovely Airey Suite of the Evergreens Inn after making breakfast in the microwave, doing some laundry, ironing + packing + checking out at 11:30. We picked up a few items at the BX, then headed north on Rt. 5 in a drizzling rain. By the time we got to Seattle the windshield wipers were going full speed. At the Mount Vernon exit we left rt. 5 and drove approximately 20 miles toward Whidbey Island. The rain stopped + the sun was shining brightly. We passed the beautiful Deception Pass State Park + the 182 ft high bridge over swirling waters. The name “deception” comes from the explorer, George Vancouver, who thought Whidbey was merely a peninsula rather than an island. There are a lot of birds in the area, but it’s quite windy so we’ll look for them tomorrow on our way to Vancouver.
There’s not much to report here. We’re happy to have a nice clean room for the night at the BOQ – nothing fancy. As we came back from dinner at McDonald's, we parked next to a naval officer from Pensacola! We agreed we’d rather have the hot humid weather there than this fierce north wind!!
6-1-99 Whidbey Island, Wash. - Vancouver, B.C.
We started out this morning in a drizzling rain in Oak Harbor + as we approached Rt. 5 going toward Bellingham, it was raining hard. We stopped at the Travelodge + confirmed our reservations for Mike + Donna + us for later in the week. We called Ryan + Leslie + left a message that we would see them Thurs.
It was a short drive to Vancouver + we stopped at the Tourist Information Center to check on reservations for tonight + tomorrow night. The girl there was very helpful in directing us to an area accessible to downtown for motels less than an arm and a leg. She also gave us good directions for finding this place as well as directions to a Chev. garage. Unfortunately the hook broke that holds the clothes rod + we have to get a replacement tomorrow – hopefully.
We checked into nice clean comfortable Quality Inn in a multi-national neighborhood about 2:00 pm., got a bite to eat after unloading everything in the van + started out driving in the rain to find Stanley Park.
It was raining pretty hard when we left the motel, so I didn’t bother taking my camera. What a mistake this was! It’s a good thing we decided to stay here another day because we wanted to get some pictures of the beautiful gardens. When we stopped at the Tea House restaurant to take in the view, the view of the Strait of Georgia was spectacular.
We came back to the motel, looked over our travel brochures + decided we drive to Grouse Mtn. tomorrow for an overview of the area.
Dinner was downstairs at the Jaguar restaurant where we had shrimp stir fry (me) + Monte Cristo + salad for Bert.
We’re anxious to see more of this international city + look forward to our travels tomorrow!
6-2-99 Vancouver
This was an unusually beautiful day, unlike yesterday when it was cold, windy + rainy. We took advantage of the weather to go sightseeing.
First we had to go to the Chev. dealer to have the part replaced on the van that broke. This was a relatively simple procedure + took just a few minutes to install once the part was located. Now we can hang up our clothes even though it cost us an arm and a leg. Chev. you’ll hear from us!!
By 10:30 we were on our way to Grouse Mountain. From downtown we followed Georgia St. westbound through Stanley Park across Lion’s Gate Bridge + on to Capilano. We didn’t stop at the Suspension Bridge as it was too scary. The scenery in the northern part of Vancouver is even more beautiful than the brochures + well worth a trip to the mountains.
We rode the tram a distance of 3700 ft. to the top of the mountain. It was fun walking in the snow + taking pictures. Theatre in the Sky was the video that was excellent. We got a panoramic view of all the city, took more pictures and saw everything we tried to see yesterday.
 |
| Hammy with wood carving at Grouse Mountain |
The area where we are staying is in Burnaby + it’s located near the Metro so people who commute are not dependent on cars. Good! If we would be here for longer we’d use this means of transportation rather than battle the traffic.
We made a trip to Safeway next door + bought our supply of fruit.
Had dinner again at Jaquar’s next door as it’s so convenient.
Bert has been so frustrated trying to get on line for two days. After numerous phone calls, he did get connected + it was so good to get + Bert was so happy to finally get online + send out messages to family + friends. It was a good ending for a full day.
The mileage is now 4,324 miles.
6-3-99 Vancouver – Bellingham
We packed up and checked out around 9:00 a.m. and it was just 25 miles to the U.S. border + another 24 miles to Bellingham. We took 91A across the Fraser River + onto the States via Rt. 91 – a beautiful day + a beautiful drive. It was early when we got into the area, so we took a drive along the Birch Bay area + stopped at a Family Medical Clinic + made an appointment to see a doctor to check my thumbs this afternoon.
Since our room was ready, we checked into the Travelodge + it appears to be acceptable for our three days in Bellingham for Ryan's graduation.
This afternoon we drove up to a quaint little city called Lynden. I saw a doctor who looked at my thumbs + advised me to keep them hot + dry, + to see my doctor when I get back home. He was an Ohio State graduate + very personable, Dr. Jeff Ries.
Ryan came over + picked us up and we went to his place for dinner. They had a wonderful meal for us: grilled salmon, rice, and salad. It was very good and we had a nice visit with Leslie and Sam.
The awards assembly at Schome High School was very interesting. Many students were honored in various categories. Ryan received a scholarship to Montana State in Bozeman + we’re so proud of him! At the end of the awards, the students + faculty gave a cheer: “Sun, sun, sun” as that’s what everyone is praying for tomorrow as it will be much nicer having graduation outside. We’ll see.
They served refreshments afterwards, and Ryan introduced us to all his close friends. We were so glad + really impressed with all these such nice kids and their enthusiasm for pursuing further education.
6-4-99 Bellingham
We drove over to a pretty little community called Fairhaven + saw the station + the rose garden. You can catch the Alaska ferries here. We drove along the scenic Chuckanaut Dr. + on a clear day you can see the San Juan Islands, but it was cloudy + misty, so we didn’t take any pictures. There were magnificent views of Puget Sound.
After a trip to the local supermarket, where we bought fruit, we took another drive along Lake Whatcom Blvd. where we saw the beautiful falls + lake. We stopped at the fisheries there + saw huge tanks of cold water fish – trout, salmon + char.
We made a reservation for lodging tomorrow night at Moses Lake Travelodge.
Donna + Mike drove in about 2:00 from their long flight from Seattle, so we let them rest a couple hours.
