Road Ramblings

Manatee County Wine Country

2011-07-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

A great day trip is a visit to the Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery in east Manatee County. Yes, we know, who would have thought that Florida would be a good location to start and operate a wine producing vineyard?

After listening and visiting with the owners, operators, executives, and workers of the Bunker Hill Vineyard & Winery(who are all in the photo below) we think much differently.

Larry & Lenora Woodham greet their visitors warmly and give a terrific tour of their facility. They have a deep passion to operate their winery in a "green environment" as demonstrated in their vineyard, harvesting, processing and bottling procedures.

It is about a 40 mile drive from Sarasota. You will definitely be surprised with the facility and the wine being produced. After viewing a short video, Larry and Lenora will share their story of the winery that started with an idea and plan about 13 years ago.

You have an opportunity to taste the available wines with labels reflecting the animals and envirnorment surrounding Bunker Hill. We bought three different wines and may combine them with a Florida inspired dinner one evening.

Bill sampling one wine

Check out their website for more information on how to get there and all about the winery.

http://www.bunkerhillvineyard.com/

And of course, we would have to have our picture added to "where the gentle rain and warm sunshine create the sweetest grapes in Florida" under the Recycled Wine Bottle Wedding Arch.

Closing Comments for the 2011 Summer Trip to the Midwest

2011-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Good-bye Chicago (or maybe Cincinnati) - We are heading home to sunshine

We are back in Sarasota - 44 days on the road and 6,424 miles. During that time we found gasoline prices as low as $3.31 per gallon in Tennessee and as high as $4.48 in the Chicago area. We accomplished our main mission - to travel and sight see in Minnesota and North Dakota. Now we have visited 49 states together. Nancy still has Hawaii to cross off the list BUT BILL IS DONE!

Whenever we come home from a foreign or US trip we come with wonderful memories and visions, lessons learned, and an appreciation of life. This trip was no different.

Nancy's Thoughts and Favorites

The beauty of the US is always #1 on my list. On this trip it was sunset in the Badlands, the farm lands in the Midwest, pathways to rivers, lakes, and ponds, the intense colors of wildflowers, the vistas of rollings hills and woods, and the wildlife from pelicans to prairie dogs.

The second is the inspirational stories of the people. First the ones who came to North Dakota and Minnesota in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. In the history museums and centers you read and see the stories of the immigrants who came to homestead - seeing their one room sod houses and families. There are journals of their struggles and survival that give insight into their lives.

Another inspiration is the people who had ideas and with hard work turned the ideas into companies One of my favorite is two friends who started their business in a shack behind a house - the beginning of Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

An inspirational site was the Mandan Indian Village near Bismarck. Visiting an earthlodge showed how they lived off the land - creating all of the items they needed from nature and the buffalo.

#3 is the transformation of small towns and cities. One of the saddest roads took us through Cairo, IL where the stores were vacant, factories empty, and buildings dilapidated. Most of the main streets of the other downtowns were surviving with cafes, small shops, a bank, law and insurance offices. The need for some towns was to have a gimmick to draw in visitors e.g. Superman in Metropolis IL.

#4 is the neighborhoods in cities like Minneapolis that reminded me of Bethlehem where I spent my childhood. But now...the porches are empty.

#5 is the realization that I am a warm weather person who likes to wake up to sunshine on most days.

Bill's Thoughts and Favorites

Some of our plans were changed due to weather and the Midwest flooding of the Missouri and its feeder rivers but when some doors close others open to new road ramblings.

Several of the historical river destinations of the Lewis and Clark Expedition were closed due to high water or soon to be expected flood waters.

We came to the Expedition’s first winter home, Fort Mandan, from a different direction than following the river. The flooding was beginning to take its toll. Several days after leaving Minot, North Dakota the governor instructed over 12,000 residents to leave their homes because of rising river levels.

What have our travels taught us? We experienced asphalt roads are much better for highway construction and travel comfort than concrete. And you get to see much more of the character and interest of this land by staying off the Interstates in your travels.

Some small towns know better than others on how to change their downtown areas into viable business models that will encourage customers rather than not. Small town America now offers services that aren’t competitive with suburban businesses, e.g. local cafes & restaurants, used book stores, antique & collectable shops, art stores or local historical society center, etc…

Some areas where you would not normally stop entice tourists to visit with either presenting the largest, longest, biggest, and smallest or some other rare abnormality to their area. Oh yeah, having a famous person born, raised or even visit a location is enough to create a “historical” tourist magnet for same.

Teddy Roosevelt was right the Badlands, the area is far better than its mis-named label.

In closing we discovered without a small Shoshoni Indian girl, named Sakakawea, the Lewis and Clark Expedition might never have been completed. Sakakawea was an important contribution to the success of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Without her the Expedition could have suffered the same fate as did Col. Custard and his cavalry troops at the Little Big Horn.

We hope you enjoyed sharing our travel experiences for the Early Summer of 2011.

Cincinnati

2011-06-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

We arrived on Sunday, June 26th in Indian Hills near Cincinnati to visit Bill's brother Scotty and his wife Robi. It was a special day! Scott and Robi's first grandchild, Ryder James McIntire was born earlier that day. He is the first child of their son, Chris and his wife, Leigh Ann McIntire and the first of a new generation of McIntires. This was our first visit to Scott and Robi's new home too - a lovely setting on a pond with gardens cultivated by Scott.

