tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20511131906321092562024-03-13T22:11:28.004-07:00Vera Gnomad's Life AdventuresThe Life and Travels of Vera Gnomad and her friends...Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-70130116765003817872010-04-19T20:39:00.000-07:002010-04-19T20:39:52.198-07:00Sedona, AZ - April 3, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uv1nL8aaI/AAAAAAAABhg/NQG7d9S6OTk/s1600/Creek+on+the+way+to+Sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uv1nL8aaI/AAAAAAAABhg/NQG7d9S6OTk/s320/Creek+on+the+way+to+Sedona.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had never been to Sedona, so I was really looking forward to this day trip. I have heard so many great things about that town!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The ride down from Williams was lovely - through forested hills with red rock cliffs all around. Quite stunning! We pulled off to the side of the road to investigate what looked to be a pretty spot, and we were not disappointed. A little forested area with a creek running through it greeted us. On the other side of the creek, red cliffs towered over us. Wow! This is what we had to look forward to!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend Eileen had recommended that we stop at Slide Rock Park, so we made that our first stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uzzo3Z6eI/AAAAAAAABiA/Ri1bn-aiV-U/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uzzo3Z6eI/AAAAAAAABiA/Ri1bn-aiV-U/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uzzo3Z6eI/AAAAAAAABiA/Ri1bn-aiV-U/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0021.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uy--3PpXI/AAAAAAAABh4/nszWFZrf754/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uy--3PpXI/AAAAAAAABh4/nszWFZrf754/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0020.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now how's that for a view??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.33em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><strong style="color: #003366; font-weight: bolder;">Slide Rock State Park</strong>, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Frank L. Pendley, having arrived in the canyon in 1907, formally acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. Due to his pioneering innovation, he succeeded where others failed by establishing a unique irrigation system still in use by the park today. This allowed Pendley to plant his first apple orchard in 1912, beginning the pattern of agricultural development that has dominated the site since that time. Pendley also grew garden produce and kept some livestock.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.33em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, <strong style="color: #003366; font-weight: bolder;">Slide Rock State Park</strong> is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers. (From the Arizona State Parks website)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uw9i2bhQI/AAAAAAAABho/uUAdBShzuKE/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uw9i2bhQI/AAAAAAAABho/uUAdBShzuKE/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.33em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Tee hee.... I couldn't help myself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8ux-uvmxwI/AAAAAAAABhw/M0OLWc7CeBs/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8ux-uvmxwI/AAAAAAAABhw/M0OLWc7CeBs/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0019.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1.33em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">This is one of the actual Tourist Cabins</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u040UHUtI/AAAAAAAABiI/bm1ZwKFN_f8/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u040UHUtI/AAAAAAAABiI/bm1ZwKFN_f8/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0022.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8uzzo3Z6eI/AAAAAAAABiA/Ri1bn-aiV-U/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u19kfZuEI/AAAAAAAABiQ/ugMZHC7l-_8/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u19kfZuEI/AAAAAAAABiQ/ugMZHC7l-_8/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0023.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the Pendley House</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A short walk takes you down to the slides....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u216V4t1I/AAAAAAAABiY/_Xdj-hzlLPo/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u216V4t1I/AAAAAAAABiY/_Xdj-hzlLPo/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0024.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u216V4t1I/AAAAAAAABiY/_Xdj-hzlLPo/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u301gHQ_I/AAAAAAAABig/rh1tj9ynxSs/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u301gHQ_I/AAAAAAAABig/rh1tj9ynxSs/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0025.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u41F3pfNI/AAAAAAAABio/TqzpkY3AhC4/s1600/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u41F3pfNI/AAAAAAAABio/TqzpkY3AhC4/s320/Slide+Rock+State+Park_0026.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There were a few kids playing in the water, but it was WAY too cold for me to go check it out!! But the area is absolutely beautiful. The water area looked like sooooo much fun to play in. If you're traveling with kids, it would be a GREAT place to stop!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From here, it was only a short trip over to Sedona, where we started seeing the famous rock formations....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u5hk49yrI/AAAAAAAABiw/JTzcl_027bI/s1600/Sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8u5hk49yrI/AAAAAAAABiw/JTzcl_027bI/s320/Sedona.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having never been to the area, we signed up for a Trolley Tour. It was very reasonably priced and promised to give us an overview of the town and a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which we wanted to see anyway. Before the tour started, we walked around the main street in town for a little bit, and I have to say, it reminded me of a cheesy cruise-ship port. If you've ever been on a cruise, you know what I'm talking about. You get off the ship, and the first street you come to is full of tacky souvenir shop, after cheap t-shirt shop, after cheesy sight-seeing "opportunity". Sedona was just like that. I was actually very surprised! Add to that some seriously loopy people, and well, it's an odd place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our Trolly tour took us through some nicer areas of town, where the higher end shopping areas were and some art galleries. The guide showed us the only visitor information center in town that wasn't run by time-shares. He warned that if you wanted information, that was the one to go to or you'd get attacked by salespeople. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He did point out some of the rock formations and told us their names. My favorites were:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8vM3xZpU0I/AAAAAAAABkw/L9IcUNxNLHA/s1600/Sedona+-+Elephant+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8vM3xZpU0I/AAAAAAAABkw/L9IcUNxNLHA/s320/Sedona+-+Elephant+Rock.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Elephant Rock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zquXrPjbI/AAAAAAAABlA/NM3bqhFQRbY/s1600/Snoopy+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zquXrPjbI/AAAAAAAABlA/NM3bqhFQRbY/s320/Snoopy+Rock.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Snoopy Rock</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our tour stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This famous landmark was commissioned by a sculptor as a way to show faith through a work of art.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zs8qy0NBI/AAAAAAAABlI/GHeqgcM_3Dw/s1600/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zs8qy0NBI/AAAAAAAABlI/GHeqgcM_3Dw/s1600/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zs8qy0NBI/AAAAAAAABlI/GHeqgcM_3Dw/s320/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The church was very interesting architecturally and the location was stunning - surrounded by red rock formations everywhere you looked. The inside was tiny. It is apparently used for services, but I sure couldn't imagine how you'd fit too many people in there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8ztgm6u5JI/AAAAAAAABlQ/A24ykvA9NGM/s1600/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross,+Sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8ztgm6u5JI/AAAAAAAABlQ/A24ykvA9NGM/s320/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross,+Sedona.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zuQAiST3I/AAAAAAAABlY/dNP9g_UBCBg/s1600/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross,+Sedona_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zuQAiST3I/AAAAAAAABlY/dNP9g_UBCBg/s320/Church+of+the+Holy+Cross,+Sedona_0026.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The outside was nicely landscaped and featured a pretty fountain:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zvIp-KfQI/AAAAAAAABlg/cNQNfTx-NX8/s1600/Fountain+in+front+of+the+Church+of+the+Holy+Cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8zvIp-KfQI/AAAAAAAABlg/cNQNfTx-NX8/s320/Fountain+in+front+of+the+Church+of+the+Holy+Cross.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As our tour headed back into town, our tour guide mentioned a Trout Farm just outside of Sedona. We had seen it as we had come into town. Well, it turns out that you can catch your own fish there and make it for dinner! Well, we were pretty done with the loopy people in town and ready for an adventure by then so we decided to cancel our fancy dinner plans and head on over to the Rainbow Trout Farm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80BxN-OLdI/AAAAAAAABlo/yx4_-R416g0/s1600/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80BxN-OLdI/AAAAAAAABlo/yx4_-R416g0/s320/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well - I should start this part of the tour with a disclaimer..... Our tour guide told us they'd cook up dinner for us. That's not entirely true, but you can purchase a "grill packet" and cook up your catch at one of the many grills around the trout lake. We opted for the next choice - bring your fish into town and one of the local restaurants will cook it up for you (more on that later).</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, very confidently we got into the line at the trout farm and started chatting with the gentleman in front of us. He already had a bucket of fish he was about to pay for. As we were chatting, that was about the time that we realized that none of us in our group had fished since we were kids and our dads were with us.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Uh oh.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80C4LNsSaI/AAAAAAAABlw/QNTjETmB6iE/s1600/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80C4LNsSaI/AAAAAAAABlw/QNTjETmB6iE/s1600/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80C4LNsSaI/AAAAAAAABlw/QNTjETmB6iE/s320/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0026.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, we got our fishing pole, net, bucket, and blob o' bait and off we went.... We baited the hook, dunked it in the water.... As soon as I felt a nibble, I yanked it up, but no juicy trout on the end of my line - no bait either!!!! Hmmmm.... More bait, another dunking, another nibble... no fish..... and no bait either... and then another try, and another... Those trout were WELL fed that day!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80EEth0EUI/AAAAAAAABl4/R2RsiaT9cKs/s1600/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80EEth0EUI/AAAAAAAABl4/R2RsiaT9cKs/s320/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0027.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, on the other side of the little lake, we watched this little girl bring in fish after fish after fish. So we ambushed her - HELP US!!!! If it wasn't for her, we'd probably STILL be there trying to catch our dinner :-) But, thanks to Sidney, we had success:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80Eer70TKI/AAAAAAAABmA/AbpZPa6_8CQ/s1600/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80Eer70TKI/AAAAAAAABmA/AbpZPa6_8CQ/s320/Trout+Farm+-+Yes,+we+fished!_0028.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yep, that right there is my very first fish!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Incidentally, no one told me they bleed. By the 4th fish, there was a horror show in that bucket!!! It took over an hour to get our 4 fish and I'm pretty sure we entertained the entire complex, but hey, it was worth it! The Rainbow Trout farm folks are great - they will clean your fish for you and package them all up on ice so you can head out on your way. We brought our fish over to the Heartline Cafe, back in Sedona:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80F1jg5tGI/AAAAAAAABmQ/-mbGNDX8onw/s1600/Heartline+Cafe+-+where+we+had+our+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80F1jg5tGI/AAAAAAAABmQ/-mbGNDX8onw/s320/Heartline+Cafe+-+where+we+had+our+fish.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where they served it up - pecan crusted with a dijon sauce and a tasty rice medley.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80FRJKERvI/AAAAAAAABmI/6AQhUwpoDrM/s1600/Our+Catch!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S80FRJKERvI/AAAAAAAABmI/6AQhUwpoDrM/s320/Our+Catch!.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Can you say YUM!!! Nothing like fresh trout, caught within the last hour, served up in a lovely preparation! I have to say, if you're in the Sedona area, I HIGHLY recommend this! It was the highlight of our trip and the end results were incredibly tasty!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_385030905"></span><span id="goog_385030906"></span></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-52260667252342663852010-04-11T19:31:00.000-07:002010-04-11T19:31:28.283-07:00Grand Canyon, Arizona - April 2, 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JgzjfAIzI/AAAAAAAABdY/hxJQcT-bdSI/s1600/On+the+way+to+the+Grand+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JgzjfAIzI/AAAAAAAABdY/hxJQcT-bdSI/s320/On+the+way+to+the+Grand+Canyon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are we there yet????</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On Friday, Mel's cousin Karen joined up with us and off we went to the Grand Canyon. YAY!!! I was so excited! I've heard about it, but I've never been there. So as you can imagine, the hour long drive seemed sooooo very long!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, we finally made it to the front entrance of the park. I was surprised by how flat the drive was. When I think "canyon", I think you have to drive up into the mountains to see it, right? Well, this canyon happens to be a really large hole in the ground with practically nothing (other than national park signs, ranger stations, and traffic) to warn you that it's coming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jh17RHDbI/AAAAAAAABdg/OIDkNc-3Y4c/s1600/Grand+Canyon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jh17RHDbI/AAAAAAAABdg/OIDkNc-3Y4c/s320/Grand+Canyon.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I could just imagine some poor pioneer in a covered wagon who had traveled hundreds of miles and was looking forward to getting to their destination coming across this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JixIj7QQI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZjoewaMpQlk/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JixIj7QQI/AAAAAAAABdo/ZjoewaMpQlk/s320/Grand+Canyon_0007.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JjlD3bbkI/AAAAAAAABdw/DHkAM658QXg/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JjlD3bbkI/AAAAAAAABdw/DHkAM658QXg/s320/Grand+Canyon_0008.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JkhRNVQ-I/AAAAAAAABd4/n47W0a5LFII/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JkhRNVQ-I/AAAAAAAABd4/n47W0a5LFII/s320/Grand+Canyon_0009.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a LONG way across and an even LONGER way down!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Karen, Mel & I walked the Rim Trail, which is a nicely paved 2 1/2 mile walk giving you spectacular views of the canyon. We didn't anticipate the impact of the 7000 foot elevation though, and darn nearly didn't make it all the way before dark!! NOTE TO TRAVELERS: Bring water & snacks!!!! There aren't any places to buy them along the way, and we definitely ran out of energy before we got to the village. But it was soooo worth it. Here's a sampling of what we saw....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jld-uX8nI/AAAAAAAABeA/dJdWx-uY8o4/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jld-uX8nI/AAAAAAAABeA/dJdWx-uY8o4/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jld-uX8nI/AAAAAAAABeA/dJdWx-uY8o4/s320/Grand+Canyon_0010.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JmYC-zQhI/AAAAAAAABeI/Gl_w9ZRVGnk/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JmYC-zQhI/AAAAAAAABeI/Gl_w9ZRVGnk/s320/Grand+Canyon_0011.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yavapai Point & Observation Station</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside were windows overlooking great views and all sorts of informational displays</div><div style="text-align: center;">(but no snacks)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JnadMaSsI/AAAAAAAABeQ/F9S76m7Swb8/s1600/Grand+Canyon_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JnadMaSsI/AAAAAAAABeQ/F9S76m7Swb8/s320/Grand+Canyon_0012.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a little piece of the rim trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Very nicely maintained.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JodHE2KQI/AAAAAAAABeY/QMD-GsbgVd0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Hopi+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JodHE2KQI/AAAAAAAABeY/QMD-GsbgVd0/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Hopi+House.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hopi House was really cool!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopi House was built by the same architect who designed many of the buildings in the Canyon Village area - Mary Colter. Her designs are all meant to blend in with the landscape. This building was cool because she used many of the same techniques the Hopi had used for hundreds of years to build their homes. The only concession was putting doors at ground level (Hopis enter from the rooftops). Real Hopi indians lived in the upper 3 stories for many years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JpRU7fgjI/AAAAAAAABeg/5NrUfeb9stE/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+El+Tovar+Hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JpRU7fgjI/AAAAAAAABeg/5NrUfeb9stE/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+El+Tovar+Hotel.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JqE9L2JUI/AAAAAAAABeo/LkBykmAZMGk/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+El+Tovar+Hotel_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JqE9L2JUI/AAAAAAAABeo/LkBykmAZMGk/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+El+Tovar+Hotel_0012.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The El Tovar Hotel is the premier lodge at the Grand Canyon. This was opened in 1901 to serve the tourists. The Grand Canyon Village area was designed and operated by the Fred Harvey company - have you heard of the "Harvey Girls"? If you haven't, go out and rent the movie - right now! It's really cute!!! Well, the restaurants were staffed and run by Harvey Girls. I didn't know that and thought it was a pretty cool piece of history.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Incidentally - this is where we finally found snacks :-) We dragged our sorry tired behinds into the lounge and ordered several items to share. Never been so happy to have calamari in my life!!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JqySnyZ0I/AAAAAAAABew/8Uin3pTkx_M/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Lookout+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JqySnyZ0I/AAAAAAAABew/8Uin3pTkx_M/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Lookout+Studio.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lookout Studio</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lookout Studio is another of the buildings designed by Mary Coulter. It houses a shop now, and has a wonderful balcony from which you can view the canyon (which was unfortunately closed by the time we got there). There's a funny story about the Lookout.... Apparently 2 brothers, the Kolb brothers, had set up a photography studio a little farther down the trail, where they sold pictures of the canyon. They also took pictures of the mule trains and would sell the prints to the tourists as they came back up from their trips. Well, Fred Harvey didn't like the competition, so when this structure was built, they called it "Lookout Studio". So, when tourists got off the train and asked where the "studio" was, employees would happily point them out to Lookout Studio. Sneaky, huh??</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, about the time we made it to Lookout studio, it was time to start thinking about picking a spot to watch the sun set. Everything we had seen or read about the canyon said that the best views, best colors, best pictures were at sunrise or sunset. (And we didn't make it there by sunrise...). So, we headed back towards the El Tovar hotel, where the overlook had more sweeping views, and camped out on a bench....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JrYJlkY2I/AAAAAAAABe4/macRtxkQkQ0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JrYJlkY2I/AAAAAAAABe4/macRtxkQkQ0/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0012.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Nice spot, don't you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jr7PN8HUI/AAAAAAAABfA/pg0Ska8NE_g/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jr7PN8HUI/AAAAAAAABfA/pg0Ska8NE_g/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We even got to check out some of the local "wildlife"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But seriously - watching the changing shadows and play of light & color on the canyon during the sunset is one of life's true spectacles and should not be missed.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JtH0JroiI/AAAAAAAABfQ/QvvJbg-zgeY/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+Sun+Set_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JtH0JroiI/AAAAAAAABfQ/QvvJbg-zgeY/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+Sun+Set_0014.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JtrkNUDNI/AAAAAAAABfY/bETPC7bJylA/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+watching+the+sun+set_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JtrkNUDNI/AAAAAAAABfY/bETPC7bJylA/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+watching+the+sun+set_0015.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JuPxlP17I/AAAAAAAABfg/82q0rEBrSkM/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+watching+the+sun+set_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JuPxlP17I/AAAAAAAABfg/82q0rEBrSkM/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+watching+the+sun+set_0016.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JuyfhAtuI/AAAAAAAABfo/5jdcqvGG5fk/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JuyfhAtuI/AAAAAAAABfo/5jdcqvGG5fk/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0017.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JvLrNnpaI/AAAAAAAABfw/Z6tpIw5Cl2k/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JvLrNnpaI/AAAAAAAABfw/Z6tpIw5Cl2k/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0018.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jvl2uwE6I/AAAAAAAABf4/KZ2nPjfIlCQ/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jvl2uwE6I/AAAAAAAABf4/KZ2nPjfIlCQ/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0019.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JsWQat95I/AAAAAAAABfI/kQ5brN0vtN0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Watching+the+sun+set_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this was Good Friday, we could not watch such a spectacular display of God's creation and without worshipping the Creator.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div><h4>Psalm 19</h4><h5>The Witness of Creation and Scripture</h5> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold;">For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.</span><br />
