tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60649992024-03-28T17:43:52.401-04:00Sailing, sailing,The log of the sailing vessel Scott Free, home of Scott Garren and Heather Shay.Scott Garren and Heather Shayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02741199580275156099noreply@blogger.comBlogger664125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-39204955042252404432024-03-28T17:43:00.000-04:002024-03-28T17:43:19.996-04:00Sedona, AZ <p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZQOsNVi5X16WGjho1Rj-5JXscB1U_HPmimFVNQL2DAeSX53kaGaXbe504rtQsPMn8dL4A5mrBi9XUtGrGD-ehw_0-WWSYnbiJmXiuVNg0Uvl-fuBQ96uj39g-1PozTFTEnG5Z5pTiO7y-LqokB47PKjRcTZhOd7OqrYCD2ILXyuyBf-YOED_/s4080/PXL_20240322_180234068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZQOsNVi5X16WGjho1Rj-5JXscB1U_HPmimFVNQL2DAeSX53kaGaXbe504rtQsPMn8dL4A5mrBi9XUtGrGD-ehw_0-WWSYnbiJmXiuVNg0Uvl-fuBQ96uj39g-1PozTFTEnG5Z5pTiO7y-LqokB47PKjRcTZhOd7OqrYCD2ILXyuyBf-YOED_/w301-h400/PXL_20240322_180234068.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down through Oak Canyon<br />on 68A. Scott took this looking out<br />the window, straight up, no shoulder.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPgnod7jXnaCyT_3tLPU24JzpIdeUq-224yrMfVT2V5Vq_W4f-ogRhq3ZPlHWDuZzB-T1RAPPOwog4uijJvAFBRotEAW_mASxpKe8aNF91JCuPl6FHIkZlq7Tiq3hQr7CZXrftDg14M2mIN5XL5jYMvGrBoJkrYOkhw6qJ6e-7OIKZY3qdkL5/s4080/PXL_20240322_180212101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPgnod7jXnaCyT_3tLPU24JzpIdeUq-224yrMfVT2V5Vq_W4f-ogRhq3ZPlHWDuZzB-T1RAPPOwog4uijJvAFBRotEAW_mASxpKe8aNF91JCuPl6FHIkZlq7Tiq3hQr7CZXrftDg14M2mIN5XL5jYMvGrBoJkrYOkhw6qJ6e-7OIKZY3qdkL5/s320/PXL_20240322_180212101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken though the windshield just before<br />a hairpin turn, narrow road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnjGqRcu1NYcl1cTm_fZilJwcAO6t1A6tFSyo2LfVvAN_4UIMd-lN5OF0sJeBkQMdqKFbylsHowVNk6i1oEfpVidG3ncks6iBHy2NfBVORYqRwmGy4wWQxkDlUuQA1tsO59DRexyx2uUhNhorxQ07MfTcajWH83AAHDyGTRoxZTBUrDiaF3d/s4080/PXL_20240322_181024375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTnjGqRcu1NYcl1cTm_fZilJwcAO6t1A6tFSyo2LfVvAN_4UIMd-lN5OF0sJeBkQMdqKFbylsHowVNk6i1oEfpVidG3ncks6iBHy2NfBVORYqRwmGy4wWQxkDlUuQA1tsO59DRexyx2uUhNhorxQ07MfTcajWH83AAHDyGTRoxZTBUrDiaF3d/s320/PXL_20240322_181024375.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of the twisty section we could take<br />a break and hike down to the river.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>We got a pretty early start from the Grand Canyon on a beautiful sunny day. We took a trip down Memory Lane in very different circumstances. Last year we left Cottonwood in the rain and stupidly took the "scenic route" through Sedona and up Route 89A up to Flagstaff. We hadn't checked the weather in Flagstaff or in fact at checked the news. If we did, we would have learned that there was emergency flooding in Sedona and the rain turned to snow halfway up the canyon. When we entered Oak Creek Canyon we were greeted by warning signs and then a swollen frightening river alongside us. Then the side roads were all closed due to flooding and we had no choice but to keep on going (with the trailer attached we had no room to turn around). Well, we thought, we'll be up above the river soon and yes, that was true. But we gained elevation quickly - 2,700 feet and the rain turned to snow. The road is steep with hairpin turns and again, no place to turn around. But we made it - we are experienced snow drivers living in New England. What a difference this year. It was about 60 degrees and bright sunshine and of course, we went downhill this time. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnfTRny8cGLXOP8gNY4C16VNrElhPb4biLUWtDin_XOjlN_Y2xkHJelISRAu1eQa7EvmAGJieMaBCS0IvBEsqFJpUQGfeRg28W7YjX0RYJ5zId0BrC1B8X2hzRBou3CJ6iDVmV5LDP24jRcEVorkobUngiCVxWW1fLqfIdvz7z_4BHN-SYM8p/s4080/PXL_20240322_180840494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpnfTRny8cGLXOP8gNY4C16VNrElhPb4biLUWtDin_XOjlN_Y2xkHJelISRAu1eQa7EvmAGJieMaBCS0IvBEsqFJpUQGfeRg28W7YjX0RYJ5zId0BrC1B8X2hzRBou3CJ6iDVmV5LDP24jRcEVorkobUngiCVxWW1fLqfIdvz7z_4BHN-SYM8p/w640-h482/PXL_20240322_180840494.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken on our hike down to the river.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUped199mgshmOAoT6xspZH7EhAo6pGlPYBaNR5FOBVJCzFt9TPOxMI2vvc06J6vg1s3Fw01h9irdhgjR_TAo9SNq83SpCQjS7oxvEeVa7k-pohVjfMU89m4wi6jI5QXAMiODsz9yJq3VrlcGMRWtOLrHa0hkNcydFEJ0lh09rlJNWNBS7hB2/s4080/PXL_20240322_183023398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUped199mgshmOAoT6xspZH7EhAo6pGlPYBaNR5FOBVJCzFt9TPOxMI2vvc06J6vg1s3Fw01h9irdhgjR_TAo9SNq83SpCQjS7oxvEeVa7k-pohVjfMU89m4wi6jI5QXAMiODsz9yJq3VrlcGMRWtOLrHa0hkNcydFEJ0lh09rlJNWNBS7hB2/s320/PXL_20240322_183023398.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We stopped for ice cream and checked out the <br />Native American artists wears on display in the<br /> parking lot. Beautiful things!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeqThCbZgjFEBaVXdYja5ZFanwDNC4u2IXFcyLqSWDors6KGn5aV2Y8SIlSHjSAVFvf4Ib7C6Vhk_SD61BRmLDYmdmWWnw4lKmB18JnGWtDSCGoIYvsY_-2trRF-7D8mHxsHY-zSbq5sTEg3vncIK-W6_P_v2N-NQGVv5umFg9kND4Ar5ANUs/s4080/PXL_20240322_194413986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeqThCbZgjFEBaVXdYja5ZFanwDNC4u2IXFcyLqSWDors6KGn5aV2Y8SIlSHjSAVFvf4Ib7C6Vhk_SD61BRmLDYmdmWWnw4lKmB18JnGWtDSCGoIYvsY_-2trRF-7D8mHxsHY-zSbq5sTEg3vncIK-W6_P_v2N-NQGVv5umFg9kND4Ar5ANUs/s320/PXL_20240322_194413986.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our lovely RV site at Page Springs RV<br />Resort. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>There is no place to pull over for us with the trailer so Scott took a few photos through the windows. It's pretty spectacular and in the beginning, a steep descent. Near the bottom we were able to pull over and follow a trail down to the river. We wanted to check into Page Springs RV Resort and get settled so we continued on through town. Our site at the park was really lovely, parallel to the rushing river and we were able to have our lunch outdoors for a change. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqnS3K6A_xqfxt4Dy_sdZU1jurdn-YCriPkKYKp2ig9qmvt6EvRjWonIkGyM9GAk090YCDijmMVLTSanxWDWyWXN72sGFw6bQuPSqAtKMACBlqVHMjovdSczMDGcDHoAWQLzxZtlffA9Wvyh3n1ZHLlSnIeXhHtbW1r9IXHxCk-Qr4fESgVMp/s4080/PXL_20240322_232148410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqnS3K6A_xqfxt4Dy_sdZU1jurdn-YCriPkKYKp2ig9qmvt6EvRjWonIkGyM9GAk090YCDijmMVLTSanxWDWyWXN72sGFw6bQuPSqAtKMACBlqVHMjovdSczMDGcDHoAWQLzxZtlffA9Wvyh3n1ZHLlSnIeXhHtbW1r9IXHxCk-Qr4fESgVMp/w301-h400/PXL_20240322_232148410.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep beginning of the Huckaby Trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS3WP-yvjzu0fsOlS1ZWxlhWnnTWa1yCFoqzqpGZhNboxyLtr0tw1rVXkTpUpv70-ES6t4RG5Mvrskc7_Ss2l692B0Iepvnl2cd-DcWP2kwLrim1KmPQ4_moSYJsw9Qmwbek3Y5aR12zyA-QkXWLauyEwzWO9yWhRu8t5hYCpObGIV7LlhX-i/s4080/PXL_20240322_232914849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS3WP-yvjzu0fsOlS1ZWxlhWnnTWa1yCFoqzqpGZhNboxyLtr0tw1rVXkTpUpv70-ES6t4RG5Mvrskc7_Ss2l692B0Iepvnl2cd-DcWP2kwLrim1KmPQ4_moSYJsw9Qmwbek3Y5aR12zyA-QkXWLauyEwzWO9yWhRu8t5hYCpObGIV7LlhX-i/s320/PXL_20240322_232914849.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It led to a beautiful view over the river and the <br />bridge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSPkzEzR0S8KqledJp33mQJlg3DJZxe7ijzqNzS20X5L4QNRc86Hm9NMCpRGLONAE3V4-ysXR8ij4-qVDR4R_Od7Hjk_GsEXQgGFZ4DquuvMBQSC0p7Yh87YSGAoaggR2B6KIoVskVgZLFoATo5h6z-G48uS4t7YtOQl6_kpU6GZ73JL1ZNaK/s4080/PXL_20240322_232923577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSPkzEzR0S8KqledJp33mQJlg3DJZxe7ijzqNzS20X5L4QNRc86Hm9NMCpRGLONAE3V4-ysXR8ij4-qVDR4R_Od7Hjk_GsEXQgGFZ4DquuvMBQSC0p7Yh87YSGAoaggR2B6KIoVskVgZLFoATo5h6z-G48uS4t7YtOQl6_kpU6GZ73JL1ZNaK/s320/PXL_20240322_232923577.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then it turned into an easy hike along the river.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd4YYOV0dWQ-WRd0u8384O9P9xYc3Ix4rDJj725627emTtYLw3r7EJB9qnlnLoF2V1oJWaF0rvneQw1KolhZXCycbOsEAAjR3E7GpQvVVzRGgDYEQHfIsKQmPeIotO6Zblw4BZblZW2qUOhA_Q7c6PohqP0oNrSBr_MuIF8RdGHO2xcj_iS6G/s3262/PXL_20240322_234136382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3262" data-original-width="2295" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkd4YYOV0dWQ-WRd0u8384O9P9xYc3Ix4rDJj725627emTtYLw3r7EJB9qnlnLoF2V1oJWaF0rvneQw1KolhZXCycbOsEAAjR3E7GpQvVVzRGgDYEQHfIsKQmPeIotO6Zblw4BZblZW2qUOhA_Q7c6PohqP0oNrSBr_MuIF8RdGHO2xcj_iS6G/w281-h400/PXL_20240322_234136382.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My red shirt fits right into the color scheme.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXeNyxCSDOCHeGgijAM0k_W_jUDYzTByOlooqbOZ-DJsOWT6v8xqoghRtIa6j3xC8Ts4FsnFpOy36RcKVoHPxU2JDRDvFnyk3qmToYgHvm_3h2j_wH9iEYYRrgphSpPNHLVeQZ2CuRq-RnE6nd_lrVpCJbRn_MW0hydfZ2ALjofkxtqvAtSv5/s4080/PXL_20240322_234316355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXeNyxCSDOCHeGgijAM0k_W_jUDYzTByOlooqbOZ-DJsOWT6v8xqoghRtIa6j3xC8Ts4FsnFpOy36RcKVoHPxU2JDRDvFnyk3qmToYgHvm_3h2j_wH9iEYYRrgphSpPNHLVeQZ2CuRq-RnE6nd_lrVpCJbRn_MW0hydfZ2ALjofkxtqvAtSv5/s320/PXL_20240322_234316355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view up the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>But we were anxious to get in some hiking so we drove back into the Canyon and pulled over to a parking lot just above the Midgley Bridge. We had to wait a little while for someone to pull out but it was worth it. We took the Upper Huckaby Trail north along the river. The views were really lovely and it was a generally easy trail. On the way back we stopped for dinner at Gerardo's Pizzeria. It lived up to the great reviews which had sent us there. The pizza was one of the best we've ever had!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyu7AilhDIcDjidCxtnjuIeqdv6Zhz_3oKh7TMkJEunkZz5yVH-HbxVpIYtRUWDUB1JSIsNK3c64rUDAkC0Egqfo61boJ1WZIeTeUXqD1jJa9J3Q29AyF8vJSz1DfHhe4HALMOv1jOJ5Imf8qeCUuYH7GaKJLliLIe8LiR9ihmDzFlCBUEfwk/s1360/20171220_213945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1360" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyu7AilhDIcDjidCxtnjuIeqdv6Zhz_3oKh7TMkJEunkZz5yVH-HbxVpIYtRUWDUB1JSIsNK3c64rUDAkC0Egqfo61boJ1WZIeTeUXqD1jJa9J3Q29AyF8vJSz1DfHhe4HALMOv1jOJ5Imf8qeCUuYH7GaKJLliLIe8LiR9ihmDzFlCBUEfwk/s320/20171220_213945.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Gerardo's</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbwJzVKBM7ajiVokaiyXAXExB3juJ4CgbqTr-j3YvfT5IjzHVzq5ytKyf7mujtzT-vawB5FLiHyBCC1kGMXEzc3p-hmFblZ-hVPt2pVRmFAOKadKUJ-ktthnge68Cao93yv76pTQ2OJakU8iQh62xZLpa-9vw4D1VcUdjv2QOFXuRR3cxRns8/s1360/IMG_20220821_165021527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSbwJzVKBM7ajiVokaiyXAXExB3juJ4CgbqTr-j3YvfT5IjzHVzq5ytKyf7mujtzT-vawB5FLiHyBCC1kGMXEzc3p-hmFblZ-hVPt2pVRmFAOKadKUJ-ktthnge68Cao93yv76pTQ2OJakU8iQh62xZLpa-9vw4D1VcUdjv2QOFXuRR3cxRns8/s320/IMG_20220821_165021527.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing pizza</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next morning we knew that the weather was deteriorating during the afternoon so we got a good start and hiked in Red Rocks State Park, which was fairly close. We took the Apache Fire Trail loop. We had actually been here before with friends on our first RV trip west back in 2021 but we enjoyed it again. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz7YQh53Sj-6bmY9e1g5Ml0aMOzcpZrI0Ra1fig-A-ThtOeqKf8Lya-_tQJfzvoFFu60sSohEB9dzs_kSZoaYekIy80ttMWP4VcAKxLTYFo_Gi_kQa70XKT6ldZaxKZPOeMUgoHud7By7q5nTguHGHa6LNR9NREF0yaVyY6eCxrNpbIt2D045/s4080/PXL_20240323_180630882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPz7YQh53Sj-6bmY9e1g5Ml0aMOzcpZrI0Ra1fig-A-ThtOeqKf8Lya-_tQJfzvoFFu60sSohEB9dzs_kSZoaYekIy80ttMWP4VcAKxLTYFo_Gi_kQa70XKT6ldZaxKZPOeMUgoHud7By7q5nTguHGHa6LNR9NREF0yaVyY6eCxrNpbIt2D045/w640-h482/PXL_20240323_180630882.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views from Red Rocks State Park were great and the trails easy and fun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP63QzH1seADkVFuLF3KUUtDBfoASRcbpsh4f3Nhn_fn2Y5eUNtboisPjPVHZZSzu_HmzPfh_xAfM6oFz9wlaQLXpJ9E1cTEE2MLleuZ2CA1qyd2jqIq5MlEieHzzs2yjRngm-lmBgSkNO07j7u9y7isQb_NFSYneAK5zy9S1SqZh-YvyjD-r5/s4080/PXL_20240323_181341493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP63QzH1seADkVFuLF3KUUtDBfoASRcbpsh4f3Nhn_fn2Y5eUNtboisPjPVHZZSzu_HmzPfh_xAfM6oFz9wlaQLXpJ9E1cTEE2MLleuZ2CA1qyd2jqIq5MlEieHzzs2yjRngm-lmBgSkNO07j7u9y7isQb_NFSYneAK5zy9S1SqZh-YvyjD-r5/s320/PXL_20240323_181341493.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cottonwoods along the river weren't green<br />yet but this huge one was pretty impressive.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEOILJ3qfA3fxpsmaLSnTTlJkdh_T38tz6ol07MBL2U8LNneWulxjRvVkRtNY5_NXTOdzJ810Cr3a2Te1HRX9juf3AX7xpAa7Xyuhwq8JK4iuvLNWOBFMhfCk2JYE463QKSYnOZFNZMlK36yRnnGfjcmFQ8fbZbt-TcWu_d7pHePSIuoyDb06/s4080/PXL_20240323_181439059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEOILJ3qfA3fxpsmaLSnTTlJkdh_T38tz6ol07MBL2U8LNneWulxjRvVkRtNY5_NXTOdzJ810Cr3a2Te1HRX9juf3AX7xpAa7Xyuhwq8JK4iuvLNWOBFMhfCk2JYE463QKSYnOZFNZMlK36yRnnGfjcmFQ8fbZbt-TcWu_d7pHePSIuoyDb06/s320/PXL_20240323_181439059.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Apache Fire House on the left. Jack Frye, at<br />the time President of TWA and his wife Helen<br />built this. They divorced soon after and the <br />property became her's. She was a colorful and<br />fascinating person! Right now it's lying unused<br />within the park but hopefully and good use<br />will be found. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>But now we faced a dilemma. We had one more night at Page Springs but the weather report looked alarming. A front was coming in with heavy rain, gusty winds and possible snow. We decided to pack up and move south. A few calls later we had reservations back at our old haunt in Casa Grande, south of Phoenix. Their hot tub was beckoning to us. And after a long 4 hours (traffic through Phoenix) we settled Baby into her favorite site there and were in the hot tub lickity split. Heaven! And we were so glad we made that decision. It poured that night and the wind was so strong it shook the trailer. We counted ourselves lucky we weren't next to that already rushing river in Sedona!</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-59142775345500369862024-03-25T12:46:00.002-04:002024-03-25T12:46:49.394-04:00The Grand Canyon, Finally!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBerOKQUMNRidaBeu5yKnQm7DSrrewFgAbIvXYBlwmoWcABJ39z4L1EFltEQya42pIToy7MjxWjRy2myt6120u86OhfHUBhQ8vJOcNVPjSZBO3NYkCoY0mIP2tLuZ15TYJXPYuylgpg1Q5sae0IJmUAxAFuR89-_uz3gQJLse3P496Nf-T4dP7/s4080/PXL_20240319_212244754.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBerOKQUMNRidaBeu5yKnQm7DSrrewFgAbIvXYBlwmoWcABJ39z4L1EFltEQya42pIToy7MjxWjRy2myt6120u86OhfHUBhQ8vJOcNVPjSZBO3NYkCoY0mIP2tLuZ15TYJXPYuylgpg1Q5sae0IJmUAxAFuR89-_uz3gQJLse3P496Nf-T4dP7/w640-h482/PXL_20240319_212244754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see, the weather was perfect for our visit - finally. We are so glad we were able to rearrange our trip and get new reservations at the campground. This was taken our first afternoon from Mather Point. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4LvhjF5cEc0UR2vFyzq5sG-4iQmOyOZSapXVATo6kC6cesnG5JWvzuYSo552gOJDBQrLGtRk12VbN5r0zdGyZHYOGG1NYAHCVZLonvSWmFUfK0cjvxOr9gi3BqaY6hogDee7dqR7WQBQoEm0yIjjojd2y9ZC8-Hb9Gq1EskUKSKy60qn2ulX/s2252/PXL_20240320_184522467A.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="1929" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4LvhjF5cEc0UR2vFyzq5sG-4iQmOyOZSapXVATo6kC6cesnG5JWvzuYSo552gOJDBQrLGtRk12VbN5r0zdGyZHYOGG1NYAHCVZLonvSWmFUfK0cjvxOr9gi3BqaY6hogDee7dqR7WQBQoEm0yIjjojd2y9ZC8-Hb9Gq1EskUKSKy60qn2ulX/w343-h400/PXL_20240320_184522467A.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a full half day at the Park after <br />settling Baby in the first site at Mather campground.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1KEjO2rCdwfzfr_Tm-CqJ_kadu43039l3mdHK9WgBboyMV22k6jboVigz8qOVb5p94vhtGL8C6yXc0T4noi72N-rwUnmXF6XhJMa4uatcQQbxUPI5FYWQaK1HPzeqBLjayw8rTjyOS2h-YAcXV6qyuTKrnBytRvjqHSBOtByD1po55mTQEXh/s4080/PXL_20240320_193306178.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq1KEjO2rCdwfzfr_Tm-CqJ_kadu43039l3mdHK9WgBboyMV22k6jboVigz8qOVb5p94vhtGL8C6yXc0T4noi72N-rwUnmXF6XhJMa4uatcQQbxUPI5FYWQaK1HPzeqBLjayw8rTjyOS2h-YAcXV6qyuTKrnBytRvjqHSBOtByD1po55mTQEXh/s320/PXL_20240320_193306178.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took advantage of the many benches along<br />the Rim trail to enjoy the view and rest.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We made reservations for 3 nights at the Grand Canyon months ago but as the time drew closer the weather report looked ominous: freezing temperatures and possible snow. Mather Campground inside the park had no electricity or WIFI and possibly no cell service. So we rearranged our schedule. We were supposed to go from our RV park south of Phoenix to Sedona, then the Grand Canyon and finally to our friends Rick & Marsha in Prescott Valley. They were fine with our going to them first and we were able to get three nights at Mather in the Grand Canyon following our visit to them - unfortunately 3 different sites. And the weather by then looked great. Finally the nice people at Page Springs Campground near Sedona allowed us to move our reservation to 2 nights following our stay at the Grand Canyon. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnTBPaOdzkXWwlhnxqGVOqJNqwa_VacmpToSw5ovmJ2ESIdNK5KwGdGqGtJ9wjjtAnf1G3XsiscC-tKCvojbMdrRBV-40pD2FIOXbZPY5r4gsC7xitb7i2qyV2nsmx-WCm6UD7PHY5SvgrtgvTRxXI-FHSPtmeRwOynrBCcs869GyYlN7VBBS/s4080/PXL_20240320_133358847.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnTBPaOdzkXWwlhnxqGVOqJNqwa_VacmpToSw5ovmJ2ESIdNK5KwGdGqGtJ9wjjtAnf1G3XsiscC-tKCvojbMdrRBV-40pD2FIOXbZPY5r4gsC7xitb7i2qyV2nsmx-WCm6UD7PHY5SvgrtgvTRxXI-FHSPtmeRwOynrBCcs869GyYlN7VBBS/w301-h400/PXL_20240320_133358847.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view our first morning near the El Tovar<br />hotel looking east about 6:15 AM</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdfsQzTtgNz3DPOWIQR2EiyxgFFm7YOnB2SiYkMB9oBfM-bEbxWnzpY12zC77uMPm2RlScc1COAXsctJffrlCyfqAN18FzQ_JfRijAavkdzfoy5XUuEUQmMKK-QAxSUeB7Zes1_-Fl4C2j47CIwjn5LhIkxdUUhC8b_QNgaWJ9xFgtM-CJUz_/s4080/PXL_20240320_133458982.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdfsQzTtgNz3DPOWIQR2EiyxgFFm7YOnB2SiYkMB9oBfM-bEbxWnzpY12zC77uMPm2RlScc1COAXsctJffrlCyfqAN18FzQ_JfRijAavkdzfoy5XUuEUQmMKK-QAxSUeB7Zes1_-Fl4C2j47CIwjn5LhIkxdUUhC8b_QNgaWJ9xFgtM-CJUz_/s320/PXL_20240320_133458982.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up of the point east of our spot just before<br />the sun rose. This scene is in the upper right of the<br />photo to the left!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MoaJIWYFuf8bOmIbuDs62eAJIsH1hoFPcw7KmHrGdoUKlx4mlj-EM0_Zymsu5ICLMLsiFHYvwdFBPbjkcFPHhvbdqWsAg1FbgnbN-Kg4w26uDePuneDA6WeHcOxYiiR1Hh_wefxNnznL3LyMDMKIzGQGdjM-d1gsUmwIxuyRtxl-4SDdY1_B/s4080/PXL_20240320_130326800.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MoaJIWYFuf8bOmIbuDs62eAJIsH1hoFPcw7KmHrGdoUKlx4mlj-EM0_Zymsu5ICLMLsiFHYvwdFBPbjkcFPHhvbdqWsAg1FbgnbN-Kg4w26uDePuneDA6WeHcOxYiiR1Hh_wefxNnznL3LyMDMKIzGQGdjM-d1gsUmwIxuyRtxl-4SDdY1_B/s320/PXL_20240320_130326800.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We brought thermoses with hot coffee and <br />dressed warmly as you can see!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb-HXIJ_Jk3URzxrbJWdicv7jRbTLYYgkeqvXjcrlqEowhzN5YmRyCWpAPqVMOlkuUOiK0T52_wMi7Do8vT7eVAtSuNrqnxayuha12llB52hAcGnrtNOxrMi8Fvm_L_um5qrNIZSkgREmDMmcF8Fe5huvPj5EMCKO_UmbzxhFQFimVvfK8eb3/s3755/PXL_20240320_135855654.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2327" data-original-width="3755" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvb-HXIJ_Jk3URzxrbJWdicv7jRbTLYYgkeqvXjcrlqEowhzN5YmRyCWpAPqVMOlkuUOiK0T52_wMi7Do8vT7eVAtSuNrqnxayuha12llB52hAcGnrtNOxrMi8Fvm_L_um5qrNIZSkgREmDMmcF8Fe5huvPj5EMCKO_UmbzxhFQFimVvfK8eb3/s320/PXL_20240320_135855654.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then afterwards we sat at a window table at the<br />elegant El Tovar dining room for a fantastic<br />breakfast. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It all worked out wonderfully. We had three days of sunshine with highs of 68 and moving the RV each day wasn't too hard. The sites themselves were all very nice, in different loops within the Mather Campground. There is a shuttle stop right outside the campground entrance so you don't need to drive everywhere. The shuttle service is very convenient. They come around every 10 minutes and weren't crowded. I imagine later in the season there could be long lines at some of the stops.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5aWhokHO8F7c7A_7UoXTzpVgnioVs1aYnzHGKlrzR_PF33M8G__QgHasA7m44FzNA_cNSR4Z12XkdEpaK4fSKRLvZAxAmckVcfn1020Y3thhh9xWsXiQtdFe8xg0L7y5kvNYLXbXgZDbfQbkwQEqDImUhBmkeQcD_guefjhH3LfN1HgXIXuL/s4080/PXL_20240320_174545652.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz5aWhokHO8F7c7A_7UoXTzpVgnioVs1aYnzHGKlrzR_PF33M8G__QgHasA7m44FzNA_cNSR4Z12XkdEpaK4fSKRLvZAxAmckVcfn1020Y3thhh9xWsXiQtdFe8xg0L7y5kvNYLXbXgZDbfQbkwQEqDImUhBmkeQcD_guefjhH3LfN1HgXIXuL/w640-h482/PXL_20240320_174545652.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love looking at the trails and imagining our heading down them. But it's too late for us to experience the trails down to the bottom of the canyon. Ten years ago we trekked in the Andes of Peru at much higher altitudes so we could have done it then. But our daughter Zoe and husband George hiked down with 1 year old Nick and all their camping gear 20 years ago - pretty amazing. And then just a few years ago George did the grueling Rim to Rim hike! Down the from the north rim, up the south, down again and back up! Hard to believe!!! You can just see the Bright Angel trail going down in the upper right and then the next section below the pink cliff.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETKp3TlJjW0xuUOCrVLzJiG3pciCeFIYz4WBYVdM8wQNEurhrGE4_3I340GXG5VICy7NRW5Woa9asyrio6Yi7SsKGilEHd6LR3J6MtSAQSq51xO4Mcc_oKNZe1FzAWYbrRZhN60_De3LjzDaAM_PfMfbfEBQosNRBKNLskLJt6PNH_e7GBUk3/s2609/PXL_20240320_174706660.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="2609" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhETKp3TlJjW0xuUOCrVLzJiG3pciCeFIYz4WBYVdM8wQNEurhrGE4_3I340GXG5VICy7NRW5Woa9asyrio6Yi7SsKGilEHd6LR3J6MtSAQSq51xO4Mcc_oKNZe1FzAWYbrRZhN60_De3LjzDaAM_PfMfbfEBQosNRBKNLskLJt6PNH_e7GBUk3/w640-h396/PXL_20240320_174706660.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next section is a series of switchbacks seen here in the lower left quarter. It's possible to ride a donkey down this trail and stay the night in the canyon. The ride doesn't scare me but sitting on a donkey's back for 5 hours does!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We left Marsha & Rick's early and were all settled in our first site by Noon. That afternoon was spent walking the Rim Trail from Mather Point west. It was a crystal clear day and the visibility was excellent. We did find ourselves more winded then usual, not used to the 7,000 foot altitude. We were happy to return to Baby later for a good nap and dinner. I was worried about the cold at night, not having electricity but the propane heater worked out well and we broke out our down comforter for our stay. Our actual difficulty was not having WIFI or cell service. We really missed that!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TTfa2u0koykiVM_yB4hWB6mv1zbcjxFGOpDXOeqyXZrSlWvcoEP4f6Eqg_Ih0GPg1mmFX4NUGopgvjmJ2xjGy1KA4iaMEMeVHLgZIV45FYx85tZM2D4YrVpGmx1Nq8kAHvWT4-hWBknfxU8GP0JbkQwb7d0rtuZRswnlHn_SVNNrHEOJJU6V/s4080/PXL_20240320_184625606.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TTfa2u0koykiVM_yB4hWB6mv1zbcjxFGOpDXOeqyXZrSlWvcoEP4f6Eqg_Ih0GPg1mmFX4NUGopgvjmJ2xjGy1KA4iaMEMeVHLgZIV45FYx85tZM2D4YrVpGmx1Nq8kAHvWT4-hWBknfxU8GP0JbkQwb7d0rtuZRswnlHn_SVNNrHEOJJU6V/w640-h482/PXL_20240320_184625606.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first full day we took the shuttle down to Hermit's Rest, stopping at the viewpoints and hiking along the Rim trail between some of them. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFVI6lqc3RX-NT03acxesR3XHSif0zHSKMvg54O5XiYkXnEIGNc_q405hy2_PmhXk6OUBJaACu6q0ZvLIpBN7KHm48kNH4Bh2GSzfovXLoVfRlrAj8l5ueFabG1sY8pAPLmFnd79DWxI3S8QFoIKkScjJdYBNa-5jirxnLqvDqjV0uLNRQ0OK/s4080/PXL_20240320_182618268.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFVI6lqc3RX-NT03acxesR3XHSif0zHSKMvg54O5XiYkXnEIGNc_q405hy2_PmhXk6OUBJaACu6q0ZvLIpBN7KHm48kNH4Bh2GSzfovXLoVfRlrAj8l5ueFabG1sY8pAPLmFnd79DWxI3S8QFoIKkScjJdYBNa-5jirxnLqvDqjV0uLNRQ0OK/s320/PXL_20240320_182618268.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott loves the driftwood and dried trees for the <br />shapes they make.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-DQ51535ZmSJ_qOXLV4eO-GTGply6_R4xIpnq4BiDEVeo07ZjKzIsmtD3sNv8w5rbTErghSndttAtYNfNxtLf80NFjvOHh7tSoNsB8fo6N3KFI2JI44gFdyaSoR6tCdiiPoJM0fUc_0IDaicCA1G6ttUB9C9dkyJbbseHYqmFh0pk8gEz91N/s3144/PXL_20240320_184552019.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2252" data-original-width="3144" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-DQ51535ZmSJ_qOXLV4eO-GTGply6_R4xIpnq4BiDEVeo07ZjKzIsmtD3sNv8w5rbTErghSndttAtYNfNxtLf80NFjvOHh7tSoNsB8fo6N3KFI2JI44gFdyaSoR6tCdiiPoJM0fUc_0IDaicCA1G6ttUB9C9dkyJbbseHYqmFh0pk8gEz91N/s320/PXL_20240320_184552019.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the Rim trail stretching out from one<br />of the viewpoints.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our first morning we got up at 5:30 AM and were at the rim at 6 AM to watch the sunrise. Our location at El Tovar Hotel wasn't picked for the best view but so that we could get a seat in their restaurant right afterwards by the window! We did that three years ago on our first trip west in Baby and enjoyed it so much we looked forward to doing it again. Then we took the shuttle down to Hermit's Rest. At the driver's suggestion we got off at the first stop and hiked west to Hopi Point. Someone had asked me earlier what would we do for 4 days there - "Once you're seen the canyon, what else is there to do." For us, each stop looking out at the canyon was different and all beautiful. The view changes every 100 feet or so, and the light illuminates and brings out the colors. We also enjoyed the vegetation and wildlife along the canyon - we saw herds of elk, many wandering around the campground! After reboarding the shuttle, we got off at most of the stops to see the view. Hermit's Rest has a cafe (and of course, a gift shop - that's everywhere) where we splurged on mocha coffees and sandwiches. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMoul4PQnE68OrAj1KEJGlYlI-NB9toA5GGZdim3qy90rRok8eSGvVCgEwIpzOiqYhA4KwaLqXB1ly5y53zhgfw7G5csgj7uz_GvSfzcnSahp6U4gWF7M4JHRups83gyF06Qs_rR9e6XKDaw3yzAihqWNMDLUC_XnsIcYQg1VGySrqs2shX7V/s4080/PXL_20240320_194007429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMoul4PQnE68OrAj1KEJGlYlI-NB9toA5GGZdim3qy90rRok8eSGvVCgEwIpzOiqYhA4KwaLqXB1ly5y53zhgfw7G5csgj7uz_GvSfzcnSahp6U4gWF7M4JHRups83gyF06Qs_rR9e6XKDaw3yzAihqWNMDLUC_XnsIcYQg1VGySrqs2shX7V/w640-h482/PXL_20240320_194007429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the middle of the day in the bright sunshine the canyon's colors turn pastel. This was taken down near Hermit's Rest in the western most area of the National Park land.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EfINSE4dYk3MPBAUpdnkLzgL8NNW56Pw3ONXMX2XCflLKRyRrxxKtmWvdPLEXtlcNqAeZqPoxg7D1I0Tx4afqichB2pSX7JpXfIrF7oT5hf4bObhfqf-bl3mq8Y9kTl4U7T69iBaRodt5ckbnCNGFJIEvVUYc748v9Oqt17hoqRXDyr7uIoq/s4080/PXL_20240320_201932101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6EfINSE4dYk3MPBAUpdnkLzgL8NNW56Pw3ONXMX2XCflLKRyRrxxKtmWvdPLEXtlcNqAeZqPoxg7D1I0Tx4afqichB2pSX7JpXfIrF7oT5hf4bObhfqf-bl3mq8Y9kTl4U7T69iBaRodt5ckbnCNGFJIEvVUYc748v9Oqt17hoqRXDyr7uIoq/s320/PXL_20240320_201932101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the early days of the Park, visitor's took a long<br />buggy ride down to this spot and could rest and <br />have a simple meal. Then they either returned the<br />same way or took mules down to a hostel for the<br />night. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp14BcbyS3SSb9uTA9F4F8tL0nH1KTgkgjeRF_5ZFgJAfKoHyTiFmwEeoFkJgeeJVxVYuCshH6fJOqdOJ1JwlfmwlqRjQgGSwS90iqLedya3ME93qAudADKgty6hYOznBscd58VemDoQKiAnvACIguqoiHJ99c_mxkXIKons9nJP31nkf7sxm/s4080/PXL_20240320_205440919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp14BcbyS3SSb9uTA9F4F8tL0nH1KTgkgjeRF_5ZFgJAfKoHyTiFmwEeoFkJgeeJVxVYuCshH6fJOqdOJ1JwlfmwlqRjQgGSwS90iqLedya3ME93qAudADKgty6hYOznBscd58VemDoQKiAnvACIguqoiHJ99c_mxkXIKons9nJP31nkf7sxm/s320/PXL_20240320_205440919.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out from the cafe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We also love the Mary Colter designed buildings throughout the park. We first learned about her and her contribution to the west at La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ and the Painted Desert Inn at the Petrified Forest. She was the Santa Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey Company architect and interior designer from 1902 to 1948. She was known for her innovative Southwestern concepts and use of native materials and design. Besides Hermit's Rest, she designed the El Tovar Hotel, the Hopi House, Lookout Studio and the Desert View Watchtower. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsAKeQu09rGvyzA_ixUHbxYunJwqnQyq_gISSyxNloDuaShQoxCUMhJ3XhmJv8Z72XXWrLyFcaVV-eE20Ppvb4N2bsrmF53j2MCpv8-EsK3XOtmJdVu0-6__9n4XxsbhsS7Zp6-Msg7iDC9CvLMPAcDt_gq1HK59YVqGqsS5Z7sM84u7mZTdJ/s4080/PXL_20240321_210011803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsAKeQu09rGvyzA_ixUHbxYunJwqnQyq_gISSyxNloDuaShQoxCUMhJ3XhmJv8Z72XXWrLyFcaVV-eE20Ppvb4N2bsrmF53j2MCpv8-EsK3XOtmJdVu0-6__9n4XxsbhsS7Zp6-Msg7iDC9CvLMPAcDt_gq1HK59YVqGqsS5Z7sM84u7mZTdJ/w640-h482/PXL_20240321_210011803.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's 26 miles from the Village to Desert View at the eastern end of the park. There is a campground here but it is closed during the winter. The cafe however was open and many of the visitor's including us enjoyed hot drinks. It was windy so felt much colder than the actual temperature.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYl35f1wZYJ9LgTL0Gk9xaEA9VNr6ZoQ5z8qdegdqrYDKvB344_kMES5cWOscvEUDyWqoflaMFc4qoCTPf68Adl1Rz6L-jqqK-YPusq1YeXSUT540M65XeaJiwdOqKVVZ2QiZ3EmRPm4J3N_2Cs8XR8_b9TpNQDYZlxbXUI95MjVViqomr40D/s4080/PXL_20240321_233716893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYl35f1wZYJ9LgTL0Gk9xaEA9VNr6ZoQ5z8qdegdqrYDKvB344_kMES5cWOscvEUDyWqoflaMFc4qoCTPf68Adl1Rz6L-jqqK-YPusq1YeXSUT540M65XeaJiwdOqKVVZ2QiZ3EmRPm4J3N_2Cs8XR8_b9TpNQDYZlxbXUI95MjVViqomr40D/w640-h482/PXL_20240321_233716893.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This view from Desert View looks down on the terrible airplane disaster location that happened back in 1956 when United Airlines and TWA planes collided mid air. All 128 on board died. There is a memorial to them at this site. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U1W1BiXecG8qjEfLf4LurTXR4erPzypqmG1W8oE4gx4VmeVZG5VmdK-KdMZ7pu-3zRw5O9hCnHgi0XNShUvEcL9BF6CCbJz5WZqO72y-jPxsIRwYktHwh__WJ4SkkrNA8TnesGxAgP_VUe_gmOJZRsM4BcKIiw6jlw9fukEI46Pvuy_3ynJM/s4080/PXL_20240321_234603464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5U1W1BiXecG8qjEfLf4LurTXR4erPzypqmG1W8oE4gx4VmeVZG5VmdK-KdMZ7pu-3zRw5O9hCnHgi0XNShUvEcL9BF6CCbJz5WZqO72y-jPxsIRwYktHwh__WJ4SkkrNA8TnesGxAgP_VUe_gmOJZRsM4BcKIiw6jlw9fukEI46Pvuy_3ynJM/s320/PXL_20240321_234603464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mary Colter designed tower at Desert View.<br />There was a line to climb the tower and a charge<br />so we passed that up. I'm sorry now after reading<br />that there are some beautiful art works on the <br />second floor.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp9PSjNZI4TobvB5j8F_IsaBFAHXZ0WQIcw5AdTKImh1mXlgWnzP4W7twWlE2BSYR3r3Ka_oiAMxV4M-5Hvsw3oQ9aVE4TfdKhcklXXcRqkhO4Bi3U_eZYlgTpNK2kEQqactZDjiPySh2mrGHg9UJRyASkcd_RMa7yQEk9wJkszmoWlrAIwPN/s4080/PXL_20240321_234152097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdp9PSjNZI4TobvB5j8F_IsaBFAHXZ0WQIcw5AdTKImh1mXlgWnzP4W7twWlE2BSYR3r3Ka_oiAMxV4M-5Hvsw3oQ9aVE4TfdKhcklXXcRqkhO4Bi3U_eZYlgTpNK2kEQqactZDjiPySh2mrGHg9UJRyASkcd_RMa7yQEk9wJkszmoWlrAIwPN/s320/PXL_20240321_234152097.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native American craftspeople had tables inside<br />with beautiful works on display and for sale.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our second full day we headed east to Desert View, stopping at every view point. The shuttle only goes a short way in that direction so we drove. It's 23 miles but with all the stops took most of the day. The most interesting for me was Grandview Point which details the history of the copper mine on Horseshoe Mesa far below. This "incredibly steep" trail was completed in 1893 and the Grandview Hotel in 1997. This was the original center for tourism before the construction of the train in 1901 which resulted in the development at the Village. I went down the trail aways until some ice appeared. Scott declined. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AFMqzSV595ACKT3r7bjABmdeEyzahUufkSzxqRu1RKa8ZM82-jqWiuPT17dSzOFfAa1aYrlST1UW1Kwgn5rwlz7tpmf2sIvDsW1-OGKY_UOnNCLhx4-nRQhpaeu5YWP9K5ygKMBFjDPdLIJhXBzwoMYVYkLxiHv1VbVXL5SyM0emoiXI_Xgr/s4080/PXL_20240321_215251137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6AFMqzSV595ACKT3r7bjABmdeEyzahUufkSzxqRu1RKa8ZM82-jqWiuPT17dSzOFfAa1aYrlST1UW1Kwgn5rwlz7tpmf2sIvDsW1-OGKY_UOnNCLhx4-nRQhpaeu5YWP9K5ygKMBFjDPdLIJhXBzwoMYVYkLxiHv1VbVXL5SyM0emoiXI_Xgr/w640-h482/PXL_20240321_215251137.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trail at Grandview near the beginning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2NQ3HF-sXdiPvfWMgos5JOZlEwRrfPRVMrGEjEF_-lxMzKulDDCt560iWFCMQsl4cWJo5TijpSYdjkhyphenhyphensNymFuWJ0woY7DRV9khYCwb9f7Asiikpu3bEvAqzWbEU9Zlmz-mim5fqSkkeA5TcyEZfOB-M5qZEvlYHChZZbDDg8fEIYyVyHxdM/s4080/PXL_20240321_215534694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2NQ3HF-sXdiPvfWMgos5JOZlEwRrfPRVMrGEjEF_-lxMzKulDDCt560iWFCMQsl4cWJo5TijpSYdjkhyphenhyphensNymFuWJ0woY7DRV9khYCwb9f7Asiikpu3bEvAqzWbEU9Zlmz-mim5fqSkkeA5TcyEZfOB-M5qZEvlYHChZZbDDg8fEIYyVyHxdM/w301-h400/PXL_20240321_215534694.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It got narrow and rough - also it was MUCH<br />steeper than it looks in the photo</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2Hy3EgBtm3wBEAt0zS0EhlxSFICCSO1S9nvR-2ONg713zJCIwuKae9q4dBj9blgCsZL2komOx26UigsvAmetYbfUXMFD8T5MH55dihqaRS5SiWLLSfR9C4yn927p31dqKEZA8rQ-xUGv5hfe7JsIQapvotEHc7AGbhx0ipUYUrz5dIzeLJFg/s4080/PXL_20240321_215627869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2Hy3EgBtm3wBEAt0zS0EhlxSFICCSO1S9nvR-2ONg713zJCIwuKae9q4dBj9blgCsZL2komOx26UigsvAmetYbfUXMFD8T5MH55dihqaRS5SiWLLSfR9C4yn927p31dqKEZA8rQ-xUGv5hfe7JsIQapvotEHc7AGbhx0ipUYUrz5dIzeLJFg/w301-h400/PXL_20240321_215627869.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this photo looking back up to the <br />viewpoint - it's easier to see how steep it was.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The road in the park ends at Desert View where we enjoyed another mocha drink with a cookie. The campground was closed but the cafe and of course, the gift shop were open. The trip down and back with all the stops ended up taking a long time. and we got back late. Luckily I had plenty of leftover food for dinner! The next morning we were off to our next stop, the Page Springs RV Park near Sedona. More on my next post.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFWN5e57ipFfcqC0xvK-EenkefYrb2wQJvlzMCJwXwpjSA-q0na7YGL9vJfvnvwn0f1Fpr1uPIPMb6ndMU6ODrQgfnMPSWVqIwD9aCfQXxcgdcMrgK_vuV2O9lj5jpRIARsueRibGqxHrnkMl7xDOQYOvgdRT5p0B1o0REK4Fl5SFgTpjmZLF/s4080/PXL_20240322_003308757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFWN5e57ipFfcqC0xvK-EenkefYrb2wQJvlzMCJwXwpjSA-q0na7YGL9vJfvnvwn0f1Fpr1uPIPMb6ndMU6ODrQgfnMPSWVqIwD9aCfQXxcgdcMrgK_vuV2O9lj5jpRIARsueRibGqxHrnkMl7xDOQYOvgdRT5p0B1o0REK4Fl5SFgTpjmZLF/s320/PXL_20240322_003308757.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a lot of elk around the park, These were<br />right near our last campsite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__pJFvWmrJ5NUWFAQQaAkSMgCN5bsZoEzpZie3iWwEG04hCtduppIr6I5C9xeMzOfpD3BjGEJSWfiZN8v9K21F3-LsiZTcMq2kICR5udklt9wFpjbxZWcLGVW3sSA9una8w0-1ILBurNlezrR5ALnFm2utB0ZBqYPQ2k4_2iOZKdEiasSKpIa/s4080/PXL_20240321_012435319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__pJFvWmrJ5NUWFAQQaAkSMgCN5bsZoEzpZie3iWwEG04hCtduppIr6I5C9xeMzOfpD3BjGEJSWfiZN8v9K21F3-LsiZTcMq2kICR5udklt9wFpjbxZWcLGVW3sSA9una8w0-1ILBurNlezrR5ALnFm2utB0ZBqYPQ2k4_2iOZKdEiasSKpIa/w301-h400/PXL_20240321_012435319.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The morning sun shone right on my face the<br />last morning and Scott took this photo and <br />posted it on facebook (I didn't know). Kind of<br />sweet although I look my full 78 years!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-35411977467076326962024-03-21T23:31:00.002-04:002024-03-21T23:31:55.136-04:00Arcosanti, San Tan Mountains, Jerome, and Tina Turner<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoh4vHsC3JZyKL_xre7b7yjdBITE-6OnvhbQuFErP0qRqvfekf550Bol1E5yLK2RwbIAFy1rdLU8-aD7lGcwj9a-eR1B83qLBWg8Es-9yUCAYL2DaRZJ-MhaEArzFYSYKRlqLSxlp2O9sPAlFM4JKmqvaVfgAByzvl3heREnIrihEWkJOLPtl/s1669/PXL_20240314_211347754.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1565" data-original-width="1669" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoh4vHsC3JZyKL_xre7b7yjdBITE-6OnvhbQuFErP0qRqvfekf550Bol1E5yLK2RwbIAFy1rdLU8-aD7lGcwj9a-eR1B83qLBWg8Es-9yUCAYL2DaRZJ-MhaEArzFYSYKRlqLSxlp2O9sPAlFM4JKmqvaVfgAByzvl3heREnIrihEWkJOLPtl/s320/PXL_20240314_211347754.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott couldn't resist this vendor selling honey and<br />pecans along the side of the road.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kW_okVKaw4pX6rJMOtbVUFtvA-yiD8SCrs1GBu8FpCNg7bmawUCE8UBTWIHr1SZ_tYruON0rInv2WBWHAfRRugCZJspS7QLpyzV760yI4Q6BT0_3PSgaYE91TpUYqembfyRjaFqK3xIDIlaZpZ34dbx6fDBhfNKr_9IATBsiWNSqoP_a-Gpv/s3512/PXL_20240314_205427291.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2310" data-original-width="3512" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kW_okVKaw4pX6rJMOtbVUFtvA-yiD8SCrs1GBu8FpCNg7bmawUCE8UBTWIHr1SZ_tYruON0rInv2WBWHAfRRugCZJspS7QLpyzV760yI4Q6BT0_3PSgaYE91TpUYqembfyRjaFqK3xIDIlaZpZ34dbx6fDBhfNKr_9IATBsiWNSqoP_a-Gpv/s320/PXL_20240314_205427291.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a great lunch at San Tan Flats, an enormous<br />restaurant/music venue. Our hiking trails at the <br />park were open to horses as well. We chatted with<br />a couple at the next table who "stabled" their<br />horses in the parking lot!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CXWRUfbDxBdt114eQKAoRSz6HS-EP4mZ9xz61gTuPoVQWoWqLzBqubdcF_krS9t8j3ou6yup6aWQULlYZU9dVHX2TE4kq1YC4rrUjWUNjhBbHaevj3HZtSQsFozwumCKCVJ_A2-97IYZ37JJeoSs_KMx5TUkWcNuIEPd2B7ZgjcC67oXA-z/s2441/PXL_20240314_183037637.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2026" data-original-width="2441" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy2CXWRUfbDxBdt114eQKAoRSz6HS-EP4mZ9xz61gTuPoVQWoWqLzBqubdcF_krS9t8j3ou6yup6aWQULlYZU9dVHX2TE4kq1YC4rrUjWUNjhBbHaevj3HZtSQsFozwumCKCVJ_A2-97IYZ37JJeoSs_KMx5TUkWcNuIEPd2B7ZgjcC67oXA-z/w640-h532/PXL_20240314_183037637.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather up ahead on the trail at San Tan Regional Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTyaCew8JPo2z7HtUjTYUwmIIxhYJ8GGC11cHSfkodnpgZ2SDKq54z5_3Ii7gixPutW8T61cHUXKvr4h69k-YPbGAapVUH38KFcq5DEq7817DHC3ZiKkFZ7tsxqULpwxOno9w4X1bsoTX3wqnEviL9zWB0uzYwhKdVe4ktdTiM7wvSnju7enz/s4080/PXL_20240313_195830385.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTyaCew8JPo2z7HtUjTYUwmIIxhYJ8GGC11cHSfkodnpgZ2SDKq54z5_3Ii7gixPutW8T61cHUXKvr4h69k-YPbGAapVUH38KFcq5DEq7817DHC3ZiKkFZ7tsxqULpwxOno9w4X1bsoTX3wqnEviL9zWB0uzYwhKdVe4ktdTiM7wvSnju7enz/s320/PXL_20240313_195830385.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were lucky to have a lot of <br />flowers blooming. The sides of the<br />roads were blanketed with them.</td></tr></tbody></table>I'm covering a lot of territory in this post. Since our visit to the Monastery, we've hiked in the San Tan Regional Park south of Phoenix, and visited the Musical Instruments Museum there. Then we drove north to Prescott Valley where our cruiser friends Marsha and Rick live. We visited them on our first trip west and they came last fall to see us in Vermont. They sold their boat, "She Wolf" not long after we sold "Scott Free". <p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhH1XLCr-2SNELVvlBe0WfCwhp2IGcnHDaCHcCEeTSAKcjmJxjKLOl4VdMJsafUMWUBpe_ELV5eiqzPhRpWWX_9NUrT-gN7WQv6hlnBg1zd-Sc2IOJGZLO04XG3qQDmsf3tag2sepW89WmRyIULqbYm6b_CMO_lXFpynbLSH5dXV0ViWo_9qu/s4080/PXL_20240312_223956708.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhH1XLCr-2SNELVvlBe0WfCwhp2IGcnHDaCHcCEeTSAKcjmJxjKLOl4VdMJsafUMWUBpe_ELV5eiqzPhRpWWX_9NUrT-gN7WQv6hlnBg1zd-Sc2IOJGZLO04XG3qQDmsf3tag2sepW89WmRyIULqbYm6b_CMO_lXFpynbLSH5dXV0ViWo_9qu/w400-h301/PXL_20240312_223956708.