Scott, Robi and Casey

View of the pond

A wonderful screen porch - like a tree house- great place for relaxing with a book, a drink, or friends

Casey, the family's dachshund - taking an afternoon snooze. Bill likes to take afternoon snoozes too.

We took a ride out to see some of the ancient Indian mounds that are along the banks of the Miami River. These were a couple of Wright University students assisting in the excavation project conducted by the archaeological professors.

The rolling hills of the area are quite lush and beautiful.

Budding flowers of all sorts are blooming everywhere.

Some of the housing styles of the mound Indians during their period in the area.

We stopped at one of the farms in Indian Hills for fresh produce...

One of the rare farms in the Indian Hills area.

Visited Waynesville to shop - dine - explore

Summer time in this area is an explosion of colorful flowers and all sorts of garden plants.

Of course we could not leave Cincinnati without having lunch at Skyline Chili.

Visiting Chicago

2011-06-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that Frank Lloyd Wright is one of America's most well known architect of the past 100 years. Since we visited Taliesin in Wisconsin a few weeks ago, we had to see his home and studio in the Oak Park area of Chicago

The Oak Park home of Frank Lloyd Wright where it all began... a look at modern architecture that was unique to the period... very similar design to Taliesin.

The entry to the house shared with his first wife and six children

Sculpture in the garden

Using the colors of plants to enlighten the surroundings of the Wright home

The opinions of this architect who not only designs structures but the furniture and art that surrounds and is encased in these dwelling are of a love hate variety

Family Visit

While in the Chicago area we stayed in Wilmette and visited with Bill's sister, Charlotte and her youngest son, Chad, his wife, Beth and their three children, Ben (a tennis player), Sarah, and Rachael...also their two dogs.

Sammey

Jessey

Charlotte and Chad (also known as Billy)

Rachael -ninth grader, Chad, and Beth

Charlotte, Nancy, & Bill

We enjoyed our visit and ended it with pancakes at Walker's.

Milwaukee M's

2011-06-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

Miller's, Motorcycles, and Museums

The King of Beers in Milwaukee is Millers . . . . and that's a fact Jack.

The tour is cool, the beer is cold and best of all the beer is FREE!

A 1950 bus used to promote Miller Beer

One of the beer's first logos, The Girl on the Moon.

Free beer served here!

The home of Captain Fredrick Pabst built in 1892 - one of Milwaukee's architectural landmarks. It has incredible wood craftsmanship, elaborate wall coverings, and an impressive fine arts collection.

Harley Davidson HOG heaven

Statuary depicting the best of cycling expertise

The first Harley Davidson - Serial Number One!

Buy a Harley!

Nancy testing her abilities on a HD Hog

Whether you like Beer, Motorcycles or Mansions of the past, Milwaukee opens the pleasure for not only these places to see and visit but much more. Milwaukee is a great tourist destination and worth several days of exploration.

Milwaukee Art Museum

2011-06-23T08:50:00.000-07:00

A gray and rainy day in the city led us to one of our favorite museums -MAM

Looks a lot like a space ship getting ready to take off. Hey! Maybe it is!

Alexander Calder mobiles seem to be everywhere in the art world.

The same with this guy

What a view of Lake Michigan shoreline from the Museum's observation area

Could this be added to Nancy's rock collection from her travels?

Looks a lot like Bill's mother's suitcase . . .

A "Chair Park" for the museum visitors to take a brief rest trying out a large grouping of differently constructed chairs.

An oasis for one to pause and reflect on the art and view within the museum

Yes, two that are having a Bad Hair Day!

Looks like one of Jack Dowd's creations . . . the one on the left I mean.

An eerie type modern display (click on the picture several times and get a closer view)

As we depart the area the fog comes in across the lake...not a pyramid in the back but the MAM

The Road to Milwaukee

2011-06-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

The road to Milwaukee took us through small towns with a stop in one for lunch and a walk. Over the last few weeks we have noticed a trend in revitalized downtown areas - murals painted on walls, buildings, and even flood levees. Here are a few...

And yes, there was a time when they sold wool suits for $15.

Towns along the lake had parks, walkways and photo op views of the town's lighthouse.

Some of the parks were not dog friendly...

....but seagull friendly

When we saw the sign for "Free Wine Tastings" we decided to stop in Cedarburg - a little north of Milwaukee for lunch and a look. We did some tasting and bought a few bottles of wine.

Lunch was in the town's old blacksmith stone building - lots of charm and good food.

A walk took us to some charming shops along the lake....

where some ducklings were taking a snooze - and we were ready for one too.

Washington Island

2011-06-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Washington Island is about six miles off the tip of the Door Peninsula. Your journey to the island begins with a scenic ferry ride from Gills Rock. The Washington Island roads will take you to small shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, parks, beaches, and farms.

The dock where your exploration of the island begins

Another lighthouse along the way

Many of the early settlers were from the Scandinavian countries. They were fishermen, farmers, and loggers. Today the island is an escape from the stresses of urban life.

If you like horses you will enjoy learning about Norse Horse Park(NHP). NHP is a one of a kind in the nation that has created a living park of native horses of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark. They are of unique color and physical presence. You can read more about them on the web site: http://norsehorsepark.com/nhp.culture.html

A rare breed of Fjord from Norway

A Finn breed from Finland

The type of shelters that was used by the nomads of Nordic history . . . looks familiar doesn't it? However it was used far before the Plains Indians of North America.