<sup id="en-HCSB-14204">1</sup> The heavens declare the glory of God,<br />
and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.<br />
<sup id="en-HCSB-14206">2</sup> Day after day they pour out speech;<br />
night after night they communicate knowledge.<br />
<sup id="en-HCSB-14207">3</sup> There is no speech; there are no words;<br />
their voice is not heard.<br />
<sup id="en-HCSB-14208">4</sup> Their message has gone out to all the earth,<br />
and their words to the ends of the inhabited world.<br />
In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One of the things that struck me as so indicative of man's hubris is that the formations and landmarks in the canyon are named after ancient false gods. How sad.....</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After sunset, we wanted to finish the trail, so we headed back down past the Lookout Studio to Kolb Studio</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JwXXbWsrI/AAAAAAAABgA/1lSC5IGejug/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Kolb+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JwXXbWsrI/AAAAAAAABgA/1lSC5IGejug/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Kolb+Studio.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JxG0d72wI/AAAAAAAABgI/ynN49LqJ9-s/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Kolb+Studio_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JxG0d72wI/AAAAAAAABgI/ynN49LqJ9-s/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Kolb+Studio_0019.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was closed by the time we got there, so we could not see inside, but it was situated at a stunning location, right at the beginning of the Bright Angel Trail.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JxvCbFUjI/AAAAAAAABgQ/F4hUhhw0MC0/s1600/Grand+Canyon+-+Start+of+the+Bright+Angel+Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JxvCbFUjI/AAAAAAAABgQ/F4hUhhw0MC0/s320/Grand+Canyon+-+Start+of+the+Bright+Angel+Trail.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bright Angel Trail is the most popular route into the canyon. Unfortunately, by the time we got there, it was too dark to go even a little way.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the rim trail, visitors can take a bus down the Hermit Route trail, which I hear is a spectacular scenic ride. We did not have the opportunity to do it. Maybe next time.... :-)</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead, we hopped on a bus that took us back to the visitor center where we started. ANOTHER NOTE TO TRAVELERS: If you park at the visitor center near Mather Point and think you'll get back after it closes, BRING A FLASHLIGHT! There were very few lights on, and those were only within the visitor center area. The parking lots were not well marked and were PITCH DARK. We wandered around into a couple different parking lots before finding the right one, and then we couldn't see our car at all until we were right on top of it. Just getting to the car was quite an adventure!!! And no, the flashlight program you can download to your smart phone is not enough - take it from me!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #481003; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have to say, if you've never been to the Grand Canyon, make plans to go - and stay a few days so you have time to see more than we did. It's an awe-inspiring experience and a natural wonder you should not miss. You will not be disappointed!</span></span></span></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-34830574043319942022010-04-11T16:48:00.000-07:002010-04-11T16:48:40.407-07:00Petrified Forest & Painted Desert, Arizona - April 1, 2010Hello from Arizona!! It's good to be out again! Mel and I took a spontaneous trip out to the great Southwest....<br />
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Someone forgot to tell me it snows here! Isn't this supposed to be the desert????<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JGEhtS2eI/AAAAAAAABbQ/o3B71MiXACg/s1600/Flagstaff+Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JGEhtS2eI/AAAAAAAABbQ/o3B71MiXACg/s320/Flagstaff+Airport.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We flew in to Flagstaff and immediately headed out to the Petrified Forest, where quite possibly the world's largest concentration of petrified wood can be found. A gazillion years ago, this was a thriving forest, which was buried for so long that the wood turned to stone. Time and erosion have exposed them so we can see them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JI70D1ACI/AAAAAAAABbY/9xMDQ-p7tnA/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JI70D1ACI/AAAAAAAABbY/9xMDQ-p7tnA/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center.jpg" /></a></div>We started out at the visitor center. They have done a great job there - lots of information to tell you about how the area formed, friendly park rangers, free wi-fi so you can upload pictures, and a great video about the park. It's definitely worth the stop. Behind the visitor center is a trail that brings you right up close to many, many samples of petrified wood - in some places, it looks like the trail is going right through a tree trunk!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JLaso9-xI/AAAAAAAABbo/fOU25P9WlsA/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JLaso9-xI/AAAAAAAABbo/fOU25P9WlsA/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center_0002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JNNTsbwEI/AAAAAAAABb4/2otOVsU_xNQ/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JNNTsbwEI/AAAAAAAABb4/2otOVsU_xNQ/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+Visitor+Center_0004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was a neat walk, but COLD!!! It actually started snowing while we were there. We eventually sought out the warmth of the car heater, and headed on down the 28 mile road that winds through the Petrified Forest & Painted Desert. <br />
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Our next stop was at the Crystal Forest. This is an easy .8 mile trail that takes you through the landscape that is littered with colorful petrified logs that once held glassy amethyst & quartz crystals (they've all been stolen, sadly) We walked the trail, and by that time it was getting WINDY too. But it was a really neat walk - we got to see lots of really pretty logs close up and even were able to appreciate the vastness of the land around us:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JOHxhdhwI/AAAAAAAABcA/nqX6V_UqRro/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+The+Crystal+Forest_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JOHxhdhwI/AAAAAAAABcA/nqX6V_UqRro/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+The+Crystal+Forest_0004.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JPIhNP2oI/AAAAAAAABcI/F6ZQK1UU5GI/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+the+Crystal+Forest_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JPIhNP2oI/AAAAAAAABcI/F6ZQK1UU5GI/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+the+Crystal+Forest_0005.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at the color in that log!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JQPZRAmQI/AAAAAAAABcQ/YMT4V_AbZpg/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+The+Crystal+Forest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JQPZRAmQI/AAAAAAAABcQ/YMT4V_AbZpg/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+The+Crystal+Forest.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I saw this plant growing there - it must be a hardy one to survive in the harsh conditions in that area! But it was really pretty - a vivid purple among all the browns of the desert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our next stop was the Agate Bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JT6P0TSxI/AAAAAAAABcY/fQMQanB2s9A/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Agate+Bridge_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JT6P0TSxI/AAAAAAAABcY/fQMQanB2s9A/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Agate+Bridge_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JT6P0TSxI/AAAAAAAABcY/fQMQanB2s9A/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+Agate+Bridge_0006.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JU6Ndl-PI/AAAAAAAABcg/yP04WCFObxg/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+Agate+Bridge_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JU6Ndl-PI/AAAAAAAABcg/yP04WCFObxg/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+Agate+Bridge_0005.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's pretty cool when you realize that people have worked to preserve this because it's so interesting. I read somewhere that it's the oldest natural bridge in the world (but of course, now I can't find where I read that, so don't quote me on it) :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we headed down the road, we saw a sight that just made us stop the car along the shoulder and get out. It's called The Teepees, and they are impressive formations layered with blues, purples & grays created by iron, carbon, manganese, & other minerals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JWyquUfjI/AAAAAAAABco/uJUkm9S95Uc/s1600/Petrified+Forest+-+the+Teepees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JWyquUfjI/AAAAAAAABco/uJUkm9S95Uc/s320/Petrified+Forest+-+the+Teepees.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I just love these!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Off we went towards the Painted Desert. The Petrified Forest is actually part of the Painted Desert and the same road takes you through both. There are lots of other stops, but I was limited on time (and well - cold!) so I didn't get out at all of them, but the ranger at the Visitor's Center had told me to be sure to go to the Crystal Forest & Pintado Point. So I headed down the road, marveling at the vast wide open spaces and pretty soon, there I was. There wasn't another soul at Pintando Point when I got there, and I soon figured out why.... I got out of the car and was almost blown over!!! Those winds had picked up so much I was scared to stand out on the wall to take a picture! But I couldn't help myself - it's beautiful out there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JbSOtbBzI/AAAAAAAABdA/E_X2SPmtjAU/s1600/Painted+Desert_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JbSOtbBzI/AAAAAAAABdA/E_X2SPmtjAU/s320/Painted+Desert_0001.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JaebbEUxI/AAAAAAAABcw/OvkrgVO-5mA/s1600/Painted+Desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JaebbEUxI/AAAAAAAABcw/OvkrgVO-5mA/s1600/Painted+Desert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JaebbEUxI/AAAAAAAABcw/OvkrgVO-5mA/s320/Painted+Desert.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JbDFiyvxI/AAAAAAAABc4/tUF1k8CuvNc/s1600/Painted+Desert_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JbDFiyvxI/AAAAAAAABc4/tUF1k8CuvNc/s320/Painted+Desert_0006.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I was on my way out of the park, when for some reason I pulled over at Kachina Point, and boy am I glad I did.... How beautiful is this?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JcDmPB12I/AAAAAAAABdI/D5ND_nUpJUo/s1600/Painted+Desert+-+Kachina+Point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8JcDmPB12I/AAAAAAAABdI/D5ND_nUpJUo/s320/Painted+Desert+-+Kachina+Point.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And finally - one more "Oh my gosh I have to take a picture of this" stop alongside the road.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jc3Lc7ruI/AAAAAAAABdQ/lQLVG3JWpqk/s1600/Painted+Desert_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/S8Jc3Lc7ruI/AAAAAAAABdQ/lQLVG3JWpqk/s320/Painted+Desert_0007.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not normally a desert person - I don't like to be hot! (I'll melt, after all). But I was so glad I came through this way. The landscape is so unusual and so beautiful in its own way. That's something I realize everywhere I go - how grateful I am for a creative Creator who gave us so many very different beautiful places to enjoy!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-85119630508460296622009-12-30T18:23:00.000-08:002009-12-30T18:41:38.067-08:00Ooh La La! Paris! July 16, 2009Paris! I love Paris!!<div><br /></div><div>Richard & Janet took me up to the top of the Arc <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">de</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Triomphe</span> for some spectacular views of the city! The Arc is located at the western end of the famous Champs-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Elysees</span> and is a monument to all those who fought for France, particularly in the Napoleonic wars. France's "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" is located under the arch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the view looking down the center of the Arc... (that's the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier below)</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwMKtf31pI/AAAAAAAABXI/utWryoZr1Qk/s400/Europe+Trip008.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421221429598738066" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And several views of Paris from the Arch....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNFhUlSCI/AAAAAAAABXg/FUfwFJFfC3I/s1600-h/Europe+Trip009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNFhUlSCI/AAAAAAAABXg/FUfwFJFfC3I/s400/Europe+Trip009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421222439942440994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNFQxTZHI/AAAAAAAABXY/FIeEGhGX3-o/s1600-h/Europe+Trip010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNFQxTZHI/AAAAAAAABXY/FIeEGhGX3-o/s400/Europe+Trip010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421222435499500658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNEzHmwmI/AAAAAAAABXQ/IMmqEZH3kfc/s1600-h/Europe+Trip011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwNEzHmwmI/AAAAAAAABXQ/IMmqEZH3kfc/s400/Europe+Trip011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421222427539980898" /></a>This is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> a postcard - just another picture from the Arch....<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOHkdM6zI/AAAAAAAABX4/-ghgFzTfjx0/s1600-h/Europe+Trip012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOHkdM6zI/AAAAAAAABX4/-ghgFzTfjx0/s400/Europe+Trip012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421223574655265586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOHHYFdZI/AAAAAAAABXw/UueZwcMTJg8/s1600-h/Europe+Trip013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOHHYFdZI/AAAAAAAABXw/UueZwcMTJg8/s400/Europe+Trip013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421223566849176978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOG3MRX2I/AAAAAAAABXo/gLOUlzGzYp4/s1600-h/Europe+Trip014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOG3MRX2I/AAAAAAAABXo/gLOUlzGzYp4/s400/Europe+Trip014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421223562504658786" /></a>Night is falling at the top of the arch.... time to go!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOrPMT7NI/AAAAAAAABYA/9Sg_vd51d4Q/s1600-h/Europe+Trip015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwOrPMT7NI/AAAAAAAABYA/9Sg_vd51d4Q/s400/Europe+Trip015.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421224187422567634" /></a><div>But not before one last glimpse of the Eiffel Tower at dusk....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwPGngWx4I/AAAAAAAABYI/F29afsvmGRw/s1600-h/Europe+Trip016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwPGngWx4I/AAAAAAAABYI/F29afsvmGRw/s400/Europe+Trip016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421224657805559682" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Tomorrow we leave for home. Thank You Richard, Janet, Marc & Keith for letting me tag along on a fabulous adventure!!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-3464399224930307492009-12-30T18:03:00.000-08:002009-12-30T18:22:43.676-08:00Versailles - Paris - July 16, 2009<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ahhhh</span>..... This is the life. A day at Versailles, Louis <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">XIV's</span> spectacular chateau located in the suburbs of Paris (although it was outside of the city at the time it was built).<div><br /></div><div>The gardens go on for as far as the eye can see!</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwIYAjwOSI/AAAAAAAABWY/eTADHXPFdR4/s400/Europe+Trip002.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421217260007078178" /></div><div><br /></div><div>And that's the palace behind me</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwIxKEpYII/AAAAAAAABWg/2izwR0pwHZU/s1600-h/Europe+Trip003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwIxKEpYII/AAAAAAAABWg/2izwR0pwHZU/s400/Europe+Trip003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421217692057690242" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>There is art everywhere inside the palace - and naturally, it's amazing!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwJboOrr5I/AAAAAAAABWo/IESe-msoDSU/s1600-h/Europe+Trip004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwJboOrr5I/AAAAAAAABWo/IESe-msoDSU/s400/Europe+Trip004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421218421707354002" /></a><br /><div>Here I am at the famous "hall of mirrors"</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKNhyy7MI/AAAAAAAABW4/wSKhggk8lmk/s1600-h/Europe+Trip005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKNhyy7MI/AAAAAAAABW4/wSKhggk8lmk/s400/Europe+Trip005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421219278973234370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKNB-ldVI/AAAAAAAABWw/SGr837bcdSA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKNB-ldVI/AAAAAAAABWw/SGr837bcdSA/s400/Europe+Trip006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421219270432748882" /></a><br /><div>And here in the courtyard....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKn3253YI/AAAAAAAABXA/KUSCk3ImW0U/s1600-h/Europe+Trip007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SzwKn3253YI/AAAAAAAABXA/KUSCk3ImW0U/s400/Europe+Trip007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421219731572645250" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Louis the XIV made all of his nobles move out to Versailles so that he could keep control over them and prevent them from getting regional power that would threaten his own. He set up an elaborate system of court etiquette that everyone had to follow. It was all about power, which is too bad because it probably ruined a spectacular place to live....</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-86958142350681417332009-12-16T14:32:00.003-08:002009-12-16T14:43:11.345-08:00Lucerne - July 14, 2009Good Morning.... We had a nice ride on the train to Zurich, and then on to Lucerne.... Janet is so pleasant to sit next to. We had a great conversation all the way....<div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SylgXezGL3I/AAAAAAAABWA/VDAY3sCgaec/s400/Europe+Trip019.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415965983410368370" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hello from Lucerne Switzerland! Isn't it pretty here?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SylgzcfCBlI/AAAAAAAABWI/V97CF7UyVaQ/s1600-h/Europe+Trip017.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SylgzcfCBlI/AAAAAAAABWI/V97CF7UyVaQ/s400/Europe+Trip017.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415966463825675858" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>Here I am in front of the Lucerne Lion - it's a tribute to fallen Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution trying to protect King Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette at the Tuileries Palace (not knowing they had already left)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyliOc1Vx-I/AAAAAAAABWQ/M_eqagf4ZMQ/s1600-h/Europe+Trip018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyliOc1Vx-I/AAAAAAAABWQ/M_eqagf4ZMQ/s400/Europe+Trip018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415968027287341026" /></a>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-4908242510893331982009-12-15T19:58:00.000-08:002009-12-15T21:05:18.442-08:00Lest We Forget.... Dachau Concentration Camp, July 12, 2009<div style="text-align: center;">If we forget history... It will be repeated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note: Much of the information here comes from the <a href="http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html">Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site</a>. I highly recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.kz-gedenkstaette-dachau.de/index-e.html">Dachau Concentration Camp</a> was the first established by Hitler, shortly after his appointment as Reich Chancellor in 1933. It served as a model for all later concentration camps and a training ground for SS men.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the twelve years of its existence, over 200,000 persons from all over Europe were imprisoned there and in the numerous subsidiary camps. 41,500 were murdered. On April 29, 1945, American troops liberated the survivors.</div><div><br /></div><div>The main entrance and exit to the camp for prisoners was the Jourhaus. Prisoners passed through an iron rod gate with the inscription "Work Makes You Free"</div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Syhg-7joSqI/AAAAAAAABU4/XdmuQe-r8o0/s400/Europe+Trip038.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415685186168310434" /><div><br /></div><div>The motto reflected the Nazi propaganda meant to trivialize the concentration camp for outsiders as a "labor and re-education" camp. </div><div><br /></div><div>The building now houses a model of the camp:</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Syhh6ktoOCI/AAAAAAAABVA/ciGwtElTZ7k/s1600-h/Europe+Trip039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Syhh6ktoOCI/AAAAAAAABVA/ciGwtElTZ7k/s400/Europe+Trip039.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415686210828384290" /></a><br />Prisoners were stripped (literally) of all their belongings and issued prison clothes and numbers. They were referred to only as their numbers, stripping them of all individuality. They were then sent off to the prison baths, which were also used as a punishment chamber. Hooks can be seen on the pillars that divide the room. These were used for pole hangings - to punish prisoners.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Syhj-T5YdSI/AAAAAAAABVI/cKA7V4bPHg8/s1600-h/Europe+Trip040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Syhj-T5YdSI/AAAAAAAABVI/cKA7V4bPHg8/s400/Europe+Trip040.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415688474057012514" /></a><br /><br />Prisoners built the barracks where they also lived. There were 34 barrack buildings, housing more than 30,000 people by the time the camp was liberated. The camp was originally built to hold 6,000, but was overfilled from the onset.<div><br /></div><div>Prisoners slept in rows of bunk beds.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhlvLG1hWI/AAAAAAAABVg/ZIMrWxQMBnQ/s1600-h/Europe+Trip041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhlvLG1hWI/AAAAAAAABVg/ZIMrWxQMBnQ/s400/Europe+Trip041.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415690413022741858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhlukQDXrI/AAAAAAAABVY/3I-5_wd6h-Y/s1600-h/Europe+Trip042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhlukQDXrI/AAAAAAAABVY/3I-5_wd6h-Y/s400/Europe+Trip042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415690402592415410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhluMhY_RI/AAAAAAAABVQ/bYNAdlD2uxE/s1600-h/Europe+Trip043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhluMhY_RI/AAAAAAAABVQ/bYNAdlD2uxE/s400/Europe+Trip043.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415690396222684434" /></a><br />Behind me, you can see the foundations of the barracks buildings (the ones we toured had been reconstructed). They were not that big. It's mind-boggling to think they housed more than 30,000 people.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhmYj52GII/AAAAAAAABVo/klOz3VROmlc/s1600-h/Europe+Trip044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhmYj52GII/AAAAAAAABVo/klOz3VROmlc/s400/Europe+Trip044.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415691124053776514" /></a><br />And finally, the crematorium - the original building still stands. This area served as an execution site as well as the crematorium.