Beginning 2023 Jan-Feb

 Travel Journal 2023

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Our first night at Seminole RV Park and Resort. We got setup on our site and reorganized or rig for our January stay. We met some folks around the campground and walked around the neighborhood. This is going to be a great location for playing-tourist and enjoying the Tampa Bay area.

Seminole RV Park is conveniently located at Seminole Blvd, and Park Blvd., in Seminole, Florida. Snuggled in and surrounded by Home Depot on the north, McDonalds and Sprouts Farm Market on the west, and subdivisions on the south and east sides.

Monday January 2, 2023

Today, for a rest-day, we stayed in, walked around the neighborhood, shopped, read, did computer business, and relaxed at our campsite. We spotted our first (Florida) new life-bird, the Palm Warbler, in a palm tree adjacent to our RV site. We are surrounded by shops and stores, in walking-distance, that provide everything that we need.

In the afternoon, we walked over to CVS and purchased some supplies. Also, I prepared a list of attractions, activities, County Parks, historical sites, and restaurants that we can visit during our stay in the Tampa Bay area. Our Tampa Bay discovery goals are to walk a park and do an activity daily.

Seminole is a working-class community, with primarily small businesses of all sorts, along with the chain-stores for food, and other supplies. We purchased the best citrus ever at Sprout’s Farm Market, the Noble tangerine, crunchy, sweet, juicy, and delicious. Seminole is a convenient, central location for the exploring the Tampa Bay area.

Seminole RV Park has Palm and Live Oak trees, providing shade and habitat for birds and wildlife. We have a nice Clubhouse, laundry, and comfort stations. Our rig has all of the facilities that we need, so we only use the laundry as needed. We’re in walking distance of shopping, restaurants and recreation.

Tue. January 3, 2023

Following a leisurely morning, breakfast, and daily-walk, we filled-up with $5 diesel and drove down to Fort Desoto for an afternoon at this beautiful Pinellas County Park. Along the way, we had a seafood lunch at Billy’s Stone Crab. Crabcakes appetizer with remoulade sauce. Broiled Seafood platters. Cod, shrimp, Sea Bass, Scallops with sides of pineapple coleslaw, mashed potatoes. Desert Key Lime Pie. It was divine!

We enjoyed a warm, sunny afternoon at Pinellas County's, Fort Desoto, enjoying the history, flora and fauna, beaches, and recreation. In May 1539, Conquistador Hernando de Soto’s army of soldiers, hired mercenaries, craftsmen, and clergy made landfall here, in Tampa Bay. They were met with fierce resistance of indigenous people protecting their homelands. De Soto’s quest for glory and gold would be a four year, four-thousand-mile odyssey of intrigue, warfare, disease, and discovery that would form the history of the United States.

 

 

The largest park in Pinellas County, it has the old fort as a centerpiece, along with great trails, beaches, wildlife, and native plants and trees. We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the park.

Wed. January 4, 2023

After making our breakfast, we drove over to the TECO Manatee Preserve. Down on the southeast side of Tampa Bay, south of the Port of Tampa, in an Industrial area, is a gem of an attraction. At the Tampa Electric Power plant, is a Manatee protected area, with lots of Manatee. The Federal Preserve part had nice trails and an observation tower, so we walked and took great pictures of the mangroves, flora, and fauna.

Thur. January 5, 2023

With a rain storm coming in from the Gulf, we got rain overnight, with continuing showers today. We elected to stay in, relax, fix meals, and have an open-option day. With an afternoon break in the rain, we walked over to Walgreen’s and purchased a Sun Pass for pre-paid use of toll roads, bridges, and parking in the Tampa Bay area.

Friday, January 6, 2023

Today brought warm, sunny weather and a light wind. After we made breakfast, we headed to the Florida Botanical Gardens, in Largo. Everyone should visit the Florida Botanical Gardens. Multiple gardens with plants and trees from around the world. We especially liked the Native Garden and the Topicals Garden. Great wildlife and birds too! Cruised on over to Havana Harry's for a Cuban lunch.

The Gardens are a 100-acre Park, managed by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, that inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. This was a marvelous activity and one that we repeated.

Lunch at Havana Harry’s Market

Truly, a Largo-locals favorite, Havana Harry’s, a polished yet celebratory restaurant serving the best Cuban food in Tampa Bay, is a rare mom-and-pop family place. Mom (Latino) and pop (Cuban) team to make superb Cuban, Mexican, and Caribbean entrees. They also served us a knock-out Key Lime Cake!  Havana Harry’s stays busy year-round because the locals know the best!

Saturday, January, 7, 2023

Another beautiful day in the Tampa Bay area. Following breakfast, some maintenance, and cleaning, we walked over to Blossom Lake Park, then north on the Pinellas Trail, returning to Seminole Boulevard, and our Seminole RV Park.

The Pinellas Trail is a paved public, controlled-access recreation trail, utilizing the old Pinellas Peninsula railroad bed between St. Petersburg and Tarpon Springs. It has been extended to 75 miles, encircling the entire Pinellas Peninsula. This is a great, public recreation asset for bicycle, and pedestrians. It’s very scenic, with nice rest areas, comfort stations, and connections to food, lodging, and other services, as it passes through numerous coastal towns and beside beach areas.

In late afternoon, we enjoyed sunset at Seminole Lake Park. Lake Seminole Park is 258 acres of designated wildlife habitat and sanctuary located in Seminole, just one mile from our RV Resort. The Pinellas County Park is home to raccoons, alligators, hawks, eagles, turtles, songbirds and all sorts of wildlife. This is an upland type of nature park, with fabulous Live Oaks, Slash (Longleaf) pines, Saw Palmetto, Palms, and other native flora.  The park provides benches and swings that are placed to view the lake, picnic sheds, restrooms, and alluring trails.

 Sunday, January 8, 2023

Returned for a morning walk on the two-mile loop-trail at Lake Seminole Park. We saw lots of wildlife, including some amazing Ospreys and ominous alligators. This is a mile from us and a splendid Pinellas County Park.

A nice day, and time to do laundry. Doing laundry, a flock of Monk Parakeets visited the RV Park and made quite a loud show. They all talk at the same time and cannot be still for long. We also observed flock of Nanday Parakeets at the Walmart lot. They’re very colorful. There are 17 varieties of none are native parakeets in Florida.

Monday January 9, 2023

Today, we walked the area around our RV Park. The subdivision just south of us has a nice lake with a trails and landscaping. We saw some birds, turtles, and enjoyed the sunny morning.  

In the afternoon, we took a guided tour of Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First NFL stadium we've toured that has a Pirate Ship, with cannon!

Their ad: WE ARE EXCITED TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE, YEAR-ROUND TOURS OF THE DISTINCTIVE RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM. THIS 75 MINUTE-LONG WALKING JOURNEY WILL GIVE YOU BACKSTAGE ACCESS TO MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND WORKINGS OF THE STADIUM.

WE INVITE YOU TO ENJOY A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM. YOUR TOUR WILL TAKE YOU TO A STADIUM CLUB, A LUXURY SUITE, HALL OF FAME CLUB, THE FAMOUS PIRATE SHIP, VISITING TEAM LOCKER ROOM, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA HOME TEAM LOCKER ROOM, THE FIELD AND MORE!!

Our experience: We had a superb tour-guide and the Stadium Manager was along as a special treat. These guys gave us a comprehensive, informative, and spectacular experience, exploring the stadium from top to bottom. We’re always amazed at what it takes to make it all work! The Pirate Ship is special but the entire tour was impressive.

Tuesday January 10, 2023

Today we took a morning walk at Seminole Waterfront Park. The two-mile, improved walking-loop is one of our favorite walks, in a beautiful Pinellas County Park

After lunch we cruised the beaches from Indian Rocks down to Madeira Beach. The beautiful "Sun Coast"! The Gulf Boulevard took us through all the popular beach towns and past elite tourist hotels, restaurants, attractions, and historic sites. This overview gave us some must-see candidates to add to our tourist-list!

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

We took our morning walk at Boca Ciega Park. Boca Ciega Millennium Park is 186 acres in Seminole and is accessible to the Pinellas Trail. This park provides an observation tower to enjoy panoramic views of Boca Ciega Bay. The park is also recognized by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation as part of the “Great Florida Birding Trail”. Other highlights of this park include pine flatwoods, coastal oaks, hammock, mangrove swamp, salt marsh, bay head and wetlands. Boca Ciega has an extensive boardwalk right through the mangroves and along Boca Ciega Bay.