A collection of ducks from Sweden, Norway and Finland

Jerry Maiers is a retired college professor and five years ago bought this property and started his "dream." Norse Horse Park represents that dream. He and his wife Mary also are creating a special vegetable garden all created from natural organic seeds. They will be adding more breeds of horses to their current group, goats from the Scandinavian countries and improving on their creation of organic seeds on the island.

The Sievers School of Fiber Arts

A "Nancy" stop to visit the Sievers School that has week-long and weekend classes - like John C. Campbell in NC. Bill slept in the car.

Every road or pathway on Washington Island will eventually lead to water.

Door County

2011-06-20T08:07:00.000-07:00

Sturgeon Bay is the doorway to Door County. Our first stop was the Maritime Museum located on a working waterfront with a focus on the history of shipbuilding. After the tour we boarded a red Chicago fireboat built in 1937. We enjoyed a 1 &1/2 hour tour of Sturgeon Bay.

The Fireboat

Bill is aboard

An island filled with white pelicans

Another way to tour the area...

Door County...if you've been to places like Bar Harbor, the Outerbanks, New Hope, etc....you've been to Door County. It has scenic roads and waterfronts, cute shops filled with more things to clutter your home, wineries, cherry shops, cafes, antique shops, galleries, fudge, etc. Martha Stewart would like it here.

Something we have never seen before....

Goats enjoying the grass on the roof of a Scandinavian restaurant - brings in customers!

Ephraim - a waterfront community that shares something with Nancy's hometown of Bethlehem, PA - an early Moravian community

Ephraim has an annual Fyr Bal Celebration - pronounced Fear Ball. It celebrates the summer solstice.

At night bonfires are lit along the waterfront

Traffic Stop on the Way to Sturgeon Bay

2011-06-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Sturgeon Bay on a picturesque road along Lake Superior. The sun was shining and the warmth of the day had us smiling. Looking ahead we saw that traffic had come to a stop. I jumped out of the car to take some pictures. The geese were stretched across the road - taking their time heading for a pond. Could this be a book? Make Way For Goslings.

Visiting Lambeau Field

2011-06-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

The only place Bill wanted to see in Green Bay was Lambeau Field. We expected a vacant parking lot BUT it was filled with cars. The event - the Green Bay Packers' players were getting their Super Bowl rings at a special ceremony.

This is my first time being here in the Land of the Packers, Green Bay Wisconsin.
Congratulations and welcome to Lambeau Field
Any chance I can get into the stadium and see some of the players accepting their NFL Championship Rings?
No way!
Well thanks anyway and no hard feelings . .. BTW anyone ever tell you that you resemble Bart Starr?
No and I still can't let you in,
Thanks anyway and no hard feelings.
And none taken.

Is this how they indicate a touchdown.

Yes, you've got it right.

Are you sure I can't come into the stadium?

Yes!

Are you sure my husband can't come into the stadium?

Yes, I'm sure.

I see you have a TV Media pass . . . could I come into the stadium with you . .. sort of like an assistant or something . . .?
No, can't risk it . . . I could lose my media pass.

Famous statue of Bart Starr

Goodbye Green Bay Packers . . . bet you won't repeat your NFL Championship next year.

2011-06-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy and cloudy day as we went up the Lake Superior coastline from Duluth to visit one of America's most famous lighthouses.

The temperature was down into the 40's because of a Nor'eastern that was coming in off of the lake. Split Rock Lighthouse was built over a 100 years ago.

We had lunch at Betty's Pies, a local institution and we find it hard to pass up institutions. The Bumbleberry pie was a special treat.

Some of the roads we travelled on were quite muddy.

Haven't put our Odyssey through a car wash yet but we are keeping our spirits high with a smile.

Delightful Day in Duluth

2011-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day in Duluth - it was SUNNY!

We spent the morning on the waterfront in Canal Park -
view of the city

A rocky beach - great walkways along the shoreline

One of the lighthouses at the entrance to the canal

The Aerial Lift Bridge

We were lucky to see a cargo ship go through the canal and see the Aerial Lift Bridge in action.

In the afternoon we took a scenic railroad trip along Lake Superior.

Ate at the famous GRANDMA'S on the waterfront; Grandma wasn't there.

We ended the day with a drive along the scenic parkway overlooking the city.

Pathways for walks

Creeks, falls, and swimming holes

Wildflowers and rocks

A rock tower in a park

View of the city from a stop

A park off the scenic parkway - quiet ending to
a delightful day in Duluth

Road Stops

2011-06-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

Rubgy, ND - the geographical center of North America

Hands Up in the Air!
Another thing to cross off the Bucket List

A stop in Bemidji, MN -
pronounced bud-mid-g

Home of another BIGGEST!

Paul, Blue and Bill

We saw the BIGGEST BUFFALO in ND and Bemidji has the
smallest buffalo

More Medora

2011-06-12T19:30:00.000-07:00

The town of Medora was founded by the Marquis de Mores, a 24 year old French nobleman in 1883. He named the town for his bride, Medora von Hoffman. He came with vision and built a meat packing plant, hotel, stores, and a large home overlooking the town - the Chateau de Mores. His various enterprises failed and he and Medora returned to live in France.

The Chateau de Mores - open for visitors

View of the Little Missouri River

In the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame

Around town - reminded me of a North Carolina town- cute, fudge, t-shirts, ice cream shops, and picturesque landscapes

Can I get this rock in the car?

Bye Y'all

Howdy Ya'll!