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhoZmx2DKI/AAAAAAAABV4/P99T2JKqT3Q/s1600-h/Europe+Trip045.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhoZmx2DKI/AAAAAAAABV4/P99T2JKqT3Q/s400/Europe+Trip045.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415693341028650146" /></a><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhneRd1rjI/AAAAAAAABVw/vvK24aFh6aU/s1600-h/Europe+Trip046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhneRd1rjI/AAAAAAAABVw/vvK24aFh6aU/s400/Europe+Trip046.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415692321695313458" /></a>As my friend comments, I am smiling because the Nazis lost. Light triumphed over darkness. Evil will never win.<div><br /></div><div>Visitors to the camp will see a memorial that was designed by one of the survivors of the camp. On the memorial is inscribed:</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>"May the example of those who were exterminated here between 1933 and 1945 because of their fight against National Socialism unite the living in their defense of peace and freedom and in reverence of human dignity."</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>We live in a world that wants to re-write history, forget the past, pretend that humans are basically good. If we forget, if we buy in to the sanitized version of our past, we will repeat it. We must not let that happen. We need to teach our children, and our children's children what happened here and why.</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-5847678327228086902009-12-15T18:29:00.001-08:002009-12-15T19:56:50.317-08:00Munich - July 11, 2009On to Munich - Marc got to have his first beer!<div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhGkI4vb1I/AAAAAAAABSw/b9yXg0kTaGs/s400/Europe+Trip047.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415656138587729746" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately.... he hated it... Or maybe that's a good thing :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>The city of Munich is really beautiful. I love all the old architecture.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhHKX-J1zI/AAAAAAAABS4/W-FCc07bUj0/s1600-h/Europe+Trip031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhHKX-J1zI/AAAAAAAABS4/W-FCc07bUj0/s400/Europe+Trip031.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415656795471992626" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>We somehow managed to visit the city during their gay pride parade - so we got a bit more of a view of the city than we intended to - oops! We still managed to get around and see a lot though...</div><div><br /></div><div>Here I am making friends in front of a museum....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhH6QiNTAI/AAAAAAAABTA/2cK8OJWmfSM/s1600-h/Europe+Trip032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhH6QiNTAI/AAAAAAAABTA/2cK8OJWmfSM/s400/Europe+Trip032.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415657618109451266" /></a><br /></div><div>And we got to visit a spectacular church - aren't those stained glass windows gorgeous?</div></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJV3WAlHI/AAAAAAAABTg/uEypDkeNCiQ/s1600-h/Europe+Trip033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJV3WAlHI/AAAAAAAABTg/uEypDkeNCiQ/s400/Europe+Trip033.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415659191895364722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJVe673PI/AAAAAAAABTY/az2yCOhzO8s/s1600-h/Europe+Trip034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJVe673PI/AAAAAAAABTY/az2yCOhzO8s/s400/Europe+Trip034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415659185339358450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJUgFdEMI/AAAAAAAABTQ/Zt23IkqJySc/s1600-h/Europe+Trip035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJUgFdEMI/AAAAAAAABTQ/Zt23IkqJySc/s400/Europe+Trip035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415659168472043714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJUBeKNvI/AAAAAAAABTI/y1YopWfPJ9M/s1600-h/Europe+Trip037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhJUBeKNvI/AAAAAAAABTI/y1YopWfPJ9M/s400/Europe+Trip037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415659160254166770" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Then we headed up to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linderhof_Palace"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Linderhof</span></a> Castle. This was up in Bavaria and was built by King Ludwig II. Ludwig had darn good taste!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhMxU29pII/AAAAAAAABTw/gRLMnyX53-Q/s1600-h/Europe+Trip020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhMxU29pII/AAAAAAAABTw/gRLMnyX53-Q/s400/Europe+Trip020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415662962209563778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhMw1V98GI/AAAAAAAABTo/4z6-KmjHVLE/s1600-h/Europe+Trip021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhMw1V98GI/AAAAAAAABTo/4z6-KmjHVLE/s400/Europe+Trip021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415662953749672034" /></a>Isn't this view amazing!!! The scenery and the fountains were stunning....<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNyQdoq0I/AAAAAAAABUA/oBnBWVcW2hs/s1600-h/Europe+Trip022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNyQdoq0I/AAAAAAAABUA/oBnBWVcW2hs/s400/Europe+Trip022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664077721086786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNxzPCtII/AAAAAAAABT4/ROJuNxROMa0/s1600-h/Europe+Trip023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNxzPCtII/AAAAAAAABT4/ROJuNxROMa0/s400/Europe+Trip023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664069875250306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNyQdoq0I/AAAAAAAABUA/oBnBWVcW2hs/s1600-h/Europe+Trip022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNyQdoq0I/AAAAAAAABUA/oBnBWVcW2hs/s400/Europe+Trip022.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664077721086786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNxzPCtII/AAAAAAAABT4/ROJuNxROMa0/s1600-h/Europe+Trip023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhNxzPCtII/AAAAAAAABT4/ROJuNxROMa0/s400/Europe+Trip023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415664069875250306" /></a><br /><div>They say this could be my summer home (note big grin!) - what do you think, is it big enough for Mel & me?</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQaPMAFWI/AAAAAAAABUg/vnNWesSTI9M/s1600-h/Europe+Trip026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQaPMAFWI/AAAAAAAABUg/vnNWesSTI9M/s400/Europe+Trip026.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415666963596711266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQZqrzhlI/AAAAAAAABUY/qqGibt0-3YA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip027.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQZqrzhlI/AAAAAAAABUY/qqGibt0-3YA/s400/Europe+Trip027.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415666953797994066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQZMN7qOI/AAAAAAAABUQ/3aZIak1HY-Y/s1600-h/Europe+Trip028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhQZMN7qOI/AAAAAAAABUQ/3aZIak1HY-Y/s400/Europe+Trip028.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415666945619634402" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Next we headed over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Neuschwanstein</span> Castle. This was also built by Ludwig II, but was not completed before he died. The castle was designed by a set designer, not an architect, so that explains the "fantasy nature" of the building. You can't take pictures of the inside, but the outside is pretty cool. In fact, it was the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhUkxQBfII/AAAAAAAABUw/yd_xn738w5Y/s1600-h/Europe+Trip029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhUkxQBfII/AAAAAAAABUw/yd_xn738w5Y/s400/Europe+Trip029.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415671542585588866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhUkerWIuI/AAAAAAAABUo/3LYFiZ7rnOU/s1600-h/Europe+Trip030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SyhUkerWIuI/AAAAAAAABUo/3LYFiZ7rnOU/s400/Europe+Trip030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415671537599914722" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>I love visiting the castles - especially the gardens. I think I need to think about marrying well so I can have one! Where are all the Single Rich Gnomads with Castles hanging out these days?</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-5434552706651165642009-08-03T16:43:00.000-07:002009-08-03T20:47:23.981-07:00Rome - July 2009I was lucky enough to get to tag along with my friends Richard, Janet, Marc, & Keith on a trip to Europe!<div><br /></div><div>We had to leave at the crack of dawn to catch our flight....</div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd23SDsRQI/AAAAAAAABNY/2vodt2CNavA/s400/Europe+Trip074.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365888173147440386" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But that's OK because it was FIRST CLASS all the way, baby! All I had to do was relax, play video games, and drink coffee.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd5DzepPMI/AAAAAAAABNg/d80iRDh2oMY/s1600-h/Europe+Trip075.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd5DzepPMI/AAAAAAAABNg/d80iRDh2oMY/s400/Europe+Trip075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365890587300543682" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div>We visited the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tivoli</span> Gardens at the Villa <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">D'este</span>. There were about a gazillion fountains - and they were all gorgeous!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnecjHywfuI/AAAAAAAABOg/z5aCseIBHr4/s1600-h/Europe+Trip066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnecjHywfuI/AAAAAAAABOg/z5aCseIBHr4/s400/Europe+Trip066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365929608236531426" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sneci7QjPiI/AAAAAAAABOY/WQRYTqYXNe4/s1600-h/Europe+Trip067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sneci7QjPiI/AAAAAAAABOY/WQRYTqYXNe4/s400/Europe+Trip067.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365929604871831074" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnecilLjreI/AAAAAAAABOQ/mAlQ1TTj8Fg/s1600-h/Europe+Trip068.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnecilLjreI/AAAAAAAABOQ/mAlQ1TTj8Fg/s400/Europe+Trip068.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365929598945308130" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7J2TOvKI/AAAAAAAABOI/QZOg4nmiStY/s1600-h/Europe+Trip069.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7J2TOvKI/AAAAAAAABOI/QZOg4nmiStY/s400/Europe+Trip069.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365892890160446626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7JQ0RH2I/AAAAAAAABOA/Fhdh7pT-QcE/s1600-h/Europe+Trip071.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7JQ0RH2I/AAAAAAAABOA/Fhdh7pT-QcE/s400/Europe+Trip071.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365892880098467682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7JChutxI/AAAAAAAABN4/uozlHfcagNo/s1600-h/Europe+Trip070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7JChutxI/AAAAAAAABN4/uozlHfcagNo/s400/Europe+Trip070.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365892876262618898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7I1uB2kI/AAAAAAAABNw/bUehauuI9kw/s1600-h/Europe+Trip072.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7I1uB2kI/AAAAAAAABNw/bUehauuI9kw/s400/Europe+Trip072.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365892872824543810" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7IVXouxI/AAAAAAAABNo/MxbIfjHbkWI/s1600-h/Europe+Trip073.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snd7IVXouxI/AAAAAAAABNo/MxbIfjHbkWI/s400/Europe+Trip073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365892864140688146" /></a><br /><div>Next stop was Villa Adriana or Hadrian's Villa. It was created as a retreat for the Roman <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Emporer</span> Hadrian in the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nd</span> century. Here I am standing in front of a model of what the villa looked like in its hey-day.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneiM0-X4QI/AAAAAAAABOw/ul1gHr2itzc/s1600-h/Europe+Trip064.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneiM0-X4QI/AAAAAAAABOw/ul1gHr2itzc/s400/Europe+Trip064.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365935822297620738" /></a>This pool is said to honor Hadrian's "favored one" <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Antinous</span> - also suspected to be his lover, who died a suspicious death in Egypt (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hadrien's</span> wife could be a suspect).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneiMh8CGVI/AAAAAAAABOo/Vg2N5TclRIg/s1600-h/Europe+Trip065.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneiMh8CGVI/AAAAAAAABOo/Vg2N5TclRIg/s400/Europe+Trip065.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365935817187531090" /></a><br />On to the Forum, where I heard there is great shopping....<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnejaRQLCLI/AAAAAAAABPA/Uqo8Oe8CGE8/s1600-h/Europe+Trip062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnejaRQLCLI/AAAAAAAABPA/Uqo8Oe8CGE8/s400/Europe+Trip062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365937152738396338" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I was misinformed! In reality, the Forum served as a city square and a central hub where the people of Rome gathered for justice & faith.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnejaHvymdI/AAAAAAAABO4/GoFYqg87W0I/s1600-h/Europe+Trip063.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnejaHvymdI/AAAAAAAABO4/GoFYqg87W0I/s400/Europe+Trip063.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365937150186658258" /></a>I also got to see an ancient theater. I live in California, where really really old things are like 150 years old. So seeing sites from the 1st and 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nd</span> centuries is mind boggling!<div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snel4iGpqtI/AAAAAAAABPg/0OrQVW2GDqA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip061.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snel4iGpqtI/AAAAAAAABPg/0OrQVW2GDqA/s400/Europe+Trip061.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365939871681194706" /></a>And exhausting - here I am with Marc, Keith, & Janet taking a break.......<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snel4dwyJKI/AAAAAAAABPY/9Fqn15OfOKk/s1600-h/Europe+Trip060.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snel4dwyJKI/AAAAAAAABPY/9Fqn15OfOKk/s1600-h/Europe+Trip060.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snel4dwyJKI/AAAAAAAABPY/9Fqn15OfOKk/s400/Europe+Trip060.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365939870515733666" /></a><br /></div><div>On to the Colosseum. Richard tried to tell me I could play with all sorts of wild animals here, but I'm on to him...</div><div><br /></div><div>What an interesting place though - it's the largest amphitheater built by the Romans, it was used for gladiator games, hunts, plays, mock sea battles (Seriously! They could fill it up with water!), and executions....</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenIaDwghI/AAAAAAAABP4/RjD5yuJfRkA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip057.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenIaDwghI/AAAAAAAABP4/RjD5yuJfRkA/s400/Europe+Trip057.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365941243911111186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenIbHDxKI/AAAAAAAABPw/GzzhUlABsu0/s1600-h/Europe+Trip058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenIbHDxKI/AAAAAAAABPw/GzzhUlABsu0/s400/Europe+Trip058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365941244193391778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenICs0r5I/AAAAAAAABPo/gDaMJXkpIEw/s1600-h/Europe+Trip059.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SnenICs0r5I/AAAAAAAABPo/gDaMJXkpIEw/s400/Europe+Trip059.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365941237640900498" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Here I am in front of the Republic Fountain:</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snen099DonI/AAAAAAAABQA/-CLjf5mIbSg/s1600-h/Europe+Trip056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snen099DonI/AAAAAAAABQA/-CLjf5mIbSg/s400/Europe+Trip056.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365942009460925042" /></a><br />On our second day, we got to tour the Catacombs:<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneoYYPCrvI/AAAAAAAABQI/1W-BylPmUDA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip055.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneoYYPCrvI/AAAAAAAABQI/1W-BylPmUDA/s400/Europe+Trip055.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365942617811103474" /></a><div>Pictures aren't allowed inside, so I just have this - showing the ancient symbol of a fish. This symbol was a secret way to show that a Christian lived in that place. They could not express themselves openly during persecutions. The Catacombs are ancient underground cemeteries for the Christian community, used from the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">nd</span> century through the 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> or 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> centuries. They may have also been used as hiding places during persecutions</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><\\><</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">IXOYE</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On to St. Peter's Basilica. We met our guide right outside:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneqxWcR2SI/AAAAAAAABQY/CfbindDxnl4/s1600-h/Europe+Trip053.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneqxWcR2SI/AAAAAAAABQY/CfbindDxnl4/s400/Europe+Trip053.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365945245849737506" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">St. Peter's is considered to be the burial place of the Apostle Peter. Catholics believe he is buried right under the alter. For this reason, many popes have also been buried here.</div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneqxHK1eFI/AAAAAAAABQQ/EkpSoOgw7dU/s400/Europe+Trip054.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365945241750042706" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We also toured the Vatican.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a marble bath:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sneshg2u1PI/AAAAAAAABRA/ByrcC2q6Thk/s1600-h/Europe+Trip048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sneshg2u1PI/AAAAAAAABRA/ByrcC2q6Thk/s400/Europe+Trip048.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365947172790392050" /></a>And a coffin made out of rare red marble. I hear it's worth millions - as if you could actually sell something like that! (but then, it does remind me of things I've seen at Hearst Castle).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneshdST3VI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tU9qlBa2lK4/s1600-h/Europe+Trip049.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneshdST3VI/AAAAAAAABQ4/tU9qlBa2lK4/s400/Europe+Trip049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365947171832323410" /></a>I like this tapestry of Christ that was hanging in the Vatican<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneshKR4uKI/AAAAAAAABQw/-X7jAFjCZxA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SneshKR4uKI/AAAAAAAABQw/-X7jAFjCZxA/s400/Europe+Trip050.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365947166730270882" /></a>Behind me is the Sistine Chapel - no pictures allowed inside, of course!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snesg5HRFpI/AAAAAAAABQo/dYdwS6aNA9I/s1600-h/Europe+Trip051.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snesg5HRFpI/AAAAAAAABQo/dYdwS6aNA9I/s400/Europe+Trip051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365947162122327698" /></a>This is a Holy Door - only opened every 5 years. There is a whole ceremony that goes with it. I don't know why it's holy or it's only opened in certain years. Does anyone know?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snesgi6HkhI/AAAAAAAABQg/mBPCcSIWYMA/s1600-h/Europe+Trip052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Snesgi6HkhI/AAAAAAAABQg/mBPCcSIWYMA/s400/Europe+Trip052.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365947156161597970" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow - on to Munich!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-38970927674635385132009-07-23T20:39:00.001-07:002009-07-23T21:27:25.331-07:00Arizona & New Mexico - Sept 8 - 16, 2007<div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes it takes me awhile to get these pictures up, but it's worth the wait!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a September trip to southern Arizona and New Mexico with my friend Harvey Jr</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkt1spSLXI/AAAAAAAABKg/8pmEg7zZc1M/s400/D1_1_veraandfriend.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361867231901920626" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here we are at a stop between Phoenix and Tucson at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Casa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Grande</span> National Park. We got a National Park Passport and now have to visit all the national parks to get a stamp. Can you say road trip?</div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkt1Spj0FI/AAAAAAAABKY/olon8SSd_Rc/s400/D1_2_Vera+at+CGNP.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361867224923754578" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>A doorway in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Casa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Grande</span> National Park</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkuVEhY1fI/AAAAAAAABKo/CONKLgWefdM/s1600-h/D1_3_Vera+-CGNP-doorway.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkuVEhY1fI/AAAAAAAABKo/CONKLgWefdM/s400/D1_3_Vera+-CGNP-doorway.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361867770887198194" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We started day 2 at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Karthner</span> Cavern. No purses, cameras or gnomes were allowed in the caves - bummer</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smku5GPFE0I/AAAAAAAABKw/-Jh9dGHxc8Y/s1600-h/D2_1_vera+at+Kartchner+cavern.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smku5GPFE0I/AAAAAAAABKw/-Jh9dGHxc8Y/s400/D2_1_vera+at+Kartchner+cavern.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361868389822567234" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We stopped in Tombstone and started our tour at boot hill - luckily they did not leave me</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkwH23CBmI/AAAAAAAABK4/T5Rzd50XWeA/s1600-h/D2_2_Vera+in+Tomestone+Boothill.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkwH23CBmI/AAAAAAAABK4/T5Rzd50XWeA/s400/D2_2_Vera+in+Tomestone+Boothill.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361869742904837730" /></a><br />While in Tombstone, we had a downpour - it went from dry to very wet in the blink of an eye.<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkwvM0da2I/AAAAAAAABLA/6oWetKaz8qQ/s1600-h/D2_3_Vera+in+TSrain_1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkwvM0da2I/AAAAAAAABLA/6oWetKaz8qQ/s400/D2_3_Vera+in+TSrain_1.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361870418814528354" /></a>More rain - I kept dry but it was not easy<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxByKn3tI/AAAAAAAABLI/wht_XZPzTls/s1600-h/D2_4_Vera+in+TS+rain_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxByKn3tI/AAAAAAAABLI/wht_XZPzTls/s400/D2_4_Vera+in+TS+rain_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361870738077245138" /></a><br /><div>We visited Silver City on our way up the mountain. Stopped at the cabin where Billy the kid spent time</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxVwpqi9I/AAAAAAAABLQ/U-ursO0PHoc/s1600-h/D3_1_VerainSilverCity.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxVwpqi9I/AAAAAAAABLQ/U-ursO0PHoc/s400/D3_1_VerainSilverCity.