After our delightful and scenic walk, we took lunch at the Conch Republic, (on Gulf Boulevard) for some terrific Grouper Tacos. We split a crabcake appetizer and had Grouper tacos. The restaurant feels like old Key West. Conch Republic lunch, superb!

Heritage Park: You can come to the Tampa Bay area and do something different every day and a year would not be enough. This afternoon, we explored the Pinellas County Heritage Village. Walk through Florida’s past. Stroll the paths of Pinellas County’s historical homes in this 21-acre living history museum with 28 historic structures nestled in a native pine and palmetto landscape. The collection of historic buildings was relocated and assembled here to preserve history and experience the “old Florida”! Loved it! Great experience!

Thursday January 12, 2023

St Pete Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg is over a century old and only getting better!

Sunken Gardens- St. Pete’s oldest living museum is a botanical paradise in the midst of the bustling city. The 100-year-old Sunken Gardens is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Meandering paths guide visitors through a living collection of more than thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls, Koi pool, and a flock of flamingos. The garden is situated in an old, sloping sinkhole, with a natural spring flowing through. This was an old Florida roadside attraction, thankfully preserved by the St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department.

Small Batch Ice Cream- And of course there is ice cream. We each got a scoop after our tour through the Sunken Garden in St Pete. We met this old guy and recognized him from his television ad. As a hiking club member, he shared lots of great hiking information with us. His ice cream dream is superior!

Rain overnight created some nice sleeping weather and brought in some cool days.

Friday January 13, 2023

Friday morning began with rain, then sun, with a brisk north wind. We elected to take our morning walk in the sheltered woods of the Lake Seminole Park. Close and always surprising, Seminole has become our go-to park for a power-walk!

Lunch at Barracuda Deli. "Home of the Best Cuban Sandwich and a whole lot more". Food, a problem, and no problem. There's plenty here and it must be sampled. "Donut take us lightly"!

St Petersburg: Chihuly- We visited the Chihuly Collection presented by the Morean Arts Center, a stunning, permanent collection of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly’s unique artwork in a magnificent 10,000 square foot gallery. We also saw the glass-blowing demonstration. Quite fascinating!

Waterfront- St. Pete has a magnificent waterfront with a large marina, public pier with entertainment and a concert venue, restaurants, a historic area, with grant old trees and meticulous landscaping. The wide walkway extends several miles along the beach, where walking, bicycles, and scooters can be enjoyed.

Saturday January 14, 2023

WalMart Shopping at Seminole. We saw a large flock of Nanday parakeets in the trees of the Walmart lot. Beautiful but noisy birds!

Walking Lake Seminole Park. Cool but saw a huge Alligator. Today, after lunch, the sun brought this old reptilian out. Was lucky to catch a Wood Stork walking by.

Sunday, January, 15, 2023

A cool, clear, sunny Sunday, so we had Lox and eggs for breakfast, spaghetti for lunch, then the afternoon at another great park. Walsingham, a Pinellas County Park. Walsingham Park is 354 acres with a 100-acre lake in Largo. This park has two entrances: one on Walsingham Road and one on 102nd Avenue N. The park also provides a 6-mile trail, a playground, a fitness area, boardwalk, and great wildlife. This park is where we learned that Pinellas County parks use chain-link fences beside neighborhoods to keep the alligators from going “shopping”.

Monday, January 16, 2023

Today demanded a wash-day, so we washed clothes, made lunch, then took an afternoon walk at War Veterans Memorial Park. War Veterans’ Memorial Park is 112 acres in St. Petersburg. The focal point of this park is a landscaped Memorial Center featuring five plaques with official armed forces flags that commemorate each of the United States’ military branches. This park also has a Battlefield Cross, a Sundial and an Army Tank. The park provides many shaded areas to view Boca Ciega Bay. We enjoyed the natural walking trails, boardwalk at the boat launch, and spectacular views.

Tuesday, January, 17, 2023

It was a fantastic day in Tampa. On the water, on the boardwalk, and driving around. After 2 boat tours and a walk on the Tampa Riverwalk, only ice cream can restore our energy.  I had lemon ginger Bob had espresso with Kahlua.

We took two boat tours. First, we viewed the city from Tampa Bay, cruised by the Tampa Bay Ship Docks, saw the spectacular properties on the islands, bird-watched, were introduced to the Celebrity homes, and enjoyed the historical lecture on Tampa Bay.

We had an al fresco lunch (Grouper Sandwich) at the Rusty Pelican, on the Boardwalk.

After lunch, we took the Hillsborough River Water Taxi for a narrated tour of the river and three-mile boardwalk. You can hop on and off at the expedient stops, but we did the round-trip overview for later reference. Seeing Tampa from the water was very scenic and enjoyable.

Wednesday, January, 18, 2023

A beautiful day in Tampa Bay. We walked Seminole Lake Trail, shopped, then made lunch.

This afternoon we spent at St Pete, Waterfront and the splendid Kopsick Palm Arboretum.

Visit Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum they say: In just one location, find multiple types of trees that define warmer global climes. You might be surprised how many palms there are in the world. See outstanding examples of swaying palm trees on a visit to the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum – Palms and Cycads. The St. Petersburg attraction, with over 500 palms and cycads representing about 150 species, continues to add even more to its list. Wander the park’s paths surrounded by these stately trees and lush cycads that are perfect symbols of subtropical and tropical regions.

This is another old tourist attraction that has been saved by St. Petersburg. It’s right on the waterfront, so it can be enjoyed along with many other attractions nearby.

Thursday, January, 19, 2023

This morning, we returned to the War Veterans Memorial Park. This is a part of the VA and National Cemetery, but great upland woods and trails to be enjoyed. We saw lots of wildlife.

After a cook-out steak lunch, we went to visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary. Mission: To rescue, treat, and rehabilitate sick and injured wild birds with the goal of releasing them back into their native habitat in the wild. To educate the general public about Florida's native wild bird population, and how to prevent and reduce the man-made dangers that wild birds face every day.

This is a must see because it is so interesting, and it’s an impressive operation, right on Indian Shores Beach.

Friday, January, 20, 2023

A nice Friday morning walk on Boca Ciega Bay. Nice Boardwalk, bird-watching, mangroves, a tower with great views, a wonderful nature park.

Friday afternoon at John's Pass Village and Boardwalk. Web says: Created by a hurricane on September 27, 1848 a pirate, John Levique, made the first passage through the newly created pass. Hence the name, Johns Pass. Located on the waterfront at Johns Pass, this quaint turn-of-the-century fishing village is Pinellas County’s #1 tourist attraction. Over one hundred merchants inhabit the Village with unique retail shopping, a variety of restaurants, the local fishing fleet, dolphin watching and shelling tours, boat rentals, parasailing and jet skiing. Always very busy, but great views, shopping, restaurants, fun boardwalk, marvelous boat-watching.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Saturday is a complementary admission to the RV show at the Fairgrounds. Lunch at Bonefish Grill in Tampa, the salmon was perfect, the slaw and broccoli were perfect. These little leftovers are going home with us. And the slaw was not sweet nor was it soaked in mayo! The Key Lime pie was scrumptious! After lunch, we walked the Tampa Hillsborough Rive Boardwalk.

The RV Show was held at the Florida State Fairground, a sprawling complex, with massive buildings, all full of recreational vehicles of all sorts and makes. We saw rigs priced from $8500 to $2.5 million. They had food, entertainment, and vendors. We were exhausted, but it was fun.

Afterwards, we took a ride around Tampa and made some interesting discoveries:

The old Rough Rider Encampment

Several nice City Parks along the boardwalk

The old Armament Complex

The Tampa River Center: Home of collegiate rowing winter training. (We met a very informative member of the Princeton Ladies Rowing Team)

Ybor City, the old Cuban cigar factories, now being renovated into an entertainment and dining venue.

Sunday, January 22, 2023

Sunday at Sawgrass Lake Park. The wonderful parks of Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties are all a gem. Unique nature and wildlife, with great planning and design. Keeping old Florida alive to enjoy!

Sawgrass Lake Park is 400 acres in St. Petersburg and is the result of a unique cooperative agreement between Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. This park has one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast, which allows people to view a variety of wildlife. Thousands of birds migrate through the park during the fall and spring. This park is right on I-275 but the best boardwalk, observation tower, alligators, and native plants. Very enjoyable visit!

