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Much was written during the planning stage and some while traveling.
Expect to find Trip West Report written in mixed tense: future, present and past. A whole lot was laptop typed from my travel log while in the van, tent or motel room, while thoughts were fresh in my mind. Some may simply be explaining anticipated sights or tomorrows itinerary. Included are NOTEs where I feel someone may derive information for their trip planning. I had much in my log that I’ve eliminated. This is written in broken verse, as I don’t wish to tap so many keys... I’m not a typist.
Service to my country has afforded me the luxury of visiting so many fascinating places. In the shortening years that remain, we hope to take in many more.
While a crewmember flying Early Warning Barrier missions out of Midway Is., we resided on Oahu. That was back in ’60-’61. Hawaii had just become a state and Caroll and I were newly weds.
Whidbey Island (Puget Sound) was home base while a crewman on anti-submarine patrols. Flying out of Kodiak, we covered the Aleutian Islands and North Pacific. That was unique.
Was fortunate to get duty in Spain, to get but a small taste of FREE Europe between Gibraltar and Copenhagen, with brief visits in Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Shipboard assignments allowed enjoyable two or three day stopovers at Majorca, Malta, Athens, a couple Greek Islands and Istanbul. Even dropped into the Azores twice.
I’ve been drawn to return to a most impressive region, Chamonix Valley and Mont-blanc in France to the Italian border. Too, I’d like to spend much time in that region of Spain to the west of Madrid, above Portugal. But then, places in South America sound interesting. No less too, the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and South Pacific.
Wishing to travel without having to return to work, the last day of 2005, I retired. However, before traveling to far-off lands… taking in more from outside our borders, I felt obligated to sample more beauty of these United States of America.
Somewhere I had read that few vacation experiences offer the same freedom, escapism and convenience as an old-fashioned road trip. It is the purest, most natural way to feel refreshed and invigorated while traveling. Economics also spoke of driving.
Alas, a road trip… To be in control! To stay awhile or simply “see then go”. To choose eating and lodging locations as we journeyed. Camping would afford the freedom to venture off-the-beaten-path if so inclined. We could alter the itinerary by turning a corner.
Trip West was viewed not so much as a DO, but more a SEE road trip. We discovered that most of the best areas were already designated as National or State parks, forests or preserves... so much time was spent outlining a route that would connect these most beautiful places. We chose the Designated Scenic Byways featuring gorgeous scenery from the Rockies to the Pacific. This would allow discovery by viewing the countryside from the vehicle.
We didn’t wish for the summer heat being felt in California, Nevada, Arizona and Southern Utah. Then too was the concern of being blocked from northern high elevations by snow in late September.
A seven-week itinerary was prepared for viewing much splendor of the Western United States. Utmost was the rugged majesty of Grand Teton, Glacier and Zion National Parks, but would also encompass the Bad Lands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Olympic Peninsula, Columbia Gorge, Oregon & California coastlines, Yosemite, and some of “desertland and canyonland USA”. We had relatives and friends scattered about that we planned to visit also. A 9,000-mile journey was laid out.
By the time Trip West was to happen Caroll could no longer enjoy sitting for long periods. Never had we figured on not being young enough to travel together. We had dreamt of doing the National Parks, but Caroll’s bones and joints had been worsening over the years. As bodies grow older, they aren’t able to fulfill some dreams. So much for prolonging those travel plans.
We decided it wasn't good for her to do the trip. I was to go it alone.
Some have asked how I could do Trip West while Caroll remained at home. I had to carry on even when she couldn’t enjoy going along… even if it meant being away from my Darling for such a long time. She knew the dream and didn’t want us both to miss out.
I learned that an old school-days chum that had lost his wife to cancer a year earlier, was to attend a wedding in SD on AUG 25. Gerald also wished to visit his daughter in mid October at Topeka. We decided to join forces and share-ride his conversion van on Trip West.
We decided to head across the northern parks, doing Glacier before mid-September… drive down the Pacific coast and return via desert and canyons in October's cool. We’d camp some, stay cold nights in cabins, and rest well as needed in motels. If route-convenient, I would book military lodging.
Well, for two months I've been reenacting the journey in my mind, in an attempt to describe the interests in correct sequence and arrange photographs to coincide. Much of it is still in-process, but here goes
Trip West Chapter One – August 20 - 26
MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA
20 AUG Fly to Michigan - Prep for trip
Sunday - very early. I kissed my darling Caroll goodbye and SIL Dan dropped me at the Newport News/Williamsburg terminal. My AirTran flight departed at 5:45 AM. Connected through Atlanta: in 7:27 - out 8:15. Landed in Michigan at 10:03. Gerald picked me up at the Flint terminal.
Check on folder "Robert arriving Flint" at the RESORT2ME section of picasa.
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Thoughout this report click on http://picasaweb.google.com/RESORT2ME where photos available are indicated.
Photo folders are labled to match the report subject.
Click on the appropriate folder, wait for the photos to open. By clicking on the individual photos, some may then enlarge. A few may have captions attached.
