Friday, July 4, 2008
Coors Field Fireworks
Janis very graciously treated me to a Colorado Rockies game tonight. We saw an 11th inning walk-off two run single for a Rockies win after they fell behind by a run in the top of the 11th. Then we made our way down onto the outfield grass to see the post game fireworks display. Here are some pics. The last picture is just for reference as to how perfectly lush yet manicured the outfield is.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Gray Skies Can't Ruin the Badlands
When I was 13 my grandmother took me on a tour of many of the western National Parks including Yosemite, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Teton National Forest, and the Badlands. It was a privilege to have the opportunities to see all of those beautiful places. The Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments were the memories that stuck with me the most, as I think when I was younger I probably appreciated the marvel of the human engineering involved in constructing those monuments. Over time, though, I think that I've come to appreciate nature more, and was very excited to have the opportunity to get back to the Badlands and see what it was all about.
Unfortunately I awoke to gray skies and was immediately met with rain when I pulled into the Badlands National Park, but the weather couldn't deter the true beauty of the landscape. I was truly taken aback. I think it would be a great place to spend some time, and would love to come back for an extended trip.
I drove the roughly 20 miles through the Park on the Badlands State Scenic Byway (Route 240) and then instead of exiting the park up towards Wall, South Dakota, I turned west down Sage Creek Rim Road (County Hwy 509) and took the roughly 25 mile drive down what turned out to be a dirt road through the northwest side of the park.
I then exited the park southward and passed through the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and then the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. When I got further south into Northwest Nebraska, the very nice State Trooper Cerney stopped me to welcome me to the state. He invited me to slow down to take in some of the scenic farm vistas his state had to offer. I politely thanked him for his gracious invitation, and was back on my way.
I hit the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming at about 4:30 in the afternoon and snapped a few pictures of some rock formations that I found pretty interesting.
Spent the night with my buddy Brett, to whom I'm very grateful for the hospitality. We hit a few bars which were slow on a summer Wednesday evening while the University of Wyoming wasn't in session, but it was a neat town to see.
Woke up this morning and took Route 287 from Laramie down to Fort Collins, Colorado, which was a very picturesque drive, and then headed into Denver to spend some time with my younger sister Janis.
Not sure if I'll be on the road tomorrow or spending a little extra time here. We'll see.
Unfortunately I awoke to gray skies and was immediately met with rain when I pulled into the Badlands National Park, but the weather couldn't deter the true beauty of the landscape. I was truly taken aback. I think it would be a great place to spend some time, and would love to come back for an extended trip.
I drove the roughly 20 miles through the Park on the Badlands State Scenic Byway (Route 240) and then instead of exiting the park up towards Wall, South Dakota, I turned west down Sage Creek Rim Road (County Hwy 509) and took the roughly 25 mile drive down what turned out to be a dirt road through the northwest side of the park.
I then exited the park southward and passed through the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands and then the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. When I got further south into Northwest Nebraska, the very nice State Trooper Cerney stopped me to welcome me to the state. He invited me to slow down to take in some of the scenic farm vistas his state had to offer. I politely thanked him for his gracious invitation, and was back on my way.
I hit the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming at about 4:30 in the afternoon and snapped a few pictures of some rock formations that I found pretty interesting.
Spent the night with my buddy Brett, to whom I'm very grateful for the hospitality. We hit a few bars which were slow on a summer Wednesday evening while the University of Wyoming wasn't in session, but it was a neat town to see.
Woke up this morning and took Route 287 from Laramie down to Fort Collins, Colorado, which was a very picturesque drive, and then headed into Denver to spend some time with my younger sister Janis.
Not sure if I'll be on the road tomorrow or spending a little extra time here. We'll see.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Greetings from Murdo, South Dakota!
Pretty uneventful day of driving, which when driving solo typically ends up being a good day.
Headed west out of Madison on Route 14 and basically stayed on that all the way through LaCrosse, WI, over the Mississippi, and on through to Rochester, MN. At that point, I weaved on and off between I-90 and some close by state routes in Minnesota and SD depending on how I was feeling, but ended up on 90 more at the tail end so I could get some distance behind me.
Caught this gem of a pic near Spring Green, WI. Apparently the Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile now has some competition:
A barn and silo that caught my eye about 30 miles east of LaCrosse:
The Mighty Mississippi from the MN side:
And a barn in Minnesota as seen at 75 MPH:
And do you know what else I got to see today?????
con't.....