Monday, January, 23,2023

A cool, cloudy, and windy day. We decided to walk Wall Springs Park, explore Tarpon Springs, and enjoy a Greek Lunch.

Wall Springs Park is a 210-acre, Pinellas County park, located in Palm Harbor, Florida. The park includes a historical natural spring which was used as a bathing area from the turn of the 20th century until the 1960s. We had a splendid walk, enjoyed the wildlife, spring, lakes, mangroves, trees, improved trails, and especially the extensive Handicap-accessible observation tower. This was an old medicinal spring, tourist attraction, guaranteed to make you feel better. It still runs strong, smells like Sulphur, and would make you feel better just to get out!

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Taylor Lake, on a sunny but cool and windy Tuesday morning. John S. Taylor Park is 156.5 acres that connects to the Pinellas Trail and is tucked next to a 53-acre freshwater lake in Largo. The park provides a full disc golf course, a tree-lined shell trail and a lake to take a boat out for fishing. The park had large beautiful tree specimens, restrooms, and information plaques. We loved the shell-trail around the lake and observed lots of birds. We encountered several walking clubs, very popular walking-groups in the Tampa Bay area. Love the parks and Nature Preserves!

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

With sunny, cool, windy conditions we joined our Denver friends at Honeymoon Island State Park. One of Florida’s best-loved state parks, Honeymoon Island has more than four miles of beach to explore along with a three-mile trail through one of the last remaining virgin slash pine forests.

Our friends Diane and Dave came to visit from Colorado. At the end of our walk on the beach and through the wonderful trails, we were looking for a restaurant for lunch. This looks like the three of us are addicted to our phones! We enjoyed a delightful seafood lunch at Frenchie’s in Dunedin. The Stone Crab was superb!

We had a delectable dinner at Cristino’s in Clearwater, with our Colorado friends and another couple. Tom and Derick are a charming and a well-traveled couple and now we have some Safety Harbor friends. Delightful evening!

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Joining our Denver friends for a day at St Petersburg and the Dali Museum. The Salvador Dalí Museum is an art museum in St. Petersburg, dedicated to the works of Salvador Dalí. The Dalí Museum celebrates the life and art of the influential and innovative artist, Salvador Dalí. We had a blast!

Friday, January 27, 2023

Friday was our day at the racetrack, some park walking, and another delicious dinner with friends.

Renowned for high-quality Thoroughbred horse racing, Tampa Bay Downs is the premier multi-entertainment destination on Florida's west coast. As the track prepares to celebrate its 97th anniversary season, its remarkable history is worth another look, and it well worth the visit. Go to track, get program, bet the races. Seven races today. Five dirt track races, 2 turf races. Great fun!

Saturday, January 28, 2013

Sad to see our Denver friends leave, but we had a great visit. We spent today walking, cooking-out, and resting. Our early morning walk, at Seminole Lake Park, was great for bird-watching, as it was an active time. We also, saw Osprey on the nest and watched them feed each other. For lunch, we cooked steaks on the grill, with nice sides. We spent time visiting our RV Park friends too. We have six couples from Indiana, and some new friends from MN, IL, MO, NY, and WI.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

On a quiet Sunday morning, foggy, with No one outside, I see the Live Oaks, Palms, and tropical vegetation, with seabirds overhead and colorful parakeets in the trees. I am an official snowbird!

We can't overstate how wonderful the Tampa Bay parks are. This morning we walked the Eagle Lake Park in Largo. Eagle Lake Park is 162 acres set in the heart of Largo. This park provides a wetlands section that has been restored with native plants. In keeping with the tradition of the land’s former use of citrus growing, many of the amenities have a citrus grove theme. We loved the boardwalk, nature trails, native plants and wildlife, and the scenic lake. A great day.

Monday, January 30, 2023

Monday's walk is the best wildlife Park of all. We walked Largo Central Park Nature Preserve. Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is a 31-acre nature park virtually surrounded by water. The park is home to hundreds of wildlife species for viewing. Over 130 species of birds, otters, red fox, American alligator, marsh rabbits, wild turkey, and bats all feed or live within the park. A 5-mile kayak/canoe route begins at the park and ends at Park Boulevard. Extensive Boardwalk, right over this swamp park. This swamp park has great wildlife and flora. Loved the Cypress, Elderberry, Florida Coffee, Epiphytes, Sweet Bay, and a bunch of other natives. This was an incredible experience, with the best nature walk we’ve had in the Tampa Bay area. Got some amazing pics! Lunch at Chicken Salad Chick.

Sunset at Madeira Beach. We drove over to Madeira Beach for the splendid sunset on the beach. Wonderful colors, warm evening, lights of the hotels and shops, hang-gliders, tide rolling in, and a humbling experience!

Tuesday, January, 31, 2023

Our last day in Tampa Bay. It has been a fine January retreat!! We walked Seminole Lake State Park, now our old friend, completed our business, organized for travel, and bid farewell to the new friends at Seminole RV Resort.

After a McDonalds breakfast, we were rolling by 8:30 am, following I-275, then I-75 north, with fairly light traffic. It was sad saying farewell to this marvelous Tampa Bay area, as we looked over the water, city, and roadsides, as we drove on. Thanks, Tampa Bay, for a grand experience!

Travel to Columbus, Indiana:

Wednesday, February, 1, 2023

Leaving Florida and a couple of days in Valdosta, Georgia, with our kin. Scenic drive, lunch at Chick-fil-a in Gainesville.

Our drive up to Georgia was warm and sunny, with a light, cool wind. After lunch at Gainesville’s Chick-fil-a, we resupplied at Walmart, refueled, and continued north. We stopped off at the Florida Citrus Center for a rest-stop and walk but it’s strictly a tourist-trap with little citrus, and enormous loads of delightfully tacky junk!

Visiting Pat and Kristy at River RV Park, in Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia, was loads of fun. We enjoyed our afternoon arrival with a relaxing conversation/reunion, under the trees, with warm weather and refreshments. For dinner, Kristy served a delicious broccoli soup and salad dinner.

Thursday, February, 2, 2023

A nice Thursday with Pat and Kristy.

We enjoyed a late, team-breakfast of chiles rellenos, sweet potato cubes, with Florida oranges.  It was fun cooking and dining together! Later we toured the Crescent House, a neoclassical house built in 1898, drove around historic Valdosta, got some good pics, then had ice cream treats. Afterwards, we drove to Withlacoochee River for a pleasant overlook of this tributary of the Suwanee River. A great day together!

We shared a pleasant dinner at Olive Garden of Valdosta. It was a delightful visit!

Friday, February 3, 2023

Today, we drove on up to Warner Robbins, Georgia, for lunch with friends Miles and Carla. We relished an extensive lunch at the Old Times Country Buffet, along with a sociable visit. It was good to see these friends from Macon, GA. Miles shared some pictures from our days passed and some information on old friends to reunite with.

Our overnight site at Lake Tobesofkee, Arrowhead Park, Clovis Point, was cold, compared to Florida, but it’s still winter and we ARE heading north! We walked around the Park area and took some pics at overlooks. The lake was scenic but cold wind off the water usured us inside. It was a beautiful full-moon night, under the Georgia pines, and the Canada Geese entertained and assured us that all was well! A crisp, moonlight, quiet night with moonlight through the Georgia pines.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Today, we made our breakfast, then made a pull up to Sweetwater, Tennessee, in Loudon County, just south of the Tennessee River. Our Cracker Barrel lunch at Dalton, Ga was very enjoyable. We recalled coming here for shopping when we camp-hosted at Amicalola Falls State Park, near Dahlonega, situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. We continued to TN on a very scenic drive!

Our campground is just south of Sweetwater, Tennessee, in Loudon County. Sweetwater Valley KOA. The Tennessee River is just north of Sweetwater. The RV Park is in rural area woods and our campsite cold and windy, in the foothills of the Smokies. I was surprised at the rural KOA but then learned about all the nearby attractions that people come for. All the trees are bare and the skies are grey. I went out for a walk in the woods and saw lots of wildlife, big trees, boulders, some Black Angus cattle, and a babbling creek.

Went out a dusk. A cold, still, quiet, twilight. Noticed lots of exposed blue-gray limestone boulders on the hillsides. Found little Google info on Loudon County TN geology. Witnessed a large, uncountable flight of kamikaze Wood ducks, splashing into a farm pond, and paddling into a Bottonwood thicket in the shallow end, to roost. Could barely see them on the water but no mistaking their unique communications. Ain't life grand!