You can click on Slideshow if desired and set the number of seconds for each photo to be on the screen. Slideshows will take a while for the download to your computer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The place was empty. No baggage wait-line. Very nice facility.
We were off, up I-75 toward Bay City and US-10 west into Midland, the home of my childhood. The weather was beautiful.
Lots of good memories, just driving close to where I once lived.
Got married to my sweetheart in Midland, back in 1960.
We visited, shopped for trip necessities, tent and air mattress, etc.
Ate out - fueled the van – packed-up some … and got sleep.
21AUG Prep for trip - Ferry to Wisconsin
Monday - did up laundry - “robbed” Gerald’s pantry - readied his van. And yes, we used a check off list.
4 PM & Odometer reading 194764 – departed Midland up US-10 to Ludington. (It was Pickups-For-Sale alley for the whole 127 miles.) The conversion van gave a most comfortable ride.
Rather than drive around Lake Michigan, we decided to not wear and tear ourselves. Opted for the 4-hr ferry across. Saved time & fuel.
Secured cruise tickets ($168). Refueled van (11.8gal, $34.33). That is a super 16-mpg. We took supper at Jamesport Brewing Co. (mini-brewery) then boarded the USS Badger for the 8 PM departure.
Lake Michigan is big - so is the USS Badger! - largest Great Lakes car ferry. Capacity: 620 passengers - 180 vehicles. We watched as even a giant earthmover got loaded. Plenty of room to roam - spacious outside decks.
- 4 lounges with a variety of seating and ample table space - Movie lounge
- 2 television lounges - Quiet room/museum - Galley deli-style snacks
- Upper Deck Café buffet-style dining – 2 bar service areas - Gift shop
- 40 private staterooms - KidsPort playroom and video arcade
Available at no additional cost! · feature movies · family fun and games · children's activities and playroom · Badger Bingo · satellite television in two lounges · quiet room/museum
· overnight parking for passengers not traveling with vehicles
Spend four hours of quality, uninterrupted time with your kids! · KidsPort playroom
· Organized children's activities led by our crew · Special kids' menu · Video arcade
Took photos as we got underway, heading in the direction of the sun. Sea and sky were calm. We lost sight of Michigan as we sailed into the hazy sunset.
Splurged for a 2-bunk stateroom ($39.90) – opened the window for a wonderful breeze and lounged/dozed for the next 3 hours.
http://www.timeshareforums.com/photo...ard_Sunset.jpg
Check folder "Michigan to Wisconsin" at
http://picasaweb.google.com/RESORT2ME
Expect to find Trip West Report written in mixed tense: future, present and past. A whole lot was laptop typed from my travel log while in the van, tent or motel room, while thoughts were fresh in my mind. Some may simply be explaining anticipated sights or tomorrows itinerary. Included are NOTEs where I feel someone may derive information for their trip planning. I had much in my log that I’ve eliminated. This is written in broken verse, as I don’t wish to tap so many keys... I’m not a typist.
Service to my country has afforded me the luxury of visiting so many fascinating places. In the shortening years that remain, we hope to take in many more.
While a crewmember flying Early Warning Barrier missions out of Midway Is., we resided on Oahu. That was back in ’60-’61. Hawaii had just become a state and Caroll and I were newly weds.
Whidbey Island (Puget Sound) was home base while a crewman on anti-submarine patrols. Flying out of Kodiak, we covered the Aleutian Islands and North Pacific. That was unique.
Was fortunate to get duty in Spain, to get but a small taste of FREE Europe between Gibraltar and Copenhagen, with brief visits in Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
Shipboard assignments allowed enjoyable two or three day stopovers at Majorca, Malta, Athens, a couple Greek Islands and Istanbul. Even dropped into the Azores twice.
I’ve been drawn to return to a most impressive region, Chamonix Valley and Mont-blanc in France to the Italian border. Too, I’d like to spend much time in that region of Spain to the west of Madrid, above Portugal. But then, places in South America sound interesting. No less too, the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and South Pacific.
Wishing to travel without having to return to work, the last day of 2005, I retired. However, before traveling to far-off lands… taking in more from outside our borders, I felt obligated to sample more beauty of these United States of America.
Somewhere I had read that few vacation experiences offer the same freedom, escapism and convenience as an old-fashioned road trip. It is the purest, most natural way to feel refreshed and invigorated while traveling. Economics also spoke of driving.
Alas, a road trip… To be in control! To stay awhile or simply “see then go”. To choose eating and lodging locations as we journeyed. Camping would afford the freedom to venture off-the-beaten-path if so inclined. We could alter the itinerary by turning a corner.
Trip West was viewed not so much as a DO, but more a SEE road trip. We discovered that most of the best areas were already designated as National or State parks, forests or preserves... so much time was spent outlining a route that would connect these most beautiful places. We chose the Designated Scenic Byways featuring gorgeous scenery from the Rockies to the Pacific. This would allow discovery by viewing the countryside from the vehicle.
We didn’t wish for the summer heat being felt in California, Nevada, Arizona and Southern Utah. Then too was the concern of being blocked from northern high elevations by snow in late September.
