Pete and the Wonder Egg

2011 Matagorda Madness

2011-12-27T09:26:00.009-06:00

It was time for the annual December Matagorda Madness Rally with our fiberglass RV pals. We coaxed the Wonder Egg out of its comfy new nest to go relax by the beach.

Matagorda Madness was named for the unpredictable weather that can be found this time of year. 2011's early December climate could not have been better. We thought of all our fiberglass friends who put their trailers to bed months ago for winter hibernation. Here in Texas, we were kicking back and enjoying colorful sunsets and sunrises.

The fishing fleet departed like clockwork every morning as coffee brewed in the Wonder Egg.

A friendly fiberglass village grew up at the Matagorda Bay nature Park and we were even visited by a well kept, vintage Love Bug!

What would a Texas fiberglass trailer rally be without gathering around Ranger Duke's place to enjoy his famous poppers! Those grilled jalapenos, stuffed with sausage and wrapped in bacon simply melt in your mouth. Yum!

Oscar enjoyed a romp on the beach where he could let loose and run with his pals. Here he is ears-a-flyin' and taking up his big-dog stance that he does when romping with larger dogs. I think he surprised Guinness with this maneuver.

Oscar looked down the beach, yelled "Yippie . . . there she is!" and took off running to jump up into the arms of none other than Mrs Santa Claus whom he gave an earful about all the presents he wanted for Christmas.

This fine group of people has the feeling of an extended family as we gather with our trailers, share good times and create new memories.

After the relaxing, sunsets, sunrises, poppers, and beach run, and catching up with friends, we packed up and headed for home. All the way home, Oscar kept reliving his beach excursion and asking me when we were coming back.

"Next year little dog, next year . . ."

Pagosa Springs, Co

2011-11-23T20:25:00.004-06:00

Hi folks, Oscar here. Pete's been too much of a slug lately to get out a post of our travels so I thought I'd catch up with them. He claims the construction of a carport for the Wonder Egg and window replacements in our home have deterred him from this task ... all I can say is "HE'S A WIMP!"

So anyway, that cool picture above is from the "Evening Illumination" of hot air balloons at Pagosa Springs this fall. Even the moon cooperated and made it into the photo ... coooool.

We met a bunch of great folks at the Pagosa Springs rally. It was a nice time meeting others who travel across the country alone in their travel trailers. What a fine group of people! I enjoyed meeting their furkids and doing the "sniff test" to see if I'd met them before.

The Wonder Egg found a nice spot to settle into during the rally.

I especially enjoyed the time down in the meadow chasing my pals. Above, you can see me on the fly as I'm chasing Foxy who thinks he can get away from "Super Dog!"

Look at the surprise in his eyes as I overtake him and cut off his path. HA HA!

Down in the meadow, Jim had a great setup for his Casita. Green lawn, beautiful spruce trees. blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds, all next to a mountain stream. Rough life, Jim!

There were lots of cool things for folks to do at Pagosa Springs. Old style locomotive rides were a huge winner. Pete chose to take the time to get his out his kayak on the local lake and go fishing.

Not being much for fishing, I hung back in the Wonder Egg and napped along with "Flat Weezul" to the sounds of a rushing stream.

The Wonder Egg felt right at home next door to a 1963 Avalair.

As evening came, retro music would emanate from the silver palace, drawing me, inexorably, towards it's door. I knocked and met our neighbors, Rob and Lori, who I partied down with while "Pete-the-slug" stayed in the Wonder Egg watching a documentary on "5000 Years of Chinese History" . . . What a loser!

Here are a couple more pictures from the balloon activities around Pagosa Springs this year.

Hope you enjoyed my blog, sorry "Pete-the slug" has been so slow posting this time. I'll try to get him to do better. Wish me luck . . . LOL!!!!!!!

Uncle Whisker Britches

2011-08-11T08:07:00.003-05:00

Getting home today, after another epic summer trip on the road with The Wonder Egg and Oscar the Smiley Dog. The Tacoma passed a milestone yesterday as 100,000 appeared on the odometer. It's just about broken in and has been trouble free . . . what a great tow vehicle. Oscar especially enjoys the back seat area which folds down flat. He has his crate, a comfy bed, food, and a driver who hauls him all over the country at his whim . . . sheeesh!

We were out in the middle of nowhere and Oscar says "Hey Pete, there's Wilson Arch! Uncle Whiskers told me all about it." So we pulled over and Oscar proceeds to tell me all about the area and the wagon trains that passed by here so long ago. He had such vivid detail, I told him he was just making it all up out of thin air.

He then reaches into his wallet and pulls out an old faded photograph of his great-great-great uncle Whisker Britches who was a guard dog on a chuck wagon that crossed these parts so long ago. Oscar says canine oral tradition is very strong in his family and he swears it's all true, every bit.

Whatever!

Journey's End

2011-08-10T09:36:00.009-05:00

Members of the Louis and Clark Expedition pulled their canoes onto this beach on November 15, 1805. After 18 months and more than 4000 miles of travel, the Corps of Discovery finally looked across the broad mouth of the Columbia River and onto the Pacific Ocean. "Ocian in view! O! the joy" William Clark writes, "Great joy in camp. We are in view of the ocian, this great Pacific Octean, which we have been So long anxious to See. and the roreing or noise made by the waves brakeing on the rocky Shores (as I Suppose) may be heard distictly." Remaining here 10 days, Louis and Clark scouted the area, making detailed maps such as this one displaying the camp's location.

From a high overlook on the north shore peninsula, they could look far out into the ocean.

Imagine their exhilaration at poking their dugout canoes into the never ending expanse . . .

Today, a lighthouse stands guard over the rocky point jutting out on the northern shore.

Food being scarce and the wind being fierce on the northern side of the river, they moved south and set up encampment at Fort Clatsop to winter over into 1806.
Today, the fort is maintained as a learning center where you can imagine their living conditions and hear the roar of a muzzle loader they used for hunting wild game.

Alas, our journey is over . . . what a wonderful group of friends that participated along the way. Thanks, Judy, for having the vision and putting together this memorable trip! To all, safe journeys wherever you go and may we meet again along the road . . .

THE END

Taming the Columbia

2011-08-09T10:33:00.005-05:00

Mt Hood rises on the horizon in the vicinity of a particularly difficult stretch of the Columbia River for the intrepid Lewis and Clark team. Before The Dalles Dam was built, the river plunged over the Celilo Falls and cut through the Narrows or Five Mile Rapids. For more than 10,000 years, Shahaptin and Chinookan people lined the shore and braved the currents while plunging dipping nets into the massive runs of fish. On October 22, 1805, Clark writes "We arrived at 5 Large Lodges of Nativs drying and prepareing fish for market . . ."

More recently, a series of large hydroelectric dams have harnessed the Columbia's energy and tamed large sections of this once roiling river. The Bonneville Dam is one of these behemoths, backing up the water where it is used to drive the electric turbines and for pleasure. Here's a riverside park favored by local windsurfers for its steady, firm winds.

Rising waters have covered many artifacts of previous civilizations. Some local petroglyphs, removed from there original locations which are now underwater, are on display at Columbia Hills State Park on the Washington side of the Columbia.

The Rolling Rally settled in at Memaloose State Park to see the sights. Nearby Memaloose Island was use by the Chinook as a respectful burial site for the departed. The islands name comes from"memalutz" which, in the language of the Chinook Indians, means "to die."
Lewis and Clark landed on the island in 1806 during their return journey up the Columbia and counted 13 structures full of bodies.

To be continued . . .

Walla Walla

2011-08-07T21:39:00.003-05:00

Wandering Wayfarers Wheel into Walla Walla Washington's Wally World

Sorry. I just couldn't help myself . . .
mybad!

Lolo Pass to Dent Acres

2011-08-07T08:11:00.005-05:00

The Lolo Trail was the northern route across the rugged Bitterroot Mountains used for centuries before Lewis & Clark by Native Americans of the West. The Nez Perce traveled east to the great plains and the buffalo. The Salish used the trail to reach the Lochsa river and fish for salmon.

During our crossing, we slept to the gurgling sounds of a babbling brook at Lolo Hot Springs campground. What an excellent nights sleep!

On sept 13, 1805, Lewis and Clark camped nearby at Glade Creek. Here's the open field where they struck camp. Their horses were tethered o the meadow below.

L&C passed these immense cedar trees as they navigated down the pass.

Many years later, Bernard Devoto would sit amongst this cedar grove as he edited the Louis and Clark Journals.
The giant cedar sentinels have been here many centuries as men have made their way below them through the wilderness.

The Eggs gathered in the Powell Ranger Station parking lot to gather local information.

Oscar snapped a picture of this foreboding caution sign. He missed the first one of these, which said 99 miles!

But those winding, descending curves were nothing like the ones to Dent Acres State Park. The steep grade made it imperative to use caution for hot brakes. Approaching the park, we crossed a lovely suspension bridge spanning this mountain lake.

Here's Oscar, standing guard over the Eggs as they relax on the hill overlooking the lake.

To be continued . . .

Over the Bitterroot Mountains

2011-08-06T09:24:00.004-05:00

As the Missouri River became unnavigable, Louis and Clark kept pressing westward and were seriously in need of horses to continue their quest. As they came upon this upthrust of limestone, Sacagawea, who had been captured from her tribe as a child, recognized it from her childhood as part of the land of the Shoshone tribe. They pressed on towards the Bitterroot Mountains, seen here.
Coming upon some warriors, Louis and Clark entered into negotiations for horses and brought Sacagawea forward to help translate. When Sacagawea recognized the current tribal chief as none other than her own brother, a happy reunion occurred. Needless to say, they got their horses.

Later, not all relationships with tribes were as easy. Originally, the Nez Perce tribe was given a large swath of land as a reservation. After gold was discovered, we reduced that area by 90% and attempted to confine this proud nation to one small corner. One thing led to another and in August 1877, the Nez Perce people were attacked at dawn by US Calvary troops and civilian volunteers. Ninety men, women and children of the Nez Perce perished. Chief Joseph rallied his warriors, killing 28 soldiers and seriously wounding many others. The Big Hole Battlefield, seen above commemorates this event with an informative visitors center and preserved battleground.

We stayed the night nearby at May Creek, a US National Forest campground. In the evening, a talk given by Nez Perce elders at the campfire ring held us spellbound. For three hours, we soaked up the stories and wisdom of North Star, a Nez Perce elder, three generations removed from this tragic battle. It was awesome . . .

On Sept 4, 1805, Louis and Clark descended, cold and wet, from the snow covered mountains into this wide valley, where over 400 of the Salish tribe were encamped.
They greeted The Expedition warmly, sharing food and clothing from their own, limited stores. The Salish also provided important information about the terrain that would be encountered in the treacherous mountains to the west.

To be continued . . .

Louis & Clark Caverns, Montana

2011-08-05T20:25:00.003-05:00

On the northern bank of the Missouri River in southwest Montana, we rested at Louis & Clark Caverns State Park. As the Expedition passed this spot 206 years ago, they were unaware of the beautiful art nature wrought inside the hills overlooking their passage. Here's a view of the campsite and river from near the caverns entrance.

A very close up and personal experience with the cavern was had as we descended through narrow shafts and slippery passages during the tour.

