The Journey Ends - Reflection Begins

In Search of Extra Milers / After the Senior Games/Olympics

The Beauty in America’s Backyard
By Carol Baker Dawson

Dear United States of America,
I took a journey this summer - a nine-week outing through your backyard – looking for extra milers and taking great pleasure in the diversity of your land, your history, and your people.
Despite the fact this is my home, I had no idea the depth of your natural resources, the beauty and rareness of your landscape, or the adventure that would lie before me…until this summer.
I stood in front of your Grand Canyon and felt a power swirl around my body like a great wind gradually settling into my bones. I climbed New Mexico’s Sandia Mountain and gasped for breath as I reached 11,000 ft. above sea level and cautiously crawled to the edge to witness the spectacular display of colors from the deep canyon below.
I climbed through your Craters of the Moon caves and spent an entire day marveling that black rock made from volcanic ash could be so radiant. I felt one with nature as Yellowstone’s great wild elk and bison stood majestically before me. I heard the protective cries of your prairie dogs in your South Dakota parks. I stood between water falls in Oregon and danced with puppies on the beach. My mind halted the chatter and worry of everyday life as I sat among your colossal Redwood trees. I cried for no reason.
The Pacific Ocean provided a flowing lullaby as I drifted to sleep. I dreamed in vibrant colors; tracing and retracing the exotic and striking outline of your land. Your magnificent island off the coast of Lake Michigan revealed life can still exist in harmony with nature; without powerful engines ruling the streets.
I caressed earth’s foundation as if it were some exotic and unfamiliar fabric. I read about the history of your land and learned to respect the lives led by your remarkable native people.
Every single day you provided something incredible to remind me of the friends and family I love. I was inspired to sing with abandon, love intently, breathe deeply, communicate clearly, release anger quickly, and to give praise for the power and depth of my faith.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Your landscape has been developed by history – not merely the history of your climate and your civilization, but also of your culture, your people, and your spiritual beliefs. As America is viewed by different lens, it becomes what we each desire.
I was intrigued by the diversity and uniqueness of the people who have chosen to live in your backyard. I met many Extra Milers – people who earnestly care for the land and one another. You are not lacking in individuals who live as a nation under God, indivisible, and with liberty and justice for all. Attention is simply not focused on them, as these Extra Milers are typically your best kept secret.

America, this trip deep into your backyard revealed the brilliance and foresight of leaders who predicted the need to protect your natural resources for future generations. Unsettled that it took so long to taste your fruit and walk your paths; I am now mindful of the possibilities of this unchartered land. I will not wait so long to visit you again.

Nite~

Archived Posts

In Search of Extra Milers / After the Senior Games/Olympics

BE SURE TO READ THE EARLIER POSTS, so you don't miss some great places to visit. They are archived at the bottom of this blog. Thanks again for visiting and following us on this amazing journey through America's backyard.

We received a final email from the Senior Games/Olympic organizing committee and this quote was included. It takes a bit of the sting out of not bringing home a medal.

Baron De Coubertin, founder of the Modern Olympic Games once said, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well."
Peace ~ Carol and Ken

PONDERING OUR TRIP

In Search of Extra Milers / After the Senior Games/Olympics

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you...
While cares will drop off like autumn leaves."
- John Muir (Naturalist)

We decided to do something special for our last couple of days on the road. We asked Jeff to meet us at a beautiful Indiana Lake, Lake Patoka. It is less than an hour from our home and we talked him into bringing our dogs, Callie and Angel. He was happy to make the trip...and spent a day and night with us on the lake. It was the perfect way to end our journey - with our family.

In closing...

For the past few days, thoughts and feelings have been tumbling through my head...how can I sum up the trip of a lifetime...our visit through America's fascinating backyard. If I knew tomorrow I would only have a few months to live or to walk, to see or to remember, I would use much of that precious time with Ken...headed back on Route 66 to have another piece of Ugly Crust Pie...visit even more friends...eat more desserts (if that is possible?!?), see the places we missed (Joshua Tree, Zion, and so many more), and revisit those sites where Ken and I felt the spiritual and peaceful contentment we discovered when connecting with the land, trees, mountains, rocks, animals, water, and people. My spirit would fly with the birds and the earth would make me whole. I would hike until my legs could walk no more.

There is something very spiritual about standing on the edge of a canyon and looking out across the vast beauty of God's creation that makes you want to be a better person. Ken and I reacted in tandem as we ohhhhed and ahhhhhed our way through each state, national monument, park and attraction.

I had planned to write a book on this trip, complete several home and work projects, respond to hundreds of piled up personal emails, and much more. However, these things didn't happen. We were too busy with mother nature...too busy with our plans, our hikes, and our laughter. We returned from the land every day, exhausted; sleeping deep and peacefully.