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361871081267956690" /></a>Went to Gila Cliffs National Forest and Cliff dwellings - very pretty view of a long way into the valley<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxpueK1QI/AAAAAAAABLY/iqVyedn2x3Y/s1600-h/D3_2_Vera+at+Gila+Cliffs.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkxpueK1QI/AAAAAAAABLY/iqVyedn2x3Y/s400/D3_2_Vera+at+Gila+Cliffs.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361871424280253698" /></a><br />On our way out of Gila Cliffs, we stopped at City of Rocks north of Deming, NM; we almost got ourselves a set of deer antlers when a buck almost hit the side of our car - luckily both of us escaped without injury<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkyAX7Z5WI/AAAAAAAABLg/B5xt9b6Efaw/s1600-h/D3_3_VeraatCityofRocks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkyAX7Z5WI/AAAAAAAABLg/B5xt9b6Efaw/s400/D3_3_VeraatCityofRocks.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361871813365851490" /></a><div><br /></div><div>We stopped at White Sands National Monument; we also stopped at White Sands missile range and museum but I did not have my passport so I had to stay in the car - plus they had rules about which direction to face when taking a picture so we decided to just take memories. Not wanting to be a national threat.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkyVgTSlKI/AAAAAAAABLo/HQVFwy-x5SM/s1600-h/D4_1_Vera+at+White+Sands+NP.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkyVgTSlKI/AAAAAAAABLo/HQVFwy-x5SM/s400/D4_1_Vera+at+White+Sands+NP.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361872176390771874" /></a>More of White Sands National Monument<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkypvzboZI/AAAAAAAABLw/WhpRCmGPHos/s1600-h/D4_2_Vera+at+Whites+Sand+NP_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkypvzboZI/AAAAAAAABLw/WhpRCmGPHos/s400/D4_2_Vera+at+Whites+Sand+NP_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361872524149498258" /></a><br /><div>I got to play in the sand - it sure is white</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smky76_2CCI/AAAAAAAABL4/a7zm45aVnQ8/s1600-h/D4_3_Vera+in+the+sand.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smky76_2CCI/AAAAAAAABL4/a7zm45aVnQ8/s400/D4_3_Vera+in+the+sand.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361872836391995426" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>We got our own stealth display. We were driving by Alamogordo which is the home of the Stealth Fighters and one was practicing take-offs. Way cool. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkzPy9KRRI/AAAAAAAABMA/56qS8Hjecs0/s1600-h/D4_4_Stealth+alert.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SmkzPy9KRRI/AAAAAAAABMA/56qS8Hjecs0/s400/D4_4_Stealth+alert.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361873177830638866" /></a>More Stealth<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkzjw-pQfI/AAAAAAAABMI/mjftlnjPVpM/s1600-h/D4_5_Stealth+overhead.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkzjw-pQfI/AAAAAAAABMI/mjftlnjPVpM/s400/D4_5_Stealth+overhead.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361873520897376754" /></a><br /><div>Went to Carlsbad Caverns - Huge and Incredible; it was very interesting to see the difference between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Karthner</span> and Carlsbad and how they are controlled.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkz97CL1lI/AAAAAAAABMQ/nZwdqgeD3Ro/s1600-h/D5_1_Vera+at+Carlsbad.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smkz97CL1lI/AAAAAAAABMQ/nZwdqgeD3Ro/s400/D5_1_Vera+at+Carlsbad.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361873970273179218" /></a><br /><div>I was hanging out in the parking lot looking over the valley</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk0RuvmfaI/AAAAAAAABMY/gmNCAErJSJQ/s1600-h/D5_2_Vera+outside+Carlsbad.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk0RuvmfaI/AAAAAAAABMY/gmNCAErJSJQ/s400/D5_2_Vera+outside+Carlsbad.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361874310571392418" /></a><br /><div>It was very windy!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk0m9hQAHI/AAAAAAAABMg/oZzv1Hn8sBY/s1600-h/D5_3_Vera+in+trouble.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk0m9hQAHI/AAAAAAAABMg/oZzv1Hn8sBY/s400/D5_3_Vera+in+trouble.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361874675314983026" /></a><br />We went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Capitan</span>, NM to visit Smokey Bear State Park and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Gravesite</span> - the real purpose of our trip<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1AB9PG4I/AAAAAAAABMo/X65BkpDV7ZM/s1600-h/D6_1_Vera+at+Smokey+Bear+Park.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1AB9PG4I/AAAAAAAABMo/X65BkpDV7ZM/s400/D6_1_Vera+at+Smokey+Bear+Park.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361875106002836354" /></a><br />At the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gravesite</span><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1VIizj8I/AAAAAAAABMw/yGkhfPhjgOo/s1600-h/D6_2_Vera+at+Smokey+Bear+gravesite.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1VIizj8I/AAAAAAAABMw/yGkhfPhjgOo/s400/D6_2_Vera+at+Smokey+Bear+gravesite.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361875468548280258" /></a><br /><div>Stopped at Salinas Pueblo Missions Natl Monument on our way to Albuquerque. Not a lot of visitors but well worth the stop. There are three separate locations that make up the park</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1sA2xa-I/AAAAAAAABM4/kaOEZG9eM04/s1600-h/D6_3_+Vera+at+Salinas+NP.JPG"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk1sA2xa-I/AAAAAAAABM4/kaOEZG9eM04/s400/D6_3_+Vera+at+Salinas+NP.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361875861621533666" /></a><div></div><div><br />Outside of Albuquerque there is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Petroglyph</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Nat'l</span> Monument -don't worry this is the one rock they said we could touch.<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk2OiU1ghI/AAAAAAAABNA/b77oYnZlCvc/s1600-h/D7_1_VeraatPetrographNP.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk2OiU1ghI/AAAAAAAABNA/b77oYnZlCvc/s400/D7_1_VeraatPetrographNP.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361876454721552914" /></a><br /><div>Finished off the trip with a stay in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sedona</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk2zDS_wHI/AAAAAAAABNI/OtNYPIw5POY/s1600-h/D8_2_Vera+in+Sedona_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk2zDS_wHI/AAAAAAAABNI/OtNYPIw5POY/s400/D8_2_Vera+in+Sedona_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361877082047496306" /></a><br /><div>More <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sedona</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk3KMWTI-I/AAAAAAAABNQ/3ose56GHqcE/s1600-h/D9_1_vera+in+sedona.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Smk3KMWTI-I/AAAAAAAABNQ/3ose56GHqcE/s400/D9_1_vera+in+sedona.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361877479614260194" /></a><br /><div>Special thanks to Annora, Scott & Harvey Jr. for letting me tag along. I had a great time and I can't wait for our next trip!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-64260994972893624452009-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:002009-05-28T21:40:07.235-07:00Mandalay Bay!! Las Vegas, NV May 25-27, 2009Yeah, I've been to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas a few times - I have family there - but this time was different. I got to stay at the Mandalay Bay hotel! It was pretty cool because it's a GORGEOUS hotel and I got a really good rate for 2 nights plus tickets to the Lion King Show.<div><br /></div><div>My room at the Mandalay Bay was great. I had a great view of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas Strip.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9X7qg6wPI/AAAAAAAABFM/_TfLKBtUQ7I/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9X7qg6wPI/AAAAAAAABFM/_TfLKBtUQ7I/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341084365620953330" /></a><br /><br />The view was even better at night!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9YreBlbxI/AAAAAAAABFU/nYWQ3Q_V8wg/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9YreBlbxI/AAAAAAAABFU/nYWQ3Q_V8wg/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341085186902028050" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I spent a couple of hours out at the "Lazy River" in a raft, just floating around. It was a blast, but you've got to watch out for those waterfalls!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9k9Z46KJI/AAAAAAAABGs/ZXi78XWYSiM/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9k9Z46KJI/AAAAAAAABGs/ZXi78XWYSiM/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341098689169074322" /></a></div><div>I went out for dinner before the Lion King show to Mix, a bar/restaurant at the top of the hotel. The restaurant is really cool - all white, with just red water glasses on the table. And there's a curtain of glass bubbles that goes around the center of the room.<br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9ZmPf0CxI/AAAAAAAABFk/8xAG8wgw6yk/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9ZmPf0CxI/AAAAAAAABFk/8xAG8wgw6yk/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341086196614564626" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9Zl-DxD5I/AAAAAAAABFc/733gxomOXs0/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0003.jpg"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9Zl-DxD5I/AAAAAAAABFc/733gxomOXs0/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341086191933525906" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Naturally, I had to have my picture taken by the famous "Welcome to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Las</span> Vegas" sign - it's a lot easier to get there now - they've built a parking lot right in front of it - so you don't have to run across 4 lanes of traffic anymore!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9ayQzdgBI/AAAAAAAABFs/xfIYXwcbELM/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0004.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9ayQzdgBI/AAAAAAAABFs/xfIYXwcbELM/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341087502635466770" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I headed over to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Bellagio</span> to see the Conservatory, which is always gorgeous</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9c2PHCIUI/AAAAAAAABF0/ll9sn4sBlbM/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9c2PHCIUI/AAAAAAAABF0/ll9sn4sBlbM/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341089769923420482" /></a>And I had to check out the water show out front:<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9eZqLZybI/AAAAAAAABGE/B3yehEI0dwo/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9eZqLZybI/AAAAAAAABGE/B3yehEI0dwo/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0006.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341091477996554674" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9eZT8QGnI/AAAAAAAABF8/ymE1t8G7JwA/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9eZT8QGnI/AAAAAAAABF8/ymE1t8G7JwA/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341091472027425394" /></a><div>The water show was set to the song "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood in honor of Memorial Day weekend. Very cool. And I want to take this moment to say Thank You to all our troops who have stood up and defended our freedom. You guys are awesome. And your families too - who go through a lot of tough times while you are away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for all you do.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Later that evening, I headed over to Firefly, a Tapas restaurant on Paradise for some of the best Tapas I've ever had. I ordered a pitcher of white wine sangria (YUM!) which they make in the restaurant. And of course, had to have the gazpacho, which is the best I've had anywhere.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9gukWUmhI/AAAAAAAABGM/Ts78ASkWvgc/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9gukWUmhI/AAAAAAAABGM/Ts78ASkWvgc/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341094036232247826" /></a><br />I finished off the meal with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Chorizo</span> Clams - wow! I wouldn't have thought those 2 things would go so well together, but yum yum yum!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9iT2xf-tI/AAAAAAAABGU/jLSp2mSeVlg/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9iT2xf-tI/AAAAAAAABGU/jLSp2mSeVlg/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0009.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341095776344865490" /></a><br />After dinner, I headed over to the Foundation Room - you know, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">exclusive</span> Members Only club at the Mandalay Bay. Yeah, I have contacts...... (Thanks Danny!)<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9jvhj6sKI/AAAAAAAABGk/8llr_IQz_mE/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9jvhj6sKI/AAAAAAAABGk/8llr_IQz_mE/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341097351198716066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9jvb7uf-I/AAAAAAAABGc/QBBlPU_I87o/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9jvb7uf-I/AAAAAAAABGc/QBBlPU_I87o/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341097349687967714" /></a><div>Important note: On Tuesday nights, they close around 11 PM. I only barely just made it up for one drink. Who knew Vegas closes early these days?? Maybe it's turning middle-aged.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and check out who I ran into at the Venetian!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9mR8dTGMI/AAAAAAAABG0/blBSHVEGPsU/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sh9mR8dTGMI/AAAAAAAABG0/blBSHVEGPsU/s400/Las+Vegas+-+Cousin%27s+Camp_0013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341100141557520578" /></a>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-75310676886639703042009-05-17T20:42:00.000-07:002009-05-23T08:44:12.544-07:00100 Miles of Nowhere - Part 1 - May 16, 2009I went and did a crazy thing - I signed up for "<a href="http://www.fatcyclist.com/2009/04/23/register-now-for-the-100-miles-of-nowhere/">100 Miles of Nowhere</a>" which is basically an unofficial unorganized ride to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. It was thought up by one of my favorite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bloggers</span>, <a href="http://www.fatcyclist.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FatCyclist</span></a>. The whole idea is to ride for 100 miles on your trainer (stationary bike) or in the smallest possible area you can - so that you can have a GPS track that looks like this: (note the scale):<div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDaOm0DNiI/AAAAAAAABC8/r4BbiSdlRmI/s400/GPS+Track.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 277px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337005502905923106" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now, I will freely admit.... I want to help raise money for cancer, and I like the idea of doing it in such a completely silly way.... and part of me just really wants the t-shirt:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDaeRh-ufI/AAAAAAAABDE/CX3tiVcUlPY/s1600-h/Shirt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 390px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDaeRh-ufI/AAAAAAAABDE/CX3tiVcUlPY/s400/Shirt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337005772070894066" /></a>But seriously, I'm also doing it for the challenge. I've only been riding bikes with Mel for about a year, and I've never gone more than 40 miles in a ride (and that was an organized ride with rest stops every 15 miles). I know I couldn't ride 100 miles in a day, so I set myself up with a goal to do it in 2 weekends. And I really don't think I could do it on a trainer or by riding loops around my neighborhood without going seriously nutty... So I nixed those requirements and just decided to go as far as I can in the straightest possible line, and then turn around and come back.<div><br /></div><div>Mel and I headed out yesterday morning from her friend <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nica's</span> house. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nica</span> lives really close to the beach, so it worked out great as a safe place to park the car, and a way to add a few miles to the ride. We headed out towards Channel Islands Harbor and then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ventura</span> Harbor.</div><div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDcXJDPgeI/AAAAAAAABDU/J7xTg9PHGP4/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDcXJDPgeI/AAAAAAAABDU/J7xTg9PHGP4/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337007848558658018" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDcW3NTiVI/AAAAAAAABDM/2_EE_1ENd8E/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDcW3NTiVI/AAAAAAAABDM/2_EE_1ENd8E/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337007843769026898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Look - Boats!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a pretty gray day - but it was great for riding. I got going pretty fast and wasn't baking in the sun - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gnomads</span> sunburn so easily, you know. I rode from Oxnard, through Channel Islands, past <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Ventura</span> Harbor until I got to the start of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Omer</span> Rains trail. This is a wonderful 8-mile long trail that runs along the coast in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ventura</span>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDeqNjm62I/AAAAAAAABDc/xrjLrmAFFa4/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDeqNjm62I/AAAAAAAABDc/xrjLrmAFFa4/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0004.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337010375208921954" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">You go right under the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ventura</span> pier and along the boardwalk by the beach. There are lots of people walking their dogs, roller blading, getting ready to surf, and just generally taking in the sun (which we didn't have much of today). I can handle most of those people, but then there are these:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDgYm9zAVI/AAAAAAAABDk/yyMfDPBSe8M/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDgYm9zAVI/AAAAAAAABDk/yyMfDPBSe8M/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0005.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337012271815262546" /></a>There are a bunch of places where these can be rented at any beach, but I have never ever seen people actually in control of one of these things! Usually it's full of people, half hanging out, screaming and careening all over the road/trail and anything in front or behind is in danger.... I've actually seen kids fall out of them, seen people jump out while it's still going... They're a menace! (I keep trying to tell myself, "At least they're peddling," but it doesn't work....)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In spite of the cool, gray day, there were lots of surfers out....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDiXy-eQVI/AAAAAAAABDs/eG4XW1C_tKY/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDiXy-eQVI/AAAAAAAABDs/eG4XW1C_tKY/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0007.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337014456882708818" /></a>You can't actually see them in this picture, but they're there behind me.....<div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite spots on this trail is the estuary. The trail turns right to follow the river for a little way, but I like to stop right there where the river meets the ocean and watch the birds and people playing in the water.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDlotaAriI/AAAAAAAABD8/Z80DBhJHkX0/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDlotaAriI/AAAAAAAABD8/Z80DBhJHkX0/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337018045980257826" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDlob3F71I/AAAAAAAABD0/SfJ1VP2LSyc/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDlob3F71I/AAAAAAAABD0/SfJ1VP2LSyc/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337018041270398802" /></a><div>Keep riding and the trail takes you through Emma Woods State Beach and then ends up at Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rincon</span> Highway - there's a scary place where you have to cross the highway and hope no one is coming around the corner (Whew! Made it!) and then you go over this hill to a spectacular view of the coast:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDnfOORYjI/AAAAAAAABEE/CeDiaIeO1jw/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDnfOORYjI/AAAAAAAABEE/CeDiaIeO1jw/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0012.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337020082013954610" /></a><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Ok</span>, the view's a little better just a few yards farther down, but I was in the way and didn't want to endanger any other bikers.....<div><br /></div><div>I kept riding until I ran out of trail.... Right at 22.5 miles. I had some choices - turn around and make my ride 5 miles shorter than I planned, or ride a few laps around the harbor until I added up those 5 more miles (see the beginning of this post to see my feelings about riding short laps), OR, I could actually keep going, which meant riding on the 101 freeway until I hit 25 miles, finding the closest off-ramp to that, and turning around.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's what I did....</div><div><br /></div><div>Have no doubt - I <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">do not like riding on the freeway!</span> I've done it before, always with someone riding with me, and I hated it then. I've never done it by myself! But doggone if I was going to turn around 2.5 miles from my goal!</div><div><br /></div><div>So here I am at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Rincon</span> State Park - 25.52 miles.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtDB2bP8I/AAAAAAAABEc/LSvoxMc6KqU/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtDB2bP8I/AAAAAAAABEc/LSvoxMc6KqU/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337026194726141890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtC6aggeI/AAAAAAAABEU/viqgmEW77Hc/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtC6aggeI/AAAAAAAABEU/viqgmEW77Hc/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0013.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337026192729997794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtCq1jfyI/AAAAAAAABEM/Tcf6YBqsISw/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDtCq1jfyI/AAAAAAAABEM/Tcf6YBqsISw/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0016.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337026188548472610" /></a><div><br /></div><div>From there, I turned around and headed back - another 3 miles on the freeway - and no, I still don't like riding on the freeway!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDu2pqHIfI/AAAAAAAABEk/rqSCADAde9s/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShDu2pqHIfI/AAAAAAAABEk/rqSCADAde9s/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337028181096866290" /></a></div><div>I am fascinated though, by this island - there's a long bridge leading out to it, and it looks really pretty with palm trees and everything, but the public isn't allowed to go out there. What is it? Does anyone know?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIvZmjbxcI/AAAAAAAABEs/TCLYtG3PvFU/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIvZmjbxcI/AAAAAAAABEs/TCLYtG3PvFU/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337380625279862210" /></a></div><div><br />I stopped on the way back to take in some Sports Beans (those are nutrition, right?) and thought I'd show that the view on the other side of the highway is pretty too - although foggy today. I got to thinking about how lucky I am to live where I do - I have all this prettiness (even on a gray foggy day) within minutes of my home.