At the information center, this picture of Catholic nuns who were regular visitors of the cavern by candle light led us to believe we might encounter them during the tour. Oscar thought they got lost and never found their way out! He kept his eyes darting left and right in search of the contemplative ladies. About halfway through, Oscar said "GOT EM!" and he took this photograph of what he swears is the sisters, encased in candle wax, and frozen in time . . .
Silly dog.

Fort Benton Montana

2011-07-20T18:37:00.005-05:00

The American Fur Company started doing business at the current site of Ft Benton, Montana in 1847. Prized buffalo robes came into the store brought by Plains Indians, who desired many of the items the traders had to offer. This is the trading room used for that purpose. Most of the Indians here were taller than the Europeans that operated the trading activity, so the traders went so far as to build a raised platform they could stand on behind the counter!

In early June, of 1805, Louis and Clark arrived at the confluence of two rivers about 10 miles downriver from here and climbed an overlooking hill to decide which branch to take to find the great rapids spoken about by the Indians and the sought after passageway to the Pacific Ocean. Clark took an expedition up the right fork and Louis, the left. For 5 days, they traveled seeking the great falls. Louis' route was chosen as the correct route.

Ft Benton is a small town full of colorful history. One of its blocks became so rowdy and lawless, it had to be surrounded by the US Calvary to settle things down to a more or less civil atmosphere. At that time, it was known as "Bloodiest Block in the West," where six shooters were openly displayed on the top of every poker table. Twelve of the thirteen business on the block were saloons, dance, halls, of brothels.

This 1888 bridge still spans the rushing Missouri. Pedestrians may stroll out and sit on benches or watch the river flow along the Louis and Clark route. Oscar was surprised by the old squeaky board which sagged as we walked past.

In 1887, this artful display of buffalo collected from Montana went on display at the US Smithsonian Museum. They remained there for 70 years before being displaced by other exhibits. In 1996 they returned to Montana and are now on display in Fort Benton at the Hornaday/Smithsonian Buffalo and Western Art Gallery - an impressive sight.
The mountains are close and the skies are enchanting at Ft Benton. The Wonder Egg looks right at home as the sun paints the clouds with ever changing hues.

To be continued . . .

WAHKPA CHU'GN

2011-07-19T08:19:00.007-05:00

2000 years ago, the Besant people chose a steep cliff overlooking a running river as a fine spot for chasing buffalo off the precipice so they could kill and harvest them for sustenance. The Avonlea people repeated the activity around 1250 years ago, followed by the Saddle Butte peoples around 600 years ago.

The site is now a well run archeological and educational endeavor where you may imagine the frenzied activities that occurred many years ago between man and beast. To facilitate the kill, ancient people built corrals to keep the wounded buffalo from getting away during the slaughter. They thought if one escaped, it would tell the rest of the herd about the trap and the buffalo harvest would end.

Distinct layers of bone may be seen in the vertical walls of the dig. Looking at the density of bones you sense the vast number of buffalo that met their demise here.

After the tour, Judy and I pose near a pint sized buffalo used as a target for modern hunters as they attempt the ancient method of hurling an atlatl for hunting big game. Hold still, now . . .

Eons have passed and erosion has softened the descent from the heights. The bucolic valley by the river has only begun to unfold the events that helped to sustain the ancestors of these lands.

To be continued . . .

North Dakota to Montana

2011-07-18T17:16:00.009-05:00

Lake Sakakawea State Park is located close to where Lewis experienced one of his worst, and perhaps his most embarrassing accidents. Apparently, Lewis spotted some fat elk on a willow bar, so he and the ever popular fiddle-playing Frenchman, Pierre Cruzatte, loaded up their rifles and struck out to replenish the meat supply. Unfortunately, Pierre had one eye, and was extremely nearsighted. He wound up mistaking Lewis, who was clad in brown buckskin, for an elk and shot him in the butt. Lewis had difficulty sitting for the remainder of the trip.

Lewis seems to be pointing out the direction towards real elk on the front of each and every fire pit at the park.

Departing the area, we stopped at a store to replenish supplies and couldn't resist parking next to another Casita in the parking lot. Steve and Judy were surprised as they walked out of the store and found all the Eggs next to their newly purchased trailer (on the left side of this gaggle). A very nice couple, I'm sure we'll be meeting them at rallies down the road.

West of Williston, ND is the Fort Union Trading Post. Lewis and Clark made camp near there on April 25, 1805 and noted this location would be good for a trading outpost. Two decades after the expedition, the American Fur Trading Company established Fort Union,where a brisk trade in animal hides took place from 1828 to 1867.

One of the well preserved, knowledgeable, traders still works at the post and is more than happy to entertain questions from today's modern travelers.

Outside the fort, a grouping of tipis (local spelling) represents an encampment of Native Americans who would have come for trading with the white man on the Upper Missouri River.

Luckily, we had our tipi inspectors, Judy and Wayne along to check out the structures. They pronounced them to be in perfect condition.

With the visit to the trading post, we passed another state line and entered big sky country, Montana . . .

Lewis and Clark documented Indian civilizations that had wandered over these lands on their journey. What they failed to note, were the long, long, long ago inhabitants that were there before. At Peck Dam, there is an exhibit to these earlier inhabitants. This one would have thought Judy and Al were no more than an afternoon snack.
It's a good thing they didn't meet in person!

The scariest thing we've run into is a small, furry smiley thing that appears in my car.

To be continued . . .

Indigenous Influences

2011-07-12T08:35:00.004-05:00

On a windswept hill, overlooking the mighty waters of the Missouri River, stone sentinels watch the passage of time. A closer inspection shows the grave site and monument to Sitting Bull, a Lakota Chief whose life took a circuitous path in regards to his relationship with the white man. Read about this enigma of a man and his complex history here.

Visitors have left an interesting assortment of tokens at the base of his monument . . .

Nearby, a obelisk rises high above the land as a tribute to another Native American, one who became an instrumental part of the Lewis and Clark expedition. On November 4, 1804. Sakakawea and her child joined with the explorers on their westward journey. The sight of a squaw with her child traveling with the white men showed them as a peaceful expedition and helped ease their passage through the western territories. At times, Sakakawea also pointed the way as she recognized the lands of her people from her past.

When he commissioned the Lewis and Clark expedition, President Jefferson was keenly aware of civilizations already existing in the far reaches of the western lands. He charged Lewis with annotating the location, size, and disposition of tribal peoples and establishing peaceful relations with the Indian tribes they encountered. America's history with our indigenous tribes has been filled with errors over the centuries. High up in North Dakota now, as we wake up during this phase of the rolling rally, we turn on the radio, hear the sound waves of authentic tribal music, and are reminded deep roots of this land's past inhabitants and their connection to the present.

Nebraska to North Dakota

2011-07-11T14:11:00.007-05:00

On the road like this, we'll often camp in out of the way areas that have limited broadband, so blog posting can be sporadic. The "Road Less Traveled" has beauties and wonders to be seen and not missed just 'cause of a lack of modern conveniences. Thanks for understanding . . .

We were advised not to miss the display of the river's strength at Gavins Point Dam, between Nebraska and South Dakota. The stopover was certainly worth the effort. With the water's relentless determination to head downriver and more to follow, the Corps of Engineers let loose the floodgates in an attempt to manage Mother Nature.

After the photo op, we joined the parade of vehicles across the Gavins Point Dam into South Dakota.

Speaking of parades, here's an Egg Parade departing Pease Creek S.R.A, heading upstream.

The evening found us nestled amongst shade trees and wide open grassy areas at West Whitlock SRA. I've never seen so many boating enthusiasts at one park. Boat ramp parking was overflowing with empty boat trailers as folks were out enjoying the water. My kayak was not to be outdone and made two launches during our visit here.

Lewis and Clark halted for dinner just north of here on October 6, 1804. They noted an abandoned Arikaree village consisting of 80 octagon-shaped lodges covered with earth, placed close to each other and surrounded by a picket fence.
The Arikaree lodges would be much like this one found at the West Whitlock SRA. Here's an outside and inside view.

Further upstream, near Washburn, ND is the best interpretive center we've come across thus far. Don't miss it if you're in the area. Excellent gift shop, film, and artifact displays, as well as a room full of George Catlin prints from 1844 which captured the essence of Native American life in this period.

Desiring to stay at Cross ranch SP, we detoured due to flooding and stayed at the Sanger Boat Landings campsites. While not sterling, they were very adequate for our needs and a sight better than this local homestead . . .

To be continued . . .

Ionia Volcano

2011-07-03T16:40:00.004-05:00

We crossed into Nebraska near Sioux City and set up camp at Ponca SP for the 4th of July weekend. It's a lovely park, full of families with small children, some of which established a dog walking service for campers. Oscar enjoyed that. Above, Wayne has hung the official rolling rally banner and is ready for the 4th of July. The other three Eggs are camped nearby.

Judy & Wayne stand at the very edge of a 200 ft cliff called the Ionia Volcano. On Aug 24, 1804 L&C described bluffs that appeared to be on fire "where no man could bear his hand in the earth at any depth." At that time, the river flowed up against the foot of the hill. It is believed that iron pyrite decomposition came in contact with water and the resulting heat ignited other combustible materials.

The Sioux City Public Museum has scaled replicas of a keel boat and pirouge like the ones used by Lewis & Clark. The museum recently moved from this cool old mansion into a modern facility right downtown.

The museum has an informative short movie about Sioux City's history. I found the Corn Palaces used to draw tourists to be a unique touch . . .

In Sioux City, this 100-foot obelisk, marks the final resting-place of Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr., who was the only casualty during the long expedition. Sgt Floyd died from a ruptured appendix on Aug 20, 1804 and was buried on a nearby hill with full honors.

While we were out playing tourist, Oscar was out making new best friends. Here's his latest BFF, Mr. Buffalo.

To be continued . . .

Stoner Malts!

2011-06-30T06:03:00.002-05:00

Wayne dropped off his wife, Pam, at the airport and will catch up down the trail. We currently have 3 Eggs in the gaggle. Here, we take a moment to walk the furkids and stretch our legs before continuing. We reached camp, near Hamburg, IA, and hiked to an overlook from some loess hills on the east side of the river. Lewis & Clark camped on the west side of the river from here on July 18, 1804 and sent a team to these hills so they could overlook the distant scenery and make note of all they saw.

Folks in Hamburg, IA are busy preparing for rising waters, but not too busy to host three "Eggers" following L&C. We dropped in on Stoner Drug, which has been in the family and operating since 1891. We even met the grand daughter of the founder. Stoner Drug has an original, old-timey soda fountain bar where you can sit on a stool at the counter, enjoy a healthy home made chicken salad sandwich and wash it down with a chocolate shake made with real malt.
MMMMMMMMMMMM, Stoner Malt = GOOOOOOOOOOD!!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to this community as they suffer through the flood of 2011. Levies are being worked on 24/7 and shops sandbag in case the levies don't work as desired. Crops are devastated. This corn field irrigation line disappears into a newly formed lake.

To be continued . . .

Fast Water!

2011-06-29T16:25:00.006-05:00

It was the earliest part of the 1800's. The Lewis & Clark expedition had been commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to traverse the newly purchased expanse of the Louisiana Purchase and seek a pathway for westward trading, making a thorough report on lay of the land and the indigenous population of Indians.

