Archive through September 05, 2003
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TV ClubHouse: Archive: Road Trips (ARCHIVES): Archive through September 05, 2003

Tess

Monday, September 01, 2003 - 07:11 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ohhh, give KP a big hug for me and get one back, TnT! We're heading out her direction next year!!

Looking forward to the updates. :)

Urgrace

Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 03:07 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
August 5
After a wonderful week meeting the Ducky family and sharing our son Kit's birthday cake and Big Brother with the Duckies, the Draheid family and Glenn we tried to tie up all the loose ends of house and kitty sitting and packing. We left home Tuesday driving straight through to Little Rock.

Arrival time was crucial since it was our grandson's third birthday and a BB viewing night! We had to check in to the hotel first in order to phone our son's cell phone - a long distance number from there - to have him meet us at the Air Force Base gate. The next few hours were spent watching the grandchildren with their new toys, eating birthday cake, conversing with our son and dil and watching BB.

August 6
Another day with the kids, this time shopping and having dinner at the Olive Garden.

August 7
Today we enjoyed taking the grandchildren for a walk to the playground, also pulling the big red wagon along for the little ones to take a break. We drove around the area later and had dinner at a wonderful Hunan Chinese restaurant. Grandson surprised us with a few new words in his vocabulary, too. He has just begun talking this summer. He loved the decor in the restaurant, particularly the huge fish tanks embellished with cherry wood carvings.

August 8
We drove back to the base this morning one more time to visit with the kids. Son was coming home for lunch at 11 am, so we stuck around to see him before we left. Son's family was disappointed that we were not staying longer, but we had plans to meet Tntitanfan later that day.

We arrived in Nashville around 5 pm, and went to the wrong hotel first. It was horrible and I was so relieved to find it was not the right place! Our hotel was next door, kind of behind that one, and although the personnel were not very professional it was better than where we were a few minutes before!

Tnt met us in the hotel lobby and I recognized her right away. After getting checked in we loaded back into the van, and Tnt gave us a short tour while directing us to a nearby Cracker Barrel. We had a nice supper and chat with this wonderful, busy lady and made plans for the next day.

August 9
Tnt had other obligations during the day, but Sawheel and Bigwheel drove down from Kentucky and met us at the hotel. We looked at pictures I brought with me and talked for a while. The highway on one side of the hotel had been clogged with traffic bumper to bumper for several hours, but luckily not far from us just around the corner, we found a Ponderosa where we nibbled up their buffet. The wait staff was so sweet to seat us in an out of the way room where we chatted up a storm without bothering their other patrons.

HisGrace and Bigwheel hit it off right away, and Sawheel brought pictures of her recent getaway to meet the BB, Survivor, Mole, and TAR participants. After a much too short visit with these vibrant people, they had to head out for a daughter's graduation in Chattanooga.

That afternoon we met Tnt and also TheOwl and TomOwl at the hotel. The Owls had driven in from their Buffalo Valley home east from Nashville. Luckily the traffic had let up and they had no trouble getting there. What a nice couple.

All of us climbed into the van, theOwl sitting on TomOwl's lap since we were short one seat. Driving out of the parking lot with a near flat tire, we stopped at a convenience store to air up, realizing our vehicle check-up prior to the trip was at fault. The serviceman had deflated all the tires to a lower pressure than required for a half ton van.

Tnt directed us to the Opryland hotel. We decided to do valet parking, much more convenient with a wheelchair. Surprisingly the cost was no more than it would have been just parking the van because of Kit's wheelchair.

It was so enjoyable touring the beautiful interior riverwalk, gazing at unusual tropical plants growing in unusual places all along the way and enjoying the waterfalls and musical dancing waters. As our tourguide, Tnt was a perfect hostess. At times the group would get separated simply chatting and enjoying the beautiful pathways. Finding all the ramps and detouring around the stairs was the long version of a walk through. It was interesting to find that the river water had been brought in from waters from all 50 states and around the world.