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was our second visit to the Musical Instruments Museum.<br />Last time we got through the Mechanical Instruments and <br />Europe and the U.S. This visit we managed to get through<br />Africa and Asia. We'll need another visit to South America! </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our first full day with them we drove a little south to tour Arcosanti. This is an experimental town based on a concept proposed by Paolo Soleri. He taught and influenced generations of architects and urban designers who studied and worked with him there to build the town. Construction began in 1970 with an idea of demonstrating how urban conditions could be improved while minimizing the destructive impact on the Earth. It supports itself with tours, guest residences, and a bell casting business. About 50 people live there full time, either staff or artists. Our tour guide was a charming local woman who moved there a few years ago. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iLTPxvRWchTArlOYbVYCELGo2XnPmgo6BHpqL0Bb_QdXKD-xdSCk4RsMqnTGwF1rplWTTcsEB5WoiXMZX1sXmAN9PWj0p-3HxTyhhz3LM38HnPFWkpkLZ2WLs_Vi_j4aHRAYx5zmLi75ZQ4HgEAyg5hO5YSQ73cIzFPtJoY8JKgSzaAQ5IKC/s600/Arcosanti_Cliff_View.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="600" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5iLTPxvRWchTArlOYbVYCELGo2XnPmgo6BHpqL0Bb_QdXKD-xdSCk4RsMqnTGwF1rplWTTcsEB5WoiXMZX1sXmAN9PWj0p-3HxTyhhz3LM38HnPFWkpkLZ2WLs_Vi_j4aHRAYx5zmLi75ZQ4HgEAyg5hO5YSQ73cIzFPtJoY8JKgSzaAQ5IKC/w640-h356/Arcosanti_Cliff_View.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've stolen this image off the web to give you a better idea of the whole town. More photos we took on our tour are at the end of the post. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>The night before we drove over to Prescott to see a Tina Turner Tribute Band at the historic Elks Theater, built in 1905 and beautifully restored. The ushers all dress in period costume and every seat has a good view. It was a fun lively performance with a mosh pit in front of the stage (no we didn't feel up to that!). </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw22xVH6bmKxyswMXz2dFXfDgWRte24tcL7D0vfZQQ1gHWKjybkGf1Lv-MQH9cN8SDmIer9WJFg43ng1ifa-ZRpWVYBOV14NcPo9gPCqvDGGVvTy9X3B_QiLG45eB_Cza1Q-s48i684XiNX1l-mgW7wXWt5KUAPCx5Zzi9YVWOKsoTVzkXiTyH/s4080/PXL_20240317_030801831.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw22xVH6bmKxyswMXz2dFXfDgWRte24tcL7D0vfZQQ1gHWKjybkGf1Lv-MQH9cN8SDmIer9WJFg43ng1ifa-ZRpWVYBOV14NcPo9gPCqvDGGVvTy9X3B_QiLG45eB_Cza1Q-s48i684XiNX1l-mgW7wXWt5KUAPCx5Zzi9YVWOKsoTVzkXiTyH/s320/PXL_20240317_030801831.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two of the beautifully costumed<br />ushers at the Elk Theater.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwYHVgmzQlH6XtZUm0TN4u71D-3UPbXDefljvxBRhDBhb6GftXX0fKIvDouraBUKusNEuRkfIgq6Y0n7sJW1FpsWQ17mAwCi2ijz6SBBOUd2Uji8v-FcwVheqbXRXfhcXc5pmtorSsoxpowjNSBNoCpT8mvT9982X8q5JP8do2DuhTq-VXL5W/s3553/PXL_20240317_035542124.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2361" data-original-width="3553" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwYHVgmzQlH6XtZUm0TN4u71D-3UPbXDefljvxBRhDBhb6GftXX0fKIvDouraBUKusNEuRkfIgq6Y0n7sJW1FpsWQ17mAwCi2ijz6SBBOUd2Uji8v-FcwVheqbXRXfhcXc5pmtorSsoxpowjNSBNoCpT8mvT9982X8q5JP8do2DuhTq-VXL5W/w400-h266/PXL_20240317_035542124.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the Tina Turner Tribute Band performance.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The next day we did a lot of chores: shopping, laundry, cooking, swimming in their beautiful community pool and soaking in the hot tub. There were showers on and off and it was a bit cool but it didn't interfere with our plans. Then in the afternoon Rick drove us to Jerome on a twisty road that crossed over the mountain cresting at over 7,000 feet. Jerome is an old mining town that clings to the side of the mountain. It was rescued from "ghost town status" by artists and now is thriving. Marsha & Rick introduced us to the Nelly Bly Kaleidoscope Shop and it was amazing. Honestly I'm not a shopper, especially "gift shops" but this was an exception. You could try out the thousands of them and we did a lot! And I made a bunch of purchases - gifts for grandchildren. It was Marsha's birthday so they made reservations for a special dinner out at the beautiful Clinkscale Restaurant. The food was wonderful and we were so glad we could celebrate with them! And we were also glad that it was Rick driving back over the mountain in the dark!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX01_5kj_qMtyECw5wecXIY5Sp8b8KAhUSbwSB3gZNKyhpF2h7Z8H0mVB7ZKdddgMUmUK5MqYGxEmGZRc_3oUeFaDf7vD07ZPHON_fCFGxpRF6WticbX7veP6YpDBeUONVcFLgK4eYMgwd59ndK3iYe-9zqlxpEmupDjOOCTc4Ixm9WIaBu6vu/s4000/IMG_20240318_171608094_HDR%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX01_5kj_qMtyECw5wecXIY5Sp8b8KAhUSbwSB3gZNKyhpF2h7Z8H0mVB7ZKdddgMUmUK5MqYGxEmGZRc_3oUeFaDf7vD07ZPHON_fCFGxpRF6WticbX7veP6YpDBeUONVcFLgK4eYMgwd59ndK3iYe-9zqlxpEmupDjOOCTc4Ixm9WIaBu6vu/w300-h400/IMG_20240318_171608094_HDR%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a large porch hanging out over the<br />mountain side filled with metal sculptures -<br />that's a pterodactyl flying above. We had cool<br />cloudy weather with occasional showers during<br />our stay with Marsha & Rick but it was better<br />than the weather predicted at the Grand Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylR_xxqu2716WmupUowL7NfJa2YSkgJ_8wnodnRbkZ0Ge023JNtjJ3SSEWWQH4fftHbGsbhJ8OHm_mCVubARUA5HNyYNPM4RAsJdvkvRV_GnVR_UBNX9t2PyHXkJhNW1a9aflSYd3dPmuupI-7whrlZfjRffWsjSVvyGruJUn7zeRlraZa9r2/s4000/IMG_20240318_171708226_HDR%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylR_xxqu2716WmupUowL7NfJa2YSkgJ_8wnodnRbkZ0Ge023JNtjJ3SSEWWQH4fftHbGsbhJ8OHm_mCVubARUA5HNyYNPM4RAsJdvkvRV_GnVR_UBNX9t2PyHXkJhNW1a9aflSYd3dPmuupI-7whrlZfjRffWsjSVvyGruJUn7zeRlraZa9r2/w300-h400/IMG_20240318_171708226_HDR%20(1).jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the hundreds of kaleidoscopes<br />at the Nelly Bly</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9U5J3o1PymBh4CRVB0YjFYA6zi-ErAgUtWWH6YIPmtL7bk5XeuzlpNFPcWZOCVu7gnxYOFcakuDz8n_h4uBLONPcsxrN04HfH9WJi-JT5YU3fi4UCvgfai57BRcOWuHi48NUNhRtJ8F-vjOz5uxXnIS1GwP3n0raWzRrqNy4rZghkf-zukKb/s4000/IMG_20240318_192005509_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9U5J3o1PymBh4CRVB0YjFYA6zi-ErAgUtWWH6YIPmtL7bk5XeuzlpNFPcWZOCVu7gnxYOFcakuDz8n_h4uBLONPcsxrN04HfH9WJi-JT5YU3fi4UCvgfai57BRcOWuHi48NUNhRtJ8F-vjOz5uxXnIS1GwP3n0raWzRrqNy4rZghkf-zukKb/w640-h480/IMG_20240318_192005509_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather, Scott, Marsha and Rick at the Clinkscale Restaurant in Jerome for Marsha's birthday. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was sad to leave the next morning but we were finally going to the Grand Canyon South Rim for 3 nights. We had to cancel our original plans to go the last 3 nights when snow and freezing rain were predicted. But we managed to get 3 more nights at the Mather Campground, although 1 night in 3 different sites. But we're not complaining - the weather report for our stay is great! More on that in my next post.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwcuUjYBwhoPsY_vai0UjEK61sjZO0HRFz-YwkrMw6oe_wrqStpZJcgeh4R7CINWZsnceXME9Uk5sMcaiFmsSZp6_P3l4QS1-_iLq4aac57g6sAM9KhC-JEa04YDUGYJBm9wfl_AcDTPeKnWPkv1FIGTUvAlxL3AEFdKTPQAfdDkMqjh1uj3a/s4080/PXL_20240317_204408606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwcuUjYBwhoPsY_vai0UjEK61sjZO0HRFz-YwkrMw6oe_wrqStpZJcgeh4R7CINWZsnceXME9Uk5sMcaiFmsSZp6_P3l4QS1-_iLq4aac57g6sAM9KhC-JEa04YDUGYJBm9wfl_AcDTPeKnWPkv1FIGTUvAlxL3AEFdKTPQAfdDkMqjh1uj3a/s320/PXL_20240317_204408606.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Arcosanti</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbHd2YNdaZ_w8NpckyD28yz5le182hxGNn7S-zPyL6C5ShEaaGD19IzXhr6XSmzSx-n4LeuTeN6LVBb-KpNo1OhKWRLp0fNwF9ymZFSnPHXnJ8Wj8QRuK1-_3ItAcwRZr5E1oPkyh1aOBQHUK16j0RwxYmzY5k4NChnMrCcG7f6PGVQBlmi69/s4080/PXL_20240317_212907625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbHd2YNdaZ_w8NpckyD28yz5le182hxGNn7S-zPyL6C5ShEaaGD19IzXhr6XSmzSx-n4LeuTeN6LVBb-KpNo1OhKWRLp0fNwF9ymZFSnPHXnJ8Wj8QRuK1-_3ItAcwRZr5E1oPkyh1aOBQHUK16j0RwxYmzY5k4NChnMrCcG7f6PGVQBlmi69/s320/PXL_20240317_212907625.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pottery workshop - they make bells of all<br />sizes in pottery and metal.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsQTUwFEHraV1Ptt1KFTDFE56-1XNQyxEemIrGdIh3NP45f46fpqldVzc9jMTAJW1d00yoAwdUwAZZZXruuqr3l8SSetb25HanvBzc5RWL2zNyWslActJcFCQMVF57skzEgibdHpMYh0ekfD3CHYMZ7ieB_ZtUc8Ol8khV922P3hM79PWPNQj/s4080/PXL_20240317_212950199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsQTUwFEHraV1Ptt1KFTDFE56-1XNQyxEemIrGdIh3NP45f46fpqldVzc9jMTAJW1d00yoAwdUwAZZZXruuqr3l8SSetb25HanvBzc5RWL2zNyWslActJcFCQMVF57skzEgibdHpMYh0ekfD3CHYMZ7ieB_ZtUc8Ol8khV922P3hM79PWPNQj/w301-h400/PXL_20240317_212950199.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The architecture takes advantage of the <br />seasonal changes in the sun to heat and cool<br />the city. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDIa2t4sxlauxVsKN7exrugwP_90iAt-k_9SmADZcqMn4zkERGQx3SOhhw_EqEwcPACTlmaep6Vd9zZPZZFdZ7DTTE7nPCMD35RUEtR_BRc_2iN6ghiSS5d6DgyJJc4hyvm2iTjkkExlOKt-TWXvM0C7zWGOtBodm3Vat5-zv0baV0oZcwEFW/s4080/PXL_20240317_213442225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDIa2t4sxlauxVsKN7exrugwP_90iAt-k_9SmADZcqMn4zkERGQx3SOhhw_EqEwcPACTlmaep6Vd9zZPZZFdZ7DTTE7nPCMD35RUEtR_BRc_2iN6ghiSS5d6DgyJJc4hyvm2iTjkkExlOKt-TWXvM0C7zWGOtBodm3Vat5-zv0baV0oZcwEFW/s320/PXL_20240317_213442225.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The city stretches along the mountain side looking<br />down at the canyon and river. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkzG33TW2aO12ZYqhYQSwS7tl_xr-k5ev-Gr8HbsMGOoPEmNTr7jUR9X_o-iJls3bPMYA710NDT2uNpO-akf2msbfwCTdssacYj0hSQ72h2VtX-D-sibM3XJ_OMAf_0hGaQWNhowRFTYd_j6dhYnd2QmMvvAwatzYv69oPAZL6VaD5pS9zdLc/s4080/PXL_20240317_213707433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgkzG33TW2aO12ZYqhYQSwS7tl_xr-k5ev-Gr8HbsMGOoPEmNTr7jUR9X_o-iJls3bPMYA710NDT2uNpO-akf2msbfwCTdssacYj0hSQ72h2VtX-D-sibM3XJ_OMAf_0hGaQWNhowRFTYd_j6dhYnd2QmMvvAwatzYv69oPAZL6VaD5pS9zdLc/s320/PXL_20240317_213707433.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were several indoor and outdoor concert<br />spaces.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG-PJfrxOqjkVE9HqbBvWjeOTbptX3wiQxAszwL5GoKa0nCLduv9aYzYNNqLvOyaHEW8FL6nXHQzoMPiVs85GY9u3lGqWBNrosbipOj8_qGwqeelHt0gEO69lzZp_MBqk9An0PIyLvm8rqx5YLwRLJ_NGkg3VSd3NqGugtW_7I8oBM0XN7qWH/s4080/PXL_20240317_220841898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG-PJfrxOqjkVE9HqbBvWjeOTbptX3wiQxAszwL5GoKa0nCLduv9aYzYNNqLvOyaHEW8FL6nXHQzoMPiVs85GY9u3lGqWBNrosbipOj8_qGwqeelHt0gEO69lzZp_MBqk9An0PIyLvm8rqx5YLwRLJ_NGkg3VSd3NqGugtW_7I8oBM0XN7qWH/s320/PXL_20240317_220841898.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the metal casting space over the<br />canyon. They have orchards and vegetable <br />gardens down by the river.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCgY8xWzlFwEwNGREMcQ3jpXvCT_d2L4MJbZPONneIqL8EmzMqAo0h0gJY87YFCQhgFWc-iWun7u6cljgY_EB0tCcWDKO8Kd2mVlASthZ95DZYy0g_JflbWMVuGtdQc5mnS-TYOHlSgu_TSxi3j5zvrczlj_yk68FN67dpM4LJdiEF71cyTNf/s4080/PXL_20240317_221312711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCgY8xWzlFwEwNGREMcQ3jpXvCT_d2L4MJbZPONneIqL8EmzMqAo0h0gJY87YFCQhgFWc-iWun7u6cljgY_EB0tCcWDKO8Kd2mVlASthZ95DZYy0g_JflbWMVuGtdQc5mnS-TYOHlSgu_TSxi3j5zvrczlj_yk68FN67dpM4LJdiEF71cyTNf/w301-h400/PXL_20240317_221312711.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the restaurant, which is used by the<br />community and is open to guests. They have<br />a number of guest suites and rooms.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-84573808229379714362024-03-15T15:51:00.005-04:002024-03-16T18:30:57.612-04:00St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiVlNvMQRNql-2sXxPZpDQE0aV_fZGYZfjBEHeMRReUgLF7J3MEXaC6UmhJLf5p_WqRxDeSw1hlk_xc0Z5wRjGtQ3ng-XhunP_0Dk5spqYRalX137zOnM4xQqM-tKU-Lv6EV_9mTOaoWUWL3WYvQjue37aGKYxXYVcRyG3dOCO-UwlfQQRyVK/s4080/PXL_20240313_182751023.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiVlNvMQRNql-2sXxPZpDQE0aV_fZGYZfjBEHeMRReUgLF7J3MEXaC6UmhJLf5p_WqRxDeSw1hlk_xc0Z5wRjGtQ3ng-XhunP_0Dk5spqYRalX137zOnM4xQqM-tKU-Lv6EV_9mTOaoWUWL3WYvQjue37aGKYxXYVcRyG3dOCO-UwlfQQRyVK/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_182751023.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although I wore a long sleeved crew neck t-shirt<br />kerchief, and long pants, that wasn't enough.<br />A volunteer dressed me in long skirt, big shirt,<br />socks and head scarf. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g5QWesSc5t6YIc48Vcis1pQ9hNOC5SCjAWYQSmijdih-KvSWkN3UicqjPbcS9ZNi2_pYmI3hXIEOmpksPzIcSO_ujvcXXA3p2P_ZCsdzpSTvQL3H38bXUZjnh53vhuZ2Lhjsgv2Iqgb7h5vrEyzVxmJerC2-6HKWJMM3NYS88BeBCorNQPmb/s4080/PXL_20240313_182531550.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g5QWesSc5t6YIc48Vcis1pQ9hNOC5SCjAWYQSmijdih-KvSWkN3UicqjPbcS9ZNi2_pYmI3hXIEOmpksPzIcSO_ujvcXXA3p2P_ZCsdzpSTvQL3H38bXUZjnh53vhuZ2Lhjsgv2Iqgb7h5vrEyzVxmJerC2-6HKWJMM3NYS88BeBCorNQPmb/s320/PXL_20240313_182531550.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the art work was brough from Greece and it<br />is exquisite. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AH2LB-mutLCIX-NvZ4nKXrNg1AQvhk8cUbnypNMfJH7koBQoRcz7UqlPz_HRPhnv8I6UoPqpO1K5fEoqzg4Rll7DSVuf1-lGhuSqS1PPb-gWAeXk7apzNxfVUoAJh4jPV_7E4QAKvOey3nzp-2r-SYOsVcrxGJ3-ypLoFcG435T7k4gXJx9h/s4080/PXL_20240313_182453508.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AH2LB-mutLCIX-NvZ4nKXrNg1AQvhk8cUbnypNMfJH7koBQoRcz7UqlPz_HRPhnv8I6UoPqpO1K5fEoqzg4Rll7DSVuf1-lGhuSqS1PPb-gWAeXk7apzNxfVUoAJh4jPV_7E4QAKvOey3nzp-2r-SYOsVcrxGJ3-ypLoFcG435T7k4gXJx9h/s320/PXL_20240313_182453508.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are 7 chapels now and each is unique.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> "<span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">In the summer of 1995, Elder </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim_of_Arizona" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Ephraim of Arizona">Ephraim</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> (a former </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abbot" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Abbot">abbot</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philotheou_Monastery" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Philotheou Monastery">Philotheou Monastery</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> on </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Athos" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Mount Athos">Mount Athos</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> with a history of restoring and repopulating previous monasteries) sent six monks of Athonite heritage to the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonoran_Desert" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Sonoran Desert">Sonoran Desert</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Arizona">Arizona</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> with aims to establish a new monastery in the name of </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_the_Great" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Anthony the Great">Saint Anthony the Great</a><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;">, the father of monasticism.</span><sup class="noprint Inline-Template Template-Fact" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap;">[<i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources. (May 2023)">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup><span face="sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-size: 14px;"> The fathers began by building the main church, monastic living quarters, the dining hall, and some guest facilities. They also began a vegetable garden, a small vineyard, citrus orchards, and an olive grove amidst the desert landscape. These areas are now interconnected by an elaborate system of gardens, pathways, and gazebos with Spanish fountains.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Anthony%27s_Greek_Orthodox_Monastery_(Florence,_Arizona)#cite_note-3" style="background: none; color: #3366cc; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;">[3]</a>" (wikipedia)</sup></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7zlTTjqQcnAyqGjaBWp50PdlhMdUMPkEoRlHKkE_2TBLFH2Ws-HFr1DWz9gaeW9tgouYkNrcx65D9MJFezGAYOPEMC1ZvE8S80V4gOjuQHBbuAxB8AjxvSuAFrEK6HUYQTzT0bGoe36W5hvaUrWTykpIsST5J2u9Y9-SXKB1cHAH1M8RtYkS/s4080/PXL_20240313_183716500.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7zlTTjqQcnAyqGjaBWp50PdlhMdUMPkEoRlHKkE_2TBLFH2Ws-HFr1DWz9gaeW9tgouYkNrcx65D9MJFezGAYOPEMC1ZvE8S80V4gOjuQHBbuAxB8AjxvSuAFrEK6HUYQTzT0bGoe36W5hvaUrWTykpIsST5J2u9Y9-SXKB1cHAH1M8RtYkS/w640-h482/PXL_20240313_183716500.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anthony's Chapel surrounded by gardens, fountains and walkways. We followed a strict path <br />through the complex, visiting all 7 chapels but staying carefully away from the monks living <br />quarters and the extensive guest quarters. There are about 40 monks in residence. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXetd3oIvJlHDImR_VLo8TK6UfA0GW0JHPDQScdtgp6hbpBhElpKNm0q7X4OdOTIZrE9rVzSVazfjky4bGdaQyPczbwt1qmezrk022aBX48CRfyykFhTUfv-sLWPDcB-GhfkTyODNIEYm8bcQXe782mg1sTgU0eMdSP4IwAhfprviBCrT5bODI/s4080/PXL_20240313_184517238.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXetd3oIvJlHDImR_VLo8TK6UfA0GW0JHPDQScdtgp6hbpBhElpKNm0q7X4OdOTIZrE9rVzSVazfjky4bGdaQyPczbwt1qmezrk022aBX48CRfyykFhTUfv-sLWPDcB-GhfkTyODNIEYm8bcQXe782mg1sTgU0eMdSP4IwAhfprviBCrT5bODI/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_184517238.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a number of beautiful fountains.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WgpM7dLjs7RcW5Ll-vhk2a14hhMVXAHP81w0H26Kctm8IkQokrr3uwj9-EpN8OAs_qb9aEHWN9qaLgI-8G7yy0GgiopS-0uwP53u6FKMUONgPxrSpyEGqBRx9DhXO4ZWNMAWzaChecFbJ_gHMsn75Sl2vdpMg5jW4RKXeR8rZR55b-XxGk_W/s4080/PXL_20240313_184947678.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WgpM7dLjs7RcW5Ll-vhk2a14hhMVXAHP81w0H26Kctm8IkQokrr3uwj9-EpN8OAs_qb9aEHWN9qaLgI-8G7yy0GgiopS-0uwP53u6FKMUONgPxrSpyEGqBRx9DhXO4ZWNMAWzaChecFbJ_gHMsn75Sl2vdpMg5jW4RKXeR8rZR55b-XxGk_W/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_184947678.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wooden roof and carvings throughout the<br />St. George's Chapel were gorgeous.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><br /></sup><p></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;">We visited the Monastery while staying at the Foothills West RV Park in Casa Grande. We planned to spend 2 nights and then drive north to the South Side of the Grand Canyon for 4 nights. But after checking the weather, we moved the reservations to the following week and got 2 more nights at Foothills. Below freezing conditions and snow made that decision easy. That still left 2 nights which we reserved up in Sedona. But a day later the weather there promised cold rain and the RV park there had no Wi-Fi or cell! We hope to go there after the Grand Canyon. So again, we went hat in hand to Foothills and got two more nights. This is a lovely place with a heated pool and a hot tub. And the weather was almost perfect all week - sunny skies with a high in the 69 - 73. My next post will cover our visits north to the Musical Instrument Museum and San Tan Regional Park. </span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouH7i8klPcQuwGBsgGEnJwDFoj-wjBbHoCjazAxhb0jrrmSHMFLGci0bqhYXoajeOhs22MGYT8ifjZB2xiw5WSSY7gTMaNH9hgcCCifzm2ethGXUj5TciVEd9uT90k6LP43FzhNjZfdvlNSGOyFOPkzAcuSyCjYNoxRhxGLERet8hwK0CwzIl/s4080/PXL_20240313_194723078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouH7i8klPcQuwGBsgGEnJwDFoj-wjBbHoCjazAxhb0jrrmSHMFLGci0bqhYXoajeOhs22MGYT8ifjZB2xiw5WSSY7gTMaNH9hgcCCifzm2ethGXUj5TciVEd9uT90k6LP43FzhNjZfdvlNSGOyFOPkzAcuSyCjYNoxRhxGLERet8hwK0CwzIl/w640-h482/PXL_20240313_194723078.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the last chapel to be built. It's just outside the main complex and visable for miles around.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span></sup></p><p><sup class="reference" style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; line-height: 1; text-wrap: nowrap; unicode-bidi: isolate;"></sup></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-_waplkp3fPq7wU-TRnXYYiqhyphenhyphen3PZeWIGpP_QwXdCvrhs6a-_pBKsatoS0c_NWfdku2uEFYBiSGSdxqY7j0TIbkb6M9QneSE9xY3Q8eW-fYI4EoyuSu_mZFsru-ixEM4zhzK8XA508Im2sjrCme4twHwvgHxHFo7ZUlImj_DWn1qZStALx5j/s4080/PXL_20240313_185155107.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-_waplkp3fPq7wU-TRnXYYiqhyphenhyphen3PZeWIGpP_QwXdCvrhs6a-_pBKsatoS0c_NWfdku2uEFYBiSGSdxqY7j0TIbkb6M9QneSE9xY3Q8eW-fYI4EoyuSu_mZFsru-ixEM4zhzK8XA508Im2sjrCme4twHwvgHxHFo7ZUlImj_DWn1qZStALx5j/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_185155107.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A detail of two of the hundreds of<br />icons.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7a38rqQZzM2ES81315V6Y-Cjvc0epAKOh7GnKtceYeCL_ZeDwmzZqtudPaFT91PObD1gbf2EM_J2wsOV7bKCXeT-RebJwyt7OiN0ENFbaLuksQjm9WT2nMnMI0_m2kwwRPu4-dL3pJ_gr_-3oMdIDAkljZ7lLr6Dj7HRKDNr5jSqmTJNRe-X/s4080/PXL_20240313_185238999.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7a38rqQZzM2ES81315V6Y-Cjvc0epAKOh7GnKtceYeCL_ZeDwmzZqtudPaFT91PObD1gbf2EM_J2wsOV7bKCXeT-RebJwyt7OiN0ENFbaLuksQjm9WT2nMnMI0_m2kwwRPu4-dL3pJ_gr_-3oMdIDAkljZ7lLr6Dj7HRKDNr5jSqmTJNRe-X/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_185238999.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every medium was used to decorate the<br />buildings and grounds</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUSJqdrdp3L8TxkphHxA3yqf5gDO7lTdi0T9jfh5EJ1_5ndWzx639QJW5omT8DoHc3FWZfQny6lbLjPR5qke3w-Xwas1bbCXtd27Y6Y3E8XRMR1Fra-2yCjBN2bNcGDUxsduKTrkzPIddMAY4DpqCQKd-hdBBIuoOw0RyA5zgNJhX-yTSd13w/s4080/PXL_20240313_190622097.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUSJqdrdp3L8TxkphHxA3yqf5gDO7lTdi0T9jfh5EJ1_5ndWzx639QJW5omT8DoHc3FWZfQny6lbLjPR5qke3w-Xwas1bbCXtd27Y6Y3E8XRMR1Fra-2yCjBN2bNcGDUxsduKTrkzPIddMAY4DpqCQKd-hdBBIuoOw0RyA5zgNJhX-yTSd13w/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_190622097.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The brick and stone work throughout the <br />complex was amazing.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRVgrLARGcZDN8xUQV72B28SL4KdLlMKiR634bCJMrep9Zk_hp8YJ5bWHgP3xzi5nHt-Hd0I8ue5xMzVkXrmnvw7FGpxbHdjITNqa2liuCgYsV6WPQXilnlNZ885Jx-9SuhJSAbv72-EtgKOB4Y9rm7QRiWVyu7UDNv76gQaxj2jCsSdibBWK/s4080/PXL_20240313_190639228.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRVgrLARGcZDN8xUQV72B28SL4KdLlMKiR634bCJMrep9Zk_hp8YJ5bWHgP3xzi5nHt-Hd0I8ue5xMzVkXrmnvw7FGpxbHdjITNqa2liuCgYsV6WPQXilnlNZ885Jx-9SuhJSAbv72-EtgKOB4Y9rm7QRiWVyu7UDNv76gQaxj2jCsSdibBWK/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_190639228.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Demetrios Chapel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rPrUHTEL62dj_laOfy6Q1ipGkPJSVemf8F_8HCputmFxcj1vwd98xENVZFpM9T6KLhsfKdnOn4tvlcFRpnwGGxSMrXaOIQHuu4nHJeehsOgNtwFjwNX8NxzWCaMmOSXeYb9bWIE2SRNFp-UmxvPVMWOvRFYqEgM-tnZqTYFhiw0-g7orxLUc/s4080/PXL_20240313_190707321.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rPrUHTEL62dj_laOfy6Q1ipGkPJSVemf8F_8HCputmFxcj1vwd98xENVZFpM9T6KLhsfKdnOn4tvlcFRpnwGGxSMrXaOIQHuu4nHJeehsOgNtwFjwNX8NxzWCaMmOSXeYb9bWIE2SRNFp-UmxvPVMWOvRFYqEgM-tnZqTYFhiw0-g7orxLUc/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_190707321.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the chapels are mainly lit by candles<br />but this beautiful chandelier was electric.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvaQgOUunlB1qnFTvJr-6j0dFrg38QOnS3YmgUzGUogvo2GbnhbuN6xnWWoH-QUvuOB-NCQ3nNFqJhxy2iKh-EA0h4ZjrDEQ3bHgRbxlaS6mpq29a0UGUWD-64cEExHfzSiiMaRZkcbgAAsvRSZLo1OLOsaMiSO-TsCe95irEoOzp7UW9QKmR/s4080/PXL_20240313_190943537.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvaQgOUunlB1qnFTvJr-6j0dFrg38QOnS3YmgUzGUogvo2GbnhbuN6xnWWoH-QUvuOB-NCQ3nNFqJhxy2iKh-EA0h4ZjrDEQ3bHgRbxlaS6mpq29a0UGUWD-64cEExHfzSiiMaRZkcbgAAsvRSZLo1OLOsaMiSO-TsCe95irEoOzp7UW9QKmR/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_190943537.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You need to be a recommended Greek <br />Orthodox member to stay in here but it<br />seemed quite popular. We saw a lot of<br />guests going into the dining room at lunch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-pPnLkU18bPJbz6Pa-X73k1Q6QN8HJWcFx8LoHZmuMwAeBeAx0G2G12wRUD07tHxa2_jRoVlQn5NT055tdqF6HJ5RW9DIrKgJCJC52PZfaEy5-xnNiTnXu0Sefh3Yj2PEvxuW5vE-B3k8GIC4ewIqZR7E9NYASk5jFUxx4ax2m8aHOF5W6SL/s4080/PXL_20240313_193405904.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-pPnLkU18bPJbz6Pa-X73k1Q6QN8HJWcFx8LoHZmuMwAeBeAx0G2G12wRUD07tHxa2_jRoVlQn5NT055tdqF6HJ5RW9DIrKgJCJC52PZfaEy5-xnNiTnXu0Sefh3Yj2PEvxuW5vE-B3k8GIC4ewIqZR7E9NYASk5jFUxx4ax2m8aHOF5W6SL/w301-h400/PXL_20240313_193405904.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny food truck in the parking lot run by a <br />Greek family provided an excellent lunch-<br />Spinach Feta Pie!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 14px; text-wrap: wrap;"><br /></span><p></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-28924973475308902962024-03-14T19:40:00.000-04:002024-03-14T19:40:24.716-04:00Back Road Explorations with Donna and Dick<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cXXOYP9C9HB-5eJKpQFLMZcqGYRUEPSwXdf-90Wzcj3Tto09gzOJ2tZQcLpE3TaizUMClNelwFaGvGfZy7WJ9EkfhxiKlsIGT9m8wCEel-uebmUlct_j3xwduH_pHC4k9gvl4dM2_GPc_eMSmcU3cCt5GIEAIMxOAly4ipzGAHDKB-3iAz0m/s4080/PXL_20240307_174732440.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cXXOYP9C9HB-5eJKpQFLMZcqGYRUEPSwXdf-90Wzcj3Tto09gzOJ2tZQcLpE3TaizUMClNelwFaGvGfZy7WJ9EkfhxiKlsIGT9m8wCEel-uebmUlct_j3xwduH_pHC4k9gvl4dM2_GPc_eMSmcU3cCt5GIEAIMxOAly4ipzGAHDKB-3iAz0m/w640-h482/PXL_20240307_174732440.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking out at the desert from the Visitor's Center - this is the Western piece of the Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our next four days were spent with our neighbors and friends from Shrewsbury, Donna and Dick. They have a second home in Marana, AZ. We are able to park Baby right next to their compound and plug in on a long extension cord. We visited them on our first trip in 2021 and stayed there without them last year. They have been coming here for over 20 years and Donna knows the back roads very well. We went down single lane rutted dirt roads that Scott and I wouldn't have dared. And there are a warren of possibilities up near the mountains. But Donna knew every twist and turn, plus she was an excellent tour guide on the history, birds, animals and vegetation. Donna drove in her Jeep Cherokee truck and it even handled a stream crossing! That was carefully checked out before we entered. It was a lot of fun and so beautiful. The recent rain has brought out the flowers everywhere and the desert is green right now!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrtqNbupqJI0Xr_3n64reQqHnqU0aEt49slmpjr812LtGNJz9796HQuRiVFjKBOJiMDqauK3LUkXpw4ynDkh5Y7hJDIYmjVdZcHghlKmCAgB7iQk1ZjDcIP9N99NPIepNUJfyq2pQ4beIT6O9ELbJvSSgt201DfltiplPL_hQsFbicHIrWtIq/s4080/PXL_20240307_174302344.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrtqNbupqJI0Xr_3n64reQqHnqU0aEt49slmpjr812LtGNJz9796HQuRiVFjKBOJiMDqauK3LUkXpw4ynDkh5Y7hJDIYmjVdZcHghlKmCAgB7iQk1ZjDcIP9N99NPIepNUJfyq2pQ4beIT6O9ELbJvSSgt201DfltiplPL_hQsFbicHIrWtIq/s320/PXL_20240307_174302344.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The movie screen went up and revealed the desert<br />itself!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpjeM9cSnBx0PsxTwf19QiQbsLpIRZFl18C96aVyrOxuFeyPDxDuMBhHxQAyztrCWy5Uwnjowyhw50ogQuI-IlfioUvaOczCn8woaNBAT0gz2RUJa0ql2g39O-Hzw7pauBHQdwecrJiz2ioz38lHyhIIoyMFv-yAgmCgEJ4Kaitzk21x4ngfh/s4080/PXL_20240307_174314593.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrpjeM9cSnBx0PsxTwf19QiQbsLpIRZFl18C96aVyrOxuFeyPDxDuMBhHxQAyztrCWy5Uwnjowyhw50ogQuI-IlfioUvaOczCn8woaNBAT0gz2RUJa0ql2g39O-Hzw7pauBHQdwecrJiz2ioz38lHyhIIoyMFv-yAgmCgEJ4Kaitzk21x4ngfh/s320/PXL_20240307_174314593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna and Dick, our neighbors and friends from<br />Shrewsbury, VT</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJLEMa8_XsiTw_sy4wRfiM8S7O1QA8VrWXQDO5QB8i6dnUJKLj0H91aO1HVB16kUjs3Fg2LtC85mYzxI6evdS3BqXsCsb693RyoX0_C4hkh32p9sBxr_qyZ5ZHk3HfE6Tz_of31jyzyMYyVMHZnq5FG1idVxshEUq2WjILnBSja7UIwyLQ4TO/s4080/PXL_20240307_183859726.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJLEMa8_XsiTw_sy4wRfiM8S7O1QA8VrWXQDO5QB8i6dnUJKLj0H91aO1HVB16kUjs3Fg2LtC85mYzxI6evdS3BqXsCsb693RyoX0_C4hkh32p9sBxr_qyZ5ZHk3HfE6Tz_of31jyzyMYyVMHZnq5FG1idVxshEUq2WjILnBSja7UIwyLQ4TO/s320/PXL_20240307_183859726.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The barrel cactus were in bloom -<br />their fruit is delicious.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our first full day we went out to breakfast at the local airport. It rained that morning but it cleared up, and they drove us to Saguaro National Park and around the Hohokam drive. The park was created as Saguaro National Monument in 1933 and in 1961 additional acreage was added. It became a National Park in 1994. There are two sections to the Park and we only had time for the Western area. At the Visitor's Center we enjoyed a movie on the park. At the end, the screen pulled up and revealed a huge picture window of the park itself - very dramatic and fun! That night we went out to dinner at a local bar where the Mexican food was great. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheppGAOH3zaeQr1Mm_VTO89jdQl-PtaQY84XmOffR2kiqhz_jUp5wqujCscELxk2wqwY1OmUFS2cN1n2yxYdcGZr3MDT5qi7QpSaMTK_jmrVCXczM1tBkBQIo0u7NCHjEEA4Fc-40gwSW6SrPnXBWF1DQbI2uCQWH0a_J9ehmIHM09tKJQ2tOh/s2722/PXL_20240308_184120197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1968" data-original-width="2722" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheppGAOH3zaeQr1Mm_VTO89jdQl-PtaQY84XmOffR2kiqhz_jUp5wqujCscELxk2wqwY1OmUFS2cN1n2yxYdcGZr3MDT5qi7QpSaMTK_jmrVCXczM1tBkBQIo0u7NCHjEEA4Fc-40gwSW6SrPnXBWF1DQbI2uCQWH0a_J9ehmIHM09tKJQ2tOh/s320/PXL_20240308_184120197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the back roads with Donna & Dick</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Our second full day we spent exploring back roads all the way to the base of Ragged Mountain. We saw an old mine and the ruins of the community that once surrounded it. We saw a crested saguaro whose mutated tip was so large in looked like it couldn't stand up! Each morning I enjoyed sitting with Donna out on her front porch drinking our coffee and talking in the morning sunshine. Evenings we all had our drinks on the back porch watching the sunset. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDUv3yW2DWK7t9OiiyO1IHmUsDVGJtHgsUjDdi66nkNODRXpmRE9uu39PoOPO1muu9MnfSHgWaYavwTAsFM61Cb0-NPCm27ncFjkI-ImQf58SaGQLHNv_myinndjOrRFJ_EU7Rcl0jLNdy-g7GU7DZGxLHIg34qP5QEzgMRSrLkU_1TcpI8us/s4080/PXL_20240308_181937102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDDUv3yW2DWK7t9OiiyO1IHmUsDVGJtHgsUjDdi66nkNODRXpmRE9uu39PoOPO1muu9MnfSHgWaYavwTAsFM61Cb0-NPCm27ncFjkI-ImQf58SaGQLHNv_myinndjOrRFJ_EU7Rcl0jLNdy-g7GU7DZGxLHIg34qP5QEzgMRSrLkU_1TcpI8us/w640-h482/PXL_20240308_181937102.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Ragged Mountain in the distance. We saw lots of boondocking campsites off those back roads.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuGi0-XwyUqUWzB3udu_HJbAaxBA0SDF60EtTcIpglYhz2WjmfTWxQFVCYLGR2-KAmcrvBx9iWV0LptC5jY8BcMI3h1xfHwpjbaa7igwbDhuI6WIXBqgAVZetFOYMM7wjL4DzbB5HRwWWP4gGorjiYlQL6f2XVHyij4gl4VcoG5vJtvsn8SO-/s4080/PXL_20240308_182017428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuGi0-XwyUqUWzB3udu_HJbAaxBA0SDF60EtTcIpglYhz2WjmfTWxQFVCYLGR2-KAmcrvBx9iWV0LptC5jY8BcMI3h1xfHwpjbaa7igwbDhuI6WIXBqgAVZetFOYMM7wjL4DzbB5HRwWWP4gGorjiYlQL6f2XVHyij4gl4VcoG5vJtvsn8SO-/w640-h482/PXL_20240308_182017428.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky was very dramatic. It had rained that night and was clearing up.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6synV3gEh2Y-s8rLIlH1uK-225HmYbEOubK28Nu_nRI0WNqF9pwjsB2wL4wNPVjE78st2j_OLIdyaknMjsa3kIa3Xxr8HQYXoduE3lGRgignpV40me_lpV9DWuhiGqvN0_NAEvGLK92iY6HY2eQA81iU4xsaYriK9UiH7oKD5wQ4hIa0CMsmI/s4080/PXL_20240308_190702828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6synV3gEh2Y-s8rLIlH1uK-225HmYbEOubK28Nu_nRI0WNqF9pwjsB2wL4wNPVjE78st2j_OLIdyaknMjsa3kIa3Xxr8HQYXoduE3lGRgignpV40me_lpV9DWuhiGqvN0_NAEvGLK92iY6HY2eQA81iU4xsaYriK9UiH7oKD5wQ4hIa0CMsmI/w301-h400/PXL_20240308_190702828.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just see the top of the crested Saguaro<br />in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD67nR9UtWkREnY2pwMBFRdVvS-UqgQtesdD2EeLEh00mggf9iuwES9QHfKY7s-9MMaZSs9xTvAbWBhm__31YEjde1yzlMoYilDoHPAuqlXXseht6BHesQv625pMlpCeyygXt785BWSBIUhwlmBrHyaIw1jLDZrXsvDT4AKJnGH7jmdlQh2NKK/s3711/PXL_20240308_200820547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2389" data-original-width="3711" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD67nR9UtWkREnY2pwMBFRdVvS-UqgQtesdD2EeLEh00mggf9iuwES9QHfKY7s-9MMaZSs9xTvAbWBhm__31YEjde1yzlMoYilDoHPAuqlXXseht6BHesQv625pMlpCeyygXt785BWSBIUhwlmBrHyaIw1jLDZrXsvDT4AKJnGH7jmdlQh2NKK/s320/PXL_20240308_200820547.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the stream we crossed, over on the left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our last day Scott and I went off on our own for a hike in Saguaro National Park - the Desert Wren Trail and the Signal Hill trail. At the top of the hill we saw petroglyphs drawn by the Hohokam people who lived in this area from 300 AD to 1450. Then we visited a Amateur Airplane Field where they were having races. These planes were about 5 or 6 feet in diameter and beautifully painted. It was a Sunday morning so over 100 people gathered to watch and see each other's planes. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6DLwvUH9PGiwZ1aG6c80RMbUR00L0fbCGrxZhG4UjatQFcIfIixjfoHuzhxaMy7vJvHdhfimpGh6SDkLGIeZ1TND-H0LQgsJcEahabil_ACJX4lsbao-pBdk5gOuExOYVvv4JBOqAZTJvceqcQURLgAe3opqgLs_7TiVBGc7S7EsBPTj8wDy/s4080/PXL_20240309_183117138.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6DLwvUH9PGiwZ1aG6c80RMbUR00L0fbCGrxZhG4UjatQFcIfIixjfoHuzhxaMy7vJvHdhfimpGh6SDkLGIeZ1TND-H0LQgsJcEahabil_ACJX4lsbao-pBdk5gOuExOYVvv4JBOqAZTJvceqcQURLgAe3opqgLs_7TiVBGc7S7EsBPTj8wDy/w301-h400/PXL_20240309_183117138.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope you can make out the concentric circle<br />petroglyph on the center top rock.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sUWeRnSI8_kz2iNXBS7uzeo6HwwBMmJ_cPtesff45tpeiqrMBI717C8XAmaH3e1vzw0C4ECQCaEarKJnywFRGwzkx_5u6pepA-gIxnN1AK8GZ9ArHUAocjwyd16JZgQoP7dWgWnDMupcgHP9g-qEfnshx5uG4MevlTwE8qIBaUCCfKGy3C0_/s4080/PXL_20240309_183019024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_sUWeRnSI8_kz2iNXBS7uzeo6HwwBMmJ_cPtesff45tpeiqrMBI717C8XAmaH3e1vzw0C4ECQCaEarKJnywFRGwzkx_5u6pepA-gIxnN1AK8GZ9ArHUAocjwyd16JZgQoP7dWgWnDMupcgHP9g-qEfnshx5uG4MevlTwE8qIBaUCCfKGy3C0_/s320/PXL_20240309_183019024.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view over the desert from the Signal Hill trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0QEjOkJ9RxDPBdy6EM1fFxod4s97u07BgZvljYCHOxlyttIrB2BJgoGO50vS3evKaxQF8JevPCnqe1wkIBBmykcgNt6SI8fApDB8q2kyoZIOqyCEXlAhKT0jnADZ2yHa8mgKzMf8Tg1bSIsdT3oWdqVm_FJ4Zvtg4vZhmoqKIOB3oisjN9Wx/s4080/PXL_20240309_185845767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0QEjOkJ9RxDPBdy6EM1fFxod4s97u07BgZvljYCHOxlyttIrB2BJgoGO50vS3evKaxQF8JevPCnqe1wkIBBmykcgNt6SI8fApDB8q2kyoZIOqyCEXlAhKT0jnADZ2yHa8mgKzMf8Tg1bSIsdT3oWdqVm_FJ4Zvtg4vZhmoqKIOB3oisjN9Wx/s320/PXL_20240309_185845767.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>That afternoon Scott and I moved Baby over to our next Harvest Host member - the Little Anthony's Diner and the Gaslight Theater. I bought tickets for ourselves and Donna & Dick. The show was "The Curse of the Pirate Gold" and it was a lot of fun - comedy, dancing and singing, with a great band. It's a dinner theater so we sat at a table for the 4 of us and ordered drinks and food - no room for dancing though!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG7PUdQk7y4WPo5tQi4OqbYbR778K_n2C9NTvnrgnwMo5nVasMVGE1TIask0DQdZpXT9AIGT3b6kPgeESgeNnlHedMZXcsbgPNh3lIBy6nb4Yzm3b4o7K5gXW85WmBs2R4x9j8Ic9gXoPQQUmSbfslAYgGxsQWIvT7WoCP4R8pZJdbWJoJeVi/s1162/Pirate's%20Gold%202024%20Poster.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1162" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeG7PUdQk7y4WPo5tQi4OqbYbR778K_n2C9NTvnrgnwMo5nVasMVGE1TIask0DQdZpXT9AIGT3b6kPgeESgeNnlHedMZXcsbgPNh3lIBy6nb4Yzm3b4o7K5gXW85WmBs2R4x9j8Ic9gXoPQQUmSbfslAYgGxsQWIvT7WoCP4R8pZJdbWJoJeVi/s320/Pirate's%20Gold%202024%20Poster.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The four leads from Curse of the Pirates Gold</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were sad to say goodbye to our good friends but the next day we were off heading north. More on that later!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyXYbHIjuX5egDIlqEuuCs64717PeZHPNP4Gp_NBTERpwUYYf-StiTkxqsm_NFneYYFhEgrnPvpq7Tbi-_hykgQ5KHKIGuSivm_GCciMS5ftq26Mtjm3rAiMG7_6B-MV1qrVM9aPry5eg4sqnI6UU-9pdwGRL6B15nvG_qVAOgWLDvnavgbLA/s4080/PXL_20240308_145216404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyXYbHIjuX5egDIlqEuuCs64717PeZHPNP4Gp_NBTERpwUYYf-StiTkxqsm_NFneYYFhEgrnPvpq7Tbi-_hykgQ5KHKIGuSivm_GCciMS5ftq26Mtjm3rAiMG7_6B-MV1qrVM9aPry5eg4sqnI6UU-9pdwGRL6B15nvG_qVAOgWLDvnavgbLA/w640-h482/PXL_20240308_145216404.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rainbow greeted us on our last morning in Marana with Donna & Dick.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-14719865888685349382024-03-08T17:26:00.002-05:002024-03-08T17:26:58.977-05:00Hiking and Shopping with Bob and Lesa<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSU0Jx0zPaCDdjH0ra-cOC71LWWu1VTnpeO7BGNPxDC5yyBb6GXo2BmIocm0IsyjdJaoS7jbcochC63m4lDO7L12PdtDq96eDcV50p8evRab0eRJ4ifMVHWlWApvz2oZ4uIwA3_gY3t0GMQZFbV9pKDlrbMnfVC7ETtaC4tISY8gfxmNd3OR4/s4080/PXL_20240304_181337655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSU0Jx0zPaCDdjH0ra-cOC71LWWu1VTnpeO7BGNPxDC5yyBb6GXo2BmIocm0IsyjdJaoS7jbcochC63m4lDO7L12PdtDq96eDcV50p8evRab0eRJ4ifMVHWlWApvz2oZ4uIwA3_gY3t0GMQZFbV9pKDlrbMnfVC7ETtaC4tISY8gfxmNd3OR4/w640-h482/PXL_20240304_181337655.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott, Bob and Bob's sheltie, Dandy on the trail at Madera Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqflRnM219MlZNapf3noJKfAcBViInWyNr1SThVKExBqNFRJ1o8KSzGysXVe0kh5uALQpa9QGoKZAYkj8y8eCss4Vt2wY5oryYdfi8M2wyGNNwUezLS9LMXJgYlT9zW_ZJk1BZDFQtyvw9cb2ztYXllAyQzbAJY_tUCPUvUP4MM9EHiFjjRjEZ/s4080/PXL_20240304_183522114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqflRnM219MlZNapf3noJKfAcBViInWyNr1SThVKExBqNFRJ1o8KSzGysXVe0kh5uALQpa9QGoKZAYkj8y8eCss4Vt2wY5oryYdfi8M2wyGNNwUezLS9LMXJgYlT9zW_ZJk1BZDFQtyvw9cb2ztYXllAyQzbAJY_tUCPUvUP4MM9EHiFjjRjEZ/w301-h400/PXL_20240304_183522114.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see it was a perfect day!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwtchuKMW2Q83uPiCFxiWx7h_5Ppv3kpK7cSa6Om4waQPHJJrsnQUJBCXKhxHQdfKepoUbyuRBv6baFY2C0AnI27TTO0tYVz2P_pqwUiye8Dpj76TCx-7PcgvO1T7sO3FyDl29v0G9O5gl9aYkNTI79Wg3YilC5pXSaiEUZmC-hthyphenhyphenHiHWxTj/s4080/PXL_20240304_183952464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwtchuKMW2Q83uPiCFxiWx7h_5Ppv3kpK7cSa6Om4waQPHJJrsnQUJBCXKhxHQdfKepoUbyuRBv6baFY2C0AnI27TTO0tYVz2P_pqwUiye8Dpj76TCx-7PcgvO1T7sO3FyDl29v0G9O5gl9aYkNTI79Wg3YilC5pXSaiEUZmC-hthyphenhyphenHiHWxTj/w301-h400/PXL_20240304_183952464.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view up to the hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We've hiked with Bob over 50 years now, mostly in New Hampshire where they used to live. Our hikes are shorter now and easier but still wonderful. And Lesa always knows the best second shops around. I've bought some of my favorite clothes under her tutelage. They moved down to Green Valley 20 or so years ago at first spending only the winters but eventually selling the house in North Conway. The area is really lovely and self contained. Homeowners in the town have access to tons of activities. They have room in their driveway for Baby and we have a great view from our dinette. This is our third visit to them - they are wonderful hosts.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tCOSCSCuT4FGYYXtggrj366W2bNO6TuMWUKkhJzM7jFM0jdudCUbzrJZ5bD-YQA3RpOtsEhrk4UaSCNYKXrBJRflqnUvd99MIVSNgajrPf_BzXdjclRAtPdGxY7zm60mu36wJTMvvyMxs3p8Hsh4KFQwKdI7AMp9_AH9Ex5CmTy00Yh0-T-I/s4080/PXL_20240304_190807740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_tCOSCSCuT4FGYYXtggrj366W2bNO6TuMWUKkhJzM7jFM0jdudCUbzrJZ5bD-YQA3RpOtsEhrk4UaSCNYKXrBJRflqnUvd99MIVSNgajrPf_BzXdjclRAtPdGxY7zm60mu36wJTMvvyMxs3p8Hsh4KFQwKdI7AMp9_AH9Ex5CmTy00Yh0-T-I/w640-h482/PXL_20240304_190807740.