It was mid 2011 and the Wonder Egg was commissioned by Oscar the Wonder Dog, to seek out adventure with other Eggs and retrace the pathway of the original explorers. We have it quite a bit easier than L&C, who fought upstream with their keelboats . . .

Wayne, Judy, and Al stand at water's edge as a swollen Missouri River rushes past, creating turbulence and carrying debris downstream. L&C would have had significant difficulty under these conditions.

The scenery in this part of the nation is quite different from the brown, crispy grass of home. The land offers its fertile ground for crops of all sorts, feeding millions. Oscar snapped this picture out the window of a stylistic "red barn" and its rolls of hay for cattle.

He then leaned out the window to make sure all the Eggs are together as we head for our day's destination, Arrow Rock State Park, MO. We settle down at camp and prepare for the next leg...

Gateway Arch

2011-06-25T16:27:00.003-05:00

Oscar and I are in St Loius, MO and have joined some other happy travelers. Our goal is to generally follow the pathway of the intrepid explorers, Lewis & Clark as they left St Louis and followed the waterways northwest, eventually winding up at the Pacific Ocean. Oscar hung back in the trailer as I went downtown to the Gateway Arch, which towers 630 feet above the ground.

The Arch is majestic and beautiful in its simplicity. Completed in 1965, it offers tourists a dizzying view of the countryside from its observation windows at the apex.

When I got back to the campsite, I told Oscar all about the huge, fierce grizzly bear that's part of the Lewis & Clark exhibition in the subterranean museum beneath the arch. The little foo-foo dog puffed out his chest and said "Don't worry, Pete. I ain't askeered a no grizzly bear! I'll protect you."

I feel better all ready . . . NOT!

In search of Cool Air & Green Grass

2011-06-24T06:47:00.003-05:00

Being the wise travelers we are, and seeing as we were desperately in need of cooler air and green, non-crinkly grass, Oscar and I pointed north. First stop - Lake Whitney SP, TX. Not there yet . . .

Next stop Arrowhead SP, OK. Not there yet . . .

At a rest stop in Missouri, Oscar enjoyed a nicely decorated rest area with a Route 66 motif. We both had flashbacks to last year's summer adventure down the Mother road.

We kept pressing on and suddenly the air temp dropped and the world turned green. "Eureka!" Oscar said, "We found it!"

So we pulled into Babler SP, MO and set up camp for a few days.

This morning, Oscar grabbed the camera and snapped a picture out the window and said "Look Pete, a local cat has come to greet us!" I was able to grab him just before he lunged out the door to greet his new best friend and have a
"sniff-n-meet."

Yessirreee, we're havin' fun now!

2011 Summer Adventure

2011-06-23T06:05:00.004-05:00

Well, grandbaby #5 and family are doing well, the summer heat cracks 100 degrees, the grass has turned tan in color and Oscar says it feels crinkly under his paws.
Time for a ROAD TRIP!

I vote for somewhere cooler and wetter. The Wonder Egg is packed and the kayak is loaded.
We're outta here . . .

Wecome to the world . . .

2011-06-10T18:54:00.003-05:00

Presenting, Valentina!
G'baby #5
:)))))

Settling Back at Inks Lake

2011-05-31T19:01:00.005-05:00

After being at a rally with 140 trailers (a veritable small city), 8 of us "Eggers" decided to head to Inks Lake State Park for a no-agenda-rally to kick back, relax, and enjoy just "being."

Oscar picked out a nice spot for The Wonder Egg and supervised as I set up camp.

I took the yak out on the lake and enjoyed come catch-and-release games with numerous fish. Most of all, I enjoyed the ability to quietly ease up on wildlife, unnoticed, and get some pics.
This sleeping duck ha no idea I was within 6 feet in the "stealth yak" enjoying the scenery.

Oscar took the camera out later and got a nice photo of some goslings with their mom.

Jim and Weenie stopped by the campsite for a nice visit . . .

Some folks ask "Just what do you DO at these rallies, Pete?" I tell them most of the quality time is spent with friends, kicking back, playing board games, talking about our travels and families, enjoying the weather and beauty around us and being at ease with life . . . like this!

That's our travels for now, we hope to be back on the road in a few weeks, after hanging around here waiting for g'baby #5 to pop into the world and say hello to everyone.
'Til next time!

2011 Bluebonnet Rally

2011-05-29T19:10:00.008-05:00

I walked by the sofa today and there's Oscar in his "I'm really a cat in a dog-suit" pose, curled up on the arm, and giving me a disgusted look. He then proceeds to tell me it's about time I made an entry about the great Bluebonnet Casita Rally we attended in Bandera, TX. He's right, I've procrastinated too long, so here it is . . . Now hush up, you insufferable little dog!

One of the largest gatherings of fiberglass trailers is the annual Texas Bluebonnet Casita Rally, held each spring in Bandera, Texas. Seeing old friends and meeting new friends is what it's all about.

Ya gotta get there early to get a good spot. This is about what it looked like several days before the rally officially kicked off . . . EGGVILLE!

We set up camp, after arriving from our recent trip to Arkansas.

It's always interesting to see the different motifs proudly displayed on the trailers.

This one even came with a mother-in-law room addition. LOL

As we passed this one, Oscar said "Hey Pete, get a load of that rear window!"
Trying not to laugh at his unintentional wordplay, I distracted the little dog by guiding him towards some different types of trailers . . .

While Casita's naturally had the vast majority of participants, there were the occasional outliers, such as the Vintage Bigfoot, above, that came with it's own mascot, and the Oliver, below, with a St George's cross flying high on a uniquely flexible flagpole. (Its owners had a slight accent, of course!)

Oscar had enough of looking at trailers and got right down to making himself at home, doing what he does best . . . relaxing . . . poor guy looks a bit stressed out here, NOT!!!!!!!!

He managed to wrangle a dog biscuit out of a new BFF. "YUM!"

Oscar gave this yard high marks for the greenery and lighting accents.

Poor little dog, gets no luvin' . . .

Surrounded by all his gal pals, Oscar was one Happy Camper

Speaking of Happy Campers, this Casita appears to be a close cousin to The Wonder Egg, sporting a fine smiley face as it travels on down the road.

It's a unique experience to hang out a few short days with 140 other fiberglass trailers. Meeting, greeting, eating, fishing, laughing, and looking forward to the next rally. Life is GOOOOOOOOOD!

Jugfest 2011

2011-04-21T19:59:00.009-05:00

April + full moon = JUGFEST! The Wonder Egg wandered up to Lake Greeson for some fun. It appears pretty small next to Larry & Betty's sunblocker, which they've named "SPF50" Almost looks like an Easter Egg in comparison.

The jugs are all arranged for the evening cast, where we toss live bait to lure out the catfish as they feed overnight. Click on this link to watch a brief video Larry took of a jug cast.

CASTING THE JUG!

Early in the morning, Larry & Betty await in their new, cool fishing boat to fetch jugs and see what sort of luck we've had. Actually, there is an art to targeting the right fish. Larry, aka Mountainborn, of Mountainborn Chonicles, is a pro at placing the lines in just the right spot. Betty supplies the Honey Buns which has become an early launch tradition.

Coffee -Honey Buns - Fish - and Friends - Woohoo!!

We ease up on the jug. Some bounce up and down, others cut a wake or disappear under water, this one simply played dead. It may still have a big one on the line, so we always anticipate a catch. Larry guides the boat next to the jug for the pick up.

Here are a few photos of some successful casts.

Oscar was confused why these cats had no fur and lived at the bottom of a lake.

Larry, Betty and Poco take a pose for the memory books.

Larry and Betty make a fine art of filleting cats fresh off the lake. When they're done with all the trimming, all that's left is succulent white meat. No fishy taste at all . . . pure protein and YUM!

Leftovers from filleting are deposited across the lake where the buzzards and eagles enjoy an easy feast. This young buzzard airs out its wings as it anticipates dinner.

You may wonder where The Smiley Dog is during this activity. He holds down the fort in the Wonder Egg, hanging out with Flat Weezul and Squeaky Squirrel.

How to Lower your Blood Pressure

2011-04-19T18:36:00.004-05:00

STEP ONE -
Get your fishing gear and set up camp at Lake Greeson, AR.

STEP TWO -
Glide out on the lake early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise . . .

STEP THREE -
After a good day of fishing, tarry a bit on the lake and enjoy the sunset

Take a deep breath and be at peace...

Goin' Fishin!

2011-04-08T16:50:00.005-05:00

Oscar knew our fishing trip to Arkansas was getting close, so he made an appointment with his "Personal Beauty Consultant, " Jessica. He asked her to spruce him up for the trip so he could look his best when he reunited with his pal, Poco, to go impress the ladies. LOL! Here, he's fresh out of the bath and Jessica is just getting started on his transformation from Scruffy Dog to Dapper Dan.

Our stop for the evening came with a nice surprise . . . Ya gotta love Texas Bluebonnets in the Spring!

OMG - Pete's Gone BONKERS!!!!

2011-03-28T18:05:00.007-05:00

Help me! What am I gonna do with Pete, who has obviously gone off his rocker . . . JUST LOOK AT HIM!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAUUUUUGUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have these really cool friends , Phil & Denise Underwood, who host the annual Hill-a-Palooza rally near Austin, TX. It sure is a fun time for everyone.

Take, for instance, this Casita from a coastal tribe of Texans, who get goofy after 5 o'clock, which seems to roll around any time they want - LOL. (I think they were still sleeping in when this picture was taken)

Then there's the U-Haul clan that always puts in a good showing at these get togethers.

Pete up and grabbed me for a family photo . . . I tried my best to wiggle away from his blacked out teeth hillbilly get up, but he was too strong for this small, furry dog . . .

At least I was able to enter my Flat Weezul Chilleee recipe into the competition. While not a prize winner, it brought tears to the eyes of those that tried it. (He, he, he)

We've been back home for a while. It looks like Pete's starting to get us ready for another trip. I heard him say something about fishin' in Arkansas, then joining 150 fiberglass trailers amongst the bluebonnets and then goin' out to west Texas to round up some javelinas. What the heck is THAT about? Please help me! Pete's gone really bad-like bonkers, as you can plainly see. What am I gonna do with him?

Seminole Canyon State Historical Park

2011-02-16T08:41:00.004-06:00

Northwest of Del Rio, TX is a hidden gem of a park which will transport the traveler back in time. A place where the railroad's western expansion meets ancient cave paintings.

The park preserves artifacts of both of these activities which span a 4000 year sliver of time showing man's presence in this dry, windy land. The modern sculpture represents a combination of ancient man and animal interaction. The figure holds an atlatl, a tool that uses leverage as it speeds a spear to the intended target. The rock oven was used to bake food for men as they sliced passages through the harsh landscape for the Southern Pacific Railroad's 1882 expansion.

A 15 minute walk into the canyon below brings you to a protective overhang where 4000 year old petroglyphs provide a peak into the minds of previous dwellers.

Seminole Canyon State Historical Park, an out of the way gem that's worth the trip . . .

