tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15203043112241331282024-02-02T14:07:13.448-07:00Binkelian Trek TraxAs we continue our trek thru all 63 of our country's major National Parks!John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-5367018579936556092021-08-23T15:21:00.009-07:002021-08-23T17:20:11.569-07:00Glacier National Park - August 2021<p> </p><p><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Sperry Chalet – August 19th</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVuuB6fw1FB5EbIaoNJziD98RhKaRXxUFEd0CCqW1N1CAGLVgMaqvn5XEhWulW9vxa1pg2jRGReWccCj3jn1iFtT7yqSPLXCYQXvZpwh6KWjENsdBf6hqJujKZi2jIe1Iw1inl8Y0psg/s2048/GlacierSign_3905+copy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2048" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVuuB6fw1FB5EbIaoNJziD98RhKaRXxUFEd0CCqW1N1CAGLVgMaqvn5XEhWulW9vxa1pg2jRGReWccCj3jn1iFtT7yqSPLXCYQXvZpwh6KWjENsdBf6hqJujKZi2jIe1Iw1inl8Y0psg/s320/GlacierSign_3905+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">In early 2020, before Covid-19 fully plagued the country, I had been successful in landing a reservation at the Sperry Chalet, one of Glacier National Park’s rustic backcountry lodges. We were scheduled to visit the Chalet in early September. Sadly, we had to cancel due to the high health hazard gripping the nation.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">I got online again in January of 2021 and was able to score a much-coveted room at Sperry for August 19<sup>th</sup>! Originally, I had requested a room with 3 beds – one for me, Terry and our son Charlie. Due to some health issues, Terry opted out of the strenuous 6.7-mile hike up to the Chalet. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">The Sperry Chalet represented the final chapter in our quest to visit all of the “Great Lodges of the National Parks.” In 2017, the Sprague Fire destroyed the Swiss-style Chalet constructed in 1913 of stone and timber. At that time, it appeared we would be unable to achieve our Lodge goal. But due to a large contingency of generous people and with the help of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, the Chalet was rebuilt and opened for business in 2020. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaxGFqIfvSftjpbQLmnUc76kiDmxPS1yE7jwJd2qYJjdvTU190v3XSqkewhEXtzlu2mRFU64ucseSf-3MItZgD3NqCSb1b3i-Ubpdyi9g-UuHkZeiDgi44wppcDztCUkK275-DgBFgmg/s4032/IMG_3691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaxGFqIfvSftjpbQLmnUc76kiDmxPS1yE7jwJd2qYJjdvTU190v3XSqkewhEXtzlu2mRFU64ucseSf-3MItZgD3NqCSb1b3i-Ubpdyi9g-UuHkZeiDgi44wppcDztCUkK275-DgBFgmg/w300-h400/IMG_3691.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sperry Trailhead<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe9mgxnH6zFhglEP3YYINd0UaM11y-VKJ591WQiMXmVMuGyMX6JKEMhFN9hrU27ewJxeopdSEGeWZP9LQ1uZLi9kz4eepv6AI8v_YnqWmiffbP44m1tdIuCuQcUYIkQRre40ofkNaea4/s4032/IMG_3695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTe9mgxnH6zFhglEP3YYINd0UaM11y-VKJ591WQiMXmVMuGyMX6JKEMhFN9hrU27ewJxeopdSEGeWZP9LQ1uZLi9kz4eepv6AI8v_YnqWmiffbP44m1tdIuCuQcUYIkQRre40ofkNaea4/w300-h400/IMG_3695.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Steeps!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmlNJH3ri1p4xAu4dCflaSpOpim9nq4iU4UO221TXAqxLH7q2EKhyphenhyphenG0nfZCT6xDL720jaVvkVIL-L61pwKwBQcswfN_cxAyIU1YBxaybNKP5tlRFmxCsyGkBc-lWg_6063EfbJJDfwWk/s4032/IMG_3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmlNJH3ri1p4xAu4dCflaSpOpim9nq4iU4UO221TXAqxLH7q2EKhyphenhyphenG0nfZCT6xDL720jaVvkVIL-L61pwKwBQcswfN_cxAyIU1YBxaybNKP5tlRFmxCsyGkBc-lWg_6063EfbJJDfwWk/w400-h300/IMG_3833.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Registration and Dining Room</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7AsOmadtxqWPtRZNrJ-pMar5p8__XB1IwUogo6Hrj62EzhFMzsFwoscEz_gZOFgat-8u244X4-2v7c15EuGD5KKMyleJu5qAvmlIklFjlkkdrl0LCsjMix0NUFZ2Ku9KoFAv0RX39Rw/s4032/IMG_3805.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7AsOmadtxqWPtRZNrJ-pMar5p8__XB1IwUogo6Hrj62EzhFMzsFwoscEz_gZOFgat-8u244X4-2v7c15EuGD5KKMyleJu5qAvmlIklFjlkkdrl0LCsjMix0NUFZ2Ku9KoFAv0RX39Rw/w400-h300/IMG_3805.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sperry Chalet </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL5ZrYflXub4TmGsaFNas11ErvqZ8eaWK9rKg5Fhwxox9dgqwBqmca1OW7FuKw_ivx3Yv6Ahu_MWfEHljuEC6rnptu5Mh97iwsjQnc21q7wGFD0z1NcJWmgr2-WqkKzns8F6nCCI5c0U/s4032/IMG_3723.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrL5ZrYflXub4TmGsaFNas11ErvqZ8eaWK9rKg5Fhwxox9dgqwBqmca1OW7FuKw_ivx3Yv6Ahu_MWfEHljuEC6rnptu5Mh97iwsjQnc21q7wGFD0z1NcJWmgr2-WqkKzns8F6nCCI5c0U/w400-h300/IMG_3723.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalet built by the Great Northern Railway in 1913<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">To reach the Chalet, one must hike up a steep trail with an elevation gain of 3300 feet. There is another alternative – take a horse up the trail; however, you cannot drive to the Chalet as there are no roads to it! Only a well-maintained hiking/horse trail. There are three segments to this hike. The first mile and a half segment is steep with one excruciating gradient sporting a 28° incline!</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">The second portion of the trail offers a gradual accent through a charred forest that fell victim to the Sprague Fire. This portion of the hike is relatively easy. Then you reach the “switchbacks!” The Switchbacks will test your hiking meddle as you make the final 2-mile ascent to the Chalet! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGA7V-ezSPkF3lcbHgNlF59WJfK49eNPxdhwuxqQO_R3c60vSqy6d5JhYcjEDDLTb-hh2WJEruqU4jOVWlogyLQTLrn1z5nb-amFDAgXRn0Gryh1NuiKrHOSaa1ujYOLSKVzEO4tgUfk/s4032/IMG_3702.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGA7V-ezSPkF3lcbHgNlF59WJfK49eNPxdhwuxqQO_R3c60vSqy6d5JhYcjEDDLTb-hh2WJEruqU4jOVWlogyLQTLrn1z5nb-amFDAgXRn0Gryh1NuiKrHOSaa1ujYOLSKVzEO4tgUfk/w300-h400/IMG_3702.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking the Switchbacks</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEeqUMJk2DJnSLPZDgaP8kQZQWzujr_dkLM1-IWRCqJsMjkkTALgCOr5SosnQ0uygWNMJUKTNgRD9O3E7ivt6uPFQyWldW-gpTWkTAI21uczRRelANwuLFcYoQnc5xMNw4-wR1Uvm3fA/s4032/IMG_3699.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEeqUMJk2DJnSLPZDgaP8kQZQWzujr_dkLM1-IWRCqJsMjkkTALgCOr5SosnQ0uygWNMJUKTNgRD9O3E7ivt6uPFQyWldW-gpTWkTAI21uczRRelANwuLFcYoQnc5xMNw4-wR1Uvm3fA/w400-h300/IMG_3699.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charred Forest from Sprague Fire - Aug 2017<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Weather-wise, we couldn’t have asked for better conditions. The day we arrived in Glacier Aug 17</span><sup style="font-family: Cambria; text-align: left;"> </sup><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">it rained steadily. The forecast was for more rain in the days to come. Yet on the nineteenth</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">, the day of our trek up to the Chalet, we were treated to cool weather,</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">overcast skies…and no rain.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">With the Chalet now in view, the last two miles of the trail climbs aggressively up the side of the mountain. Steep, but not nearly as precipitous as the first segment! The trek took Charlie and me four and a half hours – the average hiking time for people in decent shape. The first building we reached, Registration, Kitchen and Dining, was miraculously spared by the fire as were a couple of other support facilities. With Covid still in play, we were required to mask up prior to entering the building. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9a6SvCufILnxfFjaaQHqTZORz4drr5izwP8hpyD7BvHHoBrxrWRrDtQH18cBllQAGCXKD8IWo7M3lZ_X9KFsV3323eSfRgefrjmN0A3LZmw4llCFX7iuhedW2IyW8TIKJ5gP4PAXATY/s4032/IMG_3715.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9a6SvCufILnxfFjaaQHqTZORz4drr5izwP8hpyD7BvHHoBrxrWRrDtQH18cBllQAGCXKD8IWo7M3lZ_X9KFsV3323eSfRgefrjmN0A3LZmw4llCFX7iuhedW2IyW8TIKJ5gP4PAXATY/w300-h400/IMG_3715.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalet in sight - 2 miles more!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z1kGEcUyvCgMBbnu7s_je4pWKJA43RwnbJJfaUjT3nIii-7lbMSZWAvmgunUVX6id2hOiEsBdLSTGTdsgiecKuaFTE_9Bb-Ozf4WIvD_9L4xGOC76IXNTx1tY_Kd8Mchuutbtas8pG0/s4032/IMG_3812.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Z1kGEcUyvCgMBbnu7s_je4pWKJA43RwnbJJfaUjT3nIii-7lbMSZWAvmgunUVX6id2hOiEsBdLSTGTdsgiecKuaFTE_9Bb-Ozf4WIvD_9L4xGOC76IXNTx1tY_Kd8Mchuutbtas8pG0/w400-h300/IMG_3812.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking in at the Dining facility</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Charlie and I were pre-assigned to Room 18, a four-bed facility on the ground floor of the two-story dormitory. The rooms at the Chalet are defined as “rustic.” There is no electricity, no heat, no toilet, sink or shower. However, there was a battery-operated lantern that did cast a bit of light inside the room!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm6TzKRMI5jJpxUaWKCXnzN3u0Z2_jmuKbT-07QPyexwcTE1ypBC3tx0cQmctEj23dSioywkhX3E6Y5AFh7njvjBKbEmzYax90ErdPfC941kEMOgQXLj9LEuEUtENVd6s9P3b-s8ZX4E/s4032/IMG_3721.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTm6TzKRMI5jJpxUaWKCXnzN3u0Z2_jmuKbT-07QPyexwcTE1ypBC3tx0cQmctEj23dSioywkhX3E6Y5AFh7njvjBKbEmzYax90ErdPfC941kEMOgQXLj9LEuEUtENVd6s9P3b-s8ZX4E/w400-h300/IMG_3721.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Room 18 - Sperry Chalet</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;">Best of all, no TV or cell service! Just a roof over your head and a bed covered with thick Pendleton Blankets! A chance to “get away from it all” and meditate on the meaning of life! The pit toilet potties are located in a separate building about 50 yards downhill from the Dormitory.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Of course the lack of cell service would cause Terry a bit of angst, as she wanted us to text or call her once we reached the Chalet. I was told that if I trekked up to Lincoln Pass, another mile up a steep incline, I “just might get a signal!” My attempt to reach the Pass was thwarted due to spent legs! The first 6.7-miles had taken its toll meaning Terry would be left wondering what had happened to us! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">While attempting to give Terry a call, I did happen upon a Mountain Goat who was lounging peacefully by the pond adjacent to the Sperry Campground. Charlie meanwhile was resting his weary legs in our room. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW6mLL2JkFXc2I_g7naPXtN-w-km5hPumyp74BJyP3GyQaoEp6z05S-6ClN4ih28UYu0RXZyoHEg6qRK_C-8BHO02xHVkBX9D3ps34RjffuUyYBvQyDY3wjGIbpKK88C5z8PyXs3ZUgw/s4032/IMG_3726.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW6mLL2JkFXc2I_g7naPXtN-w-km5hPumyp74BJyP3GyQaoEp6z05S-6ClN4ih28UYu0RXZyoHEg6qRK_C-8BHO02xHVkBX9D3ps34RjffuUyYBvQyDY3wjGIbpKK88C5z8PyXs3ZUgw/w400-h300/IMG_3726.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Chalet - Lake McDonald in the distance</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PMVLs9H8-UKQ2g0_Ujnd5ucUbYvMo36whXF5H7B8sGbsMqPauEpCKNz2muWO_FLNa1aat5Sr7DJ4d_3K6v1GjiekR0gxqMx1wIlImodDRtDF5sMYCZHjquD_e5tMRjYOI3V1Dl5JE5Y/s4032/IMG_3783.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PMVLs9H8-UKQ2g0_Ujnd5ucUbYvMo36whXF5H7B8sGbsMqPauEpCKNz2muWO_FLNa1aat5Sr7DJ4d_3K6v1GjiekR0gxqMx1wIlImodDRtDF5sMYCZHjquD_e5tMRjYOI3V1Dl5JE5Y/w400-h300/IMG_3783.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Goat checking me out!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">The view from the Chalet is eerie and spectacular. Eerie, as you can see the vast devastation to the forest the Sprague Fire caused. Charred trees as far as the eye can see. Yet, Lake McDonald is in view to the north and Gunsight Pass stands tall to the south.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">We thought lunch was included in our stay only to find out we would be getting a bag full of sandwiches for tomorrow’s descent. While resting our legs in the Dining facility, a couple of women who were departing the Chalet offered up their sandwiches. Hungry as we were, we accepted their offer. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">After one bite into the soggy sandwich, I noted that it was made two days prior! When Charlie noticed me spitting the contents, he opted out of even opening his offering. We would wait for dinner!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">In the meantime, Charlie and I explored the immediate grounds. Earlier, Charlie had been walking around the grounds as I attempted to reach Lincoln Pass and somewhere along his wanderings, he lost his glasses! He retraced his steps and was fortunate to find his specs sitting on the rocky trail he’d explored earlier. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">On our way up the mountain, we encountered a deer that was heading down the trail. She didn’t seem to mind our presence and casually veered off trail as we passed. The only other critters we encountered on the hike up to the Chalet were a number of squirrels and chipmunks. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXRmwFOCiUz0i54FLWPw5MDRbojAhxIzgFERyWDG6mfqXNE7J5iJL01jMiFQ3lmi7w8KgwSWeIbjV04WAx-N_xnz2ZqBvSrzR6lyAVhpy27WTHv2NH8e5xuM0Jtk_8sfMbTPu190Ilts/s4032/IMG_3698.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilXRmwFOCiUz0i54FLWPw5MDRbojAhxIzgFERyWDG6mfqXNE7J5iJL01jMiFQ3lmi7w8KgwSWeIbjV04WAx-N_xnz2ZqBvSrzR6lyAVhpy27WTHv2NH8e5xuM0Jtk_8sfMbTPu190Ilts/w300-h400/IMG_3698.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">There are bears in Glacier. Both Grizzlies and Black Bears. As a precaution should we encounter such a beast, I did rent Bear Spray for the first time. Terry and I have hiked in all 63 of our nation’s major parks and not once did we have Bear Spray with us.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">However, we have run across several bears during our treks. In fact, during our 2013 Glacier visit with Charlie, we were treated to a “Bear Sighting” during our Grinnell Glacier hike. Nevertheless, better to be prepared than breakfast for the beast! Now, much to our chagrin/delight we did not come across any bears along the trail!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Much to Charlie’s delight, we did find a Mountain Goat peering into the window of our room. Later that afternoon, we spotted a small heard of 3 goats wandering about the grounds. The Goat sightings made the trip for Charlie! The hike tortured his legs!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">We were assigned the first of two dinner seatings at 5:30pm and after our unpleasant experience with the soggy lunch sandwich, we wondered what dinner had to offer. Much to our delight, we were treated to turkey chili, a small green salad, prime rib, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, and carrot cake for dessert. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">With tummies full and a light rain beginning to fall, we retreated to Room 18 to attempt sleep. Unfortunately, three women whose voices and laughter could be heard for miles occupied Room 20, which was located next to ours! Besides, it doesn’t get dark until around 9 pm, hence, sleep was out of the question! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Knowing Terry was most likely worried sick about our condition, having not been able to communicate with us all day, we decided to catch breakfast at 7 am</span><span style="font-family: Cambria;"> and head downhill shortly thereafter. Breakfast was excellent! Two eggs, two pieces of crispy bacon and a slice of toast! Plenty enough to fuel our bodies for the descent! </span></span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;">After a hearty breakfast, we began our hike down the mountain shrouded with early morning clouds. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O6CZ8Mu3vAHx1qIv9W3p3CAmCutwgsX01KtY5XOf6emKgBRQ1q_e-tELQa-S3yxveXAU2J3rCNYqpFFNPUHnxAzILhRpJsw9k6RXJqJKE784gRBBrZVo0JlbAc81qMwUZ-JJ6XSCq7o/s4032/IMG_3832.