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There has been some rain so we saw water in the creeks and flower buds on the trees and bushes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our first full day we spent at Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains. We hiked up the Bob Springs Trail and then cut over to the Nature Trail, taking it back down to our car. It was a perfect day, about 68 degrees and sunny. Bob is a Friend of Madera Canyon and head of the Trail Maintenance Crew. He was able to point out all the work that has been done to the trail and how it was accomplished. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDmeNooXL4lDppSExTAJhk32eTRNpwU-q50S86G720ucP7koM0cJhW4fH06Oyg95IaxvwXxcOOqorZ2cWen1xfmVQcV3gdsR4vsxV8e0u6QiBknPSBignWtS6W9aQkIa_XHPZqO_LByfnFTzIriHArKNT-DjO4dku20GYuJBe68duLaGu_IK2/s4080/PXL_20240305_185427194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDmeNooXL4lDppSExTAJhk32eTRNpwU-q50S86G720ucP7koM0cJhW4fH06Oyg95IaxvwXxcOOqorZ2cWen1xfmVQcV3gdsR4vsxV8e0u6QiBknPSBignWtS6W9aQkIa_XHPZqO_LByfnFTzIriHArKNT-DjO4dku20GYuJBe68duLaGu_IK2/s320/PXL_20240305_185427194.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from our seat in the Trolley.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxfDFIx0gh0X5DQjmeMGu00G0k5k3fzu4Oh3usvhR7OziOKxrWEXQL6BpbyP00EjWx3lc0I8ohIBypNMx3MTYrZnB6b8PUYBtIJrBlftiOFAFJpU6J7V_yTdKrSrWpjQFYXGxsrUf4DwHz7fDvMPWb3KTCNXrRqb4eB3c0rXZKgn1dEqMjVxE/s4080/PXL_20240305_195403737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxfDFIx0gh0X5DQjmeMGu00G0k5k3fzu4Oh3usvhR7OziOKxrWEXQL6BpbyP00EjWx3lc0I8ohIBypNMx3MTYrZnB6b8PUYBtIJrBlftiOFAFJpU6J7V_yTdKrSrWpjQFYXGxsrUf4DwHz7fDvMPWb3KTCNXrRqb4eB3c0rXZKgn1dEqMjVxE/w400-h301/PXL_20240305_195403737.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob and Scott on the hike down from Sabino Canyon. Dogs<br />aren't allowed so Dandy had to stay home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg83jVXnA2ZN_ljFzBqNVU6SEYLsktXBk6mdQ5S-TBKLb-UICFUVUNBnibqn-8Y0a0-6lnHwS_zBWobgkFd5TeCa3xpmtY_sbBV5VyFnle1PrK5qRIWVUyDrJ5ERLS3_oPsvbxeHbhsGJWjgYnu6GxjRDC8-ZZivXAFDop_2Or0LbMJKznOA4Y/s3213/PXL_20240305_194947155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2153" data-original-width="3213" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg83jVXnA2ZN_ljFzBqNVU6SEYLsktXBk6mdQ5S-TBKLb-UICFUVUNBnibqn-8Y0a0-6lnHwS_zBWobgkFd5TeCa3xpmtY_sbBV5VyFnle1PrK5qRIWVUyDrJ5ERLS3_oPsvbxeHbhsGJWjgYnu6GxjRDC8-ZZivXAFDop_2Or0LbMJKznOA4Y/s320/PXL_20240305_194947155.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of the poppies, which soon will be out<br />everywhere.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our second day we drove north to Sabino Canyon Recreation Area, part of the Coronado National Forest. During the Depression the CCC and WPA built a dam and 9 shallow bridges with a plan to extend the road up to Mount Lemon. There was talk of a major dam there as well. But all these ideas failed, happily, as now there is a 4.5 mile road up into the Canyon that stops at the end, with major trails heading out from there. This has been a popular spot for Tucson residents and car traffic had started to be a real problem. So in 1978 a trolly system was instituted and no car traffic is allowed. </p><p>We reserved a spot in the trolley and rode to the last of 9 stops up the Canyon. Then we walked down, stopping to enjoy the views and the stream crossings. There are a lot of bridges but they are built low so in high water the stream goes across. We got our shoes a little wet on one. I love the benches and picnic tables that are scattered along the road! We're sorry we didn't have more time to explore up the stream. And it was a little cold to get in the water. During warmer times though the sandy beaches are very popular. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXs0kCUMVrDsEBE1ONl0e2idCIojN8DWBhGhh9twJ5DSX4D9ira6KiBSHmRa564t9Pde0fEuQmkC1L7jnhFC0dtu8L16iQpsfK9P5ca4I4Ix5k1W6UYcRijMEkjD4Koq_8ZDPQ7ZrbJ6xmQJwurcTh66wfESBi5D3auzFPf2846NKq3eTZL4A/s4080/PXL_20240305_204326755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXs0kCUMVrDsEBE1ONl0e2idCIojN8DWBhGhh9twJ5DSX4D9ira6KiBSHmRa564t9Pde0fEuQmkC1L7jnhFC0dtu8L16iQpsfK9P5ca4I4Ix5k1W6UYcRijMEkjD4Koq_8ZDPQ7ZrbJ6xmQJwurcTh66wfESBi5D3auzFPf2846NKq3eTZL4A/w640-h482/PXL_20240305_204326755.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bridges built by the CCC during the Depression have lasted although I'm sure there has been lots of maintenance over the years.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiILGuuXZO84sd5_wJ5aw8RMWhDt2TBO9EZWuEmxu7y7KBQ-vpkrY7Vii4PtcXIBjVgjpbJu2O27U06T1-zqllBvu5_q6IMylkyVEZeZnXc1oYZC0oljIBkKOWRiAWEe8lxdEqS0oaVkLX9gFYX-scG8yzSGuIGq0hyphenhyphen5007FjLvOuyzFfLEmF/s4080/PXL_20240306_184937601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiILGuuXZO84sd5_wJ5aw8RMWhDt2TBO9EZWuEmxu7y7KBQ-vpkrY7Vii4PtcXIBjVgjpbJu2O27U06T1-zqllBvu5_q6IMylkyVEZeZnXc1oYZC0oljIBkKOWRiAWEe8lxdEqS0oaVkLX9gFYX-scG8yzSGuIGq0hyphenhyphen5007FjLvOuyzFfLEmF/w301-h400/PXL_20240306_184937601.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesa and Bob in their kitchen. Their house is<br />beautiful, built on a big lot with views of the<br />mountains. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>We accomplished a number of chores: refilled the propane, dumped the tanks, refilled with water, had my lab tests done, had a pedicure and shopped. I found a rain jacket and a now favorite top at one of Lesa's great shops. And we had two wonderful dinners out and one in. What a fun visit!</p><p>But now it was time to move on again, this time to our friends and neighbors in Shrewsbury, Donna and Dick. They have had a winter home in Marana, just south and west of Tucson for 20 years. We visited them 3 years ago on our first trip in Baby But last year they were unable to make the trip so we had to stay at their home without them. More on our stay there next...</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-81964009425295624622024-03-07T00:13:00.000-05:002024-03-07T00:13:50.180-05:00Wine, Pecans and a Slot Canyon<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaAB_Uog17TNZ2nz4yJkqXkOwEf2bl37gesWJJtP01a9QDAcS5upiG9dEywpOX68j8RU7HvADE9AgpVoVsKp7Qt8W2qYZBQSfKHdOYrxedJLPf8cHn3MLxBKqfA18J0Yre1b3pfl6XeRu3VVzIqOBAyoTow-mEZFPkOST38Ol4KfCSVDkTGuU/s1360/2021-11-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1360" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaAB_Uog17TNZ2nz4yJkqXkOwEf2bl37gesWJJtP01a9QDAcS5upiG9dEywpOX68j8RU7HvADE9AgpVoVsKp7Qt8W2qYZBQSfKHdOYrxedJLPf8cHn3MLxBKqfA18J0Yre1b3pfl6XeRu3VVzIqOBAyoTow-mEZFPkOST38Ol4KfCSVDkTGuU/w640-h480/2021-11-28.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Baby at the Rio Grande Winery in Las Cruces..</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w5xnGS2nKlGWesEFu0hrbi510tpD72CEEju4t9qdY6yRPTGlbpSST3PzdLmf0685e7rRmydFVCT8pVPsi9B97h74bDHlVxMLVxyvLg5xEICgIDgZ3MwzUFNY3oxOJl9DLOOZW2vmRJMhcT2Wcxk_jOcdhsyvcKbNehpg7Ahza7rxh887ARAp/s4080/PXL_20240303_021000441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_w5xnGS2nKlGWesEFu0hrbi510tpD72CEEju4t9qdY6yRPTGlbpSST3PzdLmf0685e7rRmydFVCT8pVPsi9B97h74bDHlVxMLVxyvLg5xEICgIDgZ3MwzUFNY3oxOJl9DLOOZW2vmRJMhcT2Wcxk_jOcdhsyvcKbNehpg7Ahza7rxh887ARAp/s320/PXL_20240303_021000441.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The covered patio at Rio Grande</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIocMEaphvN1syh88u8UQTi3AC1cLmcTC4McRp7jub0iMkb2yn4_UNGqXuQPTLzMCYyITlWwnkx_1zqeYW4dpayUZrb9THq022-zVBBmMaVyA5zM-FrWedomdWXIdi69M46GCSyH3NfF5BC_3dZ16YKhX0SfN3Z-oO7A7kp_3PbWqabFfNxTXW/s4080/PXL_20240303_021007575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIocMEaphvN1syh88u8UQTi3AC1cLmcTC4McRp7jub0iMkb2yn4_UNGqXuQPTLzMCYyITlWwnkx_1zqeYW4dpayUZrb9THq022-zVBBmMaVyA5zM-FrWedomdWXIdi69M46GCSyH3NfF5BC_3dZ16YKhX0SfN3Z-oO7A7kp_3PbWqabFfNxTXW/s320/PXL_20240303_021007575.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the Winery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Las Cruces is studded with pecan orchards and wineries. The pecan orchards stretch out for miles all around the city and there are 9 wineries. As far as we know there is only one slot canyon and we found it - and it wasn't easy. Pecans and wine on the other had were - we went to 2 wineries and the Pecan Fest in Mesilla. This is our third time visiting the Rio Grande Winery, a Harvest Host location. It's a beautiful spot with very good wine, live music and food. And it was a Saturday night. But we had a surprise when we sat down, only one red wine available! That afternoon they had a Pickleball Tournament and then there must have been a big celebration! But the wine and band were great so another lovely night. Another night we visited D.H. Lescombes Winery and Bistro and had an excellent dinner overlooking the mountains. And there were lots of wine choices there.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI7comrQlOVyKPjil7yG35z7flPtHHlnxXaczCUcRb_xo-6kg_ueZm-LsozO8lECs05VMkKDjZQu02dpF_MdPvGAStOb_kL-EPu4q2p5LTzed7NPnJhLQP999EQmEoX3t6sKBkQ3myL4DGzqQoSqkPELofJq9m1a4Tt8dpNY9ePfsOHERvYVF/s4080/PXL_20240302_200039856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKI7comrQlOVyKPjil7yG35z7flPtHHlnxXaczCUcRb_xo-6kg_ueZm-LsozO8lECs05VMkKDjZQu02dpF_MdPvGAStOb_kL-EPu4q2p5LTzed7NPnJhLQP999EQmEoX3t6sKBkQ3myL4DGzqQoSqkPELofJq9m1a4Tt8dpNY9ePfsOHERvYVF/s320/PXL_20240302_200039856.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view around the Pecan Fest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqeUCy4XwsxLRJTx_dMy7GxF0zMCTpHx6dvrN-0V_GHAXU3OGl4SPManRsdbWuAmKLijV9K_jtK9NsanOeoZqXR_qCV2MJtG0OPKVR-9UuluJviDBDQSjc1R2srRGkdxpgRDLE4RDRY9F80q1iWWWzYIBo4jV9ba495_PMUq6ibDhwIgWbnqC/s4080/PXL_20240302_205920700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqeUCy4XwsxLRJTx_dMy7GxF0zMCTpHx6dvrN-0V_GHAXU3OGl4SPManRsdbWuAmKLijV9K_jtK9NsanOeoZqXR_qCV2MJtG0OPKVR-9UuluJviDBDQSjc1R2srRGkdxpgRDLE4RDRY9F80q1iWWWzYIBo4jV9ba495_PMUq6ibDhwIgWbnqC/s320/PXL_20240302_205920700.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica de San Albino</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The Pecan Fest was set in downtown Mesilla, mostly in the central square. There was live music, lots of vendors and some very good BBQ. We discovered the trail to Slot Canyon on All Trails, which we belong to. The reviews were all raving about the canyon but there were buts... The first one was the entrance. "Either climb the 5 foot fence or go under the barbed wire". What? And concerns about finding the trail as it wasn't well marked. But we thought we'd at least take a look. Scott downloaded the map so we knew we could find our way home. We went under the fence, and loved the canyon!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZLjaTvuKqhaPsX4IfU7F0MkGmOKAoRIP1NihYtd2wuZkY-SCEcPAtXCoH6Wp4h-jfxHS8t-pM1zSPEJUrQdyx3WSHuLbQPYqU4RD2czRo-VBqlhYgZAF5HLseoWost2BAVPTOuK4dvG7yAUIuj7bRIUEC7tkm5rUaG_pMMRIDGgCzh5WCJHd/s4080/PXL_20240301_190814972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBZLjaTvuKqhaPsX4IfU7F0MkGmOKAoRIP1NihYtd2wuZkY-SCEcPAtXCoH6Wp4h-jfxHS8t-pM1zSPEJUrQdyx3WSHuLbQPYqU4RD2czRo-VBqlhYgZAF5HLseoWost2BAVPTOuK4dvG7yAUIuj7bRIUEC7tkm5rUaG_pMMRIDGgCzh5WCJHd/s320/PXL_20240301_190814972.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crawling under the barbed wire - folks before<br />us had dug a depression.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi571IL2cEoO2DsDnnUXMLOz8HGT3ftj95l8gcsMG80wGls8dYOG9AHYtXIFyb1vSehkmebg-UbhZyk8qNGBbZbASkoibrly5mOKwteJCOXKAO9v7vDefty5cu6oISYk81F80wSVmh9azOTpIN2tYLznoyoTCHjkeQERUeEGH9EOy6VoB8_zqT6/s3411/PXL_20240301_174537934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3411" data-original-width="2153" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi571IL2cEoO2DsDnnUXMLOz8HGT3ftj95l8gcsMG80wGls8dYOG9AHYtXIFyb1vSehkmebg-UbhZyk8qNGBbZbASkoibrly5mOKwteJCOXKAO9v7vDefty5cu6oISYk81F80wSVmh9azOTpIN2tYLznoyoTCHjkeQERUeEGH9EOy6VoB8_zqT6/w253-h400/PXL_20240301_174537934.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Slot Canyon is narrow.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD2SQO_h-241bqSjMOtV5dyfrxJEoLQxrCtPlOrBwvnd4bszGECY1bNW7qxSl7PQvx_TIhEIN0gw_Fr9Lfhk-X5G0IH0Lrkdzm2ThFiteo3BnrdwGNbxdo231XZvChGIgcDOmeUvs3PGJzjXLKsnEcQU7PhXYr1SJG2OsIG1s3cNIyRTYWVne/s4080/PXL_20240301_174415646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrD2SQO_h-241bqSjMOtV5dyfrxJEoLQxrCtPlOrBwvnd4bszGECY1bNW7qxSl7PQvx_TIhEIN0gw_Fr9Lfhk-X5G0IH0Lrkdzm2ThFiteo3BnrdwGNbxdo231XZvChGIgcDOmeUvs3PGJzjXLKsnEcQU7PhXYr1SJG2OsIG1s3cNIyRTYWVne/w301-h400/PXL_20240301_174415646.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it was a hot day so the shade was welcome.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This was our second time staying at the Hacienda RV Park and it is very nice with a big hot tub, which we used several times. We managed to see 5 museums while visiting there. The biggest is the Farm and Ranch Museum up near Dripping Spring. We found the history of farming and ranching here very interesting. New stories to us were the range wars, lawlessness (Billy the Kid is big around here) and especially when it changed dramatically as a result of WWII. A lot of farms were confiscated to build the White Sands Missile Range and Test Facility. Now Spaceport America and Virgin Galactic are just north of there. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTA8YOf5fPzgrKjZo8MZ7FSLhqX1T2Sh-UtuDUBf0ljGwPPh-ZRJoIi3qL1LnYuNiRUhpJEuNmfdYB19Od1naruGs7C63XyaAscnKcDD3CfseEZZIAAqzdfnD6RWz_gH8qS-4yf3pR3s3cTWi3LV9J-ta2KkyLHUaJUsJjz82TGQzknrXPzA/s1360/2021-05-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeTA8YOf5fPzgrKjZo8MZ7FSLhqX1T2Sh-UtuDUBf0ljGwPPh-ZRJoIi3qL1LnYuNiRUhpJEuNmfdYB19Od1naruGs7C63XyaAscnKcDD3CfseEZZIAAqzdfnD6RWz_gH8qS-4yf3pR3s3cTWi3LV9J-ta2KkyLHUaJUsJjz82TGQzknrXPzA/s320/2021-05-03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love these slices of life long ago. What's scary<br />is, a lot of things look familiar from my past!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjw5se4gWZZFgCuiKt4HF0NJlhbf5Xm9yuTe-klZtO-Y_GsfO2M3sRO1xObJRN5K5nVGq4EVg4Q3Y9CL1IXBABe7Vc55RW5iyUM-W-DLxVwJ85_vUcjOJxGMs7ewh_878IIigFtXtmJjLo4-F9ZRWIzcQPMgp5eUE0lcJ6rWF7KIcreB8fpAr/s1360/2021-09-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1360" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjw5se4gWZZFgCuiKt4HF0NJlhbf5Xm9yuTe-klZtO-Y_GsfO2M3sRO1xObJRN5K5nVGq4EVg4Q3Y9CL1IXBABe7Vc55RW5iyUM-W-DLxVwJ85_vUcjOJxGMs7ewh_878IIigFtXtmJjLo4-F9ZRWIzcQPMgp5eUE0lcJ6rWF7KIcreB8fpAr/s320/2021-09-06.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a lot of vehicles in the Farm & Ranch<br />Museum, this hearse was my favorite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Another day we visited the Railroad Museum and the Museum Complex which includes an Art Museum, and a Nature and Science Museum. Lastly we toured Fort Selden which is now a ruin but once housed a large number of "Buffalo Soldiers", African-Americans who joined the army after the Civil War. As a testament to their bravery nine Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal of Honor while serving in New Mexico. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI3gntuEl2M1Bg3sy79WUWoq8zhFvs4_7ug5FTNA7kTcwKovE3ueqDIhxVChiTMm5Ge4bK-lZi4xNlWTalVdFmsD6cZ_93FTse3TTQgYEtWZRY64Q9vIcmb2FKouvaTNhHDVf68HgMle5j39APq1kNxrweHkiR4ROchjbenlbtM__lgfwHq3c/s4080/PXL_20240229_214157226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlI3gntuEl2M1Bg3sy79WUWoq8zhFvs4_7ug5FTNA7kTcwKovE3ueqDIhxVChiTMm5Ge4bK-lZi4xNlWTalVdFmsD6cZ_93FTse3TTQgYEtWZRY64Q9vIcmb2FKouvaTNhHDVf68HgMle5j39APq1kNxrweHkiR4ROchjbenlbtM__lgfwHq3c/s320/PXL_20240229_214157226.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 1910 Depot of the Acheson, Topeka and <br />Santa Fe railroad. Now the Railroad Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHm30tI8VZx-O4-gygM75MPJ0TsqWSbPWc1oUDxaAr1AjWxjpxnA5nGT_doltIHSE8Q3t0XszWTl09dna4IvpvX1brYTakf2SPBxBs2_hUB0N6jq0x5URWnhXu4MKPEsvDCgp_kbzbhh_e-FlZvWdrekf4ZOxk21f8Vd-p7QQavI1b73eDumFN/s4080/PXL_20240229_215557158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHm30tI8VZx-O4-gygM75MPJ0TsqWSbPWc1oUDxaAr1AjWxjpxnA5nGT_doltIHSE8Q3t0XszWTl09dna4IvpvX1brYTakf2SPBxBs2_hUB0N6jq0x5URWnhXu4MKPEsvDCgp_kbzbhh_e-FlZvWdrekf4ZOxk21f8Vd-p7QQavI1b73eDumFN/s320/PXL_20240229_215557158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved this story about the first woman Engineer. <br />She was quite famous nationally as a result, <br />made the cover of Redbook. A third generation<br />railroad worker, it didn't hurt that she was lovely!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTuWZbSffHuOcLVMSIihqkooaRsYyZM_e2pCz8j0raRMQo5u_RgBKywpwCaET41O_w672Jy_t-cOHsDD4UVY7gkcPb1omXVxHarM3M_attAUsX7-8WkJ9dZVLIS3yqhgqoz7kANKDaLGtJk_XhzGBM0-IloLD3lsW-URIyKHw47CFOfCSiOxy/s4080/PXL_20240229_215930817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTuWZbSffHuOcLVMSIihqkooaRsYyZM_e2pCz8j0raRMQo5u_RgBKywpwCaET41O_w672Jy_t-cOHsDD4UVY7gkcPb1omXVxHarM3M_attAUsX7-8WkJ9dZVLIS3yqhgqoz7kANKDaLGtJk_XhzGBM0-IloLD3lsW-URIyKHw47CFOfCSiOxy/w640-h482/PXL_20240229_215930817.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were two huge model railroad set ups. So detailed and fun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">But now it was time to head west again. We had two great couples to visit in southern Arizona: So next stop Green Valley!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSQRj2t6BxY_LcV1W7GlSL0ZL_kBI0gX8D3yGFLr9MtupzqZVXv6KvnqiJSe4E02FrUwN32L3-ogdL_ON5WdHpUViRUqwI1vAGAteVjL-EpHKIopzG7IlQDXk83gdaUEro0I1PZuINMpE6VAxyq3R044-ScC-_Pq0AqK2XHq4zliMruknC6EX/s465/7D366A2A-BFBB-B3B6-84B7663B25D75A99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="465" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVSQRj2t6BxY_LcV1W7GlSL0ZL_kBI0gX8D3yGFLr9MtupzqZVXv6KvnqiJSe4E02FrUwN32L3-ogdL_ON5WdHpUViRUqwI1vAGAteVjL-EpHKIopzG7IlQDXk83gdaUEro0I1PZuINMpE6VAxyq3R044-ScC-_Pq0AqK2XHq4zliMruknC6EX/w640-h360/7D366A2A-BFBB-B3B6-84B7663B25D75A99.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruins of Fort Seldon just outside of Las Cruces and near the Slot Canyon. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-61504117645498938492024-03-01T21:35:00.001-05:002024-03-01T21:35:29.678-05:00Big Bend National Park<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RGUuYP4qjU-kKxbkqOnNl4yRL46BbE65s97YCQQZbvj7PcVVbP2j7oPjljqXBxp2ynBbSjh9MZbusbl-j8rgl832XvXAeik7JIxgrrSiWRG_ONSQh-WaxUeYA0lLsewDAan8TNO2NgH0JwTh9GqSlSMna-8cNk3btqD6DjcO76g3Q3SXphQA/s4080/PXL_20240222_161150897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RGUuYP4qjU-kKxbkqOnNl4yRL46BbE65s97YCQQZbvj7PcVVbP2j7oPjljqXBxp2ynBbSjh9MZbusbl-j8rgl832XvXAeik7JIxgrrSiWRG_ONSQh-WaxUeYA0lLsewDAan8TNO2NgH0JwTh9GqSlSMna-8cNk3btqD6DjcO76g3Q3SXphQA/w301-h400/PXL_20240222_161150897.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and I on the trail to Santa Elena Canyon</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg-gxrskSQGSxlA_sB0Q35uastl-2P6Obp_kCVmpYSNRun00DfbH38EFRhNV1CRU_pa8YZgCqZX6_zJqeauKGVh_CUg6eCfvfbeRrzCRfi3N5EYYTVggGwNPRs-wCft4OFw0N9kmBiFANf6NLs6gROiKWDrQDnOb4Ejv33BC3ZDunQk_sYNsr/s4080/PXL_20240222_155107920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvg-gxrskSQGSxlA_sB0Q35uastl-2P6Obp_kCVmpYSNRun00DfbH38EFRhNV1CRU_pa8YZgCqZX6_zJqeauKGVh_CUg6eCfvfbeRrzCRfi3N5EYYTVggGwNPRs-wCft4OFw0N9kmBiFANf6NLs6gROiKWDrQDnOb4Ejv33BC3ZDunQk_sYNsr/w301-h400/PXL_20240222_155107920.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view up the Canyon from the end of the <br />trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This was our second visit to the park. Three years ago on our first cross country trip with Baby during the pandemic, we spent 3 nights at the Terlingua Ranch about 40 miles away and then 2 nights in Big Bend State Park. Two full days were spent exploring the National Park. But this time we finally scored 5 nights right in the park, 1 at Cottonwood Campground and 4 at the Rio Grande Campground. And that was at the last minute as our 6 month ahead reservations were canceled by the Park due to tree work at our site! They notified us two weeks before our arrival! Luckily Scott managed to get us new reservations through a APP on the phone that checks cancelations and notifies you. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAvGWCMMUFY8VnyDBc25B8Jg6nNLaLgkpFsZclFS3M2zzx3FT01oj2V_JJKZmX7SJX_7lg6uJkxVaxCkw-gT8jqPGnbY145a5qw2bJlPry-WREMODn6fGZUTzMY4QLrhS0TP72iRLCJlg-Ghha2tMa8jwbTVFJsAfUfu4aX6kudFFxCTevUx_/s4080/PXL_20240222_161935634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAvGWCMMUFY8VnyDBc25B8Jg6nNLaLgkpFsZclFS3M2zzx3FT01oj2V_JJKZmX7SJX_7lg6uJkxVaxCkw-gT8jqPGnbY145a5qw2bJlPry-WREMODn6fGZUTzMY4QLrhS0TP72iRLCJlg-Ghha2tMa8jwbTVFJsAfUfu4aX6kudFFxCTevUx_/w640-h482/PXL_20240222_161935634.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Santa Elena Trail towards the Rio Grande. Way off in the distance on the other side of the river you can see some of the artists.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kx1O6wgy-lJAO3dRKWLn6fs4I0XynGixGm1VpQxRgDK3y6QPDTRyE-2LD7TURelOTdP-6JC1rC9m3xov6c8KVbj3n2NloxI1mwVJ5fiLttB_Dbxb_vyiNWCDvpRjYPRQWBzeu7fudqSjIejYEEwO6BkzgSP6pBvYOWHRFPH8qwfzSQr76AUJ/s4080/PXL_20240222_161414864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kx1O6wgy-lJAO3dRKWLn6fs4I0XynGixGm1VpQxRgDK3y6QPDTRyE-2LD7TURelOTdP-6JC1rC9m3xov6c8KVbj3n2NloxI1mwVJ5fiLttB_Dbxb_vyiNWCDvpRjYPRQWBzeu7fudqSjIejYEEwO6BkzgSP6pBvYOWHRFPH8qwfzSQr76AUJ/w640-h482/PXL_20240222_161414864.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the trail and the river, looking back.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4FBuT6TaKrzuKvRkXBDwCNMTkS6D-rxepp-pWqJWK_r8meyJFzD-bh9RRlqLitxMzNOTm9fGpCY2z0yZioUdWAdV0jhZWF-Bh3FVl8oUFM4xXF2PNkRhW1FXXjUI8qYtRePERiQe3cDa7lBZ8ljo27DyXQ0S5adsTSFL_x7Io9nOHqNoczlJ/s4080/PXL_20240222_163713755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn4FBuT6TaKrzuKvRkXBDwCNMTkS6D-rxepp-pWqJWK_r8meyJFzD-bh9RRlqLitxMzNOTm9fGpCY2z0yZioUdWAdV0jhZWF-Bh3FVl8oUFM4xXF2PNkRhW1FXXjUI8qYtRePERiQe3cDa7lBZ8ljo27DyXQ0S5adsTSFL_x7Io9nOHqNoczlJ/w301-h400/PXL_20240222_163713755.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the artist's painting and the<br />subject right ahead!</td></tr></tbody></table>These campgrounds are all bare bones but our Rio Grande site allowed generator use for several hours a day. That allowed us to beef up our batteries and charge our electronic devices. There was no cell service but we were able to use the wifi at the Rio Grande store for awhile each day and keep up with email. This park is enormous! Exploring the park means hours of driving and it's 60 miles from the nearest big towns, Alpine and Marathon. It's located along the border with Mexico and the Rio Grande River. We could have taken a little ferry over to the small town across the river but we didn't bring our passports. <p>Our first day we hiked into the Santa Elena Canyon. A group of artists were spending a week doing plein air painting in the Park and we ran into them there and in several other places during our stay. It was fun to see their varied takes on the same spot. The canyon is spectacular. The trail crosses a dry stream bed and then climbs up to a viewpoint over the river and into the canyon. Then it descends and runs along the bottom of the canyon on the U.S. side. Right across the way is Mexico but the cliffs there are straight up. </p><p>It was very hot during the days at the Park. The top temp was at the Rio Grande campground on our second day - 99. But it cooled down to the 60 range at night.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-i4uDoXqf8PQE3nG2aTUChB9P7c8ftyNwzyv0xYqt3WvSY_IGlgRaD5x_dqVd5yq49W-JMiAGDu4M_cMs2Haw-wvf5BD5sErfvy4PtokS0pjIDCgurrvtz8LOJ0osTurosfNAZtni5Uf_CfzBIdQYT4cJDjJFTeKJ0zcrDSDZDOs7ETo3YEz/s4080/PXL_20240223_154104041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-i4uDoXqf8PQE3nG2aTUChB9P7c8ftyNwzyv0xYqt3WvSY_IGlgRaD5x_dqVd5yq49W-JMiAGDu4M_cMs2Haw-wvf5BD5sErfvy4PtokS0pjIDCgurrvtz8LOJ0osTurosfNAZtni5Uf_CfzBIdQYT4cJDjJFTeKJ0zcrDSDZDOs7ETo3YEz/s320/PXL_20240223_154104041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These displays of souvenirs from Mexico are <br />in a number of places along the river. There is<br />a tin box with a slot for payments - honor system!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mqw9ElxgZD2qoWgRtiYbpAxam-M5gzESa5aS9PAdqljokl1qDvkzubz6YVPfjXlN2Urs_dOWD9J66XbMrqZ0nndOkGFID1subhoGYKLbUtSaW-OH3MM0FIX5q9MU_qzxsPOJq81E5gW0W6tNv60PdLbHQkA5UankSKu1oXUtEUsnSQO-g7BS/s4080/PXL_20240223_154207329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mqw9ElxgZD2qoWgRtiYbpAxam-M5gzESa5aS9PAdqljokl1qDvkzubz6YVPfjXlN2Urs_dOWD9J66XbMrqZ0nndOkGFID1subhoGYKLbUtSaW-OH3MM0FIX5q9MU_qzxsPOJq81E5gW0W6tNv60PdLbHQkA5UankSKu1oXUtEUsnSQO-g7BS/s320/PXL_20240223_154207329.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a large assortment of goods!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QYIgBmEacLJR0V8e5a01bNWedn7rYANrKF2cb32IL-wD-5BnJGgM4HKsaaEIquVpfGfr2tP6d6net4tO59kltJ4i21vHANMWB-hHSUwISMX0utttWQRJ1YA08ffK20oEsu9G_qJVSjeCckgdwJa2aViWWUH2OedmtqH2X2TYq7uiS9BuWla2/s4080/PXL_20240223_162408070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QYIgBmEacLJR0V8e5a01bNWedn7rYANrKF2cb32IL-wD-5BnJGgM4HKsaaEIquVpfGfr2tP6d6net4tO59kltJ4i21vHANMWB-hHSUwISMX0utttWQRJ1YA08ffK20oEsu9G_qJVSjeCckgdwJa2aViWWUH2OedmtqH2X2TYq7uiS9BuWla2/w640-h482/PXL_20240223_162408070.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fellow we met on the Boquillos Canyon trail and bought tamales for a snack.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu79kfkAjuhjGsVYDvL8Om8ZUafv2Nl0SgrzvHsnUB8WMXnI2cbCY8CURzRbgIKrJI00d3n5B2-RvBbgOIPIfFEU07zUHGbw8ICi611sCrCr-zJJL-bYfCa28zlcwi69sZlzN2R-xniwM4wtM4ndeABMd1oYVY2UHDVLGZei5q4G3qK02HCk4Q/s4080/PXL_20240223_164453149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu79kfkAjuhjGsVYDvL8Om8ZUafv2Nl0SgrzvHsnUB8WMXnI2cbCY8CURzRbgIKrJI00d3n5B2-RvBbgOIPIfFEU07zUHGbw8ICi611sCrCr-zJJL-bYfCa28zlcwi69sZlzN2R-xniwM4wtM4ndeABMd1oYVY2UHDVLGZei5q4G3qK02HCk4Q/w640-h482/PXL_20240223_164453149.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view up the Canyon from the beach at the end of the trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The next day we moved over to the Rio Grande campground and hiked the Boquillos Canyon Trail. We ran into several Mexicans on horses that come over illegally to sell souvenirs and food. The area is so vast that the Rangers can't patrol everywhere so they manage to come over and back most days. We bought 6 tamales ("Made by my wife this morning"), still hot. They were good. This trail goes over a ridge and then down to the beach along the river, just before it descends into Boquillos Canyon.. Later we attempted to drive down the Old Ore Road, one of the "four wheel drive, high clearance roads" that a Ranger recommended. Although it was not scary like our experience in Canyonlands it was so rough that we worried about our tires and our spines too from the bouncing. So thought better of it and turned around. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YcByHB69LzMxpB8kPGcsSoxBGlhLYo5x0WE_J106jngFaMRWaCdZkd30JSZQ2hbxx6sYxJYg2bed5rWyyIJKbRtZhoC2pn9OU4i5qEnw3hX6mQULWI8sq-RSswgn1K81U6PD4L9GPyEKEQ3jODXu92nxe9SIatj9pc42Z0a2Av87cc3N40zS/s4080/PXL_20240223_003432981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YcByHB69LzMxpB8kPGcsSoxBGlhLYo5x0WE_J106jngFaMRWaCdZkd30JSZQ2hbxx6sYxJYg2bed5rWyyIJKbRtZhoC2pn9OU4i5qEnw3hX6mQULWI8sq-RSswgn1K81U6PD4L9GPyEKEQ3jODXu92nxe9SIatj9pc42Z0a2Av87cc3N40zS/s320/PXL_20240223_003432981.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw a variety of wildlife at our campsite -<br />these Javelinas, some in groups of 6 or more, <br />roamed around our campsite.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyMwlGLskeuta55iXkghfN7YLK1Jd73ni83z8WVnjj-ihUVYudipVbZuSKDGRn4-lR53COUO_cx66ZjMG58coUvlR93hPqfPskntg3oEdKl9XKORDs38VrgzHXppE4iUxLeMpXs9dKY77IQ4LTWqbrWJAaVG1oPl-_7upc7cDuT_wBA68v6Xn/s4080/PXL_20240223_224553984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyMwlGLskeuta55iXkghfN7YLK1Jd73ni83z8WVnjj-ihUVYudipVbZuSKDGRn4-lR53COUO_cx66ZjMG58coUvlR93hPqfPskntg3oEdKl9XKORDs38VrgzHXppE4iUxLeMpXs9dKY77IQ4LTWqbrWJAaVG1oPl-_7upc7cDuT_wBA68v6Xn/s320/PXL_20240223_224553984.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road runners were everywhere - boy can they<br />move fast.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75YzSZm-Gl-0FegnxkSc7A278W_DWUtiChgInQH8mrLlUOREXcmDbscxzkT5iK82-4uG7YAxmpv0ghoU2-rLGn6l9JiiIkG9gXBUitUIPl2F2Kf0VU-bsq9Nf9WJmlE3bw7HNKjLsGj8aIGSSTw_csNMFXFZMVFcwqkLQvu43yIXNmQyg9Slv/s4080/PXL_20240223_224534958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75YzSZm-Gl-0FegnxkSc7A278W_DWUtiChgInQH8mrLlUOREXcmDbscxzkT5iK82-4uG7YAxmpv0ghoU2-rLGn6l9JiiIkG9gXBUitUIPl2F2Kf0VU-bsq9Nf9WJmlE3bw7HNKjLsGj8aIGSSTw_csNMFXFZMVFcwqkLQvu43yIXNmQyg9Slv/s320/PXL_20240223_224534958.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a roadrunner right on the top left edge of<br />our rug. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeNub2omq2G5tMcE8n0cHtlt_2ltC63s6Ogn3G4c7C6qzFyMKoP22KlvS9oNww9SOi-RGNoIVPHtD1oTK4J_Bh2zv2M_7iZNG_Rn3a_3Vdsi9OKkff3He_xobOFo6AKUsroHTiUScSnfHR3Rv1mXEF9u1EF-RukiUSO376lUjA9wsyLS2khoN/s4080/PXL_20240225_003905182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeNub2omq2G5tMcE8n0cHtlt_2ltC63s6Ogn3G4c7C6qzFyMKoP22KlvS9oNww9SOi-RGNoIVPHtD1oTK4J_Bh2zv2M_7iZNG_Rn3a_3Vdsi9OKkff3He_xobOFo6AKUsroHTiUScSnfHR3Rv1mXEF9u1EF-RukiUSO376lUjA9wsyLS2khoN/s320/PXL_20240225_003905182.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And cattle too grazed around the RVs!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>A later trip to Dugout Wells was more successful and it was very interesting to read the history of these small settlements that somehow survived for many years out here in the desert. Our last full day in the park we spent up at Chicos Basin. There is a campground there but the road up is so steep, narrow and winding that there is a limit of 20 feet on an trailer. We packed a lunch and did the Basin Loop Trail. This had beautiful views and was just the right length for us now - 2 miles with elevation changes. We took our time too! We were able to help a young couple that had come up the road on their e-bikes and her's was out of battery power. We had a battery charger in our truck for our e-bikes and charged up her battery while sitting and enjoying their company. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8MlEWXwI-5C5IA048og-3-2fvjyviInI0TlrDdGEhi_qZTprkNLDFvJt9m59X0DHZ3Cgm46dqtoRvqshzjMH4XzMAVwYHYNvRFANjMuDrk-Lh5-x53VcK18_-Hvq2LhnZ64drSYflrOhM6Kfub0JmNJDF8iwHpDqS39zqTP3Hi3ZAC1yzbng/s4080/PXL_20240225_155910612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8MlEWXwI-5C5IA048og-3-2fvjyviInI0TlrDdGEhi_qZTprkNLDFvJt9m59X0DHZ3Cgm46dqtoRvqshzjMH4XzMAVwYHYNvRFANjMuDrk-Lh5-x53VcK18_-Hvq2LhnZ64drSYflrOhM6Kfub0JmNJDF8iwHpDqS39zqTP3Hi3ZAC1yzbng/w640-h482/PXL_20240225_155910612.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the Basin Loop Trail up hill - two trails head out west from the Basin. We went up the Laguna Meadow Trail, across the Basin Loop and down the Pinnacle. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6PJ0QknldZiMp5uxrgx3j_IHmKkMIYJXKudFJUkNdSNW10N8SGFElW0fkqRThfHiPnYwQUQAMnWl2HeD_2Sma8TwPCXEWpYNb1zVSOHDEOL62v5gHhJ62F2IMB6dKkadfYbsmxSpwffH9w9m-QtZI_A_GD02zCbXohe0v2krQJuGy-0CRBmq/s4080/PXL_20240225_170157276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6PJ0QknldZiMp5uxrgx3j_IHmKkMIYJXKudFJUkNdSNW10N8SGFElW0fkqRThfHiPnYwQUQAMnWl2HeD_2Sma8TwPCXEWpYNb1zVSOHDEOL62v5gHhJ62F2IMB6dKkadfYbsmxSpwffH9w9m-QtZI_A_GD02zCbXohe0v2krQJuGy-0CRBmq/w640-h482/PXL_20240225_170157276.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view back to the Basin from the trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEya7qQ4FXeCK3aYv4dvQWcHuZU1ZAFl_Gdh3143ffCQ5glIwYT9cs4n32JTfsJlY4oEbTBS0vwn7VkuGiwHHDjFu22hncmoNhtFBMGD3IRMKKD3wd_CixQj5mcmAJbhbfT2j7ROEPmXHF53lWC4unvyD3qNPoeQ4-xuzS_XelfoT0XHp670-n/s4080/PXL_20240225_175601445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEya7qQ4FXeCK3aYv4dvQWcHuZU1ZAFl_Gdh3143ffCQ5glIwYT9cs4n32JTfsJlY4oEbTBS0vwn7VkuGiwHHDjFu22hncmoNhtFBMGD3IRMKKD3wd_CixQj5mcmAJbhbfT2j7ROEPmXHF53lWC4unvyD3qNPoeQ4-xuzS_XelfoT0XHp670-n/w640-h482/PXL_20240225_175601445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the Basin Loop Trail. We stopped along the way and had lunch. The temperatures up at the Basin were milder than down at the Rio Grande. It was a high of 80 at Noon. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqwd78vtzyHLPiotXa0Tnh4QK1aN1OIQDu3RlrkerwjInrV5fs7Q2NVvNyiYzgmwN9W2gonF5hmLkhGrX_zkYYZkl3KVKsqY6Ja5MdurnIr5p_Q8LSgGyhR-ItlNqzo3k2ChIR9Y-srB28wkt_DAc2JBYHolI6DaB0FNKY0da_zGs4IqWrkYS/s4080/PXL_20240223_215258287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEqwd78vtzyHLPiotXa0Tnh4QK1aN1OIQDu3RlrkerwjInrV5fs7Q2NVvNyiYzgmwN9W2gonF5hmLkhGrX_zkYYZkl3KVKsqY6Ja5MdurnIr5p_Q8LSgGyhR-ItlNqzo3k2ChIR9Y-srB28wkt_DAc2JBYHolI6DaB0FNKY0da_zGs4IqWrkYS/w640-h482/PXL_20240223_215258287.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail is on boardwalks crossing a marshy area. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT3hZK4EOGhpqNGmOgEqDi6mCqyrKKEJHRfHEmdSe7vAxXtOt3OOzcMNQfyabJHOx7Ce_yRlhZm6RdyXQor5B9ZxLGbVCyi84QeLcmZ8F99tiQ5IG4QQOxN-_uyUJ5dCkZkEt48GXeWYorkv6GH_i9pTPOODtu7qbYeRh8HcRbs9fX8tHEvut/s4080/PXL_20240223_220022541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidT3hZK4EOGhpqNGmOgEqDi6mCqyrKKEJHRfHEmdSe7vAxXtOt3OOzcMNQfyabJHOx7Ce_yRlhZm6RdyXQor5B9ZxLGbVCyi84QeLcmZ8F99tiQ5IG4QQOxN-_uyUJ5dCkZkEt48GXeWYorkv6GH_i9pTPOODtu7qbYeRh8HcRbs9fX8tHEvut/w640-h482/PXL_20240223_220022541.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then it climbs up to an overlook of the river and marshes.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>That afternoon we finished up our hikes with a surprisingly lovely and varied trail right out of the Rio Grande campground - the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail. The next day we were off again north and then west to Van Horn, TX. On the way we passed through several charming historic towns. The first, Marathon, population 477, had the lovely Gage Hotel built in 1927, and the French Grocer. Food & Wine magazine says "Calling it a grocery store wouldn't quite do it justice." It's an amazingly well stocked country store with a music venue out back. We walked around town and chose (from several good alternatives) the Oasis Grill - good hamburger and chicken fried steak (Scott of course). </p><p>We drove through Alpine and Marfa next and both are worth more time, but we didn't have it. There is a big art community in Marfa - it's very upscale for this section of the state. About 10 miles out of town is the famous Marfa Prada Store. Built in 2005 by the Marfa Arts Community as an art installation. The products were donated by Prada! It is in the middle of nowhere and locked up tight. It's really quite a sight. But we had miles yet to go and continued on to Van Horn. More in my next post!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60bRzGrJoUUOTIVBlBPGf-ga15qV7-xrpgKpt8wDoi1CCegnWZqyJzPkMI3TY0tGBSO0Uc6T54Ske8AC_BIC8UJy_m6oFQ7dy2570clZJVTwOEQJg9erk5McpLdF19_b3XqojeugN3aPBDwtzIW9mgq2aRuOTxS9LoSKjA2vM_xwQMA4rOEnX/s4080/PXL_20240226_205442887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60bRzGrJoUUOTIVBlBPGf-ga15qV7-xrpgKpt8wDoi1CCegnWZqyJzPkMI3TY0tGBSO0Uc6T54Ske8AC_BIC8UJy_m6oFQ7dy2570clZJVTwOEQJg9erk5McpLdF19_b3XqojeugN3aPBDwtzIW9mgq2aRuOTxS9LoSKjA2vM_xwQMA4rOEnX/s320/PXL_20240226_205442887.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prada Store art installation.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwwJs-YghpdBp19m5VgwErFgbRk62A8Kve0SguiEKdBbhbLKmmN45HKLFpkGN25gU8hbOiMJfMuH5EmjcO5vjE37PEGPMTTC1YzSJGrs3dcf-BWjIrN99usly72K3k8fPalaaP7_fXaWx4gRhc0UwOnad9h3fNaGm8jaYPXcuWlXpTTROpNc/s4080/PXL_20240226_205447042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnwwJs-YghpdBp19m5VgwErFgbRk62A8Kve0SguiEKdBbhbLKmmN45HKLFpkGN25gU8hbOiMJfMuH5EmjcO5vjE37PEGPMTTC1YzSJGrs3dcf-BWjIrN99usly72K3k8fPalaaP7_fXaWx4gRhc0UwOnad9h3fNaGm8jaYPXcuWlXpTTROpNc/s320/PXL_20240226_205447042.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p04xADfHmUIGDXanPgxcq8pmUbJaPseVgTKdd_c5tIZSN0FU2FOMaYmmXXJFch8XYP9tsGFz7-9oUONZHbtxNkUi2P9yVaw4UgZhQ75MBwvgn0ce1VwknQwHY6hdBIx_8zi8GLOIjUdvo5o-UDfdMuQyqrYtZtI6YqfnkhfH3-FkCz0qeE5x/s4080/PXL_20240226_205841067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8p04xADfHmUIGDXanPgxcq8pmUbJaPseVgTKdd_c5tIZSN0FU2FOMaYmmXXJFch8XYP9tsGFz7-9oUONZHbtxNkUi2P9yVaw4UgZhQ75MBwvgn0ce1VwknQwHY6hdBIx_8zi8GLOIjUdvo5o-UDfdMuQyqrYtZtI6YqfnkhfH3-FkCz0qeE5x/s320/PXL_20240226_205841067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It seems that putting your lock on a fence is <br />everywhere - all over Europe and now in the <br />most remote sections of the USA</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUl2O8doNUWSEmKengkizfTYCJ2Rp_vMW0RY5_rHYwNb8I1ARoS3PXm02IQzuPInLG6hx0Y0DL7t9XqgagPIAdolwRG3bZLg7dZCNNK_n4M7LFw1usKqx9JKBguvcgH8AW06vBcGPSw44PUl-x3_gGVnQTFqGUT0J8swcaFjFMGEbzu9AzoUQ/s4080/PXL_20240226_205923690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUl2O8doNUWSEmKengkizfTYCJ2Rp_vMW0RY5_rHYwNb8I1ARoS3PXm02IQzuPInLG6hx0Y0DL7t9XqgagPIAdolwRG3bZLg7dZCNNK_n4M7LFw1usKqx9JKBguvcgH8AW06vBcGPSw44PUl-x3_gGVnQTFqGUT0J8swcaFjFMGEbzu9AzoUQ/s320/PXL_20240226_205923690.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There wasn't a lot of merchandise in the store, <br />but what there was, was choice. (that's a quote<br />from Pat and Mike, Spencer's character, well<br />not quite, the quote says "cherce")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-14588151160537257452024-02-27T13:30:00.002-05:002024-02-27T13:30:13.055-05:00Brief Visits: Houston, San Antonio and Stockton<p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwav6ZvDz5ow1k2XRMb0FPkXqCyLCjElH30-j7bxJUZX991FVKM3Zz7fViDdQk2W3B6aCaaJuBseegKCxjMUhq1a8zzKfoNH_r8kCfo64F52cTldwuZMdf_AEcqe-NTtwhotKBg4WI8qvSe1W6QHAh-Z0JYttHUCPXiOTpw5wuv8EK2cwhD0WU/s4080/PXL_20240217_194912001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwav6ZvDz5ow1k2XRMb0FPkXqCyLCjElH30-j7bxJUZX991FVKM3Zz7fViDdQk2W3B6aCaaJuBseegKCxjMUhq1a8zzKfoNH_r8kCfo64F52cTldwuZMdf_AEcqe-NTtwhotKBg4WI8qvSe1W6QHAh-Z0JYttHUCPXiOTpw5wuv8EK2cwhD0WU/w640-h482/PXL_20240217_194912001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a wild west themed car. On the walls was a show dedicated to a local artist and founder Ann Harithas. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7_ebHCU9BqXjAU5phRLUS435Lwu_eknqWhGwYEbzECMRK88bFAuLzmpuYKsfGICrfnTUlEiglwTuRqYTZZq9W4PUCHxkblL1WLmc4nEf2CZ5x2S1-ldPTy75LmWdWYDe9DgF6ZBkGJshNSdY9ihLHnfd7Jdg7dY2ODHOW-nURdHaEKvW-sBX/s4080/PXL_20240217_194839421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7_ebHCU9BqXjAU5phRLUS435Lwu_eknqWhGwYEbzECMRK88bFAuLzmpuYKsfGICrfnTUlEiglwTuRqYTZZq9W4PUCHxkblL1WLmc4nEf2CZ5x2S1-ldPTy75LmWdWYDe9DgF6ZBkGJshNSdY9ihLHnfd7Jdg7dY2ODHOW-nURdHaEKvW-sBX/w640-h482/PXL_20240217_194839421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paint job on this car was really beautiful. These cars both still look basically like cars, but many featured in the movie were turned into other things, like cats!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>It was a long drive from Lafayette to Houston and we were pretty tired when we arrived at the Lakeview RV Resort. That may be why we parked in the wrong site! About 5:30 we got the knock on our door. At first they wanted us to move (a big job with the truck detached, feet down, plugged all in). But happily the fellow was able to find a similar site for the incoming RV and they agreed. Many of the people here are long term due to the proximity to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Hospital. We had a long talk with our neighbor who moved here two years ago due to her now 21 year old son's battle with cancer. We were glad to hear that right now he is in remission. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaWFgp7giPQRSrrmkuN_LsTi3fYKY2hv57CV9gkZIb4Z9NuaASFCSRMCFycF1_PpEshkYT3zLbUaty2Go5VLUnXDGO66GKby-dXnPMuhjjcOqXsafZ2XIMD0EaZ4R98wsmgApHYPJ3whcVwfH3teHqEkWoP_tSrPxgaOK1RC8SUsxY5Thn48J/s4080/PXL_20240217_203839852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaWFgp7giPQRSrrmkuN_LsTi3fYKY2hv57CV9gkZIb4Z9NuaASFCSRMCFycF1_PpEshkYT3zLbUaty2Go5VLUnXDGO66GKby-dXnPMuhjjcOqXsafZ2XIMD0EaZ4R98wsmgApHYPJ3whcVwfH3teHqEkWoP_tSrPxgaOK1RC8SUsxY5Thn48J/s320/PXL_20240217_203839852.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Orange Show, closed unfortunately</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsMd8lZZudSWQag5L9Smv8eIq2sUUpqEzcrPNIKVR_9IRGmXFfeFCCCkaPOR2IsAH7qsEpT6t8SDHVdbC3sMhorLPZXiG3YMnOIdcmYgU1Ky7yEu9num5dBP_ij6Ik5XVcG_Av4PWVfAJqtMKEoy5qDMUbAQrCaWsInfn9w4JinOEKi4tx2kc/s4080/PXL_20240218_183522233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijsMd8lZZudSWQag5L9Smv8eIq2sUUpqEzcrPNIKVR_9IRGmXFfeFCCCkaPOR2IsAH7qsEpT6t8SDHVdbC3sMhorLPZXiG3YMnOIdcmYgU1Ky7yEu9num5dBP_ij6Ik5XVcG_Av4PWVfAJqtMKEoy5qDMUbAQrCaWsInfn9w4JinOEKi4tx2kc/s320/PXL_20240218_183522233.