Ryan came over at 5:30 + took us to the Marina for a wonderful meal of seafood + salad.
 |
| Donna, Mike, and Ryan |
Another rainy day - we had to don raincoats all day, but these folks are used to it, + just take it for granted that it’s typical Wash. weather. In spite of the inconvenience, we had a wonderful day.
6-5-99 Bellingham - Moses Lake
This morning we did laundry, packed + checked out. Donna + Mike joined us + we went over to Leslie's for brunch. It was lovely. We met more of Ryan's friends. Since we had to be over at the school at 11:30 to park for the graduation, we said our good-byes there. It is a good thing as there was no way to find Ryan in a crowd of over 3,000 people there after graduation.
We were really impressed with all the speakers, especially Nick Stevens, the class president + the principal + superintendent.
There were over 300 graduates + Ryan sat in a row nearest us + we sat in the 10th row of the bleachers with Mike and Donna and could see Ryan + had a good view of the whole class. The convocation was held in the W. Wash. U. auditorium because of rain. (It was another rainy + breezy day!)
The Schome Mariners is a great school + this was not only a highlight of the seniors’ year, but a highlight of our entire trip!
We left for Moses Lake at 5 o’clock + arrived here at 9:30. It was just beginning to get dark. It’s out on the prairie land + coming into town we saw all the crops grown here as the names are printed on the fences. Sweet corn, field corn, wheat, hay, alfalfa, sugar beets, oats + potatoes are grown here due to their irrigation system. Otherwise it would just have been miles + miles of sagebrush.
As we followed Rt. 5, 405, + 90 these are the areas we passed: the Sgagit River, Wenatchee National Forest, outskirts of Seattle, Lake Sammanish, Snoqualmie National Forest, + Ellensberg. This latter place is where the Wenatchee, Nez Perce, + Yakama Indians hunted + fished peacefully. The Yakama River runs along the highway and the Columbia is also here in the Ellensberg area. The whole trip through the Cascades was beautiful + we saw a huge brilliant rainbow + another one that was muted.
The mileage is now 4725.
6-6-99 Moses Lake - Bozeman, Mont.
Breakfast this morning wasn’t the usual fare. This Travelodge was adequate – clean bed + shower but no breakfast included. At 5 am Sporty's Bar was opened for business. The "good old boys" rolled in, took their cups + the waitress rolled dice to see if she paid or they coughed up their 75 cents. The food was good + we never complained that everyone was smoking including the gal who served us. I’ve never heard so much laughter at 5:45.
We kept moving east by 7:15 but since we had a time change, we moved up the clock an hour. We drove 8-1/2 hours today + made good time considering the fact that we had a lot of rain + mountains to deal with.
We saw more beautiful country to Spokane, then on to Coeur d’Alene + the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. We had the time change from Pacific to Mountain in this area. We traveled I-90 past the Clark Fork + the Lolo National Forest. We didn’t drive over the scenic Lolo Pass as we did that on our way out to the coast.
We continued on I-90 through Missoula, where we stayed enroute west, and passed through the beautiful Deerlodge National Forest. At Butte we passed the Continental Divide and at Three Forks we saw the Missouri Headwaters again where the three rivers, Jefferson, Madison, + Gallatin come together + the Missouri River begins. This confluence was documented by Lewis + Clark on their trip to the Pacific in 1805.
We reached our motel, the Western Heritage Inn, early + it was good to have dome “free time.” This is where we stayed on our way out. It’s clean, safe + comfortable. Bert was able to log on while I took a long relaxing “bath” in the spa area – whirlpool + steam room. It helped clear the sinuses!!
We ate a nice meal at Fuddruckers before retiring early.
Mileage is now 5,235.
6-7-99 Bozeman, Mont. - Rapid City, S. Dak. (Wall, S. Dak.)
Mileage – 5,818
This was a long trip today but we saw beautiful scenery again, and we learned it pays to have a reservation. We took a chance that we’d be able to stay at the base in Rapid City; well, the BOQ was filled when we arrived. We made a few phone calls in Rapid City to no avail. We enjoyed seeing all the planes + activity at Ellsworth AFB. We drove another 43 miles to Wall where we checked in to a new *** Best Western at 6:00 pm – not too bad!
We left Bozeman in the rain at 39 degrees which was par for the course. We drove through the Gallatin National Forest + followed the Yellowstone River through Billings. We drove through the Crow Indian Reservation + at Exit 510 we decided to take a break + checked out the Crow Casino. We gave the Indians 50 cents, used the restroom, took a picture of the Casino + the little white church adjacent to it.
We headed east on I-90, followed the Bighorn River into Wyo. + the Bighorn National Forest. Sheridan is the largest city in Northern Wyo. + the town was once the heart of the Indian wars. Next city we passed was Buffalo which is a ranching town at the foot of the Bighorn Mtns. Its early days were not so friendly: many battles with the Sioux + Cheyenne Indians + the Johnson County War between ranchers + farmers took place in the vicinity.
We’re now in the Black Hills area of S. Dak. + there are many tourists here from all over the country. We’ve been here before with Kent + Mike so we didn’t stop at Mt. Rushmore Nat’l Monument or do any of the other tourist attractions.
A note about Wall, S. Dak. This place has been known for years as a tourist stop which started as a drug store in 1909. There is a block long Wall Drug Store with all kinds of shops in it + Main Street still has many buildings constructed during the days of western expansion. The ruts made by the wagons that carried prospectors + their supplies to the goldfields of the Black Hills are still visible on the nearby prairies. We’ve already been to the Badlands so we’ll forego that trip + we are moving on east.
6-8-99 Wall, S. Dak. - St Joe, Mo.
This was a long day today – 600 miles + 10 hrs of driving. We left at 7:15, but we set our clocks ahead to 8:15 as we go into Central Time at Murdo, S. Dak.
We passed the Black Hills area, the name given for the thick pine forest covering the slopes. The Lakota Sioux sought guidance from their ancestors here. Mining is still important in the area.
We followed the Missouri river to Chamberlain. This is the demarcation line between the corn + grain area to the east + cattle country to the western part of the state.
