Upstate New York

While Notre Dame was experiencing its 5th loss of the season we were experiencing the rural New York country side. The Fall colors seem to be emerging more each day. The Pleasure Way carried us along the west side of the Adirondack Mountains into Cooperstown NY and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Seeing and hearing the names of the storied past of baseball aroused many memories and filled gaps of knowledge. The Hall is a well designed tribute to the many legends of the sport.
This museum was even better because Cheryl joined in to this visit. She found a pink baseball for our new granddaughter.
We continue to meet and engage people from many origins - so many nice people we have been able to cross paths with. What a wonderful country - the scenery and the people we have AND WE HAVE THE FREEDOM TO ENJOY IT!!
We just walked the streets of Cooperstown Sunday morning before church. We looked at the old, I mean really old, homes and soaked in the town's aura. One of the impressive finds refers to a favorite family book, THE BIG ORANGE SPLOT. We found Mr. Plumbean's house!!!! The town's regulars were down by the lake preparing for the Pumpkin Regatta where huge pumpkins are hollowed out so some one can sit in it and paddle in a race. The fun was contagious but Cheryl declined the opportunity to be a pumpkin paddler.
Small town relationships at their best.

Thousand Island, NY

For the second time on the trip I have felt overwhelmed by the natural beauty of a location. First, the Tetons. Now, the Thousand Islands - 50 miles of the St Lawrence Seaway dotted with islands, some small enough for 2 shrubs to grow on, some large enough for many buildings, most painted by the approaching season. Some have summer cottages, some have mansions and one has a castle.
We toured the area out of Alexandria Bay by boat. The tour, lunch on a floating restaurant made for a very pleasant day with sunshine leading us.
We've already traveled over 4000 miles without a problem except throwing off hubcaps (actually went back and found one of them).
The GPS is truly a useful tool. Without a clue about where to go "stable Mabel" guides us turn by turn in a pleasant, positive way. It takes the guess work, apprehension and spousal conflict out of the direction decision game.
We finish this picturesque stay with an RV site on Association Island - an RV Park on an island in Lake Ontario. What a fitting closure for this story book tour of Thousand Island.

Niagara Falls, NY

We've seen rivers. We've seen falls in rivers. We've seen high falls. We've seen low falls. We've NEVER seen anything like Niagara Falls. The falls are so impressive they call people from all over the world to see and experience them.
The river and falls are something to behold. We began with a negative feeling as we rolled into Niagara Falls NY - not well kept, expensive, but two tours pulled our attention to the natural wonder and power of the falls themselves. First, a typical travel tour orienting us to the area, its sights, the facts and the falls lit up at night. The second tour was the impact on us.The tour took us to the base of the American Falls where the spray, mist and air currents caused by the rushing water buffeted us as we walked on a scaffold traversing the rocks at the base of the falls. Next, a boat ride that moved up the river near the base of Horseshoe Falls. Again, the wind, mist and surge of the water was a reminder of the power the water exerts. The basin at the base is 180 feet deep and the current moving out of the area is 45 mph. That would explain why 40% of those who have gone over the Falls have perished. Being a daredevil can have some devastating results when they challenge Niagara.
We shared those experiences with a young man from Bulgaria who has been visiting the USA for the last year. H is experiences and impressions of the year were interesting. Also a family from Israel was with us. The family interaction was the same as you observe in American families between dad and daughters especially. The limited conversation with them and observations showed that human relationships are the same regardless of origin - the warmth, the need for contact, the approval.
An elderly couple from Illinois also kept my attention. Their trip was taking place between her chemotherapy treatments. A trip to share Niagara Falls with one another at this stage of their lives was touching. Conversation also uncovered the fact that he was an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cub fan. Needless to say we talked more ab out the Cubs winning the division title than about this year's ND football.

