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Thanks for going along with us on our journey through America's Backyard!
with love, Carol and Ken
Jeff and the pups joined us for our final days in the RV
Jeff with Callie on the boat - Lake Patoka, Indiana
Ken said this driving was a piece of cake compared to the RV
Ken and Callie
Jeff jumping into the lake...we all took a dip before the day was over (even the dogs)
On the way out to Lake Patoka, we saw these two deer...calmly looking at us. They were in a pen.
This must be my summer of the deer (and butterflies).
The Indiana Dunes - Beverly Shore Beach
Devil's Slide, Beverly Shores, Indiana - The Dunes
Walking up the sand trail after spending time on the beach
Central Beach, Indiana
This doe jumped from the street and then tried to hide from us.
After our car accident involving the deer in Jeffersonville, I think they are stalking us.
Hiking up the sandy trail - Baldy Mountain
I was getting tired just thinking it was another half mile (turns out we were just a few yards from the top)
Baldy Mountain (Sand Dune) in Northern Indiana
Looking over the hiking side of Baldy Mountain, Indiana
The mountain is a sand dune
At the top of Baldy Mountain (one of the highest dunes in the area)
Looking out the second floor of the Colonnade at Beverly Shores, Indiana
The Beach ~
The beautiful and peaceful shoreline in Beverly Shores, Indiana
The Colonnade on the Beverly Shores Beach in Indiana
Is that Sam Elliott in the lifeguard chair...nah, but close. :-)
Lake Superior - on the way to where we would stay before our trip to Mackinac Island
The weather was very cold, raining, and extremely windy...it wasn't looking good. The next day was worse...but our two days on the island were wonderful!
As soon as we stepped into the Mackinac Island Butterfly House, a beautiful butterfly landed...
on my glasses - I have always heard that you will have good luck when a butterfly lands on you. Good Luck!
Very colorful butterflies all around (and landing on) us.
This butterfly landed on the back of my pant's - GOOD LUCK for me!
My friend...up close.
Mackinac Island Butterfly House
The butterfly climbed on my finger...I transferred it easily to Ken's finger...
Ken let it climb on to another person's finger and later we found out that they continued to pass it on. We think it was trying to escape with a viewer.
During our carriage ride around Mackinac Island
In front of the natural arch
Mackinac Island - beauty everywhere.
The Mackinac Island - Fort Mackinac
The lawn and grounds are full of beautiful flowers at The Grand Hotel
Ken, in our Napoleon room - trying to get reception on his phone.
The Grand Hotel - Horse drawn carriage for guests.
The Grand Hotel front porch - at night.
Ken enjoying a scotch on the rocks.
The Grand Hotel lobby - all new.
Walking down to the front lawn - early in the morning.
It was still cold and the ground was still wet with dew.
On the grounds of The Grand Hotel - beautiful flowers and a fountain.
They have games set up on the lawn and a huge heated pool.
The Grand Hotel - taken from the grounds
The Esther Williams Pool
Esther filmed "This Time for Keeps" at the Grand Hotel (way before "Somewhere in Time." The hotel showed the movie while we were there...it was entertaining.
The Grand Hotel Porch
The longest covered porch in the world
Lake Huron is a beautiful color of blue and turquoise
The weather was in the 70s
Ken biking around the island
It was a perfect day.
A beautiful island, indeed
Leaving the island and The Grand Hotel
Leaving the beautiful Mackinac Island
Mt. Rushmore ... in corn.
Mitchell, SD
Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota
They change the theme every year...everything on the front is created from corn and corn byproducts
Ken, in front of the Corn Palace at night
The Corn Festival was happening on the street in front of the Palace - a concert will be held each night (pretty big acts)
This buffalo and I became close friends
He wanted to know what I had in my Wall Drug bag
Does Ken look like he is having fun? Well, he wasn't.
LOL - he sat and posed reluctantly (I was laughing at how embarassed he was...)
In front of Wall Drug Store, Wall, SD
Takes up the entire city block - hundreds of employees
Working on the blog...emails...work...photos, etc.