Boquillas Del Carmen

2011-02-03T16:39:00.007-06:00

While plant life on the eastern side of Big Bend National Park may seem inhospitable, just across the border, the small pueblo of Boquillas Del Carmen is full of friendly people who had a close relationship with tourists as they enjoyed man powered boat rides across the Rio Grande to take pictures, sample local food, and gather souvenirs and memories. That was, of course, until 2002 when the US government closed the crossing for security purposes. The town's economy has been devastated ever since.

Today, as you take the road to view Boquillas Canyon, you may see some treasures perched on a rock near an overlook. Wire scorpions, necklaces, and hand painted walking sticks are among the items to be found.
A note next to a donation cup asks for support to help the citizens of Boquillas Del Carmen for any items taken. It's on the honor system.

Tourists may find a walking stick that is just right for them as they wander around these parts.

No . . . this isn't a raiding party coming across the river . . . it's merely Sylvestre Sanchez, who has been patiently watching from across the river, resupplying the treasure rock with walking sticks.
Sylvestre and his trusty steed pose for a photo with a happy tourist.

Down at Boquillas Canyon itself, you will find mortar holes dug into the river bank rocks by ancient Indian civilizations, used to grind and process grain. You'll also get a good view of the Rio Grande as it meanders through a deep fissure cut through the land on its way to the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2012, an updated border crossing to Boquillas Del Carmen should open, once again allowing folks to enjoy a bit of the flavor of Old Mexico . . .

Walking Bob's Grave

2011-02-01T14:06:00.010-06:00

Texas' vast territory offers a wide variety of landscapes. One of those is the Big Bend, sort of an "elbow" poking south towards Mexico, filled with rugged vistas, colorful people, and unique stories. Rising mountains are far off in the distance as we turn south from Alpine to go exploring.

With camp set up, we looked around and saw rugged beauty off in the distance. This is the view from our new front yard.

The next morning, Oscar & I went for a walk to explore our local environment. There's a strange beauty about this place that tends to grow on you as you saunter over the pathways in the hills.

Lack of rainfall has resulted in many cactus plants being under stress, causing them to shed the usual green color of chlorophyll.

Visibility was unlimited and standing at this overlook, we could see for countless miles.

As we worked our way back to camp, Oscar noticed a low, man made object in the distance.

Being curious, Oscar ran over to it and yelled back "Hey Pete, it's a grave!!" Sure enough, he had come across the burial site of Robert K Savidge, aka - Walking Bob.
It seems Bob owned this part of roughhewn landscape and loved it so dearly he had one of his friends bring over a tractor with a hoe. Bob supervised as a hole was dug and oriented exactly where he wanted to be laid to rest, when the time came, that is. Well that time came a few short years after the digging. Mournful well wishers brought Bob's casket to the resting place only to find the hole was too small . . . folks in this neck of the woods have learned to be flexible so another back hoe was brought in as they patiently waited with Bob. The hard rock earth was too much for the back hoe . . . soooooooooo . . . one of the mourners said he had an idea and hopped in his Jeep and went to his house to get some dynamite to remedy the situation. Everyone stood back as the grave was expanded with a bang! Unfortunately the Good Samaritan's Jeep was too close to the boom and its soft top was riddled with holes from flying rocks.

Oscar paid his respects to Walking Bob, a friend of all around these parts whose walking legend and burial story will live on and on . . .

Bring in the new Year

2011-01-27T17:43:00.002-06:00

Brazos Bend State Park was a great place to join friends to ring in 2011! Here's the Wonder Egg basking in the glow of an Original Campfire in a Can, a new camping accessory.

Oscar enjoyed biking with the kids and hanging out relaxing after a strenuous ride.

He was also able to get in his fair share of cuddling, his favorite thing!

The crowd enjoyed a tailgate party and savored some award winning Hot Rod Chili . . . YUM!

And then there was the Cajun Jambalaya feast . . .

The rest of January was time to hang with the grandkids a bit. Looking forward to taking them campin'!

Home Again

2010-12-17T10:04:00.005-06:00

As I drove us back into our driveway, Pete made the Sign of the Cross and whispered thanks "That the crazy little dog didn't get us into any accidents." His lack of faith in my driving skills is a bit annoying. We covered 5176 miles this time out without incident, which is more than I can say for HIS driving. Sheesh!

We're hanging around here for the Christmas holidays, catching up on all the changes in the grandkid department. Here's Pete with his oldest and youngest grandkids, Sparrow and Eliot. I actually think it's pretty cool having a nephew I can see eye to eye with!

We had the twins and their folks over for dinner so Pete could try our his new smoker. Those two learned how to walk while we were out! Now I've really gotta keep an eye out for them. Santa's gonna bring them a new little brother or sister next June. What is he thinking?!? Then I'll have five little 2-leggers to look out for at family gatherings. AAAUUUGGGHHH!!!!!!!

Kolomoki Mounds State Park

2010-11-22T06:03:00.003-06:00

In the mood for relaxing scenery, a bit of fishing, and walking amongst an ancient civilization all rolled into one? Then I'd suggest you head for Kolomoki Mounds State Park on the southwest corner of Georgia.

Kolomoki Lake

Eight remaining mounds built sometime between 250 and 950 AD by the Swift Creek and Weeden Island Indians make for an interesting journey back in time. The burial mound in the foreground is 20 feet high and was found to contain 77 burials along with numerous items of pottery. In the far distance, the Temple Mound rises 65 feet and has a base the size of a football field.

An interesting museum is built around the site of another burial mound excavation where you can view the scene as discovered by archeologists in the 1940's. The four skeletons seen here are representations of the actual ones, which were respectfully interred elsewhere within the burial mound.

Oscar and I sat around the campfire in the evening, listening to ceremonial drums an chants echoing across the lake and pondering the march of time . . .

Bentgate B&B

2010-11-20T15:58:00.008-06:00

As you slide down the Appalachians and cross westward through the Cumberland Gap, keep your eyes peeled for some unusual critters. You just might spot some through and old fence . . .

Keep heading west. Just south of the Daniel Boone National Forest is the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Nestled on the edge of the recreation area is the Bentgate Bed and Breakfast, a world class stopover for the weary traveler with the finest steak dinners east of the Mississippi.

If your timing is just right, you may be lucky enough to enjoy a most unique presentation of local history. Rugby's Lantern Tour at the Laurel Dale Cemetery has actors at gravesites in authentic period costumes telling stories in the first person narrative. All of their information comes from original source material, handwritten letters or news clippings, providing a real sense of life in Rugby during the 1880s. Hauntingly unique . . .

If you should pass through Crossville, TN be on the lookout for one of the many beaver statues hanging out dressed in costume like this feller, here!

A trip to Stearns allows you to visit the Blue Heron Mine, a historic representation of what life was like for the young and old living in the mining camp and owing their souls to the company store.

Feel your blood pressure drop as you gaze beyond the orchid out the kitchen window.

Oscar's fondest memories of Bentgate are all about squirrel hunting in the living room. He gets all starry eyed just thinking about it!

SHANTIVANAM!

2010-11-18T13:11:00.005-06:00

Sanskrit for "Forest of Peace", Shantivanum certainly lives up to its name. Situated in the woods of southern Pennsylvania, this wonderful retreat beckons to those who may live in the world of The Hectic and invites them to come, relax by the fire, listen to the sounds of nature and feel the blood pressure go down ... aaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh ... that's just right!

I took a meandering walk through the woods to and overlook and saw the fall colors splashed on the hillsides.

Hung out with my sister, Michele, her dogs Luna & Duke and her husband, Jim, who's behind the camera.

Oscar declined the long walk, claiming his itty-bitty legs would just get too tuckered out. I think he had a serious nap by the fireplace in mind. Ya think?

Harpers Ferry, WV

2010-11-15T08:48:00.006-06:00

"The passage of the Patowmac through the Blue Ridge is perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature ... This scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic ..."

Thomas Jefferson, 1783

Jefferson wrote those lines as he overlooked the river from a rock outcropping, high above the riverbed. Harper's Ferry is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, from where you can stand in one place and almost throw a rock into West Virginia, Maryland, or Virginia. Home to John Brown's raid on the arsenal in protest of slavery and the largest surrender of Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Harpers Ferry changed hands between the Confederate and Union soldiers fourteen times during the Civil War. St Peter's Church built in 1833, was the only church relatively unscathed by artillery during the conflict. Reverend Costello is credited with this due to his decision to fly the Union Jack above the church during the conflict.

Harpers Ferry is maintained as a Historic National Park and is well worth the visit . . .

Oscar's Harrowing Halloween

2010-11-05T08:58:00.003-05:00

Walking through the woods west of Gettysburg on Halloween, Oscar suddenly sensed an eerie presence he couldn't quite place . . .

Scooting away from there, he heard a witch's voice cackling "I'll GET you, you little DOG!"

He ran over tho this guy for help, but the fellow had problems of his own!

Oscar and his new found buddy, Duke, took refuge in a local cemetery only to find more mayhem. They both said "I didn't do it! I didn't do it."

With their world gone weird, they scampered to the cabin where aunt Michele consoled the whimpering pups.

Michele told Oscar if he'd simply sleep on it, it'd all be better in the morning. So he collapsed right there on the couch . . .

Next morning, Oscar was back to his smiley self, yelling "I AIN'T AFRAID OF NO GHOSTS!"

(yeah, right)

Wooly Worm Festival

2010-11-04T19:39:00.014-05:00

What is a Woolly Worm?
a. The caterpillar or larvae form of the Isabella tiger moth.
b. A great excuse for a party
c. Both A & B

Banner Elk, NC hosts the annual Woolly Worm Festival, where folks gather for some good old fun and worm racing!

This fellow gets a bit carried away as he revels in the sensation of multiple worms crawling up their shirt . . . that's the spirit!

There are plenty of opportunities for some health conscious snacks.

Crowds gather for the multiple race events which eventually culminates in an overall winner of a $500 prize pot. GO WORM . . . GO!

Twenty worms compete per event. The race consists of placing your worm on a string and watching it creep upwards to the finish line. Here's "Coolie" crossing the finish line as the winner of his event, being pointed out by a Woolly Worm Festival official.
Part of the fun is watching the antics and hearing the calls of of the master of ceremonies.

We returned to camp and told Oscar and his new best friend, Sydney about it. Sydney was astounded ...

Oscar simply cracked up and told us we were nuts!

We fondly recalled the wonders of the Woolly Worm festival over brunch the next morning.

Valley Country Fair

2010-11-04T07:44:00.004-05:00

On the 3rd Saturday of each October, a bit of Americana sprouts up at the height of the fall color season in Valle Crusis, NC. What began many years ago as a local church bazaar has grown into a "go-to" destination for folks from all over . . . all proceeds go to local organizations supportting those in need.

Fine musicians take the stages throughout the day much to the delight of the crowds. You may get a chance to enjoy a master at "Playin' the Saw" (which was amazing, by the way) and encourage younger talent as they pick out some old standards.

Step on up and get close with a real live llama . . . don't worry, the handler will let you know if he's getting ready to spit! LOL

Booth after booth will entice you with items such as these beautiful hand made nesting baskets.

Kim, Lois, Herm, Paul, and Sherry gave this fair a big thumbs up.

The next Valle Country Fair will be held Oct 15th, 2011. Don't miss it!