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Driving from Tennessee to Kentucky, we saw all sorts of curious places to explore. Little Tennessee River confluence with the Tennessee River at Lenoir City, TN is very scenic. At Rocky Top Tennessee, we learned that it’s actually a newer town. The Rocky Top Mountain is over near Cade's Cove. The actual namesake of the popular song is really unknown, but it inspires Tennesseans, as their theme-song.  

We stopped at the Kentucky Welcome Center, near Jellico. Our route entered the East Tennessee region from Georgia, following the Tennessee Valley all the way through Knoxville to near Rocky Top, then climbed into the Cumberland Mountains before crossing over into Kentucky at Jellico. Lunch at London, KY.  

After a scenic drive north, we took our campsite at Whispering Hills RV Park, at Rogers Gap, just north of Georgetown, Kentucky. This was another rural, quiet, campsite, on a lake, with ducks, Canada Geese, and Kill Deer. It was cold overnight, so the electric heater AND the furnace kept us cozy.

Monday, February 6, 2023

Driving from Georgetown, KY. to Seymour, IN. completed our Florida vacation travels. Our route continued on I-75, then US 50 west, at Cincinnati. We had a pizza-picnic lunch at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, the continued US 50 west to Seymour. We parked and unloaded our rig, winterized, and headed to Columbus. This has been a wonderful winter-trip to Florida, with splendid attractions, pleasant weather, old friends, new friends, and scrumptious food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall and Winter of 2022

 

July 10, 2022

We took a nice sunny, Sunday drive to McCormick Creek State Park. McCormick Creek State Park, a CCC project, Indiana's oldest SP. This is at the old CCC Stone Arch bridge. This self-supporting stone-arch bridge is an example of CCC projects that were functional and works of art. My Dad graduated MS State in 1933 with an Officer Commission and was a CCC officer from 1933 through 1936. We enjoyed the green lawns, hardwood forests, flowers, landscaping, and some dinner-plate size Hibiscus.

 July 13, 2022

We hosted a family picnic at our Columbus home and all but one of the siblings attended. Everyone brought a special dish and we had a delectable picnic and pleasant visit out under the Maple shade tree. A grand occasion!

July 15, 2022

We started our Friday morning with coffee. A gorgeous Friday morning with coffee at our neighborhood Lucabe Coffee! Coffee view on our Haw Creek. Love our neighborhood. Just across the creek is the People Trail. Let's take a walk!

After coffee, we headed down to Seymour for lunch with Kim and then pulled our RV rig down to Madison. Ready for a mid-summer weekend on the banks of the Ohio. Madison was founded the same year (1809) that my pioneer ancestors settled in the Mississippi Territory.

Camping side-by-side with our kin, we set up and started relaxing by the river and preparing our weekend activities. Saturday morning at the Farmer's Market. The fountain is the centerpiece. We bought tomatoes and sweet corn to add to our family picnic. The pleasure boats and commercial river traffic were a great pass-time on the river. Following the long-standing tradition of pushing commercial barges on the inland waterways, many tugs and barges pass Madison. Everyone contributed scrumptious entrees and we had a smorgasbord picnic.

On Sunday, we had breakfast at the campground, and lunch in downtown Madison. In the afternoon, we drove over to Versailles State Park, another old CCC project. We took the backroads along the hills and hollows of SE Indiana for some scenic views and old farmsteads, homes, and barns. We visited the old covered bridge, campground, Nature Center, and lake at Versailles.

7-24-2022

Sunday drive, with lunch and a visit to 1852 Batesville, Indiana. A strong German influence remains in this little town. The downtown Liberty Park had beautiful landscaping with colorful flower gardens. We loved the Umbrella Sky Project. Hundreds of brightly colored umbrellas are magically floating in mid-air. Nearly as long as a city block and tucked in the middle of the quaint downtown area, the Umbrella Sky Project is a must-see for all art loving families. The Central Batesville Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We followed the driving-tour around town and enjoyed seeing the old churches, cemeteries, parks, and buildings. Batesville is the home of Batesville Casket Company. They're outsourcing a lot of jobs to Mexico, so your Casket may have instructions in Spanish. Sorry, no returns!

Later, we drove over to Oldenburg. Oldenburg was founded in 1839 by a group of German settlers. The town was named after Oldenburg, in Germany. Incorporated in 1881, Oldenburg is called the "Village of Spires" because of its churches and religious educational institutions. In 1851, Mother Theresa Hackelmeier (1827-1860) founded the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg who would open numerous schools in the Midwest. The Oldenburg Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in. This entire area was settled by German immigrants and it’s still like going to Germany!

Monday, August 8, 2022

Fall 2022 Trip Plan for Lake Superior Circle Tour

We plan to begin at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and circle Lake Superior in a counter-clockwise direction, ending at Duluth, Minnesota.

 

 

Trip Summary 20-21-22

4-27-20 Travel from Lake Cahuilla to Senatobia (Covid)

8-13-20 Travel from Senatobia to Indiana (after summer stay with Rose)

9-15-20 Closed on Columbus house

11-14-20 Returned to Senatobia (Rose fell, broke hip)

1-24-21 Returned from Senatobia to Columbus (Rose passed)

6-8-21 Headed to Mississippi for Rose Memorial Service

8-7-21 Lake Michigan Loop-Trip

10-1-21 Charleston Trip

12-27-21 Anniversary 38th French Lick

1-3-22 Florida Panhandle Trip, Macon, Atlanta

2-14-22 Vincennes Valentine Trip

4-5-22 Miami Trip

5-7-22 Dayton, Cuyahoga/Columbus Ohio Trip

6-15-22 Alaska Inside Passage Trip Vancouver/Alaska/Anchorage

Mark Moak was a good friend. Everybody that knew Mark respected his positive attitude, kind demeanor, honesty, contagious smile, and humor. He loved animals, people, kids, and anything mechanical. I was constantly impressed with his gift of disassembling anything, finding the problem, and repairing it! He loved the outdoors and any social occasion! Best of all he was a real country-man and a genuine presence in any setting. He WILL be missed by us ALL!

Sunday August 28, 2022

We love our Sunday drives. Today, "Little Detroit" (Connersville, Indiana), 1937 home of the Cord, McFarlan, Auburn, and Duesenberg cars. These were classic cars. “Little Detroit” was once the moniker of Connersville as it produced an array of splendid automobiles such as the McFarlan, Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg. Custom-ordered by discriminating customers who could afford the price and a driver! These beauties were make-to-order, not assembly-line products. Got to see a classic Auburn, (custom-fitted with a Cummins diesel engine) owned by Cummins Diesel engineers. This is the Auburn. Clessie Cummins tried the diesel engine in these but it just didn't sell. With commercial trucks and marine engines, diesel was a home-run and became the bread-and-butter for Cummins.

 

Sat. September 3, 2022

We took a drive down to Squire Boone Caverns for a day-trip. This is a tourist place but also a historic place. The cave was first discovered by Daniel Boone and his brother, Squire Boone, as they were hiding from Indians in the late 18th century. Squire would come back later to purchase the land and live near the caves in 1808 and start a grist mill at the site. Squire lived here as a Baptist Minister and elected official and was instrumental in developing the State of Indiana. According to his request, he is buried in the beautiful cave. 

We also visited Corydon, first State Capital of Indiana. A very historic old town, with lots of landmarks.

Monday September 5-9 2022

We decided to make an RV rip down to Lexington, so we got five-nights at the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, international equestrian competition venue, and an educational theme park opened in 1978 in Lexington, Kentucky. It is located off Kentucky State Highway 1973 and Interstate 75, at Exit 120, in northern Fayette County in the United States. The equestrian facility is a 1,224-acre park dedicated to "man's relationship with the horse." Open to the public, the park has a twice daily Horses of the World Show, showcasing both common and rare horses from around the globe. The horses are ridden in authentic costume. Each year the park is host to a number of special events and horse shows. The campground is very accommodating and well maintained, convenient to Lexington attractions.

We also visited:

University of Kentucky- a splendid campus

Rupp Arena- the sanctum sanctorum of UK basketball

Kroger Field- home of UK Football Wildcats

Mary Todd Lincoln House- Childhood home of Abe’s wife

Henry Clay Mansion- Ashland was Henry Clay’s cherished home for nearly half a century. His historic estate has been preserved for your discovery today.