2011-06-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Medora! It is the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, a place of history, shopping, and entertainment.

In 1883 a young New Yorker, Theodore Roosevelt came here to hunt buffalo and fell in love with the land. He invested in cattle raising and eventually owned two ranches. On his experiences in North Dakota he said, I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.

A scenic loop drive through the park

The North Dakota Badlands

This is the largest buffalo or bison we saw thus far. He was either sleeping or just resting in a dry gulch. His tail did move so we knew he was alive.

See the praire dog? There are about 6 Praire Dog Towns in the park.

Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin

A Maltese Cross carved into a log post

Teddy's desk

If you go to Medora you need to go to the Medora Musical - a beautiful outside setting - starts at 8:30PM. We went - with several layers of clothes on plus an afghan and still shivered. Bill thought it was about 35 degrees but it was only about 45!

This is the main staging area . . . the buildings are on rails and they are moved back and forth during the musical.

The show features 12 male and female dancers and singers plus several featured singers and musicians...horses too.

A famous person was in the audience - wasn't he killed at Little Big Horn?

President Roosevelt was there too!

Sunset in the Badlands - a great ending to our day

North Dakota MUST SEES

2011-06-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Another BIGGEST!

The Enchanted Highway

Sculptures along the way

Along the Missouri River in ND

2011-06-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Headline on page 7A of USA TODAY Wednesday, June 8, 2011, "Bismarck, N.D., girds for Missouri River flooding."

This is the same river the Lewis and Clark Expedition followed in trying to find a passage to the Northwest. The only difference in what the Expedition experienced is the intense flooding now occuring here in the river's headwaters. The snow from the Rockies and heavy rains have made this river wider than anyone here can remember and the river has yet to crest to its highest point.

The rising river did change some of our plans. We were disappointed that Fort Mandan in Washburn - the place where Lewis and Clark spent the winter was closed and there were no paddleboat cruises too, but we did visit places that gave us information and insight into North Dakota's past.

North Dakota Heritage Center

Sakakawea - outside the Center in Bismarck

The results of the Expedition would probably not have happened if it wasn't for the hiring of a French trader Toussaint Charbonneau who also brought along his young Indian wife, Sakakawea and her baby boy, Baptiste. The young 16 year old provided important benefits for the Expedition. She knew the languages of the Lakota tribes along the river as she was stolen from them years before as a younger girl. When the Expedition was spotted coming up river the area tribes knew the Expedition wasn't a war party because of the young Indian girl. War parties never had women in their raids. Sakakawea's name is used quite often in this area of the country.

The North Dakota Heritage Center in Bismarck has excellent displays from prehistoric time to the 1930's. It tells the stories of the Indian nations, the 19th century fur-traders, soldiers, cowboys, Teddy Roosevelt, and the immigrants.

The river Indians didn't move as much as the Sioux Plains Indians and their structures for living were more permanent than the typical Plains tipi. This one is made of tree bark.

One of exhibition areas features the immigrants - mostly from Europe - in the late 1800's to the early 1900's. They came to ND with the promise of land and the dream of a new life. They built houses - one room - the first made of sod - about the size of our family room. From one women's journal - Many times when I first came to Dakota, I went outside the shanty and shouted "Hello" for recreation just to hear the echo and break that endless silence.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn

Even though the Fort was closed the Interpretive Center was open. Unfortunately, the center is undergoing a remodeling...so some of the exhibits were closed. We decided to take the road to Fort Mandan (even though the fort was closed).

We found sandbags surrounding the visitor center and Fort Mandan but we did get a view of the Missouri AND

spotted a deer as we were driving away from the river.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is on the Missouri River and over the years the land was occupied by the Mandan Indians, fur traders, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the frontier army, and settlers. The park was developed and reconstructed in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC).

A CCC worker

The Visitor's Center

An earthlodge at On-A-Slant Indian Village

One of our favorite tours was of the "earthlodges" . The Mandan Indians were not travellers. They were more agricultural in nature and hunted the plains, fished the river, and grew their vegetables. Mandans also traded much of their extra food to other tribes. Mandans taught the style of planting that used the land best. Three crops were planted together - the Three Sisters - squash, beans and corn. The corn was planted to provide not only food but also a height for the beans to travel and the squash would provide the cover of the land surface to keep out weeds and also provide cover to keep the surface damp.

We went inside one of the earthlodges that was furnished with handmade items of everyday life. The design kept them warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

A Look Inside an Earthlodge

Looking up

The fire pit was under this hole in the ceiling

Handmade everyday items

A basket

A famous person lived there too - General Custer and his wife, Libbie. You can visit their home too. They had an impressive parlor - large with two fireplaces - great for entertaining! From this fort in 1876 Custer and the 7th Calvary left for Little Bighorn.

Custer's Home

A blockhouse on the bluff

Inspirational history in this part of the US!

Into the Great Dakota Prairie Country

2011-06-09T05:43:00.000-07:00

Travelling West from Fargo to Bismarck we stopped for a visit to the Frontier Village and the National Buffalo Museum in Jamestown.

Yes, we came, we saw and photographed the nation's largest buffalo and maybe even the universe's largest.

Not a living breathing beast, but a 26 foot high, 46 foot long,
60 tons of concrete buffalo

He is gigantic and constructed in 1958 . . . but I vacillate from the importance of the museum. The most astounding part of the museum is the historical part that allows you to walk through a period of history taking you back over 150 years and allowing you to experience what prairie life was like. The following photos help illustrate that period.