We loaded back into the van and drove to the (Rooster) On the Walk - as Tnt found she had to call the restaurant since it was mod'd if called the proper name - for dinner. The waitstaff seated us at a picnic style table and we squeezed Kit up at the end. We had all you cared to eat catfish and laughter for dinner. As we were leaving the restaurant we noticed one of those Lilly Tomlin sized rockers, so Tnt, TheOwl and I crawled up into it for a picture. We also got the required butt shot outside just as the sun was setting.

It was just about the right time as we drove back into the hotel parking lot for Tnt to get home for her bedtime. As usual there is never enough time to enjoy newfound 'old' friends, and we did a lot of hugging and smiling as we waved bye.

<more later>

Sawheel17

Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 04:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Ah Gracie, Vibrant? Is that good?:)
I hated having to leave you all and not meeting TNTFan and the Owls but I feel like I was there with you from your description.
I'm glad you guys had fun. I'm glad I got to meet ya'll and at least talked to TNTFan and Owl.
Now, sweet lady.......the rest of the story!:)

Urgrace

Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 06:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Vibrant, colorful, entertaining, cheerful, fun et al

Sawheel17

Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 07:10 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
SAWEET, I'm vibrant!!:))
Did you make it to Upper Pennisula?

Theowl

Tuesday, September 02, 2003 - 07:34 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
And a Fun Couple?? Thanks!! We had a Great time with you, too!!

Bob2112

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 10:34 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Bob Hi everyone!

It's been 11 days since I've had a chance to post more about our recently completed trip and even after being home for 3 days, work is trying to wipe any memories from my spongie mind!

Since the Dawg tells me that I am leaving with her for Yellowstone today, I figure I better try finishing up the last trip before I get even further behind.
<...but I'm expecting that Dawg will chronicle the Yellowstone trip...>

Friday, August 22nd

When we last left you, we had just spent a few hours in Halifax with Neko and headed further south for our last evening in Canada. We just needed a room for the night and found a great deal at the White Point Beach Resort.

WhitePoint

We we're greated by several of the local bunnies that live at the resort:

Bunny1
Bunny2
Bunny3

and even befriended a squirrel who was also willing to pose for a butt shot!

squirrel

After finding out all the resort had to offer, we attempted to extend our stay for another night or two (which would have caused us to rearrange a whole bunch of other reservations), but all the rooms were already booked. We had a nice dinner and enjoyed their salt water pool and hot tub, anyway. The kids had fun in the game room and even sat still to watch some of the movie that was being shown there.

Saturday, August 23rd

Having failed at extending the stay, we packed up in the morning, played with the bunnies one more time and followed the lighthouse route down around the coast to Yarmouth, NS, where we boarded The Cat, which ferried us back to Bar Harbor, ME, right by Acadia NP.

We waved Good Bye to Nova Scotia:

GoodbyeNovaScotia

and Hello to Bar Harbor and Acadia:

HelloAcadia1
HelloAcadia2

The by the time the ferry arrived and we passed through customs, there was just enough time to find our hotel and have dinner. Spongette has a knack for finding the most expensive item on the menu and seems to have a built-in radar for anything labelled "Market Price". We avoided market price, but her Lobster Fettucini Alfredo was still the most expensive (and prettiest) of the 4 dinners:

Dinner

On a side note, I can't think of any teenager that will be able to afford to date her, so maybe we won't have to deal with that for a while!

That's it for now. We'll pick up with Acadia next time.

I still have a bunch of reading to do to catch up, but it sounds like there were several other great trips and meetings that happend in the last week or two. I'll be back to read abouth those later. :)

Squaredsc

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:18 am EditMoveDeleteIP
kool pics bob. gracie, sounds like you had a nice time except for the hotel thing.

Juju2bigdog

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 04:15 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
So, Bob? the worthless hare managed to sneak in on this trip?

Nice pics. That lobster dish is making me hungry. By the way, you and me and Bigdog are holed up tonight in Spokane. You and Bigdog are napping right now. You are kinda squished up because he has been carrying you in the back of his pants.

Squaredsc

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 04:22 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
ok even im not going to touch that one.

Halfunit

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 07:46 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
(Don't worry Square, I will!)