Ohio

We vistied the campus of the University of Notre Dame on a sunny Fall afternoon. The leaves are starting to show the effect of the season. The mood on campus seems to show the effect of the football season: 0 - 4 is not where Notre Dame is used to being. In fact it has never been there in the history of the school. From my observation they could run this string to 0 - 8.
Unimpressive as the football season is we were impressed by the individual commitment of the students. On benches, under trees, in restaurant booths we saw individual students truly engaged in their education. During the 2 hours we spent on campus we saw students being students - no games, no loud converstions, no unstructured behaviors. I should have thought about making that kind of commitment to the books nearly 50 years ago.
We were impressed by the Notre Dame Students. As always we were impressed by the neatly kept campus. We were so impressed we left some of our coinage at the campus bookstore.
Had an opportunity to see rural Ohio- some views by intent, some unintentional; but, we saw rural Ohio. Before talking about Ohio I think it appropriate to state my amazement of the GPS system. Despite the best efforts of Cheryl and myself to keep the Pleasure Way between the navigational beacons, we strayed - strayed badly I must admit. Along the road were cornfields and prosperous appearing farms. Along the road were well kept homes and small communities. Along the road the trees are starting to show their Fall colors. But alas, these are not the things we seek.
We seek Canton, Ohio and the NFL Hall of Fame. So, after the usual spousal exchanges about being lost, we turned to the GPS, ol Stable Mabel to the rescue. Stable Mabel has been so named for we have programmed a sweet female voice. One that is never harsh on a driver that thinks he knows better. One that is never hurried. Stable Mabel quickly got us pointed in the correct direction.
The evening before we needed to find an RV Park and only had a rural street address. Turned to Mabel and she had us in the park within 10 minutes. I strongly suggest anyone who travels can be well served by a GPS tool.
Back to the rural Ohio situation - I was not lost. I knew where I was going. I just didn't know how to get there.
Many of the small communities in the mid west are so well kept. I don't think we have seen any community that reflects the pride and care we saw in Traer, IA. As we moved through the community the lawns were green and mowed, houses clean and maintained - a nice place to be.
With Mabel's advice we got to the NFL Hall of Fame with plenty of time to tour. To my astonishment Cheryl opted to stay outside. She MISSED THE HALL OF FAME!!
What she missed was pictures, videos, uniforms and shoes worn by the greatest and the best, Memorabilia from the ages- she missed it all and did not seemed bothered in the least. Some things I just can not understand. But alas, she seems to have recovered from the lost oportunity quite remarkably.
Buoyed by the excitement of all those artifacts we head up the road with a date in Niagara Falls. Maybe this will perk her up a bit.

Chicago

Restaurants, Restaurants, restaurants - what outstanding restaurants. Italian, bratwurst with sauerkraut, crab cakes and even some Cajun - all contributing to our enjoyment and our waistlines!! We have spent the last 3 days with Nat Geraths, a friend from high school and his wife, Mary Alice, seeing Chicago and the gifts and inspirations it has to offer.
The most interesting conversation has been with Nat. We graduated from high school 46 years ago, saw each other last in 1967, and went separate ways. To reconnect as we approach geezerdom is interesting. He still works as the director of a major hospital in the VA system and has had experiences throughout the world- some experiences for pleasure, some in service to those in need of medical services. It is fascinating to hear of the paths he has chosen as he moved away from the small rural Oregon town which holds our roots. His various experiences are examples of what can be accomplished if you are willing to follow your commitment to serve others in a unique way and willing to take some chances. He can be proud of his life of service and he knows he has made a difference providing the best care possible whether it was a Women's Hospital in Afghanistan or helping to heal the wounds of our veterans. The stories aside, it was nice to fall back into a dialog with a friend from long ago.
Chicago - the Art Museum, the noise and hustle of the city, the architecual boat tour, cruising the neighborhoods, seeing the universities of Northwestern and Loyola, the magnificent mile, and finally Wrigley Field. Yes! Wrigley Field!! - with its bleachers and its ivy covered outfield fence. I was there! We watched the Cubs beat Pittsburgh 8 - 0 on their last home game of the season. Wrigley is one of the two remaining old ball parks and the Cubs' fans were at their finest. The Cubs are leading their division in the National League and most likely in the playoffs. After the game most of the 41,000 people stood and sang together. It is the love affair between fans and ball club that I had imagined.
The Art museum was amazing. The skyline was spectacular. The friends were warm and comfortable. But, the visit to Wrigley was on my retirement list of things to do before I die - and I've done it. Guess that means I am one step closer.
The ball park was my own little selfish side trip. But the rest of the experience - to share that with Cheryl was special. As we rode the train back to the Geraths' this evening Cheryl leaned her head against my shoulder and I felt like a teen dating once again. Chicago inspired that romantic feeling of sharing special times with special people.
We have to thank the Geraths for offering this opportunity to us. The memory will certainly linger in our minds and in our hearts.