Headed west out of Madison on Route 14 and basically stayed on that all the way through LaCrosse, WI, over the Mississippi, and on through to Rochester, MN. At that point, I weaved on and off between I-90 and some close by state routes in Minnesota and SD depending on how I was feeling, but ended up on 90 more at the tail end so I could get some distance behind me.
Caught this gem of a pic near Spring Green, WI. Apparently the Oscar Mayer Weiner Mobile now has some competition:
A barn and silo that caught my eye about 30 miles east of LaCrosse:
The Mighty Mississippi from the MN side:
And a barn in Minnesota as seen at 75 MPH:
And do you know what else I got to see today?????
con't.....
THE CORN PALACE
That's right. The self-proclaimed "World's Only" Corn Palace. (Yes, Ann, you're right. It was SD and not Iowa.) If you've never had the privilege of seeing the Corn Palace in person, here's a taste:
I'm just kidding. That's not a taste. You've officially seen it all now. And since I got there at 7:30 PM, the "Corncession" Stand was already closed.
Don't worry about me. I drove across town and hung out at the Cabella's store for a few minutes instead.
Up early tomorrow to head to the Badlands, Black Hills, and then on to my buddy Brett's in Laramie.
Hasta manana.
I'm just kidding. That's not a taste. You've officially seen it all now. And since I got there at 7:30 PM, the "Corncession" Stand was already closed.
Don't worry about me. I drove across town and hung out at the Cabella's store for a few minutes instead.
Up early tomorrow to head to the Badlands, Black Hills, and then on to my buddy Brett's in Laramie.
Hasta manana.
The Road Less Traveled
I've probably driven to Madison from Chicago 50-100 times in my life between going to school or coming up to visit since I've graduated.
For the most part, the goal has always been to get to Madison as quickly and painlessly as possible. Especially during the past couple of years...get out of O'Hare, get to Madison, have a good time, and then get back home to see my parents.
Today, though, I was met with the wonderful realization that time really wasn't a major concern.
Before I left NC, I asked Craig if there were any sites to see or recommendations he had before I headed west. His basic recommendation I believe was advice Flip had given him previous to his first few trips to Idaho, which was "stay off the interstates wherever possible."
I followed that advice today. Good for me.
I took the back roads up from my parents' home to Madison. It took barely any extra time, and what a beautiful drive. The rolling farmland was all lush and green under a nearly cloudless blue sky. I really have an attraction to barn and farmhouse architecture.
My drive took me through Fox Lake, and then past Lake Geneva. I realized that the last time I'd seen those areas was from a plane during my hours of pilot training. I immediately began longing to get back into the air. But nonetheless, I relived a lot of great memories of my flight hours as I drove.
When I got to Madison, Ryan, his girlfriend Megan and I hit up the Parthenon for a Gyro and Fries. It was a beautiful evening so we sat in their roof garden. Always tasty, I realized that this might have been the first time I'd even eaten there during a PM hour. No, they don't serve breakfast. No less satisfying as a regular meal, though.
After, we hung out with a few adult beverages and just shot the shit, which was nice. I realized I wasn't even totally sure what day it was. What a strangely wonderful feeling.
So, tomorrow, I'll get up when Ryan heads out, and start meandering west. I figure I'll know where I'm stopping for the night when I get there. Boy oh boy what an exciting time this is.
PS... Dearest Kari, Despite the realization that had you been thrown from the rollercoasters that you rode this weekend, you'd likely have died instantaneously, sparing you all pain, I'm very glad that you survived. I have lots of big plans for us before your funeral.
For the most part, the goal has always been to get to Madison as quickly and painlessly as possible. Especially during the past couple of years...get out of O'Hare, get to Madison, have a good time, and then get back home to see my parents.
Today, though, I was met with the wonderful realization that time really wasn't a major concern.
Before I left NC, I asked Craig if there were any sites to see or recommendations he had before I headed west. His basic recommendation I believe was advice Flip had given him previous to his first few trips to Idaho, which was "stay off the interstates wherever possible."
I followed that advice today. Good for me.
I took the back roads up from my parents' home to Madison. It took barely any extra time, and what a beautiful drive. The rolling farmland was all lush and green under a nearly cloudless blue sky. I really have an attraction to barn and farmhouse architecture.
My drive took me through Fox Lake, and then past Lake Geneva. I realized that the last time I'd seen those areas was from a plane during my hours of pilot training. I immediately began longing to get back into the air. But nonetheless, I relived a lot of great memories of my flight hours as I drove.