We passed through Sioux Falls, S. Dak. This was named for the Big Sioux River + began as a fur-trading settlement + stone quarying settlement. From Sioux City, Iowa to Council Bluffs we followed the Missouri River. We never got into Nebraska, but Omaha was just across the river.
Kansas was a welcome sight + we have a nice room at the Ramada. Used the pool area, had dinner here (St. Joe), + will retire early.
Mileage - 6,421.
6-9-99 St Joe, Mo. - Clarksville, Tenn.
Mileage 7,006
We left St. Joe about 8 o’clock + Bert did most of the driving this a.m. We crossed the Missouri River into Kansas City + the traffic was very heavy. The roads have alot to be desired with lots of construction on Rt. 70. The Missouri R. was with us again all the way into St. Louis + since we’d traveled this way on our way out, we didn’t do any exploring. Crossing the river into Ill. we passed fields + fields of corn in the Alton-Belleville area. We passed Scott AFB + at Mt. Vernon, we stopped + made a phone call to Clarksville, Tenn. to reserve a room for tonight. We planned to stop overnight at Paducah, Ky. but decided we could drive another 90 miles + have a shorter trip on Thurs.
We followed Rt.57 South + at Carbondale we stopped for fuel + something to drink as the temp. all day has been in the 90’s. I had to laugh at one of the girls, from the busload of kids, washing her hair in the sink in the restroom! Crossing from Missouri to Ill. we crossed the Mississippi River. Then when we crossed into Ky. from Ill., we went over the beautiful Ohio River. What a thrill! (You can take a person out of the hills but you can’t take the hills out of the person) + how I love that Ohio River! When we came into Tenn., we crossed the Tenn. and Cumberland Rivers.
Our "home" tonight is the best place we’ve had on the entire trip at the Executive Inn Best Western in Clarksville. We had a swim in the nice size pool + the water (outside) was nice + warm. The whirlpool was marvelous. We have a nicely furnished living room, TV + a king size bed, desk, another TV, chest of drawers, frig, microwave, walk-in closet; everything newly furnished. We lucked out on these accommodations! Had a good meal at Olive Garden. This is a beautiful area – tobacco + wheat fields or is it corn??
Drove 585 miles - 9-1/2 hours.
6-10-99 Clarksville, Tenn. – Pensacola
The mileage was 7008 when we started out at 7:15. We followed Rt. 24 out of Clarksville for about 20 miles + just as we were about to get on Rt. 65 to start our trip south to Nashville, the traffic was horrendous - cars madly crossing lanes, when I remarked “That car is about to have an accident.” I don’t know if the black car was responsible, but a very serious accident occurred + we were just five cars behind the wreck. A huge truck with a load of shingles was involved; fire trucks + emergency vehicles came zooming from all directions + it looked as though we would be held up in traffic for quite awhile. It was announced on the radio that there was a fatality + we’ll never know the particulars. Road rage is so senseless + that was positive proof of it.
We had been saying over + over again how perfect this trip had been until this accident today. The weather was cooperative all the way, we followed the Lewis + Clark trail all the way from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean, and saw beautiful country – an experience few people are fortunate enough to enjoy. We are so grateful we were able to drive this huge expanse of our great U.S.A. We shall always reminisce with delight!!
We drove a total of 493 miles today and a grand total of 7,499 - two weeks going out, three days with Ryan, Leslie, Sam + friends + five days on the return trip. Mike and Donna joined us in Bellingham!
One lesson we learned on this trip for future travels, always call ahead early in the day for motel reservations. You get the choice rooms + as a rule, better rates. We paid anywhere from $12 a night at Whidbey Island NAS in Puget Sound to $75.00 in Wall, S. Dak., home of Wall Drug.
Someday, hopefully our children + grandchildren will be able to make the trip retracing the route of these two courageous men, Lewis and Clark, on their trip out West.
“Happy birthday, Kent!” Can’t get you on the phone. Hope you got the E-mail!
Thursday, October 8, 1998
Branson, MO (1998)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
10/3/98 Pensacola – Little Rock
Left home about 8:30 am + arrived at the LaQuinta South about 6:00 pm. It was a pleasant drive with showers from Jackson – Vicksburg. Our routes were: I-10 to Mobile, then Rt. 98 to Hattiesburg + 49 to Jackson where we stopped at a Wendy’s for lunch. All through La. there were fields of cotton + acres of pecans. In Ark. we stopped at the beautiful Tourist Information Center which is located on Lake Chicote in Lake Village. It was a 2-1/2 drive from there to Little Rock + although we adhered to the 55 mph speed limit most of the way, it was scenic – small towns + lots of agriculture. Why be in a hurry! From Pine Bluff to Little Rock we picked up speed because of a divided highway. Dinner was very good at a nearby Denny’s. We got back in time to watch the Cubs-Braves game. Score: 6-2 Braves
Mileage – 505 miles
10/4/98 Little Rock – Branson
The day began at 7:30 with breakfast at the motel, then departed around 9 o’clock. Had lunch just south of Branson at a Dairy Queen for a delicious barbecue + split a small blizzard. Flea markets + yard sales with wet clothes hanging on the line were everywhere. The Ozark National Forest with all the rolling, winding hills was impressive. When we arrived at the Best Western Music Capital Inn, our tickets we’d ordered for the shows were here + that was a pleasant sight as we’d ordered them before we left home + weren’t sure they’d be delivered. The indoor pool, sauna + whirlpool were very clean + we were practically the only ones using them. Dinner was at BT Bones – country theme with guitarist. The Bobby Vinton show was spectacular + we’re looking forward to the others Mon. + Tues.
Mileage 690. Drove 185 miles.
10/5/98 Branson
Even though it was raining cats + dogs, it didn’t dampen our spirits.
We had a nice healthy breakfast in the lounge, then a swim in the indoor pool.
After lunch we rode around town before catching the afternoon show. Dino Kartsonakis, a concert pianist gave a spectacular performance. The use of 22 marvelous dancers in addition to all the fabulous props made for an excellent show.
After a quick supper at Starvin Marvin’s we dodged the rain puddles for the Andy Williams show. What a guy. He’s #10 in our book! Wonderful show!