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O6CZ8Mu3vAHx1qIv9W3p3CAmCutwgsX01KtY5XOf6emKgBRQ1q_e-tELQa-S3yxveXAU2J3rCNYqpFFNPUHnxAzILhRpJsw9k6RXJqJKE784gRBBrZVo0JlbAc81qMwUZ-JJ6XSCq7o/w300-h400/IMG_3832.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing for our trek back down the mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">When Terry and I hiked from rim-to-rim through the Grand Canyon, there is a sign at the top of the trailhead that reads something like this: “It takes twice as long to hike back up as it takes to descend into the canyon.”</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Two times more difficult going back up to the rim as descending down into it.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;">For our hike, we’d be hiking uphill first, then descending the following morning. It took Charlie and I about 4 ½ hours to hike up to the Chalet, so taking the Canyon notice into consideration, I believed it would take us about 2 hours 15 minutes to get down. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">One thing we forgot to do with Terry before we started our journey up to the Chalet was to establish a time and place for our rendezvous! I thought I had mentioned to her that we should be down the mountain between 10 and 11 on the 20<sup>th</sup>. But I wasn’t so sure that we had established that timeline! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">It did take us half the time to get down to the mountain and guess who was parked directly in front of the Trailhead? With tears of joy streaming down her face, we were happily reunited with mom and spouse!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">August 17<sup>th</sup> – Arrival</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Getting to Glacier isn’t easy, unless you want to spend a bunch of money flying directly into Kalispell. In 2019, when Terry and I last visited Glacier, we took a Southwest flight to Spokane, WA, rented a car and drove 4 plus hours to the park. Since we had a bunch of SWA credits, we chose to do the same. Save some money on airfare and spend it on food! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xGToaz_da2pJYhI3HxULiM2i2NStpNgnx31CT3QylTVpHSeiElclNSO9zMOiXD7iuXaE5DAqF7xlZjTr1xm4q3AzY4IsuMbSr9FYWHMzY74dOZj_ebEmQ_n5K2PduMUynsbrcan-UR4/s2048/Belton_4315*%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xGToaz_da2pJYhI3HxULiM2i2NStpNgnx31CT3QylTVpHSeiElclNSO9zMOiXD7iuXaE5DAqF7xlZjTr1xm4q3AzY4IsuMbSr9FYWHMzY74dOZj_ebEmQ_n5K2PduMUynsbrcan-UR4/w400-h266/Belton_4315*%2Bcopy%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belton Chalet<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Terry had booked us two rooms at the Belton Chalet for our Glacier trip. As the Belton was one of the Great Lodges of the National Parks, we’d stayed there during our 2019 trip to Glacier and found both the facility and restaurant to be splendid.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Terry had made dinner reservations at 7:30 pm at the restaurant on the day of our arrival.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">We thought we’d have no problem making it to dinner as we were departing Spokane International Airport at around 2:30pm. The problem being, it was steadily raining AND there is a one-hour time difference between Spokane and Glacier! So it was actually 3:30 pm at the Belton when we left the airport giving us exactly 4 hours to make it on time for dinner! I drove a bit faster than usual considering the weather and we were able to make dinner just on time!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Dinner at the Belton is delightful! EJ Reynolds, the executive Chef was on duty when Terry and I dined there back in 2019 and he was back in 2021! Of all the Great Lodges Terry and I have visited, only two had truly gourmet dining – Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park and the restaurant at Belton Chalet. The Belton Dining Room offers innovative Montana cuisine and the Chef utilizes local organic ingredients! The wine selection is decent and the Taproom features Montanan craft beers. If you ever visit the West Glacier area, we highly recommend dining at the Belton!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">August 18<sup>th</sup></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Since the Belton only offers dinner, this morning we walked a whooping 200 yards to the Glacier Highland Restaurant for breakfast. Although Chef Reynolds isn’t on staff here, the meals are very good. Especially the Huckleberry style French Toast!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">After breakfast, we decided to reenact our epic 2013 hike up Avalanche Creek and on up to Avalanche Lake. Entering the park was a unique experience. Due to Covid’s creation of pent up demand for outdoor experiences, Glacier had to put into play new restrictions to the number of vehicles they would allow into the park each day to keep the park from becoming gridlock. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">This meant that those wishing to enter the park needed to purchase a $2 Vehicle Entry Pass good for 7 days. The passes were available online at recreation.gov 60 days prior to arrival with a few more the day of. There are a limited number of passes issued, so some folks were going to be left out. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">As we entered the road to the park, traffic was backed up all the way to the shops near Hwy 2 at West Glacier. In all the previous trips we’d made to Glacier via this route, we’d never experienced this sort of traffic. I suspected that the problem was many visitors were unaware of the new regulation requiring the Entry Pass! Sure enough, when the Entry Kiosks finally came into view, we witnessed many vehicles being turned away. Fortunately, we had our Pass!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Our plan to trek about Avalanche Creek was thwarted by a swarm of people vying for a limited number of parking spaces. Even with the new vehicle entry program that was designed to minimize overcrowding, there was nowhere to park!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Plan B. We would drive the Going-to-the-Sun road in search of another hiking opportunity. The Logan Pass parking lot was jammed, so hiking to Hidden Lake was out of the question. As we descended the eastern side of the Continental Divide, we found a lone parking spot near the St. Mary Falls Trailhead. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianjcJn7ta1J9OMSqPv20hSTpn0mGR6blpKQwqhf4vEAYjy0FBu15nmgxotNPfEFmEXQWkYIXWW0kmq2ENeKvupnmgLJOh0T0GOAQkFludZHxAk3GAtyLsbQTcZGxUqSro5Zu6lYvVhQY/s4032/IMG_3603_1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianjcJn7ta1J9OMSqPv20hSTpn0mGR6blpKQwqhf4vEAYjy0FBu15nmgxotNPfEFmEXQWkYIXWW0kmq2ENeKvupnmgLJOh0T0GOAQkFludZHxAk3GAtyLsbQTcZGxUqSro5Zu6lYvVhQY/w400-h300/IMG_3603_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Mary Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntws8O0v82jYGt5AYOamlcnyfnqh2HNikeD8Xh1h8ePzUM0NAzZHDdYPkBo7JSrKW2R8cmCFtSG3bfEQXD_hKdOjBqHQdQywG6AyX5Xi1c1m_iVRuKhf_izpd3IW-azkn-jLhr0wwv2g/s4032/IMG_3604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntws8O0v82jYGt5AYOamlcnyfnqh2HNikeD8Xh1h8ePzUM0NAzZHDdYPkBo7JSrKW2R8cmCFtSG3bfEQXD_hKdOjBqHQdQywG6AyX5Xi1c1m_iVRuKhf_izpd3IW-azkn-jLhr0wwv2g/w300-h400/IMG_3604.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">From where we parked, the trail to the Falls is about a mile and a quarter long with an elevation gain of around 215 feet. Dusty Star Mountain towers 8064 feet above while St. Mary Lake is situated to the southeast of the trail.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">The trail is lined with a forest of charred trees that were scorched during the Reynolds Creek Fire of 2015. New growth is beginning to spruce up the trail, yet is sad to see how much fire has changed the landscape at this park. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">St. Mary Falls consists of three separate tiers. The upper two are the most visible and photogenic. The third lies under the wooden footbridge that spans the St. Mary River.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Virginia Falls is located about another mile up the trail. It’s well worth the extra 392’ of elevation change, as many believe Virginia Falls to be more visually pleasing than St. Mary. We enjoyed both!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAS5Z84zmT4wgYUbAYwht_IpsVIDmRLHCdQRlAQe02o9u_rSon3Nc8MVZHUMjsZY-jH7MBayqtH88MSLFiAN85lgYZoROAc8aJV3ziZrJ1yN8t9d9emVeh482qHAwrwDHtf8-V4nujF8/s4032/IMG_3627.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAS5Z84zmT4wgYUbAYwht_IpsVIDmRLHCdQRlAQe02o9u_rSon3Nc8MVZHUMjsZY-jH7MBayqtH88MSLFiAN85lgYZoROAc8aJV3ziZrJ1yN8t9d9emVeh482qHAwrwDHtf8-V4nujF8/w300-h400/IMG_3627.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virginia Falls</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfoeUcfiUcy-s5NO6dmlfqYzvpbkGi8uTkG8cwMKDzpHSYWyVHkBan66VuSdog3hgqoMe9Y2m9aVeA6q1AQht9PzOHs-uKRXi6fD8Te3Ix5m-F_Zr8Uj5Vg3hfyMNsZTreswqP0XwzNs/s4032/IMG_3622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfoeUcfiUcy-s5NO6dmlfqYzvpbkGi8uTkG8cwMKDzpHSYWyVHkBan66VuSdog3hgqoMe9Y2m9aVeA6q1AQht9PzOHs-uKRXi6fD8Te3Ix5m-F_Zr8Uj5Vg3hfyMNsZTreswqP0XwzNs/w300-h400/IMG_3622.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Once we returned from our Falls hike, we continued down the Going-to-the Sun (GTTS) Road on our way to the town of St. Mary located on the eastern edge of the park boundaries. The GTTD Road is 50 miles long. It takes at least 2 hours to drive if you do not stop. Yet there are plenty of scenic stops along the drive…if you are lucky enough to find a parking spot! There is no gas along the route, so be sure your tank is adequately stocked!</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">At the summit of the Road sits the Logan Pass Visitor Center with what you might think would have ample parking. In 2019 and on this trip, there was a long line of cars awaiting someone to depart in order to secure a parking space. As both Charlie and Terry will attest, I am not the most patient of people and waiting in line for a parking space is not my forté! Hence we bypassed Logan Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">We did stop by the St. Mary Visitor Center only to discover that the only thing open was the Gift Shop. All displays and films were closed. The Rangers were queued up outside the facility to answer any questions visitors may have. We had dinner reservations at the Belton this evening at 5:30. It was 4 pm when we filled up with gas in St. Mary, which is a good 2 hours from the Belton. We would be late for dinner! Although we were seated along the solid wall facing the main dining area, our meal was once again sensational!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">August 20<sup>th</sup></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Reunited with Terry upon the conclusion of our trek to the Sperry Chalet, Charlie and I were in desperate need of a shower! Back to the Belton for a shower and then back to the Glacier Highland Restaurant for lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">During lunch, we discussed going back to Avalanche to attempt to reenact our 2013 visit. While Charlie and I were hiking Sperry, Terry took one of the famous Red Bus Tours. During her tour, he Jammer - the driver who jams the stick shift into gear - had mentioned that the Avalanche Campground parking sign always says FULL. The Rangers never change the sign. Charlie, the designated driver replacing <b>Mr. Impatient</b>, easily found parking in the Campground! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSghSXoWemHkFNhqA8xkreraibvZ6Go4vC-g0CFM2gACCyzSv_3SkiZQKpsRP8yK96qANWXxMwRLpLVRNrh7emauv2JiMu_xXkMzI_MYohxWBqaJILxE0N3x0qJrTpik_70Q_ypv843Y/s2048/AvalancheCreek_8589+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSghSXoWemHkFNhqA8xkreraibvZ6Go4vC-g0CFM2gACCyzSv_3SkiZQKpsRP8yK96qANWXxMwRLpLVRNrh7emauv2JiMu_xXkMzI_MYohxWBqaJILxE0N3x0qJrTpik_70Q_ypv843Y/w400-h266/AvalancheCreek_8589+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalanche Creek Gorge from Footbridge</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Off we wandered along the Trail of the Cedars - a short 1-mile loop trail that features a raised wooden boardwalk along the eastern stretches of the hike passing through a forest of ancient western red cedars and western hemlocks. The cedars grow to a height of 100 feet, have diameters ranging from 4 to 7 feet and some of the trees in the area are estimated to be over 500 years old.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">The visual highlight for many is the view from the footbridge that spans Avalanche Creek. Here you get a spectacular view of the lower Avalanche Gorge and the dynamic carving effects glacial waters have on the terrain. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">A short distance up from the footbridge along the Avalanche Lake Trail is the location of one of our favorite places on earth! The three of us visited this site in 2013 and again today! After posing for another classic photo, we headed to the Lake McDonald Lodge for a much needed beer!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AtJCF5fPE8jgSzNC5mHVjeKceNX6i-QBjn7bOc_tpkhKt2ucfhRngH1l-LkxenWIx5-JQAETAMRlVtKlFrv4lIvEwP8E4PVarLrfeVRJUfcZzahZfrjbe48x2BZBxr4jn5GMeOoOz20/s2048/2013_Glacier_3ofUs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0AtJCF5fPE8jgSzNC5mHVjeKceNX6i-QBjn7bOc_tpkhKt2ucfhRngH1l-LkxenWIx5-JQAETAMRlVtKlFrv4lIvEwP8E4PVarLrfeVRJUfcZzahZfrjbe48x2BZBxr4jn5GMeOoOz20/w400-h266/2013_Glacier_3ofUs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalanche Creek - 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Oae7L4E1rb-QPmvmnymVMbIYxb6uEVwiMsRKKHwipmkUqzHa5i0NvqisPXIAG3EFqqbMtVg7LRaSbqAZRjVSD2YwH2pFg36No7g3qyTghnjAiPZG7N05g6OoqgRjqB3vq6qaa0sLZg/s2048/IMG_3857_1.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5Oae7L4E1rb-QPmvmnymVMbIYxb6uEVwiMsRKKHwipmkUqzHa5i0NvqisPXIAG3EFqqbMtVg7LRaSbqAZRjVSD2YwH2pFg36No7g3qyTghnjAiPZG7N05g6OoqgRjqB3vq6qaa0sLZg/w400-h300/IMG_3857_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalanche Creek -2021</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">Prior to departing Lake McDonald Lodge, Terry saw a tee shirt that she wanted. The cashier noticed Terry was wearing her hat with our Trekking the National Parks logo on it along with her Trekking the National Parks long sleeve hiking shirt. The cashier asked her if she belonged to a Club. Terry responded that no, Trekking the National Parks isn’t a club, it's a game our family created. The cashier excitedly exclaimed, “I have that game! It’s terrific!” Standing behind Terry were two women and two kids. Both of the women squealed with delight and informed Terry that they too owned a copy of our game! <o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypLW7FNwYi7g0-R7uWhdPCym4hF8fuwvLcZ059MloHrIvCTOsGkK16qGTtsw93xottjaFihvNXqklzelokf9jk-5uJPCtQxCVf6mEJbJ19Isuz60WYf2nzMrAtDFhIsM3LbhkpcmA0h4/s4032/IMG_3887.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypLW7FNwYi7g0-R7uWhdPCym4hF8fuwvLcZ059MloHrIvCTOsGkK16qGTtsw93xottjaFihvNXqklzelokf9jk-5uJPCtQxCVf6mEJbJ19Isuz60WYf2nzMrAtDFhIsM3LbhkpcmA0h4/w300-h400/IMG_3887.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totem Pole outside Lake McD Lodge<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqowNmN12pJSHXC09A8eNr9S2n0RKOuOuswFbfzDwvD-iCTU7qE8Tg6bOkThtm1wGo-GssDQYDlFQsqA6L4kdm4WOmLRTW6Cex43zmB0pMA-DwTI3LDdr2YRGskAzJk2Ecojb8RX80_E/s4032/IMG_3878.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqowNmN12pJSHXC09A8eNr9S2n0RKOuOuswFbfzDwvD-iCTU7qE8Tg6bOkThtm1wGo-GssDQYDlFQsqA6L4kdm4WOmLRTW6Cex43zmB0pMA-DwTI3LDdr2YRGskAzJk2Ecojb8RX80_E/w400-h300/IMG_3878.