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIwvxck04I/AAAAAAAABE0/2VGiS57pnmg/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIwvxck04I/AAAAAAAABE0/2VGiS57pnmg/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0020.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337382105672635266" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And here are some wildflowers I saw.....</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIx7or5riI/AAAAAAAABE8/UpqOKyZB0T4/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShIx7or5riI/AAAAAAAABE8/UpqOKyZB0T4/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337383408991055394" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And then I stopped snapping pictures because I was getting tired and very focused on not quitting before I hit my 50 mile mark.... And I made it! Woo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hoo</span>!!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShI0LN3LNQI/AAAAAAAABFE/5sSGLJs-Cws/s1600-h/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/ShI0LN3LNQI/AAAAAAAABFE/5sSGLJs-Cws/s400/100+Miles+of+Nowhere_0023.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337385875691746562" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And I've got to send out a big Thank You to <a href="http://www.fatcyclist.com/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">FatCyclist</span></a> for giving me a challenge I didn't think I could do - and a darn good reason to try it.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking for a good cause, head over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">FatCyclist</span>.com and look for links to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Livestrong</span> Ride and Team Fatty.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Postscript.....</span></span></div><div>I am currently at mile 95, and planning to finish the last 5 miles tomorrow morning! Woo Hoo! I didn't really think I'd get all 100 miles done in 2 weeks, and right now I'm actually on target to get them done in 1 week! I'm very excited about this. No more pictures, unless I take some tomorrow morning, as the last 50 miles have pretty much been around home, most of them on what I call the "Tour de Cul de Sac", which means I'm riding in and out of all the cul de sacs that surround my neighborhood. And Yes, after about the 5th loop, the guy washing his car does start to look at you funny......</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">P.P.S......</span></div><div>I finished those last 5 miles this morning - it was a sprint to the finish, but I won my division! Woo Hoo!!!! (Never mind that it's the Newbury Park Cul-de-Sac Division for Women ages 40-45. And I was the only one in it - I won!!!!)</div></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-46964855485295262662009-03-14T21:13:00.000-07:002009-03-14T21:50:56.006-07:00Perfect Day along the California Coast - 3/12/09<div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><div>Mel and I decided to play hooky from work last Thursday, and we talked our friends Louise & Gnugent into going on a bike ride with us up the California coast from Ventura to Carpenteria.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was an ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR day. We could not have picked a better day to play hooky from work! The sun was out, the sky was blue. On the way up the coast, we even saw a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waves!! </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx3uy_Xo_I/AAAAAAAABAc/MNSUIs0mP5g/s1600-h/Image073.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx3uy_Xo_I/AAAAAAAABAc/MNSUIs0mP5g/s400/Image073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313253306235593714" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx3uej3v8I/AAAAAAAABAU/KU1XT0GJjx0/s1600-h/Image074.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx3uej3v8I/AAAAAAAABAU/KU1XT0GJjx0/s400/Image074.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313253300751548354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div>These pictures aren't great - you can barely see fins popping out of the water. It's because I didn't bring a camera with me, just my cell phone. But we pulled over to the side of the road and just stood there watching them for awhile. As many times as I've ridden up this coast, I've never once seen anything but surfers. So this was exciting. A couple other cyclists pulled over with us and said that sometimes you can see whales too. So I'll definitely have to plan some rides when the whales are moving north!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We texted my brother Georgie, who lives in snowy NY, a picture of the coastline asking if he didn't wish he was playing hooky to go on a bike ride....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx4RwAz6GI/AAAAAAAABAk/0uzMLnbjfGU/s1600-h/Image075.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx4RwAz6GI/AAAAAAAABAk/0uzMLnbjfGU/s400/Image075.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313253906731755618" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /></div><div>He responded: "I hate you". I sent him a note back that it's always nice to feel the brotherly love.... I'm sure it's not fun being taunted by your little sister while you're at work and she's engaging in your favorite past time..... ha ha.... That's what little sisters are for, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Louise, Mel, Gnugent, and I headed all the way up to Carpenteria. That's the farthest I've ever ridden up the coast - about 16 miles from where we started. You couldn't ask for a lovelier ride, except the part where we have to merge onto the freeway for a few miles. That part is SCARY! And we rode past La Conchita - the community that had the tragic landslide a couple of years ago that buried houses and killed a family. It's spooky. People still live there, so it looks like part ghost-town and part kitschy beach community. I had no idea when that happened how close it was to where I live.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once in Carpenteria, we stopped at <a href="http://www.lindenavenue.com/db/location/25.html">Tony's</a> - a little hole-in-the-wall Italian place that Louise knew about. We split a salad and ravioli. I have to say, that might be the best meat sauce I've had since the last time I went to <a href="http://local.yahoo.com/info-20740347-vince-s-for-spaghetti-ontario">Vince's</a> in Ontario! (Vince's is famous - if you're out in the Inland Empire, you must try one of their locations! But now I say, if you're in Carpenteria, you must try Tony's!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the salad was nothing special, but meat ravioli with their meat sauce - as Rachel Ray would say.... YUM-O! We practically licked our plates. Good thing they gave us garlic bread (which was also yummy - very thin crisp slices) to sop it up with.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pleasantly satisfied, we headed back out on our bikes to find a Salt Marsh that Louise had read about. Conveniently, she had a map loaded on to her cell phone, and we realized that from Tony's, it wasn't far away. So we headed down the street, turned the corner, and there we were! The <a href="http://nrs.ucop.edu/Reserves/carpinteria/Carpinfo.html">Carpenteria Salt Marsh Reserve</a> turned out to be a lovely spot. Bikes aren't allowed out onto the reserve, so we hope we weren't breaking too many rules by walking (not riding) our bikes in (there was nowhere close by to lock up). There are some informational signs and a nice area to just sit and take in the scenery, which looked like this:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx762MX6_I/AAAAAAAABAs/GQWdzbfwXaE/s1600-h/Image076.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx762MX6_I/AAAAAAAABAs/GQWdzbfwXaE/s400/Image076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313257911300385778" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a>It doesn't look like much in a cell phone picture, but there was a stream running through - at the time we were there, the tide must have been coming in because the water was running away from the ocean and toward the mountains. We saw 2 egrets, a heron, and several hawks fly and land in the area, and just sat and listened to the sound of waves, birds calling, wind, and just quiet. It was such a lovely spot! We thought it would be a great place to bring a picnic lunch to. There were also signs that told about the geology of the area, wildlife, etc. So it would be an educational outing for kids too. It's not a huge area, at least, not what we saw, but soooo worth the trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>We reluctantly turned around and headed back south down the street we came up. The street dead-ended at a campground, and we thought it might be nice to ride through there as it was right on the coast. There were some lovely views from the campground also:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9IihGalI/AAAAAAAABBE/dhA9pRCSDLk/s1600-h/Image077.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9IihGalI/AAAAAAAABBE/dhA9pRCSDLk/s400/Image077.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313259246048406098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a>This first picture was taken when riding over a bridge from one side of the campground to the other. Such a wonderful view of a river emptying out into the Pacific Ocean.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9IlGy0jI/AAAAAAAABA8/q3indo9X8ao/s1600-h/Image078.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9IlGy0jI/AAAAAAAABA8/q3indo9X8ao/s400/Image078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313259246743376434" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9InETa1I/AAAAAAAABA0/7vc4fqnLleI/s1600-h/Image079.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx9InETa1I/AAAAAAAABA0/7vc4fqnLleI/s400/Image079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313259247269800786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><br />The campground dead-ended and we had to hoist our bikes over some railroad tracks to get back to the road out of town, but it was another side trip that was definitely worth it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Reluctantly, we headed back out of town - a few miles on the freeway then back to the relative calm of Pacific Coast Highway (which is also not that calm - but much better than the freeway). It was mid-afternoon, the sun was still out, the sky was still blue. A perfect day to revel in God's creation. As Louise put it - it was like a whole vacation in one day.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx-FJKxl-I/AAAAAAAABBM/pa8zU_oevQI/s1600-h/Image080.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/Sbx-FJKxl-I/AAAAAAAABBM/pa8zU_oevQI/s400/Image080.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313260287215900642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a><div style="text-align: center;">"The heavens declare the glory of God..." (Ps 19:1) That day, the oceans and the sand dunes did too.<br /></div></div></span></div></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-79377036982682494412009-02-06T20:23:00.000-08:002009-02-06T20:38:42.998-08:00Thanksgiving in Mariposa, CA - November 2008It's pretty much tradition to go up to visit Aunt Lena & Uncle Ole in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Oakhurst</span>, CA every year for Thanksgiving. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Oakhurst</span> is right outside Yosemite National Park, so as you can imagine, it's beautiful there!<div><br /></div><div>On the day after Thanksgiving, we went up to Yosemite to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wawona</span> school house. It's a little one-room schoolhouse that still operates in the park. On the Friday after Thanksgiving every year, they have an Arts & Crafts fair fundraiser to help raise money for the school.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look who we ran in to!</div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0NyPIdKSI/AAAAAAAAA_E/ZmBloEeoDhc/s400/Thanksgiving.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299907493191559458" /></div><div><br /></div><div>She looks like she doesn't quite know what to think of us, doesn't she???</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0OTaiFReI/AAAAAAAAA_M/sfpY_yXzDwY/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0OTaiFReI/AAAAAAAAA_M/sfpY_yXzDwY/s400/Thanksgiving+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299908063187518946" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Mrs. Claus" is really Anita, a friend of Ole & Lena's. She makes and sells the most amazing Elderberry Jam and Tamales. Yum Yum Yum!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After checking out the fair, we headed over to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mariposa</span>, CA. That's a pretty little mountain community with lots of nice shops and restaurants. We walked around the main drag for awhile, checked out some favorite shops ("Chocolate Soup" is the best!) and just enjoyed the atmosphere.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Behind the shops, there is a nice walking path that goes along a creek (I'm sure the creek has a name, but I can't remember it - so if you know, post a comment and tell me!). It was such a lovely day - cold but pretty out. Being a city girl, I enjoy walking through the leaves and experiencing (a little) nature....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P5dmx1PI/AAAAAAAAA_k/2gjTrqQSpbI/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P5dmx1PI/AAAAAAAAA_k/2gjTrqQSpbI/s400/Thanksgiving+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299909816359179506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P5P478aI/AAAAAAAAA_c/5y2FRqR5d1o/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P5P478aI/AAAAAAAAA_c/5y2FRqR5d1o/s400/Thanksgiving+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299909812677243298" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P42IqAJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VEXWGmIq0Yw/s1600-h/Thanksgiving+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SY0P42IqAJI/AAAAAAAAA_U/VEXWGmIq0Yw/s400/Thanksgiving+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299909805763854482" /></a><br /></div><div>Isn't it pretty?<br /><br /></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-11188271883386098722009-02-05T19:32:00.001-08:002009-02-05T20:38:32.089-08:00Christmas at Disneyland - November 22, 2008One of the best times of year to go to Disneyland is between November & January. They deck the whole park out with Christmas decorations and it's just magical! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gnugent</span> and I headed down to the park in late November to check it out.<div><br /></div><div>Right as you get to Main Street, you'll see the GINORMOUS Christmas tree with bigger than life decorations.</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu6PuoSykI/AAAAAAAAA98/4f24jhOs1AQ/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(8).jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299534165909359170" /><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuwLU3pp_I/AAAAAAAAA8k/D4YtIujnpd8/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299523095158695922" /><div style="text-align: left;">Then as you look down Main Street, you see the garlands going all down the street: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuyOwhmstI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8qKmpIvXHxo/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuyOwhmstI/AAAAAAAAA8s/8qKmpIvXHxo/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299525353145283282" /></a><div>And the buildings on Main Street are all decked out too!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzRCRFewI/AAAAAAAAA9M/AYbNUnG2tBY/s1600-h/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzRCRFewI/AAAAAAAAA9M/AYbNUnG2tBY/s400/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299526491779201794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQ3EUkLI/AAAAAAAAA9E/1eJftsD8MHg/s1600-h/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQ3EUkLI/AAAAAAAAA9E/1eJftsD8MHg/s400/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299526488772874418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQ0aCmmI/AAAAAAAAA88/u7ZAw76T8NE/s1600-h/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQ0aCmmI/AAAAAAAAA88/u7ZAw76T8NE/s400/Disneyland+during+Holidays+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299526488058665570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQudDnkI/AAAAAAAAA80/pIWA203o5BQ/s1600-h/Disneyland+during+Holidays.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYuzQudDnkI/AAAAAAAAA80/pIWA203o5BQ/s400/Disneyland+during+Holidays.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299526486460702274" /></a>Over in the Big Thunder Ranch area (between <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Frontierland</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fantasyland</span>), they have a cute little Santa's Village set up. The decorations there are just lovely - there are lots of great picture spots!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1CrXyyVI/AAAAAAAAA9k/mzR80LXp1gI/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1CrXyyVI/AAAAAAAAA9k/mzR80LXp1gI/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299528444138408274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1Ci3qaII/AAAAAAAAA9c/RCPfcDfHQRo/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1Ci3qaII/AAAAAAAAA9c/RCPfcDfHQRo/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299528441856157826" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1CAin-nI/AAAAAAAAA9U/iz8r9fQIL-k/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu1CAin-nI/AAAAAAAAA9U/iz8r9fQIL-k/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299528432641112690" /></a><div>Then, after dark, you absolutely MUST go over to It's A Small World. Wait until the clock chimes. They have a wonderful light show that I didn't know existed. Here is some video of it (taken a couple of years ago - the first time I saw it).</div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxwWyD_fSYECHLf9Ct9kBxLrDoMkKKSRnmpFS6ZRVZ8eSfT51BISWcetHqNVUJXZONWoltVhNt67p-umD1CGQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Definitely take the time to ride on the "Storybook Land Canal Boats". It's the cutest thing ever. There are miniatures of houses from all sorts of Disney stories - and before the holidays, the fairies come out and decorate! Almost all those little houses have adorable miniature Christmas decorations. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Sooooo</span> fun! Aladdin's house was the only one that wasn't decorated. We figured they must be celebrating Ramadan.....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu5VSgCWhI/AAAAAAAAA9s/NvRXgNo5fzc/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(18).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu5VSgCWhI/AAAAAAAAA9s/NvRXgNo5fzc/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(18).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299533161926122002" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a Holiday tour. One of Disneyland's knowledgeable tour guides takes you all over the park, pointing out special touches in the decorations that you may not have noticed (like that there's a Menorah in one of the windows on Main Street). </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu5zVac2LI/AAAAAAAAA90/_dIKOoPpQx0/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu5zVac2LI/AAAAAAAAA90/_dIKOoPpQx0/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299533678104074418" /></a>One of my favorite areas is New Orleans Square. The decorations are, of course, over-the-top, but beautiful. And while we were there, we saw the most amazing sunset:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu7Wg8xsFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/QOaMRQ5dTd0/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(11).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu7Wg8xsFI/AAAAAAAAA-M/QOaMRQ5dTd0/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(11).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299535382007885906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu7WSgl28I/AAAAAAAAA-E/VUGizLnR6rA/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(10).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu7WSgl28I/AAAAAAAAA-E/VUGizLnR6rA/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(10).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299535378131573698" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They take you on the 2 rides that have special "holiday editions" - The Haunted Mansion, which is all made over with a Nightmare before Christmas theme (personally, I much prefer the normal version of Haunted Mansion) and It's a Small World where they show how Christmas is celebrated all over the world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then you get special seating for the Holiday parade, where they also give you a yummy gingerbread cookie and a toasty cup of hot chocolate! :-) </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8zOc2LLI/AAAAAAAAA-k/JMdTzgf25Nc/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(12).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8zOc2LLI/AAAAAAAAA-k/JMdTzgf25Nc/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(12).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299536974769958066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8y7USpTI/AAAAAAAAA-c/JxsisTskMUU/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(13).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8y7USpTI/AAAAAAAAA-c/JxsisTskMUU/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(13).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299536969633801522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8ykdhIZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/NPBtOXGTg6A/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(14).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu8ykdhIZI/AAAAAAAAA-U/NPBtOXGTg6A/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(14).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299536963498484114" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>(By the way, if you are an annual <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">passholder</span>, or have an Auto Club membership, you can get a discount on the tour. We thought it was well worth doing).</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, after the parade, make sure to get yourself a good seat for the holiday fireworks spectacular (although I have to admit - fireworks choreographed to "Silent Night" is just odd...)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu9PrHUnEI/AAAAAAAAA-s/sH3rFHIM4AQ/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(16).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu9PrHUnEI/AAAAAAAAA-s/sH3rFHIM4AQ/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(16).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299537463500643394" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Oh! And how can I forget about the Castle!!!! It's my favorite part, naturally!!! During the day, the castle is covered in snow and icicles. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu9wp4izvI/AAAAAAAAA-0/W8z-q__2rOE/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(17).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu9wp4izvI/AAAAAAAAA-0/W8z-q__2rOE/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(17).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299538030105906930" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> But at night.... WOW!!! The lights come on and the magic happens. It's BEAUTIFUL!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu-I_FJXZI/AAAAAAAAA-8/uMmJtK5Z1_w/s1600-h/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(15).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SYu-I_FJXZI/AAAAAAAAA-8/uMmJtK5Z1_w/s400/Christmas+at+Disneyland+2008+(15).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299538448112770450" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Disneyland's holiday decorations are definitely a festive way to start off the Christmas season! Early in November and early January (before Thanksgiving and after Christmas, but before they take the decorations down) are the best, least crowded times to go. They do have special Thanksgiving Day and Christmas day meal opportunities if you plan to be there during the actual holidays. I've never done that, but I'm guessing they'd do a great job.