Eggs in the Fall!

2010-11-03T17:02:00.005-05:00

Oscar & I've been outta range for a bit and have some "catchin' up to do" !!!!!

We spent some time with fellow "Eggers" up on a hillside east of Asheville, NC watching the leaves turn color. Here's the gaggle all lined up real close.

Oscar picked out our spot and I think he did a grand job! (Sherry, it's OK, just let him think it was HIS idea, it's easier that way)

Wandering along the winding Appalachian roads during the fall is spectacular.

We attended the East of Asheville Studio tour and saw artisans and their crafts in the making: pottery; blown glass; inlaid glass; wood turning; furniture makers; and my favorite - metal sculpture. Here's one of Aubrey, made by Dave Taylor of "Fire Steel & Rust" Great likeness!

Oscar loved Dave's works and while they were talking he told Dave all about our travels, so Dave made a sculpture just for Oscar's adventures. Perfect, don't you think?

National Storytelling Festival

2010-10-17T06:47:00.003-05:00

While folks have been telling stories since time began, some have elevated this communication form to pure art. They've been gathering annually at Jonesborough, TN for the National Storytelling Festival to delight audiences for three days of wonderment and laughter.

The small eastern Tennessee town of Jonesborough goes all out for the festival, making it the best run event ever.

After each day's entertainment, we retired to the campsite to recall great moments within the stories and get ready for another day of being transported in time and space through words.

Cherohala Skyway

2010-10-06T15:45:00.007-05:00

Winding up and over 5,400 foot mountains for 15 miles in North Carolina and descending another 21 miles into the deeply forested backcountry of Tennessee, the Cherohala Skyway crosses through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests thus the name "Chero...hala"... 36 miles of road, built with 100 million dollars of taxpayers' money. It was estimated that 5 million cars a year would use the skyway. In reality, only about 20 cars and 100 motorcycles a day enjoy the winding, mile high beauty of this unique byway . . . so come on up, drive the skykway, enjoy the area's sights, and get some use from your hard earned taxpayer dollars!!

Near the skyway's midpoint, we found Indian Boundary Campground - a nice place to have an up close lake experience. With the rear window open at night, the gentle lapping of the waves on the rocks made it sound as though we were sleeping aboard a boat!

An easy day trip from the campground took us to the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. Born in 1886 in New Brunswick, NJ, Kilmer was a soldier with the 165th Infantry Rainbow Division, killed in action in France during WWI in 1918. A poet, he is best known for his poem:

"Trees"

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet earth's flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

The forest has a steep, winding trail that takes the wanderer high up through lush vegetation where you can savor the sights and smells of a virgin forest. Along the way, you'll cross streams;

Delight at a community of mushrooms growing on a moss covered log;

Wonder why this lone "shroom" took up residence on the side of a tree;

And lean against the most humongous Poplar you can ever imagine.

The Cherohala Skyway. Visit it sometime, relax . . .

Natchez Trace Parkway

2010-10-05T13:35:00.005-05:00

Rounding a corner on our way east, Oscar said "Hey Pete, you've either taken a very wrong turn or Scottie has beamed us to The Planet of the Apes! Look at that sign . . ." I calmed him down by assuring him it was not THE forbidden zone, merely a warning about a flood area when they released water from a dam. We continued eastbound.

Finally, we arrived at the southern end of the Natchez Trace to start our slow meandering along this historic byway. 444 miles of slowly winding beauty that extends from Natchez to Nashville.

The Wonder Egg felt right at home.

Nothing is fast here . . . 50MPH is the rule for 444 miles! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride or you'll go bonkers.

Stop at any of the markers along the parkway to see sights such as this Old Trace Exhibit that looks a lot like Aubrey! LOL

Be sure to check the rear view mirror to see if anyone has fallen too far behind.

There are plenty of choices for overnight stays. We chose Davis Lake Campground after about 243 miles of Zen inducing , hypnotic scenery.

A brief walk from one of the points of interest along the parkway will bring you to 13 graves.

These are 13 unknown Confederate soldiers who were laid to rest in the forest along the Trace. Were they some of Shilo's wounded who retreated in 1862 to die beside the trace? Did they serve under the daring General Nathan Forest who passed this way in 1864? Or were they guarding the Tupelo headquarters of J.B. Hood's Army of Tennessee near the end of the Civil War?

We exited the Natchez Trace near Chattanooga, TN and found a quiet place by the river to think of all we've seen along the historic path.

Fall 2010 Adventure - The Beginning

2010-09-26T19:57:00.005-05:00

We were all packed and ready to go . . . I looked everywhere for The Smiley Dog and couldn't find him! Hearing the honk of the truck's horn, I went out to the driveway and found him proudly sitting in the driver's seat of the Tacoma saying "Hop in, Pete! I'm driving the first leg!" Oscar claimed he passed an on-line driver's training course and pulled his license out of his wallet, showed it to me, and said "Let's go Pete . . . time's-a-wastin'!!!

So off we went with Oscar grinning from ear to ear and me, "Mr White-Knuckles" in the passenger seat. He actually did a good job and got us to Aubrey's house southeast of Dallas where we assembled the Eggs for our convoy to the Appalachians.

To be continued . . .

Oscar Reminiscing

2010-09-21T17:15:00.004-05:00

Oscar's been reminiscing about cooler times we had this summer, like the bank of snow near our campsite in the Rockies. He thought it was pretty cool, literally!

Although, he wasn't too keen on the guy that engaged him in a snowball fight!

Oscar grabbed the camera and snapped a picture of this momma elk on one of our walks.

Although he wasn't able to go on the tour, Oscar enjoyed seeing the pictures of my tour of the Caverns of Sonora. I had a special, one on one 2 1/2 hour tour given by Jenn. Here she is standing in the Hall of Giants.

The formations are pretty under different lighting . . .

These are some of Oscar's new best friends, Jenn, Johnny and their dog, Rain. Jenn and Johnny are full time RV'rs with a great web site . . . check it out!
Hitek Homeless

We've been home in the Texas Hill Country for a bit, catching up with the kids & grandkids etc. It's time to hit the road again . . . it's festival time in the Appalachians!

National Storytelling Festival!
Fall 2010 East of Asheville Studio Tour!

The Woolly Worm Festival!

Time to pack..................

Mesa Verde

2010-07-12T07:21:00.007-05:00

Pete can be such a slug sometimes . . . I see he's been negligent on keeping up our blog (using weak excuses such as a remodeling job on the house and arrival of his 4th grandkid, Elliot, who literally popped out into the world yesterday) So I figure it's up to me, Oscar, to take up his slack and get this on the road again . . .

Here's the wonder egg at "Baby Rock" a cool formation of red sculpted shapes . . .

Northeast of 4 Corners is the Mesa Verda National park where we got to see some of the most unique homes ever built in the US. Around 600 AD, a group of people chose this area for their home. The climate allowed them to plant crops on the tops of these mesas. Eventually, they constructed grain storage and living spaces in the sides of vertical cliffs! An amazing feat to be sure. It provided them protection from enemies and the most famous one, called Cliff Palace, even has its own source of water from a natural spring that sprouts out of the rock.

House of Many Windows

Here's a "Kiva" which is a room dug down into the earth used for religious or communal purposes. It's entered by a ladder from the roof, has a ventilation shaft with damper, fire pit, altar, raised platform, wall niche, and a hole in the floor ‑ the sipapu. To the Pueblo Indians the sipapu symbolizes the place of emergence ‑ the channel through which the living communicated with the spirits of the dead. It also represented the navel of the earth.

The rest of the photos are of the Cliff Palace. Walking among it, we could discern the improvements in design and masonry techniques. Starting with raw rocks fitted together without mortar (these were the early ones near the natural spring) to shaped bricks forming complex shapes, held firm with a long lasting mortar.

Sometime around 1200 AD, within a space of two generations, these homes were abandoned by their inhabitants for unknown reasons. Maybe the crops wouldn't grow due to severe drought or the soil was no longer fertile. Perhaps the animals they hunted all moved away. Today their descendants are spread among 24 tribes that inhabit Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas.

From the Pacific to The Big Ditch

2010-06-16T09:38:00.009-05:00

Oscar and I enjoyed the Route 66 trip with our new best friends. Now it's time to meander out of the lowlands to the high country to find cooler temps. When we stopped back at Williams, AZ Oscar kept looking up back over his shoulder during walks. Then I saw what he was concerned about . . . he thought these eagles were going to swoop down and pick him up!

After conferring with these bear cubs, Oscar decided all was well and he relaxed.

From Williams, we went north to the Grand Canyon. Here's the first glimpse we had of "The Big Ditch" as the locals call it.

Oscar picked out our campsite and we got all set for exploring . . .

Off we went, in search of views . . . we hit paydirt!

During this photo, Oscar kept muttering "Pete, step AWAY from the edge!!"
(Wimp)

Approaching sunset, we went to catch the subtle light changes and reveled in the display . . .

Just before sunset, the Watchtower overlooked the Colorado River bathed in red hues.

Sunset on the rim of the Grand Canyon can be spectacular in its simplicity.
A great way to end a great day.

San Dimas to The End

2010-06-12T15:21:00.006-05:00

With mixed feelings, we made the dash for the finish line of this epic journey. The thrill of conquering The Mother Road, melded with the knowledge that it was completed, over, done.

Since it would be unlikely we'd find parking at the finish line for tow vehicles pulling trailers, we left the LPTs and ventured forth. Traffic was dense . . . 47 miles in 5 1/2 hours should say it all.

The 1925 Aztec Motel in Monrovia shows off its style, in style!

Off in the distance, we'd catch an occasional glimpse of a sign proving that we're really here . . .

Since opening in 1957, the legendary Troubadour club in West Hollywood has helped launch some of contemporary music's most talented performers. Greats such as Elton John, James Taylor, Tom Waits, and The Eagles performed there early in their careers.

The Mother Road passes right by one our country's most talked about foo-foo neighborhoods.

Pleasant artistic greenspace is everywhere . . .

Oscar & I were glad to see this salute to all Texans following The Mother Road near the finish line.

Starting within sight of Lake Michigan, we finish with the Pacific Ocean as our backdrop. L -R Pete, Oscar the Smiley Dog, Chris, Dianne, Mathew, Lane, Phoebe the Mother Road Poodle Girl.

Oscar & I wish to thank Lane for having the idea for this journey and posting the question way back in September '08 " How about, in a couple of years, we stage a Little Plastic Trailer rally along Route 66?" Thanks , Lane . . . job well done!

Barstow to San Dimas

2010-06-11T21:34:00.006-05:00

Barstow, CA is a small town built around the historic railroad. While diminutive in size, it has a couple of really cool eating establishments. For our evening meal, we were joined by Doug, a Casita owner from Kingman, AZ, at Peggy Sue's Diner. Great food and atmosphere surrounded by Hollywood memorabilia.

Before heading to San Dimas, we ate a hearty breakfast at Penny's Diner. WOW!

Polly the Parrot touts regular gasoline for 18.9 cents a gallon. We inquired inside and they said they were all out. DANG!

The heat of the desert brings out a creative element from fertile minds . . . here are some examples from a Bottle Tree Ranch found alongside the road near Helendale.