The buildings where these two shows were held – the Grand Palace + Andy Williams are very impressive. The Palace has 4,000 seats – wow!!
10/6/98 Branson
Today we had a nice swim + exercise in the pool, then went out to the Outlet Mall for a walk around the 90 stores. The performances were at 3:00 + 8:00. Country Tonite was colorful + fun – lots of activity – dancing + fiddle playing in addition to some mean cowboy guitarists.
Wendy’s was the fare for the meal this evening as we were short on time + besides we’d eaten a large meal at noon at the Cracker Barrel.
Jim Stafford was more than we expected for tonight’s show – was great – lots of laughs – a real comedian. He included his 5 yr old son + introduced his wife + 2 yr old daughter. We used glasses + had fun catching all the floating objects as they floated through the room. The theatre, although pretty, had smaller, lower seats + we were a little cramped for space.
10/7/98 Branson – Vicksburg
Left on a crispy 45 degree morning around 8 am. Pleasant drive through the Ozarks winding roads + although we didn’t make good time due to construction, we enjoyed the ride – very relaxing.
As we approached Eurdora + the Welcome Center, we thought we were continuing on Rt. 65 but we missed a turn so took an alternate route on 61 E, then turned south + continued on this well paved one lane highway making good time + maintaining 65 mph. About 30 mi. north of Vicksburg Bert dozed off + I continued driving, looking forward to getting into Vicksburg around 5 pm. About that time I hit an obstruction in the road which tore a hole in the gas tank + transmission. Big trouble. A good Samaritan, Terrell P, a sales rep for Abbott Lab. let us use his phone to call AAA + he brought me to Rainbow Casino motel + Bert arrived an hr. later in the wrecker. What a night. We await the outcome!
10/8/98 Vicksburg – Pensacola
We spent a restless night awaiting the outcome of damage to the van. We agonized over the possibilities on getting home. Bert accompanied the van + wrecker to the garage where a wonderful mechanic put it back together + we were on the road about 3:30. How lucky we were. God really had a hand in this voyage!
It was a pleasant drive through this part of Miss. from Vicksburg – Jackson – Hattiesburg on to Mobile where we stopped for a quick meal at Wendy’s.
The drive from Mobile to Pensacola took a little over an hour, not too much traffic. We arrived home about 9:00 pm, so grateful for a wonderful vacation except for the Vicksburg mishap. It was 300 miles today from Vicksburg.
10/3/98 Pensacola – Little Rock
Left home about 8:30 am + arrived at the LaQuinta South about 6:00 pm. It was a pleasant drive with showers from Jackson – Vicksburg. Our routes were: I-10 to Mobile, then Rt. 98 to Hattiesburg + 49 to Jackson where we stopped at a Wendy’s for lunch. All through La. there were fields of cotton + acres of pecans. In Ark. we stopped at the beautiful Tourist Information Center which is located on Lake Chicote in Lake Village. It was a 2-1/2 drive from there to Little Rock + although we adhered to the 55 mph speed limit most of the way, it was scenic – small towns + lots of agriculture. Why be in a hurry! From Pine Bluff to Little Rock we picked up speed because of a divided highway. Dinner was very good at a nearby Denny’s. We got back in time to watch the Cubs-Braves game. Score: 6-2 Braves
Mileage – 505 miles
10/4/98 Little Rock – Branson
The day began at 7:30 with breakfast at the motel, then departed around 9 o’clock. Had lunch just south of Branson at a Dairy Queen for a delicious barbecue + split a small blizzard. Flea markets + yard sales with wet clothes hanging on the line were everywhere. The Ozark National Forest with all the rolling, winding hills was impressive. When we arrived at the Best Western Music Capital Inn, our tickets we’d ordered for the shows were here + that was a pleasant sight as we’d ordered them before we left home + weren’t sure they’d be delivered. The indoor pool, sauna + whirlpool were very clean + we were practically the only ones using them. Dinner was at BT Bones – country theme with guitarist. The Bobby Vinton show was spectacular + we’re looking forward to the others Mon. + Tues.
Mileage 690. Drove 185 miles.
10/5/98 Branson
Even though it was raining cats + dogs, it didn’t dampen our spirits.
We had a nice healthy breakfast in the lounge, then a swim in the indoor pool.
After lunch we rode around town before catching the afternoon show. Dino Kartsonakis, a concert pianist gave a spectacular performance. The use of 22 marvelous dancers in addition to all the fabulous props made for an excellent show.
After a quick supper at Starvin Marvin’s we dodged the rain puddles for the Andy Williams show. What a guy. He’s #10 in our book! Wonderful show!
The buildings where these two shows were held – the Grand Palace + Andy Williams are very impressive. The Palace has 4,000 seats – wow!!
10/6/98 Branson
Today we had a nice swim + exercise in the pool, then went out to the Outlet Mall for a walk around the 90 stores. The performances were at 3:00 + 8:00. Country Tonite was colorful + fun – lots of activity – dancing + fiddle playing in addition to some mean cowboy guitarists.
Wendy’s was the fare for the meal this evening as we were short on time + besides we’d eaten a large meal at noon at the Cracker Barrel.
Jim Stafford was more than we expected for tonight’s show – was great – lots of laughs – a real comedian. He included his 5 yr old son + introduced his wife + 2 yr old daughter. We used glasses + had fun catching all the floating objects as they floated through the room. The theatre, although pretty, had smaller, lower seats + we were a little cramped for space.
10/7/98 Branson – Vicksburg
Left on a crispy 45 degree morning around 8 am. Pleasant drive through the Ozarks winding roads + although we didn’t make good time due to construction, we enjoyed the ride – very relaxing.
As we approached Eurdora + the Welcome Center, we thought we were continuing on Rt. 65 but we missed a turn so took an alternate route on 61 E, then turned south + continued on this well paved one lane highway making good time + maintaining 65 mph. About 30 mi. north of Vicksburg Bert dozed off + I continued driving, looking forward to getting into Vicksburg around 5 pm. About that time I hit an obstruction in the road which tore a hole in the gas tank + transmission. Big trouble. A good Samaritan, Terrell P, a sales rep for Abbott Lab. let us use his phone to call AAA + he brought me to Rainbow Casino motel + Bert arrived an hr. later in the wrecker. What a night. We await the outcome!