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake McDonald Lodge<br /><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Much to her surprise and delight, Terry finds herself sandwiched between three women who are gleefully stating how much they love our game! Charlie and I were summons over to join the excitement and introduce ourselves. We were then asked to pose for pictures alongside the family of four! This random chance meeting in the Lake McDonald Gift Shop made Terry’s day! </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;">For more information about our game visit <a href="http://www.trektheparks.com">www.trektheparks.com</a>. </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-36786445866938131982021-07-14T18:53:00.004-07:002021-07-14T19:10:45.491-07:00<p><b>NP#63 - New River Gorge National Park</b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1TIKoYzZ45_uthA8ncOGr3pi_KYXVbtDADtQZVnqw8WAw1ZtiMKtdqfEERtVY8NRLK-QlC1TwgtMW6dAwgMUaaHSHH0E4qtFVqWunj3pBRZZ0yUJY53E2nkQHzxSNbOtuvDTz7jtzwo/s4032/2_US_3508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1TIKoYzZ45_uthA8ncOGr3pi_KYXVbtDADtQZVnqw8WAw1ZtiMKtdqfEERtVY8NRLK-QlC1TwgtMW6dAwgMUaaHSHH0E4qtFVqWunj3pBRZZ0yUJY53E2nkQHzxSNbOtuvDTz7jtzwo/w400-h300/2_US_3508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In 2009, Terry and I set a Life Plan Goal of visiting all of our country's major national parks. At the time, there were 58 of these magnificent sites. In 2013, Pinnacles was added to the list. We completed all 59 parks with our visit to American Samoa in September of 2017. Since then, Congress has added four more - Gateway Arch, Indiana Dunes, White Sands...and #63 - New River Gorge.<div><br /></div><div>On July 6, 2021 we achieved our goal of having visited all of them...for now! For who knows what lies ahead?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvRSrfrq-oXUk9DNbMdKcrJv5zJ_ywnlikujDy76iclEJ42t6_VvrZ6QjMMlnRin1SelQDBIiEomIaUKyVUFwvdAijYzNzBgKvE_FgXR0I9E29DqXN5pgjTcSHkek5-Tog_3Z-6E-V58/s4032/1_SIGN_3495.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvRSrfrq-oXUk9DNbMdKcrJv5zJ_ywnlikujDy76iclEJ42t6_VvrZ6QjMMlnRin1SelQDBIiEomIaUKyVUFwvdAijYzNzBgKvE_FgXR0I9E29DqXN5pgjTcSHkek5-Tog_3Z-6E-V58/w400-h300/1_SIGN_3495.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our country's <b>63rd National Park!</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEex4izkMvX15nFSlb39JvcR_q0Q91pfW14my8nBQeYP7DtFKk4a-d2eZwdkirAVmLyNBEvYsLHVbdI1Mdkrta-ecn0egt2D1ej8dIaCuzdXBgA8Xuh1xNRHkgYpVMD77Z0mGX-pdpNOE/s4032/3_LF_3493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEex4izkMvX15nFSlb39JvcR_q0Q91pfW14my8nBQeYP7DtFKk4a-d2eZwdkirAVmLyNBEvYsLHVbdI1Mdkrta-ecn0egt2D1ej8dIaCuzdXBgA8Xuh1xNRHkgYpVMD77Z0mGX-pdpNOE/w300-h400/3_LF_3493.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Where to stay when visiting this park was a challenge. Terry researched the area and came across <b>Lafayette Flats</b>, a VRBO property located in Fayetteville, WV. We highly recommend this establishment!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB9a_lsSBR5h2FXCWZTC1xYnT4CYzhp4FgxUXK9ts7QqmUiAQZ43FzpSFzxwI8D3S1d3SVwRG1Nl2YrqavRMxwxLmNq6aBvH0XMXtkZP9GifcaP95g4I1u7vfEXtuXK5r3XI3zlFzd2w/s4032/4_LF_3419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB9a_lsSBR5h2FXCWZTC1xYnT4CYzhp4FgxUXK9ts7QqmUiAQZ43FzpSFzxwI8D3S1d3SVwRG1Nl2YrqavRMxwxLmNq6aBvH0XMXtkZP9GifcaP95g4I1u7vfEXtuXK5r3XI3zlFzd2w/w400-h300/4_LF_3419.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXzXhPOWkUDuQ6L90xCQFdZFKTjGfadx36hioMxR9grnJgNDVTmghAQQJH1jmBhGDSlQic13MJy64VUq84KQuG34wOWrz8z4f2Q9fhGIReRWhyphenhyphenD_suOu6eHyHO75CrozzhDWlbvI6uOw/s4032/5_LF_3421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXzXhPOWkUDuQ6L90xCQFdZFKTjGfadx36hioMxR9grnJgNDVTmghAQQJH1jmBhGDSlQic13MJy64VUq84KQuG34wOWrz8z4f2Q9fhGIReRWhyphenhyphenD_suOu6eHyHO75CrozzhDWlbvI6uOw/w400-h300/5_LF_3421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside our unit - The Corten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CbJ3qV0aqGUGpM59kh_UdfNzTE0y2H9ieZyoBr_sqcYqNcpKBevhfUCqhcB_iLe6q_gQl4deK1h7xewRc0hVq9PWmbMprSmjRfFvkjdmES3jGUEeWslU9zYvb6IMTWF5wddPqR7Oid8/s4032/6_CC_3425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CbJ3qV0aqGUGpM59kh_UdfNzTE0y2H9ieZyoBr_sqcYqNcpKBevhfUCqhcB_iLe6q_gQl4deK1h7xewRc0hVq9PWmbMprSmjRfFvkjdmES3jGUEeWslU9zYvb6IMTWF5wddPqR7Oid8/w300-h400/6_CC_3425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The owners of Lafayette Flats recommended the <b>Cathedral Cafe </b>for Breakfast. We would too! Good eats...downright funky interior!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHmJMwM93LHrQVNxq5w5AePNwVKfpd_J5gjNDD0nBlytNjOWUDkg73-pi-4MLPn8YW2BmAj9ACNnvdydNr7HNGy3RFlmk0_HP3vJx8hMSQr90kHofWcBsxy4p6XcS35_6JKw7nAsYOok/s4032/6.1_CC_3424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHmJMwM93LHrQVNxq5w5AePNwVKfpd_J5gjNDD0nBlytNjOWUDkg73-pi-4MLPn8YW2BmAj9ACNnvdydNr7HNGy3RFlmk0_HP3vJx8hMSQr90kHofWcBsxy4p6XcS35_6JKw7nAsYOok/w300-h400/6.1_CC_3424.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside the Cathedral.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4EoYIOtEnx9JpevjinVy78lKE2QZPoD3b_7rnxesfoibnBnLUJ8KbJJcJ8RjMmhCIU8CPp9pc7kHFlPfhbmkYFTD2Qf3UU_zKE8YNImMND0s5Ulnech7cN73mu6FWIsvxd7-RY5yUx4/s4032/7_EW_3426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj4EoYIOtEnx9JpevjinVy78lKE2QZPoD3b_7rnxesfoibnBnLUJ8KbJJcJ8RjMmhCIU8CPp9pc7kHFlPfhbmkYFTD2Qf3UU_zKE8YNImMND0s5Ulnech7cN73mu6FWIsvxd7-RY5yUx4/w300-h400/7_EW_3426.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the Endless Wall Trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftWo5m-Zu1-hI-o8dk4L9PqCzI_KiitS7PWuESTttFeaf9_TXmk4gXzeiZfwCfuWBUejn64b86b3AKU1i4NSjW8sMpenFnck6gK5nQPLcVgzcrCMpHG8AnfTXAmJgZKKXR2nHrcYu0Ak/s4032/8_EW_3428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftWo5m-Zu1-hI-o8dk4L9PqCzI_KiitS7PWuESTttFeaf9_TXmk4gXzeiZfwCfuWBUejn64b86b3AKU1i4NSjW8sMpenFnck6gK5nQPLcVgzcrCMpHG8AnfTXAmJgZKKXR2nHrcYu0Ak/w300-h400/8_EW_3428.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mountain Laurel adorns the trail!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNmqPEszM-7C6Tgvhs-3HR2DU1LuWFWYLLcrM0y67fSjrtCePfZtP73sk-WLdRQj914mF7yt3UGxc0SXDbBRChjGeZtKGSfKjHJFP-1FaicPz-_tE4k71YelRdH8MYuMvQdAWu6-XxfA/s4032/9.1US_3476.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNmqPEszM-7C6Tgvhs-3HR2DU1LuWFWYLLcrM0y67fSjrtCePfZtP73sk-WLdRQj914mF7yt3UGxc0SXDbBRChjGeZtKGSfKjHJFP-1FaicPz-_tE4k71YelRdH8MYuMvQdAWu6-XxfA/w400-h300/9.1US_3476.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Trekkers enjoying the Endless Wall Trail.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpSGe_T5B-33SVn7BRCHHeeqno6XSKYxEUjvExjQ7w-Xy675KSh9U5AaFtCWwaZj7JLZINNkGQ5PeAnaIwvLZFdTG_GSZWJzcpXBGjrprV9rSvrUFWcDkJR4lAK9_uoMYpnvEs14f_0U/s4032/9_EW_3442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpSGe_T5B-33SVn7BRCHHeeqno6XSKYxEUjvExjQ7w-Xy675KSh9U5AaFtCWwaZj7JLZINNkGQ5PeAnaIwvLZFdTG_GSZWJzcpXBGjrprV9rSvrUFWcDkJR4lAK9_uoMYpnvEs14f_0U/w300-h400/9_EW_3442.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">View along the Endless Wall Trail.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz9uLidfNZp1i8qWAsDMU0uwt7GX6mI0ycZ1U5ZA75dLjsKodfoDxW3dLZOG1WfKTmVOBXOCQRjz216EzRQFUaPg4eHHNyfeNXZE_93JRdF8wb6dqO_MugFhFIoI3MJNSbq8dfceKpPg/s2048/10_NR_4689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQz9uLidfNZp1i8qWAsDMU0uwt7GX6mI0ycZ1U5ZA75dLjsKodfoDxW3dLZOG1WfKTmVOBXOCQRjz216EzRQFUaPg4eHHNyfeNXZE_93JRdF8wb6dqO_MugFhFIoI3MJNSbq8dfceKpPg/w400-h266/10_NR_4689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The "Endless Wall"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a5ZEaNKp16ZdOcNsIoxgFnatmSPNLCttXTAd-LbUiSS4Ujs60vdeiFDXP5uv2ZlQ8IlxvMxILpjt-TREoXMehFAoK6D0QaXLTXbnl74gjKEouSgXDvGn5RZ-AeN1iRGGgrdOZRW2oR0/s2048/11_EW_4683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2a5ZEaNKp16ZdOcNsIoxgFnatmSPNLCttXTAd-LbUiSS4Ujs60vdeiFDXP5uv2ZlQ8IlxvMxILpjt-TREoXMehFAoK6D0QaXLTXbnl74gjKEouSgXDvGn5RZ-AeN1iRGGgrdOZRW2oR0/w400-h300/11_EW_4683.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A peek at the New River Gorge Bridge from the Endless Wall Trail.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX4tOT3q8GDWZLCAY2wwIffcz1ub6feJzc3CEjg4MGD4I1Yq8bFVl4YLTQEWIyLzQZIUZbDPmwwSY7fChOlhRXTN46OE9Jh3_1zrmv_hujRevTI3hVx_4h_34wpqJm1Cr3WQ-F3gi_cY/s4032/12_EW_3444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX4tOT3q8GDWZLCAY2wwIffcz1ub6feJzc3CEjg4MGD4I1Yq8bFVl4YLTQEWIyLzQZIUZbDPmwwSY7fChOlhRXTN46OE9Jh3_1zrmv_hujRevTI3hVx_4h_34wpqJm1Cr3WQ-F3gi_cY/w300-h400/12_EW_3444.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The New River runs through this deep gorge! Not sure why they call it the "New River" as we were told it is the world's second oldest river!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrzlveQb_7BF9qQe3yvirtEmqRlmkdZQlf3CL1ld9WW4KhocZxhTiPw4KOpMkRE4w5zqtM0yL-Sj0ev62C4iIAymuKOsrgnw31Hoz2P6myfdNJhijWMxIl2QxeeUMHpOpX5lyTQBfuog/s4032/13_NR_3523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrzlveQb_7BF9qQe3yvirtEmqRlmkdZQlf3CL1ld9WW4KhocZxhTiPw4KOpMkRE4w5zqtM0yL-Sj0ev62C4iIAymuKOsrgnw31Hoz2P6myfdNJhijWMxIl2QxeeUMHpOpX5lyTQBfuog/w400-h300/13_NR_3523.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New River viewed from the Tunney Hunsaker (Fayette Station) Bridge.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhj2dE3eClhuRvwS-DzxUMSo9qjjSYUsa8OYjFdSiclB4FtBKTmi4AMu2a17oxBJKzhuEVXstGujbg4Uh6fgO_7SMTffsxrOd-_GGIs3xmjc19QFiwTybLLx4PqOH1rJNu36rtHuUV8/s4032/14_SVC_3485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhj2dE3eClhuRvwS-DzxUMSo9qjjSYUsa8OYjFdSiclB4FtBKTmi4AMu2a17oxBJKzhuEVXstGujbg4Uh6fgO_7SMTffsxrOd-_GGIs3xmjc19QFiwTybLLx4PqOH1rJNu36rtHuUV8/w300-h400/14_SVC_3485.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Incredible tile floor depicting the New River Watershed located at the Sandstone Visitor Center at the south end of the park. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJ5BxQK17d4kOzhVscF9v0FGXzFfqgAv0o59a4Yn90GUJiMqGYvLScjULCuRn65T2bhVg-ZWEDRRPpvpL6yb8RNGnSJrz_ZDcL9F89GDJJylVjmlTX8p2okgXdkbQUH9H_otp_wfu0E/s2048/15_NR_4703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhJ5BxQK17d4kOzhVscF9v0FGXzFfqgAv0o59a4Yn90GUJiMqGYvLScjULCuRn65T2bhVg-ZWEDRRPpvpL6yb8RNGnSJrz_ZDcL9F89GDJJylVjmlTX8p2okgXdkbQUH9H_otp_wfu0E/w400-h266/15_NR_4703.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A glimpse of part of Sandstone Falls.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqUIo5kIidGfKj9yhB0QECTjVdKyQT0eE4mQygSvoq2Q-B8LbQfUgwghzzc3twtDvr1huvGIu4SqvQiVmmBycNEjbZ6xZn7uuPFnOiXPcRm7K1LOcA9XTXadpyGinIgO0lY5JidDB05I/s2048/17_NR_4713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqUIo5kIidGfKj9yhB0QECTjVdKyQT0eE4mQygSvoq2Q-B8LbQfUgwghzzc3twtDvr1huvGIu4SqvQiVmmBycNEjbZ6xZn7uuPFnOiXPcRm7K1LOcA9XTXadpyGinIgO0lY5JidDB05I/w400-h266/17_NR_4713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another section of Sandstone Falls.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBkv2LaUR5obSAxTpRckaj-qYNL4lVrVnanhWBdUZ_8MbdJsaAdsnckZiW9i9SvBJMo8jwNSW81mNnoVnSV7AQVoGDKnA-bQOb5sg_AF_DofZ5fil0AgdLdMgCbD9bmjNHeRoPr7xvsg/s2048/18.2_GV_4722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBkv2LaUR5obSAxTpRckaj-qYNL4lVrVnanhWBdUZ_8MbdJsaAdsnckZiW9i9SvBJMo8jwNSW81mNnoVnSV7AQVoGDKnA-bQOb5sg_AF_DofZ5fil0AgdLdMgCbD9bmjNHeRoPr7xvsg/w400-h254/18.2_GV_4722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Grandview from the Main Overlook.</div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRXG_zvVSuTX3c4xxjoXz6YMP9QOXr_X9Id3RMJY_hbyqCN0ajYAWeoCU3Krzb4-eG944aMkWK9jkcDmAFl1iuA63nZTeUdnCQV9iGk6XuouprwuycjmBAZ9vUV0q_gvrWURA4BsUAvU/s2048/18_GV_4718.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRXG_zvVSuTX3c4xxjoXz6YMP9QOXr_X9Id3RMJY_hbyqCN0ajYAWeoCU3Krzb4-eG944aMkWK9jkcDmAFl1iuA63nZTeUdnCQV9iGk6XuouprwuycjmBAZ9vUV0q_gvrWURA4BsUAvU/w400-h266/18_GV_4718.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">You are facing east looking directly at the horseshoe bend of New River.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1lUFwjn08MP45OZRB8YvBDprpdNNAzVGc9QL5svTbsFOUP40jOOLriV_Fp7X4C9CLqYblI75gFv-x4LsUgh7wk3THy2Rd2FV-Y0sTJvrEQCS9jsLfD4te-x0TM42Kje5nvmyFADGe78/s4032/19_GV_3486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1lUFwjn08MP45OZRB8YvBDprpdNNAzVGc9QL5svTbsFOUP40jOOLriV_Fp7X4C9CLqYblI75gFv-x4LsUgh7wk3THy2Rd2FV-Y0sTJvrEQCS9jsLfD4te-x0TM42Kje5nvmyFADGe78/w300-h400/19_GV_3486.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Steps leading up to a 360 degree view of the Gorge from the Grandview area.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb3LHsnRMXhnl67Go_ap5XbIGkMoj_S14419RxT3rgkE1ku0rzvdG4dZ7td424Yg5qSL3B0I9sDlwOM0i5B_yt1GHB7WZQ2ENkqsaSQV9kpyECUfckOOytMJPRVVSvwzMD-Y-KRC0SQE/s4032/20_NRB_3499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb3LHsnRMXhnl67Go_ap5XbIGkMoj_S14419RxT3rgkE1ku0rzvdG4dZ7td424Yg5qSL3B0I9sDlwOM0i5B_yt1GHB7WZQ2ENkqsaSQV9kpyECUfckOOytMJPRVVSvwzMD-Y-KRC0SQE/w300-h400/20_NRB_3499.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Rainy morning kept the crowds down to...two! Me and Terry! We had the park to ourselves this cloudy, misty morning! This is the boardwalk leading to two observation decks where you'll find excellent views of the Bridge.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEHpIQCaSQM6EmkUeRL12JaKBoiBwjFAYHASYYPRy6vtyGimXBhyCOHHlA5wzwRF-vhdFcSYBqcTdpiTFKwDkYd-QzOukytcs_Y8tn1qEBfpc6g_hFg7a0z284Gd67NvqaTVi8eCDu9w/s4032/21_NRB_3501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEHpIQCaSQM6EmkUeRL12JaKBoiBwjFAYHASYYPRy6vtyGimXBhyCOHHlA5wzwRF-vhdFcSYBqcTdpiTFKwDkYd-QzOukytcs_Y8tn1qEBfpc6g_hFg7a0z284Gd67NvqaTVi8eCDu9w/w400-h300/21_NRB_3501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYxzhw__4hC-VMKMHnANPUKsTxCsXM4B2jK3ecz3Yrp2BycbGq3uK-N5LFqJL4dBvWF8415NwJ_dQV6MAT5cgDLcfAzvDMIiqeKHUlrM3gDS3BScTK5ltIpD9F1mgs_LRzZhmOj2abm8/s4032/22_NRB_3504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglYxzhw__4hC-VMKMHnANPUKsTxCsXM4B2jK3ecz3Yrp2BycbGq3uK-N5LFqJL4dBvWF8415NwJ_dQV6MAT5cgDLcfAzvDMIiqeKHUlrM3gDS3BScTK5ltIpD9F1mgs_LRzZhmOj2abm8/w400-h300/22_NRB_3504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">View from the lower Observation Deck approximately 150 steps down into the Gorge.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhME-bGZgPoyyd6u76_KORehCSfNEIjJRlNb-MHmPMnGbhsatgLLjZw1NMmKtBw1-c8PCH4llu_Noa8tXLNXUad51TgD1bVu7015Ajo0u6tQayrJPBjqd3qKj0GBlEekzQnV_pyYgW2YC0/s4032/23_NRB_3502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhME-bGZgPoyyd6u76_KORehCSfNEIjJRlNb-MHmPMnGbhsatgLLjZw1NMmKtBw1-c8PCH4llu_Noa8tXLNXUad51TgD1bVu7015Ajo0u6tQayrJPBjqd3qKj0GBlEekzQnV_pyYgW2YC0/w400-h300/23_NRB_3502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">New River Gorge Bridge turned a 45 minute commute into 45 seconds!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBWH2TDOKUEXOQOxEzr31RWb5GJcZe21iJe1MSSnPMbgX9RxI1UNtfMw6eznE9DzmuyGHFaGHkCXU8KnN8T8SYSR6pQQeoVZioSahLE3s6IpkD2sD9m4L6KFG-IXNoeQ6TLP-B88l_Ag/s4032/24.1_NRBF_3518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBWH2TDOKUEXOQOxEzr31RWb5GJcZe21iJe1MSSnPMbgX9RxI1UNtfMw6eznE9DzmuyGHFaGHkCXU8KnN8T8SYSR6pQQeoVZioSahLE3s6IpkD2sD9m4L6KFG-IXNoeQ6TLP-B88l_Ag/w400-h300/24.1_NRBF_3518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The original river crossing was way down into the Gorge at river level. Originally, the bridge was called the Fayette Station Bridge built in 1889. After several facelifts, it's now called the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge in honor of Tunney Hunsaker, longtime Chief of Police in Fayetteville, WV. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq671R3SEFn7oluqTvaZvSIvZeOtbCOxUm0J3_Aq00hbe5bi6t2vl0PF2zoocuMZUVmRJZzrW9bio3tYtFdpI2XpiXBvNYSU9_NZlc1nh37mb93VuED06XRLn_xwvUrk18LmzJs14Kig/s4032/24_NRB_3503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrq671R3SEFn7oluqTvaZvSIvZeOtbCOxUm0J3_Aq00hbe5bi6t2vl0PF2zoocuMZUVmRJZzrW9bio3tYtFdpI2XpiXBvNYSU9_NZlc1nh37mb93VuED06XRLn_xwvUrk18LmzJs14Kig/w400-h300/24_NRB_3503.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Tunney Hunsaker Bridge from the Observation Deck.