A seven-week itinerary was prepared for viewing much splendor of the Western United States. Utmost was the rugged majesty of Grand Teton, Glacier and Zion National Parks, but would also encompass the Bad Lands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Olympic Peninsula, Columbia Gorge, Oregon & California coastlines, Yosemite, and some of “desertland and canyonland USA”. We had relatives and friends scattered about that we planned to visit also. A 9,000-mile journey was laid out.
By the time Trip West was to happen Caroll could no longer enjoy sitting for long periods. Never had we figured on not being young enough to travel together. We had dreamt of doing the National Parks, but Caroll’s bones and joints had been worsening over the years. As bodies grow older, they aren’t able to fulfill some dreams. So much for prolonging those travel plans.
We decided it wasn't good for her to do the trip. I was to go it alone.
Some have asked how I could do Trip West while Caroll remained at home. I had to carry on even when she couldn’t enjoy going along… even if it meant being away from my Darling for such a long time. She knew the dream and didn’t want us both to miss out.
I learned that an old school-days chum that had lost his wife to cancer a year earlier, was to attend a wedding in SD on AUG 25. Gerald also wished to visit his daughter in mid October at Topeka. We decided to join forces and share-ride his conversion van on Trip West.
We decided to head across the northern parks, doing Glacier before mid-September… drive down the Pacific coast and return via desert and canyons in October's cool. We’d camp some, stay cold nights in cabins, and rest well as needed in motels. If route-convenient, I would book military lodging.
Well, for two months I've been reenacting the journey in my mind, in an attempt to describe the interests in correct sequence and arrange photographs to coincide. Much of it is still in-process, but here goes
Trip West Chapter One – August 20 - 26
MICHIGAN, WISCONSIN, MINNESOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA
20 AUG Fly to Michigan - Prep for trip
Sunday - very early. I kissed my darling Caroll goodbye and SIL Dan dropped me at the Newport News/Williamsburg terminal. My AirTran flight departed at 5:45 AM. Connected through Atlanta: in 7:27 - out 8:15. Landed in Michigan at 10:03. Gerald picked me up at the Flint terminal.
Check on folder "Robert arriving Flint" at the RESORT2ME section of picasa.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thoughout this report click on http://picasaweb.google.com/RESORT2ME where photos available are indicated.
Photo folders are labled to match the report subject.
Click on the appropriate folder, wait for the photos to open. By clicking on the individual photos, some may then enlarge. A few may have captions attached.
You can click on Slideshow if desired and set the number of seconds for each photo to be on the screen. Slideshows will take a while for the download to your computer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The place was empty. No baggage wait-line. Very nice facility.
We were off, up I-75 toward Bay City and US-10 west into Midland, the home of my childhood. The weather was beautiful.
Lots of good memories, just driving close to where I once lived.
Got married to my sweetheart in Midland, back in 1960.
We visited, shopped for trip necessities, tent and air mattress, etc.
Ate out - fueled the van – packed-up some … and got sleep.
21AUG Prep for trip - Ferry to Wisconsin
Monday - did up laundry - “robbed” Gerald’s pantry - readied his van. And yes, we used a check off list.
4 PM & Odometer reading 194764 – departed Midland up US-10 to Ludington. (It was Pickups-For-Sale alley for the whole 127 miles.) The conversion van gave a most comfortable ride.
Rather than drive around Lake Michigan, we decided to not wear and tear ourselves. Opted for the 4-hr ferry across. Saved time & fuel.
Secured cruise tickets ($168). Refueled van (11.8gal, $34.33). That is a super 16-mpg. We took supper at Jamesport Brewing Co. (mini-brewery) then boarded the USS Badger for the 8 PM departure.
Lake Michigan is big - so is the USS Badger! - largest Great Lakes car ferry. Capacity: 620 passengers - 180 vehicles. We watched as even a giant earthmover got loaded. Plenty of room to roam - spacious outside decks.
- 4 lounges with a variety of seating and ample table space - Movie lounge
- 2 television lounges - Quiet room/museum - Galley deli-style snacks
- Upper Deck Café buffet-style dining – 2 bar service areas - Gift shop
- 40 private staterooms - KidsPort playroom and video arcade
Available at no additional cost! · feature movies · family fun and games · children's activities and playroom · Badger Bingo · satellite television in two lounges · quiet room/museum
· overnight parking for passengers not traveling with vehicles
Spend four hours of quality, uninterrupted time with your kids! · KidsPort playroom
· Organized children's activities led by our crew · Special kids' menu · Video arcade
Took photos as we got underway, heading in the direction of the sun. Sea and sky were calm. We lost sight of Michigan as we sailed into the hazy sunset.
Splurged for a 2-bunk stateroom ($39.90) – opened the window for a wonderful breeze and lounged/dozed for the next 3 hours.
http://www.timeshareforums.com/photo...ard_Sunset.jpg
Check folder "Michigan to Wisconsin" at
http://picasaweb.google.com/RESORT2ME
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