Iowa

The last three days have been spent moving through South Dakota and Iowa. Continuing to marvel at the geological gifts we have been given required a tour of the Badlands National Park with its rugged ridges and spires. From there we were yielded to the temptation created by the multiple roadside signs, the epitome of advertising tactics, Wall Drug Store in Wall, SD. It is amazing what can truly be built from nothing given imagination and commitment.
I remember first visiting Wall Drug in the early 1950's when my parents read signs posted as far away as Southern Idaho, "Y'all seen Wall?" You just had to stop and see what you had read about on all those signs when you finally arrived in Wall, SD. What I remember at that time was a collection of trinkets and keepsakes displayed with fun and humor.
Today the fun and humor remain but the place has grown to encompass a full city block, if not more. It is still tourist friendly and has products across a wide price range and of interest to everyone. It has arcades, fountains, soda and the squirty kind like in Las Vegas. It even includes a chapel.
I admire the entrepreneurial skills that have gone into Wall Drug since it was founded in the 1930's
Last night we pulled in to a small town in Iowa. Cheryl was immediately impressed by the sense of care and pride people invest in thier homes and in the public property. As we began to encounter the people of Traer, Iowa, we found them friendly and ready to share with us. Starting a conversation was as simple as saying""Hello" to someone. You just don't expect that kind of friendliness and openness.
We spent the evening with David Brezina. David was in the middle of harveting crops but took the time to show us the Traer hospitality as he fixed dinner for us. We watched the interaction between David and his mother, his son - Michael and a couple phone calls with his daughter, Joni. David raises up to 5000 hogs at a time, owns several hundred acres and rents some more. He manages to do this with one hired man. His work ethic and commitment to what he sees as his goal in life is outstanding; but, he still has time to welcome visitors from Oregon.
David is a REAL caring person, a REAL caring parent. Having met his daughter in Oregon I can see how he has passed on his values and personality to the next generation of Brezinas.
Cheryl and I discussed the dynamics David showed last night with his son and with his mom, and we feel assured that because of people like the Brezinas, their relationships, their values, their work ethics, America is in much better shape than we are led to believe based on media reports.
David has the values, the work ethic, the empathy and compassion for people, the optimism to face obstacles and work through them to form a nucleus to stabilize the helter skelter created by those who cahse greed and power. The critical mass of America is held together by the David Brezinas of our country.
Today, I found the burial site of my grandfather who died in 1913 in Harper, IA. Some interesting emotions were aroused. I'll have to sort them out before commenting.
Tomorrow, it's on to Chicago. First stop - Museum of Art.

Cheryl's Input

Gary has encouraged me to share some of my thoughts on our trip. The expanse of wide open space and variety of landscape in the western states is incredible. Most impressive scenery so far has been the Tetons and the Badlands. Most enjoyable drive was through Custer State Park just out of Rapid City, S. Dakota and spotting wildlife close enough to the road to photograph. I shot several buffalo, antelope, wild burros, and fat woodchucks. Personally, I think Yellowstone is overrated and takes a distant fourth over the Tetons, Badlands, and even Oregon's Wallowa's.