<br /></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-47163784169742619282009-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:002009-01-16T19:40:27.082-08:00Upstate NY - November 7-8, 2008Mel and I headed up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Utica</span>, NY in November for a visit with Michelle & Georgie. It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">sooo</span> good to see my brother again, and I've never before seen where he lives.<div><br /></div><div>(By the way, if you're going to be in Upstate NY and would like some insider information on great sights to see and places to eat, check out Michelle's <a href="http://upstatenystuff.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">blog</span></a>)<br /><div><br /></div><div>They live in an adorable little craftsman style home in a nice neighborhood where you can walk all over the place. I have to say though, I really don't understand it - it's COLD out there! I had to wear my coat the whole time! Georgie was laughing at me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Georgie & Michelle took us over to Cat Town where Michelle's great- grandfather had lived and showed us this cool barn that he had built himself!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFEikdHSMI/AAAAAAAAA44/JK5GHPwRv18/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFEikdHSMI/AAAAAAAAA44/JK5GHPwRv18/s400/Upstate+NY+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292086397829073090" /></a><div>I think old structures like this are even more interesting to me because you don't often see them in California. Here, things like this are torn down to build condos. It's pretty sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>One neat thing about this barn is that it's built right along a creek, and I don't know if it was built this way, or just fixed up, but the creek actually flows a little under the barn, and a corner of the barn is propped up on stones to keep up from falling into the creek!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFF-DbHwbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/h_Z7toMU_fw/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFF-DbHwbI/AAAAAAAAA5I/h_Z7toMU_fw/s400/Upstate+NY+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292087969510310322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFF96jiJ6I/AAAAAAAAA5A/Ft2lDl9wI_c/s1600-h/Upstate+NY.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFF96jiJ6I/AAAAAAAAA5A/Ft2lDl9wI_c/s400/Upstate+NY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292087967129675682" /></a><br />This area was really quite pretty. Michelle & Georgie then took us up a little country road where we saw nice meadows and hay fields. It's funny, I saw big rolls of hay in the field for the first time - I think the only times I've seen that before has been in artwork and movies!<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI3a5lkuI/AAAAAAAAA5g/ot6uiC4ueRQ/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI3a5lkuI/AAAAAAAAA5g/ot6uiC4ueRQ/s400/Upstate+NY+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292091154087908066" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI3HXo9NI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/5Pn-9rIwpiU/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(5).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI3HXo9NI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/5Pn-9rIwpiU/s400/Upstate+NY+(5).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292091148845249746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI2tpS8zI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/WF4oCP9aePQ/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(6).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFI2tpS8zI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/WF4oCP9aePQ/s400/Upstate+NY+(6).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292091141939983154" /></a><br /></div><div>And we saw some snow! Georgie and I got out of the car and played in it :-)</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFJtalSumI/AAAAAAAAA5o/ZKoQq8u3HzU/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFJtalSumI/AAAAAAAAA5o/ZKoQq8u3HzU/s400/Upstate+NY+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292092081715722850" /></a><br /><br />After a nice drive through the country, we ended up at Fly Creek Cider Mill.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFLDMC25iI/AAAAAAAAA54/EC7Yv133KEk/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFLDMC25iI/AAAAAAAAA54/EC7Yv133KEk/s400/Upstate+NY+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292093555281946146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFLC5mI_ZI/AAAAAAAAA5w/4lKsen7A57s/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(8).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFLC5mI_ZI/AAAAAAAAA5w/4lKsen7A57s/s400/Upstate+NY+(8).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292093550329658770" /></a>I loved the Cider Mill. It has a cute little store and, of course, apple cider, but so much more than that. There were all sorts of apple food products - salsa, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">bbq</span> sauce, salad dressings, wine... I bought a bunch of stuff and had it shipped home to make gift baskets for Christmas. There was an area where you could see how cider is made (it wasn't operating while we were there though) and outside the mill there were lots of things to see and do.<br /><br />You could ride a tractor, for example:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMrXEwgkI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/OCgiChh8vqU/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(11).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMrXEwgkI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/OCgiChh8vqU/s400/Upstate+NY+(11).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292095344949101122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMrAfApKI/AAAAAAAAA6I/IVBriTmX2tg/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(12).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMrAfApKI/AAAAAAAAA6I/IVBriTmX2tg/s400/Upstate+NY+(12).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292095338885194914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMqx-EN7I/AAAAAAAAA6A/-2VMGYWvr-4/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(13).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFMqx-EN7I/AAAAAAAAA6A/-2VMGYWvr-4/s400/Upstate+NY+(13).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292095334988920754" /></a><br /><div>And there was also an area where you could feed ducks and chickens. This was pretty funny - you'd get food out of the dispenser and boy would they come running! A few of them were eye-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ing</span> Georgie & me a little too hungrily for my comfort.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were 2 ducks though that really cracked us up. They had such a distinct "look"! One had this top-knot that looked like an unruly thatch of hair - we named him Elvis. And the other had these curly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">poofy</span> feathers - they looked like one of those formal dresses we wore to dances in high school back in the 80's. We named her the Prom Queen:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFOdgw7zVI/AAAAAAAAA6g/mlm9dgnyuQY/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(9).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFOdgw7zVI/AAAAAAAAA6g/mlm9dgnyuQY/s400/Upstate+NY+(9).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292097306055396690" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFOdTMpEpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/O6Ay_kzSQzE/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(10).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFOdTMpEpI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/O6Ay_kzSQzE/s400/Upstate+NY+(10).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292097302413513362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Elvis and the Prom Queen</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On my last day in Upstate NY, Georgie took us over to Cooperstown, the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. I'm a big baseball fan, and so is my grandma who lives in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Las</span> Vegas, so I was excited to go there! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Almost the first thing we saw was Doubleday Field! This used to be the home of every year's Hall of Fame baseball game. It was so neat! It was also in the movie, "A League of their Own", which of course, I loved...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQnK9mXuI/AAAAAAAAA7A/mi63dExb2ck/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(14).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQnK9mXuI/AAAAAAAAA7A/mi63dExb2ck/s400/Upstate+NY+(14).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292099671024885474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQmwTS2PI/AAAAAAAAA64/kPcN882g0pU/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(15).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQmwTS2PI/AAAAAAAAA64/kPcN882g0pU/s400/Upstate+NY+(15).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292099663868123378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQmQBT_vI/AAAAAAAAA6w/Qaz9tehZu8s/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(16).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQmQBT_vI/AAAAAAAAA6w/Qaz9tehZu8s/s400/Upstate+NY+(16).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292099655202766578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQl2qPdwI/AAAAAAAAA6o/XjcVVPkNn6I/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(17).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFQl2qPdwI/AAAAAAAAA6o/XjcVVPkNn6I/s400/Upstate+NY+(17).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292099648395114242" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the Baseball Hall of Fame! We got to go inside, but I didn't actually get to do the museum tour - we were just out of time. I'd really like to go back and do that though. I think it would be interesting! But, we did manage to find time to check out the museum gift shop and I found lots of great Christmas presents there (for my baseball loving family!)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we were leaving Cooperstown, we turned down a little side street and came upon the most spectacular sight. This is Lake <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Otsego</span>. Enjoy.....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFSZhXjE3I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/yZPHkXVKPIE/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(18).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFSZhXjE3I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/yZPHkXVKPIE/s400/Upstate+NY+(18).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292101635544388466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFSZeqAwmI/AAAAAAAAA7I/rjT1r4rdGrc/s1600-h/Upstate+NY+(19).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SXFSZeqAwmI/AAAAAAAAA7I/rjT1r4rdGrc/s400/Upstate+NY+(19).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292101634816524898" /></a></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-83330766879596710572009-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:54:22.600-08:00Queen Mary - October 11, 2008<div>Mel's cousin Karen came out to run the Long Beach Half Marathon in October, and she invited Mel to ride the Bike Tour at the same time. Now Karen is the reason Mel started biking. Karen started running earlier this year, and Mel was thinking, "Hey, if she can run, I can ride!" And that's when the dusty old bike came down from the rafters and got fixed up. So it was really fun that they could do this event together. The City of Long Beach really goes all out - they have a full marathon, a half marathon, a 5k run/walk and a bike tour (which goes the full marathon route). <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Karen, Mel, & I stayed on the Queen Mary. It's the real cruise ship that used to cross the Atlantic Ocean, served in WWII, and now is docked in Long Beach and is a floating hotel. What a NEAT experience to get to stay on the ship!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGBdRuJKbI/AAAAAAAAA3M/n4iSfdVorGE/s1600-h/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGBdRuJKbI/AAAAAAAAA3M/n4iSfdVorGE/s400/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287649777482803634" /></a></div><div>Our room had 2 twin size beds, a nice closet and a decent sized bathroom. It wasn't a huge luxurious hotel bedroom, but on the other hand, cruise ship rooms are not usually huge (unless you pay lots of extra money). The walls were gorgeous wood (teak, I think, but I'm not sure about that) and there were all sorts of things in the room that were original - like an original ships fan and the faucets in the shower that gave you choices of hot salt water, hot fresh water, cold salt water, and cold fresh water (those don't work anymore. You have just plain boring hot & cold fresh water now). The whole boat is done in Art Deco style, which is very beautiful.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGCGrjqrUI/AAAAAAAAA3U/R2EHcxp7NQs/s1600-h/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGCGrjqrUI/AAAAAAAAA3U/R2EHcxp7NQs/s400/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287650488792821058" /></a></div><div>The night before the race, the Queen Mary hosted a "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carb</span> Load" dinner for the participants. We had all sorts of pasta and garlic bread and could eat to our heart's content. Actually, the only bad thing I have to say about staying on the Queen Mary was the food - none of the restaurants we tried had good food and the service was terrible. But other than that, we really enjoyed our stay!</div><div><br /></div><div>Both the bike tour and the half marathon routes took us right past the Queen Mary. The bike tour started before dawn, so as we went past the ship, the sun was just rising - making for a beautiful scene:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGCvCqJFqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/g_k76jk2Z5M/s1600-h/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(5).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGCvCqJFqI/AAAAAAAAA3c/g_k76jk2Z5M/s400/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(5).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287651182188762786" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The next day, after the races, we took an audio tour of the ship. I highly recommend doing this. It's self guided - you get an audio system and it tells you where to go next. We learned a LOT about the ship's history and even how it functions today. Did you know the radio room is still in use? They allow a local amateur radio club to operate the radios and they talk to people all over the world from the ship! I thought that was kind of cool. (Incidentally, if you want to take the tour, I highly recommend doing it BEFORE you run a marathon, as there are a lot of steps for sore legs to handle!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other things we saw....</div><div><br /></div><div>A beautiful inlaid wood picture of the Queen Mary:</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGDhKXUEFI/AAAAAAAAA3k/7Qes7NfFtkQ/s1600-h/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(6).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGDhKXUEFI/AAAAAAAAA3k/7Qes7NfFtkQ/s400/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(6).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652043250733138" /></a><br /></div><div>And the life boats (they were totally rotted - good thing there's no chance of the ship sinking now!)</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGD9rmR32I/AAAAAAAAA3s/xEK3DzskHMI/s1600-h/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWGD9rmR32I/AAAAAAAAA3s/xEK3DzskHMI/s400/Long+Beach+Marathon+%26+Bike+Tour+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287652533208211298" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was a great opportunity to get to re-live a little history and enjoy the nostalgia of staying on the Queen Mary. There are flaws, like some repair work that desperately needs to be done, but all in all, we were very glad we stayed there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-54550552664813195962009-01-04T19:13:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:35:56.186-08:00Harvest Ride for Literacy - October 4, 2008One of the really nice things about getting places by bike is that you get to see some really pretty places - you see them so much better than you do when you're speeding by in a car!<div><br /></div><div>In October, Mel & I and a couple of her friends participated in the Harvest Ride for Literacy. This was a 30 mile ride to help raise funds for adult reading education in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ventura</span> county. A pretty cool cause, I think.</div><div><br /></div><div>The trail went along the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Ventura</span> Coastline - an absolutely beautiful area:</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF75jLns_I/AAAAAAAAA2s/PpICoSDMh0E/s1600-h/Ventura+Coastal+Trail.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF75jLns_I/AAAAAAAAA2s/PpICoSDMh0E/s400/Ventura+Coastal+Trail.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287643666136413170" /></a></div><div>When you go on these organized rides, there's a route all planned out for you. They give you a sheet of paper with directions, and they also paint little symbols along the route for you to follow - like this:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF8l5drqyI/AAAAAAAAA20/2WbVN9KZXhU/s1600-h/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF8l5drqyI/AAAAAAAAA20/2WbVN9KZXhU/s400/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287644428031994658" /></a></div><div>Our route took us along the coast, riding up Pacific Coast Highway for a ways, and even getting onto the 101 freeway for part of the ride! That part was really scary!! We rode past the <a href="http://www.beachcalifornia.com/seacliff.html">La Conchita landslide</a> area. It was so strange. People still live in the community, so it looks like it's part ghost town, part still lived in. It was kind of creepy. I hadn't been up in that area since the landslide happened, so this was the first time I had seen it.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our halfway point was at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rincon</span> State Beach. There was a nice rest stop set up for us, with snacks and water.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF-Ky4kVfI/AAAAAAAAA28/CmXu-cUoTo4/s1600-h/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF-Ky4kVfI/AAAAAAAAA28/CmXu-cUoTo4/s400/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287646161432499698" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is Louise & me at the rest stop.</div><div><br /></div><div>The view from the rest stop was beautiful - right out over the Pacific Ocean. It was a gray and gloomy day though, and visibility didn't go out that far.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF-e-MjC6I/AAAAAAAAA3E/p3197UuLJKo/s1600-h/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SWF-e-MjC6I/AAAAAAAAA3E/p3197UuLJKo/s400/Harvest+Ride+for+Literacy+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287646508066474914" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we turned around and headed back for the last leg of the ride, disaster struck in 2 forms.... First, it started to rain. We expected maybe a little drizzle, and had jackets for that. But this was a DOWNPOUR. We were getting pelted - and since it was also slightly downhill and we were riding pretty fast, those rain drops actually stung! And then, Louise got a flat tire. Now she's had lots of flat tires (I keep telling her she needs to slime her tires!) so she can change them pretty fast, but nothing seems fast when you're getting soaked! She got the tire changed, and off we went again, then we found a family from the same ride sitting along the side of the road. Apparently Junior had crashed and had a skinned knee. Well, since Mel is a bit of a klutz (she admits it!), she was well prepared and she gave the family some <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Neosporin</span> & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bandaids</span> and they got Junior fixed right up. Off we went again... within one mile - Louise got another flat!</div><div><br /></div><div>That was IT! We called SAG support, which are very nice folks who ride around in real cars and help the bikers who have trouble. The vehicle that stopped only had room for Louise & her bike, so Maureen, Mel, & I were preparing to finish the last soggy 7 miles of the ride, when finally another SAG vehicle stopped and offered us a ride. After a very short battle with our pride, we very gratefully accepted the offer!</div><div><br /></div><div>So we didn't finish the whole 30 miles, but then this is supposed to be fun, right? And we decided getting pelted with rain, soaking wet and cold is really not that fun. But we're still planning to sign up again next year.....</div><div><br /></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-27620801071700614172008-12-31T11:48:00.001-08:002008-12-31T12:05:49.018-08:00Biking to Ojai - May 2008Mel has taken up a new hobby, so I'm finding myself on a lot of bike rides lately. The trail up to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ojai</span> is one of my favorites. <div><br /></div><div>We usually start out at Foster Park. It's got great parking and nice clean restrooms (very important!).</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvNsw4cfrI/AAAAAAAAA18/r2uR4a29kMo/s1600-h/Bike+ride+to+Ojai.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvNsw4cfrI/AAAAAAAAA18/r2uR4a29kMo/s400/Bike+ride+to+Ojai.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286044756568997554" /></a><br /></div><div>I've got pretty comfortable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">accommodations</span> in the bike basket. And the views are nice from there - all the benefit of the ride with none of the work!<br /></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvNsV31sbI/AAAAAAAAA10/iRqi92j5WMM/s400/Bike+ride+to+Ojai+(1).jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286044749318697394" /><div style="text-align: left;">I believe the trail is officially called the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Ventura</span> River Trail". It goes along a river for part of the way and then ascends up into the mountains towards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ojai</span>. It rises about 1000 feet in 11 miles, not too bad.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvOiUFxdEI/AAAAAAAAA2E/tmjjfpjzjZM/s1600-h/Bike+ride+to+Ojai+(2).jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvOiUFxdEI/AAAAAAAAA2E/tmjjfpjzjZM/s400/Bike+ride+to+Ojai+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286045676553204802" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The scenery is stunning! You get everything from streams (where we often see people swimming) to mountains to wide open meadows. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvPeROHIQI/AAAAAAAAA2U/d7WCTgdi3Eo/s400/Bike+ride+to+Ojai+(5).jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286046706575024386" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvPeICIeWI/AAAAAAAAA2M/96Xxt0AwTSE/s400/Bike+ride+to+Ojai+(4).jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286046704108861794" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And we even get to see all sorts of "Yard Art" along the way......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvPqyA33dI/AAAAAAAAA2c/KJxKcKIrzFg/s1600-h/Yard+Art.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvPqyA33dI/AAAAAAAAA2c/KJxKcKIrzFg/s400/Yard+Art.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286046921536298450" /></a>Now, the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span> best part of the ride happens when you get to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ojai</span>. We ride all the way out to the end of town to <a href="http://www.boccalis.com/index.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Bocalli's</span></a> - where we get the best pizza ever made!! This isn't a great picture of the building - but it does show how busy the parking lot always is!