UK Arboretum- My favorite UK Arboretum Garden. A two-mile, figure-eight walkway through all the unique regions of Kentucky, each displaying its native trees and plants. Best garden idea ever! A walk through Kentucky! It demonstrated why Daniel and Squire Boone, Simon Kenton, Harrod, and all those early settlers loved Kentucky. A natural garden spot!

Thoroughbred Park- Thoroughbred Park downtown, is the space that defines Lexington’s devotion to and dominance in the equine world. The park infuses the viewer with the depth of that devotion through statuary and forty-four plaques honoring the men and women who spent their lives breeding, training, racing and owning of those magnificent animals.

The Lexington Cemetery was established in 1848 as a place of beauty and a public cemetery. The landscaping, architecture, funerary art, and gardens are an amazing experience. The largest of the old trees spots was growing here in 1776.

Keeneland- includes two distinct divisions: the Keeneland Race Course, a Thoroughbred racing facility, and Keeneland Sales, a horse auction complex. This is the elite of it all. A striking, extravagant, gorgeous, complex of Kentucky Horse tradition. This is BIG money folks and BIG money horses, from around the world. We got the inside tour and it was fabulous. Also had a scrumptious breakfast at the “Kitchen”, where the owners, jockeys, trainers, and grooms, begin their day.

 

Friday morning at Georgetown, KY, On Elkhorn Creek. We walked the trail, admired the lake and improvements, then had coffee at Starbuck’s. Next, we visited McConnel Springs, a scenic and historic Lexington Park, where Lexington began in 1775. The springs still run cool and clear and the trails and trees are awesome. They have a 250-year-old Burr Oak at McConnel Springs. It was loaded with huge acorns, the largest acorn of all the oaks.

Later, we have a scrumptious lunch at the Blue Door Smokehouse. This is the best dang BBQ in Lexington! I was Introduced to Blue Door through one of my fellow LSU Alumni (now a UK faculty) friends and let me tell you, that was the best thing she has ever done for me! You can tell that they put a lot of time and effort to make sure everything is smoked perfectly.

September 14-20 2022 Senior Center Trip to Boston

We’re taking our first trip with the Columbus Millrace Senior Center. Their ad:

Boston, Salem and Cape Ann, September 14-20, 2022

Join us for an East Coast adventure exploring the historic areas of Boston, including the famous Faneull Hall and Quincy Market. Walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers at Trinity Church, Boston Common, The USS Constitution, JFK Library and more! We will also get a guided tour of beautiful coastal Massachusetts, Salem, Lexington and Concord. $829 double, $1158 single. Nonmembers add $100. Includes 6 breakfasts, 4 dinners, hotels, tours, motor coach transportation and more!

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Returning from our New England bus-trip, we are tired but enjoyed the trip. The bus-trip was more of an overview, with some stop-and-explore experiences. My pre-trip research list below was mostly covered by the bus-trip but mainly an overview, so our next trip will be self-guided. The weather was perfect, the group was fun, the accommodations good, and the food fast.

Ohio Farms, Forests, Rivers, Historic Sites

Pennsylvania Grape Vineyards, Dairy Farms, Historic Rivers and Towns,

New York Mohawk and Hudson River Valleys, Hudson River Bridge Skywalk, Historic Sites

Boston

Boston Common

Freedom Trail

Bunker Hill Monument

Old North Church

Old State House

Harvard

Harvard Yard

MIT

USS Constitution

Arnold Arboretum

Faneuil Hall

Copley Square

Harvard Bridge

Granary Burying Ground

Longfellow House

Paul Revere Statue

Paul Revere House

King’s Chapel and oldest Boston Cemetery

Fenway Park

Tea Party Ships

JFK Memorial

Boston Massacre Site

Boston Hop-on Hop-off

Boston Harbor Cruise

TD Garden- Boston Celtics

Gillette Stadium- NE Patriots

Boston baked beans from State Street Provisions

Boston cream pie at Parker’s Restaurant

cannoli from Mike’s Pastry

Clam chowder at Legal Sea Foods

Frappe at Boston Burger Company

lobster roll at Row 34

Roast beef sandwiches at Cusser’s

Summer Shack’s clambake

Durgin-Park’s Yankee pot roast

Oleana: Baked Alaska

Regina Pizza: The Giambotta

Flour Bakery & Cafe: Sticky Bun

Salem

Old Burying Point

Cape Ann

Memorials

Architecture

Fingers Lakes Geneva, New York

Turning Stone Verona, New York

The Mohawk River has long been important to transportation and migration to the west as a passage through the Appalachian Mountains, between the Catskill Mountains and Allegheny Plateau to the south and the Adirondack Mountains to the north. The natural Mohawk Valley allowed easier passage to the interior and still does via the I-90 New York Throughway. Most people don't realize that the Mohawk people used it long before any European discovery.

The Mohawk Valley Region is the ancestral homeland of the Native American Iroquois Confederacy. It became a French and Indian war zone in the epic collision of European nations seeking a "New World" position and influence. It's still a beautiful valley that leads through the Appalachian Mountains, between the Catskill Mountains and Allegheny Plateau to the south and the Adirondack Mountains to the north. The Mohawk Valley allowed easier passage than going over the mountains to the north or south of the valley. Always will! Forgot to mention that the Mohawk is actually a segment of the great Erie Canal. US Army Corps of Engineers maintains the channel, locks, and dams. And, it's part of the, "Great Loop" waterway.

Cruising west on the New York State Throughway. New York City to Buffalo, is I-90 but very scenic. The Skywalk, on the high Hudson River bridge, is an expansive view of the Hudson River Valley. Historic rivers, mountains, Waterfalls, granite monoliths, and vast hardwood forests make a very scenic route. The Hudson River was a key leg in the transport of goods between New York Harbor and the Great Lakes via the Erie Canal, which made New York the Empire State. You can still cruise it and see the historic sites. Old canals that opened the wilderness still exist. Erie Canal still open and part of the "Great Loop".

Aspen, known in New England as popple or poplar, is a well-known tree. Its bright yellow leaves in fall are often among the last colors to paint the graying hillsides. Saw a fine specimen on my morning walk!

Loaded-up on Revolutionary War history in Lexington and Concord. Our guide was a real professional but entertaining too.

Enjoyed the JFK Library and grounds.

The JFK Library in Boston. The architect is I. M. Pei.

Another cool, clear day in New England. This morning is the JFK Presidential Library. The only of the 15 libraries, not visited by sister Rose, so this one is for Rose!

A cool, clear, windy morning in Salem. This old town is incredibly loaded with history. 

The bus-trip had pre-planned stops; every two hours for restrooms and stretch, breakfast at the hotels, lunch-stops, dinner stops. We enjoyed seeing the farmlands, towns, rivers, historical sites, architecture, attractions, forests, and all sorts of interesting sights. We loved using our cell-phones to answer, “what is that” questions.

September 22, 2022

Celebrated Amy’s birthday at Jeffersonville. We met for breakfast at Geraldine's Kitchen Jeffersonville, for a down-home breakfast.

Next, we crossed the Ohio River, 2^nd Street bridge, to Louisville and boarded our reservation-cruise on the riverboat dock. Headed up the Ohio River on the Mary Miller Sternwheeler, with the fiddler playing the "Ashokan Farewell". We cruised up-river to the new bridge and got some great views of river commerce, private camps, historic buildings, and river traffic. The riverboat was very accommodating with facilities, food, drinks, and entertainment. On an Ohio riverboat cruise on a beautiful Fall Day. And there is a fiddler on board playing appropriate music LOL. Like Ashokan farewell and Turkey in the Straw.

After the boat cruise, we crossed the Ohio River, New Albany bridge, downriver and arrived at the Indiana, Adrienne and Co. Bakery Café for birthday cupcakes and Amy’s birthday gift.

October 2, 2022 Lake Superior Circle Tour

It's Fall and harvest time. Also, time to start some leaf-peeping. We're heading north through Indiana, Michigan, North shore of Lake Superior, then looping south along the west shore of Lake Michigan. Our first night was Hampton Inn & Suites Lansing West (Lansing, MI). Our ride today was lengthy but we had great scenery and we made frequent rest-stops, shopping, and walk-abouts. The Fall harvest is in progress and the dust is flying as the huge combine machines gobble up the rows and collect the grain. Also, we began to see Fall colors as we headed north, up through eastern Indiana and southeast Michigan. Beautiful country on a splendid Fall Day!