There isn't a minute on the road when I'm not on the computer updating and adding to the blog or cleaning out emails.
Wild Bill Hickok visited our tour bus...our driver warned him about getting shot in a few minutes
Better keep his back to the wall so he can face the door...or else.
Wild Bill Hickok's grave in the Boot Hill Cemetary
Deadwood, SD
A buffalo burger at Bumpin Buffalo in Hill City, SD
Crazy Horse Monument - using no federal funds for completion
Crazy Horse Monument - in the works for 47 years
Mt. Rushmore's four faces could fit into the headress of Crazy Horse - this thing is huge!
The Crazy Horse Monument drawing (previously on the rock)
Mt. Rushmore - including the entrance state flags
Mt. Rushmore - amazing...
The Night Show at Mt. Rushmore, SD
Ending the Mt. Rushmore show, all military veterans were invited on stage
The veterans each gave their name and branch of service
The "hiding" doe on the grounds of Devil's Tower
Seems to be a lot of wildlife at this park.
We think this little guy was just lost - no warning chirping - just a long stare
One of the barking prairie dogs - too cute and relatively fearless
The climbers - at least two of them...on the way down....safely.
Devil's Tower
Can you find the climbers on the Devil's Tower
Ken's turn to play on the rocks of Devil's Tower
Playing on the rocks was too resisting...even for the adults
Devils Tower National Monument
The Devil's Tower National Park
The first national monument in the US
The Sheridan Inn, Sheridan, Wyoming
Beautiful....
Ken bellied up to the Sheridan Inn bar.
Letting driver and the RV brakes rest after several miles pushing them through the floor (nearly)
The Shoshone National Park - very pretty
Much of the drive included a small 2-3 foot edge before a deep drop-off.
Wild Turkey crossing the road
Not sure why they crossed to the other side.......but like so much of the wildlife, they had no fear of automobiles and RVs.
Close driving quarters - not easy for a large RV
The Shoshone National Park - after exiting Yellowstone
Ken had to stop to take this shot of me doing what I do every time we travel
Keeping up the blog and work from the driver's seat
Ken driving - little did he know what would lie ahead...
We hit five miles of dirt road and torn up pavement - all on a steep grade downhill (with some uphill)
Leaving Yellowstone
8-25-09
Hiking down Mt. Moran, Grand Tetons
Toward the top of Mt. Moran - after hiking for over an hour nearly straight up...
Mt.Moran, Grand Tetons
Mt.Moran, Grand Tetons National Park
Climbing Mt. Moran - Jenny Lake (Grand Tetons National Park)
Hiking in the Grand Tetons National Park
Mt. Moran
Jenny Lake in the Grant Tetons National Park
We crossed this lake to hike up over 8,000 ft. above sea level toward the top of this mountain.
The Grant Tetons - Just outside Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone - can you see the deer -she was smart enough not to get any closer to this boiling pool
The elk pretty much ignore us, until they hear something unusual
Somebody near us whistled and this young buck looked at us for the first time (there was a crowd of about 25 people taking photographs)
Elk, leaving the wilderness of Yellowstone for some human contact
16 points on this fella'
The Grand Tetons (outside Yellowstone)
Wild Mustangs in the Grand Tetons - they wandered into this fenced area
Okay...I'm just messin' with Annie!
Death caused by the 1988 fires / wildflowers and young trees are replacing those lost
Yellowstone National Park
The Cascades - Calcite deposits
Yellowstone (nothing cold here)
Yellowstone - The Cascades
Calcite deposits - this area is full of steaming pools - it isn't ice, as it appears.
Looking out from the top of Mt. Washburn
Yellowstone National Park
Mountain Washburn, Yellowstone National Park
Hiking through Yellowstone trails
Large Yellowstone Waterfall with rainbow
Yellowstone Beauty (behind us!)
