Sunday, Sept. 18
It's been a long time, and this will be my last post. It's just too hard to get internet access and drive 200 to 300+ miles per day. Irene passed over Nova Scotia, Carol had help to board up her house, and the storm passed over her, too. We loved NS, and hope to return there sometime in the next few years, and also visit PEI and Newfoundland.
Quebec was fun, though Noel was glad to enter Minnesota where all the signs are in English. We saw Quebec City, spending 2 days in the walled Vieux Ville (old city). We enjoyed Montreal, but I was sick that day and the modern art museum had only 2 exhibits open. We did better in Ottawa, visiting the National Gallery, where the highlight for me was the Group of Seven. We then travelled the entire north shore of Lake Superior. On the last day in Canada I figured out that we were ahead of schedule and didn't have to drive 300 miles per day. We have since slowed down.
We are in Detroit Lakes, MN. We came from north of Duluth, where we learned that it's a good idea to check on events before deciding where to stay. Saturday was the annual rollerblade marathon from 2 miles north of our campground to Duluth. It was fun to watch, but it took us hours to get through Duluth. Today we decided to do some birding. We have a great blue heron, many robins and grackles, a pair of chickadees some doves, ducks and other birds in our campground. We drove about 50 miles to the reserves and saw a bald eagle and a crow. I think we're a little early for the 270 species that are supposed to be there.
Tomorrow we head north to US 2, going home via northern North Dakota and Montana. We may visit Glacier NP if there's no snow expected. We will stay with our friends Town and Linda Bradner in Sandpoint ID, visit the Jesuits in Spokane, then home via I 90, arriving home sometime before Sept 29 so I can get ready for my week in Port Townsend starting Oct 2.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Big Ride Across America 2011
Sat, Aug 27 North Cape NS
Well, we stayed in Machias ME for 3 days waiting for my passport, which finally arrived. We camped at St Aidan's Episcopal Church, since there is no campground close to Machias. When I called the priest-in-charge he didn't hesitate to accommodate us. It was the weekend of the blueberry festival, and we had a blast! The musical "Blueberry Fields Forever" was great fun. We did get to Campobello, which is lovely, then travelled north to New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. We are now on Cape Breton Island, and traveled as far north as can be driven to Meat Cove yesterday. We are staying here a total of 3 nights to relax, sew pot holders, read, and catch up on email and blog. Tomorrow night is Louisburg on the east coast of Cape Breton.
The people and the scenery are wonderful--I wish we could spend an entire month here. Several villages speak French, but with a different accent than I've ever heard. Even English is a different accent--with you is wid youse. We met Ann Schroeder, an art quilter from the Boston area who is now a landed immigrant in Mabou. We also went to the Red Shoe pub, but missed the music. The local radio has great Celtic and Acadian music, but I hope to hear some live stuff before we leave.
Noel rode his bike today--14 miles, and this is the first time he's ridden since the Big Ride. I'm sure glad we brought it along.
We've been worried about Hurrican Irene, but it looks as if most of it is petering out and will pass to the west, at least that's our wish. Maine doesn't look too good though. We tried to call Carol a few minutes ago and couldn't reach her. When we talked to her a few days ago she said it was blowing hard, and she had moved the furniture off the porch and brought the boats up. Please include her in your prayers.
Well, we stayed in Machias ME for 3 days waiting for my passport, which finally arrived. We camped at St Aidan's Episcopal Church, since there is no campground close to Machias. When I called the priest-in-charge he didn't hesitate to accommodate us. It was the weekend of the blueberry festival, and we had a blast! The musical "Blueberry Fields Forever" was great fun. We did get to Campobello, which is lovely, then travelled north to New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. We are now on Cape Breton Island, and traveled as far north as can be driven to Meat Cove yesterday. We are staying here a total of 3 nights to relax, sew pot holders, read, and catch up on email and blog. Tomorrow night is Louisburg on the east coast of Cape Breton.
The people and the scenery are wonderful--I wish we could spend an entire month here. Several villages speak French, but with a different accent than I've ever heard. Even English is a different accent--with you is wid youse. We met Ann Schroeder, an art quilter from the Boston area who is now a landed immigrant in Mabou. We also went to the Red Shoe pub, but missed the music. The local radio has great Celtic and Acadian music, but I hope to hear some live stuff before we leave.
Noel rode his bike today--14 miles, and this is the first time he's ridden since the Big Ride. I'm sure glad we brought it along.