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our lunch on the way to San Antonio<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We mostly did errands and chores the next day. It was a very nice park with a small lake that made for nice walking, a big lounge area with coffee and a book swap, and a good laundry. Scott had made reservations for the Art Car Museum and that was fun, although small. We especially loved the cars and the movie on people, really artists, that turn their cars/trucks into art works and the big parade they have here once a year to show off their creations. We'd hoped to visit Orange Show nearby but it was closed. Jeff McKissack, a mail carrrier, transformed his small suburban lot into the Orange Show in honor of his favorite fruit!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2g5HAUREsrOgdLfjQ_Uj1rJBL7ZEwjfOfs44AaSB7d-_E8YemzrnXEuTsmLYajE0YMdAe1buwri3uqJ_l1AcmQ5f09UWaWav-3mjC-g09X9fRpxQQJrtS3jiU84hXGfPB-2ts6Ak6oTB8cGM_9VTX6U1Zs0kbSKzvP6oDOYrH5rhczL6iyO/s4080/PXL_20240218_212034751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMG2g5HAUREsrOgdLfjQ_Uj1rJBL7ZEwjfOfs44AaSB7d-_E8YemzrnXEuTsmLYajE0YMdAe1buwri3uqJ_l1AcmQ5f09UWaWav-3mjC-g09X9fRpxQQJrtS3jiU84hXGfPB-2ts6Ak6oTB8cGM_9VTX6U1Zs0kbSKzvP6oDOYrH5rhczL6iyO/s320/PXL_20240218_212034751.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first walk on the River was on a Sunday<br />afternoon and it was packed with visitors</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulsqCZxZKX-ccwMsFb1lUXwYQSzDIXD-oAddP6DsWntkufFT45TFaYB0Q-PB2gOdWnJ8pU2MqdTYG8ljzqzrK_ru2yZj4dG64RKIhFAw3LSv7qzjLWuGixOCTX2LAAX1YVaJ8_HcOS-vZR0bCEp0iJgW77qMjsHlM-FbuA001VqDspn2-CMkI/s4080/PXL_20240218_214554810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiulsqCZxZKX-ccwMsFb1lUXwYQSzDIXD-oAddP6DsWntkufFT45TFaYB0Q-PB2gOdWnJ8pU2MqdTYG8ljzqzrK_ru2yZj4dG64RKIhFAw3LSv7qzjLWuGixOCTX2LAAX1YVaJ8_HcOS-vZR0bCEp0iJgW77qMjsHlM-FbuA001VqDspn2-CMkI/w301-h400/PXL_20240218_214554810.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful central alter at the Cathedral<br />of San Fernando in the main square.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next day we were off again to San Antonio, early as we had lots of plans to see this lovely city. On the way we lucked out when we spied a State Park near the gas station where we were filling up, and enjoyed a scenic lunch spot. The KOA San Antonio was close to the center city and we ended up going in and out a bunch of times. That afternoon we went in and enjoyed the famous River Walk. On the way we were accosted by a very charming gentleman who convinced us to go to yet another time share presentation. He had to be charming and to up the money value before we agreed. But the "deal" was too good for Scott to miss. We got $100 in vouchers for a variety of restaurants, two tickets to the boat tour and a carriage ride. So we were on for the next morning at 10 AM. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlsa9gwFPUfABG1sMkXBarf8c2Fnr3waZllO68CafOtw_1IPbsOv44x6PMkNx2eyDGxCUAQddYY81rThqYR_1wyBX4x4UifLpVGdP9K2xHcTgMZWewsZPeH5D146aw87fJJl5mLrH5MamJIuxf3D80AMSFcA8LuKM2cpYJdiGRMgBt2yxHg2X/s4080/PXL_20240218_215945535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPlsa9gwFPUfABG1sMkXBarf8c2Fnr3waZllO68CafOtw_1IPbsOv44x6PMkNx2eyDGxCUAQddYY81rThqYR_1wyBX4x4UifLpVGdP9K2xHcTgMZWewsZPeH5D146aw87fJJl5mLrH5MamJIuxf3D80AMSFcA8LuKM2cpYJdiGRMgBt2yxHg2X/s320/PXL_20240218_215945535.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early in the day the River Walk was peaceful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX95fQ98ZrECPplD-mj6pEDL_A0hv7SH0JjwfAYFtb1QrNm9c6sAojsUxGx-PRqjOkitslM7_JjX-btWJx2zz5kKfxeFjC0WaCwDqetYhrNFUAGDc5g18Ia5ZGCBIfLTiXMCgk7Klae2L54ew0OV-JbUsCKBUw8yOma8ocTjqxIJbuMWzqj_VY/s4080/PXL_20240218_220235530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX95fQ98ZrECPplD-mj6pEDL_A0hv7SH0JjwfAYFtb1QrNm9c6sAojsUxGx-PRqjOkitslM7_JjX-btWJx2zz5kKfxeFjC0WaCwDqetYhrNFUAGDc5g18Ia5ZGCBIfLTiXMCgk7Klae2L54ew0OV-JbUsCKBUw8yOma8ocTjqxIJbuMWzqj_VY/s320/PXL_20240218_220235530.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculptures, gardens, waterfalls adorn it.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7NQM5FRMA7XK_LQeDcn73Dk9rzrcoWtcPHk7G2fj6HdXHRlfrvPypK6YOMArr1XPUNs-ke8hcMIgvLZudzoV37EGDx5_jlCLDAAiIad7LmkzsOILgm510jTB8h-cuaY5QQbGAWdflGKLALQaakjW1VJ0P6IM8ocR_-a1wDKVbB4gLYgeDZx7/s3648/PXL_20240219_182009122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY7NQM5FRMA7XK_LQeDcn73Dk9rzrcoWtcPHk7G2fj6HdXHRlfrvPypK6YOMArr1XPUNs-ke8hcMIgvLZudzoV37EGDx5_jlCLDAAiIad7LmkzsOILgm510jTB8h-cuaY5QQbGAWdflGKLALQaakjW1VJ0P6IM8ocR_-a1wDKVbB4gLYgeDZx7/s320/PXL_20240219_182009122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selfie on our boat cruise</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFVaCbVDcR9zH1AfN6Jo7T4EgLcmdcKqKfB3JHTV2mH8rX8X4utAQbB9-xOuyzKXHqH8MudmQCgRLBwa4al5AXTlCpYV8lV6KYfomy5mIHDjjZVcmkroYuS4-JA3Ufw1bONWJbwZExbuxJvY17rAV0ZQ-cf-DyBNhyXO1EolW-6uWr26YA2ZY/s4080/PXL_20240219_182334386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFVaCbVDcR9zH1AfN6Jo7T4EgLcmdcKqKfB3JHTV2mH8rX8X4utAQbB9-xOuyzKXHqH8MudmQCgRLBwa4al5AXTlCpYV8lV6KYfomy5mIHDjjZVcmkroYuS4-JA3Ufw1bONWJbwZExbuxJvY17rAV0ZQ-cf-DyBNhyXO1EolW-6uWr26YA2ZY/s320/PXL_20240219_182334386.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a view back to our guide</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KEH5lUytBFyTvjesvJVB5kkWlc8RFCN_ibIDpyc71habw9NTg6YLhbLgf9MWEazksN5JPLinC0CTxYIwZLwpuzDqZSpGfoYVrqcKNSF3pMUVwVvsClj7sGWZOnTSML6Zb8FQpUxw6QLTRuBVVgTjnXixbQ-TA_TAGubQpjwGxyLfPMGg9sTx/s4080/PXL_20240219_182645076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_KEH5lUytBFyTvjesvJVB5kkWlc8RFCN_ibIDpyc71habw9NTg6YLhbLgf9MWEazksN5JPLinC0CTxYIwZLwpuzDqZSpGfoYVrqcKNSF3pMUVwVvsClj7sGWZOnTSML6Zb8FQpUxw6QLTRuBVVgTjnXixbQ-TA_TAGubQpjwGxyLfPMGg9sTx/s320/PXL_20240219_182645076.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This big sculpture was in front of the Briscoe<br />Western Museum which we'll have to see<br />another time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiudBzGjyETxIWSsWjGIHFURyvVb2pFxq71BouBtn6Fv5PxoQboq8mYzTg6IGRZ4lz3wt84HTjGwkqdmGN_n4WyM_6GFhtknIn5_CIMumloeSZpiWaDqAF4fe_FVjG5VgBfb6CkxARqNcuQEdonpPYmcSw3PbOkkTsGuqwLKiRg5JVaHLG3Rr/s3072/PXL_20240219_182845709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2627" data-original-width="3072" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiudBzGjyETxIWSsWjGIHFURyvVb2pFxq71BouBtn6Fv5PxoQboq8mYzTg6IGRZ4lz3wt84HTjGwkqdmGN_n4WyM_6GFhtknIn5_CIMumloeSZpiWaDqAF4fe_FVjG5VgBfb6CkxARqNcuQEdonpPYmcSw3PbOkkTsGuqwLKiRg5JVaHLG3Rr/s320/PXL_20240219_182845709.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down towards the locks that protect<br />the River Walk from flooding.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Despite promises, the presentation (no tour as we weren't at one of their hotels) took the full 3 hours. It followed the usual course, although we'd always been to an actual location before, so that made for a more interesting time, as you got to walk around. But the perks worked out very well. We enjoyed the boat ride and had a very entertaining guide. And we used the full $100 for an excellent lunch at Iron Cactus Restaurant, sitting right by the edge of the river. We returned that night for the carriage ride and another walk. San Antonio is a beautiful city and we'd enjoy another visit there!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJpp7prh8j7Lu8Zwd7c_CFyCWzb_A_Bj6W0R5lTYFT81YfPwcmkw4q2G0YEyRsh8TBJNQhgZzSrA6RQXMJxPiaSu4PNX20aZvFrtfE4WfNf16mkfbNxGMGYSKLmQLtUagDJoOzRm2h2FOZxjc4QbHNQfNqMUZF1iXV-ndTaDz9EqWtyUPpqca/s4080/PXL_20240220_002333794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJpp7prh8j7Lu8Zwd7c_CFyCWzb_A_Bj6W0R5lTYFT81YfPwcmkw4q2G0YEyRsh8TBJNQhgZzSrA6RQXMJxPiaSu4PNX20aZvFrtfE4WfNf16mkfbNxGMGYSKLmQLtUagDJoOzRm2h2FOZxjc4QbHNQfNqMUZF1iXV-ndTaDz9EqWtyUPpqca/w640-h482/PXL_20240220_002333794.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and I enjoyed the carriage ride, although it was very short.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ChhgoD9pwWmLa0JbnjY6d8dSDgBZ6sMXH1xk-uRAB_AG_uDSBJO-zJs4bvzCi1vGv7ygcM_xvkhpRPbFn59BUhCE2qkJa5MEkukY62Ycqy-4cfqEApcEcBoM0SuOFk98ez5u_b4XCBIrCrWOtQhv0sQlnfhkAk1dUCFEPd_Y_3j8oHWrrHY/s4080/PXL_20240220_002642794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-ChhgoD9pwWmLa0JbnjY6d8dSDgBZ6sMXH1xk-uRAB_AG_uDSBJO-zJs4bvzCi1vGv7ygcM_xvkhpRPbFn59BUhCE2qkJa5MEkukY62Ycqy-4cfqEApcEcBoM0SuOFk98ez5u_b4XCBIrCrWOtQhv0sQlnfhkAk1dUCFEPd_Y_3j8oHWrrHY/w640-h482/PXL_20240220_002642794.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The River Walk is beautifully lit up and night and bustling. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>We had one more night before arriving at Big Bend National Park as it's a long way. We stopped in Stockton at a small, rather charming Hilltop RV Park. Metal sculptures were scattered all around the place, all really fun and a local amateur astronomer donated quite an impressive telescope for anyone to use. Scott really enjoyed it that night. He took some amazing photos of the moon through the lens. We were able to do a big shopping trip to the Walmart Superstore to prepare for our 6 days at the park. There would only be very limited food available there so we came fully prepared. And we emptied our septic, filled up with fresh water and charged up our batteries. More on that in my next post. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS3c6v6Lnjqm9vWrMrDsniIS6R_gI_BdTEQAthzXu3lQmW1c2LlhkYP2FVHOHFxShSonSV3gMzGrwa-xolqLE7dT4XwiGKpT9n5uv3wZc5GAoiYC74Yjl0hLjf13XrfAXrbe2maPiZ79nTjcfI2DfIV5t0gaysSUiLPzm0sedQtb0VptIYhqL/s4080/PXL_20240220_204841638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiS3c6v6Lnjqm9vWrMrDsniIS6R_gI_BdTEQAthzXu3lQmW1c2LlhkYP2FVHOHFxShSonSV3gMzGrwa-xolqLE7dT4XwiGKpT9n5uv3wZc5GAoiYC74Yjl0hLjf13XrfAXrbe2maPiZ79nTjcfI2DfIV5t0gaysSUiLPzm0sedQtb0VptIYhqL/w640-h482/PXL_20240220_204841638.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Mariachi players welcomed us to the Hilltop RV Park. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu4_M_DCFcGyd6vxlIgaa4hF_JKdCjWehAoFxI1kHBH_lazqJWPvrEEurecJ-ndbaUeuZPNrojb331ikhQ7wGG5ucZVsX0Vcdt_iy2lrQ-Abfhp6wbbWXcwex_uoZ8ioV4o47mR-0ciDPuNGJvaeX2QVitatPQ4W2N3_thISM9tsATXG8Jpx9/s2551/PXL_20240221_004011225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1782" data-original-width="2551" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu4_M_DCFcGyd6vxlIgaa4hF_JKdCjWehAoFxI1kHBH_lazqJWPvrEEurecJ-ndbaUeuZPNrojb331ikhQ7wGG5ucZVsX0Vcdt_iy2lrQ-Abfhp6wbbWXcwex_uoZ8ioV4o47mR-0ciDPuNGJvaeX2QVitatPQ4W2N3_thISM9tsATXG8Jpx9/w640-h448/PXL_20240221_004011225.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant versions of the metal sculptures at the park are installed up on a ridge overlooking the town - very cool!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW4qHBIDsWyOoL4pTQY8fqdGxN9rTzYwLtD37kMJFkkQG5XkcgmtJ0n3siz5OLpPoCRHm6lfY6Lx1Z1LfmVydK6y3M0zXO-sXMhhhQFjLayHgBJeV1OurPzjKiIhxgVA0vDbcufb1qMqWK6p_mP6yissM3znRePX816CkfPDeydxjyUbyW66g/s4080/PXL_20240221_004908089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirW4qHBIDsWyOoL4pTQY8fqdGxN9rTzYwLtD37kMJFkkQG5XkcgmtJ0n3siz5OLpPoCRHm6lfY6Lx1Z1LfmVydK6y3M0zXO-sXMhhhQFjLayHgBJeV1OurPzjKiIhxgVA0vDbcufb1qMqWK6p_mP6yissM3znRePX816CkfPDeydxjyUbyW66g/w301-h400/PXL_20240221_004908089.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A photo of the moon Scott took through the <br />telescope at the RV Park!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-85095601578250957572024-02-21T10:37:00.003-05:002024-02-21T10:38:09.263-05:00Valentine's Day and lots of rum!<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDkQZpc74DfuL0DQL0VIndFfixIGpmA93MgLn_ZUtbPYxK_4Zl9kh881ce4HNtASJJfWx-PGHAwjKLsxGXisqHBFe7XCV1doZ5TZ-2GPCG1ND0ADMGSt5wR7vYXB4mjwPjf0Psa698MMAxNzhMnFk434wDXSeJUN6M6iQtuMbrhBdB-3IUWgx/s4032/IMG_7218%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDkQZpc74DfuL0DQL0VIndFfixIGpmA93MgLn_ZUtbPYxK_4Zl9kh881ce4HNtASJJfWx-PGHAwjKLsxGXisqHBFe7XCV1doZ5TZ-2GPCG1ND0ADMGSt5wR7vYXB4mjwPjf0Psa698MMAxNzhMnFk434wDXSeJUN6M6iQtuMbrhBdB-3IUWgx/s320/IMG_7218%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie and I in the back seat of the convertable</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpSrH_z9WdnKCGhwRaEifNDbALpHYLUezGxy3w-BBnEhe-vpXJFpXXDkbU_-iNpIrIWLY6Sf-R_Rw1vlpf7cwsFIAPVBN7a0hP8GDOuSsK3R5Un_gnVu1NsnjxvwKzLLT9biKuAxgUuk06qXf5qT5rSmcroO7CsbiPmX0iAaoYbcG9jEKIu2_/s4032/IMG_7222.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpSrH_z9WdnKCGhwRaEifNDbALpHYLUezGxy3w-BBnEhe-vpXJFpXXDkbU_-iNpIrIWLY6Sf-R_Rw1vlpf7cwsFIAPVBN7a0hP8GDOuSsK3R5Un_gnVu1NsnjxvwKzLLT9biKuAxgUuk06qXf5qT5rSmcroO7CsbiPmX0iAaoYbcG9jEKIu2_/w640-h480/IMG_7222.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather, Julie, Ron and Scott with the remains of the po-boys. </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>On Wednesday Valentine's Day, we had a date with our friends from last season in Lafayette, Ron and Julie. We met them at Wildcat Brothers Distillery during a wine tasting and they invited us to their home the next night (along with a lot of their friends and family) for Jambalaya. We contacted them when we knew we'd be back and invited them out to dinner - their choice. They had us over for wine and appetizers first, then we jumped in their bright red 1956 Cadillac convertible for the evening. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHifrqz02e9klkVdab_3RQ5WZxCq-t4SOAXp0Q8CMpDgKlyqsVt4rb4TPSW-X-12ouPPy5Gr1A1jepaPos2rbvWxXfMLg00r8KgGYiHcX8v_OyW7VXE_bXt1RQ-rZCXqadjkV3d-JX59vSQ-b-nEend6CqmJXIW50-VfhQxj3J_tXO3NiJ2XsH/s4080/PXL_20240214_154939019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHifrqz02e9klkVdab_3RQ5WZxCq-t4SOAXp0Q8CMpDgKlyqsVt4rb4TPSW-X-12ouPPy5Gr1A1jepaPos2rbvWxXfMLg00r8KgGYiHcX8v_OyW7VXE_bXt1RQ-rZCXqadjkV3d-JX59vSQ-b-nEend6CqmJXIW50-VfhQxj3J_tXO3NiJ2XsH/w640-h482/PXL_20240214_154939019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view over the pond at our Bayou Wilderness RV Park in Lafayette. Baby is just visible beyond.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNOM7MCux6yQbud0RoJCUUepunH7CcNDG45J079s5iBV8gDiNED2z3TD2aOb2Q81uK_p_2jG0Zy5yf-a2MdLPHwHqh5-Zlx7TMsS-3ogAoEzUIhRgbKPW6MgC4DP-6tBS0Wcf7BqNFbNyz1oz0fephRbOwbmMuNAz7bn5vsl2XiY7FqBwM0Bx/s4080/PXL_20240214_155200645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNOM7MCux6yQbud0RoJCUUepunH7CcNDG45J079s5iBV8gDiNED2z3TD2aOb2Q81uK_p_2jG0Zy5yf-a2MdLPHwHqh5-Zlx7TMsS-3ogAoEzUIhRgbKPW6MgC4DP-6tBS0Wcf7BqNFbNyz1oz0fephRbOwbmMuNAz7bn5vsl2XiY7FqBwM0Bx/w640-h482/PXL_20240214_155200645.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the view from Baby over to the pond. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>First we went to a favorite place for Po'boys. We had crawfish ones and they were excellent. Then to Carpe Diem downtown for gelato. Ron and Julie are such fun and we hope they will come up and visit us in Vermont! </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPZNsE5iAj3LUBBM0NxHNyaLFYBOnCfZ3t8RmCK4_oUNWm9O1qtVlHZ8AeRhmlfuQbZnwaBwy3loVDPJ2UnV9SUIfAICg0mUEDbyfmPhCZ2DGXHPt1s3fAQoKBIKJC_Sv0n1jr44-16uBOb-Qcb28ThoIo6F573oCaR2GVLKv8mOqmjwDqg6R/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPZNsE5iAj3LUBBM0NxHNyaLFYBOnCfZ3t8RmCK4_oUNWm9O1qtVlHZ8AeRhmlfuQbZnwaBwy3loVDPJ2UnV9SUIfAICg0mUEDbyfmPhCZ2DGXHPt1s3fAQoKBIKJC_Sv0n1jr44-16uBOb-Qcb28ThoIo6F573oCaR2GVLKv8mOqmjwDqg6R/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three of their rums - my favorite is Noire and<br />we bought a bottle. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKQMwKeMlYaEI3e9qeTdFZ-MoD5e9Rd8_d0eGZz4IIwUJ5iZPSqzwrjAdyj0MKufhmw-bIIZ7oXXbZfYwm5euCN2uBdZJSW24kBq1OznYsIgCR2gZCv5J0EkjmtrntXWQ5by1fCXf3_nGefRSOfgfZZCNbjaHebj_7Cs7CShN9LOVwOzRZRFa/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(2).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKQMwKeMlYaEI3e9qeTdFZ-MoD5e9Rd8_d0eGZz4IIwUJ5iZPSqzwrjAdyj0MKufhmw-bIIZ7oXXbZfYwm5euCN2uBdZJSW24kBq1OznYsIgCR2gZCv5J0EkjmtrntXWQ5by1fCXf3_nGefRSOfgfZZCNbjaHebj_7Cs7CShN9LOVwOzRZRFa/s320/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(2).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May measures out a rum for tasting - very generous<br />pours. I had a smoked walnut old fashioned.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRn6_aqd8igJvwBhD1UocE6ij6-f1wIfsgj4duR84sEFLEEWgnRMUcLGwHW9yp3dtD891-c_vQfSHzcgtV6z5EmrQvEODKTK896bo8t8AxYzZM3SIMBeD83E0fmpiOyc0aTnJidJ-xvEft8_GWbvCDHouZXlwPYaI5JUoA_g37bgnXqrm-U9M/s1600/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(5).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRn6_aqd8igJvwBhD1UocE6ij6-f1wIfsgj4duR84sEFLEEWgnRMUcLGwHW9yp3dtD891-c_vQfSHzcgtV6z5EmrQvEODKTK896bo8t8AxYzZM3SIMBeD83E0fmpiOyc0aTnJidJ-xvEft8_GWbvCDHouZXlwPYaI5JUoA_g37bgnXqrm-U9M/w640-h480/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-02-16%20at%201.45.10%20PM%20(5).jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubia, Heather, Tait (co-owner), Bernard and Scott</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We stayed at the Bayou Wilderness RV Park for 4 nights and then on Thursday we moved to the Wildcat Brother's Brewery for one night. It's a Harvest Host member and we had a blast there last year. We invited Bernard and Rubia to join us. They were amazed that we were introducing them to a place in their own town - only minutes away from their home. It was, as last year, so much fun. The barrister May talked non stop, just like a stand up comedian, for the 9 rums everyone tasted but myself. I did indulge in some cocktails and as a result of those and the few I had the days before, am in for 10 days dry (due to the medication I take now). </p><p>It was sad to say good-bye to Lafayette and our friends but we were off to Texas. Two nights in Houston and two nights in San Antonio. Then after a single night breaking up the drive in Stockton, Big Bend National Park. </p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-70905956777705257372024-02-20T09:39:00.001-05:002024-02-20T09:39:13.739-05:00Mardi Gras in Louisiana<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM_qubrfXIybr0K-640_bK2VIUZFlJjH9zd5-tXmg4usaWxeidr1J-mXn7YJoDhIKDs_DYhN-9OPo9-NfwqIMWfPhb-VORfaBoLHZ3z5tOeaKTcc5ox1eVAN-DLF9pMpi6YiYFdJUkUX1J43jg_ISKNWBlWVI5TWxk75TpPI12PdbJPX_-pZw/s3761/IMG_2997%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2828" data-original-width="3761" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzM_qubrfXIybr0K-640_bK2VIUZFlJjH9zd5-tXmg4usaWxeidr1J-mXn7YJoDhIKDs_DYhN-9OPo9-NfwqIMWfPhb-VORfaBoLHZ3z5tOeaKTcc5ox1eVAN-DLF9pMpi6YiYFdJUkUX1J43jg_ISKNWBlWVI5TWxk75TpPI12PdbJPX_-pZw/s320/IMG_2997%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pig was mostly demolished by the time we<br />arrived on Sunday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTmnwbN-Oq1nMHB3azPZcqUqz3C_QgV0DBeSnjuCbPuj93cScHWONwNhef5ogTt9t0ozRZf-qva3KQJHTEL-1y-ucofzmeJPNxaxcL-OUHHsi3ArRkzhN9Mg0AqJJM8ZEKcOPE-iieqNFHbAKWyO5CNakSp6mS1RkWfCgkz6p5Nb7gRRqEmx_/s4032/IMG_3011.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTmnwbN-Oq1nMHB3azPZcqUqz3C_QgV0DBeSnjuCbPuj93cScHWONwNhef5ogTt9t0ozRZf-qva3KQJHTEL-1y-ucofzmeJPNxaxcL-OUHHsi3ArRkzhN9Mg0AqJJM8ZEKcOPE-iieqNFHbAKWyO5CNakSp6mS1RkWfCgkz6p5Nb7gRRqEmx_/w300-h400/IMG_3011.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a big table where outfits were being<br />sewed and glued. Bags of accessories were<br />around and some of the ladies enjoyed dressing<br />us up! And Scott has a silly streak.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgPWpm3-SB9_2f7baxzb8LEZ0mJSB9zu5MNnXJAqyYLflZXzjt_dmQw7ASYGZ5RfYtnnPCN18Ea1TPdOIDzA9euB8F838_rMvP-dFSXEYYVvkJQRDLJiFDBrWrjPDD0iDFLZQ2rGMzfX9j8Ar27GiAVFqYqhvZzUl-O_G5vBhTycqb2-npSdq/s4080/PXL_20240211_205345217.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgPWpm3-SB9_2f7baxzb8LEZ0mJSB9zu5MNnXJAqyYLflZXzjt_dmQw7ASYGZ5RfYtnnPCN18Ea1TPdOIDzA9euB8F838_rMvP-dFSXEYYVvkJQRDLJiFDBrWrjPDD0iDFLZQ2rGMzfX9j8Ar27GiAVFqYqhvZzUl-O_G5vBhTycqb2-npSdq/s320/PXL_20240211_205345217.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many of the guests were VERY costumed!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4fCfDtjvgCwmywGm-EmHam65wXYRLkDOYp36uwAy1Xf7Avtg9-WEmYBX70rtA8AM3rOLUec0jZqcLBUZ1cwwuu9hTaxcqck-s2musDAE8oOkMj3bHNHE8p44mOx5A4JyvuE6rsVNZc4Rb2jm0Z5URThHSl8wgWrZSg64_lSrbCTH28V8sAex/s4080/PXL_20240211_210231086.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4fCfDtjvgCwmywGm-EmHam65wXYRLkDOYp36uwAy1Xf7Avtg9-WEmYBX70rtA8AM3rOLUec0jZqcLBUZ1cwwuu9hTaxcqck-s2musDAE8oOkMj3bHNHE8p44mOx5A4JyvuE6rsVNZc4Rb2jm0Z5URThHSl8wgWrZSg64_lSrbCTH28V8sAex/w301-h400/PXL_20240211_210231086.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks pretty strange here but I took the<br />sequined top and put it over a purple (a<br />major color for Mardi Gras) top and wore it<br />with beads and black pants to several <br />events.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPNq28UIUMK1GvGIwVAc-yjGmbT3MY-KhqlKpTU1UDv9VY1OGUUSPl3nlAgLJGGXh-y_PlGJQLK3zCrioGolLix_TOcM5cVQ18pr61geDG_9bgZbMn-U0cQMO4kotgpqj-3KL7-rxNg8ofH287udeB5hNdJEmOnJ6A1QsaTJBK-D-hte0gfuU/s4080/PXL_20240211_211632104.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYPNq28UIUMK1GvGIwVAc-yjGmbT3MY-KhqlKpTU1UDv9VY1OGUUSPl3nlAgLJGGXh-y_PlGJQLK3zCrioGolLix_TOcM5cVQ18pr61geDG_9bgZbMn-U0cQMO4kotgpqj-3KL7-rxNg8ofH287udeB5hNdJEmOnJ6A1QsaTJBK-D-hte0gfuU/s320/PXL_20240211_211632104.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One end of the party which was at Mark's home</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gJx6Q6ry-1r1bB1fOJBAnmnYNSKSkcSg46kP4VdMJ_s8yTxtPLI6yqo-TlKA_2ablSm4aohiVWej_8pOtqqNgNDAFAT_J5Ceyf5ndfZT2WgCcfIjjsE3hTcKXUb76nQnBIEx6NSgValT4yiB2KOPPdy1RDOSul7QV-95R58xOpBWOZvMQrni/s4080/PXL_20240211_215132923.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gJx6Q6ry-1r1bB1fOJBAnmnYNSKSkcSg46kP4VdMJ_s8yTxtPLI6yqo-TlKA_2ablSm4aohiVWej_8pOtqqNgNDAFAT_J5Ceyf5ndfZT2WgCcfIjjsE3hTcKXUb76nQnBIEx6NSgValT4yiB2KOPPdy1RDOSul7QV-95R58xOpBWOZvMQrni/s320/PXL_20240211_215132923.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Pig Roast Crowd poses for a shot.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdAr25Fh1h_5s1CMhB5UtLBlZACPb35WYs0z2XLVqgnbedlUFoEihjUDkPXvNTdhgdNopVLBUzSKbVW47_yQhzMdMv3TA8vcLKi_I4hcMYQF27FrusGQ3DkpSscJCebArpmm0a_4Avo7c1zpZhlGCUGgMIE3ojBplQkadynTvVhAROsRGqns7/s4080/PXL_20240211_220431250.NIGHT.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdAr25Fh1h_5s1CMhB5UtLBlZACPb35WYs0z2XLVqgnbedlUFoEihjUDkPXvNTdhgdNopVLBUzSKbVW47_yQhzMdMv3TA8vcLKi_I4hcMYQF27FrusGQ3DkpSscJCebArpmm0a_4Avo7c1zpZhlGCUGgMIE3ojBplQkadynTvVhAROsRGqns7/s320/PXL_20240211_220431250.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This neighborhood group had a sign that was very<br /> elaborate with lots of fringe,<br />this year's signature addition to every outfit. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>But not in New Orleans! We were in the Lafayette area for almost a week and it was Mardi Gras for part of the time. We would have missed it altogether but were saved by our old friend Barney Ussher, now known an Bernard. At our Christmas party our friend Decklin told us that Bernard had married again and was living there. We hadn't seen him for 40 years but when we contacted him, he was delighted that we were coming and persuaded us to come several days earlier so that we could party. And we did!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iGka0MBQV8utg-JDgsizaPqJ9_ZTthhS6Rqo2tB7VhUT2jpFrEzTqJhv5qDCgA5qrYiJP2DR3CbUSvexRIJnq5NflshPC8ueAlBOgDplsUY1X4RugETUHO3Cnt1XXZu1dX8_GNneW0ICoYcLhUlK4uNyUb7WvDoHIX1aQ8LoV4InkThcI990/s3315/PXL_20240212_180029205.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3315" data-original-width="2339" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3iGka0MBQV8utg-JDgsizaPqJ9_ZTthhS6Rqo2tB7VhUT2jpFrEzTqJhv5qDCgA5qrYiJP2DR3CbUSvexRIJnq5NflshPC8ueAlBOgDplsUY1X4RugETUHO3Cnt1XXZu1dX8_GNneW0ICoYcLhUlK4uNyUb7WvDoHIX1aQ8LoV4InkThcI990/s320/PXL_20240212_180029205.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweah18dwgHjQQAwMurezKzh7_ZhOCgMZ1X-D2sktu-1762-SjZuq_dnVnrMZmDDMZXdtdYpTuVZhdecM9YwqiXKRbtnUv00kAVImeBIWys7ktn3gfg2QPeh6BHkCztOgr2wsAjUezTjorecqoWSMBoHY207oPkn2a4smwHTZEZg6OcGGjPKQy/s4080/PXL_20240212_180440567.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweah18dwgHjQQAwMurezKzh7_ZhOCgMZ1X-D2sktu-1762-SjZuq_dnVnrMZmDDMZXdtdYpTuVZhdecM9YwqiXKRbtnUv00kAVImeBIWys7ktn3gfg2QPeh6BHkCztOgr2wsAjUezTjorecqoWSMBoHY207oPkn2a4smwHTZEZg6OcGGjPKQy/s320/PXL_20240212_180440567.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's easy to meet people in Mamou and maybe<br />especially at Mardi Gras. And certainly at <br />Fred's Lounge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNxAhWmxCUj8x1pV0RWevcRVgxNacwvJ2IgUsq41DVZT5oENi7ac_6mPyAXrFmheN4ce_2YcqoJyxr6SJY-sCX9f-p6d7IAisdQjau5pt5c59k05dMLq-8-1_4ceDHAvA-qWX-vbAW4dA5YaGXBbkOe8qI4yIv4PIM5sb6zKhxE6VLe6yLMFr/s4080/PXL_20240212_180842049.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNxAhWmxCUj8x1pV0RWevcRVgxNacwvJ2IgUsq41DVZT5oENi7ac_6mPyAXrFmheN4ce_2YcqoJyxr6SJY-sCX9f-p6d7IAisdQjau5pt5c59k05dMLq-8-1_4ceDHAvA-qWX-vbAW4dA5YaGXBbkOe8qI4yIv4PIM5sb6zKhxE6VLe6yLMFr/s320/PXL_20240212_180842049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These four photos are all at Fred's Lounge.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4hv9_Dsj0ReTTl0zFKi-aOAXGC-lFWY98HuQ5fPQxFSyNkBrAI0P4QPrvf4qUfSGiSukzZRowT3hpdtUqK3jzVbBcFH-gIi0EFcMiYKmOp-geald-jSgFk2zPPaGqJi3O8ussqmm0bmIwAYYFIr_Ba0eZ7_-q7FEk931kufVhloj8bkCdFo/s4080/PXL_20240212_181233082.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrA4hv9_Dsj0ReTTl0zFKi-aOAXGC-lFWY98HuQ5fPQxFSyNkBrAI0P4QPrvf4qUfSGiSukzZRowT3hpdtUqK3jzVbBcFH-gIi0EFcMiYKmOp-geald-jSgFk2zPPaGqJi3O8ussqmm0bmIwAYYFIr_Ba0eZ7_-q7FEk931kufVhloj8bkCdFo/s320/PXL_20240212_181233082.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The band was great - Zydeco or Cajun but<br />all good.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our first event was a Pig Roast at Bernard and Rubia's good friend Mark's home. There was wonderfully dressed up crowd as you can see from my photos. And they worked on getting us into the spirit of Mardi Gras. Various bling was donated for the event to us. The roast pig was delicious and we met so many fun people.</p><p>Our next day was choreographed by our hosts and we danced to the tunes. We spent the morning in Mamou, a small town with a heart and Fred's . They are normally only open all day Saturdays but for Mardi Gras, they open Monday as well, from 9 AM to 5 PM. And the place was hopping at 11 when we arrived and we made new friends immediately. Dancing to Zydeco or Cajun is similar to jitterbug but a bouncier two step. And everyone dances all day and night! There were several food trucks for lunch - boudin, sausage/beans/rice and Cajun tacos for us. We brought some of it back along with some amazing crawfish bisque that we enjoyed the next day. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMed3pcjcO9YQkanDsuB1auMWUX79tbP5r-d8BsrqKj4j5fby1CKzPwfLap-Sx094y50CxF_yJwYAj5PBpxsHuEwSJkGJcubM3GsxuN3HUIb2MLPNGGiQj0OpcBkmi1nr8ahjQzzN0r7oziwabmX0VYY6jfX_nYqKsrNGu8W5xq1TVta5O607N/s4080/PXL_20240212_194233883.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMed3pcjcO9YQkanDsuB1auMWUX79tbP5r-d8BsrqKj4j5fby1CKzPwfLap-Sx094y50CxF_yJwYAj5PBpxsHuEwSJkGJcubM3GsxuN3HUIb2MLPNGGiQj0OpcBkmi1nr8ahjQzzN0r7oziwabmX0VYY6jfX_nYqKsrNGu8W5xq1TVta5O607N/s320/PXL_20240212_194233883.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These fellows were making boudin, the one on<br />the left was using his hands to mix up the stuffing,<br />a blend of pork mixed with onions, peppers,<br />seasoning and cooked rice. We're at Lakeview now.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyGaAEpIzm_hufS1leoB_fuJTtiEIAkzM16R7VrW6aIIyXED0QxrIcfb1W1eOukxB0bL6ClfbrHtV16UZLUns5ETS9qUwVotdiDMT6OMyd1lF_7H4p7CdXY67NJUGoQzPKEwJAN6nQBCC0DojhpfDCJuEYZDnTJ46QPEEw4yEEFIPjF0p9_r_/s4080/PXL_20240212_194310514.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkyGaAEpIzm_hufS1leoB_fuJTtiEIAkzM16R7VrW6aIIyXED0QxrIcfb1W1eOukxB0bL6ClfbrHtV16UZLUns5ETS9qUwVotdiDMT6OMyd1lF_7H4p7CdXY67NJUGoQzPKEwJAN6nQBCC0DojhpfDCJuEYZDnTJ46QPEEw4yEEFIPjF0p9_r_/s320/PXL_20240212_194310514.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andouille sausages being smoked and grilled.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zfR7EWhtjaMDBYXQV0Df40tDlbDfvAzTJh3q9SRSIuTUhpckyPh09o5wBE6dv29KHybJnfQv9RnKZbxKTp70DCoVDtIPbk_KkbkS-Q9NHDSfbaawsokQoGbQQRq0nbrqD-RWZrNYAYcpDT2o2jx_cml-sr1m_FwvD68miYAjVyeOEzQ8bSOT/s4080/PXL_20240212_194331011.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-zfR7EWhtjaMDBYXQV0Df40tDlbDfvAzTJh3q9SRSIuTUhpckyPh09o5wBE6dv29KHybJnfQv9RnKZbxKTp70DCoVDtIPbk_KkbkS-Q9NHDSfbaawsokQoGbQQRq0nbrqD-RWZrNYAYcpDT2o2jx_cml-sr1m_FwvD68miYAjVyeOEzQ8bSOT/w640-h482/PXL_20240212_194331011.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd gathered around the chickens for the Chicken Drop - lots of money on the line for shit.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBjsPBnEdgaRgqWHiz6MswZJRjiO2lJHfXHboxszMwkudCfBLWUYrFQxbduIjUl9FvhTcUBjorFlVO2XeZwmQdfCC4oDefC8mqtR-_7dlQMUBupIkAMQKRok0cH-ObVjA3yv4UXDhvSHWkpD3WIyupKm5uVi1IHcevUlc8ADIJ91r1Vf6Rfp7/s4080/PXL_20240212_194643953.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBjsPBnEdgaRgqWHiz6MswZJRjiO2lJHfXHboxszMwkudCfBLWUYrFQxbduIjUl9FvhTcUBjorFlVO2XeZwmQdfCC4oDefC8mqtR-_7dlQMUBupIkAMQKRok0cH-ObVjA3yv4UXDhvSHWkpD3WIyupKm5uVi1IHcevUlc8ADIJ91r1Vf6Rfp7/w640-h482/PXL_20240212_194643953.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the barn venue at Lakeview, or a part of it. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then we were off to our next stop - Lakeview RV Resort. They have a big event barn with more live music, dancing and a Charcuterie. We were too early and already full for this meal but enjoyed watching the men making boudin and smoking sausages and pork of al types. There was a lively crowd around the Chicken Drop arena. People bet on which square the first chicken will poop!! Really!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJnRMtvNrVqbvsRPa3CXzb80jiy9B9-bEKKmuNIaU4lKgfyT5Kd5IT-x04ziJfpe_cz3B_-JQOGRfgpks6y6qdGb20fP9_WQMOqdcQaYmewCqG9pXc5aVTROiOHlG1OgRB5nwvwqSRFXgIXdXwzlLKlNRSLDcYBni2UqN1XOyQtvcCjig8Z4S/s4080/PXL_20240213_005812296.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJnRMtvNrVqbvsRPa3CXzb80jiy9B9-bEKKmuNIaU4lKgfyT5Kd5IT-x04ziJfpe_cz3B_-JQOGRfgpks6y6qdGb20fP9_WQMOqdcQaYmewCqG9pXc5aVTROiOHlG1OgRB5nwvwqSRFXgIXdXwzlLKlNRSLDcYBni2UqN1XOyQtvcCjig8Z4S/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_005812296.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ren and Heather at the Whirlybird gallery</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj_tyf0Q4lHxpbCVEvXNQCr4BNc5Rcg7nmow8i1C91rGfq43CIZ6EvrFu7LiLjtf7J5I-eax3ZlkGop2Oo5Zg3xrycwLoeuWLqOpaA9TaTQjHeKwk6f_qKBWchKRGv17hee6EewJmfDCkM9Z6A3k25V4dtiM-2QRfuMxuAbYabyEpk6zzEkKY/s4080/PXL_20240213_020721701.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUj_tyf0Q4lHxpbCVEvXNQCr4BNc5Rcg7nmow8i1C91rGfq43CIZ6EvrFu7LiLjtf7J5I-eax3ZlkGop2Oo5Zg3xrycwLoeuWLqOpaA9TaTQjHeKwk6f_qKBWchKRGv17hee6EewJmfDCkM9Z6A3k25V4dtiM-2QRfuMxuAbYabyEpk6zzEkKY/w301-h400/PXL_20240213_020721701.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernard and Rubia on the dance floor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>And the day wasn't over. We had a few hours back at our RV to rest and change for the evening. Bernard wangled tickets for us to the Lundi Gras at the Whirlybird. This is a big compound with an Airbnb, B&B, a art gallery and studio, and an event space - another barn look alike. "Knock 3 times and whisper low", we were sent by Bernard! We arrived early as recommended before the music began and at first were worried we were in the right place. It seemed dark and not many cars were parked. But a lamp lighted path led us behind the main house and we met the owners, Jim & Christie greeting people. They suggested we tour the gallery and we met the artist if residence there, Ren, who was giving a class in Tibetan flag making! Looked like fun. Scott bought a wonderful blue shirt with embroidered sunflowers that she made. Then we moved into the big barn and the band was already jamming with lots of dancers. We managed to get one seat and later added a second. We took turns resting with Bernard and Rubia. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlMF0QereSwkYI9LLdeO63rtBSGJztkwWii1QA92quNVH3qF6st_Laq2EbOS_7vR0Jlao6hJRrchGmCy1vASSPg2QOiPAgp09mgx5BfTFiqRLrhCGrwyHxtPV5Mtofkwrb-FpTzf_iyIhEeeYkYtYgCjIbk9Il16OypyqluBzgWs0yRovx17M/s1500/Whirlybird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlMF0QereSwkYI9LLdeO63rtBSGJztkwWii1QA92quNVH3qF6st_Laq2EbOS_7vR0Jlao6hJRrchGmCy1vASSPg2QOiPAgp09mgx5BfTFiqRLrhCGrwyHxtPV5Mtofkwrb-FpTzf_iyIhEeeYkYtYgCjIbk9Il16OypyqluBzgWs0yRovx17M/w640-h266/Whirlybird.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was hard to get photos that night at the Whirlybird but it was an amazing place and evening.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next day we had our schedule mapped out for us. We met Bernard and Rubia at Iota and although it's a small town, it's a big celebration. Most of the main street was cordoned off with two stages and tons of food and other vendors. We sat next to the main stage (we brought chairs) in the sun and watched the band, dancers and all the crowd. This was a family event and at around 1:30 the kids from the community took the stage. They are fully costumed as you can see from the photos and parade and dance around while gathering the coins that the audience throws. Its a hoot and everyone had fun. </p><p>We were supposed to go on from here to D.I.'s Restaurant for more music and dancing into the night but we begged off. Exhaustion had set in. And we were seeing Bernard and Rubia again on Thursday so we bade farewell to Mardi Gras...for this year. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCN0wvTUqKtgQZaK9JZuJUQ_Z-vCLd6l8nVrlMw99EmR8TY6h_CEogiljGm11vPm5B7ZPVgQMPBNU5UbBthEjwK1cN8tdBBurCf6VprFqDd5qOoP3BPlYTJ_EEvu6cLCRjtLGlps5HuFATxkrRUg_YRvVJ0tUOGmJ0sjEXhmydbVDkXMofB_e/s4080/PXL_20240213_195135313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCN0wvTUqKtgQZaK9JZuJUQ_Z-vCLd6l8nVrlMw99EmR8TY6h_CEogiljGm11vPm5B7ZPVgQMPBNU5UbBthEjwK1cN8tdBBurCf6VprFqDd5qOoP3BPlYTJ_EEvu6cLCRjtLGlps5HuFATxkrRUg_YRvVJ0tUOGmJ0sjEXhmydbVDkXMofB_e/s320/PXL_20240213_195135313.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The highlight of the time in Iota was the children's<br />parade.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o5HCIKvZ_hzfXb5y2rCUKbGeMIGHDtdCdkEJNTYPIuBJZe9z2Wq7R78flORURt_MfCD7-pzhqC39XYx5ZiTOTXT1IMkJzBRMqDO4HO6LMEGDSvtw6WH5FJhSQG_z8mBXMoYHcSMEAghcG8uG5dE6sC1TI5bXUFilv2AVUwaBb9bRJrWHA5iz/s3233/PXL_20240213_195141985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3233" data-original-width="2618" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6o5HCIKvZ_hzfXb5y2rCUKbGeMIGHDtdCdkEJNTYPIuBJZe9z2Wq7R78flORURt_MfCD7-pzhqC39XYx5ZiTOTXT1IMkJzBRMqDO4HO6LMEGDSvtw6WH5FJhSQG_z8mBXMoYHcSMEAghcG8uG5dE6sC1TI5bXUFilv2AVUwaBb9bRJrWHA5iz/w324-h400/PXL_20240213_195141985.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The costume were all different and elaborate!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lR87531EXPZc_UfC4s5R4uq1UWpdli-ipk4q2omb-g15NsQ0UfTIZTD5l_5W2ZJQGQkUvMmvU7cvb8FA5xmM4he_aF9iO7v2tVBWgt-U20Gzm9ubIqjkjtBI8RXTV4Ff8IlW5-SbkS4F4F7gkD0zXb5xa53FF2Zma95huf_fXSKy0K68igH8/s4080/PXL_20240213_195329722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lR87531EXPZc_UfC4s5R4uq1UWpdli-ipk4q2omb-g15NsQ0UfTIZTD5l_5W2ZJQGQkUvMmvU7cvb8FA5xmM4he_aF9iO7v2tVBWgt-U20Gzm9ubIqjkjtBI8RXTV4Ff8IlW5-SbkS4F4F7gkD0zXb5xa53FF2Zma95huf_fXSKy0K68igH8/s320/PXL_20240213_195329722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the march there was a scramble for the tossed<br />coins.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTybZVsHHgepE831qB_lJrqW0Rdtaaf3k7h_-0k0_3IsiPEdcluaJqdRSqbwZmmKBwCfQVlL36qwwFvMHjxNwq2ntdjMOTl7jrfUj4OMPdmdu0rtQONG5E6IQhgeI0p7S6phm60j8MMl91UYBYrOSMhjo5Ar8hgg49KxQdlLG6f3HtpMMthyphenhyphennf/s4080/PXL_20240213_195421340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTybZVsHHgepE831qB_lJrqW0Rdtaaf3k7h_-0k0_3IsiPEdcluaJqdRSqbwZmmKBwCfQVlL36qwwFvMHjxNwq2ntdjMOTl7jrfUj4OMPdmdu0rtQONG5E6IQhgeI0p7S6phm60j8MMl91UYBYrOSMhjo5Ar8hgg49KxQdlLG6f3HtpMMthyphenhyphennf/s320/PXL_20240213_195421340.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Often they just stood against the edge of the stage<br />and pointed at their hand. The money was collected<br />by adults and went to some charity.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgascmN8tEtXXdAx9fcx9-jkzPG6Qy-ZgzlRNb7OkFm8bzo2kxbAxkCW1zK4dd7dofp1Mvb7492RrvxCCEYZm6FL-H02oI_rNpWx081s6XPwdtrd7RMgINL9P9ytg6gQF7KqjbiRwGpNwg7uKgy5Y8eoUA2-46_I-8Q20tEwyNMEnqqAydRXnzd/s2276/PXL_20240213_200309039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2276" data-original-width="1732" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgascmN8tEtXXdAx9fcx9-jkzPG6Qy-ZgzlRNb7OkFm8bzo2kxbAxkCW1zK4dd7dofp1Mvb7492RrvxCCEYZm6FL-H02oI_rNpWx081s6XPwdtrd7RMgINL9P9ytg6gQF7KqjbiRwGpNwg7uKgy5Y8eoUA2-46_I-8Q20tEwyNMEnqqAydRXnzd/w305-h400/PXL_20240213_200309039.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes the masks were a little frightening!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5QVE8DTlwkbTadhGhqRGYD54muT4D8qfSmrQA5KqacP3kf2mhffjJO6yrCGtuHVIKyebQ9ZxELJEiyB6oDRncSD8lLZGvU_l2xDhfy8JY2KQhEDZ5O6dIHGkGY1RCTNLpCIqUEZQJnc_-qefbeu7OFg4rR5uUY04Dmv2qFzNBk42UA1RX_V6/s3393/PXL_20240213_200424090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3393" data-original-width="2808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5QVE8DTlwkbTadhGhqRGYD54muT4D8qfSmrQA5KqacP3kf2mhffjJO6yrCGtuHVIKyebQ9ZxELJEiyB6oDRncSD8lLZGvU_l2xDhfy8JY2KQhEDZ5O6dIHGkGY1RCTNLpCIqUEZQJnc_-qefbeu7OFg4rR5uUY04Dmv2qFzNBk42UA1RX_V6/w331-h400/PXL_20240213_200424090.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was some dancing as well. You can see the<br />fringe here which ornamented most costumes as<br />it was a theme for this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY10PKzCsHV6pKwgar2exMd8gh6N1la3skOWxyWc8yQznbvEBH0OenFwwA_hSMylsOTCm0xQ2CQXQBMQj7rPX-hDiG66SAiL04bk1_A5ZY-D5UyVVPoLzokuUoKsuHtQtq81qIj57VN0jSe0qR3YqBfs7Y5autW8mL7LX8DYK1YdW3xZd7vIJ9/s4080/PXL_20240213_185141361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY10PKzCsHV6pKwgar2exMd8gh6N1la3skOWxyWc8yQznbvEBH0OenFwwA_hSMylsOTCm0xQ2CQXQBMQj7rPX-hDiG66SAiL04bk1_A5ZY-D5UyVVPoLzokuUoKsuHtQtq81qIj57VN0jSe0qR3YqBfs7Y5autW8mL7LX8DYK1YdW3xZd7vIJ9/w640-h482/PXL_20240213_185141361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a section of the crowd at Iota.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONsHmRlzrI3xuCO6T3wctoWMgY31yL22IzWuS30Nwue3O9MDlaOrVw1Y_sKjXjZ6trvAUm021N5B6_gihft__C_Wyuu3l7Nuf9l3o4yo2hYcF9B2i9bBOW6n_r_4my28LHzhPBYpXgbAxB5ciRKtIS6bvZZtyovjje8aODRZKBBRCrZadvCb1/s4080/PXL_20240213_185259270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONsHmRlzrI3xuCO6T3wctoWMgY31yL22IzWuS30Nwue3O9MDlaOrVw1Y_sKjXjZ6trvAUm021N5B6_gihft__C_Wyuu3l7Nuf9l3o4yo2hYcF9B2i9bBOW6n_r_4my28LHzhPBYpXgbAxB5ciRKtIS6bvZZtyovjje8aODRZKBBRCrZadvCb1/s320/PXL_20240213_185259270.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from the stage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbXpSrGGCdJJmiCOewGRg-cFNluIPrXmIHS7mHWVvqv2ky78BuUt4gUG70KUsQf0D163WziyoJ8sALpBKF7iekuZV2EbUyuaquXaay9TA9_s80hmLXTQhocw1PhQ57H89cJc4cM1Ui7fuqOj-89N-ET9wBF2k5JaRc1DLEePzx4j4oObcIIF8/s4080/PXL_20240213_201412273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbXpSrGGCdJJmiCOewGRg-cFNluIPrXmIHS7mHWVvqv2ky78BuUt4gUG70KUsQf0D163WziyoJ8sALpBKF7iekuZV2EbUyuaquXaay9TA9_s80hmLXTQhocw1PhQ57H89cJc4cM1Ui7fuqOj-89N-ET9wBF2k5JaRc1DLEePzx4j4oObcIIF8/s320/PXL_20240213_201412273.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bernard and Rubia's masks on!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-28876251414164357362024-02-14T08:59:00.002-05:002024-02-14T08:59:42.404-05:00On the Water Again (briefly)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvmVgdseqQX5G5H29DWTLrr-_20wYyEzrBPO6bUsXRA8eYsj1h1b-Yo4FaBlUxEFEo0wYUxmUcm0BZDPeV9ypBJX-9oMMYYW9MeXmytDzhndxIuKaioo3nsHsW13QPSJ2AX5pGDwFEtw2heaqQfEUjUlkfIc-_jhid7kXiQwOZ_qQSvWt6b1b/s4080/PXL_20240206_202910904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvmVgdseqQX5G5H29DWTLrr-_20wYyEzrBPO6bUsXRA8eYsj1h1b-Yo4FaBlUxEFEo0wYUxmUcm0BZDPeV9ypBJX-9oMMYYW9MeXmytDzhndxIuKaioo3nsHsW13QPSJ2AX5pGDwFEtw2heaqQfEUjUlkfIc-_jhid7kXiQwOZ_qQSvWt6b1b/w640-h482/PXL_20240206_202910904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the harbor with the flock of seagulls that followed us. They picked food out of the hands of passengers, including Scott! You can see the end of the barrier island on the right with blindingly white beaches.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2WZojBLNyRPtrFh7ZOeZPu0C-x69hwy0WTYE4B5mMuCqC3470Jvj3yIr43TEsC3oJQJn7d-ayRSL-G3pC7EzfYq8PAfyZz6TV-SnW4FycIKKwyvRoJXC1MSaE9cHSUw3b2ULe5SaDN2thOyMnReCh0y9cn8nAYn0Q3x0oOr0qmORmNN2zSvZ/s4080/PXL_20240206_193334843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2WZojBLNyRPtrFh7ZOeZPu0C-x69hwy0WTYE4B5mMuCqC3470Jvj3yIr43TEsC3oJQJn7d-ayRSL-G3pC7EzfYq8PAfyZz6TV-SnW4FycIKKwyvRoJXC1MSaE9cHSUw3b2ULe5SaDN2thOyMnReCh0y9cn8nAYn0Q3x0oOr0qmORmNN2zSvZ/s320/PXL_20240206_193334843.