One of the most photographed waterfalls in the Yellowstone - maybe second to Niagra
A Bison family walking past our auto
Yellowstone National Park
The Bison herd strolling down the street
It would appear that they set this up just for our entertainment...until the rangers come with their cars and sirens to move them off the street
Day Two in Yellowstone
Yellowstone Lake
Yellowstone Lake - in the evening light
Old Faithful - a few minutes late
Yellowstone National Park
More heat in Yellowstone National Park
smaller geysers near a lake
Some of these boiling pools are very large
Yellowstone
Yellowstone wonders - from the underworld
Yellowstone
Sulfar pool - they are a variety of colors - caused by bacteria and a variety of other elements
Yellowstone
The traveling lone bull Bison
Out for an early morning stroll down the road in Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park
Part of the Yellowstone River
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
What a strange and beautiful surprise! The lava flowed thousands of years ago and now trees and plants are growing from the ash and rock.
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
What an unexpected surprise this park was for us.
The Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
Climbing, walking, and checking out lava caves is the name of the game here.
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
A different kind of beauty
North Crater Flow, Craters of the Moon
Life rises from the ashes
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
North Crater Flow - one of the most recent lava flows (thought to be created nearly 2,000 years ago)
A dead tree (we named this "Fighting Snake") in Devils Orchard
Craters of the Moon
A natural frame in Devils Orchard, Craters of the Moon
A natural frame - Devils Orchard
The twisted trees of the Devils Orchard.
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
Devils Orchard - twisted and dead trees in the Craters of the Moon
The Shelly Jump - on the moon! Actually, in Devils Orchard
Look familiar?
Craters of the Moon views
The walk up this Cinder Cone was half a mile - steep incline.
Whew!
On top of Inferno Cone (a cinder cone) - very steep!
The view from base of Inferno Cone, Craters of the Moon
At the top of Inferno Cone (cinder cone)
This is a big cinder butte, towering above the lava plain.
At the top of the lava ash cone (Splatter Cone)
It was beautiful looking down from this high cone.
Ken, just before exiting Indiana Tunnel Wild Cave
We had to climb over several rock piles to get to the exit.
Indian Tunnel Wild Cave exit (if you dare)
Lots of climbing around rocks
Ken, deep into one of the wild caves (you needed a flashlight to walk anywhere away from entrance
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
Beauty Wild Cave Entrance/Exit
Craters of the Moon, Idaho
Stradling one of the cracks in the lava rock
Craters of the Moon, Idaho
This is a pretty cool place...no butts about it!
Craters of the Moon National Park, Idaho
John, just before the B.A.S.E. jump
The need for speed didn't rub off...
John - standing in the middle of the bridge over the Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho
Climbing out to the ledge (can you imagine?)
Just after the jump (you may need to blow up the photo to see John free falling
John said he would open the parachute after one second - Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho
John's parachute just opened - he is over the Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho
His 37th B.A.S.E. jump in the US
John - floating over the Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho
Very impressive
Just arriving on the ground, next to the Snake River
A safe landing - way to go, John!
Gathering his parachute (not sure that is the correct term)
Snake River in Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls (not a twin anymore, but still beautiful)
Idaho
Near the Lake - hiking around in Twin Falls, Idaho
Dierkes Lake (near the falls), Twin Falls, Idaho
Some young boys jumps from the cliffs
Shashone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho
Small and large waterfalls are found all over Twin Falls, Idaho
Shashone Falls
Ken is overlooking the Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho
We found this twin statue along our walk around the rim of the Snake River canyon
More beautiful landscape in Twin Falls, Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho - The Snake River
Movin' on down the highway...Ken's view on the road as we leave Oregon
A neighborhood street fair in Portland, Oregon
Diversity - Diversity - Diversity (very cool)
Bruce and Cathy Kuehnl
Portland, Oregon
Dinner with the Kuehnls and Ankara, Turkey (George C. Marshall HS) friend, Tim and Mike
Tim Watkins and Mike Neff - Portland, Oregon
Our view from the bridge in the middle of the waterfall in the Columbia Gorge
Posers - in front of one of the larger Columbia Water Falls
Gathering water (does Ken look like he could just die? LOL
Scampering up little hills and trails is an ongoing joke with us - I scampered up this little trail
Ken enjoying the picturesque Columbia Gorge scenery
Just one of the gorgeous waterfalls (there are seven, I think) in the Columbia Gorge, Oregon
Yet another picture perfect waterfall in the Gorge
Part of the beautiful scenery in Columbia Gorge, Oregon
Another beautiful waterfall in the Columbia Gorge, Oregon
The Oregon Coastline at Neskowin, Oregon
Bruce and Cathy Kuehnl in front of their "Fabulous" ahem...Beach House
Neskowin, Oregon
Sunset on the beach in Neskowin, Oregon
Cathy took us on a couple of long hikes down the mountain to the beach
Neskowin, Oregon
On the beach with Cypress - Neskowin, Oregon
The new family, Bruce, Cathy, and Cypress Kuehnl
Neskowin, Oregon
Cypress - the Kuehnl's 9 week old English Sheepdog puppy - ADORABLE!