When I got to Madison, Ryan, his girlfriend Megan and I hit up the Parthenon for a Gyro and Fries. It was a beautiful evening so we sat in their roof garden. Always tasty, I realized that this might have been the first time I'd even eaten there during a PM hour. No, they don't serve breakfast. No less satisfying as a regular meal, though.
After, we hung out with a few adult beverages and just shot the shit, which was nice. I realized I wasn't even totally sure what day it was. What a strangely wonderful feeling.
So, tomorrow, I'll get up when Ryan heads out, and start meandering west. I figure I'll know where I'm stopping for the night when I get there. Boy oh boy what an exciting time this is.
PS... Dearest Kari, Despite the realization that had you been thrown from the rollercoasters that you rode this weekend, you'd likely have died instantaneously, sparing you all pain, I'm very glad that you survived. I have lots of big plans for us before your funeral.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Sun Sets in the East, and Rises in the West
Last weekend ended with the beginning of the next phase of my life. I hit the road Saturday morning left my life on the east coast headed towards my new adventures in the west. I arrived to my parents house in the northern suburbs of Chicago later Saturday night. The culmination of a busy week.
After I'd dropped Kari at the airport on Monday, I headed to New Town Bistro, an establishment in Winston-Salem where I'd imbibed more than my share of frosty beverages over the past five years. Dana, our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday bartender forced me down the bar to talk to a couple of people my second or third time in there about five years ago which was the start of my introduction of the Monday Night Liar's Poker Club, and in turn many wonderful friendships.
We played a few hands of Liars Poker that evening, after which I was presented the official Liar's Club plaque to take with me, as well as a great picture of Kari and I from my friend Ann's going away party a few weeks earlier that everyone signed.
My friend Joe also gave me a 4 wt. Sage rod that had been given to him by a good friend of his, Gerald, who he often fished with in New York but has since passed away. It was truly an honor that Joe thought so highly of me to pass along a rod that had such great sentimental value to him. I certainly plan to put it to good use.
Tuesday I packed. Wednesday, my realtor Betsy and her husband, Don (a Liar's Club member as well), took me out to dinner. Thursday I went to dinner with Captain W.G. "Wild Bill" Walton and our friend Bob, formerly of QST fame. Bob helped me out a lot during my time at QST, and I only hope he's as happy as he seems at his new job building Cobra's and GTs.
Mr. Walton, if you don't know, is great, and has often been called the greatest. If you don't believe me, ask him, and he'll happily tell you. All kidding aside, Bill is a true gentleman and one of the nicest characters you'll ever meet. I'm going to miss our bi-monthly lunches. Hopefully he'll find a way to get his old butt down to Jacksonville a bit more often once I get down there.
Friday, I was surprised at work with a luncheon that was set up by the employees in my building. There was all kinds of wonderful homemade food and desserts, and I was really touched. The women in my office also gave me a beautiful knife with a Tarpon engraved on the side, which I will always cherish and think of them fondly.
There's been a lot of mixed emotions for me in that building over the years as the textile industry hasn't been hitting on all cylinders lately, especially in the US. Walking out Friday, I was sad to leave so many people behind who have truly become friends to continue the struggle. However, after all we've been through, after the lunch and after I'd said all my "so longs," I walked out of that building feeling like I had earned the respect of the bulk of the people working there over the last fiver years. That's what I leave most proud of.
Friday evening, my friends Brad and Robert helped me move out of my house. They were lifesavers, as they did a bulk of the heavy lifting while I finished packing, and without them, I'd ever have gotten out Saturday morning as I'd hoped. There are a few odds and ends I'll need to take care of in NC from the road, but in essence, I'm pretty well done.
I'd love to say that Saturday was a magical day, with magical road trip stories and wonderful pictures, but it was really all I could do to even keep my eyes open for the drive. I probably pulled over at least once an hour to make sure I was awake.
Spent time with family yesterday, and will get back on the road again today. I think when I leave Chicago, which is still home for me, I'll really get the rush of being on my new adventure. I plan to hit Madison, WI tonight to see my best bud Ryan, and then I'll head west on Tuesday, likely through Minnesota and into South Dakota. I plan to meander through the Bad Lands and Black Hills on Wednesday, and then head down and spend Wednesday night with my friend Brent in Laramie.
Thursday, I'll take the short two hour drive down to Denver to spend a night with my sister, Janis, and Friday I'll head up to Idaho. Should be a lot of fun, and hopefully, you'll all enjoy the journey right along with me in this blog.
Be well.
Happy Trails!