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down the pier to board our boat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-emm5f-cP3unNtigOD4vWWzL1iZp4QgnyruKMtOsORjjT7WsezBhAByhfBJev2nNd8VNZ_61rH7acjcgvXG3q8BM_FnI0-enXTVEfNYawnnf6nwnx8PmBAhfRF8xbyYlhVeFUiyBSc1orOtgBCZV4-QKFVa5smP8GGpJRFwwaE3QPzS39BhL/s4080/PXL_20240206_201803549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu-emm5f-cP3unNtigOD4vWWzL1iZp4QgnyruKMtOsORjjT7WsezBhAByhfBJev2nNd8VNZ_61rH7acjcgvXG3q8BM_FnI0-enXTVEfNYawnnf6nwnx8PmBAhfRF8xbyYlhVeFUiyBSc1orOtgBCZV4-QKFVa5smP8GGpJRFwwaE3QPzS39BhL/s320/PXL_20240206_201803549.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multimillion dollar houses lined the harbor along<br />with condo high-rises.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MfsCQ2TlpgTQ5aECE0ZoXCe2b3J1aOvC3BmySeZ4BtMV-MB_K1e2lr4vELv-czVOM8neHBweeeTXT98BA_6ZXxtVocGRYxe9gEwyW8b_OpgQN_VU-fbnBRB4bfXaC5Kz1hSiv_ujVJN3GNKQur3Hk1lPnK3BbnpDz-oQNlph531trUTRWFkn/s4080/PXL_20240206_212721360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MfsCQ2TlpgTQ5aECE0ZoXCe2b3J1aOvC3BmySeZ4BtMV-MB_K1e2lr4vELv-czVOM8neHBweeeTXT98BA_6ZXxtVocGRYxe9gEwyW8b_OpgQN_VU-fbnBRB4bfXaC5Kz1hSiv_ujVJN3GNKQur3Hk1lPnK3BbnpDz-oQNlph531trUTRWFkn/w301-h400/PXL_20240206_212721360.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw lots of dolphins but it's hard to get <br />good photos. Here's one playing at our bow!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8ScLyyU77nM2kPdYy2fwmnS9za4-g2UWY39MpRGnRrDnKoi1Gld8yM-aO8LndZcOVblZwG8MuV38jKRJschbyJy9LJ5lwcf-B_AjF6Aj5gxCIHh8xI36-sdUPODt2jT4axfMskzPSBALiQZU3qMYQQe2AeahqJ9vLANowRQmUJOPnV_mggTc/s4080/PXL_20240206_202920180.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8ScLyyU77nM2kPdYy2fwmnS9za4-g2UWY39MpRGnRrDnKoi1Gld8yM-aO8LndZcOVblZwG8MuV38jKRJschbyJy9LJ5lwcf-B_AjF6Aj5gxCIHh8xI36-sdUPODt2jT4axfMskzPSBALiQZU3qMYQQe2AeahqJ9vLANowRQmUJOPnV_mggTc/s320/PXL_20240206_202920180.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The restaurant we ate at a few days later was just<br />to the right of the "lighthouse"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6LzIwXbfZWMIcrcJi1wot-WFZEycDNwHU-eOw3Ycxy_OZeBRuyp7aoP7Qm4TFn7aPZq5GsIxySWh0qYlQpgdtV4eaDbCVvwQ9aKEd4Vmt4K15W4q_n0KNg02EzmDFhcQw2RCmtw5SdVVzsQirlJ1Kdo5m7aT-TokgHkXDPMgM9mFMu0sakFm/s4080/PXL_20240206_202940071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6LzIwXbfZWMIcrcJi1wot-WFZEycDNwHU-eOw3Ycxy_OZeBRuyp7aoP7Qm4TFn7aPZq5GsIxySWh0qYlQpgdtV4eaDbCVvwQ9aKEd4Vmt4K15W4q_n0KNg02EzmDFhcQw2RCmtw5SdVVzsQirlJ1Kdo5m7aT-TokgHkXDPMgM9mFMu0sakFm/s320/PXL_20240206_202940071.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and the kids enjoyed feeding the seagulls!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>After a rainy day on Sunday where we enjoyed the National Naval Aviation Museum, the sun returned on Monday. We still had a packed week of activities here at Santa Rosa RV Park! Besides the usual daily walks, water aerobics, bingo (We hadn't played this for decades but lucked out this week. I won once and Scott, twice!) etc. our wonderful activities director Kerri put together a trip down to Destin for a Dolphin Cruise. About 25 of us car pooled down and enjoyed the 90 minute cruise out to the Gulf. We saw lots of dolphins including a family with a young one. It was a beautiful day, cool but sunny. It brought back a lot of memories for Scott and I. It was the first real boat trip since we sold Scott Free!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgGhmiIw2O6IikJJw17iTjp5C2NcqV_oCWCa-sDiNubI2_1zO9yZe5FeDgjczLjUZTYIKpzGQY_H1JgGFQfPofXm8MUxsoHrV27y6Vqr0N82gZzf3wMcLkPmy_6UW6s7rTMFXQIRQLFmGZUETWktAfUz6DTXbG7Dd98tQGxDL2oSPHDJu5NMm/s4080/PXL_20240209_222456754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgGhmiIw2O6IikJJw17iTjp5C2NcqV_oCWCa-sDiNubI2_1zO9yZe5FeDgjczLjUZTYIKpzGQY_H1JgGFQfPofXm8MUxsoHrV27y6Vqr0N82gZzf3wMcLkPmy_6UW6s7rTMFXQIRQLFmGZUETWktAfUz6DTXbG7Dd98tQGxDL2oSPHDJu5NMm/w640-h482/PXL_20240209_222456754.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Air Force Armaments museum. This is the main section of the museum, although a lot of the planes were outside on the grounds. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj455hNWHZhYVgPvRxenzuYx4HUVQQcf-kxGbVEeNbKVD1HytRaovjc8KObiFgizB3_obg4gODUN9eyddNBWG292V6MHjpg2rnfcdVDDCCE-dFeLC4bOu4mpm17sIcE-OrdM-Kos0_u8zs4hhOJbhZ77KCybEbsh1CJuMLACz04eGO2XKiDyw9-/s4080/PXL_20240209_222708855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj455hNWHZhYVgPvRxenzuYx4HUVQQcf-kxGbVEeNbKVD1HytRaovjc8KObiFgizB3_obg4gODUN9eyddNBWG292V6MHjpg2rnfcdVDDCCE-dFeLC4bOu4mpm17sIcE-OrdM-Kos0_u8zs4hhOJbhZ77KCybEbsh1CJuMLACz04eGO2XKiDyw9-/s320/PXL_20240209_222708855.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another part we both liked was a film and section<br />on the Doolittle Raid during WWII</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p>Another day we returned to the Destin area for the Air Force Armaments Museum and a special dinner out at the East Pass Seafood Restaurant in Destin. After we visited the museum, Scott said, "Well, that was depressing!" What did he think? It was a museum of weapons. But there were a few good moments. For me it was a series of stories about heroes in WWII that weren't given the awards and recognition they deserved until well after the war. Many of them were minorities. And Scott enjoyed the planes and engineering videos. </p><p><br /></p><p>We had dinner afterwards over looking Destin harbor at a restaurant our captain on the Dolphin cruise had recommended. Because it was cool and cloudy we were one of the few patrons there when we arrived so Scott agreed to sit at the bar. I like to do that once in a while because you end up talking to people and often get to know the bartender. And in fact, that is what happened. Plus, as you can see from the photo below - we had a good view of the waterway and passing boats.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrruvIgu8riP2aBSt00C5Cr-vthOA-2W1cY337-wV7aH__nv1yeuQ5WXtvY7mEWIxNRSrOOOEaeo9Fopu0ZvlBbTe2NZYk-3KWmoKqY36X7b0mYnvso4m371Hn3a1Ofr3Gv6gztI68uoshhB1AecRNZgQx1GN4rVJ8NMF2v0OmgnA5EmJ1Jiy/s4080/PXL_20240209_233303394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrruvIgu8riP2aBSt00C5Cr-vthOA-2W1cY337-wV7aH__nv1yeuQ5WXtvY7mEWIxNRSrOOOEaeo9Fopu0ZvlBbTe2NZYk-3KWmoKqY36X7b0mYnvso4m371Hn3a1Ofr3Gv6gztI68uoshhB1AecRNZgQx1GN4rVJ8NMF2v0OmgnA5EmJ1Jiy/w640-h482/PXL_20240209_233303394.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our seats at the bar in the East Pass Seafood Restaurant in Destin</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But we're off again on Sunday for Lafayette, LA. We'll spend a week there seeing old friend Barney and his new wife (to us at least) and a couple we met there last year. It's Mardi Gras so it should be lots of fun. We have to leave early next Sunday as we're invited to a Pig Roast that afternoon (followed by the Super Bowl). So it's a dawn departure for the 6 hour plus ride. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0JXfxHIz_Nna4UkMqPB74GPkmICLcpAmrRi8yxL4FOXoAPf3edUMplwxTL8ol9cUkgJu_7fLBxQ6AGtjzQqKt3XzAwjdKwepBInEIrDsGfniGeOibqOxukxTKG3zwuXbfB-N0HOfMUROefWug2bSwDyUwOsiGzhk8D576k2mU_UG2BoIkQ_1/s4080/PXL_20240209_154048370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0JXfxHIz_Nna4UkMqPB74GPkmICLcpAmrRi8yxL4FOXoAPf3edUMplwxTL8ol9cUkgJu_7fLBxQ6AGtjzQqKt3XzAwjdKwepBInEIrDsGfniGeOibqOxukxTKG3zwuXbfB-N0HOfMUROefWug2bSwDyUwOsiGzhk8D576k2mU_UG2BoIkQ_1/w640-h482/PXL_20240209_154048370.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed several bike rides in the National Seashore nearby. Although the bike path was along the road, the 35 mile an hour speed limit and little traffic made the riding easy. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-75619550462287748812024-02-05T16:59:00.006-05:002024-02-05T16:59:42.265-05:00Land Cruising in Style!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd9Xsc_AgBJaVi1Svrt5HJQBA53EA9iUv9fjMne9t_0TFpvNUhxcmETyJ94jFmVeCyXCOIglJ3fLSlJQRf2Jj3T_4RVf2M3v8jP6mRD8HoFV7YXSRwZAsXVuJY86x1tgMpG1SCFuwMvFtquily1LP0qPAqyUDEB9lOmSn4zgBPEf8zTJ59fvJ/s4080/PXL_20240129_231821002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVd9Xsc_AgBJaVi1Svrt5HJQBA53EA9iUv9fjMne9t_0TFpvNUhxcmETyJ94jFmVeCyXCOIglJ3fLSlJQRf2Jj3T_4RVf2M3v8jP6mRD8HoFV7YXSRwZAsXVuJY86x1tgMpG1SCFuwMvFtquily1LP0qPAqyUDEB9lOmSn4zgBPEf8zTJ59fvJ/w640-h482/PXL_20240129_231821002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view right outside our RV site looking west along the beach. That's the pool deck on the right.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Last year we spent 4 nights at the Santa Rosa RV Resort and enjoyed it so much we opted for 15 nights this year and it has not disappointed. Our site right on the beach has a lovely view over the water and we're right next to the heated pool. There's a lot going on here almost every day. We walk with a group in the morning at 8 AM weekdays. There is water aerobics twice a week, Bingo twice, card games, coffee & donuts, and a Pancake and Sausage breakfast! We enjoyed watching a fiercely fought corn hole tournament (we'll have to practice up for next year). It's easy to meet people at events or just around the fire pit in the evenings. We've been using our bikes as well and doing our Bone Builder exercises. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCwzf7ZO3U2ZLTKFEgaSor3DoVzNyZZFyK_Q9R35GT8AfYKp14H9KBwLrOpvmj1dCyQBKtv6kuWhqwOrkjUNWRF9b-Bq6nn1raA_VCwYBd7x3RcxZqfUzfUzu4MVv4SImg-GF-XGlvpk2BTnSlVTQ9fSKRUr8cPqMQy5G2YA3yTXM3BY3wb2i/s4080/PXL_20240130_194332197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCwzf7ZO3U2ZLTKFEgaSor3DoVzNyZZFyK_Q9R35GT8AfYKp14H9KBwLrOpvmj1dCyQBKtv6kuWhqwOrkjUNWRF9b-Bq6nn1raA_VCwYBd7x3RcxZqfUzfUzu4MVv4SImg-GF-XGlvpk2BTnSlVTQ9fSKRUr8cPqMQy5G2YA3yTXM3BY3wb2i/s320/PXL_20240130_194332197.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of the Corn Hole Tournament</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Tk3tm3tNDxSu1qQkWqyVqlP2XmrfLMuQ6b3OrHhHMGypHh7Vx9Cvy6JqGHX36OTOjk6WvP5B6xMbdoNBRlCdEM5_9WIDK3gB_2NzvIKnmTsn84bJHxeAlj6aHQWsGaRhyphenhypheni5xFLf3VpebVvDtoRGFy0-b7QnZKu8vj8_WXCiXZJYOhkgMq7S7/s4080/PXL_20240129_231828287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Tk3tm3tNDxSu1qQkWqyVqlP2XmrfLMuQ6b3OrHhHMGypHh7Vx9Cvy6JqGHX36OTOjk6WvP5B6xMbdoNBRlCdEM5_9WIDK3gB_2NzvIKnmTsn84bJHxeAlj6aHQWsGaRhyphenhypheni5xFLf3VpebVvDtoRGFy0-b7QnZKu8vj8_WXCiXZJYOhkgMq7S7/s320/PXL_20240129_231828287.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our RV looking east (low tide). <br />That is their fishing pier .</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhKFMAfu5Nx_6E4FVRF2e5yQ-auJ3dlJW9epADrzOm0cZ1Csqu4FUwke3iaVu-t9SzJDPuzirHlcLdAr__eYpSgf9kxrn4SpeIz_O2eF07neFTroSjrgqS0xf3zXEPlIfsldyUQ0lPVlLZE1Sm2Bso2U9d1uJ-cVR2GRPbdUO4EzoqiVYTIj7/s4080/PXL_20240131_190530217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhKFMAfu5Nx_6E4FVRF2e5yQ-auJ3dlJW9epADrzOm0cZ1Csqu4FUwke3iaVu-t9SzJDPuzirHlcLdAr__eYpSgf9kxrn4SpeIz_O2eF07neFTroSjrgqS0xf3zXEPlIfsldyUQ0lPVlLZE1Sm2Bso2U9d1uJ-cVR2GRPbdUO4EzoqiVYTIj7/w301-h400/PXL_20240131_190530217.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a great lunch at Red Fish, Blue Fish<br />over on Santa Rosa Island.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Several times we've taken excursions around the area. First to Eden Gardens State Park east of here with two other stops at Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve. At Eden Gardens we toured the historic Wesley House and the lovely grounds. The other parks have campgrounds which we might want to extend our stay (more cheaply) in the area next year. They are both right on the beach. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxYRXE13ia3TtkoAphfOTaOBIG44zom48vJM17dbrVbwZLzF_6gXqQkR_5oWOMpf4dLfqJwY5LkQXwjdeJh8YSzZFb5TSH-zxSHWyTSf8rho0ZPoyaindqO_y_Vc_7R3YJGGNXvDM7T7H1_2tkvhSXAzBk5TZJNwoMpIXBggxqXRbJDjWKs2l/s4080/PXL_20240201_210034302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxYRXE13ia3TtkoAphfOTaOBIG44zom48vJM17dbrVbwZLzF_6gXqQkR_5oWOMpf4dLfqJwY5LkQXwjdeJh8YSzZFb5TSH-zxSHWyTSf8rho0ZPoyaindqO_y_Vc_7R3YJGGNXvDM7T7H1_2tkvhSXAzBk5TZJNwoMpIXBggxqXRbJDjWKs2l/s320/PXL_20240201_210034302.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pensacola Lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjH_8Knvt-4K8z0-ek5ILVrBEUuM4q8mXioAc5knpqWAxY3SwWlQFbVtgK51ARIPYp8CrWMSD32rAxFYih5NoN3ska5aAjukzbh1Ac5OVOVesFJrPM5TADBI6o6W-NnftIYLoa5l2u-_lhyY-Mcbh_2Myygm29kWHXQsI1LnAc222ty6aUgWY/s4080/PXL_20240201_210614340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjH_8Knvt-4K8z0-ek5ILVrBEUuM4q8mXioAc5knpqWAxY3SwWlQFbVtgK51ARIPYp8CrWMSD32rAxFYih5NoN3ska5aAjukzbh1Ac5OVOVesFJrPM5TADBI6o6W-NnftIYLoa5l2u-_lhyY-Mcbh_2Myygm29kWHXQsI1LnAc222ty6aUgWY/s320/PXL_20240201_210614340.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the beginning of a very long<br />climb</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireHVZPzZRBLS6eLOULgSbsMh271Zc0jYF_To-sSmSkI9Bp9JDH_QF0x1HWt1w-WsHjXmNKV_KCWFIE0IhVlpsLFRXrdivII7-5NEoowe7tEBTXxqhLmzdVrWwwhhxqiQnL-30ifg4NWZvmqatOdvRSMkpI1xDUBDVXOC8MEHovx9prFdBnSxx/s4080/PXL_20240201_211652773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireHVZPzZRBLS6eLOULgSbsMh271Zc0jYF_To-sSmSkI9Bp9JDH_QF0x1HWt1w-WsHjXmNKV_KCWFIE0IhVlpsLFRXrdivII7-5NEoowe7tEBTXxqhLmzdVrWwwhhxqiQnL-30ifg4NWZvmqatOdvRSMkpI1xDUBDVXOC8MEHovx9prFdBnSxx/w400-h301/PXL_20240201_211652773.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view looking east</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90LDY-1-wFXMKaW3lsTfebaehyZLWIgM0kfbXHnJRa48o1jwMafAgG6ZavKsiMFrRv42j6CQS7gLV2ikaaGLm-5gVqeylAUQXRCPoWWaf88g96IybtLNPWeqpbre54ASpwPxC5MWj9hyphenhyphenXCUG144MyLWlkHuXMd-GDT5rs2lqFHFB2tlJ-6xmQ/s4080/PXL_20240201_211724464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90LDY-1-wFXMKaW3lsTfebaehyZLWIgM0kfbXHnJRa48o1jwMafAgG6ZavKsiMFrRv42j6CQS7gLV2ikaaGLm-5gVqeylAUQXRCPoWWaf88g96IybtLNPWeqpbre54ASpwPxC5MWj9hyphenhyphenXCUG144MyLWlkHuXMd-GDT5rs2lqFHFB2tlJ-6xmQ/s320/PXL_20240201_211724464.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view looking down!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZmK7k1-WBlqOi067N8y2NhUdh0Fm6a6k25viXtTerrVc5mUIz5MxGxW_bnUfnojlRx4ylvW572UJNkl7moGHB37_vsHAyaXnREfyECoMFYND1y0vxDelpkCxxnfX1hAt6KW4wC5vcniLMIZXqOqH7-GusIodlic09zeL8lccUzw_IL021xSi/s4080/PXL_20240201_211926938.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcZmK7k1-WBlqOi067N8y2NhUdh0Fm6a6k25viXtTerrVc5mUIz5MxGxW_bnUfnojlRx4ylvW572UJNkl7moGHB37_vsHAyaXnREfyECoMFYND1y0vxDelpkCxxnfX1hAt6KW4wC5vcniLMIZXqOqH7-GusIodlic09zeL8lccUzw_IL021xSi/w301-h400/PXL_20240201_211926938.LONG_EXPOSURE-01.COVER.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A number of people turned around due to the<br />difficulty, length and steepness. We were fine,<br />although I took a number of breaks!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Then we headed west on two days. First to the Pensacola Lighthouse, first built in 1825 as a 40 foot tower replacing a Lightship and then was in turn replaced with a 150 foot one in 1859. It was 177 steep steps to the top and we made it! There is a museum there as well with a reconstruction of the lightkeepers quarters. Our second visit to Pensacola was again to the military base, this time for the National Naval Aviation Museum, which is huge and took us a full day. Luckily there is a bar/cafe there so we could fuel up. Hundreds of planes from every era are represented along with artifacts, films, reconstructed vignettes of life at war (all of them) and personal stories. It is an excellent museum but not as good as the WWII Museum in New Orleans, one of my all time favorites. .</p><p>We still have a week here before heading west again. Tomorrow a Dolphin Boat Cruise with a group from the RV Park. More on that later!</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_nviLOcO8Ekd80pOBz3jwlNfg3eQ5AjZ0Sn_ufr92VJMBMfrDVnyE-didA9zmzfPC4aLsUfa8up5eunkZKFvirUMlGS1VSf8xf9sCGt8smrL8RgSpuznRniuKY30oZFCseD6Q65OsTI4AfBvud5I69hncRUPvNx1tQJTBpN4L2_rbsCoBmS/s4080/PXL_20240202_173132342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG_nviLOcO8Ekd80pOBz3jwlNfg3eQ5AjZ0Sn_ufr92VJMBMfrDVnyE-didA9zmzfPC4aLsUfa8up5eunkZKFvirUMlGS1VSf8xf9sCGt8smrL8RgSpuznRniuKY30oZFCseD6Q65OsTI4AfBvud5I69hncRUPvNx1tQJTBpN4L2_rbsCoBmS/w640-h482/PXL_20240202_173132342.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The historic Wesley House at Eden Gardens - this is the back which faces Tucker Bayou. The house was bought by a very wealthy widow who donated it with all the furniture and possessions to the State after her health made it impossible for her. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1EEqnzAsix66H4Chl3NX8rF1QR8_11jOY7-D38kMLwt38ZwJzzVq8bbEa6HVKJmN_c6rgL4h06CvEBs28bQoE2b2VDQr1LM_WmRTartwJY8sGqetsz4MQmuuZGymUag65UsMtHNaHaKw2nT5MemXR22b6QumraQlyieNclzx-1wxrUHIJE9J/s4080/PXL_20240202_195220136%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1EEqnzAsix66H4Chl3NX8rF1QR8_11jOY7-D38kMLwt38ZwJzzVq8bbEa6HVKJmN_c6rgL4h06CvEBs28bQoE2b2VDQr1LM_WmRTartwJY8sGqetsz4MQmuuZGymUag65UsMtHNaHaKw2nT5MemXR22b6QumraQlyieNclzx-1wxrUHIJE9J/s320/PXL_20240202_195220136%20(1).jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a very good lunch at a <br />nearby hotel overlooking the water<br />afterwards. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-urAn8TklO_pTKsDDTYk7aOp2vqI2jGXxPQeq1TAKfJriXCtCcLj1HDjbsUX6I9taQYOMnPwXJIF0ZbNce5qm-euZXJiHF6Phl_K6Lxh8MMLRchmTVPgjxd1XQE8ZkVgxaiKCsDDq9U4nDHoI7xAVqM5GOzztwviUcyuFYWFfcveJyKyCoPAf/s4080/PXL_20240204_182902854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-urAn8TklO_pTKsDDTYk7aOp2vqI2jGXxPQeq1TAKfJriXCtCcLj1HDjbsUX6I9taQYOMnPwXJIF0ZbNce5qm-euZXJiHF6Phl_K6Lxh8MMLRchmTVPgjxd1XQE8ZkVgxaiKCsDDq9U4nDHoI7xAVqM5GOzztwviUcyuFYWFfcveJyKyCoPAf/w400-h301/PXL_20240204_182902854.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry this is hard to see - it's a crossing the date line ceremony<br />on board an aircraft carrier. King Neptune and his consorts <br />are testing the Polliwogs (first timers). These guys could try <br />out for Rue Paul!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcpOrmP68zwjvNd-jpFFOdbZoRXTvaGVuugigMO5xAxkEqpv3MICO-x7Y5uGwtLDMLGfku2Gh2lpax29rlg34XDlzVht8KDcqZ7L4oISx-c33qUDzS_MBAs8pdDEKcsbrZ2IUlEjGDLdAtmvD2p20LBo1RWrDXTQdCf1kRZh6hF6apjNdOavb/s4080/PXL_20240204_184314624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcpOrmP68zwjvNd-jpFFOdbZoRXTvaGVuugigMO5xAxkEqpv3MICO-x7Y5uGwtLDMLGfku2Gh2lpax29rlg34XDlzVht8KDcqZ7L4oISx-c33qUDzS_MBAs8pdDEKcsbrZ2IUlEjGDLdAtmvD2p20LBo1RWrDXTQdCf1kRZh6hF6apjNdOavb/w640-h482/PXL_20240204_184314624.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You are only seeing a small part of this huge museum!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh8LE2Qc69sHyODzBrdHszco9v5KOElbf5fMVw6ZOni2pmHLKZRASr3vGvsg3xw4waoN-XD8fD3f70MlCGCg4Yhh9ahmvQQnGJ4ODkF3rTvH6NJPCfOVCe46ctxsb_3lHhzUr9hO6bpSW_UGuJQ29OuXJqdp6zpSgD0i8BJXibE5bHwnzVK_2/s4080/PXL_20240204_191833989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKh8LE2Qc69sHyODzBrdHszco9v5KOElbf5fMVw6ZOni2pmHLKZRASr3vGvsg3xw4waoN-XD8fD3f70MlCGCg4Yhh9ahmvQQnGJ4ODkF3rTvH6NJPCfOVCe46ctxsb_3lHhzUr9hO6bpSW_UGuJQ29OuXJqdp6zpSgD0i8BJXibE5bHwnzVK_2/w640-h482/PXL_20240204_191833989.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really loved these recreations of life during the wars - here WWII - but it's a little like the living quarters in MASH too.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cz1QOWipZU5dmUX3-AfmR4Wfy8UTFKRYSDqXmM5VJsUN9HEKtPdovUF_AV4pBpaRv4rvhZjr2unUrKKvsgxN4YB5gZ_8MygumErnoxDSau7DHHRoRFVkRs_r8UdKDntohxT2B5n62MXXbYcNUbk0WPzAx1K6Z_J41_kxE2Qlfy0Ya6H9Fy8x/s4080/PXL_20240204_191847904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Cz1QOWipZU5dmUX3-AfmR4Wfy8UTFKRYSDqXmM5VJsUN9HEKtPdovUF_AV4pBpaRv4rvhZjr2unUrKKvsgxN4YB5gZ_8MygumErnoxDSau7DHHRoRFVkRs_r8UdKDntohxT2B5n62MXXbYcNUbk0WPzAx1K6Z_J41_kxE2Qlfy0Ya6H9Fy8x/w301-h400/PXL_20240204_191847904.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a little bar for the soldiers in the <br />Pacific.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0kTF2VKZeoh57VNIz8f0acOPur5UTnQLP4OYh7WG7Q8fgUV4zlQKX42-w_unNfZPHRJT9Tp9VbZ1kLwfKkpS6Fy7DeGjRHlPnD7kc7-HB2J6XBEYlbhGd92RDtj5bCfqt8OXxPBU7pivrH7gn5y7RRETZnQKoYkSUn0PA7q-wqX69oEcmAYo/s4080/PXL_20240204_193201969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0kTF2VKZeoh57VNIz8f0acOPur5UTnQLP4OYh7WG7Q8fgUV4zlQKX42-w_unNfZPHRJT9Tp9VbZ1kLwfKkpS6Fy7DeGjRHlPnD7kc7-HB2J6XBEYlbhGd92RDtj5bCfqt8OXxPBU7pivrH7gn5y7RRETZnQKoYkSUn0PA7q-wqX69oEcmAYo/w301-h400/PXL_20240204_193201969.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always love the stories about women and <br />minorities that served. Here an oil painting of <br />the first woman Naval aviator, Barbra Allen<br />in 1974. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPwdJkr4FAR73-XYWwNSWFY_PqB-zSUil7aRtZGo8SE4SRiDsFTnw44fC0MrARrL4RcRYjbJ5_sDC8xlBoV83lLyrcL3kDG0UXKvtUihB4e0WIgRXPbd04pgLKj7bsfGchQd7ql7PgDrDWsOYrw1n1COe8LeM682BE_hYg-EjTXr2MlmtT0aK/s4080/PXL_20240204_193627725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPwdJkr4FAR73-XYWwNSWFY_PqB-zSUil7aRtZGo8SE4SRiDsFTnw44fC0MrARrL4RcRYjbJ5_sDC8xlBoV83lLyrcL3kDG0UXKvtUihB4e0WIgRXPbd04pgLKj7bsfGchQd7ql7PgDrDWsOYrw1n1COe8LeM682BE_hYg-EjTXr2MlmtT0aK/w640-h482/PXL_20240204_193627725.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Subic Bay Naval Station was decommissioned in the Philippines in 1992, the Officer's Club Bar was reassembled here at the Museum and is back in use! I was at Subic Bay myself in 1967 while serving in the Peace Corps in nearby Tarlac. I was invited by a family member who was serving there. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-20598797638447848322024-01-29T15:16:00.003-05:002024-02-03T19:02:20.314-05:00Westward Bound: A Begining<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_U8ctAHN8LiEgIVHtvkUxtMd_oWqCwN0SkioxM3cAv9Wm2mqEsvY9MPeZTcz4W7iC4sVFb4m1KMkjd0V_nezz-NeK4A1UmTb50Ht8ot_44-KyOG8miAazHGadOH-Vv51cXz_amhy3wnHRhgDs5yOcY-xSP2mwHIpSGsV9KWCOfBDE5T9zL9M/s773/Sparacia-Witherell-Winery-1_jpg.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="773" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD_U8ctAHN8LiEgIVHtvkUxtMd_oWqCwN0SkioxM3cAv9Wm2mqEsvY9MPeZTcz4W7iC4sVFb4m1KMkjd0V_nezz-NeK4A1UmTb50Ht8ot_44-KyOG8miAazHGadOH-Vv51cXz_amhy3wnHRhgDs5yOcY-xSP2mwHIpSGsV9KWCOfBDE5T9zL9M/s320/Sparacia-Witherell-Winery-1_jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Winery is at 275 feet in the historic city of<br />Brooksville</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Our first direction after leaving Harpal and Jeannie in Winter Park was west to Harvest Host host member, Sparacia-Witherell Family Winery. Harvest Host members can stay one night free at any of the host locations, with an expectation that you will buy/tour/donate at least $10 worth. We always spend more than that! Scott did a wine tasting and then bought two bottles. Due to the medication I'm taking for rheumatoid arthritis, I am allowed very limited alcohol. As this winery makes sweet wines, I won't be drinking them, but Scott loves that! We had a nice flat spot overlooking the vineyard and 80 degree sunshine - happiness.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EOva_DApiJMnLu8qm38E9ajGBXuQL4Rr6bwmvvt_ZkdZYrcfefRVSptX9eRrdjjdcnqJ1BLRmElPUM1D3OijQRs1NNpemGfFXi_wd2IXt7DJfVBnRi6upbv_hhydGnBpY1Um5EFxFk0HQGaH37stLCzZflrKiW7ZkppmuNCocvAFSvSpr8Jq/s4080/PXL_20240125_203728719.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3EOva_DApiJMnLu8qm38E9ajGBXuQL4Rr6bwmvvt_ZkdZYrcfefRVSptX9eRrdjjdcnqJ1BLRmElPUM1D3OijQRs1NNpemGfFXi_wd2IXt7DJfVBnRi6upbv_hhydGnBpY1Um5EFxFk0HQGaH37stLCzZflrKiW7ZkppmuNCocvAFSvSpr8Jq/w640-h482/PXL_20240125_203728719.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfront at Silver Springs State Park with a couple of the glass bottomed boats. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_O0iUAxZ8PRy2_nBgr2gzK6rcXelvob1fGQ2Wd3U4d-GLjpzVYx6gX0Vb4CkEmeF8tYgHSE9z-fTaELWWyPQ0FRh8BHmLuCJqNCMsMBzhMsbfm9mVfZCzLm1gUwcOb0ocVpbUEVBdhZsrm6GO0yHfzgvhkotM27TcEQvuJMPODh8Z7hWnEc9/s4080/PXL_20240125_205501401.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_O0iUAxZ8PRy2_nBgr2gzK6rcXelvob1fGQ2Wd3U4d-GLjpzVYx6gX0Vb4CkEmeF8tYgHSE9z-fTaELWWyPQ0FRh8BHmLuCJqNCMsMBzhMsbfm9mVfZCzLm1gUwcOb0ocVpbUEVBdhZsrm6GO0yHfzgvhkotM27TcEQvuJMPODh8Z7hWnEc9/w301-h400/PXL_20240125_205501401.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the boat with Captain Andy and about<br />18 customres.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnJiSKR4L1n-e1hgko9wHtdFU8TzS8o5o04bxW3B1gOq7lTvjO6RLAjpnsvQmCDlJ-vyCtXRIEpSpRi99crtASkq11syU6I_ijtamHNjVZBCO-lqHfhwUXLXv3G4ov3DMRp3dk7wS3NeSEV9jm5OsdoSGsI3g7Uo1bQpl5_vkiYQ15BjlLcIz/s4080/PXL_20240125_213051933.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnJiSKR4L1n-e1hgko9wHtdFU8TzS8o5o04bxW3B1gOq7lTvjO6RLAjpnsvQmCDlJ-vyCtXRIEpSpRi99crtASkq11syU6I_ijtamHNjVZBCO-lqHfhwUXLXv3G4ov3DMRp3dk7wS3NeSEV9jm5OsdoSGsI3g7Uo1bQpl5_vkiYQ15BjlLcIz/s320/PXL_20240125_213051933.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The water is so crystal clear that we could see<br />down 26 feet or more and thought it was 6! The<br />remains of some "Greek statues are over on the upper<br />left, remains of a movie shot here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBoaIjchfKdl7bYuudXzegcimKjsZQ-vfpAfauDqYWC2gfPhDeb4Ab2dCrJoQa0m-Fot60SEy1bsple54w1fbkuualaAd5aC-htOCyBR80aWHoALJmL249N7cIwgvSlEtoX6TCCIpyiuzVXCpkmJon_m0dVbfJZb-ruskxhE-cxB2WF5D-Q9z/s4080/PXL_20240126_144921041.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBoaIjchfKdl7bYuudXzegcimKjsZQ-vfpAfauDqYWC2gfPhDeb4Ab2dCrJoQa0m-Fot60SEy1bsple54w1fbkuualaAd5aC-htOCyBR80aWHoALJmL249N7cIwgvSlEtoX6TCCIpyiuzVXCpkmJon_m0dVbfJZb-ruskxhE-cxB2WF5D-Q9z/w640-h482/PXL_20240126_144921041.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our canoe trip started down this bayou for a mile or so before ending in the Silver River, which we<br />took back to the boat rental docks. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRZy1z0we2Mvtq8d9mEc2gDaK_7H0_e_-mQ_V82R3SyeRlM4MgUrDaruhhaNmJLvAeGs0nyR7CPbQn1VHGaSPvCpaQDv6TmJ8f1-8Av1iaUC5xtTvW2UevczIGzDE9eRiKCiqU9OPfAgXlnwJ1a7viIGD_IDyeS1uI9p9-rh59RCh1HqT1xY/s4080/PXL_20240126_150544289.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcRZy1z0we2Mvtq8d9mEc2gDaK_7H0_e_-mQ_V82R3SyeRlM4MgUrDaruhhaNmJLvAeGs0nyR7CPbQn1VHGaSPvCpaQDv6TmJ8f1-8Av1iaUC5xtTvW2UevczIGzDE9eRiKCiqU9OPfAgXlnwJ1a7viIGD_IDyeS1uI9p9-rh59RCh1HqT1xY/s320/PXL_20240126_150544289.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and I grew up at camp canoeing so this was<br />easy for us - although then we were made to <br />kneel down, not sit in the seat!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7sDmTmePoRIfz0qHohLTt_li6LC28D-rKC3yLwY6PTM0Vn_DNTYPpFeEDSne5-6dwkvjL15sBGfUQVjQCn3IRIYzmury4z-x9gyUEdkDo5mKNnMuVQjUa3iJW4aFGDTzxYnFiTk-hPSdbFfd-iqBA0IQ4-mrBt2bwqpcBEHrjtKab0Y4Ypax/s4080/PXL_20240126_151249774.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7sDmTmePoRIfz0qHohLTt_li6LC28D-rKC3yLwY6PTM0Vn_DNTYPpFeEDSne5-6dwkvjL15sBGfUQVjQCn3IRIYzmury4z-x9gyUEdkDo5mKNnMuVQjUa3iJW4aFGDTzxYnFiTk-hPSdbFfd-iqBA0IQ4-mrBt2bwqpcBEHrjtKab0Y4Ypax/w301-h400/PXL_20240126_151249774.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was once a menagerie here as part of<br />the amusement park. The Resus monkeys <br />escaped over time and now roam the area<br />freely. We saw at least 15 of them during our<br />canoe trip.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttw8EXrWZ-vV0PiSRjcZWSv6t7W4IjsqUeb0ZjFBLVnB0k4IQgf5y542316OKZ4V5wzr_RugMmZViOD7PfmYL2ku8QKkcy49tNV6GX0AFzUe-_juGGrEfj1U6LsDqdDmeyI2529i0G0LKRJNpUOVOqA5Me2xnUqPsvcYOhLhBqdARKJmkCTvU/s4080/PXL_20240126_152004054.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttw8EXrWZ-vV0PiSRjcZWSv6t7W4IjsqUeb0ZjFBLVnB0k4IQgf5y542316OKZ4V5wzr_RugMmZViOD7PfmYL2ku8QKkcy49tNV6GX0AFzUe-_juGGrEfj1U6LsDqdDmeyI2529i0G0LKRJNpUOVOqA5Me2xnUqPsvcYOhLhBqdARKJmkCTvU/s320/PXL_20240126_152004054.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remains of an old fort (probably a abandoned<br />movie set) - very atmospheric though. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWOmvCFNN13kH6lpZykPzPeSifOBbEE3a6pElJw3BmQS6yDV5Ddefd9VqBvenCRHsxX2_cBIQUcpdZy8goasc05hhI58SNEo0I9wztR0IEtRXh2u_s0NXeLWrY-NIl2RfhuUiXXKARgKxwXn7YQDVYQ0EzFSmshKeZa-W_1sTCqpTQujfYUAa/s4080/PXL_20240126_152449914.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWOmvCFNN13kH6lpZykPzPeSifOBbEE3a6pElJw3BmQS6yDV5Ddefd9VqBvenCRHsxX2_cBIQUcpdZy8goasc05hhI58SNEo0I9wztR0IEtRXh2u_s0NXeLWrY-NIl2RfhuUiXXKARgKxwXn7YQDVYQ0EzFSmshKeZa-W_1sTCqpTQujfYUAa/s320/PXL_20240126_152449914.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtles took advantage of anything sticking out <br />of the water.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RU3GWNW1-YTxyF2u_PvYkEqt8JKUvAxCz20MqZO7cZQdlaOtmHaNEfJNucsb4rx69QdtYggcVRRrEp0NxgGmp-yeKFV4Jg3t-TrCIpFzuhgJEF6lx5YQpaWz2msajv0dkfO0wviqZtEc3xdqz-OMStXOhYe50e6UojFFIM9XxShaKqaB-Xzn/s4080/PXL_20240126_152623080.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6RU3GWNW1-YTxyF2u_PvYkEqt8JKUvAxCz20MqZO7cZQdlaOtmHaNEfJNucsb4rx69QdtYggcVRRrEp0NxgGmp-yeKFV4Jg3t-TrCIpFzuhgJEF6lx5YQpaWz2msajv0dkfO0wviqZtEc3xdqz-OMStXOhYe50e6UojFFIM9XxShaKqaB-Xzn/s320/PXL_20240126_152623080.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they share a log with a drying Anhinga</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAjVaakYDlLk8n6P6JpgJYo8WnpkBhQI5y6I5kq0tIgk0Zn0iUjwlpAJREUqUCfP-Q4_oV8BuKqDxM95C8jhr7b6Z4WS-le6BNaJDxYv6Xd-T8aeB1VIzsqQxoJhO-Ny6gflvxrlw3H8DLcUqsXW4NBAXNJ0rFCA3EUT13b-6ZZjr5djCQnfA/s4080/PXL_20240126_154238642.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigAjVaakYDlLk8n6P6JpgJYo8WnpkBhQI5y6I5kq0tIgk0Zn0iUjwlpAJREUqUCfP-Q4_oV8BuKqDxM95C8jhr7b6Z4WS-le6BNaJDxYv6Xd-T8aeB1VIzsqQxoJhO-Ny6gflvxrlw3H8DLcUqsXW4NBAXNJ0rFCA3EUT13b-6ZZjr5djCQnfA/s320/PXL_20240126_154238642.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow egrets are always beautiful</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next it was a short hop north to Silver Springs State Park and it lived up to it's reviews! The campground sites were lovely, widely spaced, mostly drive through sites, with clean bathrooms etc. And the park itself had so much going on. Silver Springs was founded in 1878, the first tourist attraction in Florida. It is the home of artisanal springs, one of which is the largest in the world (wikipedia). Its' glass bottomed boats are still plying the clear waters of the Silver River. Declared a National Natural Landmark in 1971, it was taken over by the State in 2013. A lot of movies and TV series were filmed here, starting in 1930's with the Tarzan movies. Several James Bond movies, the Creature from Black Lagoon (3 of them), Legend, The Yearling and the tv series Sea Hunt were all filmed here, We did the boat tour (fun), rented canoes for exploring the river, and did some of the hiking trails. We'll be back there next time and stay longer. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggInAeE51ohpzES-7bcR_GRwOrTNoWZPRRqqWymwUdDAUW3WGDJGmmgz-AaTFFNBC4w_1TJt-pQMyEAM0u9A1H36ZcA5uUG0yr9JsSmVc6qEzLbhEyUcjazknqWR1fgRvo1Nkzf2YN5_tMJsTbN1WJ4rtseXkGUcQFxtBA2J8zUTj6RbhuoHJl/s4080/PXL_20240126_161125292.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggInAeE51ohpzES-7bcR_GRwOrTNoWZPRRqqWymwUdDAUW3WGDJGmmgz-AaTFFNBC4w_1TJt-pQMyEAM0u9A1H36ZcA5uUG0yr9JsSmVc6qEzLbhEyUcjazknqWR1fgRvo1Nkzf2YN5_tMJsTbN1WJ4rtseXkGUcQFxtBA2J8zUTj6RbhuoHJl/w640-h482/PXL_20240126_161125292.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a map of the canoeing trips available. We just rented for 2 hours and did the loop shown on the big map upper left and an inset middle left enlargement. Next time we'd love to do the long trip down the Silver River. A van picks you up at the end. But you need 4 or 5 hours to do it. </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Our next stop was two nights in Tallahassee at the Big Oaks RV Park. And it really had lots of live oaks, very big ones throughout the park. We had changed our plans to stay in a city when weather reports looked like severe thunderstorms - and then the weather changed! We had some mild storms at night but great days, although it turned cooler.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncpE9Lh-K1s6rZnY5OBqrqcHohS4fzSHLQFHztGOl6ELGwJmOHZtqnczho68Gq5aVD7tQ7ZBCIdyKiUKXuWDsqzrQFTmjynKOYWxSRprg-2w1mAYiX7bpk__aXUEUvdcT-5Ccxc6H-s9X-l8Nm2Yvv-d3ANXAQBB20fAjcbQxvKflDaab59uD/s4080/PXL_20240127_152206826.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncpE9Lh-K1s6rZnY5OBqrqcHohS4fzSHLQFHztGOl6ELGwJmOHZtqnczho68Gq5aVD7tQ7ZBCIdyKiUKXuWDsqzrQFTmjynKOYWxSRprg-2w1mAYiX7bpk__aXUEUvdcT-5Ccxc6H-s9X-l8Nm2Yvv-d3ANXAQBB20fAjcbQxvKflDaab59uD/s320/PXL_20240127_152206826.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main house at Goodwood</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzLH4aT0RNhpc4r6lJn8uIU_0HeHHS58AthMk3GHJpqXObS_C4FwMxwNHaPvOxGa4z1Jo2JXccSxbQsk023-TVgZRfzHI87Ti3GTWlMzJUIBQIOe1be44Xhll3DjQs_n2LXEGYJQddpWR8rHxcVX7s5IzcGJxSmQThz91aXKlRhf9kv_ds3Q0/s4080/PXL_20240127_152226582.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzLH4aT0RNhpc4r6lJn8uIU_0HeHHS58AthMk3GHJpqXObS_C4FwMxwNHaPvOxGa4z1Jo2JXccSxbQsk023-TVgZRfzHI87Ti3GTWlMzJUIBQIOe1be44Xhll3DjQs_n2LXEGYJQddpWR8rHxcVX7s5IzcGJxSmQThz91aXKlRhf9kv_ds3Q0/s320/PXL_20240127_152226582.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grounds and gardens were not at their best<br />in the winter - they do get sort of 4 seasons here.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovsv9i2_MNyceg4jPkTD5EqiezW2UZr929U9gF-moQSsOQrmIMg3rtOO3AML7ovCvEMmXtZw5wcPPeUX1nUMYZKOLRo_6pYMEbbhORYkISbcaDjBadB8x4YZ0KrEUOHdRH4OifMzQ0AWEI9j7Tp-iYlgEqihXE5vLp3scuy5Ic-KmInksIsAm/s4080/PXL_20240128_185824729.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovsv9i2_MNyceg4jPkTD5EqiezW2UZr929U9gF-moQSsOQrmIMg3rtOO3AML7ovCvEMmXtZw5wcPPeUX1nUMYZKOLRo_6pYMEbbhORYkISbcaDjBadB8x4YZ0KrEUOHdRH4OifMzQ0AWEI9j7Tp-iYlgEqihXE5vLp3scuy5Ic-KmInksIsAm/w301-h400/PXL_20240128_185824729.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott right in front of Baby at our beach front<br />site at Santa Rosa RV Park.</td></tr></tbody></table>On our full day there we toured the Goodwood Museum and Gardens. Our knowledgeable tour guide was very involved with the non profit that runs it - for 27 years! The main plantation home was first built in 1850 after the original owner and all his family died in a steamship which sunk in a hurricane off North Carolina. A series of owners expanded and improved the property - until the end of the Civil War, with the labor of the enslaved people on the plantation. In 1911 an extremely wealthy widow, Frances Tiers bought it and poured money into the main house, a pool, guest cottages and lots more. Today it's a popular wedding venue. Our guide included in her talk information about the contributions and lives of some of these enslaved people and we got a brochure with more information on other individuals. A memorial to their lives has been designed and will be constructed this year on the property. It's a beautiful building and unlike many we have toured, totally furnished with original furniture, paintings, clothing, linens - everything!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgENaDTtPAJh0UzrPTxB2KcQntriGk9Q0FzobslBV41NuPDOq6lY_M6Sj47f3DeLJOLib-LOi3dOwAFGtiuAEXwhKFRfzrAsdWHMQTaSjfLQfVNbgxSblEDMGhvsKJHdFeJ3FZQpfVIbtbKaAusOR6tjIG8PTo1VqhrrA-vnbihQ9WvAzx1WU/s4080/PXL_20240129_153750399.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgENaDTtPAJh0UzrPTxB2KcQntriGk9Q0FzobslBV41NuPDOq6lY_M6Sj47f3DeLJOLib-LOi3dOwAFGtiuAEXwhKFRfzrAsdWHMQTaSjfLQfVNbgxSblEDMGhvsKJHdFeJ3FZQpfVIbtbKaAusOR6tjIG8PTo1VqhrrA-vnbihQ9WvAzx1WU/w640-h482/PXL_20240129_153750399.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is the view from our dinette table!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>And now we are happily settled in the Santa Rosa RV Park in Navarre, FL for the next 15 nights! This is only the second time we've stopped in one place since we started land cruising. The only other time was in Dallas/Tulsa with our oldest son Josh and his family. We stayed here for a few nights last year and loved it. We met people and liked them - there is a lot of social life, we are right on the beach, there is a heated pool and unlike, southern Florida, we could get a reservation!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-62812808092363837512024-01-27T16:56:00.004-05:002024-01-27T18:48:21.506-05:00West Coast Visits (Florida that is)<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxStdpALZNbTbEPrQvUnSEfFZtcJoAvRaHlRD0xaZRNrWjRwkau0o8iSi8xhe3iOA4VnQbRaho682xcVGcdHxtAhatKL1ZP-kUJMGz-seX1uR8uVCdqUwozL4IaNi4FN71tU76FnmJ_x3zn501nWCUWMszjiSzXBPgnuNN39GOmtQMneNvpbY/s5184/2024-01-18%2011-17-42%20-%200037.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxStdpALZNbTbEPrQvUnSEfFZtcJoAvRaHlRD0xaZRNrWjRwkau0o8iSi8xhe3iOA4VnQbRaho682xcVGcdHxtAhatKL1ZP-kUJMGz-seX1uR8uVCdqUwozL4IaNi4FN71tU76FnmJ_x3zn501nWCUWMszjiSzXBPgnuNN39GOmtQMneNvpbY/s320/2024-01-18%2011-17-42%20-%200037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long white sand beach on Pelican Landings'<br />private beach</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFExBZ1GTIzjXyTz4TsUsd8tcUDjMKirliJ7yoif0t-WfRWMaRHS1ggHVwukbHBzWDBGoTft3f4DELsL_gMkQHTg2uMwB4NDOeKTBzSaMrlZPJeQkMqHLh1om-yoXl1wIBlrzvNY_kl3ZToNXIBmuUC8j83btsgkLbY0pAQ_6GN2-etSBgDQj/s5184/2024-01-18%2011-20-18%20-%200046.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFExBZ1GTIzjXyTz4TsUsd8tcUDjMKirliJ7yoif0t-WfRWMaRHS1ggHVwukbHBzWDBGoTft3f4DELsL_gMkQHTg2uMwB4NDOeKTBzSaMrlZPJeQkMqHLh1om-yoXl1wIBlrzvNY_kl3ZToNXIBmuUC8j83btsgkLbY0pAQ_6GN2-etSBgDQj/s320/2024-01-18%2011-20-18%20-%200046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott loves to take pictures of the wildlife</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokGrJaLjZThtJHIbqxd1tHBjiG4gjlN7Fj8WNYyP0ToNJnMxLqIKIgkmg93r0MH0d_xvDuuB5oHxpE4zlc3Jmb4IKhZhmg6NiA-rkvdLpF3-ZlzieOCCKr4QOSFg2Is425qbQaNNHLKadIBE95-PTu7_0tWQZ2u-4MBpowKjCxGXA_Gr-zEwk/s5184/2024-01-18%2011-24-31%20-%200057.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokGrJaLjZThtJHIbqxd1tHBjiG4gjlN7Fj8WNYyP0ToNJnMxLqIKIgkmg93r0MH0d_xvDuuB5oHxpE4zlc3Jmb4IKhZhmg6NiA-rkvdLpF3-ZlzieOCCKr4QOSFg2Is425qbQaNNHLKadIBE95-PTu7_0tWQZ2u-4MBpowKjCxGXA_Gr-zEwk/s320/2024-01-18%2011-24-31%20-%200057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This reminds me of the Hitchcock movie, "The<br />Birds"!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>We crossed over the state of Florida from Jupiter to Bonita Springs to visit our cruiser friend Barbara. We met her and her husband in Trinidad back in 2005. They were on their boat Enkidu then, but not long after, sold her and bought a home on Bonaire. We spent quite a bit of time with them there but after their divorce, and her move to Florida, we remained friends with Barbara. She visits us up in Vermont in the fall and we return the visit in January. Her home is in a huge development named Pelican Landing - it would be a good sized city in Vermont! There is a gated community inside their gated community. After the last hurricane it was a year before their beach, on a barrier island, opened again. Happily we had a nice morning to take the boat shuttle out there and walk the beach. Having worked up a good appetite, we had a great lunch and walk around the Shangri-La Hotel in the historic downtown. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaX4AxXthW38FuFgpMm2Rv7j-mID4SlDy8zm1yUdbFn9B3LWrRtlg7NiJJ1gUwpejIe8w8gRkesa8P9KQR8QsnJEwyeYpLUJV3bh62Zhi7PehDRWJhySyXiJhg7lSW3QIlan-cPdhlLmLHv4MT4xY_pl4BFCazYqiedEdzgiZ-12I7L-SZegi/s4080/PXL_20240118_181840861.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaX4AxXthW38FuFgpMm2Rv7j-mID4SlDy8zm1yUdbFn9B3LWrRtlg7NiJJ1gUwpejIe8w8gRkesa8P9KQR8QsnJEwyeYpLUJV3bh62Zhi7PehDRWJhySyXiJhg7lSW3QIlan-cPdhlLmLHv4MT4xY_pl4BFCazYqiedEdzgiZ-12I7L-SZegi/s320/PXL_20240118_181840861.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The farm to table restaurant is highly rated and<br />we agree!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Nvs-epXjuD2HTZ532Ein2TEdZY_Yt_0sZwtGwAyNYxMgf_0Yk5_eRNRNKWs7oh5D-W49AoquQ62LADu-pdMd27qEgi8FUfT-J4acBnfwiB-zDJBV1FZwkLpMMdScsbTHxJq6Qx3QpqjKjOpvHB2zH7UeBcykGLh7ACugDD6lz5n4bpZNeFC/s4080/PXL_20240118_185447331.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-Nvs-epXjuD2HTZ532Ein2TEdZY_Yt_0sZwtGwAyNYxMgf_0Yk5_eRNRNKWs7oh5D-W49AoquQ62LADu-pdMd27qEgi8FUfT-J4acBnfwiB-zDJBV1FZwkLpMMdScsbTHxJq6Qx3QpqjKjOpvHB2zH7UeBcykGLh7ACugDD6lz5n4bpZNeFC/s320/PXL_20240118_185447331.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The landscaping is wonderful at the Shangri-La<br />Hotel, originally built in 1921 and a historic<br />landmark downtown.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Next we had two couples to visit, both in St. Petersburg, several hours north. Bill and Suzanne are renovating a home there. I first met Bill in 1969 when I rented an apartment in the "Old Hotel" in Hancock, VT with a group of friends for the ski season. That was the beginning of "the ski group" many of whom are still friends today. Scott and I stopped twice in St. John's, USVI to see them in Scott Free where they are still residents. Bill has had some health problems recently but looked great and we enjoyed a walk along the bay and lunch at an excellent Turkish/Greek restaurant, Mio's Grill. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBff1lqhg0x65EQldslssaNpSVmD7HmZR2aiRdYPlDPpuLNBGIev0UVmlcmT3WZrj6Na8KlxvfS5GQgAFPurmRF7-jFKMxT5PmVFr0GV3BAKcQnWrweP8mHUND81R_AGoCaGOA49JISJa0ldl68DitAP1zpc_XJ6vSOL3UwncKqHT99N6FWuv/s4160/IMG_20240120_141006041.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBff1lqhg0x65EQldslssaNpSVmD7HmZR2aiRdYPlDPpuLNBGIev0UVmlcmT3WZrj6Na8KlxvfS5GQgAFPurmRF7-jFKMxT5PmVFr0GV3BAKcQnWrweP8mHUND81R_AGoCaGOA49JISJa0ldl68DitAP1zpc_XJ6vSOL3UwncKqHT99N6FWuv/s320/IMG_20240120_141006041.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzanne & Bill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxY13RxDqxhl0cnKophyphenhyphen9H-dKCC0wxoLOxVG5JWmgYt_GVkj4X4fpfvqIXtt9tCxzfIgI4OLt9atJwxLs5l7VtLjhjlMTvmPuXO5DsPm8RYL1FpY8Jig0Xaiav4qZpYMwINuhEl6W-brF45FCqhxdsks1Cv25OdxrqpYxynJ8LGtgow3c_pns/s4160/IMG_20240120_141853205.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxY13RxDqxhl0cnKophyphenhyphen9H-dKCC0wxoLOxVG5JWmgYt_GVkj4X4fpfvqIXtt9tCxzfIgI4OLt9atJwxLs5l7VtLjhjlMTvmPuXO5DsPm8RYL1FpY8Jig0Xaiav4qZpYMwINuhEl6W-brF45FCqhxdsks1Cv25OdxrqpYxynJ8LGtgow3c_pns/s320/IMG_20240120_141853205.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mio's Cafe & Grill for an excellent lunch<br />and time to catch up with these old friends.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It was only a half mile down 1st St to my cousin Joanie's home for 3 nights. Joanie and Kent are world travelers and were leaving in only a few days for Antarctica!! Joanie and her sister Mary, along with 5 other siblings were the children of my mother's sister and we all grew up together. Mary came down the first night for dinner and her daughter and husband came for another night. We enjoyed two of the many great museums in St. Petersburg, The Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art was first and the second, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art. Both were wonderful. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Tx1uNiYycA2Vde9LyXYXnIZrQLJ9CG6-UNPL5G7WVlIjE67gDByG7F51vLujLmGhUA0tXFS0jbS5FsK7IXkpT0dCQw14oSBdBhpYXmcNHQF8e-FEslzGZIhVO9fMc2QNaxvPGQIRyIZJhpU15rJGEFBtVMvtCq-IqN6-5h3Deu3IbAvJOfu-/s2048/IMG_5409.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Tx1uNiYycA2Vde9LyXYXnIZrQLJ9CG6-UNPL5G7WVlIjE67gDByG7F51vLujLmGhUA0tXFS0jbS5FsK7IXkpT0dCQw14oSBdBhpYXmcNHQF8e-FEslzGZIhVO9fMc2QNaxvPGQIRyIZJhpU15rJGEFBtVMvtCq-IqN6-5h3Deu3IbAvJOfu-/s320/IMG_5409.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the James' Museum. As you can <br />see the weather was cool.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DnfjYIcpaVlJT9_q7-6fGTTgfI_XmVR6k6TktU8zBwrTvqjDFF_cFCggeaFBWkzkKQHaIzr97MLJ_zEca-E92kRNQdXZ2V1k4Fwf6tt4WAD31alwXrsqjT8ZNWR-S4dnI-OVKqM8_723rBL9ctuuQZtbBF9RmJ35IoW7BF6u8HMNcjtaABKB/s1024/IMG_5417.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DnfjYIcpaVlJT9_q7-6fGTTgfI_XmVR6k6TktU8zBwrTvqjDFF_cFCggeaFBWkzkKQHaIzr97MLJ_zEca-E92kRNQdXZ2V1k4Fwf6tt4WAD31alwXrsqjT8ZNWR-S4dnI-OVKqM8_723rBL9ctuuQZtbBF9RmJ35IoW7BF6u8HMNcjtaABKB/s320/IMG_5417.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanie and I make pose with William Cody, a distant<br />but not direct relative of mine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7dT4rKtn01U7LQ8mzRAeTZvhHTFbmdGo8Niq7DIXiN36-AD7CYnOsKrzZDWJP-CAyq_Xc6AkAgF2nducdq4nozkAZkApFJLD64m9-OfRX6skyOQ0sojosNgW6EWPUqu4pzKNXyQ2AW6cMsqrrVqR91e8riNT-v7MsVoQvjNE9Jq2-van9YzA/s4080/PXL_20240121_170053730.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7dT4rKtn01U7LQ8mzRAeTZvhHTFbmdGo8Niq7DIXiN36-AD7CYnOsKrzZDWJP-CAyq_Xc6AkAgF2nducdq4nozkAZkApFJLD64m9-OfRX6skyOQ0sojosNgW6EWPUqu4pzKNXyQ2AW6cMsqrrVqR91e8riNT-v7MsVoQvjNE9Jq2-van9YzA/w640-h482/PXL_20240121_170053730.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Imagine Museum they had a special exhibit of the glass artist Karen LaMonte. Her life size<br />"sculptures" in glass of women were so beautiful. She started with classical themes but after several years in Japan she did a large series of women from the so called "Floating World" along with exhibits of actual kimonos. It was breathtaking.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kI5XtuRZvDhr8iTxg8zzsezHB_yBrmIYIX-bjMJFt21FnZ5_TJqnenCeYrPCJgiMvHTDtiqpXyysIY7yRrRE-SGf2Jhfz4497vcqy_deq_O5BGls9pMdAb0UelCVaR_n_EN0ILT0ZSSfhNKFZuNwdAIaqwAq-SCO_LLqpI5FKRB9M9BGsnKN/s4080/PXL_20240121_171826256.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kI5XtuRZvDhr8iTxg8zzsezHB_yBrmIYIX-bjMJFt21FnZ5_TJqnenCeYrPCJgiMvHTDtiqpXyysIY7yRrRE-SGf2Jhfz4497vcqy_deq_O5BGls9pMdAb0UelCVaR_n_EN0ILT0ZSSfhNKFZuNwdAIaqwAq-SCO_LLqpI5FKRB9M9BGsnKN/s320/PXL_20240121_171826256.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos do not do justice to any of this.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZRf39PX9q_03UvHyBFUx794jAnnq8dBFbjR155KLgXCVJfcykmZJv6iEWMGg0WE2lCQWJU2mNBZ7hixvR3MHmtK2Cgzc35KMN4XjbS7wmPuBM8-YQGXEELY8AbLWRmYWShoRT3c-KSLzSPU1ZfmxT-FM2Gl4iMPNFKV0oK1J7pvw6uaNS-Lg/s4080/PXL_20240121_173718511.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZRf39PX9q_03UvHyBFUx794jAnnq8dBFbjR155KLgXCVJfcykmZJv6iEWMGg0WE2lCQWJU2mNBZ7hixvR3MHmtK2Cgzc35KMN4XjbS7wmPuBM8-YQGXEELY8AbLWRmYWShoRT3c-KSLzSPU1ZfmxT-FM2Gl4iMPNFKV0oK1J7pvw6uaNS-Lg/w301-h400/PXL_20240121_173718511.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is over 8 feet tall and a combination of <br />glass rods and mirrors. It's like looking into<br />infinity. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuac9Fr08NtBIRoWRT3E5NjGa4zUnaC6eSIu8rUrKmKo0hHcND_cBhT8s9tDLI2itqbne67fCEJmbTChW8MaAF36AIC4aj0BG5IgOlbRiC1ZzY_XtJt8xtGyIPIGqwr2PIfE99pZLK2HIrk9pkuvpgD8PP2NEqXdGOeCKPOy5UBoa9Tw3-fkC/s4080/PXL_20240121_173728717.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuac9Fr08NtBIRoWRT3E5NjGa4zUnaC6eSIu8rUrKmKo0hHcND_cBhT8s9tDLI2itqbne67fCEJmbTChW8MaAF36AIC4aj0BG5IgOlbRiC1ZzY_XtJt8xtGyIPIGqwr2PIfE99pZLK2HIrk9pkuvpgD8PP2NEqXdGOeCKPOy5UBoa9Tw3-fkC/s320/PXL_20240121_173728717.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7ewnnAJ8KwDmKEyWOz8Q4ckopqPueQ7BoqKl5tbjcnp1lAz484pBhGRJSPbhmWdGPS1ErZYK6fcMrzJZDNpRYtc9k_w_-DVG1NkbDMyoOMW36l-coQtMcBq0xCWM9ka0g7gjIUV7FCBltHY9KeQmneulQZSK3YHaW9vsDkTNRnqdjJA_47iG/s4080/PXL_20240122_172023507.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt7ewnnAJ8KwDmKEyWOz8Q4ckopqPueQ7BoqKl5tbjcnp1lAz484pBhGRJSPbhmWdGPS1ErZYK6fcMrzJZDNpRYtc9k_w_-DVG1NkbDMyoOMW36l-coQtMcBq0xCWM9ka0g7gjIUV7FCBltHY9KeQmneulQZSK3YHaW9vsDkTNRnqdjJA_47iG/s320/PXL_20240122_172023507.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A loved this painting in the James Museum - the<br />works were collected over time by Tom and <br />Mary James and are of living artists.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0XTBptihrlY-EMxjxSCAlgKAnYXiINvefdxW4UpAGAKC2LxTcjkxE_AbY5iO_fXp5TtIkNIOxdK4boo2aQ4aQG0SivFAkIbV7ZBHraze8e94AaDCAaDe-3_crNx2If62X6OEnYbSCV18RT1TrUYDbwfCOhH_O6sV9meMu0t1fYlK_neMfr6S/s4080/PXL_20240122_172543828.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0XTBptihrlY-EMxjxSCAlgKAnYXiINvefdxW4UpAGAKC2LxTcjkxE_AbY5iO_fXp5TtIkNIOxdK4boo2aQ4aQG0SivFAkIbV7ZBHraze8e94AaDCAaDe-3_crNx2If62X6OEnYbSCV18RT1TrUYDbwfCOhH_O6sV9meMu0t1fYlK_neMfr6S/w301-h400/PXL_20240122_172543828.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The jewelry was so beautiful. This is a close<br />up because I loved the grin on the bear!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBREm_Gy2GAxl5JS59MCHbh1KESsVIa3Z8dZHmvVbv2Oa3Xt6yFvd_uP79kszcsrPZ9G6TIuasMao1LbFMBGl5TbgOF5M7T2Z632ixV9sFY91_TlI7cUdqc1PcLNTBoHNVq57-oyNokQg5v8WJmBaKlkQyMWwIUVKj2nAZ-2leHdO5S84eqJH/s4080/PXL_20240122_172833483.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBREm_Gy2GAxl5JS59MCHbh1KESsVIa3Z8dZHmvVbv2Oa3Xt6yFvd_uP79kszcsrPZ9G6TIuasMao1LbFMBGl5TbgOF5M7T2Z632ixV9sFY91_TlI7cUdqc1PcLNTBoHNVq57-oyNokQg5v8WJmBaKlkQyMWwIUVKj2nAZ-2leHdO5S84eqJH/s320/PXL_20240122_172833483.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every medium was represented, here a piece in<br />pottery of the Long Walk.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENWG54J0KWYgvvCwminM3PFqZLrnoK6LPxxrrdrsvcJPZQI7dKiV9U24jcABH-T0Y3d68u_9apdYaqpC7Cx_Xb0nP_8I7K4FTfER8e1G2udSc-2LJHJHV4OnK5G_S3xmtdkwvoX7LMqRAgn4oaTxShjeXneFx-u4WmZknjoqQnq4Erq8ecTX-/s4080/PXL_20240122_164346120.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENWG54J0KWYgvvCwminM3PFqZLrnoK6LPxxrrdrsvcJPZQI7dKiV9U24jcABH-T0Y3d68u_9apdYaqpC7Cx_Xb0nP_8I7K4FTfER8e1G2udSc-2LJHJHV4OnK5G_S3xmtdkwvoX7LMqRAgn4oaTxShjeXneFx-u4WmZknjoqQnq4Erq8ecTX-/s320/PXL_20240122_164346120.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not as much a fan of wildlife art but this oil<br />of the three cubs and the turtle was such fun.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRNSSXSmWfaT1n19MEwTowd3Q22aaEZK8NeYyu74CTJs7nHddxqWLrEOkDtw4s644sJx3X4fQmxVfuqt7NkGH9dOFuVw0B0PHE8Sg84ff9lm_huUGaBcaNX-CZ_a1Z1wWoLyAtiiEmBVnAIDaARRu4mMy3AR_sbBEuHFJbBOcUeW5bxbSzpG_/s4080/PXL_20240123_144819738.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRNSSXSmWfaT1n19MEwTowd3Q22aaEZK8NeYyu74CTJs7nHddxqWLrEOkDtw4s644sJx3X4fQmxVfuqt7NkGH9dOFuVw0B0PHE8Sg84ff9lm_huUGaBcaNX-CZ_a1Z1wWoLyAtiiEmBVnAIDaARRu4mMy3AR_sbBEuHFJbBOcUeW5bxbSzpG_/w640-h482/PXL_20240123_144819738.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the cool weather the sun allowed us to spend some time in their huge porch living room. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxct1MxwGmRLVG47fv7gvP0Fa-e5pydtsjs2ew25rEj1z0dwvAyNQ018K2OtW1inPufbNjuYOzKebkCnbBHtPamKDLEfFOxl9XTyYBb0ZjeWcfyJGWZpPhGwv70_TtiJnIjOKf0b1v4QD7wXya4tkV22zxzJf542r7lJncrSac6Ho1YjkyRAr9/s3648/PXL_20240123_145011523.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxct1MxwGmRLVG47fv7gvP0Fa-e5pydtsjs2ew25rEj1z0dwvAyNQ018K2OtW1inPufbNjuYOzKebkCnbBHtPamKDLEfFOxl9XTyYBb0ZjeWcfyJGWZpPhGwv70_TtiJnIjOKf0b1v4QD7wXya4tkV22zxzJf542r7lJncrSac6Ho1YjkyRAr9/s320/PXL_20240123_145011523.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I selfie of Scott, myself, Joanie and Kent just before<br />we left.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>But then it was time to return to Baby, left at Harpal & Jeannie's in Winter Park. One more night with them enjoying dinner out at a Peruvian Restaurant! We learned to love Peruvian cuisine while there for 2 moths and look for another opportunity when we can. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z7LYQNWX8DS6PR8Mqgj7Lxdi5araf61YAVsUZJdBd0JMR7hmKBsh0Gx1J6-lTegDdEwJSxQF7jTHDZonyDpXpSkciazV1dyNVzd_IknR9_f-hTsVIHCRMImMfStl2PtuL7zzCIPQuvd_vzFdHjE556PXwKzI5FUatgT-sF8YdcpsoX3v9ahM/s4080/PXL_20240123_222704828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Z7LYQNWX8DS6PR8Mqgj7Lxdi5araf61YAVsUZJdBd0JMR7hmKBsh0Gx1J6-lTegDdEwJSxQF7jTHDZonyDpXpSkciazV1dyNVzd_IknR9_f-hTsVIHCRMImMfStl2PtuL7zzCIPQuvd_vzFdHjE556PXwKzI5FUatgT-sF8YdcpsoX3v9ahM/s320/PXL_20240123_222704828.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby at Harpal's in Winer Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqbdF0g7qROia1vRxoQHs4dbbsHDmavVcKukiUAW5ASRD5fdLLt1ROtIEta00v5wLLnS7PmvI0pTOkm8ZUicZeKtDGbXbeHpOvTD2i3UnI6k9NkkdO9VCfTGfbfvzgUn3dgXS-l2SKRLafObizRqScRoSVjm0byZYmBMJpwzIEozbIcULkfRg/s4080/PXL_20240124_004107038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqbdF0g7qROia1vRxoQHs4dbbsHDmavVcKukiUAW5ASRD5fdLLt1ROtIEta00v5wLLnS7PmvI0pTOkm8ZUicZeKtDGbXbeHpOvTD2i3UnI6k9NkkdO9VCfTGfbfvzgUn3dgXS-l2SKRLafObizRqScRoSVjm0byZYmBMJpwzIEozbIcULkfRg/w640-h482/PXL_20240124_004107038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeannie, myself, Harpal and Scott out for dinner. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-45417091529031940412024-01-18T17:27:00.001-05:002024-01-18T21:06:35.964-05:00Way Down South<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPISdVuGt7_cszsD5cnqkWTQhuiQ4qNOyUWworuvFMh8Luxc0aQ24OUFoYbFvG1pOf0bJbhDbiwSX8dP_FXe_ZtcgzFmK1dJFxXOyK-6eB9sE8mnqlD6pTAURB1K_VfllZK0qLToADvWr0XJFYRwH5rYbOpy3vNxmHfDw4wZCO6Un2tPYo26k4/s3485/PXL_20240113_221812913.NIGHT~2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3485" data-original-width="3070" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPISdVuGt7_cszsD5cnqkWTQhuiQ4qNOyUWworuvFMh8Luxc0aQ24OUFoYbFvG1pOf0bJbhDbiwSX8dP_FXe_ZtcgzFmK1dJFxXOyK-6eB9sE8mnqlD6pTAURB1K_VfllZK0qLToADvWr0XJFYRwH5rYbOpy3vNxmHfDw4wZCO6Un2tPYo26k4/w564-h640/PXL_20240113_221812913.NIGHT~2.jpg" width="564" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and I enjoy a celebratory dinner at Vic's on the River restaurant on our last night in Savannah. </td></tr></tbody></table><div>Right now Scott and I are enjoying 75 degree sunshine in Bonita Springs, FL We feel guilty seeing the sub freezing cold over much of the U.S, But it was quite a bit cooler up in Savannah as you can see from our sweaters and jackets in the photo above. But we had plenty of time to do a lot of walking around that lovely city before continuing south to Florida. Besides our amazing dinner at Vic's we had a wonderful brunch at Collins Quarter which our son Sean had recommended. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqToIKIU2nbSTV-Kkxv-EsXmMf2qjaAaJFG0AEyX1MAJVvCWsjjzPhGOFjoOwfqbj92an_WIrEWcPYSEdr4bUorXjpy9UaG28wzZ8XKnSwQhejSiLFzgoPfDLyhRJJVlyqFrYbbrxfnGZaFTbELTJxsQDsJeA-K0nk5EGtXgRYwQoMTjsGbXvD/s4160/IMG_20240112_122611408_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqToIKIU2nbSTV-Kkxv-EsXmMf2qjaAaJFG0AEyX1MAJVvCWsjjzPhGOFjoOwfqbj92an_WIrEWcPYSEdr4bUorXjpy9UaG28wzZ8XKnSwQhejSiLFzgoPfDLyhRJJVlyqFrYbbrxfnGZaFTbELTJxsQDsJeA-K0nk5EGtXgRYwQoMTjsGbXvD/w300-h400/IMG_20240112_122611408_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our charming waiter Eli poses with<br />Scott at Collins Quarter in Forsythe<br />Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTK9Jdggoir9rdlPUMLf9tjnydalgG8f4PiddP9r39ZgK7ldxrTBcB1kJRQBs1YsEBwxmGuf87TEY_jzrZVhOuwnosc2zp9wIWYHAgAmdW28sYPjRqWbDuvSmFZiJ9t-KCfc19bPyrWR1qsca0WWvwyGJcj_a5AI3z6md4ZabIDeeKjAvbC2G/s4080/PXL_20240112_172813147.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTK9Jdggoir9rdlPUMLf9tjnydalgG8f4PiddP9r39ZgK7ldxrTBcB1kJRQBs1YsEBwxmGuf87TEY_jzrZVhOuwnosc2zp9wIWYHAgAmdW28sYPjRqWbDuvSmFZiJ9t-KCfc19bPyrWR1qsca0WWvwyGJcj_a5AI3z6md4ZabIDeeKjAvbC2G/w301-h400/PXL_20240112_172813147.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's amazing Bloody Mary with shrimp and<br />bacon (plus a few other things)!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our last day we had a tour of Wormsloe State Historic Site near Skidaway Island State Park. One of the first group of Europeans that came to settle in Savannah, Noble Jones obtained a grant for 500 acres of land on the Isle of Hope in 1736 and built a fortified house at the tip. It was part of a series of defensive fortifications against an invasion by the Spanish. He later built a plantation there and his descendants finally gave a portion of it to the State in 1978. A charming guide walked us over the park explaining the history of the site and the environment. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5z-0hBlWPRi6nx_zFZC-Nqf_DTZ0dd3reZax-J2sSI7CvGzm0zgsMndIFNDeipLbOkeWtrlEFi1FED8s_ECHgGN4v_t6ZTrs6TPkc-xCdXywpJd5xzjOW2FYMwe17eUFlAam9DiKx_cifwo1tK_w4B23aM-LUG9HEZCSq90CLLw_DIocwgJf/s4080/PXL_20240113_183614185.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5z-0hBlWPRi6nx_zFZC-Nqf_DTZ0dd3reZax-J2sSI7CvGzm0zgsMndIFNDeipLbOkeWtrlEFi1FED8s_ECHgGN4v_t6ZTrs6TPkc-xCdXywpJd5xzjOW2FYMwe17eUFlAam9DiKx_cifwo1tK_w4B23aM-LUG9HEZCSq90CLLw_DIocwgJf/w640-h482/PXL_20240113_183614185.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over 400 live oak trees line the beautiful mile long avenue into Wormsloe Historic Site. They were planted in 1893 and are draped by Spanish moss. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXUBOeUo49gSPXqXYqk3N2-Cd36XdhFpHVTGf1OiSMLAMkD9kR2NQD05vTGZO5uEVlRl9v0INPZ1d3b4Vu5nPgVDIFZ3ASuNPW8Wx6LvJBB0KQlMs7-GMGJvnoxLr8SewVhHFG610wK6-sfX6gXkTBokzjP84Eft3qSvJZbnp2fwKAhC404Dj/s4080/PXL_20240113_194154155.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdXUBOeUo49gSPXqXYqk3N2-Cd36XdhFpHVTGf1OiSMLAMkD9kR2NQD05vTGZO5uEVlRl9v0INPZ1d3b4Vu5nPgVDIFZ3ASuNPW8Wx6LvJBB0KQlMs7-GMGJvnoxLr8SewVhHFG610wK6-sfX6gXkTBokzjP84Eft3qSvJZbnp2fwKAhC404Dj/w640-h482/PXL_20240113_194154155.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the tip of the property a fortified building housed a small band of soldiers that were protecting the England settlement of Savannah from the Spanish.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QLheq3zy97jWpi6WXgOfrq5qldpaPx33e4aPuySeolO-pLAEHPl540suVriARFLgIBc3xX_tU85e08TvXRp0B7IZ7pxiWpSRtaNxix2XyT4aY7rjWRLc1YZW0UgVdjZp0p1QowsH9B_32fx7Z74G60QgqKBDoXewn7SxZ-J0Qsdx9aMyoogp/s4080/PXL_20240113_194204587.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QLheq3zy97jWpi6WXgOfrq5qldpaPx33e4aPuySeolO-pLAEHPl540suVriARFLgIBc3xX_tU85e08TvXRp0B7IZ7pxiWpSRtaNxix2XyT4aY7rjWRLc1YZW0UgVdjZp0p1QowsH9B_32fx7Z74G60QgqKBDoXewn7SxZ-J0Qsdx9aMyoogp/s320/PXL_20240113_194204587.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide on the left gave us a vivid picture of life<br />for the residents of this plantation </td></tr></tbody></table><div>From Savannah we drove down to Winter Park, FL to stay with my old friend Harpal, his wife Jeannie and their son Sunjay. Harpal went to B.U. with my sister Paula and we've been friends since 1969. The last few years we've left Baby in their yard while we continue further south. Harpal made a delicious Indian dinner to welcome us and the next night took us out for a fun Asian Street Food restaurant. During the day we walked around the lake in the center of Winter Park, which has a very charming low rise historic center. </div><div>Next we continued south to visit our Shrewsbury, Vermont neighbors and friends Weezie and Stan in their beautiful condo in Jupiter, FL. Weezie impressed us by making homemade fettuccini which she served with shrimp, sun dried tomatoes and artichokes. Yummy! We took pictures of the pasta machine box because this has convinced me to start making my own pasta from now on. Scott's giving me the same pasta machine for my birthday! The next morning we walked over part of their golf course for a delicious breakfast overlooking the links. </div><div>All too soon we were off again, next to Bonita Springs on the west coast. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPfmGNLB-CSV6QBDGvq0HN9D_UR5YZD4U6pmgfir8_Tle72i2jRbWSV2VFo0AqrEklL6cSdQLFHJeesgDJERYoQCzMD9pMYRxkIxLK72TiPe71BVkgo-6YWZ2MdbWFTY4yobTvfAmHqUCj63es4bBFs3j59iIMbYs_jENckTWYX22I8iT1hHt/s4080/PXL_20240116_011200025.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPfmGNLB-CSV6QBDGvq0HN9D_UR5YZD4U6pmgfir8_Tle72i2jRbWSV2VFo0AqrEklL6cSdQLFHJeesgDJERYoQCzMD9pMYRxkIxLK72TiPe71BVkgo-6YWZ2MdbWFTY4yobTvfAmHqUCj63es4bBFs3j59iIMbYs_jENckTWYX22I8iT1hHt/w640-h482/PXL_20240116_011200025.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harpal, Jeannie and Sunjay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjqBipGB3Xv5XLLImi0izcOnTaqpUmbMnK1mPQv3c69tFAlSUw-nMiIuxkGI-R7V_UrELHPfor5JapoAsZjOtgtpsCXgYLEQTZhMmqq0-xPLdSr2QmgkoU4DS6m-Rq-zu8a9bghzVnot1m0Hl1qfUgN3sixREimPr6vhANUOUEqFHIDqn6n9i/s2959/PXL_20240116_013025257.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2620" data-original-width="2959" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjqBipGB3Xv5XLLImi0izcOnTaqpUmbMnK1mPQv3c69tFAlSUw-nMiIuxkGI-R7V_UrELHPfor5JapoAsZjOtgtpsCXgYLEQTZhMmqq0-xPLdSr2QmgkoU4DS6m-Rq-zu8a9bghzVnot1m0Hl1qfUgN3sixREimPr6vhANUOUEqFHIDqn6n9i/w640-h566/PXL_20240116_013025257.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a fun dinner together</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatXtB-JnRoSzOVwByi4EteZ1FPPq122ylL9bT8P8-3NAKcOgFuIlQxoT_6oVkXgGmvVGrfMp22hdcE3zis6heoLbuw4og0tCrBxOVMhVtKplUDcopKslUNlb8RsRXQnWA677IEEyFaBr7062of36VBfns2l8P0VeXESlyVhlCVuH9Ek3Bd4dC/s4080/PXL_20240116_233226464.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatXtB-JnRoSzOVwByi4EteZ1FPPq122ylL9bT8P8-3NAKcOgFuIlQxoT_6oVkXgGmvVGrfMp22hdcE3zis6heoLbuw4og0tCrBxOVMhVtKplUDcopKslUNlb8RsRXQnWA677IEEyFaBr7062of36VBfns2l8P0VeXESlyVhlCVuH9Ek3Bd4dC/s320/PXL_20240116_233226464.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott is going to give me an Imperia<br />Pasta maker for my birthday. That's<br />Stan in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfxHgHlZyR18pTBwJWeuWZS86Vmj9X1EtwxBrOnZu__lCdLwLX4PWW3mVtxKI5DZVqkv4HfFV9dgQVy_G7Rrz6K2jU3EWSeZ5B6fXuJWdX0fmHuKSblou5zqgEhRADUxSQupTOLytt7qBzuM-kYvizjvQUwnQX_r-AFkaZaN9tUYTHGR36Gb3/s4032/PXL_20230113_145738009.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfxHgHlZyR18pTBwJWeuWZS86Vmj9X1EtwxBrOnZu__lCdLwLX4PWW3mVtxKI5DZVqkv4HfFV9dgQVy_G7Rrz6K2jU3EWSeZ5B6fXuJWdX0fmHuKSblou5zqgEhRADUxSQupTOLytt7qBzuM-kYvizjvQUwnQX_r-AFkaZaN9tUYTHGR36Gb3/w400-h300/PXL_20230113_145738009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weezie and Stan, friends from Shrewsbury who spend part of <br />the winter at their home in Jupiter, FL</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.5em 0px 1em;"><br /></p></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-71195157614290771742024-01-13T11:37:00.003-05:002024-01-15T15:48:23.826-05:00Storms Here Too!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEMbpvPAJKavXfya-3XfMO9Bh9VGqEQ1tDvL-SF1KesHVBGg7GcdRJaLWZzKi1hZviZc_hJfQVgnCtrRbn_5E-sfsSvM65Cla27MdVmKfYCJljHKmWzw-bxRFDYxuIoHl6AshyphenhyphenlKyeWwZPwzCfZvvlCUsSdl2xwYUFEvWYEyFQmWlmQEA8Jt3/s4080/PXL_20240110_141840310.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXEMbpvPAJKavXfya-3XfMO9Bh9VGqEQ1tDvL-SF1KesHVBGg7GcdRJaLWZzKi1hZviZc_hJfQVgnCtrRbn_5E-sfsSvM65Cla27MdVmKfYCJljHKmWzw-bxRFDYxuIoHl6AshyphenhyphenlKyeWwZPwzCfZvvlCUsSdl2xwYUFEvWYEyFQmWlmQEA8Jt3/w640-h482/PXL_20240110_141840310.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate and Stephen with the beautiful view down the lagoon from their living room at Litchfield by the Sea.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>Well it's not snow but we had lots of rain and wind with severe thunderstorms/tornado warnings. So we felt very lucky to be staying with our friends Stephen and Kate at their lovely home at Litchfield by the Sea in South Carolina. Baby was happily set up at in nearby Huntington Beach State Park. Stephen and Kate were neighbors of ours' in Brookline and our kids grew up together. Kate and I were coleaders of a Camp Fire Boys and Girls Club with our two youngest children as members. They were also part of our Family Hiking Group that did a Hut to Hut 2 or 3 night hike each summer over the Presidential Range in N.H.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyDfXOXSPzDe0ab5PPqguby0ZcIM6ZQbvjgqOMu2gVTVq3SfIMgMYUE1uYc3YS3oW0JIf3MzpyN9PQ7I3Jj3CcN_Dcs7ygNlfPgHI3MJL0ybl75s8DwwiMIS9Q1jHCOPzQ4dfSq014nRzSlgVt5Z0np4UilnNTMgdPb0Eraof9Xwl1ZRIktkn/s3648/PXL_20240110_141944334.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKyDfXOXSPzDe0ab5PPqguby0ZcIM6ZQbvjgqOMu2gVTVq3SfIMgMYUE1uYc3YS3oW0JIf3MzpyN9PQ7I3Jj3CcN_Dcs7ygNlfPgHI3MJL0ybl75s8DwwiMIS9Q1jHCOPzQ4dfSq014nRzSlgVt5Z0np4UilnNTMgdPb0Eraof9Xwl1ZRIktkn/s320/PXL_20240110_141944334.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A selfie with the four of us.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>They welcomed us with a terrific dinner and it was great to catch up on news. Stephen's sister Jennifer came for a delicious big breakfast the next morning and then we enjoyed a walk on the beach and around their resort. The next day was very stormy and we planned some indoor activities followed by seeing the movie Boys in the Boat and dinner at the Bonefish Grill. On the way to the theater we had a visit with Stephen's mother, now 96 but living in her own home in a Continuing Care Community. We were handling the storm without an difficulty so it was a surprise to be the only customers in the big restaurant!</p><p>Our next stop was Skidaway Island State Park just outside of Savannah, GA. We've been here before and like the big wooded sites that are almost all pull through. Despite many visits to Savannah (many in our boat), we never get tired of walking around this lovely city. But our first day we retraced out route a little to pay a visit to our friend Debra (formerly of Tango) in Hilton Head. We had a great visit with she and her husband Richard last January but he has since past away, quite unexpectedly, last summer. We had a very nice lunch out and talked about our wonderful times together with them in Trinidad, Bonaire, Aruba and Cartagena, Columbia. Richard was so full of life and other than the rare cancer he was suddenly diagnosed with, in excellent health, so it is really hard to believe he is gone. We were glad to see that Debra has such a good supportive community and very close family. That afternoon she took us to see the Coastal Discovery Museum nearby and we enjoyed their exhibits inside and beautiful camellia garden outside. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgnQ3BQVKwaMSLUVVpUTwgFER3kzbRV5enAoO4Vo2PmhdAvG3V5ICJBlS5NJBESZ_jyiKEoDzmp8NUt9nxmYXxt1zH8-lDvlrCwCBiwxdrHQfpikPnp6J0Zkw5JmaaxnGqEGtOsyDrw7e5vB0_1rrTJfxkUFF4r2-XY04pTQ71IbjNhnvVgod/s4080/PXL_20240111_180300544.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgnQ3BQVKwaMSLUVVpUTwgFER3kzbRV5enAoO4Vo2PmhdAvG3V5ICJBlS5NJBESZ_jyiKEoDzmp8NUt9nxmYXxt1zH8-lDvlrCwCBiwxdrHQfpikPnp6J0Zkw5JmaaxnGqEGtOsyDrw7e5vB0_1rrTJfxkUFF4r2-XY04pTQ71IbjNhnvVgod/s320/PXL_20240111_180300544.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debra and Scott enjoying lunch, Scott is <br />showing off his dozen oysters!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9g6yJtu7OUs5VJ3KCu0NdjSoegu4kMYtlpzUxJSIyATXb6mIP3UCDKEx5alMzki-d-iYfDi-wYcuK18AHpwktPLzwR-QIxZ-fcHE_1QcLMObmtE87GJPTzaYJ-zCtSC5oMzD-zwtJgS-FZcIYQOQwsX2suJBffaV9ihH2XKccBoCgPKxZvd2/s4080/PXL_20240111_193532808.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX9g6yJtu7OUs5VJ3KCu0NdjSoegu4kMYtlpzUxJSIyATXb6mIP3UCDKEx5alMzki-d-iYfDi-wYcuK18AHpwktPLzwR-QIxZ-fcHE_1QcLMObmtE87GJPTzaYJ-zCtSC5oMzD-zwtJgS-FZcIYQOQwsX2suJBffaV9ihH2XKccBoCgPKxZvd2/s320/PXL_20240111_193532808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely grounds at the Costal Discovery <br />Museum at Hilton Head</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT6YnKwDZmTFU1h1AV41OZVSXcsfsbKIyY7dtVYyZ7aAYp071GgIkmoKoIUIq29lDe6_3B38hsnzBhc7JRrmYb3350NItl4rxxBgztzrxhmNBcEvSj5lBz8ffsLp4JC7AnkKuPOZn_e2a_QDZ6bbPMQ67lDVZAvPyO2ktv48jdxxsnwfOwpdD/s4080/PXL_20240111_194018843.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT6YnKwDZmTFU1h1AV41OZVSXcsfsbKIyY7dtVYyZ7aAYp071GgIkmoKoIUIq29lDe6_3B38hsnzBhc7JRrmYb3350NItl4rxxBgztzrxhmNBcEvSj5lBz8ffsLp4JC7AnkKuPOZn_e2a_QDZ6bbPMQ67lDVZAvPyO2ktv48jdxxsnwfOwpdD/w301-h400/PXL_20240111_194018843.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVED the camellias!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6zPPZ5_A0rR1MFaYYEpMVpIcA3BLAXQjiXM4X8NIWNdG-YyouNoe3J_OE2ovQvt8jf45tUqpWrl6reRCHJF6kb_kajSXuo0jQnmpozfmdUxBSeARYgIG9uNvQt-9xQ0NKYmYdxrcDt3QZYX4AytYkdJ7_3ifNXShhs3wGaCnOde6N93TRAj/s4080/PXL_20240111_194042438.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1p6zPPZ5_A0rR1MFaYYEpMVpIcA3BLAXQjiXM4X8NIWNdG-YyouNoe3J_OE2ovQvt8jf45tUqpWrl6reRCHJF6kb_kajSXuo0jQnmpozfmdUxBSeARYgIG9uNvQt-9xQ0NKYmYdxrcDt3QZYX4AytYkdJ7_3ifNXShhs3wGaCnOde6N93TRAj/s320/PXL_20240111_194042438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And there were so many, every one beautiful.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OsGaA_2dSxNJMFbU9k-rz548NgktkoCUyQRjgxaP8cpMrTCcnEE7xWS0I0tnsX2O-D9E_Bq_gd-GuUSxjzwXp3rsh8PRiG9VEWNta-mgIbJJi9zBt_FJGa2gjAvgDw5MEJEbwpTHlNxoXzS7z6Jt70m5p1KaH2Ki3GAK-CToLMpyrMM4uBi5/s4080/PXL_20240111_194248985.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-OsGaA_2dSxNJMFbU9k-rz548NgktkoCUyQRjgxaP8cpMrTCcnEE7xWS0I0tnsX2O-D9E_Bq_gd-GuUSxjzwXp3rsh8PRiG9VEWNta-mgIbJJi9zBt_FJGa2gjAvgDw5MEJEbwpTHlNxoXzS7z6Jt70m5p1KaH2Ki3GAK-CToLMpyrMM4uBi5/s320/PXL_20240111_194248985.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see my hand below left trying to hold<br />the blossom to take it's photo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Wza0DWGEoS0ga5lJEdLBD-FnhfxrelyPjgHjnX4ik-mQuLQ2RdR6iifqrjtBKeBqcH9_uuanYfTnHEnjwq7ozy1A2VFbLPOINZ7lEBzjWCW2kD7M8OTpNKdGe4N85Ih32vos3qXV8f2PeHBva8jj0SV8DBLeo0DCib-uYDp39aOVDtbx2px/s4080/PXL_20240113_153317791.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1Wza0DWGEoS0ga5lJEdLBD-FnhfxrelyPjgHjnX4ik-mQuLQ2RdR6iifqrjtBKeBqcH9_uuanYfTnHEnjwq7ozy1A2VFbLPOINZ7lEBzjWCW2kD7M8OTpNKdGe4N85Ih32vos3qXV8f2PeHBva8jj0SV8DBLeo0DCib-uYDp39aOVDtbx2px/s320/PXL_20240113_153317791.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our secluded site at Skidaway Island State Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5Wa0hxkb7wktlGvk2z10K6GbSttXnyhO-N4qBsjUtRgoAo_RHAwbZg5vIIWRmoVvAP4lBoO8wnrvHfBd5SKHHqbakZpbnCB54J6hdWcVWzC3JnEWF1KYMLAA3oDTOd7A31V5zmixe2hDoG6gVPFpOrHiltlWHm1FHiV5ebHzodyzsX9nRJjE/s4080/PXL_20240113_153326814.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE5Wa0hxkb7wktlGvk2z10K6GbSttXnyhO-N4qBsjUtRgoAo_RHAwbZg5vIIWRmoVvAP4lBoO8wnrvHfBd5SKHHqbakZpbnCB54J6hdWcVWzC3JnEWF1KYMLAA3oDTOd7A31V5zmixe2hDoG6gVPFpOrHiltlWHm1FHiV5ebHzodyzsX9nRJjE/s320/PXL_20240113_153326814.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the view from our dining table.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>More on Savannah in my next post!</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-12781332625636703132024-01-13T08:42:00.000-05:002024-01-13T08:42:09.858-05:00On the Road again...<p><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUx1uxG9whNuQYsagGjqnbJClry9lAWNU5HIVLWDaXHDM9DEdq_0upfACyTlgocS1itx7sTGm7iyBg_sk3Yd_uaVe21E3nVFCx8RhjjnIIT9xS5v0-9VxWPy5g40qH8sZCMmZCQ-m2crp_Q3VvqOibQNtH4DbButhLytUeqCEv8x29V3jhC2U/s4080/PXL_20240102_191902216.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUx1uxG9whNuQYsagGjqnbJClry9lAWNU5HIVLWDaXHDM9DEdq_0upfACyTlgocS1itx7sTGm7iyBg_sk3Yd_uaVe21E3nVFCx8RhjjnIIT9xS5v0-9VxWPy5g40qH8sZCMmZCQ-m2crp_Q3VvqOibQNtH4DbButhLytUeqCEv8x29V3jhC2U/s320/PXL_20240102_191902216.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar Harbor RV Park is right on Chesapeake Bay.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo-7qHiTF6XhyphenhyphenhlEpNOC6bsp-HT5sv25usuzXhar20bHF6hLtv-FozrNfh8eEmHENMZ_pR3cONds8AnkXz5MNoe4XJKP_HGSNBMqg9JPdFEnIRlj2ICND_OSBTneRz0e0bZ__y-I_UUISHqnpSkSWkjARZAOLy1Sos5cPgL80zIAGITvT8r9M/s4080/PXL_20240102_191909974.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQo-7qHiTF6XhyphenhyphenhlEpNOC6bsp-HT5sv25usuzXhar20bHF6hLtv-FozrNfh8eEmHENMZ_pR3cONds8AnkXz5MNoe4XJKP_HGSNBMqg9JPdFEnIRlj2ICND_OSBTneRz0e0bZ__y-I_UUISHqnpSkSWkjARZAOLy1Sos5cPgL80zIAGITvT8r9M/s320/PXL_20240102_191909974.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were a lot of ducks, some geese and tons<br />of squirrels. Our neighbors had to keep a tight<br />leash on their dogs.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Junior, Baby, Scott and I are on the road again! First we are heading south to Florida and then west to Arizona. This year we'll turn around there and drive back east to Texas and then home via Washington DC and my sister's in Maryland. Along the way we are visiting family and friends. We'll stay in State and National Parks, Harvest Host locations and assorted RV Parks.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpdlkpsAlJ743W_22NY-dFCZeKyzBn0_sF3WW9PMP6BzRRkcvpz8poKbpw-qsbuAy9YRs6ZFk5FO8ZClcVSKapXnb6Tym1MfUVzgxXgzsW4monuzxVhwRPxIVQks_vlP3ha0dyUek9ZpSr7UEnGtIL4aIkzvfZOY7XTYy2OdaVQVK0qYvq6Go/s4080/PXL_20240107_141623375.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpdlkpsAlJ743W_22NY-dFCZeKyzBn0_sF3WW9PMP6BzRRkcvpz8poKbpw-qsbuAy9YRs6ZFk5FO8ZClcVSKapXnb6Tym1MfUVzgxXgzsW4monuzxVhwRPxIVQks_vlP3ha0dyUek9ZpSr7UEnGtIL4aIkzvfZOY7XTYy2OdaVQVK0qYvq6Go/w640-h482/PXL_20240107_141623375.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After leaving Paula in Maryland we headed down to Walt & Honoree Cooper's home in Carthage,<br />NC. Baby settled into Site #1 in front of their home, one of her all time favorites!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>After a wonderful Christmas week with our children Josh, James and Sean and their families - 15 of us overall and all staying in our house, we left on December 29th. After the last two years of digging Baby out of multiple feet of snow, we left her down in Maryland in late October. So it was just Junior and ourselves packed full of too many things! And of course, there was no snow. But we had a miserable trip despite the good weather. One and one half hours into the trip. Scott thought we had left the trailer hitch in the garage. Three hours of extra driving and a futile half hour searching later, we were back on track. We had left the hitch down at the trailer in Maryland!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMH4dzXxkzn7fC0Hix6F6xz8JSl4xtT-xo9h-FfB8w9pRvdq99Z1U57b9vOJkD9NQnYas9d1GCz_jJYHr_ZMU1Nm-JZEKvgOH0y5qK-1SfqIE7uFVAws2kyNsTo3Wg1vuEzwdGcoimrcTZPjRF5jfYz4GRDxn52VCObhxE99NvGKh7ZIDb4rv/s4080/PXL_20240107_141638944.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMH4dzXxkzn7fC0Hix6F6xz8JSl4xtT-xo9h-FfB8w9pRvdq99Z1U57b9vOJkD9NQnYas9d1GCz_jJYHr_ZMU1Nm-JZEKvgOH0y5qK-1SfqIE7uFVAws2kyNsTo3Wg1vuEzwdGcoimrcTZPjRF5jfYz4GRDxn52VCObhxE99NvGKh7ZIDb4rv/s320/PXL_20240107_141638944.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott, Walt and Honoree on a hike around their<br />extensive property.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSC1OwiTmPPc-QYAI4MKjBm4j9Cz7jdO5RVgqBB-CO4-2PQFVUzjmPQFQeYJ5YdLLCImb-pOtfCDJhmyZiZjkVwl8JD4-b5XFqB6WKtkxPWbxbB1KUFJHVTIPBsyY-IagGh5EqqWnbOLZK26qB_WYv5u-4kW-GN36XHQEY3LzenrARNzQpZQg/s4080/PXL_20240105_201159137.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSC1OwiTmPPc-QYAI4MKjBm4j9Cz7jdO5RVgqBB-CO4-2PQFVUzjmPQFQeYJ5YdLLCImb-pOtfCDJhmyZiZjkVwl8JD4-b5XFqB6WKtkxPWbxbB1KUFJHVTIPBsyY-IagGh5EqqWnbOLZK26qB_WYv5u-4kW-GN36XHQEY3LzenrARNzQpZQg/s320/PXL_20240105_201159137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After exploring Sandhills Horticultural Center<br />we had an impromptu dance while enjoying a <br />singer/guitarist in the exhibit hall. That's Walt<br />and Honoree in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>So 11 hours later we stopped to visit Paula in her long term health care facility and then settled into Baby again. The Bar Harbor RV Resort in Belhaven, MD is right on the Chesapeake and a pretty spot. We've been there a number of times now and enjoy it. We had five days visiting Paula and trying to sort out her finances. Each morning and evening we brought special meals for her, a nice change from the pedestrian food at the facility. She is working on regaining some movement in her legs and we hope someday will regain more mobility. </p><p>After one night at a convenient RV park in Ashland, VA we arrived at our long time friends Walt and Honoree's in Carthage, NC. We first met them on our boats in Trinidad back in 2006 and have since traveled together in Peru, and Europe for months at a time. We had three nights to talk and enjoy delicious meals. During the day we had lovely walks and explored the area. On Saturday night we had a wonderful time at a dinner party with lots of their Pickle Ball friends. All too soon, it was time to head off south again, next to Pawley's Island, SC to see Kate and Stephen Kelley. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-G0ttSFl4FPURvacEojmqAO2Itg87v3o-p7iji3TFqWlm0O1c7G8q_AUAcmtcpjiAuoxWDo5H7w5V5oR1Ptee4qrFX3Mgn_BeSVbommRjEgGjXxpZSo1upcyCuQE9EaRwp1CoiSHHrfOjOJb5bRhF8Tk7Ck6gfnaucqnuWeyUTyiBfgKOtEY/s4080/PXL_20240105_182604874.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-G0ttSFl4FPURvacEojmqAO2Itg87v3o-p7iji3TFqWlm0O1c7G8q_AUAcmtcpjiAuoxWDo5H7w5V5oR1Ptee4qrFX3Mgn_BeSVbommRjEgGjXxpZSo1upcyCuQE9EaRwp1CoiSHHrfOjOJb5bRhF8Tk7Ck6gfnaucqnuWeyUTyiBfgKOtEY/s320/PXL_20240105_182604874.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Camillas at Sandhills were spectacular</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfCcQX4Xkllpdpr-FK59D5ModXl-WFzjNbuCi8CdwQ0QJa0GvC2Ai7YmYLxh_KSROzxgBdHk8_ynUmJjzGm4B8-joLFPu_ppvGnU2LD0kjh0BlSmzI4-z39yoaAy2QOrwY4Pyc6n0yY9PIb_1wSc5mbXSpDWzArz46JS5vNqm056zZriaxvc/s4080/PXL_20240105_182741093.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqfCcQX4Xkllpdpr-FK59D5ModXl-WFzjNbuCi8CdwQ0QJa0GvC2Ai7YmYLxh_KSROzxgBdHk8_ynUmJjzGm4B8-joLFPu_ppvGnU2LD0kjh0BlSmzI4-z39yoaAy2QOrwY4Pyc6n0yY9PIb_1wSc5mbXSpDWzArz46JS5vNqm056zZriaxvc/s320/PXL_20240105_182741093.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holly trees are everywhere on the Cooper property<br /> and at the gardens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNlJUT_yGfOnMKY_XiFQswW95IsbucBDRyRFLwU_E1uTRmx2SH-KNntOKEoqNweWE9WUjW-D-dLj6ZcP1cHx1W_jOqQuCKZSfy30GJtDz1tdBe6WJN9591X8FFuVKtSVFnkr-AlQNQKmdx9yzlAawtvZJojC2NQLHt4udk00yz8tq8gBRo0nN/s4080/PXL_20240105_191425723.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNlJUT_yGfOnMKY_XiFQswW95IsbucBDRyRFLwU_E1uTRmx2SH-KNntOKEoqNweWE9WUjW-D-dLj6ZcP1cHx1W_jOqQuCKZSfy30GJtDz1tdBe6WJN9591X8FFuVKtSVFnkr-AlQNQKmdx9yzlAawtvZJojC2NQLHt4udk00yz8tq8gBRo0nN/s320/PXL_20240105_191425723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walt & Honoree in front of this natural fiber <br />sculpture at these gardens and last year, at the<br />Naples Botanical Gardens.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yNc0Jh5GeKdNyeFEk8StAQaXkcWggc_KdDFF2bCcLpQFFte9OLkWrL6M5_apSOMbvclvqiH15GEtZjViJGPF7qTE68CLmUq_A2DZbipEAF-NwNqqc2b2dtv9aV3teSK4bmaSKbC2vxavcIHc0bzd4PYkgZ_Ql5z58ETD2trXpYcXsnvxqE4B/s4080/PXL_20240105_165041545.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_yNc0Jh5GeKdNyeFEk8StAQaXkcWggc_KdDFF2bCcLpQFFte9OLkWrL6M5_apSOMbvclvqiH15GEtZjViJGPF7qTE68CLmUq_A2DZbipEAF-NwNqqc2b2dtv9aV3teSK4bmaSKbC2vxavcIHc0bzd4PYkgZ_Ql5z58ETD2trXpYcXsnvxqE4B/w640-h482/PXL_20240105_165041545.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had lunch at the famous Pinehurst Resort and loved this gingerbread village there.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K0AtHhOPNYvlD-H9yZWzixsLGRYhmWK0_5xakgPuuWocZglmhzzKRo8ln-l0eQZtT9lAKg5eUFpPcCsFsuzezqEBeOSyh0lJUPteuSabPr2qiS7vDpxKUoP1w-YZS35gNrkY9Typ9MRkCNmwGavDcqGRSWJ6iny_xjy3TiyJW8zMfyST_RnJ/s4080/PXL_20240105_165048744.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3K0AtHhOPNYvlD-H9yZWzixsLGRYhmWK0_5xakgPuuWocZglmhzzKRo8ln-l0eQZtT9lAKg5eUFpPcCsFsuzezqEBeOSyh0lJUPteuSabPr2qiS7vDpxKUoP1w-YZS35gNrkY9Typ9MRkCNmwGavDcqGRSWJ6iny_xjy3TiyJW8zMfyST_RnJ/w640-h482/PXL_20240105_165048744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a section of the lobby. It's an enormous hotel founded in 1895 and host to many golf <br />tournaments on it's Donald Ross designs golf courses. . </td></tr></tbody></table>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-74655163302091225152024-01-09T13:54:00.001-05:002024-01-10T17:18:57.274-05:00December in Photos (California, Boston and Vermont)<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DXojPG65sO5926xhDf27fdvwvER34pHI1QsbIzXQX-AA3YyVb3SUJOahYlXgH_5WRezZEa44jRz9UHKnQO1hE8bIMXek2n2GqhApqZbm3smebt-G0fUWQmkEaqJNe5y7VO2Ra4l3FhowCgdASpzEP5Kufs-aXxkypaYYYx5z0W7VQ6v8I7FC/s4080/PXL_20231217_162157299.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DXojPG65sO5926xhDf27fdvwvER34pHI1QsbIzXQX-AA3YyVb3SUJOahYlXgH_5WRezZEa44jRz9UHKnQO1hE8bIMXek2n2GqhApqZbm3smebt-G0fUWQmkEaqJNe5y7VO2Ra4l3FhowCgdASpzEP5Kufs-aXxkypaYYYx5z0W7VQ6v8I7FC/s320/PXL_20231217_162157299.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa and Rowan in Boston for Scott's <br />Birthday</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2tubBW67JivrTkl0sMiEgEqOq_KLyxRbrTirJlnjUKHd_0A4HptXkeo4TFQBPD4QzOr69l5ScJfcrM7kDt2zsWBxjqs81TTRW1Ad4FI9CtBsWerF0fYa6f-SepqRs5lmzvxLGzoKDvfoMMEIDyM4FkQ8stD8DdaM6iK-LpPSchzUUenc9ATj/s4080/PXL_20231217_005405506.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2tubBW67JivrTkl0sMiEgEqOq_KLyxRbrTirJlnjUKHd_0A4HptXkeo4TFQBPD4QzOr69l5ScJfcrM7kDt2zsWBxjqs81TTRW1Ad4FI9CtBsWerF0fYa6f-SepqRs5lmzvxLGzoKDvfoMMEIDyM4FkQ8stD8DdaM6iK-LpPSchzUUenc9ATj/s320/PXL_20231217_005405506.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a carrot cake for the celebration at Sean<br />and Will's in Boston. We had the Holiday Open<br />House at Sean & Will's on Sunday and didn't get<br />a single photo!!! But it was a lot of fun and brought<br />together so many old friends.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx7zltjc0jp0ubP_6DWcSiiOUjtu_RxwP7TN8T9MHxU_d66WlHNp3Am3lnzch922GWBJnlNgEMpJN07L8q0HUYCtf7uLlU5oIOwWM8Mc6P9vo6wOT-z2m6HcAEX1HKwaolthV1KF6kCmSfehQP5nLG6BqmAhNKwB43Q24a6aWTJfEIaIlhIR2/s4080/PXL_20231216_224122195.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbx7zltjc0jp0ubP_6DWcSiiOUjtu_RxwP7TN8T9MHxU_d66WlHNp3Am3lnzch922GWBJnlNgEMpJN07L8q0HUYCtf7uLlU5oIOwWM8Mc6P9vo6wOT-z2m6HcAEX1HKwaolthV1KF6kCmSfehQP5nLG6BqmAhNKwB43Q24a6aWTJfEIaIlhIR2/w301-h400/PXL_20231216_224122195.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan is 5 months old and as you can see,<br />adorable. We're in Boston still.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEigp2nGctJv1AdPqjM7aaCpYuCBBgDXlnv4MZKpJEOGHvz1fUYEFNC35nExEysz2ft_OV13fxmGrCJ6g9UMTK3iyXcoUZh-QVXvthGhy1ux2Pww_O6e1WXoweWbVntNcoyurM3cJeG0M6WcZUWAIcj0BSFMHkzMrZ3fmvl3aDH4L8JN5eJWr/s4160/IMG_20231124_105235946.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEigp2nGctJv1AdPqjM7aaCpYuCBBgDXlnv4MZKpJEOGHvz1fUYEFNC35nExEysz2ft_OV13fxmGrCJ6g9UMTK3iyXcoUZh-QVXvthGhy1ux2Pww_O6e1WXoweWbVntNcoyurM3cJeG0M6WcZUWAIcj0BSFMHkzMrZ3fmvl3aDH4L8JN5eJWr/w300-h400/IMG_20231124_105235946.