This is why Ash likes to slap Cypress, the new puppy
Ash, the Kuehnl's cat - a very social cat who enjoys slapping the new puppy
The view out of our loft bedroom window - the Oregon Coastline
Neskowin, Oregon (The Kuehnls Beach House)
Sea Lion Caves, Florence, Oregon
A nice 15-30 minute experience, including a walk down to the sea lion caves. We had a closer look at the sea lions than this photo depicts (the sea lions are covering each of the large rocks in the water
The Oregon coastline on a cost windy day
Welcome to Oregon - cool and very wet today
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Clearly moving into yet another breath-taking environment - Oregon
Oregon was voted the most beautiful state a couple of years ago - I'll let you know what I think after a couple of days, but it sure is starting out as a contender!
The Oregon Welcome Seagull
Oregon border close to the California border (we will miss being in CA)
Babe the Ox (Paul Bunyan's giant ox)
...and yes, believe it or not...they made Babe anotomically correct (I didn't giggle either...yes, I did)
At the top of the mountain - Trees of Mystery Tram ride
Klamath, California (our last day in California)
The view from top of the tram - above the giant redwoods
Trees of Mystery Tram Ride
The Tram ride up to the top of the Redwood trees - Trees of Mystery
Our view - spectacular
The tram ride to the top of the giant redwood trees - Trees of Mystery
Northern California (just random people passing us by)
Loving these big beautiful ferns!
Trees (and ferns) of Mystery, Northern California
Ken and Paul Bunyan (I had nearly forgotten the tale of Paul)
Trees of Mystery (Northern California) - by the way...Paul is not picking his nose, nor is Ken
The Cathedral of Trees - many people get married here (not sure my cup of tea for a wedding tho)
Mystery of Trees, Northern California
Where's Ken?
Trees of Mystery - This is a VERY large tree
Trees of Mystery, Klamath, California
Lots of climbing space on the huge stumps and logs
Trees of Mystery - Northern California
We drove through this tree with the CRV (not the RV)
Northern California
Tree hugging on the Avenue of the Giants
The beauty of Northern California
Off the Avenue of the Giants (Eel River)
The Shelly shot - while driving through the Avenue of the Giants - Northern California
Ken usually doesn't take these types of photos - so he was focusing...LOL
In the tall ferns - they are thick mixed in with the Redwoods - Avenue of the Giants
Northern California
The Redwood trees just off the Avenue of the Giants - Northern California
Ken standing at the base of one of the tallest trees in the world (or so we are told)
Ken, standing in the tree-house - off the Avenue of the Giants - Nothern California
This room is found in the base of an old Redwood tree
This was one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited - I could have sat there for hours
California Avenue of the Giants
A kind man offered to take this photo - we are in the Holboldt National Forest
On the Avenue of the Giants
This was once the tallest tree in the US and possibly the world - it fell in 1991 due to old age
The base of the fallen Redwood
Driving down the Avenue of the Giants
The beauty of Northern California
Passing the National Games flag to Houston, Texas
Lauren (flag bearer) and the Indiana State Representatives at the Celebration of the Athletes
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The evening was magical - and inspiring
We had dinner with Dave Greenberg (a Ft. Knox HS friend)
another high school friend Annie Bryant House recommended we eat at this restaurant - someone in her family owns it...well worth the stop!