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgFuDxZqAEx6bveQklf0fQOQ1sB3tLe46EXJ6va-mE2VVGcKqwoZRNt1WxYI3JyfgBUgm3hc7znKW8tAlYG9VqVGT5RWgvParZ5KiKRUgxducHkoQGZfb1udR_zZOGNvZkVjS7hVrxtA/s4032/25_NRB_3516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgFuDxZqAEx6bveQklf0fQOQ1sB3tLe46EXJ6va-mE2VVGcKqwoZRNt1WxYI3JyfgBUgm3hc7znKW8tAlYG9VqVGT5RWgvParZ5KiKRUgxducHkoQGZfb1udR_zZOGNvZkVjS7hVrxtA/w300-h400/25_NRB_3516.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beneath the Bridge on a foggy morning.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Wt-4tW2Z9W9rNBnCB3g9rgkRNHCnSaWqKqldNgjPI6QpjBizRNhDHrFScGW-wrySRvigC5NVL8Dyk2R2K4TmiugiTPg3RFmA-NHpYSsO29hb-N-Y2rsp-j0jECsOILfWJu9X_lKP-Q/s4032/26_NRB_3522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_Wt-4tW2Z9W9rNBnCB3g9rgkRNHCnSaWqKqldNgjPI6QpjBizRNhDHrFScGW-wrySRvigC5NVL8Dyk2R2K4TmiugiTPg3RFmA-NHpYSsO29hb-N-Y2rsp-j0jECsOILfWJu9X_lKP-Q/w400-h300/26_NRB_3522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The New River Bridge as seen from the Tunney Hunsaker.</div></div><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Chapter 63 -New River Gorge</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> July 14, 3031<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">New River Gorge located in southern West Virginia became our country’s 63</span><sup style="font-family: Cambria;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">major national park when Congress added HR 4610 to the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which was primarily aimed at providing economic stimulus for pandemic relief.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">White Sands, the country’s 62<sup>nd</sup> national park was earlier upgraded from National Monument status to National Park status compliments of the National Defense Authorization Bill.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">That’s how government works. Congress people horse trade their votes with other congress people for the inclusion of their pet projects deep within a variety of House and Senate Bills! For a very insightful look at how government works, read <i>The Waxman Report</i> by Henry Waxman! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Because our Life Plan included the goal of visiting all of our country’s major national parks, (the ones with the title National Park) Terry and I were compelled this year to visit numbers 62 and 63. (We visited #62 - White Sands National Park in mid-June)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">New River Gorge was originally established as a National River in 1978 to protect 53 miles of the New River and its surrounding gorge. By the way, we learned that the “New River” is actually the second oldest river on the planet! Not quite sure how they came up with that designation…but we’ll take their word for it!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">July 5<sup>th – </sup>July 6<sup>th</sup></span></b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">After dropping of the doggies at Roy and Micki’s house on Monday night, we began our journey to New River Gorge with a redeye flight from Phoenix to Charlotte, NC and then on to Charleston, WV. Normally, I can sleep on airplanes. But this is the first time I’ve had to have a mask covering my face when flying. As of today, all passengers are required to mask up for the entire airport/airplane experience. Masks make my nostrils itch! I understand the <i>why </i>we are required to wear one…however; it still made for a very uncomfortable flight!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Nevertheless, we made it to Fayetteville, WV where we would be staying at a VRBO named <b>Lafayette Flats</b>. Terry found this lovely vacation rental online and we’d highly recommend it to anyone heading to visit the Gorge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Co-owners Amy McLaughlin and Shawn Means converted a 100-year-old cut-stone building into four lovely apartments overlooking downtown Fayetteville. The units are smartly decorated with a variety of artwork from a diverse array of West Virginia artisans. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We stayed in the Corten unit – a one-bedroom rental fully equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay. As we would soon discover, the word “Cor-Ten” refers to the type of steel used to construct the famous bridge spanning the New River Gorge. More on the bridge later. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Our first stop was to the Visitor Center located on the east side of the river where we would inquire about the best TTD’s (Things To Do) for a three day visit. Along with purchasing our Park Pin to add to our collection, we learned of the many hiking trails, rafting trips and scenic drives that are featured throughout the park. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">After checking in to our unit, we ventured out into Fayetteville to purchase “Croakies” for our rafting trip on Thursday and vino for our room! We were told Studio B had a decent selection of wines and it was just a “short walk” from our basecamp. The local “vicinity map” indicated that Studio B was right around the corner…so off we went in search of wine!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Maps can be deceiving! What appeared to be a very short stroll turned out to be a long and treacherous trek on a hot, humid afternoon down a very narrow road without sidewalks and fast moving traffic coming at you in both directions with little room to dodge the speed demons!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">One of the locals we passed warned us to “Be careful! This is the most dangerous road in Fayetteville!” We survived our trek to Studio B. Bought a couple bottles of vino and headed back up the Road from Hell to the safety of Lafayette Flats. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Next up was deciding on what to do for dinner. The owners of our unit recommended a place called <b>Pies and Pints</b> - a pizza joint with craft beers. We opted to do take out and bellied up to a overcrowded bar while our pie was baked. Surprisingly, the choice of beverages was of high quality and with much variety. I sampled the North End Tavern Roedy’s Red – an amber/red ale from Parkersburg, WV. Terry tried a taste of the Bad Shepard Not your Momma’s Berry Pie that had her puckering up! She immediately changed course and ordered a pint of the Swilled Dog Wild Berry Cider. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">After the 45-minute wait for our Pie, we headed back to the Corten, cracked open a bottle of Stags Leap Chardonnay and noodled. It was a long, sleepless day and we needed some rest!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">July 7<sup>th</sup><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Up at 6am plotting out our day’s itinerary. Terry still gently snoring in the bedroom. Our hosts recommended the <b>Cathedral Café</b> for breakfast, which didn’t open up until 8 am. Funky joint with all kinds of stuff for sale. Wines. Tee shirts. Games.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Here we met a most unusual human being. A genuine conspiracy theorist from Naples, FL who, when not driving his Semi is informing people that mankind is doomed. He is convinced that the military already has bases established on the moon and on Mars in preparation for the mass exodus from planet Earth!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">He goes on to tell us that humans now have the mind power to stop tsunami’s by creating plastic walls by simply thinking it to be and it will. Voila! He honestly believes humans are capable of building a plastic wall to stop an ensuing tidal wave from destroying a city by using the power of their mind! Whoa! A genuine Space Cadet sitting next to us at the Cathedral Café! Check please! Time to go visit the park!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Our first stop is the <b>Endless Wall Trail</b> – a 2½-mile loop through densely forested terrain. The trailhead is about 4 miles from our VRBO. Parking is limited! We find the last available “legal” spot and off we go to discover the Endless Wall. When researching this newest of parks, we discovered that not all West Virginians were in favor of upgrading the area from National River to National Park. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Their primary concern is that this newfound notoriety would bring hoards of tourists (like us) to an area with limited infrastructure to handle the influx of recreation-starved humans! There are very few hotel accommodations in Fayetteville. Very limited parking at trailheads. And not a large number of restaurants to choose from. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The trail itself is rated moderate – meaning there are a few minor hills to contend with. The main destination is the Diamond Point Overlook, which offers up a great view of the Gorge, the river below, a glimpse of the Bridge and the “endless” rock wall that defines the upper reaches of the gorge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">If you choose to do the entire loop, you will have to navigate about a half mile of paved road similar to that which we experienced trekking to Studio B! We opted for an out-and-back experience in order to avoid traffic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Most of the scenery along the trail is dense green trees of many varieties. For color, Mother Nature threw in a lovely collection of Mountain Laurel in full bloom. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">When we emerged from our hike, we found the parking lot overflowing with vehicles all jockeying for a space, of which there were none! A rather large RV was camped on the road, blocking entry and exit! A group of hikers helped the RVers back out of the parking lot allowing us to head out to our next destination – the Sandstone Visitor Center at the south end of the park.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">One of the recommended activities at New River is to take the “Scenic Drive” around the entire circumference of the park. It takes you on a tour of the Nuttalburg Mine Site, the Grist Mill at Babcock State Park, the Sandstone Visitor Center at the south end of the park, Sandstone Falls, Grandview, Thurmond Historic District and back to Fayetteville. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We were able to take in most of this drive…until the skies opened up and biblical amounts of rain came down upon us. So much rain that we literally had to get off the road due to the fact our wiper blades could not keep up with the downpour! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Highlights of this drive for us were the Sandstone Visitor Center, Sandstone Falls and Grandview. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The <b>Sandstone Visitor Center</b> serves as a model for state-of-the-art green design and construction. One of the visually stimulating features of the building is the tile flooring, which depicts a map of the New River watershed. The New River is one of the rare rivers in North America that runs northerly. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">It joins the Gauley River just north of Fayetteville and eventually merges with the Kanawha River. The Kanawha flows into the Ohio, which eventually empties into the Mississippi. So waters that originate near Blowing Rock North Carolina find their way into the Gulf of Mexico!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">New River is estimated to be between 10 and 360 million years old. To me, that’s quite a large gap in time. So, which is it? Ten million years old? Or 360? Or somewhere in between?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">After spending some time at the Visitor Center, we ventured down to <b>Sandstone Falls</b> – the largest waterfall along the New River. The drive from the Visitor Center to the Falls will take about a half hour, yet it is the only scenic riverside drive within the park boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Sandstone Falls spans the river where it is 1500 feet wide. Here the river drops between 10 to 25 feet. A wooden boardwalk and bridges that span two islands will take you to several of the Falls viewing points.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Our next stop is <b>Grandview</b> – said to be one of the best places to view the Gorge. It might possibly be all that it was touted had it not been for the ever-growing gray skies. The Main Overlook at Grandview is 1400 feet above the river and on a clear day it is said that “you can see directly into the heart of the park, including seven miles of the New River and its watershed.” Here you will have a good view of the horseshoe bend in the river. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We drove to the <b>Turkey Spur Overlook</b> and hiked up the 128 wooden steps to the three landing decks to view the river and gorge below. Unfortunately, the view from Turkey Spur was no different than from Main Overlook. We experienced gray skies shadowing a massive green forest that blankets the hills that make up the Gorge. Winding through the Gorge is a clear view of the railroad tracks that follow the direction of greenish-brown river meandering through it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Once we departed Grandview, we intended to visit the Thurmond Historic District; however, we experienced a violent thunderstorm that literally forced us off the roadway as our windshield wipers were no good against the downpour. After waiting out the storm for about 20 minutes, we limped back to Fayetteville and the comfort of our flat! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Once the rain subsided we headed back to Pies and Pints for an early dinner. The Char-grilled Hotwings and Spinach Salad with creamy Gorgonzola dressing were delightful as the main course. As were the pints of craft beer we drank. But the highlight of dinner this evening was dessert! The Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Terrine was out-of-this-world yummy! This coming from one that’s not particularly fond of dessert!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">July 8<sup>th</sup><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Today we float the New River! Adventures on the Gorge (the company we signed on with) offers several different whitewater rafting experiences. We’ve been down class 3, 4 and 5 rapids in the past so on this trip we chose to do a leisurely “float” rather than tackle the more challenging whitewater. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We booked the Upper New River float that courses through several class one and two rapids (dinks) and one Class Three that did get several of the floaters tossed into the drink! There were 44 rafters on our trip including several young kids and a dozen or so teenagers who had no clue as to how to paddle a Duckie! (A Duckie is an inflatable 2-person raft shaped like a kayak.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The all day trip included transportation to and from the river, a sandwich lunch on an overcrowded beach that we shared with two other rafting companies, and all the gear needed to float the river. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Scott was our Trip Leader. Ed the Driver of the Bus. Both looked like recycled Hippies from another era. Both seemed to really love their laid back jobs!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">This float was a great way to view the Gorge from the river’s perspective! The trip launched from the Thurmond Historic District and took out at Cunard – approximately 6 miles upriver. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Terry and I followed “Mother Duckie Tanner” most of the float. When we were about to approach the only Class 3 rapid, Mother Duckie told all floaters that if they wanted to stay dry, stay left with her as she descended down into the rapid. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">She said to all those who wanted to get launched into the river, to stay about 15 feet to the right of her. We followed Mother. The Teens veered 15 feet to the right and got wet! As for the Croakies we bought a couple of days ago to save our glasses from drowning in the event we were tossed from our Duckie…we really didn’t need to invest in them!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Just as we were about to reach our final destination, it began to rain. Not the biblical sort we experienced yesterday. Just a steady gentle downpour. Back to the Flats, a hot shower, a glass of Malbec and off to dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Guess where we went to dinner this evening? You got it! Pies and Pints for the third straight night! And the main reason for this lack of culinary variety was to come back for more of that incredible Brownie! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Each night we sat at the bar and watched tennis. Wimbledon was in its late stages and we were treated to some excellent matches. I can’t remember having ever watched more tennis on TV than we did the three nights we sat the bar at the pie shop!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">July 9<sup>th</sup> - Departure Day</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We awoke to another drizzly day. Leftover pizza and coffee for breakfast. We have the whole morning and afternoon to further explore the Gorge. Our first stop was back to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to take advantage of views of the New River Gorge Bridge. There is a wooden Boardwalk that leads you to one of two viewing platforms. The first platform offers an ok view of the Bridge. The second platform is located about 150 steps down into the gorge and offers a great view of the Bridge. The rain has scared the tourists away. Terry and I are the only one’s on the boardwalk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The Bridge is definitely one of the key points of visual interest when visiting this park. Most of the literature advertising the park includes a picture of this structure. Construction of the 3030 foot steel arch bridge began in July of 1974. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The material chosen to build the bridge, rust colored Cor-Ten steel, was chosen due to its strength, flexibility, maintenance qualities and its ability to blend in with the natural environment. Cor-Ten steel produces its own durable rust coating thus does not need to be painted. Painting the bridge was estimated to cost about $1 million each time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">The bridge’s official Grand Opening took place in October of 1977, a little over 3 years from the commencement of construction. It has been said that the completion of the bridge reduced a 45-minute commute across the Gorge to 45 seconds!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">We tested that theory and upon leaving the Visitor Center, we ventured down the Fayette Station Road to the bottom of the Gorge and crossed the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge, which was one of the original crossing points. Most of the road is one way, very narrow and loaded with hairpin turns. At the bottom of this 100-year old road, you’ll get a great view of the New River Bridge and the river itself. We were in no hurry, but do believe that it would have taken close to 45 minutes to go from one side of the gorge to the other via this old road!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">All in all this proved to be a very enjoyable experience. We’re not quite sure that it measures up to true National Park status…but what do we know! It gave us a chance to get out of Peoria and see a part of the country we’ve never visited before. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">Happy trails my friends and keep on Trekkin’! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p></div></div>John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-324631551715604222021-07-14T16:45:00.001-07:002021-07-14T18:59:27.007-07:00<p> <b>NP#62 - White Sands National Park</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VtgiRBDYpvSsUuIpN6HYlD_rze7FOEItuPRq-p5CR5qVFQR3Oag3krioWpNGz_NaLsQY2Sg_DtAQLTuya4NwQ581PmSA5bgwi5Uhi4b6KxeI6raWBjWlBASlNwawJ-ipwHoICLR8wQY/s2048/1_WS_4672.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4VtgiRBDYpvSsUuIpN6HYlD_rze7FOEItuPRq-p5CR5qVFQR3Oag3krioWpNGz_NaLsQY2Sg_DtAQLTuya4NwQ581PmSA5bgwi5Uhi4b6KxeI6raWBjWlBASlNwawJ-ipwHoICLR8wQY/w640-h426/1_WS_4672.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We made it to Park #62 on June 13, 2021 </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgGsO3Vv9CElS4PxG83AoU9_If9Q-PAqRatSSb5RFBORkPivr4_hxwRRITodmNljMiFdYH0SfURye3lkoZfuYVBj3Ia6xFsn5qPhXJfikkOlvFBbgLDcqZ1qt3lPnueoeOJHDkSR01Ps/s2048/2_IMG_3339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgGsO3Vv9CElS4PxG83AoU9_If9Q-PAqRatSSb5RFBORkPivr4_hxwRRITodmNljMiFdYH0SfURye3lkoZfuYVBj3Ia6xFsn5qPhXJfikkOlvFBbgLDcqZ1qt3lPnueoeOJHDkSR01Ps/w480-h640/2_IMG_3339.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">White car...white sands....for as far as one can see!</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjwmBfJV6yQBbQYfovGhYsZTq4ejkZ6amdCWHD0Nkdbr2Fl4Js_EOe0Ru-a2AJyKCISGkWPduWU7UrF5HsinDgj-QK1JUydK4q5z98YRbEs9hcmwdUKOvPDitjnUaF9k3k_A6WxsfnRw/s2048/3_WS_4655.1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjwmBfJV6yQBbQYfovGhYsZTq4ejkZ6amdCWHD0Nkdbr2Fl4Js_EOe0Ru-a2AJyKCISGkWPduWU7UrF5HsinDgj-QK1JUydK4q5z98YRbEs9hcmwdUKOvPDitjnUaF9k3k_A6WxsfnRw/w640-h438/3_WS_4655.1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Soaptree Yucca is the dominant plant amongst the dunes.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F1RhY30hCXDydrPOqPLwEl6nPE_NhOGqflaa0RrQ13XqadBZ7tAa3MdRcT2A52m8gefphvdwkBl23RkyqdmsfwS6KuS87-SIB5f5g0LFj10aqfffsHCmQxZ_NIoAOdgZ7oFwL39iP-I/s2048/4_WS_4656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1845" data-original-width="2048" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-F1RhY30hCXDydrPOqPLwEl6nPE_NhOGqflaa0RrQ13XqadBZ7tAa3MdRcT2A52m8gefphvdwkBl23RkyqdmsfwS6KuS87-SIB5f5g0LFj10aqfffsHCmQxZ_NIoAOdgZ7oFwL39iP-I/w640-h576/4_WS_4656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Shifting sands often bury the Yucca</p><p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>June 17, 2021<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>#62- White Sands National Park<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">It’s been a couple of years since we ventured out to the parks in our quest to visit ALL of our country’s “major” National Parks. Pre-Covid, we ticked off numbers 60 and 61 - Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Indiana Dunes in northern Indiana. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Since then, Congress was able to sneak a couple of more parks in the mix by introducing them in the 1204<sup>th</sup> page of a Senate Bill aimed at Covid Relief. But folks, that's how stuff gets done in Washington. “You throw this tidbit in for me and I’ll support your pork” said the Senators from New Mexico and West Virginia. Rarely is there an SB or HB dedicated solely to the introduction of a new National Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Nonetheless, Terry and I packed up the doggies early Sunday morning and dropped them off at Micki and Roy’s on our way to Alamogordo, NM. Six and a half hours later we arrived at the Visitor Center at park number 62 – White Sands National Park. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>The Drive<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">On our 470-mile road trip to the park, we encountered several “things” of interest. At least 100 miles west of Exit 322 on Interstate 10, we noticed several billboards advertising “The Thing!” The Billboards tease drivers with the idea that alien invaders were the cause of the extinction of the dinosaurs. Having been in marketing most of my career, I began counting how many billboards were dedicated to this roadside museum housing “The Thing.” In a 130-mile stretch beginning in western New Mexico to Exit 322, I counted 22 billboards. More than likely, there was at least that many between Tucson and Exit 322. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">With nothing better to do while driving through this mostly uninteresting terrain, I had Terry look up the average cost of a roadside billboard. Based on 400,000 impressions per month, a billboard would cost the advertiser around $2000 per month. We couldn’t find an accurate accounting of vehicle traffic between Tucson and the New Mexico border, so we assumed it to be around 200,000 per month or $1000 per month per billboard. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The Thing has at least 40 bright yellow billboards scattered across the landscape. Quick math indicated it was costing the owners of The Thing around $40,000 a month to lure people to this tacky attraction. My guess is they had to have gotten a volume purchase discount from the billboard company, because at $10 per person admission cost, The Thing would need to generate 4000 visitors per month (135 per day) just to pay for the signs. When we passed by the museum both coming and going, there weren’t more than a few cars in the parking lot. And the billboards didn’t do enough to arouse our curiosity so we passed on the chance to view The Thing!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Most of the landscape between Peoria and White Sands is desert bland. Not much in the way of scenery to stimulate the eyeballs. We noticed there are several stretches along I-10 and Hwy 70 that are subjected to fierce dust storms. Signage along the roadway instructs drivers to: “Pull off the road during zero visibility. Turn off your car. Take your foot off the brake. Stay safety belted! Do not proceed until its safe to do so!” <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">However, for those of you who enjoy rockscapes, there are three spots along the route that are worth looking at. The first is located very close to The Thing! The weather sculpted granite boulders near Exit 322 are visually pleasing as are the rock formations near Stein, NM.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As you drive into Las Cruses on Highway 70, you’ll notice a rugged mountain range about 10 miles east of town. Shooting up to an elevation of 8,990 feet, the Organ Mountains reminded us of the saw tooth-looking Grand Teton Range in Wyoming. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The mountain range gets its name due to the series of granite spires that resemble the pipes of a pipe organ, hence the name Organ Mountains. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>Continental Divide<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We passed over the Continental Divide a few miles east of Lordsburg, NM. The elevation was a bit over 4300 feet. What struck me as odd is the terrain was relatively flat. Basically what the Divide represents is which side water and snow melt flows – either east or west – depending upon which side of the Divide you’re looking at. From our viewpoint as we passed over the Divide, it appeared water would flow south! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>Missile Range<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As we passed over the Organ Mountains on our way to the park, we passed the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), which was established in 1945 as the US Army’s playground for blowing stuff up. The first atomic bomb was tested here on July 16, 1945. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">After WWII, 100 German V-2 rockets that were confiscated by the US military were brought to the WSMR and many were test-fired within the range.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As we drove through the Missile Range, we noticed signs stating that Hwy 70 is closed for up to a couple of hours during random days of the week for continued missile testing. Being that it was Sunday, there were no signs of missile tests and we passed through the testing grounds unscathed! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>The Park<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We arrived at the park around 3:30 in the afternoon. As with all park visits, the first order of business is to obtain the official Park Pin, which will be placed upon the Commemorative Hat (see picture) that represents all the parks we’ve visited…plus a few more. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We meet Lizzy, Store Manager of the Western National Park Association’s Gift Shop located inside the Visitor Center. We ask her how our game has sold! She recognized Terry and me due to the fact that she had purchased a copy of our game – <b><i>Trekking the National Parks</i></b><b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">™</span></b>! It didn’t hurt that I was wearing one of our Trekking shirts! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">When we ask her how she heard about the game, she said she saw an ad on Facebook and bought a copy. She liked the game so much, she convinced her boss that they should carry the product in their shop! Western National bought a couple of cases (12 games) in early April and had sold 8 of them. Product placement is a problem as they’ve got the game on the bottom shelf next to the checkout counter. But hey! They’re selling games. Lizzy is an advocate. And we are grateful for that!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">After chatting it up with Lizzy, we ventured into the park to see what White Sands has to offer. It didn’t take long to realize that the main event is…well, white sand! And a whole lot of it! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Upon seeing this massive area of pure white sand, one question that came to mind is why did this area become what it is today? For thousand of square miles, the surrounding landscape looks nothing like White Sands. It more resembles what we see every day surrounding Phoenix. Desert beige…bland and unappealing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Then there’s this pristine silica-like gypsum sand covering 275 square miles – the largest gypsum dunes field in the world. So large it can be seen clearly from space.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">After visiting the Visitor Center, we enter the park and take the 8-mile scenic Dunes Drive into the heart of the gypsum dunes field. The first 5 miles are paved. The last three are a hard-packed gypsum sand road. The road is cleared periodically of the shifting sands, as there is a 2-foot tall berm throughout the drive resembling what a snow removal vehicle would make in snow country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>Trails<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">There are several small trails along the Dunes Drive beginning with the ¼ mile (one way) <b>Playa Trail.</b> This flat self-guided walk exposes you to the importance of a playa (lake) undergoing constant change. Please stay on the trail and DO NOT step on the biological soil crust!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Next up is the <b>Dune Life Nature Trail</b>, a one mile loop trail rated as moderate as you will be hiking up a couple of steep dunes in soft sand. Fourteen trailside signs help you gain a better understanding of this sandy ecosystem. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The <b>Interdune Boardwalk</b> is an easy 0.4-mile stroll on an elevated boardwalk with 10 outdoor exhibits along the way. The boardwalk is fully accessible for wheelchairs, strollers and other wheeled devices<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>The Backcountry Hiking Trail </b>is a moderate 2-mile loop that takes you through the heart of the dunesfield. This hike will give you an expansive view of the world’s largest gypsum sandbox. This hike requires trekking up steep dunes with loose sand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b> </b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b>Alkali Flat Trail</b> is a 5-mile loop that takes you into the “backcountry” of the park. It’s rated “strenuous” and requires trekking up and down several dunes, so don’t get confused by its name. It is NOT Flat! On this trail, you’ll encounter the park’s largest dunes with very little vegetation. Average completion time is three hours, so take plenty of water and do not attempt this hike when temperatures are elevated! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">The Alkali Flat is the dry lakebed of Lake Ortero that filled the bottom of the Tularosa Basin during the last ice age and covered 1600 square miles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><u>The Sand<o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Millions of year ago the Permian Sea covered this region. When the waters receded, they left behind a deep layer of gypsum. When the surrounding mountains rose up, the mountains carried the gypsum to new heights. Wind, rain and glaciation dissolved the mineral and gravity did its best to deposit the gypsum to the valley floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Over thousands of years, wind and sunlight separated water from the gypsum thus forming selenite crystals, which eventually became small grains of “white sand.” Steady southwest winds kept the gypsum sand tumbling about the landscape, piling it up into dunes of various sizes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">With the fierce winds that are known to blow through this region, one has to wonder why the dunes don’t just blow away? The answer – water, the glue that holds the dunes together. Gypsum dunes are known to remain moist even during long stretches of drought. This moisture keeps the dunes from blowing away. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">This phenomenon would seem to explain why the sand in the traps at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium course appeared to be very fluffy, but in fact were very firm! Just an inch below the surface the sand was very moist! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Our overall impression of the park – it’s a very unique landscape worthy of a visit. Much, if not all of it can be experienced in a day unless you plan to camp in the backcountry. Unfortunately, at the time of our visit, the backcountry camping permits have been suspended due to the rehabilitation of the camping sites!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-18585309910823555742020-01-14T10:45:00.000-07:002020-01-14T10:45:03.200-07:00Bink Ink 2019 - A glance in the rear view mirror<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Bink Ink 2019</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>All year</b>: Getting even more settled into our new home. This place, the neighbors and neighborhood have become the highlight of our retirement years! A few of the activities we’ve participated in here at Trilogy include: Golf, Cornhole, Bocce, Pickleball, Hiking, Wine Club, Poker, Wine and Dine Wednesdays, Concerts, Friday Night Social Dances, Stretch Classes, lounging around the pool, working out at the gym, Culinary Demo Days, Gait-to-Gate Walk-a-Thon, to name just a few of the events that have occupied our retirement time!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Celebrating One Year!</b></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We began the New Year helping our son Charlie and his beautiful Bride Kristi celebrate their </span><b style="text-align: left;">First Anniversary</b><span style="text-align: left;"> on January 13th! </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Just for the Health of it!</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><b>Aimee and Bella cruising the Discovery Trail</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It took them a bit of getting used to; however, our two pups thoroughly enjoy their "bike rides!" </span></div>
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<b>2019 Cornhole Champs </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Our neighbors, Jeff Miller and Dave McLaughlin (not pictured) along with Terry and me joined the Cornhole Club in January. We participated in 11 weekly tournaments and made the finals in early May. Our Team name: the C-12 Corn Nuts. Out of the 40+ teams competing, the Corn Nuts came in <b>First Place</b><span style="font-size: small;"> with a come-from-behind win in the Championship Game. </span></span><span style="text-align: start;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NOo1hbDv3EpjqNnGfWXsBBZsbFRAmLHMSzykPjLyuXZOYLZ4NSs78xW8dV05fXxlHohwLNFWKwtymIFO6pML0BAiSslhtQc4J3oPEXyVhS3_m4uS_CqmBNDua4qrKaUe3m5-AB1cahE/s1600/1_C12-Corn+Nuts+-+Cornhole+Champs+Spring+2019+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NOo1hbDv3EpjqNnGfWXsBBZsbFRAmLHMSzykPjLyuXZOYLZ4NSs78xW8dV05fXxlHohwLNFWKwtymIFO6pML0BAiSslhtQc4J3oPEXyVhS3_m4uS_CqmBNDua4qrKaUe3m5-AB1cahE/s400/1_C12-Corn+Nuts+-+Cornhole+Champs+Spring+2019+copy.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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Kirkwood Photobombing the Champs!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bocce Team “Almost Champs.”</b> Another neighbor, Gerry Schatz asked us to join their Bocce Team for the Fall Season. The Team name: <b>IBS </b>(<b><i>Irritable Bocce Syndrome</i></b>) Neither Terry nor I had ever played the game, yet we were eager to learn. When the regular season ended, we placed 2<sup>nd</sup> in our Division, which allowed us to make it to the playoffs. We breezed thru the elimination rounds and made it to the championship game. Unfortunately, we were up against seasoned Bocce players and lost 12-6. Nonetheless, we came in 2<sup>nd</sup> out of 96 teams in our first year of play. Watch out for us next season!</span></div>
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<b>Team Irritable Bocce Syndrome</b> - L to R</div>
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Bink, Terry, Rhonda, Gerry, Nancy, Darrell</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Golf.</b> No trophies or championships in golf…yet! Since moving into our new home, Terry and I have played the game much more frequently than ever before. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that each morning, we stare out our patio window at the beauty and intrigue of the first hole and ask ourselves…”should we play today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Terry and I do belong to a Golf Club outside of our community. (Arizona Sunset Golf Association – ASGA) A travelling club that plays competitive golf at a different golf course each month. Several years ago, Terry had a miserable experience at one of the tournaments and had, until just recently, chosen not to participate in the monthly tournaments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because she’s been playing much more golf…and much better golf, she’s back on the circuit and placed 4<sup>th</sup> in October’s event! I, on the other hand, had a miserable season with ASGA. Even though my Index has gone from 16.8 to 12.7 over the past year, I played like crap during these events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During the February Tournament, I hit a particularly painful shot. My fairway wood drifted out into the desert on a longish par 5. My ball came to rest on hardpan about a foot behind a 14” diameter rock that was sticking out of the ground about 3”-4”. I had about 60 yards to the green, so I took out my Sand Wedge and bladed the ball into the rock, which caused it to carom smack dab back into my face! The nasty gash above my right eye took 4 stitches to close up! That was the omen for the rest of this season! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: Santa brought Terry a new set of sticks this Christmas...so I’m guessing she’ll want to play even more golf now! </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Golf - A dangerous sport!</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hiking Club.</b> The subdivision of the community we live in is noted as C-12 of Trilogy at Vistancia. When we first moved in back in October of 2018, we met a lady who said her husband Dave was in charge of the Hiking Club. So, Terry and I joined the Trilogy Hiking Club. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We attended the Hiking Club’s Kickoff meeting and waited to hear Dave speak about the upcoming season. No Dave. Hmmm, I wondered? What happened to Dave? As it turned out, Dave is the unofficial President of the unchartered C-12 Hiking Club…a small group of hiking enthusiasts that live within the C-12 subdivision! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many Mondays during hiking season, an eager band of 6-10 of us wanders off into the local hills to hike about the desert. The one thing I do miss about our other house was its very close proximity to South Mountain and over 100 miles of hiking trails. To get to trailheads from the new digs takes a minimum of a half-hour! </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>C-12 Hiking Club</b></div>
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<b>Dave Koz and Friends at Sea -Australia 2019</b></div>
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<b>Andrew and Debbie at the Ballarat Begonia Festival </b></div>
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<b>Carnivorous Plant Exhibit at The Sydney Botanical Gardens</b></div>
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Hanging out with <b>Steve Oliver</b> in Bernie, Tazmania</div>
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<b>Euge Groove</b> - Bernie, Tazmania</div>
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<b>Our host Dave Koz!</b></div>
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<b>Kangies hopping about the Eden Golf Course</b></div>
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Lovely Lady!</div>
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Her date!</div>
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Hugs from Rick Braun!</div>
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<b>Featured Band - Tower of Power!</b></div>
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<b>Symphony at the Opera House</b></div>
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<b>Interactive Play at the Opera House</b></div>
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The rest of the Koz Cruise story following the photos</div>
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<b>#60 - Gateway Arch National Park</b></div>
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<b>Numbers 60 and 61.</b> In September of 2017, Terry and I completed our goal of visiting all 59 of America’s major National Parks with our visit to the National Park of American Samoa. Lo and behold, Congress has since added two more to the list – <b><i>Gateway Arch</i></b> in Missouri and <b><i>Indiana Dunes</i></b> in Indiana. Well, to stay true to our goal, we ventured out to both of these parks in July.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we first discovered that the Arch in St Louis (originally deemed Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) had been upgraded from National Monument to National Park, we were skeptical that a manmade object would qualify as a National Park. Our understanding is that to receive National Park status, the site must possess the following qualities: unique scenery, historical/cultural/scientific significance and recreational value.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Arch is unique and historical. Not sure it has any scientific or recreational value. Nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Arch. In particular, the Ride to the Top and the newly constructed museum were the highlights of the visit. </div>
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<b>#61 - Indiana Dunes National Park</b> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Arch, we travelled up to <b>Indiana Dunes National Park</b> located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Unique scenery? Questionable. Historical/Cultural significance? Maybe. Recreational? Yes. Another park we found to be marginally acceptable as being deemed a genuine National Park. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Just found out National Park <b>62</b> was established – <b><i>White Sands National Park</i></b> in New Mexico. Guess where we’ll be headed this spring?<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>August/September - Our Michigan Experience</b></div>
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<b>L to R: Kirkwood, Mary, Karen, Greg, Terry, Bink</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Michigan</b> – Our good friends John and Mary Kirkwood organized a ten-day Golf Junket to their home state of Michigan in late August. Joining the party were our other California Golfing Junkies, Greg and Karen Gill. This awesome Sixsome touched down in Grand Rapids on August 28<sup>th</sup> and spend the first couple of days at John’s sister Fran’s house in Big Rapids where we kayaked and canoed down the Muskegon River, golfed at Tullymore Golf Course (a most excellent facility) and enjoyed the Midwest hospitality of Fran Kirkwood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Paddling the Muskegon River</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We then headed north to Shanty Creek where we would flail away on Arnie’s Legends at Shanty Creek Golf Course. If memory serves me, we played golf the next day as well; however, the evening before, Kirkwood was educating me on the finer differences between bourbon and </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">whisky!</span></span><br />
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<b>Island House Inn - Mackinac Island</b></div>
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After departing Shanty Town, we headed further north to Mackinac Island where we’d spend the night at the Island House Hotel. A bit of National Park Trivia: <b><i>Mackinac National Park </i></b>was one of the country’s first National Parks and existed from 1875 to 1895. The park abutted Fort Mackinac, the Army garrison located on the island. When the Fort was decommissioned, at the request of then-governor John T. Rich, the park was turned back over to the state of Michigan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Highlights of Mackinac Island: Ferry ride over to the island, wandering about the quaint downtown area, NO cars, a great burger at Mighty Mack Hamburgers, bike ride almost around the island, Arch Rock, touring Ft. Mackinac, cocktails on the Island House porch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Departing Mackinac Island, we headed south to Manistee where we’d “camp out” at a very nice VRBO on Lake Michigan. This would serve as basecamp for the remainder of our Michigan Adventure. From here, we’d play golf a couple of more times. Once at Crystal Mountain Golf Course, a nice track where a swarm of gnats circled your head with every shot. And we sloshed through Manistee Golf and Country Club…after a bit of rain had soaked the grounds. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my favorite day trips was when we traveled back north up to <b>Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore</b>. Here, we rented bicycles and rode the Heritage Trail over to the Dunes Climb. Hiking the steeps of the dunes is great exercise and will fill your shoes with a pound or two of wind-blown sand that has piled up high on the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan. Great view of Glen Lake from atop the dunes. </div>
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<b>Biking the Heritage Trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes</b></div>