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Zoë in California for a week around<br />Thanksgiving at the start of December</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVRsMu10cvAag6SyZnxaeQ_AjTfS1xbT8AH7vdAy2YJ_L8AvQqnfqUFk99KAfagfonGAC24LLKnK9ur47J5h_BOno-ccz-3UUnGDG8iP2abtWOTAxmV_VkY3bbsh60HE3vqbNz99ZUuQd_aI6yWtjd_9Je5pZyZabJmIUdTW_5Ii6Mx3m0GTG/s4080/PXL_20231225_225628619.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVRsMu10cvAag6SyZnxaeQ_AjTfS1xbT8AH7vdAy2YJ_L8AvQqnfqUFk99KAfagfonGAC24LLKnK9ur47J5h_BOno-ccz-3UUnGDG8iP2abtWOTAxmV_VkY3bbsh60HE3vqbNz99ZUuQd_aI6yWtjd_9Je5pZyZabJmIUdTW_5Ii6Mx3m0GTG/w640-h482/PXL_20231225_225628619.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James, Morgen and Kolya drove up from Washington DC for Christmas</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl92GbFoixjg9hLcC-5_KwAZQ8eSYC8qPnyS5oH7VVfkb9DLBfKQwmVQhsmnYbK8bkiLGIGY6O4FeOLm8oJVaiD8ZBMSy8z6F9qccEPi5mVR13_9s7mc_-i_OqEc1SebzOaTIlTPJ4ljRZng-8GcuBYZ67H6LmXkgFmtOGCGtlt9MAe9iVy7Tn/s4080/PXL_20231225_225712293.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl92GbFoixjg9hLcC-5_KwAZQ8eSYC8qPnyS5oH7VVfkb9DLBfKQwmVQhsmnYbK8bkiLGIGY6O4FeOLm8oJVaiD8ZBMSy8z6F9qccEPi5mVR13_9s7mc_-i_OqEc1SebzOaTIlTPJ4ljRZng-8GcuBYZ67H6LmXkgFmtOGCGtlt9MAe9iVy7Tn/s320/PXL_20231225_225712293.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh and all his family (7 total) came from Dallas<br />London and NYC Here he's helping Will with dinner <br />prep.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxX9pg0rSbiMtcz_z67je3yQr_hc9-URdMApuTBkYJNqMtR9PHyQycZm0ATNXdkqAPpft-EIcQvlhLNGSbiSIuEuG9cdTsy6mxVxvBHR2ovlTMcqqWHhWWShCRld31VfMr-QihsGZEzCCF_sDpTFT-I8meNukgt8plU95SCxdVTiVxTWiNwDg/s1917/20231225_174953~2.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="1534" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxX9pg0rSbiMtcz_z67je3yQr_hc9-URdMApuTBkYJNqMtR9PHyQycZm0ATNXdkqAPpft-EIcQvlhLNGSbiSIuEuG9cdTsy6mxVxvBHR2ovlTMcqqWHhWWShCRld31VfMr-QihsGZEzCCF_sDpTFT-I8meNukgt8plU95SCxdVTiVxTWiNwDg/w320-h400/20231225_174953~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shira and Michal read to Rowan</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkL1xSr0pZujS7QF7m9eBka44IvW4y4YI1SzrgEaA9i2KpIdO6mipOolTK9twJn52G_KN0Wen4FqCY2RI8Z7K3_36tO0jSFv9HvBcTgVgcMjFUzB8Xd7f4kTnmOFyGJNHEMiAOfD097b_ZUXfmaW4l5gWj1YSeUvKeTaEdV-MU5kbWenmBD5m/s4080/PXL_20231225_145827943.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkL1xSr0pZujS7QF7m9eBka44IvW4y4YI1SzrgEaA9i2KpIdO6mipOolTK9twJn52G_KN0Wen4FqCY2RI8Z7K3_36tO0jSFv9HvBcTgVgcMjFUzB8Xd7f4kTnmOFyGJNHEMiAOfD097b_ZUXfmaW4l5gWj1YSeUvKeTaEdV-MU5kbWenmBD5m/w640-h482/PXL_20231225_145827943.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's all seven of Josh's family ready for a day on the slopes: from left, Josh, Daniel (yes, he's that tall and 21 now), Maya, Shira, Cookie, Uzi and Michal. There was snow up at Killington but none at our house. I'm so busy at the holidays with a household of 15 that I didn't get many photos!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB5mwGPovdsbjDDLHTseP7n6olKib1K-rEG7_y977SX_AQJPxmz6wCXo-EWZQXZtmgYzXuAVICGu-Bl-DRXYnJ1gv-nG9IrPJonYDGFR48u2G3ACgPDKYDx9UVufbr-IN9UdEaPAeGxkdc_ytoRwl9pCYHV_VA2j12jmYoIOTGJsINpF-IUhs/s2879/20231224_133759~2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2879" data-original-width="2303" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRB5mwGPovdsbjDDLHTseP7n6olKib1K-rEG7_y977SX_AQJPxmz6wCXo-EWZQXZtmgYzXuAVICGu-Bl-DRXYnJ1gv-nG9IrPJonYDGFR48u2G3ACgPDKYDx9UVufbr-IN9UdEaPAeGxkdc_ytoRwl9pCYHV_VA2j12jmYoIOTGJsINpF-IUhs/w320-h400/20231224_133759~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan is quite a handful for Kolya!</td></tr></tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI7qyRl4MUZVbL4y9U2zsuPJ_ffRxPBD-4FrN7ABGrxRt5DksODNdV-f_ja2RSIz_-5p1x-U-efI4yiN3WMI2E-JcCv8wljnChgx0IEilT0Kk2lrGlmiaA8YQNiH4928p0j9vSVngUDpJ7h-tDNyy98WcU81RAezRFaT8hR4Wk1dAJT_w9ZLx/s4032/20231225_140518~2.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxI7qyRl4MUZVbL4y9U2zsuPJ_ffRxPBD-4FrN7ABGrxRt5DksODNdV-f_ja2RSIz_-5p1x-U-efI4yiN3WMI2E-JcCv8wljnChgx0IEilT0Kk2lrGlmiaA8YQNiH4928p0j9vSVngUDpJ7h-tDNyy98WcU81RAezRFaT8hR4Wk1dAJT_w9ZLx/w300-h400/20231225_140518~2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan is the happiest baby!</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35I8_wuaiqrts19nY61H8jTzGfhmSK19qd-dtvHua3p8Rv67i0DmY-BlMBSTVXUzhyphenhyphen8UqJllDsEN2NwqCmCCJniFfrJO8lpwjp-blSobht_EB90-rnedAiOobVmV9gDGKUrCORNqvL1w3M8lzhrYaORwtiFlyfCfrEfZIovA1I48LK3TpF7fd/s2685/20231224_073241~2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1790" data-original-width="2685" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35I8_wuaiqrts19nY61H8jTzGfhmSK19qd-dtvHua3p8Rv67i0DmY-BlMBSTVXUzhyphenhyphen8UqJllDsEN2NwqCmCCJniFfrJO8lpwjp-blSobht_EB90-rnedAiOobVmV9gDGKUrCORNqvL1w3M8lzhrYaORwtiFlyfCfrEfZIovA1I48LK3TpF7fd/s320/20231224_073241~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolya loves Astronomy and Oceanography.</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzIRHJ4N_iilIGYNA76OhI4uQhq7yxYf0d6aQ5rl7GSeNsM7LLljlf43WLnDKQh13lUlcuvEae7f78EALQtft4_fRu4CmnN1zs7lvwFUS_LOII2dmLCow2Yt81-EGgREfBXCDZMnwoYmKt0-tK5W4k7X8vYgyRwI9A5cBREtSRUYC4Gpha6wV/s4080/PXL_20231225_151335964.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzIRHJ4N_iilIGYNA76OhI4uQhq7yxYf0d6aQ5rl7GSeNsM7LLljlf43WLnDKQh13lUlcuvEae7f78EALQtft4_fRu4CmnN1zs7lvwFUS_LOII2dmLCow2Yt81-EGgREfBXCDZMnwoYmKt0-tK5W4k7X8vYgyRwI9A5cBREtSRUYC4Gpha6wV/w301-h400/PXL_20231225_151335964.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it's Sean and Will who look happy!</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiHBLmQjCDtnKxeFHQ9y2f07bp7ZyfilJ_lNaQ4s5T7ua-Y4Bl_8edVSKRmDQ_FjxeeNfFeshSGeDLsgO8repjifEdU-cf0RvyrLFdC8I8sYZuoBo9iqMD2Q2jwjtnTmVjjKO-bOTlUPgOlNXPwK_sjZQa5AVRWLR9wnfAwR6MHNcUY6zmrg2/s3049/20231223_180743~2.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3049" data-original-width="1715" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiHBLmQjCDtnKxeFHQ9y2f07bp7ZyfilJ_lNaQ4s5T7ua-Y4Bl_8edVSKRmDQ_FjxeeNfFeshSGeDLsgO8repjifEdU-cf0RvyrLFdC8I8sYZuoBo9iqMD2Q2jwjtnTmVjjKO-bOTlUPgOlNXPwK_sjZQa5AVRWLR9wnfAwR6MHNcUY6zmrg2/s400/20231223_180743~2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin Lisa came up for a night and <br />met Kolya and Rowan for the first<br />time. </td></tr></tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgueAGSDt63fukTISIMoGZ-tE84kzaakmUUccbyPQtuBhVJbU3h9H6pqzKwz3FVUIz9DhJLmiSLpfvMRRi8ykWMOlHQhczPC92RYQ_fcK6toEG4SMHAD4pPmgS9lDgwLsrReKZg-fYU7V-FUn8G-fj9cusd2ELMtOMCGXB1wbI0s5Y-4caH3rT/s2040/IMG-20231226-WA0016.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgueAGSDt63fukTISIMoGZ-tE84kzaakmUUccbyPQtuBhVJbU3h9H6pqzKwz3FVUIz9DhJLmiSLpfvMRRi8ykWMOlHQhczPC92RYQ_fcK6toEG4SMHAD4pPmgS9lDgwLsrReKZg-fYU7V-FUn8G-fj9cusd2ELMtOMCGXB1wbI0s5Y-4caH3rT/w301-h400/IMG-20231226-WA0016.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel on the slopes!</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq-gAMWkW7BnnC-DQxJGUQGme9NfhSiwqAUSwgGY2XSD45CmtAfoMzDdJfqgMrJQEWqi2PtJb5np2Nb3-Zf0Aq7dkZ57QlraXnj9iHIzi-pSbx8vmcE0HjoBUTVz9t-3sMS04LVYKVcshhAcnNSToPby5AMFwihPSuMU-5D-pW1AIbk0Sbt84/s3132/PXL_20231226_210244540.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2326" data-original-width="3132" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq-gAMWkW7BnnC-DQxJGUQGme9NfhSiwqAUSwgGY2XSD45CmtAfoMzDdJfqgMrJQEWqi2PtJb5np2Nb3-Zf0Aq7dkZ57QlraXnj9iHIzi-pSbx8vmcE0HjoBUTVz9t-3sMS04LVYKVcshhAcnNSToPby5AMFwihPSuMU-5D-pW1AIbk0Sbt84/w640-h476/PXL_20231226_210244540.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uzi, Cookie, Daniel, Shira and Maya</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRhB-XJRyNtKCobtBluypVtSi6HB8liv2peuhna9RPUMlpvB4MyM6AXg74sz47HQ-mcnlAFHd9cMh_4zQ9avPU7BraZDo5s0JsI4wfzdOUSYsZf1O8ksYfuK8EpounAW1FbI-oWjIPZNOBjvQkxIDXA1p4hURIPdBOEDXQP9YDnY3CTMbfm28/s4032/PXL_20231227_154816470.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRhB-XJRyNtKCobtBluypVtSi6HB8liv2peuhna9RPUMlpvB4MyM6AXg74sz47HQ-mcnlAFHd9cMh_4zQ9avPU7BraZDo5s0JsI4wfzdOUSYsZf1O8ksYfuK8EpounAW1FbI-oWjIPZNOBjvQkxIDXA1p4hURIPdBOEDXQP9YDnY3CTMbfm28/w640-h360/PXL_20231227_154816470.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel's Birthday celebration - 21 year old!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-28116122796771020172023-11-27T19:33:00.006-05:002023-11-29T13:05:53.663-05:00Giving Thanks in Minneapolis, Palo Alto, Iceland - and Vermont!<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNnO6F-VF4vwvb-mnBn6-kA022t5Na_TD3eNa1Usnr9GmH7FAUJ8kgXvqqwQor1RddKhgxmuphzu9UWKNDg-iSR3E9ElrQjsKyTOLjM1ZKOuEDcYE3YdzCNrUVixRxD-VAiouyo86GI2q82vq5egMGLZF0YppKwZrWGnmo2zMrsmztPNX_vNQ/s1600/1000003944.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNnO6F-VF4vwvb-mnBn6-kA022t5Na_TD3eNa1Usnr9GmH7FAUJ8kgXvqqwQor1RddKhgxmuphzu9UWKNDg-iSR3E9ElrQjsKyTOLjM1ZKOuEDcYE3YdzCNrUVixRxD-VAiouyo86GI2q82vq5egMGLZF0YppKwZrWGnmo2zMrsmztPNX_vNQ/w300-h400/1000003944.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolya bundled up in an ice cave.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pAluHkgXWLPU4kLCiQ3HMKZuAJderCsP3Nq5A6laUprnoj5-EKFIflPNTeApn2PN7xpgyNF8ZdYE6cMYL093EJPC8QScQM3xqwq42moR3iGeEP-v3TFXePK8_6djk9T3oCCt1o0owbIVbVu9oYVY-KFYixjZArTXiaaJ1d1xr_E0UnaCeNfR/s1600/1000004226.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pAluHkgXWLPU4kLCiQ3HMKZuAJderCsP3Nq5A6laUprnoj5-EKFIflPNTeApn2PN7xpgyNF8ZdYE6cMYL093EJPC8QScQM3xqwq42moR3iGeEP-v3TFXePK8_6djk9T3oCCt1o0owbIVbVu9oYVY-KFYixjZArTXiaaJ1d1xr_E0UnaCeNfR/s320/1000004226.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary, Will and Rowan at their Thanksgiving table</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;">d<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWhEC1cB_kh_rAzBQe0UjkHm7QDt9dXrCtDpJx7nKuypXMwHgBHncrwU4EaHFiPeKnfAGnF2drKcahHI0sVefEsTVnFrbM0WYm0VsPqXoyEpPLDGW247IqHWA7-DickwXSc6hElNI5qfPM-uiBtPTHhQIGJlXm7L72ZKNz2ulczwWhDk6Kw0Q/s4160/IMG_20231123_173531122.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWhEC1cB_kh_rAzBQe0UjkHm7QDt9dXrCtDpJx7nKuypXMwHgBHncrwU4EaHFiPeKnfAGnF2drKcahHI0sVefEsTVnFrbM0WYm0VsPqXoyEpPLDGW247IqHWA7-DickwXSc6hElNI5qfPM-uiBtPTHhQIGJlXm7L72ZKNz2ulczwWhDk6Kw0Q/s320/IMG_20231123_173531122.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott, Zoë, George, Tommy & Nick after our meal<br />is demolished!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>But we weren't the ones celebrating Thanksgiving at our home in Vermont. Our oldest son Josh and his family came for the holiday there (sorry no photos yet). We were in Palo Alto, CA with our daughter Zoë, son-in-law George and grandsons Nick and Tommy. James, Morgen and Kolya went to Iceland for a week with Morgen's family. Good news - the volcano didn't blow! Lastly Sean, Will and Rowan spent the holiday with Will's Dad Gary in Burnsville, MN. </p><p>We've all enjoyed ourselves immensely and give thanks for our loving family & friends, and continued good health</p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bbIKtiIqUV2xaxEMcNiOxgrRiSu53kNbU_ZnFJt1WQ6GXrtl0wlAfDYTlzuqRLhA5KyOnEol0mV4GPA6ea8yXSdlMCIHgGoSPE62MLjyNSLpi016vl5w4EI82TwklvNZYSPnx59VfTejsa5s-IDageIqUC-dLlBg5xrV4DpqKzwEIWrM0R-d/s1600/20231124_143758.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bbIKtiIqUV2xaxEMcNiOxgrRiSu53kNbU_ZnFJt1WQ6GXrtl0wlAfDYTlzuqRLhA5KyOnEol0mV4GPA6ea8yXSdlMCIHgGoSPE62MLjyNSLpi016vl5w4EI82TwklvNZYSPnx59VfTejsa5s-IDageIqUC-dLlBg5xrV4DpqKzwEIWrM0R-d/w300-h400/20231124_143758.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kolya loved Iceland</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius3-xAYbOr7i8HDbBK2ESeYcyI66VKt8Mp4vH7yzVd1uzZgtbBVbNI3MOn4yJt3i0avRAMUqJTn-8iLsFCuvoQrXGshYBcx6a6U0c-iz5aWVNZocLkDrjc4YHanP3lc8wkwQ348FgqDrmyYkBz8QcOWgQDo0PoFejiGKZaZw3K359vdvNhH5H/s4160/IMG_20231123_170834567.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius3-xAYbOr7i8HDbBK2ESeYcyI66VKt8Mp4vH7yzVd1uzZgtbBVbNI3MOn4yJt3i0avRAMUqJTn-8iLsFCuvoQrXGshYBcx6a6U0c-iz5aWVNZocLkDrjc4YHanP3lc8wkwQ348FgqDrmyYkBz8QcOWgQDo0PoFejiGKZaZw3K359vdvNhH5H/w300-h400/IMG_20231123_170834567.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our grandsons love to wrestle. It <br />reminded us of our boys when they<br />were young!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjBzHWilmNOEBhGzYX_7q6fHBhiyZtR7kAYMfgFFUh1cHpk3v9PVh9X0AE-Mkb_BjZ-AQNMpOfu3rfnNQS2rSp0EtZLL9U1DXGe_zJ7OPjvwRzRcQAkFsVKX6utDc_L4JjAYqfYb-A29KrHXPsQfI1qnmlT-28wvfluLJrTNP4tITqHquM7n/s4160/IMG_20231123_170935037.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFjBzHWilmNOEBhGzYX_7q6fHBhiyZtR7kAYMfgFFUh1cHpk3v9PVh9X0AE-Mkb_BjZ-AQNMpOfu3rfnNQS2rSp0EtZLL9U1DXGe_zJ7OPjvwRzRcQAkFsVKX6utDc_L4JjAYqfYb-A29KrHXPsQfI1qnmlT-28wvfluLJrTNP4tITqHquM7n/w300-h400/IMG_20231123_170935037.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the 9 (yes, really) pies George<br />made.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2ZAcfk7MTULR1cj1XcZbsQFvfgQ0dwQ9WGMjGPrISA-K6_lXBvJGdYIfHzvhN7k8D4WngomlKIwB2Pxi0W9h3scZjcgITjLaaUkfL0DKVLl3pdAxAAEGBrAl51lKVPWYQ3yZbEAvPzsu6T7P1ffezg4Af9f6mt-dXZ_mNm_1CM707MJrqXRd/s1600/1000004220.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2ZAcfk7MTULR1cj1XcZbsQFvfgQ0dwQ9WGMjGPrISA-K6_lXBvJGdYIfHzvhN7k8D4WngomlKIwB2Pxi0W9h3scZjcgITjLaaUkfL0DKVLl3pdAxAAEGBrAl51lKVPWYQ3yZbEAvPzsu6T7P1ffezg4Af9f6mt-dXZ_mNm_1CM707MJrqXRd/w300-h400/1000004220.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan didn't get to taste a thing from <br />the delicious feast. - next year!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />. <p></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWZAxGQ1wV54sHcdL0Pa1hvE-sMzkOXwM8wkHghuut3Y6y0H5VwMiLHUM8rps_MQaRZHH-FhyWy59BQQEj8WONdmNcm81LSy7fhIQGZr6CS0fTp3HEiDSC65VCeXehuDL-QAUltv94d0oTYaLFzmnKZ82B-22hau2kSxE75tjTQeQAXdUxdxf/s878/IcelandWaterfall.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWZAxGQ1wV54sHcdL0Pa1hvE-sMzkOXwM8wkHghuut3Y6y0H5VwMiLHUM8rps_MQaRZHH-FhyWy59BQQEj8WONdmNcm81LSy7fhIQGZr6CS0fTp3HEiDSC65VCeXehuDL-QAUltv94d0oTYaLFzmnKZ82B-22hau2kSxE75tjTQeQAXdUxdxf/s400/IcelandWaterfall.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the waterfalls visited in Iceland</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8P0e_2EjtwzSSRdeKTC2f0lMy9o5x-kbcKZ4-L6Pq91WbgVd5VBDMcOdPR6wyLngYkwGdJx2SS4KFD83_aPRbk-W5PaaQ5Kqxmzc9iUhb7dhtTT4Za9K9PjN6JnZEaQCuFTca_m-COMAZoBqSisIfPYZNNNa4oEk-7upIDc6lOnbezcIpCTR/s878/KolyaIcelandwaterfall.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="658" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8P0e_2EjtwzSSRdeKTC2f0lMy9o5x-kbcKZ4-L6Pq91WbgVd5VBDMcOdPR6wyLngYkwGdJx2SS4KFD83_aPRbk-W5PaaQ5Kqxmzc9iUhb7dhtTT4Za9K9PjN6JnZEaQCuFTca_m-COMAZoBqSisIfPYZNNNa4oEk-7upIDc6lOnbezcIpCTR/s400/KolyaIcelandwaterfall.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgen and Kolya at the pool</td></tr></tbody></table>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-82585023670671214542023-11-07T16:34:00.001-05:002023-11-07T20:40:43.782-05:00October Travels<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFAZi1q_k9FcQ9v_mIgWZgoedcGGJa6ngTKpp6lkKh6jaIouYxSrxmnR9KAlnzNmS3L-i6axnO4PqmxhmTavABCZBxZ08sOg9842lwaDhUdPd8dQbZBfR3sdlKBX2I_Jb7FQY_YAXKq9J1pw5y14lq7qrr82rBdCziDmoF6xJETl8ZE2YlD6E/s4080/PXL_20231025_112247383.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFAZi1q_k9FcQ9v_mIgWZgoedcGGJa6ngTKpp6lkKh6jaIouYxSrxmnR9KAlnzNmS3L-i6axnO4PqmxhmTavABCZBxZ08sOg9842lwaDhUdPd8dQbZBfR3sdlKBX2I_Jb7FQY_YAXKq9J1pw5y14lq7qrr82rBdCziDmoF6xJETl8ZE2YlD6E/s320/PXL_20231025_112247383.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our RV site</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulCQYQg_AsUURT9lveLEkZIV8H1VCL6GC19WJYDCEeNhAi6qwLWZJ2JVNWNbXWHC1BuIOaG6jqgGKyqEzEg0TDXRvoqQ_CrA84bBBqhiWydreA1Tdea_MC3o-arQN5PjVXTCEhUY0dN87v8EaTpRgDifsM86oRNDg2HE4u7hH3O8v7Jc1VPN4/s4080/PXL_20231025_112306320.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulCQYQg_AsUURT9lveLEkZIV8H1VCL6GC19WJYDCEeNhAi6qwLWZJ2JVNWNbXWHC1BuIOaG6jqgGKyqEzEg0TDXRvoqQ_CrA84bBBqhiWydreA1Tdea_MC3o-arQN5PjVXTCEhUY0dN87v8EaTpRgDifsM86oRNDg2HE4u7hH3O8v7Jc1VPN4/s320/PXL_20231025_112306320.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking at Baby & Junior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We decided that this year we were not going to scare ourselves silly getting the RV out of here in the winter. Two years of digging her out of 2 -3 feet of snow and skidding sideways down the driveway etc. is over. We drove Baby down to the Bar Harbor RV Park near my sister in Belcamp, MD and she'll stay there until we pick her up on the way south at the end of the year. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv8XSJftS1EgPYQGaaYh23OZe4vPQU5WP0G4T0hnec0zK8cm51ofsL7EFhLd5fAaJFsMwumZnfJOZV_134EicgL4jaDowaQg4srxzdkXxHtMRXYPPxXXclfK0Y3MPpMK8xw9btCfTv7suQoNhugdmAFn4colxrN7GzBdujEzRlJMpcaYeMCMa/s4080/PXL_20231027_162432379.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEv8XSJftS1EgPYQGaaYh23OZe4vPQU5WP0G4T0hnec0zK8cm51ofsL7EFhLd5fAaJFsMwumZnfJOZV_134EicgL4jaDowaQg4srxzdkXxHtMRXYPPxXXclfK0Y3MPpMK8xw9btCfTv7suQoNhugdmAFn4colxrN7GzBdujEzRlJMpcaYeMCMa/w301-h400/PXL_20231027_162432379.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a little free time sightseeing around<br />the Havre de Grace area at the head of the<br />Chesapeake Bay.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was convenient too as we stayed there during the week we spent visiting my sister Paula at her long term health facility and cleaning out her apartment. It was a lot of work, but it's over. We packed our truck with mostly family pieces, gave a lot to her synagogue & friends, some to Goodwill and a removal company picked up the rest. </p><p>We had a good visit with Paula. Scott and I brought coffee and enjoyed an early morning visit and then came in again with dinner. I made some of her favorites and brought them down from Vermont. She is reasonably happy there. Let's face it, no one wants to live in a nursing home. But her life at her apartment was very lonely and dangerous. She was having difficulty walking at all and almost never left the house. Now that she can't even get out of bed, this is the only choice. And she's had some nice roommates!</p><p>After that we paid another visit to Sean, Will and Rowan. We stayed for Halloween and what a good time. Their street is a popular one for trick or treaters. People come from all over the area to walk down their block. Many of the homes were decorated and almost everyone was out with their treats. Will's dad Gary was enjoying the last few days of his visit to them from Minnesota. It was fun for us to spend time with him as well. But of course the big draw is Rowan, Lots of photos here of course!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcuVZdWqh4318bfL4ClWvy6K9Nb_iO5jjVqFXsYsrzThiXVeKXsmeBWa-PB91sHu_wIchPJXcIa-kIMWlcG8mSHfgqInn6M6JOyHFRl3CKuqqGX1jegCT1KhnKzCuQarclM1a2bXAqpvRCez5sMwzRTxJ27D9szAxsy5_As-PjUmLDnG-7wDH/s4032/IMG_3114.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcuVZdWqh4318bfL4ClWvy6K9Nb_iO5jjVqFXsYsrzThiXVeKXsmeBWa-PB91sHu_wIchPJXcIa-kIMWlcG8mSHfgqInn6M6JOyHFRl3CKuqqGX1jegCT1KhnKzCuQarclM1a2bXAqpvRCez5sMwzRTxJ27D9szAxsy5_As-PjUmLDnG-7wDH/w300-h400/IMG_3114.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a furry family and happily warm <br />outfits on the cold but clear night.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMXFUZojjTS_UuD-BZ8fXmlNaZZrRK3g8RvunjD5m2_oUc9j9y8ULrUzbAz-2ppqBgI90c6AkEZw8IBc2PgnW3u4CyfPLd-l0tMReAJv9GMaKzKLOwJ_-4Mp-eAj2EUvhhhxa4lG0KYxg9bksOz8IKTP2iEXeZKlkgovT_1yPfK2yDkWRpezq/s4080/PXL_20231031_220238337.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMXFUZojjTS_UuD-BZ8fXmlNaZZrRK3g8RvunjD5m2_oUc9j9y8ULrUzbAz-2ppqBgI90c6AkEZw8IBc2PgnW3u4CyfPLd-l0tMReAJv9GMaKzKLOwJ_-4Mp-eAj2EUvhhhxa4lG0KYxg9bksOz8IKTP2iEXeZKlkgovT_1yPfK2yDkWRpezq/s320/PXL_20231031_220238337.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their home was very welcoming with a fog <br />machine and lots of lights. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShF58McGGRt0sW6noyq3dUhk0efi7RpAGKr-bis8GJua0l3rdmftMPXCVhYM2QtRcX0iOv4vH6jhqog1JmQOZ6D2vHiEOEbXGrRddmlBIysj9s9_DUYAZ1S12z_fjDFlP3zTYuluSf42-8j09L3JcySy6W5F8gTQqrVoBqEFLqIml-Al58XdP/s4080/PXL_20231031_220916423.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShF58McGGRt0sW6noyq3dUhk0efi7RpAGKr-bis8GJua0l3rdmftMPXCVhYM2QtRcX0iOv4vH6jhqog1JmQOZ6D2vHiEOEbXGrRddmlBIysj9s9_DUYAZ1S12z_fjDFlP3zTYuluSf42-8j09L3JcySy6W5F8gTQqrVoBqEFLqIml-Al58XdP/w301-h400/PXL_20231031_220916423.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean had a few items to dress us up for the <br />holiday. Scott's was really fun!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM75ImTukAOjS1wtj8DqWInTq1mSUYaQ9nLIsbFwLZCKiuOIu8jnqHFKzCPupaN5f5w0cDoIyVFg_ySRP7hrZfYx-CjyTiaC_fdUMUN4S3aOR8bxNRhj6p86UAdI8hvJFe-KiSiIacRag6K7yViz6TLmCj_EHatAq5val1BIi7_v5G12DcUw5/s4000/20231020_090654.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwM75ImTukAOjS1wtj8DqWInTq1mSUYaQ9nLIsbFwLZCKiuOIu8jnqHFKzCPupaN5f5w0cDoIyVFg_ySRP7hrZfYx-CjyTiaC_fdUMUN4S3aOR8bxNRhj6p86UAdI8hvJFe-KiSiIacRag6K7yViz6TLmCj_EHatAq5val1BIi7_v5G12DcUw5/w300-h400/20231020_090654.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking a little wistful here He's just starting<br />to sit up </td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYRdOG24jUHTiTbDPpVKBdb6vhuhzoAtbRKCeBLQHbGN6zee8u9QEYAmRj05eWJ7T_re2wx60hlgVNDB6AxmL1Q6PMmZqKhzYMdLQAeBq4Gkpnl1kg9-W_PvnIXtVd8rQPKyBDoqJ3BRnZGs7yvt7VX_KGT01fNbM2YQo5sT5CV86mEu7RcJf/s4000/20231024_084534~2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYRdOG24jUHTiTbDPpVKBdb6vhuhzoAtbRKCeBLQHbGN6zee8u9QEYAmRj05eWJ7T_re2wx60hlgVNDB6AxmL1Q6PMmZqKhzYMdLQAeBq4Gkpnl1kg9-W_PvnIXtVd8rQPKyBDoqJ3BRnZGs7yvt7VX_KGT01fNbM2YQo5sT5CV86mEu7RcJf/w300-h400/20231024_084534~2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But he laughs and smiles a lot. Why not, life<br />is very good for him!</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvS-pyWGOEluOA2miSzyA5VXmafE6Op5zGdiHpOcUNBX2NNdzDIAK6ysw92j6e2E0axsxI1bE8kZUaSJYjaL_fpbKp9uSPtnM4s5Vxvy1VxtXq7t_8vc4oOc1XPkI84sv_GVmC0oeeT1EpixOjmNToPM2vWO1QQ8krfCHfMA7kPMZveiA6VUp/s4080/PXL_20231030_224006984.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvS-pyWGOEluOA2miSzyA5VXmafE6Op5zGdiHpOcUNBX2NNdzDIAK6ysw92j6e2E0axsxI1bE8kZUaSJYjaL_fpbKp9uSPtnM4s5Vxvy1VxtXq7t_8vc4oOc1XPkI84sv_GVmC0oeeT1EpixOjmNToPM2vWO1QQ8krfCHfMA7kPMZveiA6VUp/s600/PXL_20231030_224006984.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went out to dinner one night. Everyone had a good time.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-74066401917393559402023-11-03T15:08:00.002-04:002023-11-03T15:08:26.916-04:00Second Annual Tortugeezers Reunion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZHyXxWFaaLohd-cmQgRtxcdBX5UlDvIU5ckHfALneS9mwfOlPUdc5XUTbglqrPYZ6hWqvhPEZ2D9_FKYYn-bmCLHGBRfO1SOdvTPWZVxoy12FBHTrznWrOAh8svMfQdJNnTHW-S7iZp4vXnXEJvFCmDeZdGQGD6fI5tDvgvBUidjz8XN9PaS/s4429/Tortugezers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2491" data-original-width="4429" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZHyXxWFaaLohd-cmQgRtxcdBX5UlDvIU5ckHfALneS9mwfOlPUdc5XUTbglqrPYZ6hWqvhPEZ2D9_FKYYn-bmCLHGBRfO1SOdvTPWZVxoy12FBHTrznWrOAh8svMfQdJNnTHW-S7iZp4vXnXEJvFCmDeZdGQGD6fI5tDvgvBUidjz8XN9PaS/w640-h360/Tortugezers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were 13 of us this year: from top left, Dave, Dave, Renate, Jerry, Don, Scott, Jim, Breck, Ellen. Bottom from left seated: Heather, Deborah, Sally and Rosie</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Tortugeezers, in case you're wondering, is our made up designation for cruisers who made Tortugal Marina in the Rio Dulce, Guatemala their second home over the years. When the pandemic started we began to Zoom every Saturday at 12 Noon EST in the U.S. Friends and Buddy Boaters from all over the world came together to share stories and updates on our boats and ourselves. In 2021 Roy and Dale, from S/V Wahoo invited everyone to a reunion in their home town of New Orleans, LA. for August 2022. It was a fantastic time and happily, Rosie & Don of Chickcharne volunteered to host this year's reunion at their home in Montana in Polson.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBii-GgNUaHXuvz-vumfYExKoErT_b5YrWrkmyFH3GYJb92zzujOUv-cdEKst6pgPJe3jHW9C3FBmtYY4TQDskpDjs88A_Tq2Pp9c-IAwvUjqzqVVnJG1ZHaKtIOYINGypBbbDCcj9ogcns41LUwmIQ1GIHP5xCtPT1fVXjXz-sNrBHx-QbIJm/s3009/PXL_20230914_135452219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3009" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBii-GgNUaHXuvz-vumfYExKoErT_b5YrWrkmyFH3GYJb92zzujOUv-cdEKst6pgPJe3jHW9C3FBmtYY4TQDskpDjs88A_Tq2Pp9c-IAwvUjqzqVVnJG1ZHaKtIOYINGypBbbDCcj9ogcns41LUwmIQ1GIHP5xCtPT1fVXjXz-sNrBHx-QbIJm/s320/PXL_20230914_135452219.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of 5 cottages on Rosie & Don's <br />estate. We had this lovely place to ourselves. It<br />was right on the beach and below the main house<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z5mgudmm97DgMYBLtkCs2jD4jrDTSYcxqbM6RORuvKuY57uR5k4crVz-QTDXTbp2SJXJkERAP8TxtrBeir47Vj7MOoBf21IG1jipnI3yDbKKJyVVMOHjj2UdEmdJPotF-bqePOYbC7qMFE3eB32t6IV4aeNrhmKsftaIRFfEqSVtfs5zNCCE/s4080/PXL_20230914_234023343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Z5mgudmm97DgMYBLtkCs2jD4jrDTSYcxqbM6RORuvKuY57uR5k4crVz-QTDXTbp2SJXJkERAP8TxtrBeir47Vj7MOoBf21IG1jipnI3yDbKKJyVVMOHjj2UdEmdJPotF-bqePOYbC7qMFE3eB32t6IV4aeNrhmKsftaIRFfEqSVtfs5zNCCE/s320/PXL_20230914_234023343.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our deck and the view down the lake!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAZa22DDCMYXmibxvHBgtkSzu80AW5X-TR4Qw3jy40Pp8OQrYSzzTiWhi2dSCIiqk5JsPZ53uIzEmRofcfBIDH7-M2t-Ry1z-D1b08Qgq42aLmFU_c6uEpUbHEN6eh1jwG_KrGSjC_zA7qnIBVxlTMHucnzvz-udLdvZ7HWMi2hYOB22UwhGO/s3596/PXL_20230914_234131979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2333" data-original-width="3596" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAZa22DDCMYXmibxvHBgtkSzu80AW5X-TR4Qw3jy40Pp8OQrYSzzTiWhi2dSCIiqk5JsPZ53uIzEmRofcfBIDH7-M2t-Ry1z-D1b08Qgq42aLmFU_c6uEpUbHEN6eh1jwG_KrGSjC_zA7qnIBVxlTMHucnzvz-udLdvZ7HWMi2hYOB22UwhGO/w640-h416/PXL_20230914_234131979.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main house looking up from our cottage</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After a few days up at Glacier National Park with Renate and Jim, we drove down to Rosie and Don's beautiful home on Flathead Lake. The lake is 30 miles long and 16 miles wide. It is one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world for it's size and shape (Wikipedia). We really lucked out on the weather, It was sunny and in the 70's all week. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZTc-Ld9FEm4989NDGV_aMQ1sfDuQ9ipJ9lM4sQwVc4LS1QxZfRJ8vDbDufIU7h-pz8V6MMsdG7ItFihr_Zqyvf0STUlEkklB4ti-evloRT-pX9jrBdmoDAmHJyi1vPi1anGev1Ngqu0wZdKR9iUdqTYbazbv7JJqNakku8r5R9JPB5r-86Zy/s5184/2023-09-14%2014-59-35%20-%200004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHZTc-Ld9FEm4989NDGV_aMQ1sfDuQ9ipJ9lM4sQwVc4LS1QxZfRJ8vDbDufIU7h-pz8V6MMsdG7ItFihr_Zqyvf0STUlEkklB4ti-evloRT-pX9jrBdmoDAmHJyi1vPi1anGev1Ngqu0wZdKR9iUdqTYbazbv7JJqNakku8r5R9JPB5r-86Zy/s320/2023-09-14%2014-59-35%20-%200004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Sleep Road at the Bison Range <br />stretches ahead up and around the hills.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPHOUB6VYbCnSJ3_DNAERllrIeySSkUKF-5WEmZGHXlgewglHjKcNjlUB-zl4YWPyQRLZ8AHwMZffdo2_nQL0JWPffW-W-MsLB6yP396wsGlMEaVCh6Vd4AoIB8QAPu49vM9sarskua2sXS5KQOG-SuxptV_O_ECSe2LElOMWwPxBcqBkUqAk/s5184/2023-09-14%2015-52-23%20-%200022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPHOUB6VYbCnSJ3_DNAERllrIeySSkUKF-5WEmZGHXlgewglHjKcNjlUB-zl4YWPyQRLZ8AHwMZffdo2_nQL0JWPffW-W-MsLB6yP396wsGlMEaVCh6Vd4AoIB8QAPu49vM9sarskua2sXS5KQOG-SuxptV_O_ECSe2LElOMWwPxBcqBkUqAk/s320/2023-09-14%2015-52-23%20-%200022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of the mountains stretched in all directions</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuD3tXOsBUZ1mJq577E4hCsIrxNrz3R8jlUnPd4uz8rvqQ5yZIXtMHOv6fmUrAFDWwBeWZ1IvyUpvcR7H8UqNakmM0cfVai9m6nno1K2lmbuZ9ukyNqb0_rIOsVO8XvKldq-9aPDa0wKwDKROPNgcHjcBL5puCL0LXEwAdLsg0s9Lyz97GYFI/s5184/2023-09-14%2016-26-24%20-%200030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLuD3tXOsBUZ1mJq577E4hCsIrxNrz3R8jlUnPd4uz8rvqQ5yZIXtMHOv6fmUrAFDWwBeWZ1IvyUpvcR7H8UqNakmM0cfVai9m6nno1K2lmbuZ9ukyNqb0_rIOsVO8XvKldq-9aPDa0wKwDKROPNgcHjcBL5puCL0LXEwAdLsg0s9Lyz97GYFI/w640-h360/2023-09-14%2016-26-24%20-%200030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the view from the top of the trail we hiked off the road</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uqWd134NwLDcCD5d_x047RU0j2XGtWPmukMy4pOkR4TGEKR-TATFnTyHWTTR2Y5OcVkt2wDM8fmWFmKGdIUO62yx77mQncd01WfJPzCLl0BApiqYufujljHRHeE33rgVL8nUQ6TlW6fSLk2wCaAD5sAA-FXh7eGA2zjgQR9WzFyMrnGQnLtE/s5184/2023-09-14%2016-46-27%20-%200033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_uqWd134NwLDcCD5d_x047RU0j2XGtWPmukMy4pOkR4TGEKR-TATFnTyHWTTR2Y5OcVkt2wDM8fmWFmKGdIUO62yx77mQncd01WfJPzCLl0BApiqYufujljHRHeE33rgVL8nUQ6TlW6fSLk2wCaAD5sAA-FXh7eGA2zjgQR9WzFyMrnGQnLtE/s320/2023-09-14%2016-46-27%20-%200033.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw individual and small groups of bison with<br />3 large herds. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5YCL2F787L7fsuofzD-26LMHQ3tO5xETuvTkZoLDeC4ylgXL_rLGrf4tl_XEMRtcIVl6JT-kMQP1K7Tm-6KFUI7kMDmN1G0l3HdY9mxO4s8yW-7aPc7t8ZulG3CSg22YFil7R-gGIoL6ygPaLWBGi7ZStuRYjxRf3JKxnE0Z2teiYmRwB0_L/s5184/2023-09-14%2016-48-14%20-%200038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5YCL2F787L7fsuofzD-26LMHQ3tO5xETuvTkZoLDeC4ylgXL_rLGrf4tl_XEMRtcIVl6JT-kMQP1K7Tm-6KFUI7kMDmN1G0l3HdY9mxO4s8yW-7aPc7t8ZulG3CSg22YFil7R-gGIoL6ygPaLWBGi7ZStuRYjxRf3JKxnE0Z2teiYmRwB0_L/s320/2023-09-14%2016-48-14%20-%200038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes they were close up to the road!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEisRCpi2jLJSphrkba7SN-DLpCOCHJ5h_AxFho2ydU6FxDOH-wvVOLHfYL3tZiw92UHE33Hzvkz3YJhIL5NOXoff0DcLjLFF45FolMhZgjoenmKs6u0uokkK8kuJNUG3SyRSSXKyPFfgtMYvr_CZsd8d_Yv7-OwxH_EoQM59mggbKiDY6dYol/s5184/2023-09-14%2016-50-09%20-%200041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEisRCpi2jLJSphrkba7SN-DLpCOCHJ5h_AxFho2ydU6FxDOH-wvVOLHfYL3tZiw92UHE33Hzvkz3YJhIL5NOXoff0DcLjLFF45FolMhZgjoenmKs6u0uokkK8kuJNUG3SyRSSXKyPFfgtMYvr_CZsd8d_Yv7-OwxH_EoQM59mggbKiDY6dYol/s320/2023-09-14%2016-50-09%20-%200041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And always very imposing!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rh9jB6kDQKJmClolwJIEkYTGilGvci5jzAUtW_cR970HwnQFRnjJ5iGtzOIxVCImiEO7xupr2OB4uWv-ItQ3BBI9y0NIJgM1BPGy4oa7dA81dDmXOg3LjHFdFG52jz8e-_8nJPhYpqHS6AOnM74pHfuzh06Mi4emIv9pTjUaCkgQh2ys6wsH/s4080/PXL_20230914_210453830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rh9jB6kDQKJmClolwJIEkYTGilGvci5jzAUtW_cR970HwnQFRnjJ5iGtzOIxVCImiEO7xupr2OB4uWv-ItQ3BBI9y0NIJgM1BPGy4oa7dA81dDmXOg3LjHFdFG52jz8e-_8nJPhYpqHS6AOnM74pHfuzh06Mi4emIv9pTjUaCkgQh2ys6wsH/s320/PXL_20230914_210453830.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The views changed so much - here rolling hills<br />and grazing land.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkpsN5hefDl5UYuUMY_KrrwcMYssZdmWupoym-ho5Axzxcu2xag9hZjfBFflt0SaCzYB1zMTOwaZSFAIB906A2NRD9668lf-UtUhlUuji2TeNdbide1MXuFH4fMW20Vub4WO9p8tIahIswDqmwPSW-RFkT2GKRlmX-9j0jG2OgXzL8MYPDxWl/s4080/PXL_20230914_211211770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfkpsN5hefDl5UYuUMY_KrrwcMYssZdmWupoym-ho5Axzxcu2xag9hZjfBFflt0SaCzYB1zMTOwaZSFAIB906A2NRD9668lf-UtUhlUuji2TeNdbide1MXuFH4fMW20Vub4WO9p8tIahIswDqmwPSW-RFkT2GKRlmX-9j0jG2OgXzL8MYPDxWl/s320/PXL_20230914_211211770.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott stops to take photos.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7h2xyfgoQB0PwnjA4Su06gxkz4ExjFG-FQkIN083h5T-1SKtTaV30oja7jREnLTVyNemjQcRyfdj57bI1WhNeBtuZYR4laeQGXWBp8LuZmEiORcu2u9leZasB01fTYZq2ftlC6YpSutP3_5DgCmb8AWjhVNXJx4wHG0PEtzzz5aqlRXBvfUu/s4080/PXL_20230914_213647941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7h2xyfgoQB0PwnjA4Su06gxkz4ExjFG-FQkIN083h5T-1SKtTaV30oja7jREnLTVyNemjQcRyfdj57bI1WhNeBtuZYR4laeQGXWBp8LuZmEiORcu2u9leZasB01fTYZq2ftlC6YpSutP3_5DgCmb8AWjhVNXJx4wHG0PEtzzz5aqlRXBvfUu/w301-h400/PXL_20230914_213647941.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees lined the road occasionally but mostly<br />it was open plains</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It was such a relaxing time. A group of us took off each day for a trip locally. The first was to the Bison Range, home to around 350 bison. This area was originally owned by local Native Tribes but was stolen from them by the Federal Government by the Allotment Act in 1906. After decades of legal battles the tribes finally regained ownership in 2022. We took the Red Sleep self-directed driving tour - 19 miles winding through the reservation. We saw lots of bison and lovely scenery. Many of us hiked up the highest knoll for more distant views.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_yHs-EdhT3UGtiHo-7og1LUSXrPSMfVVf5Xj4Se5cxm_Qk8sbrSfWN7qPmZqm6L13uPwG58N1BHYMMT1DvfYeNehKGPOLLKesHKvwTEkBQ14fmLY54X1b9zPbmdts0CZWRpa8SmnQOMzvfYNqSsEJq1K8Cle7Z4s7el7r9HMfIC4ONcln5aN/s3063/PXL_20230917_185446694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2183" data-original-width="3063" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_yHs-EdhT3UGtiHo-7og1LUSXrPSMfVVf5Xj4Se5cxm_Qk8sbrSfWN7qPmZqm6L13uPwG58N1BHYMMT1DvfYeNehKGPOLLKesHKvwTEkBQ14fmLY54X1b9zPbmdts0CZWRpa8SmnQOMzvfYNqSsEJq1K8Cle7Z4s7el7r9HMfIC4ONcln5aN/w640-h456/PXL_20230917_185446694.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry, Breck, Deborah, Sally, Heather, Ellen, Scott and Dave before our walk down to Kerr Dam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNFSETisqJz-b8IucYXZZZIcpBiMJeYdfyBmLIZ2xyQGdHK1RrQ-MFpHiMSeDaaQfjdr7kRC0mvDHaHEZ9Oh7HdtTqOrSWwde1Fmm9tv8D3kXAkUGwPB0qRD6wBkgeS12W_IxVETqtegbQog6Gz-_yqgh-cFeuHg4_sGqRiyBGNXJSZuAbuo_/s4080/PXL_20230917_180747637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXNFSETisqJz-b8IucYXZZZIcpBiMJeYdfyBmLIZ2xyQGdHK1RrQ-MFpHiMSeDaaQfjdr7kRC0mvDHaHEZ9Oh7HdtTqOrSWwde1Fmm9tv8D3kXAkUGwPB0qRD6wBkgeS12W_IxVETqtegbQog6Gz-_yqgh-cFeuHg4_sGqRiyBGNXJSZuAbuo_/s320/PXL_20230917_180747637.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close to the start of our hike we had a glimpse of<br />the dam below.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ala_1BOebfsB6YcKUhLWiSi91t36NE8UqcKGZljUT2JXsUz2-XfVxVqTKmZqaZIQeEkV_YbvidfBKEPsxvPHwRG_3tJTGcESVSF2OUb-X0hccJU9y3elmS2mnadNchQAxb6xjI055MI3iNOmzASffNAlcq1r2EVNq_CLDkvjj-FCkBXihyphenhyphen0j/s4080/PXL_20230917_181140720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ala_1BOebfsB6YcKUhLWiSi91t36NE8UqcKGZljUT2JXsUz2-XfVxVqTKmZqaZIQeEkV_YbvidfBKEPsxvPHwRG_3tJTGcESVSF2OUb-X0hccJU9y3elmS2mnadNchQAxb6xjI055MI3iNOmzASffNAlcq1r2EVNq_CLDkvjj-FCkBXihyphenhyphen0j/s320/PXL_20230917_181140720.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Flathead River above the dam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJaAghbksGiiiQYMlX1SwgpkItMYLqEl7ibRks566JdptXTZhl4JAC0eZe2-ELmsfuWNwfVavlda4WO9KfG24gjRjKm-G__pUesH8vdnZ3mNakHDLYqTIic_vuiXRh9YHlvGzOwICRPDGP4qWZenkkOhl14dk8OpRKIynHgNcl3cWtdoC2dO/s4080/PXL_20230917_181150873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJaAghbksGiiiQYMlX1SwgpkItMYLqEl7ibRks566JdptXTZhl4JAC0eZe2-ELmsfuWNwfVavlda4WO9KfG24gjRjKm-G__pUesH8vdnZ3mNakHDLYqTIic_vuiXRh9YHlvGzOwICRPDGP4qWZenkkOhl14dk8OpRKIynHgNcl3cWtdoC2dO/w301-h400/PXL_20230917_181150873.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott, Sally and Breck coming down the long<br />steep stairs to the dam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2hGFtVFO77rDJ3g8FRhi0YusWbNEY5CiBSs-_IYFims7Mimggv6Jl7wKR3_zvfZSzcwWgNv9NPpBeH2E0KKoVIUQwg0k492QPIYiYcKuPDYpfqN03XQI1YDJGH0pBtyek8QCzlUVMNuRG-4E6y2eOPIZg0_1KhKFnXUmWVg0CiIMiCwxxszh/s4080/PXL_20230917_181630269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2hGFtVFO77rDJ3g8FRhi0YusWbNEY5CiBSs-_IYFims7Mimggv6Jl7wKR3_zvfZSzcwWgNv9NPpBeH2E0KKoVIUQwg0k492QPIYiYcKuPDYpfqN03XQI1YDJGH0pBtyek8QCzlUVMNuRG-4E6y2eOPIZg0_1KhKFnXUmWVg0CiIMiCwxxszh/w301-h400/PXL_20230917_181630269.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The formerly named Kerry Dam generates<br />electricity and provides constant water levels<br />for recreation.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Another day we visited the <b style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam</b>, built in 1930 and since 2015 owned and operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. A long stairway has been built leading to several viewpoints over the dam and lake. It was a fun hike! </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMygpkBlZ-EuVkqqaZlWjZYPYo6-DOXDxu6F9xyG7Dcj7-QEqAXsV0S3y99kapkTR2QtihZ5gH6K4R4galXB1JbKkAUQsCZP4vBsslx7ZRb7wMmarI8AvUuXCIKgMPLSls_LIIqIWv21ir2zk9iXGAPxeNZ1BRH3tPW1fSHEpG0ZbtcSIgSFb/s4080/PXL_20230916_182257296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMygpkBlZ-EuVkqqaZlWjZYPYo6-DOXDxu6F9xyG7Dcj7-QEqAXsV0S3y99kapkTR2QtihZ5gH6K4R4galXB1JbKkAUQsCZP4vBsslx7ZRb7wMmarI8AvUuXCIKgMPLSls_LIIqIWv21ir2zk9iXGAPxeNZ1BRH3tPW1fSHEpG0ZbtcSIgSFb/s320/PXL_20230916_182257296.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pleasant walk along the lake stretches around<br />downtown Polson. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXgOh3tR6CwF-Dmugg3D7wCIiXDdBW9uVBE1-XQMOwFbaOACdMCeZDh5eotAULq42EBfKr5qhkG6NGEXSyYegTZszIlsJlTeMmZCa2QR7Se_3WNulj1DKNCsz4P5QkRoS3SPdrvoxgjs4-Y8sISKPhhUYsv3JNF3iQ3nA9n6IacJYFiHBtTfW/s5184/2023-09-16%2013-59-24%20-%200007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXgOh3tR6CwF-Dmugg3D7wCIiXDdBW9uVBE1-XQMOwFbaOACdMCeZDh5eotAULq42EBfKr5qhkG6NGEXSyYegTZszIlsJlTeMmZCa2QR7Se_3WNulj1DKNCsz4P5QkRoS3SPdrvoxgjs4-Y8sISKPhhUYsv3JNF3iQ3nA9n6IacJYFiHBtTfW/s320/2023-09-16%2013-59-24%20-%200007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several fishing piers extended out and were <br />popular with local fisherman. We heard an<br />exciting story from several about the "one that<br />just got away!"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi0Ml_rjr03czqmwWP4htvpj1YvWvLCLI_bt73TgNmOYT0Vaqct2TXIw4QGdSWjADxjctBezJL5sMYnGPoUqIKAudSvRCIuYnXQmUMVlZj2xcYHZapgmQbV4u4-1uJ2j9zAl_LdYoWo3YtASAuo5HwdYWCOpgH75Y9HQycg0_NISpavS5wsgD/s1024/IMG_4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZi0Ml_rjr03czqmwWP4htvpj1YvWvLCLI_bt73TgNmOYT0Vaqct2TXIw4QGdSWjADxjctBezJL5sMYnGPoUqIKAudSvRCIuYnXQmUMVlZj2xcYHZapgmQbV4u4-1uJ2j9zAl_LdYoWo3YtASAuo5HwdYWCOpgH75Y9HQycg0_NISpavS5wsgD/s320/IMG_4662.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sally and a Grizzly on display at <br />the Miracle of American Museum.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our last walk was along the lake in Polson followed by lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake. We also visited the Miracle of America Museum nearby. Nicknamed appropriately "The Smithsonian of the West" it is a jumble of every artifact you can imagine in any period in American History. If you actually looked at every item, it would take a week! I especially enjoyed the WWII exhibits, especially around the contribution of women and minorities. </p><p>But the main events at our reunion were the times spent eating and drinking and talking on Rosie's deck and "ours's". Leisurely breakfasts and lunches were enjoyed at various times during the day allowing lots of catching up on everyone's news. Rosie and Don had prepared delicious meals for dinner. We also enjoyed one night out at a local restaurant. </p><p>Thanks so much are due the host and hostess of this year - Rosie and Don of Chickcharne. We all hope for a Third Reunion next year! We'd love it to be here in Vermont.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AkUCnwKjmuOCNEucEc2vd0pXiJ5WF99cvPkbPxRxi4aj7pPmVtwIT6e8HGcIE1g0cigY9BUDJMH7LGoRPcGetipDDcz-mKmTR4DwmEJ0J_rNq7ZXe5T614PmnAx3EWbZrde1zDGG6cwCf2AbzX09bUmXm3qjTWir6Sct05cJ0CFITx4BsFDG/s4080/PXL_20230918_002045627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AkUCnwKjmuOCNEucEc2vd0pXiJ5WF99cvPkbPxRxi4aj7pPmVtwIT6e8HGcIE1g0cigY9BUDJMH7LGoRPcGetipDDcz-mKmTR4DwmEJ0J_rNq7ZXe5T614PmnAx3EWbZrde1zDGG6cwCf2AbzX09bUmXm3qjTWir6Sct05cJ0CFITx4BsFDG/s320/PXL_20230918_002045627.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave entertained us one night with lots of our<br />favorites. I get a little teary when I hear "On the<br />Rio Dulce" or "Bonacca Town".</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL971G21IiSIjUX29NkJwVXnBejAZfAcWLhX5TEFrF1NRWmoVBhTMemOy0ymRXkI8LZV6J9tAhKP1bMyCH0WPBInc30Qw9C0Nnhgkoxq8XG8WTQhopfz6PIesoMkloEQfi1LwZ9z4MMhRNg1nBJZsWlSbsOLB_dTjItDT3jmRtf4uVDthDrjl/s4080/PXL_20230918_012524574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnL971G21IiSIjUX29NkJwVXnBejAZfAcWLhX5TEFrF1NRWmoVBhTMemOy0ymRXkI8LZV6J9tAhKP1bMyCH0WPBInc30Qw9C0Nnhgkoxq8XG8WTQhopfz6PIesoMkloEQfi1LwZ9z4MMhRNg1nBJZsWlSbsOLB_dTjItDT3jmRtf4uVDthDrjl/s320/PXL_20230918_012524574.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the view of the lake from Rosie and<br />Don's home.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zbh8QAiAgTfVkGNR8bmaCJZExGTQTyHmB7m9NI1Gy_cO9KUqn91Q5ONMbkXk9nqe29bBQxUeZXpmbc8ic0eF7fK4NG-67bkVFGWK6yegjceBobOv2r5S9VXag1pHaLYpSFZlmyC4jMOhZdFledpzsZFcnIsxhU6PyU4im8g-L6_t49wPc1eY/s4080/PXL_20230918_015207632.