"The Lone Tree" in Carmel, California (popular photo site)
Beautiful view from 17 mile road - Carmel, CA
17 mile road - passing Pebble Beach and beautiful homes and coastlines
They even charge for you to make the drive (Carmel, California)
Dave Greenberg and Ken at Pebble Beach Golf Course
In Carmel by the Sea (or Carmel in front of the Sea)
Whale watching in Monterey, California
dolphins - there were about 100 all around us (or so we were told)
Barbara Franklin and Ken Sussell (in front of the Pier 39 sailboats)
San Francisco
Ken Sussell (talking to Deenise in Austin)
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Ken is a friend from Ankara, Turkey
Sea lions sunning on Pier 39 in SF (not us...they are behind us)
Barbara Franklin
Ken's last match
Ken playing his last badminton match
Senior Games/Olympics 2009 - San Francisco, California
Ken in Pacifica, California - near the beach
Enjoying dinner with Barbara Franklin (an Ankara friend all the way from Germany)
Barbara joined us to cheer us on in the Games - I was out too quickly; however, she cheered Ken on the next day
Ken C., Carol, Barbara "Babs" and Ken S."Flyboy"
Having crab and sourdough bread in Pier 39 in San Francisco
Charlene Walker Drummer, Ken Sussell, Barbara Franklin, Ken Crutchfield, and Carol Baker Dawson
Friend from high school (Ankara, Turkey) having a mini reunion dinner in San Francisco
Ken and Barbara Franklin (all the way from Germany) resting in the RV
With Susan Riddle Reed and her boyfriend, Felix
San Ramon, California
Susan Riddle Reed (a Ft. Knox best friend), Ken, and Felix Bilbao w/ the waitress at Bounty Hunters
Bounty Hunters is a restaurant and wine club (sort of), Napa Valley, CA (Felix is Susan's fella')
Susan Riddle Reed - lookin' so not-her-age! Friends for over 35 years!
San Ramon, California
Kathryn and Erika Glaser (Susan's daughters) - adorable young women!
San Ramon, California (just outside San Francisco)
Beautiful little pond on the way to Yosemite (near Coursegold)
Before we were assigned our...ummm....animals for the ride.
Yosemite
Riding through Yosemite National Park
I think that is my horse at the back of pack
Ken's view through the entire ride (this is the mule, Laverne's rear in front of him)
Yosemite
I am somewhere up toward the front
Horse back (and mule-back riding)n in Yosemite
Stat Counter
In front of the most famous background for a photo (Yosemite, California)
The famous Yosemite background
Yosemite has a lot of streams
We stopped on the bike ride up to Mirror Lake for a power bar (next to a flowing stream)
walking around what is left of Mirror Lake in Yosemite
Mirror Lake, Yosemite (now nearly dried up)
This used to be a beautiful lake and highly photographed - now, because of a landslide, it is dried up - I have wanted to photograph this lake for years and was so disappointed
A friendly squirrel - trying to get into our backpack - we didn't feed him - it is illegal
Biking from the forest
The Cathedral Waterfalls (double)
They are slow this time of year; however, the Spring is apparently another story
Hiking in the forest
Yosemite
Hiking through beautiful Yosemite near the Cathedral Falls
Biking through Yosemite
Ken riding into the meadows and mountains
Yosemite
The big beautiful Yosemite National Park
One of the tiny fallen trees in the park
Yosemite National Park - Day one
Ken in the park - the big trees
Yosemite National Park
A view of the beautiful giant sequoias trees
Yosemite National Park
This is a huge tree - and we hear it is just a baby compared to what we will see on the coast
A Mariposa Grove sequoias tree in the Yosemite National Park
Ken - doing the yoga tree pose... well, sort of
Plants, trees, and flowers on the side of the road in Yosemite
Hopping down the Yosemite trail
This raven has been following us around the country...remember him from The Petrified Forest?