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<b>Hiking the Dune Trail</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV1vRaJjBsFUmQj4hGDhWnUeY9I0-slbtg8hw5obBg5QDIJMIfuCAVq9ZizuBDe7WYP4HTMGQq45rGH_6NIHtGmwa9_keVuMpIi54dfgOo8n_dQl47pzTUss7LtDq29dnmu28opQg6Bo/s1600/8_Mich_Sleeping_0971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjV1vRaJjBsFUmQj4hGDhWnUeY9I0-slbtg8hw5obBg5QDIJMIfuCAVq9ZizuBDe7WYP4HTMGQq45rGH_6NIHtGmwa9_keVuMpIi54dfgOo8n_dQl47pzTUss7LtDq29dnmu28opQg6Bo/s400/8_Mich_Sleeping_0971.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>View of Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore </b></div>
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As legend would have it, the area got its name when an immense forest fire on the western shores of Lake Michigan drove a Momma Bear and her two cubs into the lake for safety. Momma led her two little ones into the lake and they attempted to swim across to the eastern shore to safety. Sadly, the two baby cubs didn’t make it. Momma Bear perched herself atop the dunes awaiting the arrival of her two babies. The shrub-covered mound in the picture depicts the Momma Bear as she fell into a deep sleep while mourning the loss of her cubs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>VRBO in Manistee, MI - on the lake</b></div>
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<b>Douglass Valley Winery</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No trip with the Kirkwood’s and Gill’s would be complete if we didn’t seek out somewhere to taste local wines! Hark! Not more than a 15-minute drive from our VRBO, we happened upon the Douglass Valley Winery! The wines were ok; however, the hard ciders and root beer were outstanding!</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Sunset on our last day in Manistee</b></div>
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<b>Meijer Sculpture Garden - American Horse</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prior to departing Michigan, we visited <b>Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park</b> in Grand Rapids. The horticultural elements of the Gardens include a 15,000 square foot indoor facility featuring rock landscapes, a waterfall and a variety of exotic plants, including carnivorous foliage! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dispersed throughout a 30-acre Sculpture Park, we found over 300 internationally acclaimed works of outdoor art, including a 24-foot tall American Horse, an 8’ tall Spider, Large Parrot, an Espaliered Girl among other pieces of artistic imagination!</span><br />
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<b>Hanging out with Fred and Lena Meijer</b></div>
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<b> A couple of Buttheads spotted mooning the artwork!</b></div>
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Brian LaFramboise, Terry, Nalana, me</div>
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<b>Danzon Cubano Restaurant</b></div>
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Last stop prior to heading for the airport was a visit to Terry’s Nephew, Brian LaFramboise and his newly opened Cuban Restaurant – <b><i><span style="font-family: "cambria";">Danzón</span></i></b> <b><i>Cubano</i></b>. The story behind Brian’s restaurant goes as follows: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "cabin" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Danzón Cubano is a tribute to the Cuban people, their history, their culture, and their perseverance in the face of trials. Our restaurant was inspired by a gentleman born in Havana, Cuba. His father, a businessman and well-known big game fisherman, was a close friend of Ernest Hemingway—they fished together in Cuba, Key West and the Bahamas.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: inherit , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Many Cuban children came to the United States when they were 15 years-old as part of Operation Peter Pan—”Operación Pedro Pan”—an under the radar program that from 1960 to 1962 brought more than 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban children to the USA as exiles from the Communist regime of Fidel Castro.</span></i><i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "cabin" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: inherit , serif; font-size: 12pt;">When they left Cuba, many of these children barely knew English, had $5 in their pocket and a change of clothes. Today, many are successful members of society and credit the kindness of the American people for opening their arms of freedom to boys who had nothing to offer.</span></i><i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "cabin" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: inherit , serif; font-size: 12pt;">This historical event inspired us to create Danzón Cubano, and we want to dedicate the only Cuban restaurant in Grand Rapids to all of them and the many other millions of stories of Americans who have immigrated to the United States from all over the world and contributed to this beautiful country.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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The food was authentic and full of flavor. The atmosphere was as delicious as the menu! If you ever find yourself in Grand Rapids, MI…we encourage you to sip a Mojito Clasico and enjoy the exotic flavours of <b><i><span style="color: #515151; font-family: "cambria";">Danzón</span></i></b> <b><i>Cubano</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Howling Wolf Mosaic by Jaylynn Henderson and Pappa John</b></div>
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<b>Grandkid Visits in July </b>- Jaylynn spend a couple of weeks with Grammy Terry and Pappa John in the heat of the summer. To cool things off, we spent many hours in the swimming pool. When we weren't splashing about, Pappa and Jay created a mosaic.<br />
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Since Jaylynn has for a couple of years expressed an interest in golf, we got her a starter set and spent a bit of time on the driving range.<br />
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With hair flying everywhere, JJ connects with her new Driver!</div>
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<b>Great Lodges</b>. Thirty-plus years ago, I came across a book titled <i>Great Lodges of the West</i>. The first edition featured 12 such lodges scattered throughout the western United States. A few years later, the author upgraded her book and retitled it <i>Great Lodges of the National Parks</i>. Her new book included the original 12 lodges plus 4 more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Terry and I created our “Life Plan” in 2009, we included the goal of visiting all 16 of these Lodges while we “trekked” about the country. In September, we had only three Lodges left to complete our quest of staying at all 16. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadly, one of them – Sperry Chalet – in Glacier National Park had burned down in 2017 and is currently under reconstruction! It is scheduled to reopen next year. However, we did manage to visit the other two remaining Lodges – Glacier Park Lodge and Belton Chalet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Dressing up for our Lodge Quest!</b></div>
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<b>Trekking the National Park Lodges</b></div>
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<b>Glacier Park Lodge</b></div>
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<b>Glacier Park Lodge Lobby</b></div>
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<b>Glacier Park Lodge</b> is located just outside Glacier National Park in the village of East Glacier. The Lodge was built in 1913 by Louis Hill, son of James J. Hill, founder of the Great Northern Railway. The signature element of this lodge is the 3-story Grand Hall. The Lobby features twenty-four 4-foot wide by 48-foot tall Douglas-fir columns, each log with its original bark still attached. The idea behind these mammoth posts was to bring the outdoor experience indoors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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During our three-day stay at Glacier Park Lodge, we ventured out to trek the trails of the Two Medicine and Many Glacier areas of the park. A word of caution: If you plan on visiting the Many Glacier section of Glacier National Park next season, beware of the road construction that will be underway! The road from East Glacier up to Babb was torn apart when we ventured north and reduced to a single lane. EXPECT long delays. Better yet, visit Two Medicine or other park destinations!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Belton Chalet</b></div>
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<b>Belton Chalet.</b> <span style="color: #29303b;">The Belton Chalet, built in 1910 by Louis Hill, was the first of the iconic lodges built in the vicinity of Glacier National Park. Located in West Glacier near the park’s western entrance, the Chalet was closed for 50 years before being restored and upgraded to its current condition. Our room (#37) was small like that at Glacier Park Lodge; however, it had a much roomier feel to it. Nina, the Front Desk Clerk was delightful. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">Much to our glee, we noticed that our tabletop board game – <b><i>Trekking the National Parks</i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 10pt;">™</span></i></b><span style="color: #29303b;"> – was prominently displayed in the Chalet’s Lobby and is offered for sale by the Chalet, which is now owned by Pursuit (formerly Glacier Park Inc). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">The Belton Grill Dining Room features an incredible menu by Chef Earl James Reynolds and is a must-do for foodies. We’ve visited over 30 Lodges and Chalets over the years and most of the food is average production fare at best. Not bad…but nothing very special. The Belton Grill is different! Only one other Lodge compared – the Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park was similarly exquisite! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">On January 13, 2020, reservations for Sperry Chalet open up. Eventually, Terry and I will complete our quest to visit all 16 of these Great Lodges of the National Parks…albeit, getting to Sperry requires a 7-mile backpack hike up the mountain. Or, you can take a mule up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">For more about our trip to the Lodges, visit our other September 2019 Blog Post.</span></div>
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Two great gifts found in the Lobby of the Belton Chalet - Our tabletop board game -<i><b> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Trekking the National Parks</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">™</span></span></b></i>. Above it, the aforementioned <b>Great Lodges of the National Parks</b> book! Oh, and the most precious gift I've ever received -my lovely wife Terry.<br />
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<b>The newest addition to the Trekking Game portfolio - Trivia!</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #29303b;">Trekking the National Parks – the Board Game.</span></b><span style="color: #29303b;"> In last year’s edition of Bink Ink, I mentioned that we had licensed our board game to a young entrepreneur - Hasan Hasmani. Hasan and our son Charlie formed a new enterprise called Underdog Games LLC. After a few minor changes to the art and mechanics of the game, they began marketing it in September of 2018. Since that time, they have sold over <b>80,000 copies</b>! In 16 months! It took us 4 years to sell 6500 copies. There is a lot to be said about the power of social media marketing. Something Hasan has an excellent grasp of! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">In the meantime, they’ve created another Trekking game – <b>Trekking the National Parks Trivia</b>. Trekking Trivia became available in November and they anticipate selling over 9000 copies of it over the holiday season! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">Terry and I are amazed at how well Trekking has done in the marketplace. We are most grateful to Hasan for taking the game to heights we’d only dreamed about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"> Happy Halloween!</b><br />
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<b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #29303b;">Halloween.</span></b><span style="color: #29303b; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: start;"> Terry loves this “holiday?!” I, not so much, yet I go along with her request to dress up and hang out at our community’s annual Halloween Costume Party. She’s got a multitude of costumes to draw on. Me, makeshift at best! (Neighbor Kim Vormestrand photobombing in the background)</span></div>
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<b>Jack, Bink and Mike Halloweening.</b></div>
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<b>Tina, Chef Bink, CeeCee and Garrett. </b></div>
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<b>Lone Cypress - Monterey, CA</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton and Monterey. </span></b><span style="color: #29303b; font-size: 12pt;"> In early November, Terry’s niece, Nicki Lopes, arranged tickets for us to see the acclaimed play <i>Hamilton.</i></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;"><i> </i>We joined Nicki and her parents Ben and Elisa Lopes to experience this award-winning musical. Here’s how the play is described: </span><i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;">Hamilton</span></i><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;"> is the story of the unlikely Founding Father determined to make his mark on the new nation as hungry and ambitious as he is. From bastard orphan to Washington's right-hand man, rebel to war hero, a loving husband caught in the country's first sex scandal, to the Treasury head who made an untrusting world believe in the American economy. George Washington, Eliza Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton's lifelong friend/foil Aaron Burr all make their mark in this astonishing new musical exploration of a political mastermind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;">The days following the play found us exploring Sanat Cruz and Monterey with Ben and Ilse. Lunch at Stillwaters Restaraunt overlooking the 18th green of Pebble Beach Golf Links increased Terry's desire to one day play this iconic course. </span></div>
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<b>John, Ilse, Nicki, Terry, Ben and Hamilton!</b></div>
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<b>Cruising Santa Cruz with Butch and Ilse</b></div>
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<b>Pebble Beach - 18th Green!</b><br />
(I finally took Terry to Pebble!)</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Hot Air Balloon Launch - Vistancia</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Twice each year, our community hosts a Hot Air Balloon Launch directly behind our home from the Golf Course Driving Range. This Fall, we invited our neighbors to join us for an early morning brunch and enjoy the Balloon launch. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Musical Moments in 2019.</b><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">This year proved to be musical for us. Not only did we enjoy the week-long Dave Koz Jazz Festival with all the aforementioned artists, we also had the pleasure of attending concerts featuring: Keiko Matsui, Michael Bublé, David Benoit, Peter White's Christmas Show featuring Euge Groove and Vincent Ingala. To bring in the New Year, we travelled down to Tucson to take in Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve Getaway Party. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Michael Bublé</b></span></div>