October 3, 2022

Monday morning in Lansing Michigan with 37°, fog, and frost. If you had to write a Michigan-story about this pic, what would the title be? Following a restful night, we had a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, took a brisk walk, then continued north.

Michigan provided some lovely views and scenes and we stopped for a picnic-lunch at a beautiful river-park. Picnic lunch on Au Sable River at Grayling. Cool day, blue sky, Fall colors! Pleasant picnic spot!

Following lunch and a walk along the river, we continued north in Michigan. We made a stop-off at Mackinac Bridge (BIG MAC) for a walk. Splendid day and stunning views. The bridge connects the city of St. Ignace on the north end with the village of Mackinaw City on the south. The bridge is the strategic link between the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The Algonquian peoples who lived in the straits area prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century called this region Michilimackinac, which is widely understood to mean the Great Turtle. This is thought to refer to the shape of what is now called Mackinac Island. The old colonial forts, Mackinac Island, the St Ignace Mission are all rich in colonial history and a beautiful sight to behold. I like to picture the evolution of history here. Initially, the First Nations, then the French, followed by the British, and finally the Americans. All struggled for the land, fur trade, and resources. Their influence is still visible here, in the names, architecture, food, religion, traditions, customs, and social terms.  Many notable characters but Father Jacques Marquette's accomplishments are most distinguished.

Continuing north, we arrived at our Days Inn Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie. This was a good location, for two nights, with access to all the things we wanted to do around the Soo.

Tuesday Oct 4, 2022

Tuesday morning at the Soo Locks. We locked-up 21' to Lake Superior level, cruised around to the Canadian lock and locked-down to Lake Huron level. Had lunch near the locks, then drove around looking at the attractions, taking pictures, and enjoying the sights. Sault Ste. Marie is located within the traditional homelands of the Seven Council Fires, of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda (Sioux). Around 1300, the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe or Chippewa) began to move in from the east coast, gradually pushing the Sioux westward. These facts fascinate me because I never learned much Native American history in my formal education. I now know that there was extensive displacement of Native American groups in North America, long before the European immigration.

Wed. 10-5-22

Entered Ontario, Canada this morning and followed the TransCanada Highway along the northeast shore of Lake Superior. Ontario, yours to discover!

This afternoon, we cruised along the Lake Superior north shore, stopped at the attractions, hiked, looked for agates, and admired the stunning Fall colors. This segment of the loop, ventures inland and is quite attractive. The residents along here are working-class, with modest homes, and self-sufficient-looking. Joining Lake Superior at Batchawana Bay, we followed the shore in a NW direction. The north shore drive is 628 miles, so steady as you go! Tonight, at WAWA hotel.

Oct 6, 22

Thursday morning with clouds, light rain, snow flurries, and cold north wind. Traveled from Wawa to Terrace Bay through a vast, inland, wilderness, hosting a large population of moose. We suppose the moose are all at the rural homesteads and villages, browsing the landscaping and gardens.

The segment from Wawa to Marathon veers inland through a vast area of lakes and streams. We stopped off at Obatanga Provincial Park for a walk. The park lakes which provide canoeing and wildlife viewing opportunities are on the headwaters of the Dog River which flows into Lake Superior. The park is used as a staging area for canoe trips down the Dog River. The park landscape varies from flat sand plains to rugged bedrock hills. Between White River and Mobert, we had some ups and downs, with snow flurries on the higher elevations. In the afternoon, we stopped off at White Lake Provincial Park, a great Ontario fishing destination. White Lake Provincial Park is situated on the north shore of White Lake. Once an abundant source of fur and lumber, now it offers natural treasures such as orchids and bogs with insect-eating plants.

We drove around Marathon in a cold, cloudy, wind and decided to head on to Terrace Bay. Marathon originally grew from a timber and paper mill operation. In the heart of the Canadian shield, the ancient rock core of the earth is exposed in catastrophic displays and glaciers stripped away much of the soil and carried it along with boulders into the lower United States. An awesome geologic occurrence!  

Driving on to Terrace Bay and a convenient hotel, we began to get some jacket-weather. Below is Ney Providential Park highlights:

Enjoy one the finest sand beaches on Lake Superior’s north shore.

View a model of a former prisoner-of-war (POW) camp at the Visitor Centre and the actual remains of POW Camp 100.

See Pic Island as it was immortalized on canvas by Lawren Harris of the famous Canadian painting team, The Group of Seven.

Enjoy viewing sub-Arctic plants and a chance to see an elusive Woodland Caribou.

For novice or experienced paddlers alike, take a cruise along the pristine Lake Superior shoreline and enjoy the park from a different view.

Hike our trails and experience the many ecosystems, flora, fauna and geological formations that Neys has to offer.

Hike the trails with your camera and photograph the newly emerging plant life.

Between Marathon and Terrace Bay, there are several quaint fishing towns, villages, and bays.

Oct 7, 22

Friday morning in Terrace Bay, cloudy and cool but dry. This is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada so we'll get two TG dinners this year. Terrace Bay overlooks a beautiful Lake Superior Bay with a waterfall down a series of lake terraces, formed as the water level in Lake Superior lowered following the latest ice age. The terraces are wide and nice homes have bee developed n the terraces. They have a nice golf course, and hotels, shopping, dining, and loads of year-round outdoor activities. The unseen paper mill does make itself know, with its sulfurous odor. Only minutes away from the small town of Terrace Bay, the Aguasabon Falls & Gorge is a stunning, must-see attraction along Lake Superior’s North shore. This spectacular waterfall cascades into the Aguasabon Gorge, flowing along a 2.6-billion-year-old rock face. At Nipigon, we were north of the 49^th parallel and were hoping to see the aurora borealis but a full moon made it obvious that we should not go any further north.

OK, this north shore of Lake Superior is something to see. It has Yellowstone-like features, Boundary Waters-like rivers and lakes, Grand Canyon-like gorges, vast boreal forests, and loads of whatever outdoors can offer!

 

At Days Inn in Thunder Bay, watching a Canadian High School football game announced in French. A FIRST!

Saturday, Oct 8, 22

Saturday in Thunder Bay, with all the comforts but rich in history. The Ojibwe were well established when the 1683 French fur trade began. The Northwest Company, then Hudson Bay Company and the Jesuits made workers and good Catholics of the First Nations. Now Canadian Pacific Railway, mining, forest products, tourism, and industry make a good economy. With cultural diversity, the old settlement is rich in history and culture, with loads of interesting sites. Thunder Bay is the largest city in Northwest Ontario. It sits along Lake Superior and that has earned it its nickname the ‘Lakehead’. Thunder Bay is flanked by magnificent natural attractions such as Lake Superior, the Boreal Forest, the hills and mountains of the Canadian Shield.  

Oct 9, 22

Departing Thunder Bay, we drove inland for a while, then rejoined the lakeshore. This is a very scenic drive, with lots of attractive Lake Superior towns and villages.

The Pigeon River forms part of the Canada–United States border between the state of Minnesota and the province of Ontario, west of Lake Superior. We crossed the Pigeon River from Canada into the United States. Grand Portage is a very historic place with a nice museum and monument to commemorate the history. The Grand Portage is an 8.5-mile footpath which bypasses a set of waterfalls and rapids on the last 20 miles of the Pigeon River, before it flows into Lake Superior. This path is part of the historic trade route of the French-Canadian voyageurs and coureur des bois between their wintering grounds and their depots to the east.

At Grand Marais the two-bay, artsy town, is a real tourist attraction, with tasty donuts and dining. Definitely had to stop for donuts here in Grand Marais. There was a long line too. Great donuts and coffee and a great little lake-village. Sunny but windy and cold Saturday, good for driving around. Entered US Customs mid-morning. Made it to Duluth late afternoon for the Days Inn Hotel.

Monday Oct 10, 22

With the Duluth fog rolling in, this is the old 1892 Central High School. We immediately recognized the red stone from east of Duluth. One of Minnesota's leading examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, it is being renovated for a new life.

Took a narrated cruise on the lake and was well worth it. So much more than meets the eye. Gitche Gumee and Duluth Harbor are very technical.

This is the 740-foot Handymax, which transports cargo around the world. Grains like wheat, corn, canola, sunflower, millet, barley, and soybeans from the surrounding states. They call him a salty! This is the Coast Guard Station at Duluth, a very busy place, because they maintain bouys, day marks, lights, and a host of other responsibilities.