At the most beautiful site in Yosemite
Overwhelming beauty behind us
One of the many waterfalls in Yosemite Park
A spectacular view at one of the overlooks
The spectacular views - seem to go on forever
Entering into Ghost Town, California
Ken walking into the Ghost Town
This town was a large silver mining town in the late 1800s
Many of the miners built into the hills - to keep cool in the summer and warm in winter
These tiny homes are the original homes of the miners
On a hill at the top of the Ghost Town
About 1/3 of the town is original - the rest of the buildings are replicas of the old town
Hugging an old miner - he wasn't very receptive
Ken, hanging out in the Ghost Town saloon
There was nobody to wait on him...so we left
This one is for Annie Bryant House
Annie, the cowgirl reminded me of you.
Sunset at the Ghost Town
Yes, we really were brave to be there after dark - since the park was closed to everyone except campers...we had it all to ourselves.
Ken - the original Vegas strip is celebrating the 1960's - it was pretty groovy!
This place is so full of music and activity - even late at night.
The Vegas show, "The Rat Pack Returns"
Very entertaining and a good value: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Joey Bishop, and Dean Martin
We finally broke out the bikes - at Powell Lake
The Glen Canyon dam, where the raft tour starts
Rafting down the Glen Canyon (and into the GRAND)
Rafting down the Glen Canyon into the GRAND
Lake Powell - the color of the lake changed from turquoise to deep blue throughout the day
THE GRAND CANYON
At the Grand Canyon (hanging on tight to the safety bar!)
THe GRAND CANYON
More of the GRAND CANYON
Photo inspired by Shelly
a few feet from the rim of the Grand
At the Grand Canyon
This was as close as I could get to the rim of the GRAND
self portrait at the GRAND
More of the GRAND
The truly Grand Canyon
Ken at the Grand Canyon, Arizona
My knees went weak when looking into this grand canyon
A fawn near the visitor's center on the way into the canyon at Zion National Park in Utah
Zion National Park
Comanche driving through Zion National Park
I had to follow...Ken had to drive it without a pull behind - through a small tunnel
Introducing Comanche (2009 Four Winds Magellon)
Zion National Park
At the top of the red rock mountain in Sedona, Arizona
Our guide took this shot
Ken, talking with our guide, Kelly, at the top of the mountain
Top of the red rock mountain in Sedona
Once again, no photo does justice to the beauty and peace of this area
In the jeep going up the mountain in Sedona
The Bat Structure (this one is for Linda C.)
On the way up one of the mountains in Sedona
The Mountain Jeep Ride in Sedona in the evening
Just plain beautiful...don't miss it! We used The Arizona Safari Jeep Tours
The African Safari - Ft. Verde, Arizona
The TIger Splash - we wanted to be in that pool more than the tigers
The African Safari - The Bear splash
A small animal sanctuary and money-maker ...not recommended as part of your day while out west
Montezuma's Castle
Ft. Verde, Arizona (a hot, hot, hot day)
Montezuma's Castle in the Wall
Ft. Verde, Arizona
Sedona's Red Rock, Sedona, Arizona
On the edge of Sedona, Arizona
These beautiful red rock mountains surround Sedona.
Painted Desert (in the Petrified Forest National Park)
Not sure why...but I wasn't nearly afraid to get near the edge of these clifts and canyons
Petrified Forest, (Painted Desert) Arizona
We have replaced the phrase, "What next?!?" with "OH, LOOK AT THAT!"
A flat photo just does not do this beauty justice...
Painted Desert
More of the Painted Desert (and Ken)
In an attempt to capture the breathtaking beauty of this land (knowing it is virtually impossible to do)
You can see some of the different colors within the petrified trees
This raven (we think it is a Raven) followed us around the crystal forest
In the Petrified Forest (the volcano that created the petrified wood left multiple minerals in the trees - they are beautiful!
Ken standing near one of the petrified trees - they are solid stone
Taking even a small piece of petrified tree from the forest is illegal
Everywhere we turned ... beauty.
The land was so very different around every turn...this was a mile long trail - down and then back up the mountain
A petrified tree used as a bridge years ago - still exists (but supported by concrete now)
Agate Bridge in the Petried Forest
Ancient carvings (petroglyphs)
If you look close, one appears to be a stork holding a baby - Hmmmm...so the ancient Pueblo tribe started that rumor!)