Places I would enjoy returning to are Joseph, OR, and Cody, WY. I believe the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody rivals any exhibits I have seen at the Smithsonian. There are five separate exhibits and since we had limited time I had to prioritize. I chose the Plains Indians Museum and the Museum of Natural History. Barely had time for the latter - I was so absorbed in the Indian Museum. I have never before experienced such an unexpected emotional impact.

First, you learn about the Plains Indians culture, their respect and reliance on nature, their sense of family and pride in their children and their heritage, their resourcefulness in ways of survival combined with thankfulness to a higher power. You see examples of typical dwellings, implements for hunting and food preparation, and clothing and other regular aspects of their lives. Then, their world was forever changed because of the white man. The quotes of Indians relating their experiences and feelings was absolutely heartbreaking. Some of the accounts of their treatment by us was unbelieveable to me. The effect was so powerful even now I am having difficulty puttting this into words.

Cody appeared to be very clean and an authentic western town - none of the yuppie type of influences that seem to prevail in Jackson.

Today we spent traveling east across S. Dakota. Viewed the Badlands, experienced just briefly the oddity of Wall Drug, and enjoyed the acres and acres of sunflowers growing next to I-90. Until next time.

Black Hills, SD

The travels have brought us to the Black Hills. The trip has paused while we visited the area as tourists and a day off just to do normal things such as wash the Pleasure Way, laundry, grocery shopping, church, movies and dinner at the Firehouse Brewing Company and we gave the Pleasure Way a night off by staying in a motel. The favorite micro brew to date is "Barely Blonde" from the Firehouse
As is always the case when I wash cars at home-the weather forecast calls for rain today. The Pleasure Way sparkled for at least one day while it was parked in the parking lot.
Cheryl completed all of the regular tasks including catching up on financial transactions - the online banking allows us to travel and track topics financial from our lap. Amazing!
Travel in the Black Hills was interesting - we learned the Pleasure Way will fit through a 9 foot opening if done with a little care. (That is the smallest of the tunnels in the Needles Area of the park.) We learned that Cheryl is VERY fearful of narrow roads next to deep canyons. (She resorted to lying on the floor so she couldn't see the situation - this was a strategy that allowed relief for Cheryl AND the driver!!)
It was surprising to see more wildlife - the animal kind- in the Black Hills than in Yellowstone. Furthermore, there were fewer tourists to dodge. The rock formations in the Needles were impressive (unless you were laying on the floor of the vehicle), the animals plentiful and the pace relaxed. Glad we took the time.

Cody, Wyoming

We followed the Snake River across Idaho all the way into the Tetons . As soon as the elevation gain started to take effect the scenery became more stunning. It is hard to drive, enjoy the natural wonder of the area and listen to the directions of the sweet lady sitting next to me as she constantly said something about "You just watch the road!"
That road has been doing just fine without my scrutiny for years. Can't understand why she wants me to watch it so closely.
Our arrival in Jackson Hole was interesting. The Pleasure Way was parked in an RV Park among the $100 - $500,000 rigs. We talked to it nicely to prevent any inferiority complexes from setting in. For us, we had to leave the National Museum for Wildlife Art at 4:00 so they could hold a special event for the heavy hitters in town. We went back to the Pleasure Way with a shared understanding of life's challenges regarding who we are and what we have.
We did gain an understanding of why Charlie Russell's art has been a personal favorite over Remington. Russell painted from a Western perspective i.e. the working cowboy, the Plains Indian, while Remmington had an eastern perspective with focus on the cavalry.
Learned two other things in Jackson: 1) Cow chips ain't for dippin'. 2) For fisherman everywhere, "If you are going to think like a fish, you have to drink like a fish.
We visited with a man who has owned property in Teton Village for 40 years. The conversation extended lunch into a lengthy event, but learned some interesting history of the area.
So impressed with Jackson,we drove 11 miles yesterday and stayed a second night.
9/14
The Tetons, Jenny Lake, Yellowstone - the awe continued in terms I can not express. The reader must revel in it himself.
The older crowd in Yellowstone was probably the reason there was no wildlife. We did see some animals, however. Cheryl's day was made when she saw the buffalo grazing by the road. She was also treated to a moose with her calf as mama grazed beside the road. We have pictures and a smile on Cheryl's face to remember today.
The good people of Cody staged a gunfight in the street to welcome visitors to town this evening. Needless to say Buffalo Bill saved the day and we were able to go back to the Pleasure Way feeling secure. It can be disconcerting to arrive in town and thiry minutes later someone is shot on the street.