We've been worried about Hurrican Irene, but it looks as if most of it is petering out and will pass to the west, at least that's our wish. Maine doesn't look too good though. We tried to call Carol a few minutes ago and couldn't reach her. When we talked to her a few days ago she said it was blowing hard, and she had moved the furniture off the porch and brought the boats up. Please include her in your prayers.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Big Ride Across America 2011
Fri Aug 19
Well, writing in Word and copy paste doesn't work today--it worked before, but today it doesn't want to. We are in Trenton ME, just outside Acadia National Park. We spent 2 days touring the park, and IT IS GORGEOUS! We went to Bass Harbour Lighthouse, and found that is named for the striped bass fish that used to be caught here, not for any of my ancestors. That was a little disappointing. My passport has been missing--I applied for a new one in early June, and it didn't arrive in Gettysburg, wasn't at my house, and wasn't at the Ballard PO. We wanted to go into Canada today. I finally thought to call passport services, and lo and behold! it's in New Hampshire! It was sent to my house and returned. After 30 minutes on the phone with Mark, they finally agreed to overnight it to me at the Machias PO, north of here. Fortunately, this weekend is the blueberry fest, including quilts, so we'll have something to do while we wait. Noel just left for the yard sale down the street, looking for a new step stool for me. I've left 2 of them behind so far this trip, and all the hardware stores we've stopped at haven't had one. We may drive to Campobello if my passport arrives.
Well, writing in Word and copy paste doesn't work today--it worked before, but today it doesn't want to. We are in Trenton ME, just outside Acadia National Park. We spent 2 days touring the park, and IT IS GORGEOUS! We went to Bass Harbour Lighthouse, and found that is named for the striped bass fish that used to be caught here, not for any of my ancestors. That was a little disappointing. My passport has been missing--I applied for a new one in early June, and it didn't arrive in Gettysburg, wasn't at my house, and wasn't at the Ballard PO. We wanted to go into Canada today. I finally thought to call passport services, and lo and behold! it's in New Hampshire! It was sent to my house and returned. After 30 minutes on the phone with Mark, they finally agreed to overnight it to me at the Machias PO, north of here. Fortunately, this weekend is the blueberry fest, including quilts, so we'll have something to do while we wait. Noel just left for the yard sale down the street, looking for a new step stool for me. I've left 2 of them behind so far this trip, and all the hardware stores we've stopped at haven't had one. We may drive to Campobello if my passport arrives.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
OK, it's still July 30, and I'm still sitting in the same coffee shop in Burton--time to catch up a little.
July 20 and 21, days 31 and 32 Madison, WI in AIR CONDITIONED dorms. Madison is a war zone, with construction everywhere. 3 of the riders and I got completely lost and a local cyclist gave us directions that ultimately worked. On the rest day I sewed in the quilt shop, Stitchers Crossing. Sharon, the owner, had invited me to spend the rest day sewing in her shop, and when I called the same invitation was extended. There were 2 other women sewing there. They are friends who used to live in the same town, but one of them moved to Illinois, so they meet in Madison once a month. They worked on beautiful quilts, and I worked on the charity quilt we started at Ft Flagler a few years ago.
July 22 day 33 Belvidere IL We stayed at a campground in Garden Prairie, a very small town a few miles east. The train went past, blowing it's whistle, as we were setting up camp, and we were envisioning another Newcastle, but we slept in silence. I went into Belvidere in the morning, looking for a McDonald's to read email. I didn't find it, but I did find The Brick, a coffee shop with wifi. When I saw the sign that said, "Hippies use Back Door--No Exceptions" I knew I was in the right place. Gary and Shari were great hosts, and we shared our stories of the 60's. The Brick is full of art, funky and other. I had the very best time. I also went to the quilt shop, which was very traditional, and 2 thrift shops, where I bought 2 more tank tops. It's so humid and hot that I pit out my shirts in one day.
July 23 day 34 Coal City, near Morris IL 106 miles! Very hot and humid. This is homeland for Dick, and 2 childhood friends and a sister-in-law took him to dinner. Camp was in a private campground with the bathrooms far away except for one portapotty.
July 24 day 35 Coal City to Valparaiso IN 84 miles Our 9th state. This is a 7 day stretch from Madison to Burton OH of 645 miles, probably the hardest part of the trip. At least it's mostly flat. The countryside continues to be beautiful, lush green, corn and beans, huge trees, dairy farms. Camp was AIR CONDITIONED dorm at Valparaiso U, a Lutheran college. Dick rode with me, and even treated me to lunch! It's very nice to have a navigator. Valparaiso has a wonderful quilt shop, Needle and Thread, in a victorian house--rooms and rooms of fabric of every type including Kaffe Fassett and other bright prints. I bought quite a lot. Website is www.quiltshopinvalparaiso.com. I also visited the drug store for a thumb brace, Solarcaine for everyone's prickly heat rash, and tincture of benzoin. Eric fell onto his crank and did an L shaped cut. He was told by a staff member that he didn't need stitches, and by the time Dr. John and I saw it, it was too late, so I steri-stripped it and covered it with Tegaderm. I'm very glad I brought Tegaderm--I've been using it on abrasions. The thumb brace--I wear it during the daytime and Margaret wears it at night--a good investment. I also stopped at Target for a box fan and some food. The fan is great! We're much more comfortable at night now.