Travelling from town to town had you riding in something like this.

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This is a view of the main commercial area - store after store after store, sort of like our strip malls, eh?

This could be your store, office or summer home.

Ah, the schools back when true education took place. The teacher, coal for the winter, a roof that didn't leak and a place for the teacher to live . . . where have we gone wrong?

Guess where he came from? Yep, Jamestown, South Dakota

Of course there was a jail for the troublemakers!

A visit to the doctor/dentist

Monday's wash day!

The National Buffalo Museum provided displays about the cultural and natural history of the buffalo. The most fascinating section was the uses the Plains Indians found for every part from the tail for fly swatters to the horns for spoons. The museum is also home to a herd of buffalo - the most famous is White Cloud, the only living albino buffalo in North America.

We now head toward our next site - Bismarck . .. the State Capital. We will be visiting some stopping off points of Lewis and Clark on their search for a passage leading to the great Northwest of this nation.

Fargo and Moorhead - An Economic Wonder

2011-06-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

You could change the name of these two cities to Fargohead and it wouldn’t make much of a difference between the two.

The two are separated by a winding, twisting, and turning waterway known as The Red River. Both municipalities appear to be doing well economically. (Fargo pop. 99,208, Moorhead, pop 35,225 - entire metro area estimated 198,066)

Business is good. New fuel fields have been discovered and farming is better than it has ever been in their agricultural history. Whether it is wheat, corn, hay, sugar beets, sunflowers or whatever, prices and demands are higher than ever. This area now understands the global market and they are taking advantage of it. This region’s products have a worldwide demand and market.

We’ve met several people who used to live in Florida but no longer. They have come back to the Dakotas and the Minnesota area...and no wonder. There are lots of jobs available and the real estate market appears to be doing quite well. Both large, medium and small businesses seem financial healthy and growing. New construction is going on in many areas of the region we visited.

But then there is winter. No problem from those we spoke with . . . you deal with it.

Fargo Fotos

Hagar the Horrible visiting the Heritage Hjemkomst Center

Replica of an ancient Viking ship built in 1982 and sailed across the Atlantic to Norway

A replica of a 12th century church in Norway

At the Plains Art Museum - HUH?

Took our chairs to a Sunday afternoon symphony concert in a park...relaxing day

Big News in Fargo

2011-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Got up early this morning and went to the lobby to pick up the local Sunday newspaper. There in the Travel Section of The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead was the lead article about our own Siesta Beach. "Hey, you won't believe this but I live just about 20 minutes away from this beach." I should have also stated that depending on traffic that might be extended to 25-30 minutes but I didn't think they really cared about that. I went back to our room and said, "Hey, you won't believe this but . . ."

The article says that Siesta Beach has been declared the number one beach in the universe or at least in America. So it looks like we will see a dramatic improvement in our tourist population in the coming months.

I can't wait! Can you?

Twin Tweets

2011-06-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

Minneapolis and St. Paul - the TWIN Cities - a great place to live and visit!

Here are some Tourist Tweets...

It all started here . . . river falls, wheat and a need for flour

The Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum - a must see

Walk the Stone Arch Bridge - great view of MInneapolis

On the bridge looking at St. Anthony Falls -it provided the power that allowed the cities to grow.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts - Hard to get Nancy out of here.

The James J. Hill House

Rags to Riches Story of James J. Hill-coming from Canada with nothing and building the Great Northern Railway. Built in 1891 for under 1 million - 36,000 sq. ft. Summit Avenue in St. Paul - the place to live.

The Pedal Pub

Lots of innovative businesses in the Twin Cities - This is using "pedal power" to move your party around town . . . drinking beer as you pedal seems to help. Grand Avenue in St. Paul - the street to shop and eat.

Fort Snelling

An 1820 fort build where rivers meet and with re-enactments - cannon blasts - and historical actors explaining the history of the past.

Cover your ears!

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Could you please tell me where......?

"Didn't I see you somewhere else a few days ago?"

"No Bill that isn't a sculpture, it's a water meter."

An Alexander Calder!

The famous Spoonbridge and Cherry Fountain

The Walker Art Center - Contemporary Art

Interesting doorway

Doesn't Peter have this?

We ended our Twin City exploration with a visit to.....

All sorts of carnival rides - all indoors and open everyday, rain or shine.

One of the many hundreds of stores in "Mall of America." And he is made from Legos.

Goodby to the Twins - on to Fargo!

We'll Save You The Trip

2011-06-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Where I begin my Dells boat trip!

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. If you have been to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee or any of the “entertainment” areas outside Disney in Orlando, you don’t have to see the Wisconsin Dells.

River rocks

The Hawk of the River

Other than a boat ride among a bunch of rocky cliffs . . . you’ve been there.

However, if fudge shops, t-shirts, wax museums, amusement rides, and souvenirs are your thing . . . don’t miss it.

Home Sweet Homes in Wisconsin

2011-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

MOO! from Wisconsin

We traveled the backroads of southwestern Wisconsin for four days. The rolling hills of the countryside are dotted with farms, red barns, planted fields, woods, silos, and the state domestic animal - the cow.

We visited several houses owned by people with vision. Our first was to the home of Alex Jordan. And I’m sure there is a lot of “huh”- “ Who’s Alex Jordan?” We didn’t know either until we visited one of Wisconsin’s best tourist attractions - The House on the Rock.