This is a laker, carries bulk cargoes of materials such as limestone, taconite pellets, grain, coal, or salt from the mines and fields of the upper Great Lakes to the US markets.

They have a huge collection of incredible architecture here but no city tour!!!!

Sure enjoyed the Love Creamery Ice Cream.

Loved the Duluth historical buildings and architecture. The old rail station is a train museum and they offer nostalgic train rides.

Our last activity was a walk in Lief Erikson Park. Great lakefront park.

Tomorrow, we leave Duluth, Lake Superior and head to Milwaukee. The Lake Superior Loop Route is phenomenal! With a great morning breakfast on Lake Superior, we headed to Wisconsin.

Goodbye Duluth and Minnesota. Clear, 45°, and breakfast on Lake Superior.

Oct 11, 22

Lunch at Eau Claire. We saw some bird and other wildlife along the way. Attractive and picturesque part of Wisconsin.

Patrik Vinberg and Ewa Sporrong Vinberg we are having lunch here in Eau Clair and saw they play this game here. Are you familiar with the game? Home of the US National Kubb Championship.

Made it to Lake Michigan's west shore, at Milwaukee. A long day from Duluth but we enjoyed lunch at Eau Clare and stopped off for some attractions and walks.

Made it to the Milwaukee, Drury Plaza Hotel, a nice downtown hotel, in the heart of the old town.

Oct 12, 22

For our first visit at Milwaukee, we had rain, so Terry found the "Skywalk System", a network of sheltered building connectors. Designed for the brutal winter cold, they're great for rainy days too. We used the Sky Walk to explore around downtown and made some good pictures, learned some Milwaukee facts, and enjoyed the nice people. Milwaukee is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the U.S.

We did lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market, an old building turned into a great market, with a collection of ethnic foods, arts, crafts, and shops, all in stalls up and down both sides of two floors. Welcome to Milwaukee's most unique downtown food destination! Bursting with unique, high-quality selections of artisan ethnic products, and freshly-made prepared foods, you’re sure to enjoy shopping the independent merchants of the Milwaukee Public Market. A great experience and popular with the locals too.

We loved exploring the diverse array of historic places and unique architecture in Milwaukee. The city's commitment to preservation and revitalization means many historic buildings from mansions to churches are still in use today. Milwaukee is truly a gem and a great place to visit!

Thursday, Oct 13, 22

We did the hotel complimentary breakfast and headed south for Indiana. Milwaukee, Chicago to Indiana line, solid traffic. Glad to get through that! South of Chicago, we broke out of traffic and had a nice ride home to Columbus.

This Lake Superior Loop Driving Tour was marvelous, scenic, invigorating, exciting, and a whole bunch of other adjectives. We have done the entire 1300 miles of the Lake Superior in central North America, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those great road trips that you always hear about. People dream of circumnavigating the world’s largest freshwater lake. The Lake Superior circle tour crosses through three US states. Michigan, Wisconsin & Minnesota, and a huge portion of northern Ontario, Canada. Driving around Lake Superior offers an array of activities, sights, and diverse landscapes to look upon in awe.

Monday October 17, 22 Parker County Covered Bridges

We made a spur of the moment decision to pack an overnight bag and see some covered bridges at this festival. There are 39 to choose from!

Welcome to INDIANA'S LARGEST FESTIVAL! This countywide festival will take place from October 14-23, 2022. The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival – showcases the county’s 31 historic covered bridges and features authentic arts and crafts, fantastic food, and beautiful fall foliage. Headquartered on the courthouse lawn in Rockville, Indiana, since 1957, you will find food, crafters, vendors and more open daily from 9 am to 6pm. The festival continues throughout the county and there are 10 locations all with their own specialty. Learn more about the 10 festival locations at www.coveredbridges.com/parke-county-covered-bridge-festival.

A partly cloudy, Fall day with a cold front moving in. Perfect day for a drive in the Indiana countryside.

We stopped off at Raccoon SRA for a walk and an overview tour and decided this would be a great Fall camping trip destination.

Some views from the suspension bridge over Sugar Creek at Turkey Run State Park. It also went to the Rocky Hollow Falls- Canyon Nature Preserve. It was a wonderful place to take a good walk. More good camping destinations!

Why 31 covered bridges in Parke County Indiana? There a vascular-like network of hollows, creeks, rivers and streams that eventually flow into the Wabash River. When pioneers came, they made trails, roads, and covered bridges, (covered to protect from weather) to cross the waters.

We established our base at a cozy Rockville hotel. On Monday, we made a northern loop and on Tuesday, we made a southern loop to visit the covered bridges and the old historic towns, villages, and communities.

Marshall and Tangier were a pleasant and scenic drive through hilly terrain with large bean and corn fields. We visited some attractive covered bridges, old pioneer cemeteries, heritage farms, and beautiful hardwood forests, via dirt, one-lane roads.

As we travel, we always see a community with a name that gives pause. While there are names which are interesting or familiar, some catch our attention or strike our fancy. We always wonder about such a name. If time permits and the community is not too far, we'll usually try to make a side-trip. Sylvania is an 1836 village, surrounded by several interesting small villages. Following the Ordinance of 1887, pioneers came into the Indiana Territory and settled wherever they found some fresh water and good farm land. The small villages cooperated with each other for support and protection from the Indians. Looking past the modern stuff, the history is present in the farm boundary marker, cemeteries, barns, cabins, and other old improvements that still remain.

This was part of the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival at Bridgeton, IN. The town had vendors lining most of the streets. We were there before they were open so it was calm, thank goodness. Every town, village, and resident of Parke County participates in the annual Covered Bridge Festival. It’s like the county leaders say, “everyone provides something to sell the tourists”, and they do. On a rural, one-lane dirt road, we encountered a young boy, at the farmhouse, selling cookies and lemonade, on a table out by the road. Bridgeton is home to the oldest continuously operating mill west of the Allegheny Mountains.  The mill overlooks Indiana's most famous covered bridge and waterfall.  The first two blocks of the town of Bridgeton were placed on the National Register Historic District in 1992.

Mansfield (1820) The village prospered when a roller mill was built by James Kelsey and Francis Dickson in 1820. As the milling industry expanded, the village grew to a thriving town of more than 300. A sash mill and carding mill were added, and the little town gained a general store, blacksmith, cooperage and wagon maker, and a church and school were organized. A real trip in the past as it’s still standing and in working order!

Over our whole circuitous drives to see the bridges, it was very obvious how clean the roads, the farms, the homes and towns were. Everything was beautiful.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

3-night camping trip to Hardin Ridge

Our last 2022 Indiana, family-RV-Campout, in Hoosier National Forest, at Hardin Ridge, on Monroe Lake.

Our hike along Hardin Ridge. Located in the Hoosier National Forest, this 1,200-acre recreational complex is on the shores of Monroe Lake.

We did some forest bathing today. The colors of the leaves were gold, orange and chartreuse; and the sound of them falling was glorious. A Bald Eagle flew over us. The temperature of 75 and low humidity made it so comfortable. Yay, what a day.

Camping day-trip to IU and Bloomington. We visited Indiana University, situated in the hills, with beautiful buildings and landscaping. Most of the campus buildings are built of Indiana limestone. Bloomington was established in 1818 by a group of settlers from Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia who were so impressed with "a haven of blooms" that they called it Bloomington. It’s the County Seat of Monroe County and remains and has continued to be a virtual garden-spot! Bloomington is ultra-photogenic during any season, but Bloomington's beauty reaches an unreal level come fall. Between the fiery rolling hills, the stunning landscaping on the Indiana University campus, and the golden-toned leaves reflecting in our many lakes, Bloomington's fall features are absolutely stunning.

October 27, 2022

Cooler days and nights signal the days of fall are upon us. Southern Indiana’s countryside is awash in the changing colors of fall, bringing with it the opportunity to enjoy Southern Indiana’s attractions, events, and parks during this magical season.

Even though the Fall has been dry, we still had great Fall colors in the hills and river valleys. We’ve enjoyed some great leaf-peeping in Southern Indiana, Brown County, and the surrounding area.