Rolloing with the Pleasure Way

The final preparations are nearing the end. One last check is with our oldest grandson, Tyler. In her most loving way Cheryl asked him how he would like to communicate with us while we are gone. She suggested phone calls, emails, letters, postcards as possibilities. After mulling the options over in his five year old mind he brightened with the option that he preferred.
Tyler suggested,"I like cards, especially those with money."
Well, Tyler, I'm not sure grandma is going to have much left over after this trip, so this blog might have to do.
The lists have been checked, crossed out and almost worn out. We are packed and rolling!!
The first item of business is a stop in Portland, OR for a wedding - a chance to celebrate the beginnings of a new marital relationship, renew a few old relationships with family and friends and to meet new people.
Met a couple from Virginia who we will try to contact later in the trip. After discussing family and experiences we have in common Alan mentioned a book on America he is reading. The thought that I wish to develop later when I can get depth and abstraction into my thoughts centers around DEMOCRACY. Many countries grant their citizenry the right to vote, but America is unique that it also extends the right to liberty to its citizens. A thought worth pondering -- but not here.
Thought I was going a little sideways before we really get underway.
WHAT I'VE SEEN SO FAR:
Stayed in the small Oregon town of Sublimity Sept 7 & 8 and watched some of the 41st annual Harvest Festival. I attended the first one probably 40 years ago, if the math is right. This year's festival had a parade. It was fun to watch a small town enjoying itself. As I sat on the curb by myself (Cheryl was busy making new trip lists) the people riding the floats took pity on the old geezer and tossed me many pieces of candy and one frisbee. THAT IS A SUCCESSFUL PARADE!!
Later in the day there was a tractor pull. Forty years ago the tractors were smaller and to add weight to the drag, the load to be pulled down the course, men were recruited to stand on the drag with promises of beer as long as they wished to ride. Talk about happy players!

The first remote stop was in the town of Joseph, OR nestled in the Wallowa Moutains. We are greeted by a sign stating, "We think our town is like HEAVEN, so don't drive like HELL in it!!
WOW, WOW, WOW I have lived in Oregon 65 years and have never visited this far northeast corner of the state. What a shame to have missed this beauty, this grandeur.
I was disappointed as nightfall arrived and erased the views. Cheryl was up bright and early to inhale some more of the grandeur before moving on.
The town, the cattle herds, the horses in the pastures I couldn't help but think if some young damsel was looking to share a life with a cowboy, this place should be on the top of her shopping list.
Leaving Joseph we traveled Forest Service roads out to Hell's canyon, a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon by a half mile. Cheryl is fearful of heights so this portion of the trip will not make her highlight list. In fact she couldn't see much with her eyes pinched shut, clutching the van seat and thinking very nasty thoughts about her sweet husband.
Finished the day with a tour of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City. In this relatively remote location this presentation of the Oregon Trail and its challenges is fantastic.
More people to visit in Ontario OR and Fruitland, ID. A niece I hadn't seen in 6 years was her usual bright and optimistic self. How quickly time flies when visiting with someone of Joan's temperament. Also visited with a couple we met in Canyonville OR back in June. At 85 years old Ray is committed to mastering his new computer. The love of life he and his wife, June, share made it difficult to move on.
So, we only covered 150 miles today. Cheryl had no cliffs to terrify her. I may be back in her good graces.
Our look into America, its sights and its people, has begun.
Feel free to share your thoughts and help make this tour as memorable as possible