From a distance - the Infinity Room of the house-218 ft into space

Alex Jordan was one of those rare individuals who had a chance to build his dream and spent his entire life constructing it into a design lover’s wonder. What began as a climb up on a rock ledge for a picnic turned into an individual’s passion to create a home on the site. As it developed it became known as “The House on the Rock” and over time that name stuck.

As he worked on his home visitors would stop by and ask to see his home. Not wanting to be bothered by people as he was developing his structure he said ok but each person would have to pay 50 cents to see the house on the rock. He didn’t think people would pay the price. He was wrong. Jordan was also a collector of unique and whimsical items that are displayed in several buildings. I think it would make a great set for a Harry Potter movie.

OH BTW, today it costs way more than 50 cents to visit!

A few miles down the road from The House on the Rock is another famous residence - Taliesin. From 1911 until 48 years later it was a “work in progress” created by one of America’s most distinguished and recognized architects - Frank Lloyd Wright.

The nation is sprinkled with his work and if you are an admirer of modern natural design this is a must see. We have visited Fallingwaters and Taliesin West and I was drawn here because of the book - Loving Frank and will read it again now that I can add the visuals to the story.

Lots of rocks! I did get one for my collection.

Wright was not only a designer of buildings but of art, landscapes, and modern furniture. We had a great guide who explained Wright's interior architecture too.

A quarter mile bumpy drive up a one lane dirt road lined with woods and blooming purple wild flowers led us to our third visit with a friend, Lea who splits time between Florida and Wisconsin. When we beeped our horn we were greeted by Lea and Monk.

Monk

After pats, hugs, and hellos we were given our tour of Full Circle Farm - another work in progress by a woman with vision and lots of guts. Our tour started with the goats - who enjoyed the apples we brought. We saw the outbuildngs, the garden, her newly planted trees, and the cabin.

Lea originally wanted to tear the cabin down but decided instead to remodel it. It is compact with all the necessities. On the back corner of the cabin stood a washing machine that stirred childhood memories of the one my mom used in the 1940's.

The cabin

View from the cabin

On the Porch

Bill and I are beginning the process of considering a move to a new "home" and these three visits have got us thinking about what we want and really need - we are working on our vision.

A National WHAT Museum!

2011-05-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, Virginia, there really is a National Mustard Museum.

It’s in Middleton, WI near Madison and started in 1992. Today it is a popular attraction in the state located on the main street next to the train station in an older building that was probably once a hardware store.

The gift shop is on the main floor where you can buy all different kinds of mustards from the USA and the world. They have a tasting bar too where you can sample the mustards. Along with the mustards there are other things you can buy – cookbooks, pretzels, other dippers, mugs, key chains, hats, and of course, T-shirts.

You can get a degree too!

The museum is in the basement down a doublewide staircase. Along one wall is the Great Wall of Mustards – about 5,300 mustards from each state and around the world. There is a display of mustard pots, antique tins and jars, and vintage advertisements. You will also learn the background of the phrase “can you cut the mustard”.*

Photo ops too!

Of course we ended up buying a few jars so we won't be out of mustard for awhile.

*BTW, "cutting the mustard" or "Can You Cut the Mustard?" was a term mustard seed farmers would ask their workers at mustard seed harvast time. Why, you ask? During the early days of harvasting it was done by hand and it was a difficult plant to cut in the fields so either you can cut the mustard or you can't. :-)

River Remarks

2011-05-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

The best part of travel in the Midwest is to keep off Interstates and really explore and experience the more local areas of our great country. Our trip continues to keep us free of the Interstate and closer to the Mississippi River country.

As we progressed northward up the river area we had a coffee stop in Bellevue, IA. Bellevue is small town located on the Mississippi River between Davenport and Dubuque. This is a classic Mississippi river town with a park pathway along the river and dotted with lots of sitting benches for people to stop, rest and view the great Mississippi.

On the river pathway in Bellevue

We stopped at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. It was a small group of people selling their home grown vegetables and baked goods. The market was closing but Bill still had some time to chat.

There seems to be a strange attraction that rules the banks of the Mississippi River. Regardless of how bad the flooding or whatever else that impacts this region, the people of the river area love their Mississippi. You can talk with any of them and you‘ll feel their love of where they live.

Across the main street from the market I saw a sign for the Book Worm. In the store’s window was a large stuffed Boston Terrier. When I opened the door I was greeted by the two owners- one a retired teacher- and their Boston Terrier. The shop was filled with new and used books (I bought two), lots of Country Living type accessories, and of course, some Boston Terrier trinkets.

Living along the Mississippi is not easy. The locals are well aware of what this river can do to them in flooding. This for some reason seems to be an acceptable risk even though they are well aware there is no insurance that protects them if they continue to live in the flood zones of the river. Our travels continue . . .

Along the Mississippi

Movin' Up the Mississippi

2011-05-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

One of the reasons we came to the Davenport area of Iowa was to visit Buffalo Bill Cody’s birth place and see where “The Pickers” TV program originated.

The Buffalo Bill Cody Museum is on the banks of the Mississippi River in downtown Le Claire. It includes memorabilia of Buffalo Bill and the town of Le Claire. You can also see an informative video on his life.

Also . . . close by, in an alley off the main drag, is Antique Archaeology. Mike and Frank – “The Pickers” search the countryside for antiques and junk for their shop. You can follow their adventures on the History Channel. While they are on the road, the shop is managed by Danielle who has the most interesting tattoos.