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_zbh8QAiAgTfVkGNR8bmaCJZExGTQTyHmB7m9NI1Gy_cO9KUqn91Q5ONMbkXk9nqe29bBQxUeZXpmbc8ic0eF7fK4NG-67bkVFGWK6yegjceBobOv2r5S9VXag1pHaLYpSFZlmyC4jMOhZdFledpzsZFcnIsxhU6PyU4im8g-L6_t49wPc1eY/w301-h400/PXL_20230918_015207632.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry, Don and Deborah at the buffet table.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ehjkCFAlFOXjotdvsbRsdJJkntnUjoCcPiJpSzaJ0N33-QbJPnIr6hTsOLF1bq7QzsgY-AP-CmVBd4H05F0A2NiFJZb6nRVgzJvOEH56lyNC5tS5zCZmKHjV9drDXIwOyXV4UyAjTA5of24wvXHSWpljMtI9tSPLo_JEdLT7vau0MHuFoic/s4080/PXL_20230918_015110039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ehjkCFAlFOXjotdvsbRsdJJkntnUjoCcPiJpSzaJ0N33-QbJPnIr6hTsOLF1bq7QzsgY-AP-CmVBd4H05F0A2NiFJZb6nRVgzJvOEH56lyNC5tS5zCZmKHjV9drDXIwOyXV4UyAjTA5of24wvXHSWpljMtI9tSPLo_JEdLT7vau0MHuFoic/s320/PXL_20230918_015110039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's "our" cottage as viewed from the deck<br />above.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd1Tp3t5pIooFkIfS4IEybJlfx_857SMlvKfQLqljj6qKsdhoyos8Xx-2LqorPb26AgtFmEuLTKRGHDufA1G_QadVOVAY_JDQNlb7AGqDr2fpMaRk9CXmAWNxfPK8mJtRmdSylmDz8Eqbi88s5hDx1e4KBXUHeQOQkTPX_N_ebr4LRJrQXuLf/s4080/PXL_20230916_230512656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd1Tp3t5pIooFkIfS4IEybJlfx_857SMlvKfQLqljj6qKsdhoyos8Xx-2LqorPb26AgtFmEuLTKRGHDufA1G_QadVOVAY_JDQNlb7AGqDr2fpMaRk9CXmAWNxfPK8mJtRmdSylmDz8Eqbi88s5hDx1e4KBXUHeQOQkTPX_N_ebr4LRJrQXuLf/s320/PXL_20230916_230512656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another night we had drinks down on "our" deck!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituRvY6Be1r_efPyXWbnEpRg05lVCXm1VTEXNZhRYV73oPNGjVYAdtzhWsrwpHmSQTCWHuH5I4hs7REvlF0Y-I8OomrR9cP3_J4orS8ZzjnCertR3nWYr2Gp4vwVJK40pMM-TvVVdKvEboYHVdKycBBbvgVsmaBkJpzQUDH2Urbg9eECs_AX5a/s4080/PXL_20230916_230524723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituRvY6Be1r_efPyXWbnEpRg05lVCXm1VTEXNZhRYV73oPNGjVYAdtzhWsrwpHmSQTCWHuH5I4hs7REvlF0Y-I8OomrR9cP3_J4orS8ZzjnCertR3nWYr2Gp4vwVJK40pMM-TvVVdKvEboYHVdKycBBbvgVsmaBkJpzQUDH2Urbg9eECs_AX5a/s320/PXL_20230916_230524723.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave "Odyssea", Dave "Cordelia", Ellen & Rosie<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEesuidmVvfZ76dGs0qf_ODfOnemIQLir4lA4fpJWARY8cOFJR_qfPFTAaB0g311UTetIWOLz2H39tLoIdlk0FnXjGqUSpuEbW4Q1atS6wFLkNcGmpW3mtVnjeMCGfnWvmwycWbfKjPuKa-_QeJ9c8pMNh4TSRyiBx-V0YLk95NAuGz8k8jgf/s4080/PXL_20230916_234131121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEesuidmVvfZ76dGs0qf_ODfOnemIQLir4lA4fpJWARY8cOFJR_qfPFTAaB0g311UTetIWOLz2H39tLoIdlk0FnXjGqUSpuEbW4Q1atS6wFLkNcGmpW3mtVnjeMCGfnWvmwycWbfKjPuKa-_QeJ9c8pMNh4TSRyiBx-V0YLk95NAuGz8k8jgf/s320/PXL_20230916_234131121.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renate & Sally</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhrVJreTv80BD-kz_SkL5GDUZKwVdrHLufaT_wU0HWSpC2Gc0y2nAa6u2IYFEJ2VdMyHRou1wUQWBPIO9J3t2PUUrFK7UgSlGbWNZ6gnK38ZHf3SibnzTy2YD7Ct_dQNV0ejkAndNBYsuDb_WO-sgmIHX2H1GqmGZ-6XyKB4sap7y6u9Rs5B2/s4080/PXL_20230915_012604053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhrVJreTv80BD-kz_SkL5GDUZKwVdrHLufaT_wU0HWSpC2Gc0y2nAa6u2IYFEJ2VdMyHRou1wUQWBPIO9J3t2PUUrFK7UgSlGbWNZ6gnK38ZHf3SibnzTy2YD7Ct_dQNV0ejkAndNBYsuDb_WO-sgmIHX2H1GqmGZ-6XyKB4sap7y6u9Rs5B2/w640-h482/PXL_20230915_012604053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim, Dave, Renate, Sally, Rosie, Breck, Don, and Scott</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-44173022921346427192023-10-17T10:51:00.002-04:002023-10-17T10:51:12.745-04:00Glacier National Park - Briefly<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMi1U_P5ROLhxS0GS0MfbvbKLgK2sfI8L7EUa8gg_UnQHBDe8SYMpsqpXWrtAxITuIEYTDd-hBskMhG91kZGVBCF7od4RrFS11Vr-wK1jDo-iUmiadQ-hwF5N4tv6bQaDAgQWMHXBL5Zld4QpxIMyPNH6Nvxpf7rhUHLRpzH7SNrv5oVZvQoI/s5184/2023-09-12%2014-17-45%20-%200050.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMi1U_P5ROLhxS0GS0MfbvbKLgK2sfI8L7EUa8gg_UnQHBDe8SYMpsqpXWrtAxITuIEYTDd-hBskMhG91kZGVBCF7od4RrFS11Vr-wK1jDo-iUmiadQ-hwF5N4tv6bQaDAgQWMHXBL5Zld4QpxIMyPNH6Nvxpf7rhUHLRpzH7SNrv5oVZvQoI/w640-h360/2023-09-12%2014-17-45%20-%200050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's the Road to the Sun etched along the mountain behind us.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFT5KeZirMsNw_Nyel6neYXOK617MUb5FMGA09_xdpU8rRnil1LZcEzMzS-PckxUoyf1k7yD2xbv38rxfu32jP3nnFOzJnevwI_z1LasMoNNgQ4VLnZxNElfS93yMQsFAQQYSbuUVvA76PMrn67ERfub90MnjYcKESHZFI6zzlT55Ck_kLyMe/s5184/2023-09-12%2010-23-52%20-%200010.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="2920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizFT5KeZirMsNw_Nyel6neYXOK617MUb5FMGA09_xdpU8rRnil1LZcEzMzS-PckxUoyf1k7yD2xbv38rxfu32jP3nnFOzJnevwI_z1LasMoNNgQ4VLnZxNElfS93yMQsFAQQYSbuUVvA76PMrn67ERfub90MnjYcKESHZFI6zzlT55Ck_kLyMe/w225-h400/2023-09-12%2010-23-52%20-%200010.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were many waterfalls off<br />in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5er5lWIKS02aY5WftWjEYXnzOj6LNFBKH2nD1MLAXCbX81GhScGAV_vbWVav1RJ6XDI1fMAFUNKet5SlGpdWIlp3FJ6e6wj-a7uGNmumZcoj8kMUHtpfvCTj-sx3KMzYX6Mgm_ArNr2XerBV9uV1JoHlBY071-f66Wje3stS77Pq3RTg4GHA/s5184/2023-09-12%2010-24-09%20-%200012.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5er5lWIKS02aY5WftWjEYXnzOj6LNFBKH2nD1MLAXCbX81GhScGAV_vbWVav1RJ6XDI1fMAFUNKet5SlGpdWIlp3FJ6e6wj-a7uGNmumZcoj8kMUHtpfvCTj-sx3KMzYX6Mgm_ArNr2XerBV9uV1JoHlBY071-f66Wje3stS77Pq3RTg4GHA/w400-h225/2023-09-12%2010-24-09%20-%200012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim, Renate and myself with our rental car</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAbr9Tv9WYyH2qdyXcqnR2z3KiV2fu8RbgKbEjrKsAcM72AHYtaZiMA6UoanT0-_KOIJB5FL5sOJ-K40wnSPqBMvIzdSYW1w7P0wL0jX_CYQZkYzWSOn56oTQSHk_RxvuNiPSDZ77LsJbM5lUQSu27yek6rWeWQhqycVm6ej9ofgGhNMPEuRW/s5184/2023-09-12%2010-40-02%20-%200017.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAbr9Tv9WYyH2qdyXcqnR2z3KiV2fu8RbgKbEjrKsAcM72AHYtaZiMA6UoanT0-_KOIJB5FL5sOJ-K40wnSPqBMvIzdSYW1w7P0wL0jX_CYQZkYzWSOn56oTQSHk_RxvuNiPSDZ77LsJbM5lUQSu27yek6rWeWQhqycVm6ej9ofgGhNMPEuRW/w400-h225/2023-09-12%2010-40-02%20-%200017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over 150 glaciers were known to have existed a hundred <br />years ago, but now there are about 20 left. It's predicted that<br />they'll all be gone by 2030.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Our second annual reunion of Tortugal cruiser friends (Tortugeezers) was in Montana this year. Our buddy boat cruiser friends, Renate & Jim drove their trailer from their home on Vancouver Island, so we decided to spend a few days with them before joining all the others. Our flights from Boston to Missoula, Montana were on time but our second flight was overbooked so they had to ask for volunteers in order for us to be seated. Luckily one couple took the $700 offer. This has convinced me to reserve seats in advance from now on. We had chosen the cheapest package and now I know what that means. I upgraded to the next level for the trip back.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oenZP4G4CS-dGMS5IvhBY_zQeihvDzNlS4LXPAm5rZgO7oHocpHhqgn5HAo3asiPlhV6knhPdv7tP0iTAUbs6THOvXcYvd3FUJeBxcuSEuToaQjIOtD61gE73AYUfEh9m_IkHEkz_43Ub3j53hVSq7MJ8o5kYJDymTvVaJqoBhEtVa6r6OV9/s5184/2023-09-12%2009-56-21%20-%200003.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8oenZP4G4CS-dGMS5IvhBY_zQeihvDzNlS4LXPAm5rZgO7oHocpHhqgn5HAo3asiPlhV6knhPdv7tP0iTAUbs6THOvXcYvd3FUJeBxcuSEuToaQjIOtD61gE73AYUfEh9m_IkHEkz_43Ub3j53hVSq7MJ8o5kYJDymTvVaJqoBhEtVa6r6OV9/s320/2023-09-12%2009-56-21%20-%200003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road is an engineering marvel and mostly <br />built by hand.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuWuLLHU0hpijoiLk7y0Zq8vBqTh9HX6XC0tWnJ_4_bK8zbimYyzBaTo6wpyY3Wd0qPRPI4VZI2h-tDy-EP4gwxU4VDSHIJK-4wWQnziPJq2vgVsuBvxhXf_L9iN7RK4Ye-kbpzEUrDHynBl4_JTDyK7axvKbK1ptzKzxKe2AoHKxWPfDXJkw/s5184/2023-09-12%2015-22-11%20-%200005.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuWuLLHU0hpijoiLk7y0Zq8vBqTh9HX6XC0tWnJ_4_bK8zbimYyzBaTo6wpyY3Wd0qPRPI4VZI2h-tDy-EP4gwxU4VDSHIJK-4wWQnziPJq2vgVsuBvxhXf_L9iN7RK4Ye-kbpzEUrDHynBl4_JTDyK7axvKbK1ptzKzxKe2AoHKxWPfDXJkw/s320/2023-09-12%2015-22-11%20-%200005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We didn't see any goats but lots of deer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmx7dJ2noh-YiYYHU5celH4nFhZZlQa4C4G56LmRkUcYHzmArOChExBO_vD8j2RWv0iuTib4w0oKaHG_x7pm2EYk9k9i8_3IIMJDz7vvJK4Cwt3BMUrsTaDegPnPsnzxmaja_SwchKF_0vvH5Vu9yBEI6R02DPCrZ4Xwyp4n6xYc2FsybVKXT/s4080/PXL_20230912_194308220.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmx7dJ2noh-YiYYHU5celH4nFhZZlQa4C4G56LmRkUcYHzmArOChExBO_vD8j2RWv0iuTib4w0oKaHG_x7pm2EYk9k9i8_3IIMJDz7vvJK4Cwt3BMUrsTaDegPnPsnzxmaja_SwchKF_0vvH5Vu9yBEI6R02DPCrZ4Xwyp4n6xYc2FsybVKXT/w301-h400/PXL_20230912_194308220.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road is narrow and often has no shoulders.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We picked up our rental car quickly and were off for the 2 hour drive up to Columbia Falls near the west entrance to the Park. Our Airbnb was a "tiny house" and they weren't exaggerating. There was room for a double bed (two pillows!), one chair and a kitchen counter with the basics and frig. The bathroom had a stall shower so we really had all we needed, except two more pillows. We wadded up our fleeces! But it was cheaper than any of the hotels and conveniently located near our cruiser friends, Renate & Jim's RV park. </p><p>We had only one day together in Glacier National Park but it was a full one. We lucked out with beautiful mostly sunny weather, but as a result, encountered crowds of people. It was the first day that entry reservations weren't required and that meant many of the popular parking areas were full. But we found lots of spots to pull over and admire the views and take short walks. The big thing to do here is to drive the Highway to the Sun and we did it twice, traveling east first and then reversing. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFr0REuDZyKG8ugAq6uPFNkl1-tNqMAWObi1YWSkxn5Y3sOLbfewYaA17I3AAPhW0X4cQfFb9ys_ixdbmyfcyAU6bSZ2F26k6Ft9DHx64MqL8uJUcTJoZPEoeE-AeINWJvJ-TFJXCAeS6U-wrF6AbbX-1xv6KbZJ5Q2_cBYbWzG0cr7aykmye/s5184/2023-09-12%2011-43-46%20-%200042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFr0REuDZyKG8ugAq6uPFNkl1-tNqMAWObi1YWSkxn5Y3sOLbfewYaA17I3AAPhW0X4cQfFb9ys_ixdbmyfcyAU6bSZ2F26k6Ft9DHx64MqL8uJUcTJoZPEoeE-AeINWJvJ-TFJXCAeS6U-wrF6AbbX-1xv6KbZJ5Q2_cBYbWzG0cr7aykmye/w640-h360/2023-09-12%2011-43-46%20-%200042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are hundreds of lakes in the park, 131 of which are named. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EXIIPKDosraUunK_gMJSOVzcuSnk8tTxUFw0FG2pOgCHO02OHUN8S5kgDkZQ5_oQSIB44heQQJYY7zitKy_gZG_uk88kw1VbqhafPfHs7WqNBAXDAb8eAjK5vGAfrBf8F_GiqZQFBFUCUI8wjBeO_K2e0pZApAxQC08e_7OQgAOy9o19hSAW/s5184/2023-09-12%2013-57-08%20-%200044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2920" data-original-width="5184" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EXIIPKDosraUunK_gMJSOVzcuSnk8tTxUFw0FG2pOgCHO02OHUN8S5kgDkZQ5_oQSIB44heQQJYY7zitKy_gZG_uk88kw1VbqhafPfHs7WqNBAXDAb8eAjK5vGAfrBf8F_GiqZQFBFUCUI8wjBeO_K2e0pZApAxQC08e_7OQgAOy9o19hSAW/w640-h360/2023-09-12%2013-57-08%20-%200044.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw touches of color, mostly berries and low shrubs.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The park was established in 1910 and the road completed by the CCC in 1932. This was Scott's first visit but I spent a week back packing through the park with a friend in the early 1970's, During that trip we camped at both spots where in 1967 two young women were killed by grizzly bears. It was more than a little frightening for sure. Before leaving on that trip, all hikers were made to watch a safety film explaining what to do if encountering a grizzly. As I remember it, "Take off your backpack and throw it away. Stand up as tall as you can and wave your arms over your head. If it starts towards you, roll up on a ball on the ground and pretend to be dead." "Don't run!" We wore bells around our neck, traveled in a group and sang songs when the trail wasn't visible ahead. It was a great trip!!!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEguHZmrmn6oSx2nishozgwByEdnLMywL7l5Y0WsTDib2W8xYFbOtCFxjLB7cSV3NrzhmRDrCbC01Qv0OPXVUQiWNHzhbe9oGJfwy5YDKRhBdWbAQ7RMZZpPmxd4gITsoxQK9InP16zchpRTugOqQxNufMWdve7QBNFQhheBN272zBYXWhF8A8/s4080/PXL_20230912_202241318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEguHZmrmn6oSx2nishozgwByEdnLMywL7l5Y0WsTDib2W8xYFbOtCFxjLB7cSV3NrzhmRDrCbC01Qv0OPXVUQiWNHzhbe9oGJfwy5YDKRhBdWbAQ7RMZZpPmxd4gITsoxQK9InP16zchpRTugOqQxNufMWdve7QBNFQhheBN272zBYXWhF8A8/w301-h400/PXL_20230912_202241318.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trails were all very inviting but we didn't<br />have time for any long hikes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPgx2Pxhwys5ndTuGZDmUbAy86q1pOjt-7QCnTpuHc5zn_xamrEg3E4ucw4-9DUo3kvX3eID7M7M48uqyRBZ2h1ywz7638jGt-C3o_rcwb1XHznQbDJwQIotrd2966NaOnDiXDWaULms20OY749UrLahuN4926vKqpueV-JouWeYKOu1zs2HF/s4080/PXL_20230912_210245723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="3072" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPgx2Pxhwys5ndTuGZDmUbAy86q1pOjt-7QCnTpuHc5zn_xamrEg3E4ucw4-9DUo3kvX3eID7M7M48uqyRBZ2h1ywz7638jGt-C3o_rcwb1XHznQbDJwQIotrd2966NaOnDiXDWaULms20OY749UrLahuN4926vKqpueV-JouWeYKOu1zs2HF/w301-h400/PXL_20230912_210245723.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Built by the Great Northern Railway in 1914-15<br />the Many Glaciers Hotel sits on a big lake. The<br />lobby here was really grand rustic.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUQOZxH_0a9LKXKKl1FUOUrcUh6z1OvQTNSjMHCYXGSSNW2ECV0QIRaR3eyg9Bdc9SzGdSH0iRsM-zHHADaAoAf6zRpCVftMnrF6MNd0b6AvSLH9aTL671jnytISUqHSJ6ytNX3ENkRBpCYZ6pav55h67nUDT0dSVJarR-hijhyphenhyphenr6xQNdY2eK/s4222/P9120254A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3377" data-original-width="4222" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUQOZxH_0a9LKXKKl1FUOUrcUh6z1OvQTNSjMHCYXGSSNW2ECV0QIRaR3eyg9Bdc9SzGdSH0iRsM-zHHADaAoAf6zRpCVftMnrF6MNd0b6AvSLH9aTL671jnytISUqHSJ6ytNX3ENkRBpCYZ6pav55h67nUDT0dSVJarR-hijhyphenhyphenr6xQNdY2eK/s320/P9120254A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renate and I enjoy some time in the sun at the<br />viewpoint inside on the tunnels</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoDxa7R68qcWTTUKweciMAWkV3S_nZ44i1Np4hspuy-LUMKQC63XOkYgORUOhLiGoDMAeuiSi9_-lBegEqFKigntsHt17bl6H4k3eS8EwTJAnWS7LYVscqYTUKPU9KbXQHjQPvpNVPQHeZxDzbMgWLkZwvzHA9S2A81P82PIFXM9vOQA1Hldx/s4080/PXL_20230912_210003734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoDxa7R68qcWTTUKweciMAWkV3S_nZ44i1Np4hspuy-LUMKQC63XOkYgORUOhLiGoDMAeuiSi9_-lBegEqFKigntsHt17bl6H4k3eS8EwTJAnWS7LYVscqYTUKPU9KbXQHjQPvpNVPQHeZxDzbMgWLkZwvzHA9S2A81P82PIFXM9vOQA1Hldx/s320/PXL_20230912_210003734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> A fleet of restored 1930s </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Motor_Company" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" title="White Motor Company">White Motor Company</a><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;"> coaches, called </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Jammers" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3366cc; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Red Jammers">Red Jammers</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202122; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">, <br />offer tours on all the main roads in the park. <br />The drivers of the buses are called "Jammers", <br />due to the gear-jamming that formerly occurred<br /> during the vehicles' operation.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-43443486679783457172023-09-05T19:20:00.000-04:002023-09-07T14:45:09.096-04:00On the Road Again, and Again...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S1py5pXhtIISsvQ-oBKDkFWHMAYOP26M08EvH6xJmL-oAr-DbVjgAJH_UWEn9e7fd7OoZxS7wZkTaNVyjlJQAWd9XXi8tKBCKVmH0xVjOM-TfAokVF4v0yRsu1Neig2EtWf_inZO1DM-FkRyn7CSArCGvwpBNwzlDTnXJbMZaDTF2Fo5DqMe/s4080/PXL_20230903_230901579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6S1py5pXhtIISsvQ-oBKDkFWHMAYOP26M08EvH6xJmL-oAr-DbVjgAJH_UWEn9e7fd7OoZxS7wZkTaNVyjlJQAWd9XXi8tKBCKVmH0xVjOM-TfAokVF4v0yRsu1Neig2EtWf_inZO1DM-FkRyn7CSArCGvwpBNwzlDTnXJbMZaDTF2Fo5DqMe/w640-h482/PXL_20230903_230901579.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our timeshare at the Bethel Inn in Bethel, Maine </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Recently a good friend and neighbor here in Shrewsbury, after hearing a recital of our coming trips, asked, "Do you really love all this traveling?" Well, I had to admit that I do. I've had itchy feet since I was born and an excess of energy. But it is true that some of the trips this summer and coming in the fall have been stressful and keep us away from what normally would be our season at home. My sister Paula's stroke and dealing with her future and finances has been and will be very difficult. Although the four weeks we're spending with our youngest son and his new family are wonderful, we do miss enjoying our home here in Vermont. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2PgSjCV0k_7ptH7mb-Vup6IFNyxtpcVIFgTl1jq6Fy5C8fYHQchl6Ae9YONT-mJLzu4q522LglevFaGq2PyBRBQrIw_M4PhEtm09ia9dBOLz_wkWAFXrixoL5eS1QhIBUA9g_XzuGKCFX2PVs7b3OuYQdD0AW5lAuiOLGe6uF3kUld1sBGkZ/s8160/20230903_144235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8160" data-original-width="6120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-2PgSjCV0k_7ptH7mb-Vup6IFNyxtpcVIFgTl1jq6Fy5C8fYHQchl6Ae9YONT-mJLzu4q522LglevFaGq2PyBRBQrIw_M4PhEtm09ia9dBOLz_wkWAFXrixoL5eS1QhIBUA9g_XzuGKCFX2PVs7b3OuYQdD0AW5lAuiOLGe6uF3kUld1sBGkZ/w300-h400/20230903_144235.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We enjoyed a walking path along the river</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW0qQAJTLKUKcXdBG0vn7nkcIvXE2ZBbQyQAugWyT9upk-xmsl4xKEmG4htM-QytG8NlfGGpZ5u4G825YvDCG_U7W7bRo2L66od6Y4sBVvaHu7335-7KPKe39ZKZZ__ANEPuL3q6d-yp4s8eAhaP1d7JSX-kto5ZCFUjpW-DsPQ-vhuTfFOTC/s2802/20230903_155403~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2802" data-original-width="2802" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW0qQAJTLKUKcXdBG0vn7nkcIvXE2ZBbQyQAugWyT9upk-xmsl4xKEmG4htM-QytG8NlfGGpZ5u4G825YvDCG_U7W7bRo2L66od6Y4sBVvaHu7335-7KPKe39ZKZZ__ANEPuL3q6d-yp4s8eAhaP1d7JSX-kto5ZCFUjpW-DsPQ-vhuTfFOTC/s320/20230903_155403~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan generally loves his dinosaurs, but this <br />was a little much!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3Q4BGlgp79ok_vo2NhQK9Y_1jM9o81_zP2wHNaGoHsWSYaUcjNeGdCfBsv0Zpbd4wTS4w-KGZLwsJ6I03JGcRl8gQ3L8NmZ2FhX4ScP8hjU2Eh9rWWD5if2uWZfjOs3qok2peHoWDxOmZR6rnF5kUxJ4EcPtAJ3ayXbXf881Bw4eJOuTzJte/s2795/20230903_195840~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="2237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3Q4BGlgp79ok_vo2NhQK9Y_1jM9o81_zP2wHNaGoHsWSYaUcjNeGdCfBsv0Zpbd4wTS4w-KGZLwsJ6I03JGcRl8gQ3L8NmZ2FhX4ScP8hjU2Eh9rWWD5if2uWZfjOs3qok2peHoWDxOmZR6rnF5kUxJ4EcPtAJ3ayXbXf881Bw4eJOuTzJte/s320/20230903_195840~2.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happiness is....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UVosrHFS8yZ2452PPe-43HUJ8cuaoJkB5ou3TiOLjNN-gM3PQLmMflhs1dfJYWzskXamST_umdJisHUWZOn3oPwxQ_tGFGIbx4rd9PrwRhLWKzlDEJNT2Q330ZeQFVcRT3llROqU6OKyepqq_W-DWbSqxu_Q7UNrBDeE7IyUsE_QmOaC-gcM/s3024/20230904_111502~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="2419" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UVosrHFS8yZ2452PPe-43HUJ8cuaoJkB5ou3TiOLjNN-gM3PQLmMflhs1dfJYWzskXamST_umdJisHUWZOn3oPwxQ_tGFGIbx4rd9PrwRhLWKzlDEJNT2Q330ZeQFVcRT3llROqU6OKyepqq_W-DWbSqxu_Q7UNrBDeE7IyUsE_QmOaC-gcM/w320-h400/20230904_111502~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had a lovely morning at the Bethel<br />Inn's Lake House.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Last week we were in Maryland, this week in Maine (with Sean, Will and Rowan) and then directly on to Montana for our second Tortugeezer Reunion (Cruisers from the Tortugal Marina in Guatemala). After a while home with several visitors, we're back to my sister's to finish cleaning out her apartment. We'll spend Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family in Palo Alto, CA. After Christmas at home, we're heading out across the country again this coming winter. We'll leave on the first of January and plan to return the beginning of May. This year we'll stay further south and turn around in Arizona. We already have 3 weeks reserved near the National Seashore in Florida and almost a week in Big Bend National Park. On the way home we'll visit our oldest son Josh and his family in Dallas and see the total eclipse of the sun on April 8. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94WZJ_BxBHTNoq7M2yIasa6M6dZWIkF3ZKQrsn16JOZPgQsC4zBxsHjqzmySAoq3ZsAXR3EU_GfmN3Y-X1WfCzC7j9d-DTvS01ovUulFZmYn5S8YfMcSLRuwkXaP5C7Sx1Y9ft45tOnAlNu67ZRtgvxjmXJ70ahD9VS8cYWyiMZ40VHGxtu4S/s3648/20230826_111516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94WZJ_BxBHTNoq7M2yIasa6M6dZWIkF3ZKQrsn16JOZPgQsC4zBxsHjqzmySAoq3ZsAXR3EU_GfmN3Y-X1WfCzC7j9d-DTvS01ovUulFZmYn5S8YfMcSLRuwkXaP5C7Sx1Y9ft45tOnAlNu67ZRtgvxjmXJ70ahD9VS8cYWyiMZ40VHGxtu4S/s320/20230826_111516.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's brother Brent came for a visit with his wife<br />Wilma but this is he, their cousin Lisa and <br />Scott on a hike.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But I'm determined not to face the 2 or 3 feet of snow we had to dig out of twice and the icy driveway and roads. We'll drive our RV down to Maryland, in early December, leave it there and visit Paula. It will stay down there until we drive back January 1st. </p><p>I can foresee however our RV cross country traveling days slowing down. But no sense planning ahead that far now! And there will still be a road beckoning ahead for sure. </p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6064999.post-62208913101791224882023-08-24T15:02:00.002-04:002023-09-07T14:44:27.761-04:00Summer Catchup!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-46DybSwAbtO8MHb9PnjzKfBFnPq-HZ4d0J6vTnqAZQkIcOzg8agEk1HeUFh-BJsFE3_eMldV3nblMFJ-MzsqVx4PWn-ClF2FX_7dJjbcHQSnVmMapXDkERT6ADxLkYxKgTINVo1jsP06YEaCrOHMgebJGj96suR-5IUHoWyCJV4payAbU-Kw/s3298/20230823_144229~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3298" data-original-width="2474" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-46DybSwAbtO8MHb9PnjzKfBFnPq-HZ4d0J6vTnqAZQkIcOzg8agEk1HeUFh-BJsFE3_eMldV3nblMFJ-MzsqVx4PWn-ClF2FX_7dJjbcHQSnVmMapXDkERT6ADxLkYxKgTINVo1jsP06YEaCrOHMgebJGj96suR-5IUHoWyCJV4payAbU-Kw/w300-h400/20230823_144229~2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recent Photo of Rowan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-MuJOyoZ105jzEVcrjeiiFt92fa2fKklh0Bz7U6ShAbPruxzTfTVGymCfL1Mp7YRswZCbREzBAJFtq7QhIr78gjkCkUBcoKI1TeaNlqYfH2qeeKxe5QsH45JuOzxBDAgyzCKhSpl4lFt_tCaZu5Ql_sf_QFJFNk38-cczSi6O65QcBcwd1-s/s1875/20230714_090109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="1406" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-MuJOyoZ105jzEVcrjeiiFt92fa2fKklh0Bz7U6ShAbPruxzTfTVGymCfL1Mp7YRswZCbREzBAJFtq7QhIr78gjkCkUBcoKI1TeaNlqYfH2qeeKxe5QsH45JuOzxBDAgyzCKhSpl4lFt_tCaZu5Ql_sf_QFJFNk38-cczSi6O65QcBcwd1-s/w300-h400/20230714_090109.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott and Rowan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_0RQ_GXmgrzy7ZElSwUApjZLS4tZ42NlueeNOZjeyvHGjA3aumtCcrZKRBuVcwOo2GeUW3qQv-SvLZIs2uP3Ir3pNGoybx0SU8RTZ--nkWruN6PYs8jA-ncp_aRzyRRBV8HeEmzhDcLxwwiLYxNZgQqqwZfTPrtGZ5UHO21oJUtImeJ3FSW5/s4000/20230715_132644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_0RQ_GXmgrzy7ZElSwUApjZLS4tZ42NlueeNOZjeyvHGjA3aumtCcrZKRBuVcwOo2GeUW3qQv-SvLZIs2uP3Ir3pNGoybx0SU8RTZ--nkWruN6PYs8jA-ncp_aRzyRRBV8HeEmzhDcLxwwiLYxNZgQqqwZfTPrtGZ5UHO21oJUtImeJ3FSW5/s320/20230715_132644.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather singing to Rowan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDYYtyWKQhdfdpNDcrshf5koGDv7i-kdk0uxYmCe_NaFTHtS5RPvBppf9szftkR5Nv_Yz1OJ-gitGug42vfF_KQQSsKg_yIXkUjtGC7Vj_B9eoQg5Fgu6Ypp66nRWssIRKi1-0dPUW3W_U3Sq8LrMamSPvz2TSRCo9vpj_gH8pwo2SI12uvEs/s1118/20230731_110158~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1118" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDYYtyWKQhdfdpNDcrshf5koGDv7i-kdk0uxYmCe_NaFTHtS5RPvBppf9szftkR5Nv_Yz1OJ-gitGug42vfF_KQQSsKg_yIXkUjtGC7Vj_B9eoQg5Fgu6Ypp66nRWssIRKi1-0dPUW3W_U3Sq8LrMamSPvz2TSRCo9vpj_gH8pwo2SI12uvEs/w400-h320/20230731_110158~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean nursing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaP0bAQ2MoRLNabQEL76AlKIlL_V6Fq5bK8xLqoKNduJlnXsQHbuuv5hXsain1wGayLe8OTeBcejILkn5qgJ2VJqChz-GSzLCa7ACynn2ybqAzAhE-XE93yHjC1KYcQtbfF_Q7s82W5IKoGJ_XFjcd-xZc4EQKdqd48b3c5IgIktTsK0IR_Df/s903/Will%20&%20Rowan%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="678" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaP0bAQ2MoRLNabQEL76AlKIlL_V6Fq5bK8xLqoKNduJlnXsQHbuuv5hXsain1wGayLe8OTeBcejILkn5qgJ2VJqChz-GSzLCa7ACynn2ybqAzAhE-XE93yHjC1KYcQtbfF_Q7s82W5IKoGJ_XFjcd-xZc4EQKdqd48b3c5IgIktTsK0IR_Df/w300-h400/Will%20&%20Rowan%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Will and guess who?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4-n5piYUtUqZ9d4KnL4CBobDGkxObe9LcIC-_mlJhrOFiwvAd5cMsOlRLUaMbiGGzcDr6LhgHNtbCbmKw4K-8KHpRLPuoYoy4tH50og8Hd2aIwCbELKVY4CjMGR5adHi56l6EEUog1Udg8o96agvXMHrbV5QvCTc5HWRYe8hRLaw-HMp50fJ/s894/Zoe%20and%20Rowan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="715" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4-n5piYUtUqZ9d4KnL4CBobDGkxObe9LcIC-_mlJhrOFiwvAd5cMsOlRLUaMbiGGzcDr6LhgHNtbCbmKw4K-8KHpRLPuoYoy4tH50og8Hd2aIwCbELKVY4CjMGR5adHi56l6EEUog1Udg8o96agvXMHrbV5QvCTc5HWRYe8hRLaw-HMp50fJ/w320-h400/Zoe%20and%20Rowan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoë laughing at one of her great jokes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>It's been a long time since my last post. Our new grandson Rowan is now 6 weeks old and thriving. His Dads, Sean and Will, are tired at times, like all new parents, but loving every minute (well, almost every one). And so are we! Scott and I were down helping for the first two weeks and then returned for another visit while our son James and his family came up. Our oldest son Josh and his kids flew into town to meet their new nephew/cousin and our daughter Zoë came for a week. So it's been wonderful family time. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYU6ZswQBE_ctIa-ggzbGlPazaRr58WITLc35-ZgR25bN3rOnqx7zwgY5__AUlazGjXVu8Svh823TEmR5SAmYEXq8pF7F5Ea_QpgopXDjBIrdbjMFOGxuFES2xYiVtu4vlJYQUDje7X8a2GTiiTAn8cHIszdkeos8J1qPKA9whh6-8sXVNpv3/s4080/PXL_20230815_202936965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYU6ZswQBE_ctIa-ggzbGlPazaRr58WITLc35-ZgR25bN3rOnqx7zwgY5__AUlazGjXVu8Svh823TEmR5SAmYEXq8pF7F5Ea_QpgopXDjBIrdbjMFOGxuFES2xYiVtu4vlJYQUDje7X8a2GTiiTAn8cHIszdkeos8J1qPKA9whh6-8sXVNpv3/s320/PXL_20230815_202936965.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with Kolya on the beach in Boston</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2opVYpd-CXLddO36B6voqe3ktd-DnCsM2nqUG3w0_hwJcfGs-T9u17vvNkTsf8o-iB63EABlVuws0K8ZG6w3b7T1i6F99ilw7nb_yv3On_OCkjW8U-UgWSDtsuaZaCEYYzGVU0bLXPINmRJII_LduKiqFxdnH1OCJ1A60CGbQImGtOX8iFBpo/s4032/IMG-1077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2opVYpd-CXLddO36B6voqe3ktd-DnCsM2nqUG3w0_hwJcfGs-T9u17vvNkTsf8o-iB63EABlVuws0K8ZG6w3b7T1i6F99ilw7nb_yv3On_OCkjW8U-UgWSDtsuaZaCEYYzGVU0bLXPINmRJII_LduKiqFxdnH1OCJ1A60CGbQImGtOX8iFBpo/s320/IMG-1077.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine tasting with my appetizers at Pierce's<br />Store in Shrewsbury</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANugPRaVX0oZu0FqbxeEtggUbIfNN7iwKIGnBqoV64_hTWM8hLDODyVBKEPPHY1u52VT8-IXaNeg4OpC75CXJF0Rvw6FJ9gWvRpPD6HC1WBCY1hQjtbiQFgKhcYFZFJCJZ1rFmR3pfXa8GOELPhqodbuRjKNdrLpM-O3h_iEcd9Ntv4EKOSXu/s4032/IMG-1081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANugPRaVX0oZu0FqbxeEtggUbIfNN7iwKIGnBqoV64_hTWM8hLDODyVBKEPPHY1u52VT8-IXaNeg4OpC75CXJF0Rvw6FJ9gWvRpPD6HC1WBCY1hQjtbiQFgKhcYFZFJCJZ1rFmR3pfXa8GOELPhqodbuRjKNdrLpM-O3h_iEcd9Ntv4EKOSXu/s320/IMG-1081.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friends Kristi & Roxanne <br />entertain us at the wine tasting.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkd-ZQ5vpp8BMhEu2x06g9YzvmPiKlFLITpx2xXNjhWknYGGfpqBCfYdzZH-6jw4R-flBla2A_zxwUo0C_OUAxQBO2EEtmnc-C9L9glYrLT9fcscUegrBa4YOq24XfDGTnSZdNyxHyH1Y9heFQ4eCD_Av9vlm_lMJ3AHQOgv1gGgn8PQBtNFD/s4080/PXL_20230810_002218722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkd-ZQ5vpp8BMhEu2x06g9YzvmPiKlFLITpx2xXNjhWknYGGfpqBCfYdzZH-6jw4R-flBla2A_zxwUo0C_OUAxQBO2EEtmnc-C9L9glYrLT9fcscUegrBa4YOq24XfDGTnSZdNyxHyH1Y9heFQ4eCD_Av9vlm_lMJ3AHQOgv1gGgn8PQBtNFD/w400-h301/PXL_20230810_002218722.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Lake in the evening during our dinner at our friends<br />Lily & Eldred's cabin.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yr9q8AG0aHrMV21YjAvjiHs6RQ0FEgD0YRieNJjUtyyhcDLU43Y5Qqms37lYkK2GcAUPJhaOrp5JfwGjiUIKuAaH-ThO1CwI7JPr2WMQX52C7wBjb6yBqnT6SBP7iCD9kMEUIoPqJ5Bn3YTgqsH0hy5s3lQnw-wwX8cP-llG9ryjYcBUGjf2/s3966/PXL_20230810_002315747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2648" data-original-width="3966" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yr9q8AG0aHrMV21YjAvjiHs6RQ0FEgD0YRieNJjUtyyhcDLU43Y5Qqms37lYkK2GcAUPJhaOrp5JfwGjiUIKuAaH-ThO1CwI7JPr2WMQX52C7wBjb6yBqnT6SBP7iCD9kMEUIoPqJ5Bn3YTgqsH0hy5s3lQnw-wwX8cP-llG9ryjYcBUGjf2/s320/PXL_20230810_002315747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the 20 people who came.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsS6HbF8OfkVdkORKJXbD5zIGrGbfe8mHSiS-H7DPKFtYdAvaYrg_Ot9vgwwrZRmDDpku97UAX3KjLoQuVF9d6Fn07imdkuysMbDxzLCUtmSj2OaBkvCksCKEOcRI0CbEL3wJ1J_-gEgekILzuhoKux5aVqK1Ct0JAo9Me69CB-7_xMgbu01p/s4080/PXL_20230812_173716959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2818" data-original-width="4080" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsS6HbF8OfkVdkORKJXbD5zIGrGbfe8mHSiS-H7DPKFtYdAvaYrg_Ot9vgwwrZRmDDpku97UAX3KjLoQuVF9d6Fn07imdkuysMbDxzLCUtmSj2OaBkvCksCKEOcRI0CbEL3wJ1J_-gEgekILzuhoKux5aVqK1Ct0JAo9Me69CB-7_xMgbu01p/s320/PXL_20230812_173716959.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A corner of the Art in the Park in Rutland.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H7tW1kDCcZz5VQmRBuzfcbdtdMy9sLEUvp1BBU0Fq52CfrakUMLAW9TS5aoG3_GEfXb4ttpzcANU0Y7ZIm1bJnYCghGRjwRuglfMGvsnCzX8sfl-nJ9hz0iw8yq0weV8fEtAPaWpi1n9UlY3wSUtDXMgKSrrE4h5AhYUcDOBOOr7NhUDpEjs/s1589/20230722_152355~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1589" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H7tW1kDCcZz5VQmRBuzfcbdtdMy9sLEUvp1BBU0Fq52CfrakUMLAW9TS5aoG3_GEfXb4ttpzcANU0Y7ZIm1bJnYCghGRjwRuglfMGvsnCzX8sfl-nJ9hz0iw8yq0weV8fEtAPaWpi1n9UlY3wSUtDXMgKSrrE4h5AhYUcDOBOOr7NhUDpEjs/s320/20230722_152355~2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookie, Joshua, Heather & Scott in Sean & Will's <br />backyard.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqc9JzpgPxFdLuoTE-ELg45ysDmJd_2gAYyGeLVJbReVUA9L0NNdR31bsOaN5PYuq_pZOKT3ck669gy4KlUsbKwxVXYaK0-a47qjJCKuNs0H_uN6SDBDlUa3orqYWVOfQIGei99QGdPWhqqzMbVFiRanDWBq-JIOLUfqj0Tr-prJWmYSnfFy3/s3078/20230725_132418~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2570" data-original-width="3078" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqc9JzpgPxFdLuoTE-ELg45ysDmJd_2gAYyGeLVJbReVUA9L0NNdR31bsOaN5PYuq_pZOKT3ck669gy4KlUsbKwxVXYaK0-a47qjJCKuNs0H_uN6SDBDlUa3orqYWVOfQIGei99QGdPWhqqzMbVFiRanDWBq-JIOLUfqj0Tr-prJWmYSnfFy3/s320/20230725_132418~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan, Shira, Maya and Michal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH499J3xwyVeYNY47QbnFqT_upCPLmckqAMNBEwMIv-P0CXP1T61NWWDSLTmz_k9NnAD2vRJsDNdRKfo_RnQpFAi9c2slYFDOaEKMDYNalH_yyQlWCSBTIPdw1s2kd3nux3nUL3Xhgx6_tGgQXo9txWltIWtuTCRa2JncXzx_yRXECkQwKkX5/s2224/20230815_093055~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2224" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiH499J3xwyVeYNY47QbnFqT_upCPLmckqAMNBEwMIv-P0CXP1T61NWWDSLTmz_k9NnAD2vRJsDNdRKfo_RnQpFAi9c2slYFDOaEKMDYNalH_yyQlWCSBTIPdw1s2kd3nux3nUL3Xhgx6_tGgQXo9txWltIWtuTCRa2JncXzx_yRXECkQwKkX5/s320/20230815_093055~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgen & Kolya</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1AGqM6jVLQHlF7dfH-U6BlL-NluA0e25NRy_eE70KnxzOYpUVoAzcoH3Sr1BfpCS7hjEEEMj8Jozh-dJXlP1w9cAGuoIqCOhrHIAobeKT2_8W4ZNBgIxfJQPbLeeMdjuajKONIcoa5YofUvIsf8Cr-B7b3zszLuYxupV-gcCKDmayW1_62wt/s4000/20230818_094222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1AGqM6jVLQHlF7dfH-U6BlL-NluA0e25NRy_eE70KnxzOYpUVoAzcoH3Sr1BfpCS7hjEEEMj8Jozh-dJXlP1w9cAGuoIqCOhrHIAobeKT2_8W4ZNBgIxfJQPbLeeMdjuajKONIcoa5YofUvIsf8Cr-B7b3zszLuYxupV-gcCKDmayW1_62wt/w300-h400/20230818_094222.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James admiring his new nephew.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The bad news for us was that my only sister Paula had a fall and a stroke down in Maryland. Her cognitive ability has not been compromised but after a month in Rehab she still hasn't been able to get out of bed and stand, let along walk. Scott and I went down for a week in late July and will be there again next week. We are looking at long term health care facilities for her here in Vermont and down in Maryland. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoM8Ipo07r6FVXChvI7TZa3FEiEeaY7euoYGs-0Ek7mR7dOP9P88Gaov0eiaLa19zPyGum2imXgP8kMoaEO8s4fhbI1dGbcCWXTAcZ68lsxVsjyo-6I_r2Rv6qst9IxmtRn5_eOnTA1-n0OW06ez6YrixbTteA-QwdFiTvHZwvo30OoeSFkrm/s4080/PXL_20230703_152252539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfoM8Ipo07r6FVXChvI7TZa3FEiEeaY7euoYGs-0Ek7mR7dOP9P88Gaov0eiaLa19zPyGum2imXgP8kMoaEO8s4fhbI1dGbcCWXTAcZ68lsxVsjyo-6I_r2Rv6qst9IxmtRn5_eOnTA1-n0OW06ez6YrixbTteA-QwdFiTvHZwvo30OoeSFkrm/s320/PXL_20230703_152252539.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone enjoyed the Lake and all three of the<br />kids made it out to the swim raft!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0edaCF2VGXkB5olxehxeKTadHwwHBVXnLsshqgoj0hdy-pHnTDCnl3jOjja3ZtV3qnGR-5G-miMeBpYfh5jhG-1Z_ibSKX-NGP0xg-qCbIZhuzqhZubeKqMO8-gSojjh1lfXqK87Y9ylmSJ8MS-oz-4SjYIX3SbX1YAtr8539zFqehh7oRqQ8/s320/IMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0edaCF2VGXkB5olxehxeKTadHwwHBVXnLsshqgoj0hdy-pHnTDCnl3jOjja3ZtV3qnGR-5G-miMeBpYfh5jhG-1Z_ibSKX-NGP0xg-qCbIZhuzqhZubeKqMO8-gSojjh1lfXqK87Y9ylmSJ8MS-oz-4SjYIX3SbX1YAtr8539zFqehh7oRqQ8/s1600/IMG_1858.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We bought a Corn Hole game for the yard.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXwschaLYs7_UbBcy4BproiDZVH7ZB6dNg7UPJDsK2SWvQ_UgxPB66X-jVW7paPE3qkKbn9SJRNBmsp39fMDVzsgklHC5m_oZAohRkh8r8No0T-fX2wv8DEl3LmmvreAmOjt_EzV3mxlgRJMWeWZgwIjJa5MNB4jL7mek_RpeoKHxdLfnlonT/s4160/IMG_20230702_183537612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXwschaLYs7_UbBcy4BproiDZVH7ZB6dNg7UPJDsK2SWvQ_UgxPB66X-jVW7paPE3qkKbn9SJRNBmsp39fMDVzsgklHC5m_oZAohRkh8r8No0T-fX2wv8DEl3LmmvreAmOjt_EzV3mxlgRJMWeWZgwIjJa5MNB4jL7mek_RpeoKHxdLfnlonT/s320/IMG_20230702_183537612.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill, Kolya, Nora, Gracie, Claire, James and <br />Morgen at the Fourth of July gathering.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz5svKm5DrllxYqpsGwT0C_YJtC8B6MzbJi7NdJRqQurpSE_UPp1LFwYOWW1nnLqLpzT7kpZLsd1NH1Z4soYZq9L-WOtWKO41Kg3GWTH_6QI2l7nPP-7rNZDXqHqNZmaDX056Vzanwwloeh-ffU6gFkgt6tlB9Lz_EmUnYw9k7W1BPrhT5EwE/s4160/IMG_20230702_190316621_MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJz5svKm5DrllxYqpsGwT0C_YJtC8B6MzbJi7NdJRqQurpSE_UPp1LFwYOWW1nnLqLpzT7kpZLsd1NH1Z4soYZq9L-WOtWKO41Kg3GWTH_6QI2l7nPP-7rNZDXqHqNZmaDX056Vzanwwloeh-ffU6gFkgt6tlB9Lz_EmUnYw9k7W1BPrhT5EwE/s320/IMG_20230702_190316621_MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie shows off her Flag Cake. She's been making<br />it every year for our gettogether.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSklqDp2w0aVNzKiXnKlM6YIZmnw40kJ9Y3f-qDeD1Eq_SBdfYiENu9VHq9Z7mhu49G6wHrH2_qFI6wIr73H3I9-GL45YqmbMTrdGuiWUHb1qEI9uKH3aHDFQlID_V2HU4RuxDj5fh3YqV49wXJ7w44bO_mDfkmUsd9OvCUXXgV4C5tNx3Xwl/s4160/IMG_20230703_162134956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSklqDp2w0aVNzKiXnKlM6YIZmnw40kJ9Y3f-qDeD1Eq_SBdfYiENu9VHq9Z7mhu49G6wHrH2_qFI6wIr73H3I9-GL45YqmbMTrdGuiWUHb1qEI9uKH3aHDFQlID_V2HU4RuxDj5fh3YqV49wXJ7w44bO_mDfkmUsd9OvCUXXgV4C5tNx3Xwl/s320/IMG_20230703_162134956.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stream was a fun adventure for all the kids.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt8P0mH58gnhw0yP3QxYOAomoDP6_hENSildMYRNGBrLzbNyJmmn7qomiZTUsutDWEnVdO6pBxBxRmG78pVjmjmffeEweb1QbNEeuliTAe80Fw4q8MHNCzCG5RVLdw1BrKr0rwi5zY3bMi0ceLaVkfrZoZWZyVUFLBr48UkVuoMLlq8Hd45zX/s4160/IMG_20230703_170434069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBt8P0mH58gnhw0yP3QxYOAomoDP6_hENSildMYRNGBrLzbNyJmmn7qomiZTUsutDWEnVdO6pBxBxRmG78pVjmjmffeEweb1QbNEeuliTAe80Fw4q8MHNCzCG5RVLdw1BrKr0rwi5zY3bMi0ceLaVkfrZoZWZyVUFLBr48UkVuoMLlq8Hd45zX/s320/IMG_20230703_170434069.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Morgen.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV-DM9omC4jgKkvKLvK_iEOGAypdBkOJd-xrybto8F_opw6mxr9j3B1WfZxXxsaV5EHfiLoGpb1r7GFM4AWYvxcCZqke7rsLGKRFh8yN_09iTIbHB1Rp6wOWgebbWdhq-83dHnA3oxkmebgb4rjsM_6MXtBQ-R5m1otOQN8gU5LHrH-e_iEkt/s4160/IMG_20230703_181130337_MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV-DM9omC4jgKkvKLvK_iEOGAypdBkOJd-xrybto8F_opw6mxr9j3B1WfZxXxsaV5EHfiLoGpb1r7GFM4AWYvxcCZqke7rsLGKRFh8yN_09iTIbHB1Rp6wOWgebbWdhq-83dHnA3oxkmebgb4rjsM_6MXtBQ-R5m1otOQN8gU5LHrH-e_iEkt/s320/IMG_20230703_181130337_MP.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug with his Indian takeout meal.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>We had a wonderful Fourth of July gathering again this year. A total of 22 people came over 5 days. Sean & Will and Dick & Debbie were the only absentees (and of course a few of the second generation). James, Morgen and Kolya came up from Washington DC with Morgen's sister Claire and her family - Bill and their two girls, Grace & Nora. Marty & Russ with daughters Jenny & Julie, David & Leslie with son Scott and his family - Laura & Calvin, Larry & Zuzia and Larry's son Luke, Doug & Pat - and Scott & I. The weather mostly cooperated with lots of swimming in the Lake and exploring our stream and woods. There was a trip to the Montshire Museum of Science and the King Arthur Flour store. But mostly we caught up on our lives and current events over lots of food and drink. Unfortunately we forgot to take a group photo this year and in fact, very few photos got taken!</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5mjs7rGBZ_yJG49CBtgVZvzdleZ_3bwcZSLDuJ88Wx0Cu45m1KrxHD4_Ss2qobx4hhy8EwfS0gqQcgScdV5jbEAQgaupjWYY4iEtvHjFg31bNdeTXxzlTPpjj9isrjQ4Gd2mO1P-oMkEd3_Ycg3rjySKNgPtEBfwiSLBNuuiHb_nyjONsCO_/s2254/Paula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1610" data-original-width="2254" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5mjs7rGBZ_yJG49CBtgVZvzdleZ_3bwcZSLDuJ88Wx0Cu45m1KrxHD4_Ss2qobx4hhy8EwfS0gqQcgScdV5jbEAQgaupjWYY4iEtvHjFg31bNdeTXxzlTPpjj9isrjQ4Gd2mO1P-oMkEd3_Ycg3rjySKNgPtEBfwiSLBNuuiHb_nyjONsCO_/s320/Paula.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister Paula in the hospital.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Shrewsbury, our home town, is chocked full of events. We attended concerts, a wine tasting with appetizers (I made 20 plates of antipasto), Bone Builders, and many dinners over with friends. One day we drove into Saratoga Springs to attend a Lincoln Center String Quartet concert at SPAC and afterwards walked around town and ate dinner at a sidewalk table. We also saw two performances of Opera North over in N.H. and Fidelio at the Middlebury Opera. Another String Ensemble concert was held in Woodstock. If we'd had time, we could have done 4 times more! We enjoyed Art in the Park on the Rutland Green with craftspeople, artists, food and live music. </p><p>Scott is busy with 2 Boards, the Rutland Farmer's Food Center and Green Mountain Neighbors. I volunteer at Pierce's Store and I'm active in the Rutland Garden Club. Scott and I designed the website for them and run it, including a blog. We both volunteer also at our library and ferry new immigrants that have recently settled in Boston from Syria around the Rutland area. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnCyIFKa0yAVI8m3EqkaMMzJbA6iM9UnIhsNC7Q75V1drMpbpXkjwg45Xt1y35Y-IAS6V2zT1wOMyn5NEJ8osQW6-JVcR4SH0QbaoILsy-uiaiTgRa4AdNNiacjoMl3swQOKoKC1CThBVcXRc47j2wB61qTIe0n0xPybVxGnTgWwAdDkUSAsS/s4000/20230804_195211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnCyIFKa0yAVI8m3EqkaMMzJbA6iM9UnIhsNC7Q75V1drMpbpXkjwg45Xt1y35Y-IAS6V2zT1wOMyn5NEJ8osQW6-JVcR4SH0QbaoILsy-uiaiTgRa4AdNNiacjoMl3swQOKoKC1CThBVcXRc47j2wB61qTIe0n0xPybVxGnTgWwAdDkUSAsS/w300-h400/20230804_195211.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last shot - and it's Rowan!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06154387672401933117noreply@blogger.com0