On Wisconsin and Beyond
Our country is so extravagantly beautiful and varied. I never grow tired of watching the scenery go by my window. I’m grateful for the opportunity of taking this trip.
The Journey Continues
Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The beauty is more in the ruggedness of gouged out badlands, with juniper trees softening the sharpness of the deep valleys. At the end of the road on the North Unit of the park, we walked the path to the edge and gazed at the deep ravine, studded with rocks, and scrubby trees. Our voices seemed muted by the largeness.
The Journey Begins….
We've planned this trip for months. Strangely, though excited to go on the road, I was sad to think we were leaving our home, routine, and family. Once we'd packed all we'd need for close to two months, we were ready to go.
Riding the Rails
We passed numerous ranches and farms, saw lovely trees and even a stream.
We Went East to find West
We camped in the Blue Mountains, south of Lake Wallawa and Joseph, Oregon and here’s a little of what we experienced: the clean smell of juniper, the rugged mountains—glacier scraped sides, studded with boulders. Up high near the top, are grassy meadows. We are close to the mountains and they seem to climb forever to the deep blue skies. The trees display a palette of greens: the tall pines have an olive green cast, the fir a darker green, contrasted by the lighter mint green deciduous trees. Like brave sentinels, the trees cling to the steep sides.
Travels with Shirley and Jim
Then, our highlight of the day, visiting the State Department.
It’s a First World Problem
This late afternoon we were notified they found our luggage! Yeah! We could retrieve needed medication, and clothing we needed--or thought we did.
He Gave….For Us
Our group stood quietly in the gloomy lower place. No one spoke, except our tour guide who gave brief explanations of where we were.
Hello Blokes from Australia!
Greetings dear friends, We at last have internet--free no less and I'm going to give a quick update before our plane takes off to Cairns (pronounced "Cans"). We understand it will be beautiful and we know we'll enjoy our stay near the Great Barrier Reef. I'd like to share a few photos from our cruise. [...]
Today’s Friday But Tomorrow’s Sunday!
Yes, that’s right. Today is Friday, October 21, 2016. We’re crossing the international date line tonight and that means we’re going to miss a day to catch up with the Southern Hemisphere. Don’t ask me to explain it, for I can’t. I just know we lose a day traveling west, gain a day traveling east. [...]