Part of the Petrified Forest simply looks like another planet
The trip through the Forest is a 26 mile trek (we rode our bikes - yeh, right! Not!)
A piece of the Petrified Forest - a tree that has turned to rock through the years!
A long fall just behind us
Ken, acting like this didn't scare him.
It did ... just look at his body posture. LOL
On the way to the top of Mt. Sandia, Albuquerque, NM
Just a beautiful part of our country
The trail to the top - Sandia Mountain, Albuquerque, NM
On top of the mountain - during our hike to the top
Never knew 2.8 miles could be so long (two hour semi-rough round trip).- someone should tell Ken that hiking in sandals is a no-no. No, wait, he knows that now!
Ken, talking to Anna Sowder...who is managing his business while he is away...
and doing a great job...Thanks Anna!
Starting Up the Mountain if Sandia Peak (Albuquerque, NM)
The tram - an amazing ride- Albuquerque, NM
On the way down the mountain
Every time the trail led us close to the edge, we stopped and sighed at the beauty of this land
Just before leaving the mountain
Exhausted
Leaving the Mountain
The Sandia Peak Mountain, Albuquerque, NM
From the Tram on the way down the mountain
Ken, Carol, Monica, Kay, and Tim
El Pinto Restaurant, Albuquerque, NM
El Pinto Restaurant, Albuquerque, NM
Carol, Kay and Tim
Visiting Tim and Kay in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Kay, Tim, and Ken at El Pinto Restaurant
Leaving Texas and moving into New Mexico
It is so hot and dry, hot and windy, that I was able to conserve energy by drying my hair outside in the wind (quickler than a blow dryer)
Posing in front of the Midpoint Cafe on Route 66
Flo and Carol (what a groupee I am)
TEXAS, the musical
Fantastic show - put on in the bottom of the second largest canyon in the US!
Quarterhorse Museum
Sculptures in front
The Quarter Horse Museum
More about the people involved in raising, riding, etc. Quarterhorses than the horses themselves.
Cadillac Ranch
In the middle of seemingly nowhere...people are encouraged to spray notes on the cars (and they do)
Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
A wealthy man buried nine Cadillacs on the land on his ranch to depict the love Americans have with our automobiles
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
Created in a field next to I40 in Grooms, Texas
The Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
This Cross was created in Groom, Texas...worth a side trip!
Lunch at the Golden Light Cafe (recommended by Roadfood.com)
This is the oldest restaurant on the historic Route 66 - "best hamburgers in Texas" - since they were our first burgers in Texas so we can't verify or deny this information
Moving on down the road to the Oklahoma City Memorial
The memorial to the victims (and survivors) of the Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing. Ken Johnson suggested we include this on our journey and we were so glad for the suggestion. Each person who died from the explosion has a chair with their name - the memorial is very peaceful and calm (despite the tragedy that occured in this location).
This memorial was constructed with many symbols - at every turn, there is something special
This is the reflection pool - people come here to reflect on the devastation of violence and to reflect on who they are and how this monument/ museum has changed their lives...and trust me, experiencing this monument absolutely has the power to change lives.
a cloer view of one of the memorial chairs
At night, the bottom part of the chair is illuminated - wish we could have stayed to see this
The wall leading into the memorial. On one wall are the numbers: 9:01
This depicts the time just before the tragedy, when life was routine for many who were affected by the tragedy. The other wall leading out of the museum has the numbers: 9:03 (as seen here), depicting the exact time the destruction occured.
Visitors are included in the memorial in many ways
Here, Ken has put his hands in the reflective pool (it is very shallow) and he places his hands on the wall leading into the site, leaving his imprint
Walking along the monument
The entire area is very peaceful; however, the museum is not- I have no idea how anyone with compassion can walk through the exhibits and listen to the first hand encounters from family, community, and survivors and not be deeply touched...