Friends and family would be surprised at how many times we thought and spoke of them during our trip. Everything we did and everything we saw reminded us of someone special in our lives. Since Ken lost his mother just a few weeks before the trip, Mom C. was prominent on our minds and in our hearts. We thought of Mom C. (and his sister, Linda) every single day, as Mom C. synchronized her life with so much of nature. It was natural to think of her as the mighty eagle flew overhead or the beautiful and powerful Redwoods provided an umbrella of tranquility. My mom fractured her spine while we were away...her health has been a constant thought (she is getting better, thank God). My niece, Shelly, inspired me to jump and enjoy the youthful feeling of being outdoors. Another niece, Sidney, became engaged (congratulations!). Anna Sowder kept Ken's business going while he was gone, so they have become close cell phone buddies (she has done an excellent job). We had Jeff, friends, and neighbors caring for our home and pets while we were away and this was a great comfort. Life, with all of its joys and sorrows, continues...

We met many Extra Milers...they are everywhere - people who allow you to cut in line because you only have one purchase - clerks who genuinely ask you how you are doing -people who stop during life's fast paced journey to help when you are troubled - individuals who proudly volunteer their time in order for all of us to fully enjoy our parks and monuments - tour guides who pick up trash left behind so our children can live in a cleaner environment and enjoy the unblemished beauty of our land.

Don't wait to enjoy America and your own backyard...we never know when life will slow us down. I was thrilled to see much of our amazing parks/monuments accessible to individuals with disabilities. The national park service has made great strides to make the beauty of our national treasures accessible for everyone to enjoy.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
- Mark Twain

Nite ~ Carol and Ken
P.S. Cindy and Jim Kanning, true Extra Milers, brought us a wonderful "Kanning home-made" dinner and breakfast, as we arrived home today. I cannot express what this kind and thoughtful act meant to us. It gave us a much needed respite from the 6hours we spent unloading the RV. Thank you!

Perry Kraus, owner of several McDonald's Restaurants in Louisville (Britiff Enterprises), generously provided us with several coupon packages for free food and drink at McDonalds across the U.S. Thanks so much, Perry!

Judy Lawler, you really must hogtie Mike into the back of the truck and drive him out west - he would absolutely love the history and the marvels our country has to offer. Don't wait.

Sandy Hardee...thanks for encouraging me to make plans sooner than later to make this trip.

To the friends who met us along the way...thanks for your love, your company, and your time.

Thanks for following our blog. We tracked the numbers and one Saturday we had 492 hits to the site. We hope our experience will encourage each of you to step out of your own backyard and into our miraculous, mystical, beautiful, spectacular, entertaining, and enchanting country...and enjoy the many Extra Milers you are guaranteed to meet along the way. God Bless.

Right here in Indiana!

What a wonderful afternoon...lots of ooooohhhhhs and ahhhhhhhs....and yep, we were in Indiana! We left the Visitor's Center in Chesterton, Indiana and headed to check into the Indiana Dune State Park to settle in the RV for the day. We were assigned a beautiful spot, shaded and backed up to a sandy tree covered dune. We then drove the CRV to Beverly Shores...a very large, beach with clean light colored sand. The first thing we noticed as we pulled in was the turquoise colored water against the clear dark blue sky. The second thing was the beautiful old building (see photo) facing the beach. This was the beach colonnade (I believe this is the correct term). It housed a store, grill, snack shop, and large changing/bath rooms (and still does, but not to the extent it once did). The building is beautiful and I became fascinated to think of the history that had to go match this structure. Turns out, in the late 1920s and 1930s, this area once had a hotel (next to the colonnade, casino, and many other buildings. It was quite the bustling area. Seems some influential people moved on to other projects and things began to change and slow down on the Beverly Shores. Now it is a rather peaceful state park,(probably because the season is nearly over). It is maintained very nicely...but I could imagine how this was once a thriving and active community of sun-beach lovers.

Since the children are already in school...the beach was nearly deserted. The waves gently rocked back and forth into the shore and the sea-gulls hopped about the sand and water, searching for food (yep, you read that right...I typed "sea" gulls - these little guys must not realize this isn't the SEA). It was so very soothing. We sat for a while in the lifeguard's massive chair ... and I remembered the movie "Lifeguard" with Sam Elliott (wow - nothing soothing about that memory!). We walked to the water, sat there for awhile and contemplated our nearly completed journey. We both have mixed emotions about the end of our trip. I will try to express mine to you later.

We then drove to Mt. Baldy. We were told it was a 3/4 mile to the top. As we started the hike through the sand - uphill, I wasn't sure this would be a fun. However, we were quickly at the top and realized it was a short 1/4 mile trip. It was breath-taking to stand on top of the sand dunes and look out over Lake Michigan.