"Is that a Sponge in your pants, or are you just glad to see me?"

Squaredsc

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 07:51 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
rofl 1/2.

Tess

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 08:30 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hahahahhahahhaha! Bob, the worst thing that happened to you on our vacation is that you were used as a pillow--by me. You were squished but in a different way. I don't know what to say about Bigdog's treatment of you!

Beautiful photos of your trip! The resort looks wonderful. I'm making notes for future vacations.

Juju2bigdog

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 09:15 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I managed to get the Sponge fluffed back up enough so that he and I could go to chat and see whether or not Ali used the Golden Veto on herself.

JujuSpongieChat

Egbok

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 09:39 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hi Juju!...love the pic!!

Bob2112

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 10:01 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Nice pic, Dawg!

<...and nice to get out of storage...>
:)

Tess

Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 10:20 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
That's a fabulous picture! <wonders how she missed Juju in chat>

Squaredsc

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 04:45 am EditMoveDeleteIP
kool pic juju. glad to see bob getting some air. <tess she was in during bb>

Kady

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 06:05 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I love all the stories. All of ya'll have such a way with words, it makes me think I was there. And with the right Beanie Baby named Kady, I could be there.

Urgrace

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 02:29 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
August 10-11
After seeing a few sights and missing out on the Cars of the Stars which were auctioned off sometime earlier this year, we drove north from Nashville stopping just over the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana. We did some shopping and stretching of the legs, fast food lunch, then drove on to Kokomo. This is the where the hot weather meets the not so hot weather and the divided highway has intermittant traffic signals to slow down the speeding vehicles. We had one of the best hotel rooms during the trip at the Marriott.

In the summer upstate Indiana and Michigan are my favorite places to drive through, because everyone - every town, business, house, farm - has manicured lawns and fresh flowers in abundance. Beautiful!

Next morning we drove on into Michigan to my parents' house. We did some catching up with mom and dad and also two of my sisters who were there. On to Three Rivers to check in to the hotel suite we would be spending most of the stay in. DH did not like the look of the B&B we had reservations for later in the stay, so that was cancelled. Dinner was fresh salad, delicious veal parmigiano with penne pasta, served in the railroad car at Frankie's.

August 12-15
The next few days were spent seeing more family, driving all over the county, having meals in different local haunts with various acquaintances, getting the flat tire fixed, shopping, going to the zoo and park, watching BB and TAR, swimming and general mahem mixed with mirth. Eating was such a treat because of the fresh corn, peaches, rhubarb (pie) etc. that was available this time of the year.

One thing I need to mention here is that the water in Three Rivers was contaminated and banned from use until further notice. This happened before the blackout in the east.

By the time Friday rolled around, I was finished painting another mural on my oldest granddaughter's bedroom wall, too!

August 16
Today we drove north to Traverse City. After arriving at my brother's home and having a late breakfast, we climbed back into the van and headed to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park on Lake Michigan.

Now as you know dunes are huge piles of sand and not the best way to travel if you are in a wheelchair, but someone had built boardwalks all over the park. Kit giggled so much being pushed up and down the boardwalks, able to enjoy the park and outing as much as the rest of us. His uncle was quite a sight running that wheelchair around.

We drove down to a lakeside park area and had a picnic and went swimming. Following the drive back to my brother's home we settled in the den for a movie. Young nephew was busy making something in the dining room, and we found out what when we turned in for the night. He advised us to "not let the bed bugs bite" and we found a bed full of little rubber bugs!

August 17
We did a little more sight seeing after church and the church bbq, then headed around Traverse Bay for Petosky and Mackinaw City.

We visited the Mackinac Straits Park on the Lake Huron side where you could view Mackinac Island, the lighthouses, and ships heading through the strait. The Colonel Michilimackinac Fort State Park was on the west side facing Lake Michigan. There were demonstrations of inhabitants depicting (British and French) soldiers with their muskets and a cannon, towns people playing checkers or tending their gardens or livestock, and an archeological dig of the area for artifacts, some displayed in the recreated fort.