After I'd dropped Kari at the airport on Monday, I headed to New Town Bistro, an establishment in Winston-Salem where I'd imbibed more than my share of frosty beverages over the past five years. Dana, our Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday bartender forced me down the bar to talk to a couple of people my second or third time in there about five years ago which was the start of my introduction of the Monday Night Liar's Poker Club, and in turn many wonderful friendships.
We played a few hands of Liars Poker that evening, after which I was presented the official Liar's Club plaque to take with me, as well as a great picture of Kari and I from my friend Ann's going away party a few weeks earlier that everyone signed.
My friend Joe also gave me a 4 wt. Sage rod that had been given to him by a good friend of his, Gerald, who he often fished with in New York but has since passed away. It was truly an honor that Joe thought so highly of me to pass along a rod that had such great sentimental value to him. I certainly plan to put it to good use.
Tuesday I packed. Wednesday, my realtor Betsy and her husband, Don (a Liar's Club member as well), took me out to dinner. Thursday I went to dinner with Captain W.G. "Wild Bill" Walton and our friend Bob, formerly of QST fame. Bob helped me out a lot during my time at QST, and I only hope he's as happy as he seems at his new job building Cobra's and GTs.
Mr. Walton, if you don't know, is great, and has often been called the greatest. If you don't believe me, ask him, and he'll happily tell you. All kidding aside, Bill is a true gentleman and one of the nicest characters you'll ever meet. I'm going to miss our bi-monthly lunches. Hopefully he'll find a way to get his old butt down to Jacksonville a bit more often once I get down there.
Friday, I was surprised at work with a luncheon that was set up by the employees in my building. There was all kinds of wonderful homemade food and desserts, and I was really touched. The women in my office also gave me a beautiful knife with a Tarpon engraved on the side, which I will always cherish and think of them fondly.
There's been a lot of mixed emotions for me in that building over the years as the textile industry hasn't been hitting on all cylinders lately, especially in the US. Walking out Friday, I was sad to leave so many people behind who have truly become friends to continue the struggle. However, after all we've been through, after the lunch and after I'd said all my "so longs," I walked out of that building feeling like I had earned the respect of the bulk of the people working there over the last fiver years. That's what I leave most proud of.
Friday evening, my friends Brad and Robert helped me move out of my house. They were lifesavers, as they did a bulk of the heavy lifting while I finished packing, and without them, I'd ever have gotten out Saturday morning as I'd hoped. There are a few odds and ends I'll need to take care of in NC from the road, but in essence, I'm pretty well done.
I'd love to say that Saturday was a magical day, with magical road trip stories and wonderful pictures, but it was really all I could do to even keep my eyes open for the drive. I probably pulled over at least once an hour to make sure I was awake.
Spent time with family yesterday, and will get back on the road again today. I think when I leave Chicago, which is still home for me, I'll really get the rush of being on my new adventure. I plan to hit Madison, WI tonight to see my best bud Ryan, and then I'll head west on Tuesday, likely through Minnesota and into South Dakota. I plan to meander through the Bad Lands and Black Hills on Wednesday, and then head down and spend Wednesday night with my friend Brent in Laramie.
Thursday, I'll take the short two hour drive down to Denver to spend a night with my sister, Janis, and Friday I'll head up to Idaho. Should be a lot of fun, and hopefully, you'll all enjoy the journey right along with me in this blog.
Be well.
Happy Trails!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Photo Trip Report...Part I
Driving to the Blue Ridge Mountains for our Sunday Canoe Trip, Kari and I encountered a strong thunder storm and hail:
Our adventure somewhat derailed, Kari was sad:
But we trucked on, and as the skies began to clear, we took in some beautiful views along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
And arrived at our accommodations for the evening, Bluff's Lodge, which keeps with its roots as a historic park site, so no phones or TV:
So we checked in, found our way to a nice little Tapas restaurant in the town of Sparta, and then decided we'd bowl one game at the local Sparta Bowl. Kari's feisty, so I bowled left handed so we could hopefully have a competitive game.
To Be Continued...
Our adventure somewhat derailed, Kari was sad:
But we trucked on, and as the skies began to clear, we took in some beautiful views along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
And arrived at our accommodations for the evening, Bluff's Lodge, which keeps with its roots as a historic park site, so no phones or TV:
So we checked in, found our way to a nice little Tapas restaurant in the town of Sparta, and then decided we'd bowl one game at the local Sparta Bowl. Kari's feisty, so I bowled left handed so we could hopefully have a competitive game.
PHOTOS OMITTED TO AVOID SCARING
YOUNG CHILDREN
YOUNG CHILDREN
To Be Continued...
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