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvQR6GSy5I/AAAAAAAAA2k/ztYLS-if2H4/s1600-h/Boccalis.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvQR6GSy5I/AAAAAAAAA2k/ztYLS-if2H4/s400/Boccalis.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286047593721416594" /></a><br />So what's the best part of the ride, you ask? Well, that's the ride back - it's all downhill! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Wooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hoo</span>!!!!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-63728391066003161932008-12-31T11:17:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:45:36.810-08:00Las Vegas - February '08You may notice that I go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Las</span> Vegas a lot. I'm not your typical Vegas traveler - not big into gambling or clubbing. But I have family there. Mel's grandma, 2 of her aunts and all of her cousins live there, so we try to go at least twice a year. We don't always get down to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Las</span> Vegas Strip (believe it or not), but when we do, we try to explore something new or something we haven't seen before.<div><br /></div><div>This time, we had some fun at the Wax Museum at the Venetian hotel. As you can see, I made quite a few new friends.....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJk82pVDI/AAAAAAAAA1c/JIFFzIEPUUY/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJk82pVDI/AAAAAAAAA1c/JIFFzIEPUUY/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286040224297210930" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJkXCrVxI/AAAAAAAAA1U/sq8d6SjHVhE/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJkXCrVxI/AAAAAAAAA1U/sq8d6SjHVhE/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286040214147127058" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJkK8RxkI/AAAAAAAAA1M/NAMk80RSWJo/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJkK8RxkI/AAAAAAAAA1M/NAMk80RSWJo/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286040210899060290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJjj9tTfI/AAAAAAAAA1E/SzLeZ2IljhE/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJjj9tTfI/AAAAAAAAA1E/SzLeZ2IljhE/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286040200436076018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJjZs1wNI/AAAAAAAAA08/quxGx3ypc-0/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvJjZs1wNI/AAAAAAAAA08/quxGx3ypc-0/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286040197680971986" /></a></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtzhSBSI/AAAAAAAAA00/b3pLq1T2eug/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(5).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtzhSBSI/AAAAAAAAA00/b3pLq1T2eug/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(5).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286038177387250978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtdaB9DI/AAAAAAAAA0s/yQyu_mZWyS0/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(6).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtdaB9DI/AAAAAAAAA0s/yQyu_mZWyS0/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(6).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286038171451257906" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtOTjJhI/AAAAAAAAA0k/GE0dfp6tZJo/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHtOTjJhI/AAAAAAAAA0k/GE0dfp6tZJo/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286038167397541394" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHs4NCP2I/AAAAAAAAA0c/cr1L8AJpxhU/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(8).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHs4NCP2I/AAAAAAAAA0c/cr1L8AJpxhU/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(8).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286038161464639330" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHsqz4ZdI/AAAAAAAAA0U/fWAiE_3dPVs/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(9).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvHsqz4ZdI/AAAAAAAAA0U/fWAiE_3dPVs/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(9).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286038157869475282" /></a><div><br /></div><div>And of course, what trip to Vegas is complete without a little sing-along......</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvLOTwt4cI/AAAAAAAAA1k/dyJWQfqhM1U/s1600-h/Las+Vegas+022908.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvLOTwt4cI/AAAAAAAAA1k/dyJWQfqhM1U/s400/Las+Vegas+022908.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286042034332623298" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also got to ride in a Gondola outside of the hotel. My pictures didn't come out for some reason, but I did get a nice one of me and the Gondola driver.....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvLokn7OdI/AAAAAAAAA1s/CTpmTH540hw/s1600-h/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(12).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVvLokn7OdI/AAAAAAAAA1s/CTpmTH540hw/s400/Vegas+Trip+Feb+08+(12).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286042485535750610" /></a>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-57315334245179901602008-12-30T10:03:00.000-08:002009-02-06T20:23:20.478-08:00Space Shuttle Launch - Kennedy Space Center, Florida - October 23, 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpwiH9W6sI/AAAAAAAAA0M/B0rLJcpT_Vs/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpwiH9W6sI/AAAAAAAAA0M/B0rLJcpT_Vs/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285660844226964162" /></a>I was incredibly lucky enough to be in Florida at just the right time to witness a Space Shuttle launch. This is something I've wanted to see for as long as they've been launching shuttles, so I can't even begin to tell you how excited and honored I was to be there!<div><br /></div><div>Mel was excited too. The last time she had been at the Kennedy Space Center was right after the shuttle Challenger exploded. The Space program was on hold, and much of the activities in the center focused on keeping the program alive. So it was really special to be there to witness what we've accomplished since then.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Discovery was the shuttle that was launching that day, and its mission was to deliver a new module for the international space station.</div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVplL2R290I/AAAAAAAAAys/El0NryE7YVA/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285648366896084802" /></div><div>We had to get special tickets to be at the Space Center on launch day. We ordered them ahead of time and were so unspeakably excited when they arrived!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVplLi-sO-I/AAAAAAAAAyk/O-vTdix4gZM/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVplLi-sO-I/AAAAAAAAAyk/O-vTdix4gZM/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285648361715416034" /></a><br /></div><div>We had to arrive at the Space Center early - several hours before the launch. We had been warned about traffic in the area - and boy they weren't kidding! But we got there and scoped out what we thought would be a perfect viewing spot - and boy did we guard that spot! There was only one problem.... The place where we were looking very intensely <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">wasn't</span> where the shuttle lifted off! We still could see it though - fortunately. But it was kind of funny!</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpnCwbDB6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/5MTfIcSIbtw/s1600-h/Viewing+Spot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpnCwbDB6I/AAAAAAAAAy0/5MTfIcSIbtw/s400/Viewing+Spot.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285650409728444322" /></a><br /></div><div>They had the launch control stuff going over loudspeakers, so we could hear messages to the shuttle as they prepared for lift-off. Then the countdown started. It was really neat because EVERYONE there counted down. 5.....4........3........2.........1! And then you heard the engines. It was a low roaring noise - hard to explain. You almost felt it more than heard it. And then (once we looked in the right direction), you could see it - lifting over the trees, leaving a trail of white smoke behind it. Everyone cheered! It's really an emotional moment to see it happen. As it raised up toward the heavens, you could hear shuttle command talking to the astronauts. We heard the command for booster separation then saw it happen. We could even see the solid rocket boosters plummeting back to earth. And we followed the shuttle until it was just a speck of light leaving the atmosphere.</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzxGU_xRQ-2_DB-dVsDaZrov8sI1O4mDXbPS-gfyVoviG2zs2iAizNgUrWn7bxlfVilfpG8WQ9MSV_v8Dao4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div>(excuse the shakiness of the video - you'll get a laugh because you can hear us going "Wait - where is it??")</div><div><br /></div><div>Even in the video, you can feel the roar of the engines. Where you hear everyone clapping - about 1 min, 30 seconds in, that's when the Solid Rocket Boosters separated. We could see them falling back to Earth.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpn2Z0CaFI/AAAAAAAAAy8/GWzOlE8jzBE/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpn2Z0CaFI/AAAAAAAAAy8/GWzOlE8jzBE/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285651297012443218" /></a>It really was such an amazing sight!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpo35IzU2I/AAAAAAAAAzE/yUT_qQg68fM/s1600-h/Speck.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpo35IzU2I/AAAAAAAAAzE/yUT_qQg68fM/s400/Speck.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285652422112531298" /></a><div>After the launch, we all just stood there and breathed for a few moments - I think the whole place had been holding its breath! And then we were able to roam around the facility and check it out....</div><div><br /></div><div>This big building held the space shuttle launch simulator ride. You could actually get tickets to go in and experience what a launch would feel like. What was neat is that you had actual real astronauts describing what it would feel like and why you would feel the things you did. Of course, we thought Mission Space over at EPCOT was just a little bit of a better ride.....</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVptZZg_PqI/AAAAAAAAAzM/XSLSyTdKB-k/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVptZZg_PqI/AAAAAAAAAzM/XSLSyTdKB-k/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285657395786104482" /></a><br />There is also a life-size model of a shuttle that you can go into and look at - you can see the control panel room and the payload bay. It was kind of neat.<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpuMgcs3NI/AAAAAAAAAzc/UH8NnxOkjPs/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(13).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpuMgcs3NI/AAAAAAAAAzc/UH8NnxOkjPs/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(13).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285658273820499154" /></a></div><div>And it made a great place to hang out and get some shade.....<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpuMVFQvOI/AAAAAAAAAzU/a56Y7zDl4r8/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(6).jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285658270769396962" /><div>The rocket garden was really neat. There were models of rockets from all different stages of the space program that you could see - and some you could even go into. The rockets are beautiful <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">silhouetted</span> against the clear blue sky.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpvfaps6-I/AAAAAAAAAz0/QAE_My6I31c/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(12).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpvfaps6-I/AAAAAAAAAz0/QAE_My6I31c/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(12).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285659698193558498" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpvfIB2OfI/AAAAAAAAAzs/3q1fySvyoCY/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(10).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpvfIB2OfI/AAAAAAAAAzs/3q1fySvyoCY/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(10).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285659693194557938" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpveepntII/AAAAAAAAAzk/Ns1IidulZac/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(11).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpveepntII/AAAAAAAAAzk/Ns1IidulZac/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(11).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285659682087089282" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We could see the ginormous Vehicle Assembly Building - but since it was a launch day, we could not take the tour that takes you out there and to the launch pads.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpv3hv7yZI/AAAAAAAAAz8/MlRKNw5soJY/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(14).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpv3hv7yZI/AAAAAAAAAz8/MlRKNw5soJY/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(14).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285660112415607186" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the most touching displays at the Kennedy Space Center is the memorial to astronauts who have lost their life. There is a huge black marble slab and their names are etched into it. The slab is on rollers and can be moved. It is moved throughout the day so that it always reflects the sky - so that "the astronauts will forever be among the clouds." We stood there and looked at it in silence for awhile. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpwLkwCF0I/AAAAAAAAA0E/6Rv8MacC3jE/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVpwLkwCF0I/AAAAAAAAA0E/6Rv8MacC3jE/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285660456818710338" /></a><br /></div><div>If you ever have a chance to visit Kennedy Space Center, I can't recommend it highly enough. If you will be in the area when there's a launch, do everything you can to go see it. The shuttle program is scheduled to end in 2010, so there wont be that many more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">launches</span>. And it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">soooo</span> worth it. Now I'm hoping I can see the shuttle land at Edwards Air Force base. It lands here once in awhile, but there isn't much notice so it's VERY hard to get out there to see it. But just a couple of weeks ago, I heard the twin sonic booms as the shuttle flew over my house for a landing at Edwards just a couple of minutes later. That may be as close as I get to seeing it, but I'm still hoping!</div><div><br /></div><div>(And if any astronauts out there want to take me on a shuttle flight.... just send me an email and I'm there!!!!)</div></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-10176462432642705502008-12-29T20:46:00.000-08:002008-12-29T21:20:19.942-08:00Disney World - Hidden Mickeys - October 2007Have you heard about <a href="http://www.hiddenmickeys.org/WhatIs.html">Hidden Mickeys</a>? (No, I'm not making this up...) They're all over all the Disney Parks. They're little hidden images of Mickey Mouse concealed in the design of Disney attractions. They're kind of tributes to the mouse.... (and actually started as inside jokes by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">imagineers</span>).<div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gnugent</span> and I had some fun looking for hidden Mickeys in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Disney World</span> (Yes, we had some help from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Mickeys-3rd-Best-Kept-Disneylands/dp/1887140719/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230614121&sr=8-1">this book</a>). Here are some of the Mickeys we found (We forgot to take pictures of all of them).... And, there are no hidden Vera's or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Gnugents</span> anywhere to be found here....</div><div><br /></div><div>This one is on the Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom park:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmotQgFw9I/AAAAAAAAAxM/6PPs468wNuI/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmotQgFw9I/AAAAAAAAAxM/6PPs468wNuI/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285441133173130194" /></a><br /></div><div>And this is just outside of the Expedition Everest ride:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmpAAKA7NI/AAAAAAAAAxU/c8eWCperXw4/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmpAAKA7NI/AAAAAAAAAxU/c8eWCperXw4/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285441455203085522" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>This is in the Conservation exhibit at the Animal Kingdom park.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmpjDWXJhI/AAAAAAAAAxc/V8YgXElB4kw/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmpjDWXJhI/AAAAAAAAAxc/V8YgXElB4kw/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285442057355601426" /></a><br /><div>This one is in the carpet at the beautiful Grand Floridian hotel:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmqM77JA7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/7u2dK_otKFs/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmqM77JA7I/AAAAAAAAAxk/7u2dK_otKFs/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285442776916886450" /></a><br /></div><div>This one is one of my favorites. It's in a mural painted in the loading area of the Maelstrom ride in Norway (EPCOT). Notice the Viking that's wearing Mickey ears.....</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmq2fhjhbI/AAAAAAAAAxs/_DBKOwejNVY/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(4).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmq2fhjhbI/AAAAAAAAAxs/_DBKOwejNVY/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285443490847884722" /></a><br /></div><div>And here is the tunic of King Olaf of Norway:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmrQdrr3gI/AAAAAAAAAx0/XfBUSyu__hQ/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(5).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmrQdrr3gI/AAAAAAAAAx0/XfBUSyu__hQ/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(5).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285443937030102530" /></a><br /></div><div>This one is in a miniature German village in the World Showcase in EPCOT:<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmr_j1-pnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/m5vWbaj9Tyk/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(7).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmr_j1-pnI/AAAAAAAAAx8/m5vWbaj9Tyk/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(7).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285444746137740914" /></a><br /></div><div>And this is in a pond in the Japan Pavilion:<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmsd1HCAKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/_YlMjzgmpdk/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(8).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmsd1HCAKI/AAAAAAAAAyE/_YlMjzgmpdk/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(8).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285445266168742050" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br />This was in Morocco. It was so obvious, I didn't think it would actually be considered a "Hidden" Mickey, but the book says it is:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmt1S_twtI/AAAAAAAAAyM/HvB-lqGGQtc/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmt1S_twtI/AAAAAAAAAyM/HvB-lqGGQtc/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285446768839738066" /></a><br /></div><div>Another one of my favorites - it's the carpet at the Rock N Roller Coaster:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmunlm5DiI/AAAAAAAAAyU/6pU09bfaGkk/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(10).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmunlm5DiI/AAAAAAAAAyU/6pU09bfaGkk/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(10).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285447632829353506" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And this is on the Tower of Terror (look at the smudge on the wall.....):</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmvI-F1nBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/NRIkuzTUXsI/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(11).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmvI-F1nBI/AAAAAAAAAyc/NRIkuzTUXsI/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(11).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285448206337285138" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think the most fun thing about Hidden Mickeys is that they're all different - you never quite know where you'll see one or what form it will take. It's a fun little scavenger hunt and a GREAT way to kill time when you're waiting in line. There's a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Disneylands-Hidden-Mickeys-Disneyland-Best-Kept/dp/1887140700/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1230614121&sr=8-2">book</a> for Disneyland too! If you're heading off to the parks, I recommend it - happy hunting! (Note, the books are pretty small and easy to carry around the parks.....)</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-14519315603269735302008-12-29T19:38:00.000-08:002008-12-29T20:39:49.557-08:00Disney World - Magic Kingdom & Disney Hollywood Studios - October 2007<div>Next Stop: The Magic Kingdom - This is the park that is most like what I have at Disneyland. It really was a copy of the original Disneyland, but with a few changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were there in October, so it was decorated for their "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Halloweentime</span>" celebration. When you first walk up to the park, you see the Mickey floral display all done up with pumpkins....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmYjn5U3mI/AAAAAAAAAvs/xM5soJJUSoY/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(30).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmYjn5U3mI/AAAAAAAAAvs/xM5soJJUSoY/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(30).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285423375468256866" /></a>Now, I hate to be one of those people who's always comparing and saying "my park is better because...." but in this case.... I have to say, Disneyland does <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Halloweentime</span> better. Our decorations are WAY more sophisticated and way more elaborate. At the Magic Kingdom, there were only decorations when you first came into the park, but at Disneyland, they're all over, and they're at California Adventure too (there weren't any Halloween decorations at any of the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WDW</span> parks that I noticed). So, for example, here's the Mickey floral at Disneyland...<br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmZ1D70idI/AAAAAAAAAv0/bbhHBVwgmwY/s1600-h/Disneyland+with+Michelle,+Karen+W,+Barbara+H.,+Barbara+R..jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmZ1D70idI/AAAAAAAAAv0/bbhHBVwgmwY/s400/Disneyland+with+Michelle,+Karen+W,+Barbara+H.,+Barbara+R..jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285424774564317650" /></a><div>OK, I wont harp on this anymore.... But if you're listening <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WDW</span> folks - you can do better!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Generally, the Magic Kingdom is the same as Disneyland, but there are some differences. The biggest one is that the Magic Kingdom has Liberty Square, which is early America. I liked it a lot. But MK doesn't have New Orleans Square, so you miss out on some neat architecture.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmacA1pSxI/AAAAAAAAAv8/_8RpZT5xBqI/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(31).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmacA1pSxI/AAAAAAAAAv8/_8RpZT5xBqI/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(31).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285425443748006674" /></a><div><br /></div><div>and the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion is WAY different from Disneyland's - and I have to say, I like it better! The architecture is neat and I thought the ride (which had recently had some upgrades) is actually better than ours. Especially at Halloween when we have that dumb Nightmare Before Christmas makeover, which I can't stand.