July 25 day 36 Valpo to Kendallville IN 109 miles, our 2nd century in 3 days. I wrote Na in my notes, and now I haven't the faintest idea what it means. Camped at a Fairgrounds, with the 2nd worst showers of the trip, but otherwise a lovely place. Dinner was catered by a restaurant, very good--broasted chicken, mac and cheese, potato salad and strawberry shortcake for those who arrived earlier than I--at least I got some strawberries.
July 26 day 37 Kendallville to Napoleon OH 70 miles, the shortest day of this long stretch, and our 10th state. I took a side trip to Shipshewana in Amish country and the home of 3 quilt shops!!! I went to Yoder's Department Store which has 12,000 bolts, Lolly's, which has 14,000 bolts on 2 floors, and the Bernina store, which has little. It was fun to be in Yoder's after reading about it and seeing their ads in magazines for years. I found some Amish themed fabric there. I also went to the flea market, a huge affair, with mostly junk, but I did get a duffel bag for Bernie, whose bags are overweight and hurting people. In the auction barn I found a blue and white ocean waves quilt in excellent condition, but it didn't go on auction until the next day, and it was probably out of my price range (cheap) anyway. The town was filled with the Amish and their buggies--I think there were as many or more Amish than "English". I drove 120 miles, and was very late getting to camp, where dinner was catered by a volunteer group--barbequed pork sandwiches. We were in a park, and got electricity again--we get it almost every night, often by plugging into an outlet in the bathroom. I figured out what the Na was--Napoleon--I must use better abbreviations.
More later
July 20 and 21, days 31 and 32 Madison, WI in AIR CONDITIONED dorms. Madison is a war zone, with construction everywhere. 3 of the riders and I got completely lost and a local cyclist gave us directions that ultimately worked. On the rest day I sewed in the quilt shop, Stitchers Crossing. Sharon, the owner, had invited me to spend the rest day sewing in her shop, and when I called the same invitation was extended. There were 2 other women sewing there. They are friends who used to live in the same town, but one of them moved to Illinois, so they meet in Madison once a month. They worked on beautiful quilts, and I worked on the charity quilt we started at Ft Flagler a few years ago.
July 22 day 33 Belvidere IL We stayed at a campground in Garden Prairie, a very small town a few miles east. The train went past, blowing it's whistle, as we were setting up camp, and we were envisioning another Newcastle, but we slept in silence. I went into Belvidere in the morning, looking for a McDonald's to read email. I didn't find it, but I did find The Brick, a coffee shop with wifi. When I saw the sign that said, "Hippies use Back Door--No Exceptions" I knew I was in the right place. Gary and Shari were great hosts, and we shared our stories of the 60's. The Brick is full of art, funky and other. I had the very best time. I also went to the quilt shop, which was very traditional, and 2 thrift shops, where I bought 2 more tank tops. It's so humid and hot that I pit out my shirts in one day.
July 23 day 34 Coal City, near Morris IL 106 miles! Very hot and humid. This is homeland for Dick, and 2 childhood friends and a sister-in-law took him to dinner. Camp was in a private campground with the bathrooms far away except for one portapotty.
July 24 day 35 Coal City to Valparaiso IN 84 miles Our 9th state. This is a 7 day stretch from Madison to Burton OH of 645 miles, probably the hardest part of the trip. At least it's mostly flat. The countryside continues to be beautiful, lush green, corn and beans, huge trees, dairy farms. Camp was AIR CONDITIONED dorm at Valparaiso U, a Lutheran college. Dick rode with me, and even treated me to lunch! It's very nice to have a navigator. Valparaiso has a wonderful quilt shop, Needle and Thread, in a victorian house--rooms and rooms of fabric of every type including Kaffe Fassett and other bright prints. I bought quite a lot. Website is www.quiltshopinvalparaiso.com. I also visited the drug store for a thumb brace, Solarcaine for everyone's prickly heat rash, and tincture of benzoin. Eric fell onto his crank and did an L shaped cut. He was told by a staff member that he didn't need stitches, and by the time Dr. John and I saw it, it was too late, so I steri-stripped it and covered it with Tegaderm. I'm very glad I brought Tegaderm--I've been using it on abrasions. The thumb brace--I wear it during the daytime and Margaret wears it at night--a good investment. I also stopped at Target for a box fan and some food. The fan is great! We're much more comfortable at night now.