As most of you can remember the three major networks - ABC, NBC, and CBS were the only TV sources our nation had for several decades. Now with so many networks anyone can be a star.

We visited this antique store and wanted to see Mike, Frank and Danielle, but unfortunately they were not available today. Bummer!

In the afternoon we went to the Figge Museum of Art – in a dramatic building overlooking the Mississippi River in Davenport. Great eclectic collection!

We are impressed with the Quad Cities – they’re looking good in today’s economy.

Bumpy Roads

2011-05-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

We spent a couple of days in the St. Louis, Missouri area. As you know St. Louis is known for its Gateway to the West Arch, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the home of Budweiser Beer. We got to spend a couple of days with my nephew Peter, his wife Darryl, and Hattie – their new dog. They have a beautiful home in the Chesterfield area of St. Louis County.

Hattie

We visited Grant’s Farm and got a good lesson on how the Budweiser Clydesdale horses are bred, raised and trained.

Bill with a Clydesdale Colt

We also visited White Haven once owned by U.S. Grant, our nation’s 18^th president.

White Haven - Painted Green

The best lesson we learned was with the roar of tornado sirens that were going off as we pulled into their driveway. This was not a test and not a drill. Tornadoes were in the area. The TV was full of warnings for tornadoes all over this eastern section of Missouri.

Preparing for hurricanes with up to a week’s notice is one thing, but having tornado sirens giving you from five to fifteen minutes to seek safety is completely another.

Yesterday we walked the streets of Hannibal, MO - boyhood home of Mark Twain - a man filled with common sense wisdom - much of it learned from his childhood in Hannibal.

Mark Twain's house

In Burlington, IA we drove down the Crookedest Street in the World - Snake Alley - a zigzag brick street built in 1894 to let horse drawn carriages negotiate a steep hill.

Oh, by-the-way, gasoline so far has been the cheapest in St. Louis. . . $3.33 a gallon.

Superman Saves the Town

2011-05-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Across the river from Paducah is the town of Metropolis – the home of SUPERMAN. He stands in front of the courthouse protecting the town and its citizens. Superman stuff in Metropolis is everywhere.

Superman has saved the town of Metropolis and helped transformed the downtown into cafes, shops, and museums. One museum features him and the actors that have played his role in the movies and on TV. It also shows all the things made – like lunch boxes, watches, t-shirts, mugs, comic books, cereal boxes, etc. - featuring Superman.

Downtowns do well with tourist magnets like the Superman statue and annual festivals.

Whether it is the world’s largest ball of string, biggest fry pan, deepest water well, 1940s statue of a sailor kissing a nurse on Times Square or whatever, many of America’s downtowns need an extra spike of interest to draw in visitors.

One of Nancy’s favorite buys was a piece of kryptonite which shall have a special place in her rock collection which she has stolen, excuse me, I mean “collected” over the many years we have been married.

And with “truth, justice, and the American way” our trip continues.

Paducah- Distinctively Creative

2011-05-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Paducah, Kentucky has been on my “Places to Visit” list. A few years ago I started to read about the town in arts and craft magazines. It’s one of those transformation towns where the downtown is lined with 19^th century brick buildings filled with boutiques, cafes, and art shops. One of its older neighborhoods is home to the Artist Relocation Program where a mix of artists from around the globe live and work.

It is also the location of The National Quilt Museum of the United States. It is amazing! I’ve never seen such craftsmanship and creativity. I especially enjoyed the vibrant contemporary quilts. Even Peter would consider hanging one in his place.

Bill and I walked around the town especially enjoying the Wall to Wall painted murals along the waterfront depicting the town’s history. We took time to sit and just enjoy the river view .

The surprise in Paducah was its founder – William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame.

We didn't think we would meet up with him so soon.

As I am writing this I’m listening to more news of the tornado in Joplin. As we were traveling through Alabama we saw some of the destruction caused by the tornado that hit that state. We planned on a picnic lunch at a state park on Guntersville Lake. When we arrived at the entrance we saw the sign that most of the park was closed including the picnic areas due to tornado damage. The lodge did survive…so we enjoyed lunch with a beautiful view of the lake.

Gas Update – So far the lowest price was in Opelika, AL – 3.499. TN and KY prices in the 3.60 -3.70 range.

Bullets and Bugs

2011-05-23T19:06:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about the South is the rich history it provides of the Civil War period in the 1860s. We added a visit to the Stones River National Battlefield Park in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This was one of the war’s most deadly battles.

The park features the largest earth structured fort created during the war. The park is well cared for and it provides an excellent museum describing the battle and the importance for both sides in winning.

General Rosecrans won the final battle and created a holding for the Union that helped to push the war further into the South and eventually end it.

Arriving at the Battlefield we heard a huge buzzing sound. It was sort of like what you would hear in a cheap science fiction movie indicating outer space critters were hanging around.

These “critters” were different. We experienced something that only happens every 13 years in this area - the emergence of the Great Southern Brood of Cicada doing their 21 day thing above ground. The sound was quite weird and loud. Millions of the cicadas were everywhere in the park area. Cicadas don’t bite or cause any damaging harm. In fact they create a feast for local bird life. In many countries of the world they are enjoyed as a food source when they appear. I offered Nancy some at lunch but she declined.

P.S. Of course, Nancy needed to have a rock for her collection from Stones River.