10/8/98 Vicksburg – Pensacola
We spent a restless night awaiting the outcome of damage to the van. We agonized over the possibilities on getting home. Bert accompanied the van + wrecker to the garage where a wonderful mechanic put it back together + we were on the road about 3:30. How lucky we were. God really had a hand in this voyage!
It was a pleasant drive through this part of Miss. from Vicksburg – Jackson – Hattiesburg on to Mobile where we stopped for a quick meal at Wendy’s.
The drive from Mobile to Pensacola took a little over an hour, not too much traffic. We arrived home about 9:00 pm, so grateful for a wonderful vacation except for the Vicksburg mishap. It was 300 miles today from Vicksburg.
Friday, May 1, 1998
Western Mediterranean Countries (1998)
[Key: Memoir in Times New Roman, Travel Journal in Arial]
April 18, 1998 Pensacola – N.Y. – Athens, Greece
We boarded the plane at 6:50 with a ride to the airport with Shirley + Dick L. We had to deplane for a fuel problem but were airborn at 7:50 on Delta to Atlanta. We boarded another Delta plane at 10:20 + arrived at JFK at 12:30. Had an interesting lady to chat with enroute, Dora S from Jax. + the time passed quickly. We caught a bus to the International terminal + our dear grandson, Kyle, was here to surprise and greet us. We had lunch together, then he had to go back to NYU + his job. We passed the time reading + people watching after getting our seat assignments on the plane. Our departure time on Olympic Airlines is scheduled for 7 pm.
After a 2-hour delay and rough start on Delta to pick up more passengers in Boston. Full plane – 747 + about 500 people on board. Dinner was very good + served about 10:30 pm. Then lights were out + I slept sporadicly, but had to work at it with the help of PM Tylenol.
I’m grateful we’re having a good flight.
April 19, 1998 Athens – Divani Hotel
Breakfast was served about 10:30, in time to get ready to land the aircraft at 12:30. It took an hour to go through customs, get our bags + board a bus for the Divani Caravel Hotel. We checked into the hotel, got our room assignment + then signed up for a tour tomorrow before going to the pier to board Aegean I.
I'm impressed with all the marble that is used extensively in this hotel, throughout our room, in the bathroom, lobby + all the decorations at the Divani Hotel. I’m also pleased with the restaurant, the tile bath + the service.
We had dinner here and it was yummy. Retired early.
April 20, 1998 Athens - Pireaus, Greece
Our tour this am was to the Acropolis which is 512 ft flat-top limestone hill around which the city was built. The Parthenon is a very skillfully crafted bldg. + is dedicated to the goddess, Athena. It embodies the Greek ideal of freedom: spiritual, intellectual and political.
After quite a hike up to these sites over marble + sandstone, it was quite a treat to ride the bus back to the hotel. We saw the various places of interest along our route: the Erechtheion Temple, 6 lovely maidens, Athena Nike Temple, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier + a stop at the Olympic Stadium built in 1896.
In the afternoon we arrived at our ship in Pireaus + got unpacked. It looks like an interesting + fun cruise. The Aegean I is not the most luxurious ship, but it’s be O.K.
"This looks like a fun cruise although this is not a luxury liner!"
4/21/98 Pireaus – Heraklion, Greece (Crete)
We had the morning free + after lunch, we joined four busloads of people + went on a panoramic ride to Agios Nikolaos, the most popular resort in Crete. We traveled along the north coast where tiny towns could be seen clinging to the hillside which was covered with millions of olive trees. The water was a gorgeous cobalt blue + the shoreline of Crete is 167 miles in length. Many Europeans come during the summer months to vacation. We saw the quaint monastery of St. George Seliniris where baptisms + weddings are held. On one of the islands – Spinalage – we saw from a distance a 13th Century castle where lepers were sent. We stopped at St. Tropez where there are quaint shops + had a coke at an open-air restaurant before boarding the bus to come back to the ship. Had a quick nap before dinner.
4/22/98 At sea Crete – Israel
A gorgeous day! After a very restful sleep, we had a light breakfast in the Lido Lounge, then a walk on the sun deck after our orientation on Cyprus + Rhodes which follows the Israel tour. I tested the swimming pool on the sun deck + it was mighty refreshing – cold in other words. I was the only brave soul in the water. We caught some welcome rays, then read + rested in our cabin #251 the rest of the afternoon.
We had a cocktail party in the main lounge before dinner
April 23, 1998 Ashdod, Israel
We arrived in Ashdod at 7 am for what looks like an interesting tour of Massada + the Dead Sea.
Things I’ll always remember from this tour: 1) The feeling of the salt on my hands as I dipped them in the water + the beautiful Radisson Mariah where we had lunch. 2) The cable car ride up to the mtn fort at *Massada + then the 80 steps we climbed for a spectacular view of the Dead Sea. 3) Miles + miles of desert + arid rock as we came to the Qumran Caves where in 1947 a Bedouin boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known Biblical manuscripts in the world. 4) The Massada was built by Herod the Great + where 950 Jewish Zealots – men, women + children held off 10,000 Roman soldiers for over a year, then committed suicide rather than surrender. There we saw Herod’s 3 tiered palace, the baths, the synagogue, the defending walls + the water cisterns. Quite a 10 hr. trip!!
April 24, 1998: Ashdod, Israel
Today we’ll be doing Jerusalem + Bethlehem + it looks to be a full day. It was!!
Things I’ll remember about today’s tour: Bethlehem: Manger Square + the Church of the Nativity where we saw the spot where Jesus is supposed to have been born. A silver star is in the Grotto + some Catholics knelt down + kissed it.
This church was built in the 14th C by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine + his mother Helen. The entrance is low to protect it from Moslem neighbors. The seat of the government, the Knesset, the Shrine of the Book which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Old City, the Wailing Wall, Via Dolorosa (believed to have been the route Jesus took when he carried the cross), + the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are all in Jerusalem.
Rachel's Tomb, guarded by Israeli soldiers was unusual. She’s the only matriarch buried in Bethlehem. The rest (Leah, Sara + Rebecca) are buried in Jerusalem.