November 4, 2022

Made a Happy Birthday trip for Terry’s birthday. We had a nice room for three days at Fort Harrison State Park and enjoyed the park, Indianapolis, and shopping. Paying a visit to Crown Hill Cemetery, we got to visit the early pioneers of Indianapolis and Indiana. We saw President Benjamin Harrison, among many others, and the cemetery is an exceptional arboretum of Indiana native trees. We also visited the NCAA National Headquarters and the NCAA Hall of Champions, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

Fort Harrison, sometimes called Fort Ben, is an Indiana state park located in Lawrence, Indiana, United States, and occupies part of the former site of Fort Benjamin Harrison. The park features a former Citizen's Military Training Camp, Civilian Conservation Corps camp, and World War II prisoner of war camp. The Lake and trails are scenic and well-maintained.

Crown Hill Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana. This is an interment ‘history book’ of Indiana pioneers. We saw impressive artwork, structures, and a comprehensive botanical collection of Indiana trees. Beautiful experience!

The NCAA Hall of Champions is an interactive museum and part of a three-building complex that houses a conference center and the corporate headquarters of both the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), situated in White River State Park, in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. A very special place and must see for sports fans.

The Indianapolis Zoo located in White River State Park, in Indianapolis. A great zoological park, with great facilities. An Indianapolis “must see!

November 12, 2022

First snow of the season. We got our first snow and had enough to require shoveling off the driveway and sidewalk. It was a wet snow and didn’t last long on the surfaces, so there was no need to put down the salt.

November 19, 2022

Just enjoyed a wonderful evening with the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Mozart. Birds and wizards. Columbus is in the process of recruiting a new conductor to replace their retired conductor. The process involves hosting the six finalists for a week-each, with the orchestra, board, members and patrons, and supporters meeting and greeting. At the week’s end, each conductor directs the concert for which they prepared the orchestra, and this is the finale for that particular conductor. It’s a long process but it works very well for the intended purpose.

November 20, 2022

We all met today for lunch at Clifty Falls State Park, at the Clifty Inn. Kind of celebrating that Amy is much better! Afterwards, a nice Sunday drive to rural, 1812 Bethlehem, Indiana, on the Ohio River. This is the site of the Marble Hill nuclear power plant that was never completed, due to inspection issues and politics. Huge farm fields and thousands of Sandhill Cranes at sunset.

Sandhill Cranes have arrived and are flying over us in waves. They glean the corn fields to fuel up for their migrations. Some stay here if the winter is mild. The close-up photo is not mine.

November 24, 2022

We are watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. We miss all who aren't here and enjoying all who are. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hosted Glen and Kim for TG dinner and football on TV.

November 26, 2022

High Tea today at Sassafras Tea Room. We had Lavender Lace Tea and Pear spice. As you can see, I cleaned my plate and Kim left dainty bites. Bob Simmons and Glen Niehause went big box store shopping.

Dec. 1, 2022

20°, on a clear, sunny Thursday and a great day for a historic drive. Headed to Tippecanoe National Battlefield at the confluence of the Tippecanoe and Wabash rivers. We stayed overnight at West Lafayette, Indiana and visited the Purdue campus. Love to look past modern improvements and spot features from the pioneer days of the old 1787 Northwest Territory. Some log cabins, barns, bridges, Federal houses, and glacial evidence. Love it! A nice overnight trip!

December 10, 2022

Warming up for Christmas on a cold, rainy day, with “Holiday Pops” by the Columbus Symphony, at Columbus East High School. A pleasant and festive event with Glen and Kim!

December 14, 2022

On a cold, gray, rainy day, we're headed to Carmel Palladium for a Christmas performance by Celtic Woman. We have a two-night hotel and a 3-day plan to ramble around Carmel and Indianapolis. Sunny, windy, cold, so we walked this nice Indianapolis Keystone Mall, after a lunch at Portello’s.  What a treat to share with you friends. The Palladium is a stunning a theatre. Enjoy our pics and captions. Merry Christmas!!

December 18, 2022

A Columbus youth Christmas program. We can never share too much Christmas experience! We attended with Bill and Amy at the Columbus St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. The 15-year-old conductor was fabulous! Following the program, we all had dinner at Johnny Carino’s.

December 25, 2023

Merry Christmas! We cancelled our family Christmas dinner at Glen and Kim’s due to their Covid situation. They started the anti-viral meds early, so they’re recovering without too much illness. We’re staying in, because it’s still too cold to go out.

December 28, 2022 Wednesday

This is our 39^th Marriage Anniversary and we’re hitting the road to a month in Tampa Bay, Florida. Our Florida-month will be at the Marathon RV Park and Resort. Formerly and briefly visiting around the area, we’re looking forward to our time there, to explore the attractions, enjoy the seafood, and make shadows in the sunshine.

We stocked our rig and headed south in cold and snow but had a sunny day. We plan to arrive at Seminole, Florida on January, 1^st for New Year’s Day.

Departing Columbus with our RV rig, we drove to Cincinnati for I-75 and headed south. We speculated as to how far south the snow extended and were excited that the temperature was rising as the day wore on. We had lunch at Lexington and then continued south in some very welcome weather conditions. Crossing the Kentucky River, we began to look for an overnight RV park and found it about 40 miles south, at Mount Vernon, Ky, in the Renfro Valley. Renfro Valley KOA, at Mount Vernon is nice RV park, just off I-75, with all the accommodations for a quiet, restful night.

Thursday, December 29, 2022.

Today, a warmer, sunny day, and we’re feeling relief from the cold and snow! Heading on down to Seminole and Tampa Bay, it only gets better! I contacted the Tampa LSU Alumni Chapter to get an invite for the LSU vs Purdue, Florida Citrus Bowl, watch-party, so that will be a nice event for our Florida visit.

From the Kentucky River, to the Cumberland River, and the Tennessee River, traversing the valleys and road-cuts of the Appalachian Mountains, we observed “Mother Nature’s Museum of Art”. The weeping layers of the sedimentary conglomerates, produced stunning natural art as the water froze into natural winter wonders, and the sun embellished the scene! The light reflecting off the glittering natural illusion causes you to smile in wonder as it piques your curiosity! Just a beautiful drive and splendid day!

We had lunch at Knoxville, continued on I-75, arriving Calhoun AOK RV Park, just south of Dalton, Georgia. We made a super chicken and rice soup, along with fresh fruit from Sam’s Club for our diner. Yummy!

Observing the southbound RV traffic on I-75, the snowbirds are all flying south with us. I’m glad we made our January reservation at Seminole RV Park and Resort.

Friday, December 30, 2022

Continuing our ride on down to Florida, we departed Calhoun, Georgia, and stopped for lunch at the Macon bypass. I-75 traffic was heavy and drivers were in a hurry. We sure hope all these people aren’t going to Tampa Bay, Florida!

Arriving at Valdosta, Georgia, we setup on our campsite at the Valdosta RV Pak, just off I-75 on the east side. We can actually see the Interstate 75 but far enough to not be an issue. We had cooked nice dinner, took a walk, then watched TV until bedtime. Overnight, the predicted rain moved in and we had a nice sleeping atmosphere.

Departing Valdosta, we refueled, and headed south, in a gentle rain. Florida is only 20 mile south and Tampa an easy day-drive.

Saturday, December 31,2022

Driving on down to Ocala, we encountered a massive rainstorm, which made difficult driving for about 20 miles. I was stunned to see someone had stopped in the third (of four lanes) lane from the left. I was in the right lane and was glad to get past this dangerous situation, so I don’t know what happened. All this occurred after witnessing a fatality accident on I-75 northbound, which closed the northbound I-75. It was the most mangled mess of humans and vehicles that I’ve ever witnessed. We observed that high speed and reckless driving caused those people to expire on New Year’s Eve. Regardless, it still didn’t have much effect on the southbound traffic!

Arriving at Ocala, we had lunch at Mimi’s, walked around the Heathbrook Market Street, window-shopped, and enjoyed the premier open-air mall. The shops, landscaping, and gardens made us feel like we had arrived at an elite Florida destination!

Finally, we took our overnight campsite at the Ocala RV Resort, just off I-75 southbound. This is a large RV resort, with nice trees, water features, and landscaping.

We settled-in for the afternoon, walked, watched TV, read, and made a light dinner. In the evening, we watched the NCAA football playoffs, along with neighborhood fireworks, and after mid-night, had a quiet rest.

December 31, 2022

Well, another year has passed and it seems such an ephemeral time. My family used to comment that the “older you are the faster it goes”, and now I understand what they meant. The family also said “you better do it while you can”, and I take that as good advice. So, this has been another great year of family, friends, and wonderful experiences! To each and every one, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy New Year!

See you in 2023!