It was a perfect blue sky with puffy clouds in the background and parasailers floating behind boats as we crossed the five mile long Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula. I was disappointed to find that I could not see through the bridge, as I had been told, while driving over it.

We drove on stopping before Paradise to stay in a quaint inn with a lagoon, indoor swimming pool and game room. I managed to catch a couple pictures of a blue heron trying to hide among the cattails and reeds. We ate at the local restaurant and had chicken and dumplings.

August 18
Driving through Paradise we stopped to refuel and saw the chainsaw carvings of bears at Ruth's Paradise Gift Shop. We headed into Lake Superior State Forest straight north to Whitefish Point where Lake Superior meets Whitefish Bay and visited the lighthouse, gift shops, boardwalks, and strolled through the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

(Sidenote: After the bell was removed from the Edmund Fitzgerald they crafted a new one with all the names of the crewmen who had perished on the ship and replaced it on the sunken vessel. No one is allowed to remove any parts from the wrecked ships.)

We drove around the Whitefish Point Bay into the Hiawatha National Forest stopping at Iroquois Point Lighthouse - another handicap accessible park except you can't take the wheelchair up the spiral staircase in the lighthouse, and need to be able to handle the claustrophobic clockwise steps to reach the top. The boardwalk around the beach area was shaded at times and we encountered a chirpy chipmunk under one of the bridge-like areas. He also let us take a butt-shot before scampering off.

We drove through the Whitefish Indian Reservation and soon entered Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Across the Great Lakes Waterway and St. Mary's River was Canada and Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

We parked and walked into the Soo Locks dockside park. We were very disappointed to find that seven ships had passed through the evening before and that none were scheduled for the whole day Monday!

However we decided to bring a picnic lunch of fried chicken with us and enjoyed sitting under the tall shady trees. Just as we were cleaning up I heard one of the gates moving and the sound of water rushing. A large tourist cruiser was entering the lock right in front of us. We got to see the entire process of the locks changing water level by a 21 foot difference.

After a little more shopping and strolling we headed back south hoping to reach the 'mitten' and night's lodging before sunset. (I admit it made me nervous to think that the blackout might have gotten worse and could keep us from returning over the Mackinac Bridge, but happily it was never affected.) We spent the night just outside Cadillac, and found out a few days later our neice was staying in a rustic cabin just a couple miles from us here.

<to be continued>

Theowl

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 02:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh Gracie, that made me sooo homesick!! I miss the sand dunes, the "normal" weather, and Lake Michigan. Thank you so much for the tour, and I'm really looking forward to the rest. I'm really glad Kip got to enjoy the sand, too. Did he enjoy the locks? I was there once when a ship went through, too, but I was too young to really appreciate what it was. I can't wait for the rest of your trip!!

Urgrace

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 04:49 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Thank you Owl. Kit did study the descent of the cruiser with intrigue! He had a terrific time and is one of the best travelers ever. (wish I could post the pictures)

Halfunit

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 05:08 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Gracie - I really enjoyed this leg of your trip! Especially that you toured the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Growing up a miles from Lake Erie, I love hearing about the history of the waters. I've also always had a fascination with the Edmund Fitzgerald.

I can't wait for the rest!

Sawheel17

Thursday, September 04, 2003 - 08:39 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh Gracie, how wonderful. Ditto what The OWL and Half said. I want to go home!!!!!
I just left you a message in your folder about
the mural and you did another one? Amazing. You have got to get s omeone to post your pics somehow.

Bob, love your pics and adventures too!!

Bob2112

Friday, September 05, 2003 - 09:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Hey Gracie. Excellent trip so far! I'm sorry I was gone while you were up my way. The anniversary BBQ would have been a blast.
<...even though I have seen a picture indicating that I was there...>
I can't believe we drove past Sawheel, TnT and The Owl every year for 5 years (just before joining TVCH) and missed our chance to meet them. Not sure when we will head that way again, but it won't be next year. :(
Glad you all had such a great visit. :)

If you have a way to get some pictures on a floppy disk or burned to a CD, I would be more than happy to crop and post them for you.

I'll get to work on the next few days of our trip and we can race to see who finishes first! :)