We enjoyed lunch at the beautiful Seven Arches near the Mount of Olives for s spectacular view of Jerusalem.
In Bethlehem we stopped at the Manger Square gift shop + bought a few souvenirs, but other than the Church of the Nativity + Shepherd’s Field, there wasn’t much to see.
Most of the activity today took place in Jerusalem, a city f 600,000 Jews + 100,000 Arabs. They were celebrating 50 years of Independence + large flags with the Star of David were flying throughout the city.
Homes are built on terraces + are very expensive. I loved the flowers that pervade throughout the city + irrigation plays a great part in growth of many crops + flowers.
A truly beautiful tour today.
4/25/98 Haifa, Israel
We started the day touring the city of Haifa + the Mt. Carmel area. There we took a picture of the B’hai golden dome + the beautiful gardens as this is the seat of their religion. Other places we visited include the Jordan River where I bought some souvenirs + a bottle of water from the Jordan R. where Jesus was baptized.
Then we took a boat ride on a replica of an ancient boat + a ride to Tiberius on the sea that Jesus walked on. This site was named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius. We had a delicious lunch at the Carmel Jordan River Hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. We drove through Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine + past Tabgha where He multiplied the loaves + fishes to feed the crowd of 5,000. We passed the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount” + on to Capernaum where He did most of His ministry on the Sea of Galilee.
We saw the ruins of an ancient synagogue with it’s recently discovered mosaic floor.
The last part of our journey today was spent in Nazareth + this is where Jesus spent the hidden years of his childhood. The Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the most revered shrines + the largest church in the Middle East. This was built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary she would be the mother of the Messiah. Mosaics from a number of different countries are the windows of the church on the second floor. The Church of Joseph next was built over chambers that housed his carpentry shop. On the way back to Haifa we viewed Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration where Jesus appeared to his disciples [as a figure infused with light].
Our last stop of the day was at a diamond factory. This was a full day!
4/26/98 (At sea) Enroute to Limassol, Cyprus
This a.m. we slept in, took a walk around on the sun deck, had some breakfast on the Lido deck, then went ashore via bus.
Walked around the downtown area, bought a few postcards where everything was one for a dollar, two for a dollar, three for a dollar, etc. Came back, had lunch in the main dining room + met some folks from Pensacola + Nevarie, the As, Marge + Jimmy + Cs. Made reservations for a tour in Istanbul when we arrive there Thurs. Now we are sailing toward Rhodes + the sea is rather choppy. Tonight we are having Greek night + we’re dressing in the traditional colors – blue + white. Plans for tonight were changed. The sea is very rough. One by one or two by two people vacated the main lounge during orientation on upcoming shore excursions. We’re not sick but went to bed because of rough sea + cancelled our plans to go to dinner.
4/27/98 Rhodes, Greece
After a rough night at sea, we came ashore about 10 am. We relaxed on the sundeck, then had lunch + departed for the afternoon tour of Lindos.
The location of beautiful Lindos on the Aegean Sea has a climate similar to that of Calif. The water is a glistening turquoise + the view from high atop the ancient Acropolis is truly spectacular. It was worth the 275 steps we had to climb to reach it. The small harbor below is said to have been where St. Paul landed in 58 A.D. We observed the remains of the Temple of Athens. I took a picture of the colonades which reach toward the heavens.
We ascended it + it was a piece of cake coming down the steps. We bought a few souvenirs, viewed the interior of a Greek Orthodox Church, stopped at a pottery store + returned to our ship for an 8:30 sailing.
*This is my favorite place in Greece - clean streets, shops, + beautiful homes.
4/28/98 Kusadasi, Turkey
This was a day to remember. Kusadasi is an island paradise – heavily populated in the summer with vacationers. Impressive flowers abound. About 20-minute drive to Ephesus is the highlight of this tour for there we were able to see the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, the original burial site of John the apostle. We saw extensive Greek + Roman ruins – temples, porticos, fountains + mosaics. We walked along an ancient marble road paved with thick marble slabs from the 5th C. A.D.
We took pictures of the Great Theatre where St. Paul preached. There were 24,000 seats + you could hear for quite a distance. We saw St. John’s (the apostle) tomb + took a picture of it. We stopped for a carpet demonstration + took a picture of the girl at the loom. After a barbecue lunch on the sun deck, we walked to the adjacent castle + took a picture of Ada (castle) restaurant.
Captain’s dinner in P.M.
4/29/98 Mitilini, Greece
This was a day of rest for we are packing and disembarking for Istanbul tomorrow.
We landed at Lesbos about 7 am. We claimed this day as a day of rest as there is not too much to see on the island other than temples, churches, etc. + we’ve already seen similar works of art. Tomorrow we’ll disembark, have a short day in Istanbul, then prepare for our trip home. We walked along the waterfront + visited the Church of St. Therapon + the nearby Cathedral. The shops included fresh fish, deer with the eyeballs staring at us, many linen + china shops, etc. After lunch we began our packing, then went up on the sundeck + read. At 4:00 pm we had our final briefing on our debarking for Istanbul tomorrow. Dinner was followed by a talent show in the main lounge with passenger participation – what fun! We sailed at 3 pm + had a smooth sail all night. A great cruise.
4/30/98 Istanbul, Turkey
We disembarked at 9 am + went on a tour of Istanbul which included the following: 1) the Blue Mosque, the city's most famous landmark.
It has 6 spear-shaped minerets. The vast vaulted interior is a heavenly blue mosaic of inlaid Iznik tiles. It was created by Sultan Ahmet in 1619 to surpass the beauty of the Christian Santa Sophia. This church, known as the Hagia Sophia, was constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th C + was the most important church until it was conquered by Mehmet in 1453.
2) The Topkapi Saray (Palace) was a sight to behold with its interconnecting apartments, halls, gardens + courtyards. We entered the ceremonial gate + saw at the treasury bldg an 84 carat diamond + 8 pound emeralds.
3) The Grand Bazaar had 3000 shops + stalls where we spent several hours browsing.