Not to be outdone, some California gypsies sported this converted bus with a van welded to the top for their living quarters. (I know . . . only in California)

Arizona's Wigwam Motel has a sister just east or Rialto, Ca. It seems a bit out of place amongst the urban sprawl of California compared to the Arizona setting.

Perhaps the last of the Giant Orange Stands that once lined California, Bono's Historic Orange does a brisk business along Route 66 in Fontana.

Enter a magical world where three wishes await your desires at Rancho Cucamonga's Magic Lamp Inn.

In Upland, the Madonna of the Trail statue depicts a rugged pioneer woman crossing making an epic crossing of one of the many trails that bisected this land over the years, always answering the inevitable questions from her offspring . . . "ARE WE THERE YET?"

Poised for our run to the finish line, the Little Plastic Trailers rest for the night in San Dimas.

To be continued . . .

Williams to Barstow

2010-06-09T23:26:00.008-05:00

Oscar thought the accommodations at the Railside RV Park in Williams, AZ were awesome, but he got a bit confused as to which of these he should use. I told him that's easy, he's neither a city dog or a country dog . . . he's was a travelin' dog and he can take his pick. He liked that.

Travelin' on down the road a piece, we passed through Ash Fork and spotted a 1958 Desoto perched on the roof of Desoto's Beauty and Barber Shop. I think it was driven by Elvis.

Our lunch alarms went off in Seligman as we spotted the Road Kill Cafe'. How could we resist? Mathew had a "buffalo burger", Lane enjoyed a "bird that hit the curb" and I dined on "fender tenders"

Oscar thought that was gross and said he was hungry enough to eat a dinosaur. I gave him a chance and he wimped out. (Imagine that)

Crossing into California, we passed Needles, home of the vintage 66 Motel.

In case we forgot maps, California places obvious markers on their stretches of the Mother Road.

The kokopellis felt at home in the desert.

Flat, hot, windy is par for the course on this stretch.

Oscar yelled "Pete stop! Did you see that odd tree back there?" As I pulled over he grabbed the camera and trotted back for a photo. He told me either these Californians have an odd sense of road beautification or this is where all of Forest Gump's fellow joggers left their worn out footwear.

On and on and on goes the Mother Road, fading to a thin line in the distance . . .

There's no doubt Lane is on a mission.

Oscar said this guy looks a little out of place crossing the Mohave desert with a boat!

One of the most often filmed Route 66 icons is Roys's Cafe' in Amboy, built in 1927.

This area may be hot in the summer, but a long time ago it was hotter, with molten lave coming forth from the Amboy Crater, an extinct North American cinder cone south of the route.

Folks used to be enticed to overnight at this motel with offers of "Free TV" LOL!

Harsh winds and punishing heat take their toll on structures left unattended for long.

Making this crossing, I'll take a Little Plastic Trailer to a Mule Train we passed any day!

Meteor Crater to Williams

2010-06-08T18:50:00.005-05:00

Cruising down Route 66, Oscar and I were talking about the Native American Eagle-Dance in Gallup, NM when all of a sudden, we heard WHUMP! WHUMP! We looked around and saw two large arrows stuck into the ground alongside the traveling Eggs.
Cautiously circling back, Oscar and I eased up to the giant arrows, always looking skyward in case there were more arrows inbound.

To our relief, we saw they had not recently landed, but rather, were part of the fun landscape of giant things to be found along Route 66. Oscar decided the noises came from the 18-wheeler passing us at the time. We were relieved to learn the Little Plastic Trailers crossing all these Indian reservations didn't spark a war. Whew!

Taking the pre-1947 routing near Winona, we found an original portion of Route 66 pavement spanning an old iron bridge. Looking through the bridge, we saw snow capped mountains in the distance.

Today was a short travel day, positioning ourselves in Williams Arizona, on the edge of the high country where it is still cool. We'll hang out here a bit 'til the heatwave west of us eases. Williams is a nice town to visit. It's filled with great shops. But lookout . . . in the evenings you may find yourself smack in the middle of an old fashioned western gunfight!

Oscar was looking somewhat scruffy from all his traveling. He had become a light gray dog with dark gray markings. Tynia, from Canyon Pets, said she could take care of that and proceeded to lavish Oscar with all the TLC he deserved. As you can see, he liked the results a lot!

After his grooming we were driving through Williams and Oscar said "Hey Pete! You should get a job over there! It not only has your name on it but being the museum piece you are, you'd fit right in!" (Everybody loves a comedian)

To be continued . . .

Meteor Crater

2010-06-07T18:16:00.004-05:00

50,000 years ago, an iron-nickel meteorite collided with earth and morphed an otherwise flat landscape into a deep bowl 700 feet deep and 4000 feet across. In 1902, a Philadelphia mining engineer, Daniel Barringer, purchased the two acres encompassing the crater and began a 27 year search for the iron laden meteor he believed to be buried beneath the floor of this impact site. These ruins are from his on-site headquarters for the exploration.

The Barringer family still owns crater property and since 1941 has developed what they feel is a public trust where geologists and even the Apollo astronauts have trained and studied. Tours are given daily which include a walk along the rim of this well preserved impact site.

Our fearless leader, Lane, and his grandson, Mathew are seen here taking in the view.

Some of those Little Plastic Trailer People posed below the rim.

Here are those same brave tourists perched precariously on the edge of certain doom if they take one misstep. (Bravo, Little Plastic Trailer People, Bravo!)

Before leaving this educational side trip, in an attempt to let the force be with them, they laid hands on the Barringer Meteorite, an 800 pound piece of the giant meteor which was recovered from 2 1/2 miles away. (Oscar smiled and said we looked like a bunch of space cadets.)

Gallup, NM to Meteor Crater, AZ

2010-06-06T14:52:00.013-05:00

Gallup to Meteor Crater is a passage across a barren beauty that's hard to describe to city folk. Big blue sky, visibility that goes to the curvature of the earth, unexpected color from a flower tenaciously making a foothold . . . we had it easy compared to earlier travelers with less reliable cars, no A/C, no satellite radio or iPods with thousands of songs played over the nice sound system . . . you get the picture.

Here are some pictures of some happy Little Plastic Trailer People making the passage.

Red hued rocks against a blue sky was a nice place to pull over and take in the sights.

Some of those sights were placed high on the rocks to capture passing the tourists. I guess it worked!

Colorful cliffs are one thing, but having the entire desert painted in front of you is truly something else. We cruised slowly through the painted desert savoring the eye candy along the way.

We stopped to look at symmetrical hills called the Teepees on our way to the Petrified Forest.

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, all the earth's continents were in a single supercontinent called Pangea. During the Late Triassic Period (around 200 million years ago) the land we know as Arizona was near the equator and covered with lush forest vegetation. Some of the trees of this forest fell and were deposited under deep layers of silt. Mineral laden groundwater seeped down through the silt and infused the dead wood with minerals. Silica crystals grew inside the cells and bit by bit the wood turned to stone.

Formerly wood, now rock, a wonder in the petrified forest . . .

These weren't even the biggest!

Just think . . . this 30 foot section of rock used to be part of a large tree in a prehistoric forest near the equator. (Sorta makes us a blip on a very looooooong timeline, doesn't it.)

Oscar thought that was interesting and was amused to see a family of dinosaurs menacing traffic along Route 66.

As if travelers along The Mother Road need to be reminded this used to be the wild west. You can still take a room at the Wigwam Motel, in Holbrook, AZ. The kokopellis on front of our trailer felt right at home.

So did the rest of the Eggs.

Further west, Oscar got all excited when he thought he'd get a chance to chase a giant jackrabbit.

Some of Oscar's new traveling buddies thought the bodacious bunny would whoop up on the little smiley dog so they thought they'd tame the wild rabbit themselves in his defense.

Sam & Gloria - - - "Rabbit Tamers"

Chris & Dianne - - - "Bronking Bunny Busters"

After hours on the road and all that rabbit wrangling, it was nice to stop and stand on the corner in Winslow Arizona and hang out with a member of The Eagles. Oscar wasn't into it much, that is until he saw a girl in a flatbed Ford slowing down to take a look at him.

Another fine day . . . more miles behind us and a western sunset in front of us as we take it easy along The Mother Road.

To be continued . . .

Albuquerque to Gallup

2010-06-03T21:30:00.018-05:00

Rolling down Route 66 through the southwest, the vistas are spectacular. Visibility goes on forever, and ever, and ever . . . here's group of us taking in the views.

At Villa Cubero, Hemingway wrote part of "Old Man in the Sea" in the cafe attached to these wayside motel rooms. (Not much sea to be seen around these parts)

While not specifically associated with Route 66, we couldn't resist a side trip to Acoma Pueblo. Built atop a mesa rising over 350 feet above the floor of the valley, it is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the country. This location was settled in the 11th century to protect against invading nomadic tribes. The people of Sky City have a fabulous story to tell. Don't miss it if you are in the area.

From this stop, one can see shapes of buildings on the mesa far off in the distance.

San Esteban Del Rey Mission dates back to 1629 and is active today. Thirteen families currently inhabit the pueblo. The rest of the tribal community resides below, in the surrounding area.

The Acoma people's religious practices combine Catholic traditions with their original religious beliefs. This is a ladder ascends to the top of an Acoma prayer house which can only be entered from the top.

The earthen oven is still used during community events. They say it makes roasted corn that is unrivaled by other means.

Some more scenes in the pueblo . . .

"Little Plastic Trailer People" in the pueblo . . . L-R, Judy, Sam,Gloria, Pete, Chris, Dianne, Carol, Rich, Maureen.

That was a great stop, now it was time to get back on the road.

Oscar didn't believe me when I told him about rainwater flowing towards either to the Pacific or the Atlantic ocean, depending on which side of the continental divide it lands. He hopped down from my arm and proceeded to "water" a couple of rocks to test this theory . . . when he was done, he looked at his test samples, looked up at me, snickered, and told me he thought I was nuts.

After another day on the Mother Road, some of us settled into the Quaking Aspen campground in the Cibola national Forest.

Here are Oscar's new best camping friends.

The air was cool and the fire warm as we planned our next day's adventure.

To be continued . . .

Amarillo to Albuquerque

2010-05-31T16:33:00.011-05:00

Heading west from Amarillo we stopped at an American road icon which was moved to its present location in 1997. "Cadillac Ranch" is the resting place for 10 road barges that used to glide across the highways in style. Graffiti artists have made this a very colorful place.

In Adrian, Texas we found the most hospitable cafe on the Mother road. The Midpoint Cafe is pure old-timey diner inside and out, where you can have a tasty piece of pie, buy a cookbook with its recipe and have it signed by the author! The YUM that keeps on giving . . . :)

Why do they call it the Midpoint Cafe? Now you know.
This old road warrior is parked alongside the cafe. If it could only talk.

Air conditioned cars were not part of the old Route 66 landscape. Seeing this sign was sure to bring cries of "I want some!" from the back seat.

Seeing Judy, Sam and Gloria, it looks like that cry is still heard today. (Later, when Judy mentioned over the walkie-talkie that her dog, Foxy, was licking the bowl, Oscar glowered at me for not having any ice cream myself and sharing it with him. You just can't win sometimes - sheesh)

I told him I did ask for a 5 cent hot dog, but they were all out.