You Don't Know Jacques- May 21

2011-05-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

There is a group that is predicting that the world will end today. NO WAY! NOT ON MY BIRTHDAY!

Meeso

Since I retired a few years ago, I’ve celebrated my birthday in different places – Machu Picchu, Turkey, Egypt, and this year in Opelika, Alabama visiting with Molly, Lewis, and Meeso.

It was a day with some new experiences starting with my first pedicure – a gift from Molly. I think I could easily get hooked. Molly helped me choose a nail polish color – You Don’t Know Jacques –she said it goes with everything.

Then it was my first ride through Goo-Goo. I liked it so much I did it again with Bill. Goo-Goo is a car wash. You stay in your car, put it in neutral, sit back, and go through a shower, wipe down, and blow dryer - like a ride in Disney. No franchise in Florida yet but hopefully coming soon.

The one thing I like about Opelika is hearing the train whistles. Downtown is Railroad St. along the train tracks where the old brick buildings are now restaurants and shops. One is a bar called Irish Bred Pub. If you’re lucky enough to be there when a train passes through you can get a shot for one dollar. We ended the day there - great atmosphere, beer, and music.

At the Irish Bred Pub

For my next birthday I wish for new experiences and new places.

A coin in the fountain - not the Trevi - but at the Jule Collins Smith Museum in Auburn.

Route 98 West

2011-05-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Panhandle of Florida is named for a good reason. Coming along the southern handle, west of Apalachicola, we drove along one of the Gulf’s most pristine drives, Route 98 West. This is an area owned mostly by the St. Joe land enterprise. The beaches are white and beautiful. It seems like every home along the highway enjoys a huge Gulf of Mexico view.

We visited downtown Port St. Joe. Parked near some art galleries and went to get a coffee at the No Name Café.

Interestingly, the owner opened the business several years ago and didn’t have a name at the time. Some customers said, “Why don’t you have a contest and let us name the café”.

By a massive vote the No Name Café was born.

This section of Florida offers some of the best beach areas with lots of resort cottages and motels. Mexico Beach, with other than a sign indicating a new community, didn’t vary much from the Port St. Joe area.

From Panama City we headed north into Alabama country. And no, I didn’t have a banjo on my knee.

Apalachicola - AW SHUCKS!

2011-05-20T07:16:00.000-07:00

Papa John's is the place to get pizza but Papa Joe's in Apalachicola is the place for oysters. On the menu it says- If you ain't been to Papa Joe's you ain't been to Apalachicola. It's not a fancy place - no tablecloths, paper napkins, folding chairs and tables, and most of the men wear baseball caps. It has a great water view where you can see alligators, turtles, lots of birds, and boats. Bill loves oysters! So he postponed his birthday(74) dinner a few days to celebrate here. The oysters were fantastic! After dinner we went to a park on the docks...just sat until the sun set.

Apalachicola is one of our favorite Florida towns - we even like the drive here - along Rt. 98 - stopping at some small towns along the way. It is a postcard town. Charming front porch clapboard houses, tree lined streets, restaurants along the water, docks, art galleries, boutique shops, and lots of antique stores. BUT the front porches are empty and all those cute shops once sold hardware, groceries, hats, and shoes. Like many small towns it has changed with the times.

Apalachicola - A dog friendly town

Gas Price Update - We filled up in Brooksville - 3.729 per gallon...so far the cheapest price in FL.

"You're going where?"

2011-05-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about America is its constant change in geography as you travel between its borders. We will be commenting on our travels for the next couple of months.

Our trip will concentrate on the northern parts of our mid-west. We will cross back and forth from a trail made by the Lewis and Clark Expedition as we take our trip northward up into the North Dakota area. We will travel back and forth over the mighty Mississippi River from St. Louis up until it becomes so narrow in Minnesota that Nancy will be able to step over it.

Photos will be added of interesting stops we make and perhaps some un-interesting ones as well. To make this happen in a positive way we will be trying to stay off of as many Interstate Highways as possible. We both believe it might be refreshing to come to an intersection in the back end of American where MacDonalds, Wendys, Burger King, Checkers, Pizza Hut or Arbys ARE NOT side-by-side.

Our plans are to cover around 5,000 miles in our Honda Odyssey. So if you might like to read along with our road ramblings please feel free to do so. And of course, your comments are welcome as well.

Bill

Willie Nelson's In My Head - Nancy's Thoughts

2011-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

For the past week I've been hearing Willie sing "On the road again -just can't wait to get on the road again..." The song brings back memories - back to our first road trip in 1969 - mostly in California- my first time! I was in awe...Laguna Beach, tacos, Hollywood, a drive up the coast, and San Francisco! THEN a visit to my first casino in Reno. When I put the second coin in the slot machine - it lit up and made lots of noise. I won the jackpot!

Luck has continued giving us the time to travel throughout the US. Our longest trip was in 1988- the year both Molly and Peter went off to college and we went off on a four month trip in our RV - Parnassus on Wheels (pictured above) - named after one of my favorite books. Parnassus stayed with us for a few years as we explored more of the US. So many memories - sunrise in Monument Valley, Texas bluebonnets, picking blackberries in the San Juan Islands, climbing the lighthouses in the Outer Banks, the view from Cadillac Mt., the bats flying out of Carlsbad Caverns, walking in the Redwoods, Pike's Peak,, and the list could go on and on.

So we are going on the road again -going places that we've never been and seeing things we may never see again. - the best of friends - on the road again.