4) Our beautiful Conrad International Hotel lived up to its 5*rating + was a welcome site after a tiresome day. We checked in about 4 pm., unpacked what we needed for tomorrow, then met John + Chung S for a cab drive to the Hanedan Restaurant (Fish House). This was a lovely setting overlooking the Bosphorus + a great way to spend the last evening of the tour before returning to the States. Our cab drive back to the hotel was scary as our driver proceeded to cut through congested, narrow streets + even attempted to cut into a one-way street going the wrong way and we barely made it! We spent over 3,000,000 TL (Turkish lira) for dinner – about $55! We retired early for our wake-up call tomorrow.
5/1/98 Istanbul – Frankfurt – N.Y. –Atlanta – Pensacola
We arose at 2:15 am for a bus departure at 3:15 am. We arrived at the airport at 3:45 + stood in a long line for over an hour – very frustrating!! We wanted our luggage tagged for Pensacola but were advised to ship to N.Y. as it was a better place to claim the luggage. Our luggage was tagged for New York + we were off to Frankfurt, where we had another hour's wait, + then we were seated across two aisles from each other for our 7-1/2 hr flight to N.Y. However I was seated next to a nice couple, Sheryl + Tom B + Bert had an aisle seat. Had a comfortable flight + Lufthansa treated us very well with delicious food, so the flight was over quickly with intermittent cat naps + good service. At N.Y. we claimed our luggage at JFK + waited several hours for our Delta flight to Atlanta. Naturally we were anxious to get home, but with a full plane there were several delays, but we were met by our dear friends, Shirley + Dick L + claimed our luggage grateful to be home safely after a wonderful trip!
April 18, 1998 Pensacola – N.Y. – Athens, Greece
We boarded the plane at 6:50 with a ride to the airport with Shirley + Dick L. We had to deplane for a fuel problem but were airborn at 7:50 on Delta to Atlanta. We boarded another Delta plane at 10:20 + arrived at JFK at 12:30. Had an interesting lady to chat with enroute, Dora S from Jax. + the time passed quickly. We caught a bus to the International terminal + our dear grandson, Kyle, was here to surprise and greet us. We had lunch together, then he had to go back to NYU + his job. We passed the time reading + people watching after getting our seat assignments on the plane. Our departure time on Olympic Airlines is scheduled for 7 pm.
After a 2-hour delay and rough start on Delta to pick up more passengers in Boston. Full plane – 747 + about 500 people on board. Dinner was very good + served about 10:30 pm. Then lights were out + I slept sporadicly, but had to work at it with the help of PM Tylenol.
I’m grateful we’re having a good flight.
April 19, 1998 Athens – Divani Hotel
Breakfast was served about 10:30, in time to get ready to land the aircraft at 12:30. It took an hour to go through customs, get our bags + board a bus for the Divani Caravel Hotel. We checked into the hotel, got our room assignment + then signed up for a tour tomorrow before going to the pier to board Aegean I.
I'm impressed with all the marble that is used extensively in this hotel, throughout our room, in the bathroom, lobby + all the decorations at the Divani Hotel. I’m also pleased with the restaurant, the tile bath + the service.
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| Hammy & Bert "At the top of Divani Caravel [Hotel]" |
April 20, 1998 Athens - Pireaus, Greece
Our tour this am was to the Acropolis which is 512 ft flat-top limestone hill around which the city was built. The Parthenon is a very skillfully crafted bldg. + is dedicated to the goddess, Athena. It embodies the Greek ideal of freedom: spiritual, intellectual and political.
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| Bert & Hammy "At the bottom of the climb" to the Acropolis |
In the afternoon we arrived at our ship in Pireaus + got unpacked. It looks like an interesting + fun cruise. The Aegean I is not the most luxurious ship, but it’s be O.K.
"This looks like a fun cruise although this is not a luxury liner!"
4/21/98 Pireaus – Heraklion, Greece (Crete)
We had the morning free + after lunch, we joined four busloads of people + went on a panoramic ride to Agios Nikolaos, the most popular resort in Crete. We traveled along the north coast where tiny towns could be seen clinging to the hillside which was covered with millions of olive trees. The water was a gorgeous cobalt blue + the shoreline of Crete is 167 miles in length. Many Europeans come during the summer months to vacation. We saw the quaint monastery of St. George Seliniris where baptisms + weddings are held. On one of the islands – Spinalage – we saw from a distance a 13th Century castle where lepers were sent. We stopped at St. Tropez where there are quaint shops + had a coke at an open-air restaurant before boarding the bus to come back to the ship. Had a quick nap before dinner.
4/22/98 At sea Crete – Israel
A gorgeous day! After a very restful sleep, we had a light breakfast in the Lido Lounge, then a walk on the sun deck after our orientation on Cyprus + Rhodes which follows the Israel tour. I tested the swimming pool on the sun deck + it was mighty refreshing – cold in other words. I was the only brave soul in the water. We caught some welcome rays, then read + rested in our cabin #251 the rest of the afternoon.
We had a cocktail party in the main lounge before dinner
April 23, 1998 Ashdod, Israel
We arrived in Ashdod at 7 am for what looks like an interesting tour of Massada + the Dead Sea.
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| Hammy & Bert at the Dead Sea |
April 24, 1998: Ashdod, Israel
Today we’ll be doing Jerusalem + Bethlehem + it looks to be a full day. It was!!
Things I’ll remember about today’s tour: Bethlehem: Manger Square + the Church of the Nativity where we saw the spot where Jesus is supposed to have been born. A silver star is in the Grotto + some Catholics knelt down + kissed it.
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| Silver star in the grotto of the Basilica of the Nativity |
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| Hammy at the Wailing Wall |
We enjoyed lunch at the beautiful Seven Arches near the Mount of Olives for s spectacular view of Jerusalem.
In Bethlehem we stopped at the Manger Square gift shop + bought a few souvenirs, but other than the Church of the Nativity + Shepherd’s Field, there wasn’t much to see.
Most of the activity today took place in Jerusalem, a city f 600,000 Jews + 100,000 Arabs. They were celebrating 50 years of Independence + large flags with the Star of David were flying throughout the city.
Homes are built on terraces + are very expensive. I loved the flowers that pervade throughout the city + irrigation plays a great part in growth of many crops + flowers.
A truly beautiful tour today.