We had a late lunch at a small bar and grill called Bartlett's (Beverly Shores). We both ordered the pulled pork sandwich and were amazed at the beautiful presentation of the food. The food was equally as special - the pork was flavorful and the portions were very large (apparently something we expect in Indiana). Ken and I recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting the area - even those with the most refined taste buds.

Why haven't I been here to the Dunes before? This is just 5 hours from my home! This is definitely one of our hidden American treasures...or at least a hidden Southern Indiana treasure. Apparently, many do know about it...as it is Indiana's second favorite state park (second only to Brown County). We will definitely be back to visit the Indiana Dunes again in the future.

Tomorrow, Jeff will meet us at Patoka Lake (less than an hour from where we live in Jeffersonville). I have been there before, but it has been many years and I wasn't an Indiana resident at the time. I hope it is as beautiful as I remember. Jeff is bringing the dogs with him. We are looking forward to seeing our family after being away for 2 months! We will be home Friday afternoon.
Nite~ Carol and Ken
P.S. Jan Barrett sent me a note of reminder that Charlestown State Park is a wonderful RV friendly and beautiful place to camp, hike, and enjoy nature. I have hiked through Charlestown State Park and it is truly beautiful. If you want to explore the beauty of nature, Indiana has some great spots. Get off the couch and start walking (no matter your pace).
P.S.S. Let me add another special place in Indiana...French Lick - lots of fascinating history and WEST BADEN...which was considered the 8th wonder of the world at one time...or so I was told (and I believe it). The building is something amazing to see. If you have not been to French Lick, make this one of your weekend trips in Indiana and if you have been before...make plans to visit again - it has changed drastically in the past couple of years.

Moving into Indiana - Home Sweet Home

We have been driving a couple of hours, headed to the Indiana Dunes State Park. When Jeff was a little boy we read his Indiana history book together and I was surprised to see information about the northern most portion of our state. The book included beautiful photographs of the "dunes" and beach area. I recall being disappointed when I realized the dunes were more than 5 hours away from Jeffersonville. Now, it is time for us to explore those dunes and northern Indiana. We just arrived at the Visitor's Center - a beautiful new building...and we will stay overnight at the state park. Catch you later ~ Carol and Ken

Unbelievable...Mackinac Island, Michigan

I found America's best kept secret (at least to us)...Mackinac Island in Michigan. Years ago I saw the movie, "Somewhere in Time," and thought the grounds and hotel were absolutely gorgeous and I wondered where the movie was filmed. I recall thinking it was filmed in Canada. I was nearly right. At the tip (north) of Michigan is an island...the place they filmed "Somewhere in Time." However, I was absolutely correct about how gorgeous the island and the Grand Hotel would be - we felt as if we had indeed stepped back in time. There are no automobiles allowed on the island - so everyone gets around by bicycles, walking, horses, or horse drawn carriages. We took our bikes across with us on the ferry and spent one night at the hotel. It is expensive, but we found an internet special because this is considered late in their season. The price is still expensive, but it was worth it. The room included an elegant five course dinner and breakfast the next morning. I was a bit surprised that the hotel staff - especially in the dining facilities - were not very friendly. However, the friendly guests made up for the business-like hotel employees.

Originally, we were to take the ferry across to the island on Saturday. The weather was dreadful - raining, unseasonably cold, and windy. Knowing how lucky we have been with our weather during the past two months, it was actually expected. Still, I prayed that at least the sun would peek out during our stay on the island. The Grand Hotel allowed us to delay our arrival by one day, arriving on Sunday. All day Saturday continued with the rain and winds...pounding and drizzling until Sunday morning - when we woke up to a beautiful sky-blue day. This was more than we could have ever asked (or prayed) for...the ride over to the island was smooth and relaxing. The first thing you notice about the island is the beauty...the second thing is the result from the hundreds of horses that work on the island...the scent "road apples." I have to say that this was the only negative related to the island (the street cleaners work hard to keep the roads tidy, especially since the rest of us are on bikes and walking).

We took the island carriage tour - visited the Butterfly House - and rode our bikes around the shopping and hotel area. We then had a wonderfully prepared formal dinner (dress code applies), and then watched the Esther Williams movie filmed at The Grand Hotel in the 1930s "This Time for Keeps." The movie was very sweet and entertaining, but the seats were very uncomfortable. Ken shifted throughout the movie. Today, we had breakfast, walked around the grounds, checked out of the hotel (I hated to ride away...yep, on our bikes), and then bicycled around the island (8 miles). The riding was primarly on flat, lush green land and beautiful victorian style homes to one side and the deep blue lake to the other side - with sun and a gentle breeze making it seem as though we were in a controlled movie set ourselves. As hokey as it sounds, it was a perfect day...until we had to leave. We will be back one day.

It is late as I write - and my brain function is working off empty. More tomorrow on my thoughts as we close our last week on this incredible journey. We will spend our last few days in our very own backyard - Indiana.

Nite~ Carol and Ken