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmbjP8TEQI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ZZc6wqej7to/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(32).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmbjP8TEQI/AAAAAAAAAwM/ZZc6wqej7to/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(32).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285426667573154050" /></a>We used to have headstones in our Haunted Mansion graveyard like this, but they're gone now. I can remember standing in line as a kid and reading them. They were funny.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmbibubsKI/AAAAAAAAAwE/gN247uUzWxo/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(33).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmbibubsKI/AAAAAAAAAwE/gN247uUzWxo/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(33).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285426653556355234" /></a>I took a picture of this one for a reason - I used to have a wonderful boss named Fred, and he had this picture hanging in the office. It always made me laugh. It was kind of nostalgic to see it again.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Now, you may have the better Haunted Mansion, but we have a better Pirates of the Caribbean. Although you had some cool things in the queue that we don't have...</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmeQnLiQvI/AAAAAAAAAwc/DWTu0cVJEG8/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(18).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmeQnLiQvI/AAAAAAAAAwc/DWTu0cVJEG8/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(18).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285429645928448754" /></a>like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">gnomads</span> in the queue!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmeQUmLdMI/AAAAAAAAAwU/tskR1uzULbc/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(19).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmeQUmLdMI/AAAAAAAAAwU/tskR1uzULbc/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(19).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285429640939926722" /></a><div>The funny thing about this picture was that another tourist pushed Mel out of the way so he could take a picture of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Gnugent</span> & me here. She's like "Um... I put them there...." We had a good laugh over that and were wondering where our picture might end up.....</div><div><br /></div><div>Another difference at the Magic Kingdom is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fantasyland</span> area. It's still decorated like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fantasyland</span> that Mel remembers from her childhood. At Disneyland, it was upgraded in the early 80's, and the look is totally different. It was really fun remembering what it used to be like.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then we went to the Disney/MGM (now called Disney Hollywood) Studios Park. We don't have anything like this in California, except Universal Studios (which naturally isn't part of Disneyland). It was kind of funny walking into the entrance since it's themed like a Hollywood Studio, so it was a lot like being at home!</div><div><br /></div><div>The icon of this park of course is the Sorcerer's Apprentice hat. It's ENORMOUS!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmgBI7nHJI/AAAAAAAAAwk/EESMzmsmvH4/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(36).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmgBI7nHJI/AAAAAAAAAwk/EESMzmsmvH4/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(36).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285431579133811858" /></a>I liked this little fruit stand - it reminded me of home. I'm sure the name "Anaheim Produce" is a nod to Disneyland....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmi3AqneqI/AAAAAAAAAws/4AIP6TuyO9g/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(37).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmi3AqneqI/AAAAAAAAAws/4AIP6TuyO9g/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(37).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285434703651240610" /></a><br /><br />The Disney/MGM Studio Park has some interesting attractions - like one that shows you how special effects are done for the movies. We almost got picked to be in the "movie" that is made during the show, but Louise had been there before and knew what was in store (that is - that you get very wet!) and told them we didn't want to do it. I was kind of glad of that, but it was still an interesting attraction (but VERY much like the Universal Studios tour).<div><br /></div><div>There's another ride that takes you through classic film scenes & has some fun interaction in it. And some stunt shows and other things like that. Now, I have to admit, that where I live, there's a lot of this in real life - after awhile, you see all the movie trailers and trucks and things, and instead of getting excited about what movie star you might see, you groan and think "Oh great, traffic!" So a lot of the "behind the scenes" stuff doesn't get me all that excited - that's not to say though that it's a boring park. There's lots of neat things to see.</div><div><br /></div><div>AND.... This park had what turned out to be my 2 favorite rides in all of Disney World - and they're right next to each other!</div><div><br /></div><div>The first one I couldn't wait to try... We have a version of it at California Adventure, but I've heard time and time again that the one at Disney World is better! It's the Hollywood Tower of Terror.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmkF454qCI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4_8pOiLi6Vc/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(38).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmkF454qCI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4_8pOiLi6Vc/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(38).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285436058777462818" /></a><br /></div><div>The outside looks pretty similar to ours, but the ride itself is a lot different - and the best part is that it changes every time. It took a lot of convincing to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Gnugent</span> to go on this with me. He doesn't generally like drop rides, but neither do I and I LOVE this one. What I had heard about the Florida version was that it has different drop sequences each time you ride, and I couldn't wait to try it. I talked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gnugent</span> into riding and the funny thing was - our first ride was a bit of a dud! It was like a drop sequence for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">schoolers</span>! But it worked out OK because it convinced <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Gnugent</span> he could handle it, so he agreed to go on it with me again. And the second time, it was GREAT. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Soooo</span> much fun. It's more like a bouncy thing than a drop, and this one bounced a bunch of times. Even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Gnugent</span> liked it. We went on it several more times while we were in Florida and he liked it better each time (He even goes on the one in California with me now!). </div><div><br /></div><div>And then.... There was the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster! Oh my gosh is this one fun!!! (Note to other girl <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Gnomads</span> out there - take off hair clips and earrings before riding!). <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmk938DLxI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rHqpt5-1wzs/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(34).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmk938DLxI/AAAAAAAAAxE/rHqpt5-1wzs/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(34).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285437020590780178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmk9gf96dI/AAAAAAAAAw8/XpSh1-q0OQo/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(20).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmk9gf96dI/AAAAAAAAAw8/XpSh1-q0OQo/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(20).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285437014298978770" /></a> This one is themed to a recording studio, and even has a little movie starring the band "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Aerosmith</span>" (did I spell that right? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Gnugent</span> is a fan - I'll ask him....). The whole premise is that you're speeding off to a rock concert and you're in a limo going through the jungles of LA freeways to get to the club. You board the car, get all strapped in (take off hats & glasses folks!) and it takes you to the starting area. You sit there with the engine revving for a minute, and then you take off - 0 to 60 in like a millisecond! It's such a kick! And you go right into a dark room and into a corkscrew spin! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">HOOO</span>!!!!! It's indoors, pitch dark except for freeway signs that light up only as you pass them. There are corkscrews, loops, it's crazy! It was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">sooooo</span> much fun, I can't even count how many times we went on it! Oh, and there's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Aerosmith</span> music blasting in your ears the whole time. What an adrenaline rush!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, when you go to that park, take the first right and go on Tower of Terror and the Rock N Roller Coaster - you will love them!!!!<br /><br /><br /></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-16713744839522525892008-12-29T18:54:00.000-08:002008-12-29T19:29:02.129-08:00Disney World - Epcot - October 2007<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmSzGvr-II/AAAAAAAAAvk/vLaLUnQfX5o/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(29).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmSzGvr-II/AAAAAAAAAvk/vLaLUnQfX5o/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(29).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285417044377598082" /></a>My next stop at Disney World was to EPCOT - which stands for "Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow" - or as the cast members will tell you "Every Person Comes Out Tired".<br /><div><br /></div><div>It was pretty true to its name - there is so much to do and see there, I was pretty darn tired at the end of the day!</div><div><br /></div><div>The front part of the park is "Future World" and has some really neat attractions that teach about stuff - space, energy, testing cars, the ocean, & agriculture. The most innovative (I thought) ride in this section is "Mission Space". You get into this little pod and it feels like you're in a space shuttle hat is taking off and landing. It's a really really strange feeling! It made my eyes water and I got a little dizzy (I'm prone to vertigo anyway). I was pretty nervous getting on it because they warn you that it might make you sick - in fact, there are air sick bags right there in front of your seat! But it was a really neat experience. I believe it's based on the simulators that astronauts use to prepare to go into space. (I could swear I took a picture in front of that ride, but I can't seem to find it!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Between the two main "lands" in EPCOT, there is a really nice lagoon that provides for a pretty picture spot:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmPyRODqnI/AAAAAAAAAvE/5ckLyyi75PI/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmPyRODqnI/AAAAAAAAAvE/5ckLyyi75PI/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(9).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285413731474582130" /></a><br /></div><div>All around the lagoon is the "World Showcase". That's my favorite part of EPCOT. There are 11 countries represented there. Each country has an attraction that tells you more about the country, one or more restaurants, and shops. Since traveling is my thing, naturally I loved this area!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here I am with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gnugent</span> & Louise in the "Mexico" area:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmQWo81-3I/AAAAAAAAAvM/Bhb-urLgD_I/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(8).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmQWo81-3I/AAAAAAAAAvM/Bhb-urLgD_I/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(8).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285414356320123762" /></a><br /></div><div>And in front of a miniature <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Butchart</span> Gardens in the Canada <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pavilion</span>:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmRH-r8qdI/AAAAAAAAAvU/hCPgrHbNJio/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(12).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmRH-r8qdI/AAAAAAAAAvU/hCPgrHbNJio/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(12).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285415203968428498" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And visiting some new friends in Norway:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmR5IEfZqI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OemedL1qx78/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(21).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmR5IEfZqI/AAAAAAAAAvc/OemedL1qx78/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(21).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285416048300877474" /></a><div><br /></div><div>One of the really neat things we were lucky enough to experience was the international food & wine festival. We just happened to be there at the right time - and interestingly, we didn't really pay attention to it the first time we were at EPCOT (we went back a couple times), but boy did we the second time! We got to try food from several different countries, like Ireland, Argentina, Greece, Morocco, Spain, & India. And it was yummy! That was our lunch that day - we just went from booth to booth trying different things!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and I must say.... You must stop at the pastry shop in France for the chocolate mousse.... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mmmmm</span>.... <drool>.......</drool></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh! One more thing..... The picture at the very top of this post was taken at sunrise before the park opened. What was I doing at EPCOT at sunrise before the park opened, you might ask? Well, we signed up for a Segway Tour - where you ride those 2-wheeled Segway scooters all over the park before it opens. SOOOOO much fun! I highly recommend it. Although it's a little tough to convice cab drivers that it's ok to drop you off at the park that early!</div><div><br /></div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2051113190632109256.post-2558483445895354102008-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:49:16.919-08:00Disney World - Animal Kingdom Park - October 2007I was so excited I almost couldn't stand it - I was getting to go to Disney World! I mean, I spend a lot of time here at Disneyland, but I had never been to Disney World and there's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">soooo</span> much more to do there!<div><br /></div><div>We started out in the Animal Kingdom Park. We picked that one for our first day for 2 reasons:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. The new Expedition Everest Ride - I had heard it's a GREAT roller coaster and I couldn't wait to check it out</div><div><br /></div><div>2. It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">soooo</span> different than any of the other theme parks and I had seen TV shows about it and couldn't wait to see it!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we hopped onto the Disney bus and headed straight there - and once we got there, we headed straight for Everest!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmB38Pw1UI/AAAAAAAAAt8/XYQShnlZEgI/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmB38Pw1UI/AAAAAAAAAt8/XYQShnlZEgI/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285398435761018178" /></a><div>I think I forgot to mention that I went to Florida with my buddy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Gnugent</span>. We travel so well together - we like a lot of the same things. So it's always so much fun to go places with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>So here we are with the mountain in the background - this was our first view of it. Isn't it impressive? It's huge! The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">theming</span> in the Animal Kingdom park is phenomenal, so the walk to Everest felt like we were walking through a Nepalese village. There was even a shrine to the Yeti - complete with offerings left in hopes of safe passage.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmC1NK8rgI/AAAAAAAAAuE/X7EacwN_1A8/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmC1NK8rgI/AAAAAAAAAuE/X7EacwN_1A8/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285399488276246018" /></a><div><br /></div><div>I got a kick out of this sign:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmDdS0NeCI/AAAAAAAAAuM/as03XMYI_qc/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(23).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmDdS0NeCI/AAAAAAAAAuM/as03XMYI_qc/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(23).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400176986257442" /></a><br /><div>As you approach the mountain, you walk through a village full of shops to help you buy provisions for your trip:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmEFap7YmI/AAAAAAAAAuU/rQ-GA-edWtM/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(24).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmEFap7YmI/AAAAAAAAAuU/rQ-GA-edWtM/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(24).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285400866285380194" /></a><br /></div><div>The line for the Expedition Everest ride is also really neat. It's set up like a museum, where you see all sorts of interesting facts about animals that live on the mountain, about other expeditions that have gone before, and about the legend of the Yeti..... The mysterious creature that protects the mountain. There are even artifacts from a previous expedition that mysteriously vanished....</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmGEUcXA5I/AAAAAAAAAus/dbSfrUVHDyA/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(25).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmGEUcXA5I/AAAAAAAAAus/dbSfrUVHDyA/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(25).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403046461244306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmGEAYYMYI/AAAAAAAAAuk/96lio4TiC8E/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(26).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmGEAYYMYI/AAAAAAAAAuk/96lio4TiC8E/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(26).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285403041075835266" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">So, what did I think of the actual ride? I think I may have been anticipating it a little too much, because it wasn't as exciting as I expected, but it was FUN, and the special effects, especially the audio-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">animatronic</span> Yeti, were amazing! We only got to ride it once. We had a fast pass to ride it again, but it broke down by the time we went back to it, and we never saw it running again that day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another really neat feature of the Animal Kingdom park is the Tree of Life. This is right in the middle of the park and it's the icon for that park:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:-webkit-monospace;font-size:13px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmIMkaXIII/AAAAAAAAAu8/bEac799RQdA/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(6).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmIMkaXIII/AAAAAAAAAu8/bEac799RQdA/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(6).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285405387210039426" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:-webkit-monospace;font-size:13px;"></span><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre-wrap; font-family:-webkit-monospace;font-size:13px;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmIMNr2WOI/AAAAAAAAAu0/_ZNapFppIpo/s1600-h/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(28).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1md5pwe7NWI/SVmIMNr2WOI/AAAAAAAAAu0/_ZNapFppIpo/s400/Florida+Trip+with+Louise+-+Disney+World+%26+Kennedy+Space+Center+(28).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285405381109373154" /></a></span><div>It's really interesting to just sit and look at the Tree of Life. There is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">soooo</span> much to see! Everywhere you look there are animals carved into the tree - but so cleverly that they're almost hiding. We walked around and around the tree just looking at all the different animals - and every time we looked at a spot, we'd see something different. It was really fascinating.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the park, of course, was also great. It's divided up by continent and there were areas where we could see the animals from each continent, and of course the shop/food areas were themed for that part of the world too. It's really, really well done and I would have liked to spend more time there. One thing I will say - between the plants and the water for the animals, and it just being Florida - well, it seemed even MORE humid in that park than it did in the rest of Orlando. We may have just been there on a beastly day (and it was a beastly day), but I swear the atmosphere of that park was thicker than anywhere else we went!</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my dreams is to take a safari in Africa, so naturally one of my favorite parts of the park was the "Kilimanjaro Safari" attraction. You loaded onto a safari vehicle with open sides and took a trip out into the Savannah. We got to see all sorts of animals roaming free in various habitats: Giraffes (my favorite!), zebras, hippos, flamingos, gazelles, gnus..... And lots I can't remember. Oh - and the lions were very cool! There's even a little adventure on the ride as you pursue poachers through the park. Fortunately, we chased them away!</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, it was a neat park. I know it's considered a "half day" park (like California Adventure is at Disneyland), but I think I could come back time and time again if I lived closer. The rides were great and the atmosphere was amazing (if humid!). I highly recommend it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also - make sure to go over to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, which is the high-end Disney hotel themed with this park. It's amazing! I saw on a TV show that they even brought in workers from Africa to thatch the roof and the effect is stunning. Inside there are artifacts from Africa, including this ceremonial mask that several people get inside to perform a dance. You can go out on a balcony and see animals roaming right up to the hotel (there are strategically located feeding stations there to encourage them to come that close). And we had dinner at the restaurant "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jiko</span>". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Ohhh</span>.... I'm drooling just thinking about it! The food is based on the cuisine of Africa and everything we had was unbelievably good. They also have the largest selection of South African wines that can be found outside of Africa. We tried a couple and I can say I'm a fan :-) (But I'd swear they are stronger than our California wines because I had a nice buzz off my one glass for a couple of hours!) I think I'd fly back to Florida just to eat at that restaurant again. It's definitely a "must try" in my book!</div>Mel-http://www.blogger.com/profile/04427168586829685383noreply@blogger.com0