4/25/98 Haifa, Israel
We started the day touring the city of Haifa + the Mt. Carmel area. There we took a picture of the B’hai golden dome + the beautiful gardens as this is the seat of their religion. Other places we visited include the Jordan River where I bought some souvenirs + a bottle of water from the Jordan R. where Jesus was baptized.
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| Hammy collecting water from the River Jordan |
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| "A replica of Jesus' boat" |
Then we took a boat ride on a replica of an ancient boat + a ride to Tiberius on the sea that Jesus walked on. This site was named after the Roman Emperor Tiberius. We had a delicious lunch at the Carmel Jordan River Hotel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. We drove through Cana where Jesus turned the water into wine + past Tabgha where He multiplied the loaves + fishes to feed the crowd of 5,000. We passed the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the “Sermon on the Mount” + on to Capernaum where He did most of His ministry on the Sea of Galilee.
We saw the ruins of an ancient synagogue with it’s recently discovered mosaic floor.
The last part of our journey today was spent in Nazareth + this is where Jesus spent the hidden years of his childhood. The Basilica of the Annunciation is one of the most revered shrines + the largest church in the Middle East. This was built on the site where the Archangel Gabriel announced to Mary she would be the mother of the Messiah. Mosaics from a number of different countries are the windows of the church on the second floor. The Church of Joseph next was built over chambers that housed his carpentry shop. On the way back to Haifa we viewed Mount Tabor, the site of the Transfiguration where Jesus appeared to his disciples [as a figure infused with light].
Our last stop of the day was at a diamond factory. This was a full day!
4/26/98 (At sea) Enroute to Limassol, Cyprus
This a.m. we slept in, took a walk around on the sun deck, had some breakfast on the Lido deck, then went ashore via bus.
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| Hammy & Bert with the Aegean I in Limassol |
4/27/98 Rhodes, Greece
After a rough night at sea, we came ashore about 10 am. We relaxed on the sundeck, then had lunch + departed for the afternoon tour of Lindos.
The location of beautiful Lindos on the Aegean Sea has a climate similar to that of Calif. The water is a glistening turquoise + the view from high atop the ancient Acropolis is truly spectacular. It was worth the 275 steps we had to climb to reach it. The small harbor below is said to have been where St. Paul landed in 58 A.D. We observed the remains of the Temple of Athens. I took a picture of the colonades which reach toward the heavens.
We ascended it + it was a piece of cake coming down the steps. We bought a few souvenirs, viewed the interior of a Greek Orthodox Church, stopped at a pottery store + returned to our ship for an 8:30 sailing.
*This is my favorite place in Greece - clean streets, shops, + beautiful homes.
4/28/98 Kusadasi, Turkey
This was a day to remember. Kusadasi is an island paradise – heavily populated in the summer with vacationers. Impressive flowers abound. About 20-minute drive to Ephesus is the highlight of this tour for there we were able to see the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, the original burial site of John the apostle. We saw extensive Greek + Roman ruins – temples, porticos, fountains + mosaics. We walked along an ancient marble road paved with thick marble slabs from the 5th C. A.D.
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| "Marble road where St Paul walked from the sea" |
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| Hammy & Bert at the Library of Celsus in Ephesus |
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| Bert & Hammy at Ada Cafe in Kusadasi |
4/29/98 Mitilini, Greece
This was a day of rest for we are packing and disembarking for Istanbul tomorrow.
We landed at Lesbos about 7 am. We claimed this day as a day of rest as there is not too much to see on the island other than temples, churches, etc. + we’ve already seen similar works of art. Tomorrow we’ll disembark, have a short day in Istanbul, then prepare for our trip home. We walked along the waterfront + visited the Church of St. Therapon + the nearby Cathedral. The shops included fresh fish, deer with the eyeballs staring at us, many linen + china shops, etc. After lunch we began our packing, then went up on the sundeck + read. At 4:00 pm we had our final briefing on our debarking for Istanbul tomorrow. Dinner was followed by a talent show in the main lounge with passenger participation – what fun! We sailed at 3 pm + had a smooth sail all night. A great cruise.
4/30/98 Istanbul, Turkey
We disembarked at 9 am + went on a tour of Istanbul which included the following: 1) the Blue Mosque, the city's most famous landmark.
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| The Blue Mosque |
2) The Topkapi Saray (Palace) was a sight to behold with its interconnecting apartments, halls, gardens + courtyards. We entered the ceremonial gate + saw at the treasury bldg an 84 carat diamond + 8 pound emeralds.
3) The Grand Bazaar had 3000 shops + stalls where we spent several hours browsing.
4) Our beautiful Conrad International Hotel lived up to its 5*rating + was a welcome site after a tiresome day. We checked in about 4 pm., unpacked what we needed for tomorrow, then met John + Chung S for a cab drive to the Hanedan Restaurant (Fish House). This was a lovely setting overlooking the Bosphorus + a great way to spend the last evening of the tour before returning to the States. Our cab drive back to the hotel was scary as our driver proceeded to cut through congested, narrow streets + even attempted to cut into a one-way street going the wrong way and we barely made it! We spent over 3,000,000 TL (Turkish lira) for dinner – about $55! We retired early for our wake-up call tomorrow.
5/1/98 Istanbul – Frankfurt – N.Y. –Atlanta – Pensacola
We arose at 2:15 am for a bus departure at 3:15 am. We arrived at the airport at 3:45 + stood in a long line for over an hour – very frustrating!! We wanted our luggage tagged for Pensacola but were advised to ship to N.Y. as it was a better place to claim the luggage. Our luggage was tagged for New York + we were off to Frankfurt, where we had another hour's wait, + then we were seated across two aisles from each other for our 7-1/2 hr flight to N.Y. However I was seated next to a nice couple, Sheryl + Tom B + Bert had an aisle seat. Had a comfortable flight + Lufthansa treated us very well with delicious food, so the flight was over quickly with intermittent cat naps + good service. At N.Y. we claimed our luggage at JFK + waited several hours for our Delta flight to Atlanta. Naturally we were anxious to get home, but with a full plane there were several delays, but we were met by our dear friends, Shirley + Dick L + claimed our luggage grateful to be home safely after a wonderful trip!
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| Hammy and Bert (1998) |
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