July 25 day 36 Valpo to Kendallville IN 109 miles, our 2nd century in 3 days. I wrote Na in my notes, and now I haven't the faintest idea what it means. Camped at a Fairgrounds, with the 2nd worst showers of the trip, but otherwise a lovely place. Dinner was catered by a restaurant, very good--broasted chicken, mac and cheese, potato salad and strawberry shortcake for those who arrived earlier than I--at least I got some strawberries.
July 26 day 37 Kendallville to Napoleon OH 70 miles, the shortest day of this long stretch, and our 10th state. I took a side trip to Shipshewana in Amish country and the home of 3 quilt shops!!! I went to Yoder's Department Store which has 12,000 bolts, Lolly's, which has 14,000 bolts on 2 floors, and the Bernina store, which has little. It was fun to be in Yoder's after reading about it and seeing their ads in magazines for years. I found some Amish themed fabric there. I also went to the flea market, a huge affair, with mostly junk, but I did get a duffel bag for Bernie, whose bags are overweight and hurting people. In the auction barn I found a blue and white ocean waves quilt in excellent condition, but it didn't go on auction until the next day, and it was probably out of my price range (cheap) anyway. The town was filled with the Amish and their buggies--I think there were as many or more Amish than "English". I drove 120 miles, and was very late getting to camp, where dinner was catered by a volunteer group--barbequed pork sandwiches. We were in a park, and got electricity again--we get it almost every night, often by plugging into an outlet in the bathroom. I figured out what the Na was--Napoleon--I must use better abbreviations.
More later
Big Ride Across America 2011
July 30 Day 41 We've had lots of problems getting online, and many VERY long days. We are in Burton, going to New Waterford OH today, only 59 miles, but lots of hills. I will stop in the Amish area 3 miles from here, to stroll around. Yesterday was a rest day, and all I did was laundry and try to fix my email problem. After an hour of chat room with Comcast, it was determined to be an Outlook problem, and they gave me Microsoft's 800 number. Can you believe that Microsoft no longer answers this line? The voice mail directed me to an internet site, where I spent another hour, during which the library closed and I had to sit outside. None of the fixes worked, so now I get email online through Comcast. What a frustrating day.
Burton is a lovely little town, with a town square. The fairgrounds is very nice, clean bathrooms, and a covered area for Baby. The day into Burton, though, was a trial, with many detours due to construction, and getting through Cleveland was a nightmare! I gave up on the cue sheet and found Route 6, which turned out to be a very bumpy road going through a scarey part of town. When Jessica arrived at camp, her comment was that the reason Bridget thought this was such a wonderful place was that "you're just happy you're not dead." Only a few of us stayed at the fairgrounds--the others were in hotels, B&B's, and a bunch of them stayed at Brian's mother's house here.
The highlight of the day was a stop at Dick's daughter, Kate's house on the west side of Cleveland. Dick spent the night there, and they brought him her last night. We all, including Jessica, went to dinner together for all you can eat breaded or battered pollock. I had never had pollock, and it was very good.
I must tell you about Jessica. She is the star of the trip. She lost 100 pounds and started training for the ride. She started out in the back of the pack and is now one of the fastest riders. She is riding for her daughter, who has severe asthma. She makes me laugh every day, and she is generous and kind.
Burton is a lovely little town, with a town square. The fairgrounds is very nice, clean bathrooms, and a covered area for Baby. The day into Burton, though, was a trial, with many detours due to construction, and getting through Cleveland was a nightmare! I gave up on the cue sheet and found Route 6, which turned out to be a very bumpy road going through a scarey part of town. When Jessica arrived at camp, her comment was that the reason Bridget thought this was such a wonderful place was that "you're just happy you're not dead." Only a few of us stayed at the fairgrounds--the others were in hotels, B&B's, and a bunch of them stayed at Brian's mother's house here.
The highlight of the day was a stop at Dick's daughter, Kate's house on the west side of Cleveland. Dick spent the night there, and they brought him her last night. We all, including Jessica, went to dinner together for all you can eat breaded or battered pollock. I had never had pollock, and it was very good.
I must tell you about Jessica. She is the star of the trip. She lost 100 pounds and started training for the ride. She started out in the back of the pack and is now one of the fastest riders. She is riding for her daughter, who has severe asthma. She makes me laugh every day, and she is generous and kind.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Big Ride Across America 2011
Our grandson, Julian, riding his bike across America. This was taken at an elementary school in Seattle. He went there for art camp. He didn't make any art, but they had bike day.