Although the Blue Swallow Motel of Tucumcari, NM has lost a bit of its luster it still manages to draw a steady flow of bikers along the Mother road to fill its rooms.
Its mural on the side harkens back to busier times.

Gloria and Judy spotted opportunity at the Timeless Treasures antique stop and several of us pulled over to see what all the excitement was about.

As the ladies roamed the store in search of the-mother-find, the guys were entertained by Rodeo Ralph who told us about the good ole days.

Not every portion of Route 66 is friendly to RV traffic. But when you're pulling a Little Plastic Trailer, even the narrowest of tunnels is no problem.

In Cuervo, time marches on for this decaying mission whose wooden steeple still stands against the elements.

There is no shortage of museums to be found along the Mother Road. Santa Rosa has the Auto Museum where enthusiasts can drool over classic cars and hot rods.

To be continued . . .

Amarillo

2010-05-31T15:27:00.003-05:00

Whew! We finally made it back onto The Mother Road and to the next gathering in Amarillo, TX. Oscar took great pleasure in telling everyone about my wrong turn and the lovestruck bull. I simply told them I wasn't lost . . . I was EXPLORING!

As you know, everything is big in Texas. This was not exception with the two limousines that picked us op for a trip the the Big Texan Steakhouse. Nice hood ornament.

Ladies love shoes and ours were taken with Big Texan's boot our front.

Us guys are sometimes full-of-bull and gravitated elsewhere for our photo. The ad on the side of the bull is about the FREE 72 oz steak . . . only catch is you must eat it all, along with a salad, baked potato, and three shrimp. Failure to eat the whole 4 1/2 pound slab of beef and its fixin's leaves you with a $72 tab and a stomach ache.

No one in our party went for the 72oz monster but, as you can see we were pleased with our meals.

El Reno, OK to Amarillo, TX

2010-05-29T16:33:00.013-05:00

During this Little Plastic Trailers on Route 66 adventure, travelers are free to overnight at the place of their choice. Getting from point A to point B is also our own responsibility. Sometimes we may have as many as 5 trailers in a close caravan at other times, there may be one or two. We know the destination city and that Lane & his grandson, Mathew will be at the KOA. Sometmes we're all there as well and other times we branch out to other locations. Many of us overnighted at Red Rock Canyon State Park in Hinton, OK. A picturesque valley lined with rock cliffs that showed off their color. A stream runs along the northern cliffs.

This stream was significant in the mid 1800s to folks traveling the California Road from Ft Smith, AR westward to California in search of gold. They carved a special ramp down a steep incline to allow the oxen driven wagons to literally slide down the rock to a point that would make it easier to fill up their water stores for the long trip ahead. One of those rock pathways can still be seen in the park.
Time to get on the road, we teamed up with Sam & Gloria for the day's travel. Here is a rural Oklahoma section of the Mother Road.

We soon came upon the little town of Erick, OK. Birthplace of Roger Miller, who composed King of the Road and Sheb Wooley, infamous for his Purple People Eater. A comedy act was in progress at the refurbished City Meat market, now a venue for new talent.

Artifacts from bygone days were strewn about the property. I wonder how many miles this old Plymouth hood went down the Mother Road.

Sam and Gloria said they were juse-a-relaxin on the porch, but I think they were getting lubricated! Check out the can on the table.

In Shamrock, TX the U-Drop Inn and Conoco gas station shared the same structure. Its now the location for the city's Chamber of Commerce.
This Mclean gas station was the first Phillips 66 in Texas back in the day.

Even water towers have trouble standing up to the constant force of the wind out here. (Actually it was designed that way to get attention - it works!)

Route 66 has had many changes over the years. Sometimes it can be a real challenge to find the original Mother Road. Then again, sometimes you just make a dumb mistake and head to the literal "end of the road" Here you have a case of being dumber than dumb and going beyond the end of the road as the Wonder Egg, followed by Sam and Gloria chart new territory. (Where no EGG has gone before . . .)

Oscar looked out the window and said "Hey Pete! That big old Texas bull is looking at the Wonder Egg with lust in its eyes . . . Lets get outta here!!!!!!!!!!!"

Will the Little Plastic Trailers ever find a place to turn around without getting bogged down in cow patties? Will Pete live down the shame of making a wrong turn? Will Oscar the Smiley Dog ever make it to Santa Monica?

To be continued . . .

Joplin, MO to El Reno, OK

2010-05-27T06:41:00.016-05:00

Oscar's full 13 pounds bounced up and down on me this morning as he said "Hey Pete . . . wake up sleepyhead . . . it's time to hit the Mother Road. It's gonna be another great day!"

The Eggs rallied and off we went, westbound on Route 66 entering Kansas. In Galena, we discovered 'Mater, from the animated movie CARS hanging out at the Kan-O-Tex gas station.

CARS is one of Oscar's favorite movies and 'Mater was his favorite character. He was thrilled to meet him in person.

Sometimes, you must be very observant to find the road signs for the Mother Road.

And then there are times you just can't miss it. :)

West of Riverton, the Eggs rolled across the Rainbow Bridge, the only remaining bridge of its type to grace Route 66.

While Kansas was the home of Dorothy and her dog Toto, Oklahoma was the boyhood home of Micky Mantle. His home is found in Commerce. You can almost sense he and his dad out on the lawn practicing hitting balls over the house.

Chris was inspired so much he thought he'd take his turn at bat. Great form, Chris!

Coming into Miami we found Waylan's Hamburger . . . home of the KU KU bird which appears to be popping out of the building like a giant coo-coo-clock.

During the hey days of the "Roaring 20's", a theater was conceived in Miami, OK. The exterior of the Coleman theater is Spanish mission style. Inside we found is a classic showpiece of theatrical splendor . . .

Gloria and Rich sat front row, center taking in the ambiance.

This Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ put out a magical sound for our enjoyment. WOW!

For lunch, we dined at Clanton's Cafe, in Vinita, OK. Jim Sharp, a member on the Casita Club Forum met us all for lunch as we dined on chicken fried chicken sandwiches, chicken fried steak, and other delicious delights.

Jim got us a very special hors d'oervre to commemorate the occasion . . . calf-fries, aka bull oysters . . . Jim said they were simply "battered and fried souvenirs of a radical bovine vasectomy." I told Oscar about these yummy morsels when we got on the road again. All he could say (after some gagging sounds) was "Ewwwwww!" If you pass these parts around Mid-September, be sure to stop in at the Worlds Largest Calf-Fry Festival and have you some. :)

Just 4 miles east of Foyil, on HWY 28A, is the worlds largest totem pole. A colorful display of folk art, it rises to the sky claiming its dominance over the totem pole world.

Oscar was impressed.

Next, we all circled the wagons to take in The Blue Whale in Catoosa.

Oscar asked me how the whale got there. I told him it likely swam in . . . after all, Catoosa is one of the largest, most inland river-ports in the United States.

Mathew went to check it out up close and when he returns home he can tell all his friends "It was THIS big."

To be continued . . .

Stanton, MO to Joplin, MO

2010-05-25T16:06:00.007-05:00

Early morning in Stanton, MO . . . folks having their morning coffee and preparing for the day's exploring of Route 66.

We gathered for a photo op . . . conveniently located at a church where we might get a bit of "overhead" guidance and protection for the trip. :)

Going down the road, Oscar grabbed the camera and took a shot of the bow of our kayak and a unique water tower in a small town. He said "Hey Pete, those folks are real serious about their drinking. Look at the size of that whiskey barrel!" (Click on the picture to see what the silly dog was talking about)

No need for passports as we drove through Cuba. They have numerous wonderful murals painted on the sides of buildings. Here's a sampling . . .

The "Worlds Largest Rocking Chair" can be found at the Route 66 outpost in Fanning, MO.

Speaking of large, Oscar grabbed the camera again and snapped a photo of a giant bowling pin next to a sign that read "Adult Superstore". He asked me if that was an ad for some giant bowling lanes and I quickly changed the subject on him. (He's only six and wouldn't understand)

Lunch at the Bell Restaurant, in Lebanon, was made memorable by monster double cheeseburgers and spaghetti casserole surprise, both served with copious amounts of french fries. Not for the fainthearted!

Gary Turner, a veritable fountain of information and hospitality mans the Sinclair Gas Station in Paris Springs. His congeniality is hard to beat, as are the Route 66 cherry soda soda pops he hands out free . . . "made with pure cane sugar". Nice, nice man . . .

Down the road a bit and just a little north of Carthage, MO is the one of a kind city of Red Oak. A city from the past, transplanted into a cornfield and brought back to life - simply amazing.
Here are a couple of the buildings from Red Oak. The school house . . .

and a farmhouse / barn combination.

After viewing all of these wonders today, Oscar & I felt a bit just plain-done-wore-out and a bit rusty, so we hopped in our vehicle and left for the campground.

To be continued . . .

Rt 66 Springfiedl, IL - Stanton, MO

2010-05-23T17:07:00.013-05:00

It may not be the famed "Yellow Brick Road", but this nostalgic red bricked portion of Route 66 in Auburn, IL helped set the mood for a great day of exploring the Mother Road.

In Carlinville, Macoupin County has some unique architectural marvels that give the flavor of the times back in the 1800's around these parts. First is the 1869 jailhouse made with canon balls cemented within the stone walls to inhibit jailbreaks. :=O

Then there's the "Million Dollar Courthouse" that cost more than that to build it in 1870! A huge scandal ensued which is talked about to this day . . .

Did you know that at one time you could order a house through the Sears Roebuck catalog? We took a "windshield tour" through a neighborhood of these homes which were brought in by Standard Oil Company for its Carlinville mine workers.

In Benld, IL we found one of Al Capone's hangouts. The Colisum Ball Room was a dance hall that hosted many of the nations the greatest entertainers for over fifty years. Jazz greats and rock and roll favorites were regulars. Another "regular" was the moonshine still in the basement that produced something to lift the spirits of the dancers upstairs during prohibition . . . that is until "The Revenuers" put a stop to it.
Speaking about prohibition, these folks are dead set against smoking!

Down the road a piece you come to the Luna Cafe in Granite City, IL - another hangout for Mr. Capone. Locals light the lamp early at this speakeasy.

Renown for its humongous tacos, we just couldn't help ourselves. "A round of TACOS, please!"
Lane's grandson, Mathew, had never faced such a gastronomical challenge and was cautious on how to proceed . . .

Gloria said "No problem Mathew, ya just grab it with both hands and attack!"

Spanning the Mississippi River is the Chain of Rocks Bridge. There is a sharp bend in the middle because Illinois started its span without confirming there was bedrock on the Missouri side at the intended point of landing. OOPS

Sam & Lane
Me & Lane

Sam & Gloria manned the old firetruck in the event of any mid-bridge emergency.

To be continued . . .

RT 66 - Springfield, IL

2010-05-21T17:01:00.005-05:00

Springfield. IL has a lot to offer the Route 66 traveler and American History buffs. I told Oscar I was going with Lane & Mathew to eat a Cozy Dog and he gave me a rude look and a "Harumpf!" before going to hide in his cave under the bed.

Inside, they have all the iconic Cozy Dog things to pose next to, like Lane and Mathew here.