The children's section of the Memorial
Because so many children were lost in the bombing, the memorial has a focus on children with this portion of the exhibit. There are large pieces of chalk and children (and even big kids) are encouraged to write their thoughts and feelings on this portion of the monument.
The Survivor Tree
This tree was in the parking lot next to the federal building - everything all around it was destroyed - it was burned - cars were piled upon it...it was thought to be dead. However, with the love of the community, this tree came back to life and now thrives as part of the memorial, depicting the healing of those involved (survivors, responders, family members and friends of those lost, etc.)
A NSNC friend, Robert Haught, advised we should visit Toby Keith's bar and cafe in Oklahoma City
We did and we enjoyed the food and the surroundings. There is a partial bus coming out of one wall, a stage for live entertainment, and lots of activity - a good suggestion
There is always work to do
Oklahoma City is a very attractive city - with clean and easily navigated streets, a lively Brickyard district, and lots of sculptures - some beg to be a "Kodak Moment"
Stopping in Claremore, Oklahoma - a trip to the Will Rogers Museum
The National Society of Newspaper Columnists (NSNC) gave me a beautiful replica of this statue - of course, it is a tad bit smaller
Will Rogers Museum, Claremore, OK
This museum is a wonderful tribute to this inspiring man who accomplished so much in his short life.
Ken and Carol admiring the grounds of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum
It was a beautiful day to be in this inspiring location
Will Roger's gravesite (along with family)- located on the beautiful grounds of the memorial museum
Claremore, Oklahoma
Will Roger's birthplace and childhood home
Located just 9 miles from Claremore, this is a peaceful and inviting property. You can wander the grounds - walk through the home, pet the roaming donkeys, and carefully admire the watch-peacock
Will Rogers Birthplace (and the watch-peacock)
Oolagah, Oklahoma (they have created the home and property as it would have been when Will Rogers lived on the land - right down to having a peacock roaming the property
Well, you have to eat somewhere...and this was Arkansas (who said THAT?!?!)
The Road Kill Cafe
Thorncrown Chapel
Approaching the Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel
Built in 1980 and over 5 million people from all over the world have visited and worshipped here.
The glass chapel in the Ozarks
There are multiple weddings here every weekend - very popular wedding area of the country and this church is booked two years in advance. That is some serious pre-planning (but worth it).
Turpentine Animal Reserve
Over 100 wild (LARGE) cats in one place - lots of sad stories (with happy endings)
These two tigers were playing - jumping in tandem - and playing hide and seek (well sort of)
Playing...
These two are buddies
The Passion Play
Christ of the Ozarks and Ken
The Passion Play
Christ of the Ozarks
The Passion Play
Christ of the Ozarks
The Baker Cancer Cure Hospital - now the Crescent Hotel - much of the original hotel is in tact
Eureka Springs (from the Crescent Hotel (highest mountain)
...just beautiful
At the campsite in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
After walking around the park
Batesville
Mom B, Ken, and Shelly
Shelly and Aunt Carol
At the softball game
Arkansas: Shelly and Roger
In between games
Memphis - Graceland and Elvis
In front of Graceland (the standard "I'll take your family photo if you take ours." Maybe our first extra milers...nope, they wanted something in return. The search continues.
Looking for good people and ideas to make our world a better place to live
Love your pet and your neighbor's pet (this is Buddy)
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Who Am I?
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- Carol Baker Dawson
- Carol Baker Dawson is a nationally award winning columnist (National Society of Newspaper Columnist Will Rogers Humanitarian Award) for two Southern Indiana newspapers, The Evening News and New Albany Tribune, writing about those people who make it part of their duty in life to perform acts of kindness and generosity for no other reason than to assist those less fortunate. These are typically the people who do not seem the limelight for themselves. They are our walking angels. Carol is traveling across country with her husband in an RV for two months - headed to the Senior Olympics to play mixed doubles in badminton. This blog will tell the story of their travels and the Extra Milers they meet along their journey. Please join us and learn about the Extra Milers across the U.S. Carol is also the President/Owner of EEO GUIDANCE, Inc. - a national Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Diversity, and Affirmative Action (AA) trainer and consultant. Web site: www.eeoguidance.com
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