July 20 Viroqua to Madison WI 99.3 miles in 99 degrees with so much humidity that the heat index is 110 - 115 degrees. I'm in Viroqua as I write this. We have had to stay in hotels the past 3 nights, but I called ahead to the dorm at UW, and THE ROOMS ARE AIR CONDITIONED!!! Glory be to God!! The scenery has been beautiful--lots of green. Corn, soybean, corn, soybean--repeat ad infinitum, interspersed with huge green trees, orange lilies, queen anne's lace, and lots of other wildflowers.
We sent Dick off to a clinic in Winona, where, after multiple tests, he was proclaimed healthy as a horse. He was advised to get some real support hose, as his varicose veins weren't helping his swelling.
We stopped at the Meyers home in Dakota yesterday for a 2nd breakfast. The Meyers family has been hosting the Big Riders since 1998. None of the family has done the Ride, but they had been watching the cyclists ride by their house for several years, and decided to put on a feast for them--and what a feast! There were all kinds of home baked goodies (done at the church kitchen, which is cool), fruit, little sandwiches, and drinks, all served in Julie Meyers' garden, which is gorgeous. Since I've now mastered the picture thing, thanks to Margaret, I'll post some of the garden sometime.
We crossed the mighty Missippi today into Wisconsin, our 7th state.
Dick rode with me to Viroqua after his 5 hour ordeal at the clinic and E room. He was happy to stop at the air conditioned quilt shop in LaCrosse, where the owner told us how to get to the medical supply place where Julie Meyers told us she gets her support hose. We got the hose, then traveled through Amish country, where we followed the hand-lettered signs to an Amish farm that sold quilts, bread, cookies, jams, pickles and other quilty items. Dick bought a quilt for Mary. I bought a loaf of bread, jam and cookies for the riders. The young woman, Annie, showed us all the quilts, including a queen-sized one that she had hand quilted in a month! It was a fun day, in spite of the heat. Noel is doing well, as are most of the riders, though some of them are wondering if they can do the extra 30 miles today.
July 20 Viroqua to Madison WI 99.3 miles in 99 degrees with so much humidity that the heat index is 110 - 115 degrees. I'm in Viroqua as I write this. We have had to stay in hotels the past 3 nights, but I called ahead to the dorm at UW, and THE ROOMS ARE AIR CONDITIONED!!! Glory be to God!! The scenery has been beautiful--lots of green. Corn, soybean, corn, soybean--repeat ad infinitum, interspersed with huge green trees, orange lilies, queen anne's lace, and lots of other wildflowers.
We sent Dick off to a clinic in Winona, where, after multiple tests, he was proclaimed healthy as a horse. He was advised to get some real support hose, as his varicose veins weren't helping his swelling.
We stopped at the Meyers home in Dakota yesterday for a 2nd breakfast. The Meyers family has been hosting the Big Riders since 1998. None of the family has done the Ride, but they had been watching the cyclists ride by their house for several years, and decided to put on a feast for them--and what a feast! There were all kinds of home baked goodies (done at the church kitchen, which is cool), fruit, little sandwiches, and drinks, all served in Julie Meyers' garden, which is gorgeous. Since I've now mastered the picture thing, thanks to Margaret, I'll post some of the garden sometime.
We crossed the mighty Missippi today into Wisconsin, our 7th state.
Dick rode with me to Viroqua after his 5 hour ordeal at the clinic and E room. He was happy to stop at the air conditioned quilt shop in LaCrosse, where the owner told us how to get to the medical supply place where Julie Meyers told us she gets her support hose. We got the hose, then traveled through Amish country, where we followed the hand-lettered signs to an Amish farm that sold quilts, bread, cookies, jams, pickles and other quilty items. Dick bought a quilt for Mary. I bought a loaf of bread, jam and cookies for the riders. The young woman, Annie, showed us all the quilts, including a queen-sized one that she had hand quilted in a month! It was a fun day, in spite of the heat. Noel is doing well, as are most of the riders, though some of them are wondering if they can do the extra 30 miles today.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Big Ride Across America 2011
July 15 Tyler to New Ulm 87 miles in severe heat and humidity so thick I could see it. Dick rode with me today. His whole body is swelling and he has been slow the last few days, so he and others decided he needed and extra rest day before the day off. Dr. John listened to his heart and lungs and nothing is awry, so it may just be the heat. We spent a lot of time in a drugstore along the way because it was air conditioned. We traveled through miles and miles of corn fields alternating with soybeans. So, the day I get a navigator is a one page cue sheet with no turns.
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