And a pose for me.

I overheard a customer ask the cashier if a Cozy Dog wasn't simply a corn dog on a stick. The cashier's eyes got big and he exclaimed "Oh, no . . . they're MUCH better." well, here's a look at my freshly battered and deep fried Cozy Dog, dipped in a bit of mustard getting ready to sacrifice itself for a test of that statement. Ya know . . . that cashier sure knew what he was talkin' about. YUMMER!

Springfield is home to the Gemini Giant's cousin, the Lauterbach Giant. This guy sports an Abe Lincoln beard and has stayed closer to his roots - he's still in the automotive business.

Speaking of Abe, here he is in his museum, sitting by his old log cabin, wondering what the future would bring.

Do you think he had any idea his family would live in the White House, much less during a civil war? His museum is great and should be visited by anyone who passes by these parts. It contains numerous items personally used by or penned by the great man himself. There's even one of his stove-top hats where you can see spots worn down by his fingers from always tipping his hat to others.

Isabella, the Italian Greyhound has been watching Oscar's blog for a while. She even sent Oscar get well wishes last year when he was feeling under the weather. She figured out he was nearby and asked 'her people" (Pamela & Bill) to take her to meet Oscar. So they Did! Here are Oscar's new best friends, Isabella the Italian Greyhound and her people, Pamela and Bill. We had a great time over dinner, talking about camping in little trailers. Isabella even gave Oscar a baggie of her favorite treats. What a great dog she is!

RT 66 - Dwight to Springfield

2010-05-21T08:15:00.003-05:00

We gathered at Kankakee, IL for our "Little Plastic Trailers on Route 66" trip yesterday and started out to explore The Mother Road.

In Dwight, IL we found the Ambler Texaco gas station which was the longest continuously serving fuel stop along The Mother Road, serving up go-juice to customers for 66 years straight!

The Odell Station is nicely restored, with a gift shop where we all bought Route 66 stickers for our trailers. I can't believe I put a decal on the trailer . . . Oscar looked at me and said "What the heck Pete, snap out of it! Its Route 66!" (Wise little dog)

Near lunch time we couldn't resist dining at The Old Log Cabin restaurant in Pontiac, IL. It was constructed from cedar telephone poles in 1926.

After a good meal, we continued on down the road in search of new sights (and smells, reminded Oscar)

Route 66 - The Beginning!

2010-05-19T20:24:00.006-05:00

Phew, we made it downtown Chicago for the beginning of the Route 66 Mother Road trip!

First things first . . . TOURIST PHOTOS! Oscar & me in front of the Buckingham Fountain

Then we head for the intersection of Michigan & Adams, where the route begins, heading down that chasm between the tall skyscrapers . . . there must be a sign here somewhere . . .

Ahhhh, got it. We're on out way. Wooohoooo!

Illinois is very forthright with its Route 66 signage, thankfully. :)

Gotta take in the sights - the old Castle Car Wash in SW Chicago

Not to be outdone, Wilmington has the Gemini Man, who started life in the late '50s as one of the Muffler Men, who used to be holding an over-sized muffler before he was transformed into the spaceman . . .

To be continued . . .

Cahokia Mounds

2010-05-17T17:38:00.003-05:00

Did you know that 800 years ago, just east of St Louis, Mo, there was a structured city with a population greater than London, England? Neither did I, until today. These artifacts are among many from this city of earthen mounds that was at its zenith just after 1200 AD.

The first settlements at Cahokia were around AD 700 by Late Woodland Indians. From the years 1050 - 1200 AD the community included nearly 20,000 inhabitants, the largest city north of Mexico. The largest mound covers over 14 acres and reaches 100 feet in elevation. It was the central focus of the civilization. A massive building once stood on the summit, from which a ruler could conduct ceremonies and govern.

About 120 smaller mounds were once part of this population . . . 80 remain today.

This is mound 72 - a burial chamber which included a central, honored male, surrounded by numerous other human remains . . . quite a number of women and even four males minus their heads and hands!

The plateau of the large mound strikes an impressive profile as viewed from the east.

It is not known what caused the end of this complex city. No written records have been found and no verbal legends speak of it.

High atop the mound, rulers could survey all they command. I wonder what they would have thought, had they been able to look west and peer 800 years into the future . . .

"nu na hi du na tlo hi lu i" The Trail Where They Cried

2010-05-16T06:53:00.005-05:00

Camping next to the Mississippi River

We left the White River, at Calico Rock behind and moved out of the Ozarks towards the Mississippi River. This is the White River as seen from near our camp in Arkansas as we departed.

We hoped to find a campsite available in Missouri, on the Trail of Tears

This intimate campsite is on the western edge of the Mississippi River a the site of tragic loss of life during the winter of 1838-39. A contingent of the Cherokee Nation, forced marched far from their homelands in the east, crossed the Mississippi River near this location. The river was clogged with ice and the crossing was painfully delayed. Poorly provisioned for the extreme cold, hundreds of the Cherokee perished while waiting for the ice to clear. A sad time in our collective history.

The park is a very quiet place to stay, nestled between the Mississippi and railway lines of communication and a lush forest. Here's a northbound barge carrying commerce toward St Louis.

There was easy access to the river where I was able to let a Native American Flute send out some mournful sounds after dark. Oscar was intimidated by the massive amount of rushing water which was rising. They are expecting to evacuate the campsite tonight as the water rises over the road. We should be well north by then . . .

Egret Motel

2010-05-13T08:11:00.004-05:00

Oscar & I have been hanging out at Lake Greeson for a while enjoying the tranquil rhythms of nature . . . there's something about a moonrise reflecting on the water that is calming deep down to the soul.

The sun was not to be outdone, however, and displayed its colors as it said goodnight.

Speaking of goodnight, Oscar asked where all of the graceful egrets go to sleep. I was curious as well, so we started to look around and finally found it . . . the EGRET MOTEL!

It's been a wonderful three weeks here at Lake Gresson. Friends, fishing, kayaking, friends, nature watching, relaxing, friends, etc. Time to start moving on . . . wonder what we'll find out there next!

Jugfest 2010! Catfish extravaganza - woohooo!

2010-05-10T12:07:00.006-05:00

Pete & I are having a great time at Lake Greeson. I really enjoyed the fast boat ride sitting on Betty's lap with the wind in my hair. Pete told me the funniest thing I've ever heard. He said there were CATS at the bottom of the lake . . . they were alive, and good eatin'!#?! While I firmly believe all cats should be at the bottom of a lake I said "Show me, Pete . . . this I gotta see."

So that evening we all piled into the boat, driven by steely eyed Mountainborn. We had 72 jugs on board. Each one had fishing line and a hook wrapped around them. Who ever heard of catching a cat on a hook? Humans are so strange sometimes.

They picked up some bait traps which were put out yesterday. Each one had pieces of onion and toast which was used to attract small fish that could get into, but not out of the traps.

Here's a recently caught fish, kinda blurry, 'cause it's in mid-flop after being pulled outta the water. We go a whole bunch of these and put them in a big bucket of water.

Mountainborn's wife, Betty, aka "Butcherknife" grabbed up them itty-bitty -fishies and stuck 'em on a hook in a way that they could still swim around.

Then, get this, Pete hurled the fish on the line tied to a bright yellow jug way out into the water. He said it would attract the cats. ( Yeah, like those drowned cats can find a swimming fishy, HA!)

When they were done tossin' we looked back and the lake was peppered with floating jugs. Each with a weight and a fish doing the "cat dance" at the bottom of the line. Then they just drove back to camp and played dominoes and music and told fish stories to each other, none of which were true of course.

Next morning after early coffee watching the sunrise, Al, aka "Capt Ahab", and his trusty first mate, Larry, gathered up the deck hand volunteers and went out lookin' fer the jugs.

Aubrey and Steve took bow watch.

When they spotted one standing on end and moving through the water they yelled and got excited and danced around the boat like little kids, doing this delicate dance with nets and jugs and fishing line in hopes of landing a big cat. (I never understood why they were so excited about pulling an old dead cat outta the bottom of the lake)

When they pulled the first net up I said "Woah there buddy. That's no cat . . . its a fish!" They all looked at me with silly grins and chuckled like they got one over on me.

Aubrey got the catFISH with this thing called a lip grabber and held it up to see how much it weighed on the scale. The bigest one they hauled in was about 26 pounds. And they said those weren't the biggest ones out there by far. Wheew, I'd be scared to see a really BIG one!

They plopped the catfish into a 30 gallon bucket and it just looked at me and said "Hey Oscar, come real close so I can whisper a secret into your ear." It still looked hungry so i just backed away.

Up on land again, everyone had to pose with their fish. Here's Larry & Betty and Pete all holding up what they said would be tonight's meal. Over a 5 day period they just kept doing this and brought over 300 lbs of catfish to shore. Now that's a LOT of filleting . . . just ask Al & Larry. HA!

Larry & Al did the initial filleting. All the sensor lines and red meat which contains "fishy taste" were removed. They took the bucket-o-guts across the lake and tossed them ashore for the buzzards and the eagle to feast on. (No waste there!) Betty did the finishing trimming, and here, Tali & Karen are doing some of the final rinsing in preparation for the catfish coup-de-gras.

Fran & Al managed the frying pots.

They had baskets of hush puppies (there's something very wrong about that one)

Baskets of the freshest white meat catfish you've ever smelled. YUM!!

Jars & jars of green tomato relish. Lots of other side dishes ... slaw - 'tater salad, etc. It was real quiet around the table as they ate and enjoyed their cat-o'-the-lake feast. Sure smelled gooood!

Here's my new best friend, James, who let me sit on his lap as he gave me some of that tender catfish meat without letting Pete know. he, he, he

After the feed, Pete asked all my friends gather around. We posed for a Jugfest-2010 class photo just as James snuck me some more of that catfish which everyone saw but Pete. HAHAHAHA!

Oscar's First Boat Ride!

2010-04-29T19:11:00.007-05:00

Oscar & I are fishing with friends at Kirby Landing Campground in Arkansas. As we were heading out for our evening cast, Oscar bounced around and said he wanted to go along too. There'd be no peace unless he got to go along, so he enjoyed the wind in his face while sitting on Betty's lap and took to the whole concept with his usual puppy gusto. Now he wants us all to call him "Oscar the Fisherdog" Sheeesh!

Fishin' / Route 66 / Mountains / et al

2010-04-28T10:24:00.006-05:00

Well, after much prodding, I was finally able to get Pete to load up the Wonder Egg and mount the Hobie on top of the truck. I've got a great trip all planned for him this summer. It'll start with a couple weeks fishing in Arkansas. Then we'll join Lane and the Poodle Girl for a slow trip down the Mother Road from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA. The temps should be rising by then, so we'll go for the cool high air and visit our friends in the Rocky Mountains at Trujillo Meadows where I hope to get in some more chipmunk chasing . . . wooohooo!

Here's the rig all set and ready to go . . . now where's my driver!

Our first stop was Fairfield Lake State Park in Texas . . . very nice! There's fishing year round here due to the warm water runoff from the coal fired power station. We're sure to return to this nice fishing hole in the future.

Now we're off to the next stop. "Jugfest 2010!" C'mon Pete, get a move on . . .