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<b>Euge Groove, Peter White, Secret Weapon, Lindsay Webster &Vincent Ingala</b></div>
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<b>at the Peter White Christmas </b></div>
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<b>David Benoit</b></div>
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<b>Keiko Matsui</b></div>
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<b>Hippie Chicks at the local Woodstock Festival!</b><br />
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<span style="color: #29303b; font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">Rick Braun's New Years Eve Party</b>
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<b><span style="color: #29303b;">Terry turns 7-0h!</span></b><span style="color: #29303b;"> To celebrate her 70th in style (12/28), we headed down to Tucson for the Rick Braun New Year’s Eve Getaway Party. Rick is a smooth jazz trumpet player who we met on the ship one afternoon during our Dave Koz Australian Cruise. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b; text-align: left;">While chatting about the cruise and his music, Rick asked us where we lived. When he found out we are from Phoenix, he asked us if we were going to attend his New Year's Eve party in December. We asked him where the party was to be held...thinking Los Angeles or San Francisco. When he mentioned Tucson, we were all over it and immediately signed up!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">Terry found an onboard computer and made reservations for the two-day event. She also let two of our neighbors (the Vormestrand’s and Drozda’s who also enjoy smooth jazz) know about the event and they too were able to secure tickets to the Getaway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">Day one featured a Scramble Golf tournament in the morning and a Mindi Abair concert that evening. The two of us joined Kim Vormestrand and Bill Drozda in the Scramble and ended up hacking it around the Starr Pass Golf Course. Although we were able to get the ball on the greens, our putters sputtered. Each of us won a raffle prize and Terry got closest to the pin on Hole 8!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">(L to R) Kim, Terry, Rick Braun, me and Bill</span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">(L to R) Me, Terry, Janet and Bill Drozda, Gloria and Kim Vormestrand</span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;">Before the Big Show, we ventured down to the city of Tucson and wandered around 4th Avenue with four of our favorite musicians. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #29303b;"><b>Dec 31st</b> - On New Year's Eve, the Main Event featured Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Peter White, Mindi, Larry Braggs and Nick Colionne. The best New Year’s Eve party we’ve ever attended!</span></div>
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Nick Corlionne<br />
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Wishing all of you a great 2020!<br />
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Dave Koz (Sax) and Rick Braun (Trumpet)</div>
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<b>The rest of the Dave Koz Cruise Story</b></div>
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<b>Dave Koz and Friends at Sea - Australia 2019.</b> For a number of years, Terry has unsuccessfully tried to get us on a Dave Koz Smooth Jazz Cruise. Unfortunately, due to the huge demand and the limited number of guests the cruise will accommodate, it is very difficult to secure a cabin for these weeklong musical extravaganzas. Typically, these cruises sell out in the first hour sales open up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Much to our delight, Terry was able to get us on the <b>2019 Australian Cruise</b> with Dave Koz and Friends! We love smooth jazz. Been fans of it for years…and to secure a birth on this cruise was a dream come true. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We headed to the Land Down Under on March 24<sup>th</sup> form LAX. We landed in Sydney 2 days later! (The International Dateline really screws you up!) From Sydney, we flew to Melbourne and took a $279 cab ride out to Ballarat to visit with our Australian Trekker friends Andrew and Debbie. We met the two of them in Bettles, AK during our treks to all of the National Parks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Like us, Andrew and Debbie had a goal to visit all 59 of our country’s National Parks. They made 17 individual trips from Australia to the States over several years to visit and photograph all of these amazing natural cathedrals. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to the $279 cab ride. Andrew had told us that the easiest and least costly method of getting from the Melbourne Airport to Ballarat was to take the train. What he failed to tell us is there are two different train stations in and about Melbourne. When we flagged down a cabbie at the airport we asked him to take us to the train station in Melbourne. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we were departing the airport, the cabbie’s first question was, “what is your final destination today.” To which we said Ballarat. He replied that it would be much easier and cheaper if he just drove us straight there. I asked “how much?” He replied, “around $70.” The train ride was supposed to cost us about $35, so we insisted he take us to the train station. He shrugged and said, “okay!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we entered Melbourne, the traffic was horrendous. We were crawling along at about 3 mph. The cab’s meter was running up quite the tab. Both Terry and I had been on the road for over 30 straight hours and had become a bit ‘bunchy” toward each other. As it looked, it was going to be at least another 45 minutes to reach the “train station.” We called Andrew and asked him where the train station was. He said “go to the Southern Cross Train Station,” which is NOT the one the cab driver was headed too! Southern Cross was in the opposite direction!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once again, the cabbie offered to drive us direct to Ballarat, and get us there sooner than if he rerouted us to Southern Cross. Out of patience and very irritable, I bluntly directed him to take us to our AirBnB in Ballarat! Hence, the $279 fare!<o:p></o:p></div>
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That evening, I took a look at a map and noticed that to get to the Southern Cross Train Station, we had to head south from the airport. Ballarat is located northwest of the airport. The Cabbie was right in suggesting we would have gotten to Ballarat much sooner (and much cheaper) had we taken his early advice. Se la vie!<o:p></o:p></div>
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An old gold mining town, Ballarat is Australia’s 3<sup>rd</sup> largest inland city. It was a pleasure hanging out a couple of days with Andrew and Debbie. They showed us around this charming town, taking us to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which was featuring their annual Begonia display. We had no idea how many varieties of begonias there are! <o:p></o:p></div>
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One bit of trivia we found interesting as the four of us walked around Lake Wendouree, located in the center of town, was that the lake hosted the rowing events for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rather than take a cab or train back to Melbourne airport, we opted to rent a car. Total cost of the car, $47. In hindsight, we should have rented a car at the airport and driven to Ballarat. I have a tough time adapting to driving on the “wrong side of the road,” otherwise we’d have rented a car instead of opting for the train-ride-that-became-a-cab-ride! When we reached the airport to drop off the rental, we had one helluva time finding the drop zone! We circled the airport 5 times on the wrong side of the road looking for the silly place. Finally, I flagged down someone who told us all rental cars are returned at the parking garage adjacent to the terminal! WTF! Where were the signs to tell us that!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As for the cruise, I could go on and on about this delightful experience. It turned out to be one of THE most rewarding vacations ever! Seven days of musical heaven. An intimate experience listening to, hanging out and chatting it up with a premier group of smooth jazz artists. If you like great smooth jazz, consider trying to get aboard one of these cruises. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This vacation was so delightful, we've signed up for the 2020 cruise beginning in Amsterdam, Neatherlands and the 2021 cruise beginning in Barcelona, Spain! </div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-13778694098481684942019-09-24T11:12:00.001-07:002021-08-27T15:46:35.259-07:00Glacier National Park - Revisit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-xBl6ASZQkJMbFVbg6XtQI6p7NFRy6E30lopKfMTuQFbBZ_76NENqG4s7bzHcaG_h3jZZF2-KZFYKzLQDnUBqHHbORRUT87IjTYzZ9-8GcwvS0m7HWYPIoVW9LiuYhyY414VTpR356Y/s1600/1_GlacierSign_3908*%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-xBl6ASZQkJMbFVbg6XtQI6p7NFRy6E30lopKfMTuQFbBZ_76NENqG4s7bzHcaG_h3jZZF2-KZFYKzLQDnUBqHHbORRUT87IjTYzZ9-8GcwvS0m7HWYPIoVW9LiuYhyY414VTpR356Y/s400/1_GlacierSign_3908*%2Bcopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>September 11, 2019</b> - We revisit one of our country's most amazing parks!</div>
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The <b>Glacier Park Lodge</b> in East Glacier will be our "base camp" for the first three nights of our 2019 Glacier trek!</div>
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The Grand Lobby of the Lodge is supported by twenty-four 4-foot wide by 48 foot tall Douglas Fir Trees that Louis Hill, the creator of the Lodge, imported from Oregon. His idea was to bring the outdoor experience indoors!<br />
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Entry door to the Lodge.</div>
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Mountain Goat on display in the Lodge Lobby.</div>
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Bronze Eagle art piece in Lobby.</div>
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Wood Carving of Blackfoot Indian in Lobby.</div>
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<b>Sept 12th</b> - Our first trek - an 8-mile loop around Two Medicine Lake on our way to Twin Falls. </div>
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A small herd of goats spotted along the north shore leg of Two Medicine Trail.</div>
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One of the Twin Falls (right).</div>
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The other Twin!</div>
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Footbridge to get us back on track!</div>
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Twisted tree! How did Mother Nature accomplish this?</div>
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Aster Falls found just off the South Shore Trail.</div>
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Beaver pond along the South Shore Trail.</div>
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Two Medicine Lake in the still of the early morning.</div>
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<b> Sept 13th</b> - Rainy day at Many Glacier Lodge.</div>
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<b>Sept 14th</b> - Moose sighting on our trek to St. Mary and Virginia Falls.<br />
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The charred forest along the trail that was scorched by the Reynolds Creek Fire in 2015. </div>
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St. Mary Falls</div>
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Lower Virginia Falls</div>
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Upper Virginia Falls.</div>
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Lovers at Virginia Falls!</div>
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Kayaks at Lake McDonald Lodge Boathouse. </div>
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Lake McDonald</div>
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Lake McDonald shoreline</div>
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<b> Sept 15th</b> - Avalanche Creek revisited!</div>
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Terry shooting deer at the southeastern shore of Avalanche Lake</div>
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Avalanche Lake</div>
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<b>Belton Chalet</b> - West Glacier, MT - where we'll spend the next three nights of our trip.</div>
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BC features two spacious cottages along with classic lodge rooms. </div>
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The Belton Grill Dining Room offers exquisite meals. </div>
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Classic Lodge Rooms.</div>
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Entry to the Chalet.</div>
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Belton Chalet Lobby.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYMt7g-cet4VOIE09AZzprevqumChWkKS1jQR_3FTDkDlYW3PBFqLc6ASFtV2Wa82QqWnJ5xiR23hxJ4nkzbSgDzMV97DmGPQ1SOMX1JnQ_lAmsNruUQeXwD1xQjd1sFMtORG3oAAcy4/s1600/34_BeltonLobby_1473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYMt7g-cet4VOIE09AZzprevqumChWkKS1jQR_3FTDkDlYW3PBFqLc6ASFtV2Wa82QqWnJ5xiR23hxJ4nkzbSgDzMV97DmGPQ1SOMX1JnQ_lAmsNruUQeXwD1xQjd1sFMtORG3oAAcy4/s400/34_BeltonLobby_1473.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lobby.</div>
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Look what Terry found in the Lobby! Belton Chalet offers the tabletop board game we created in 2014 to commemorate our Trek about the Parks. <b>Trekking the National Parks! </b><br />
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Belton Chalet's Tap Room features good beverages and a beautiful woman!</div>
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<b>Sept 16th</b> - John's Lake Loop...with a trail filled with horse poop!</div>
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Sacred Dancing Cascade of waters along McDonald Creek.</div>
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Nina - our friendly Front Desk Concierge. </div>
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<b>Glacier National Park – September 2019<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Day 1 (9/11)</b> – Travel Day. PHX to LAS to GEG via SWA. Spokane to East Glacier via Enterprise Car Rental. Hyundai Santa Fe. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our destination – the <b>Glacier Park Lodge</b> – a massive facility built in 1913 by Louis Hill…whose father James Hill founded the Great Northern Railway. Louis coined the phrase “See America First” and set about building a series of Lodges and Chalets in the Glacier Park area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Base Camp” for the first three nights of our visit to Glacier would be the Glacier Park Lodge. Our room - 374 – was located in the main section of the Lodge accessible by climbing a set of 57 stairs. No elevators in this facility! We got a good workout every time we went to the room! The room itself was very modest. Not much space to move about. A double bed, a chair and a tiny desk pretty much filled the space. The shower measured 3 feet square! At least that’s how it felt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The genuine feature of this lodge was the grandeur of the Entrance Lobby. Louis wanted to bring the forest indoors, so he imported from Oregon, 60 forty-eight foot tall, four foot wide Douglas Fir trees to line the 200’ x 100’ lobby. The idea behind the architecture was to create a cathedral-like atmosphere that incorporated the surrounding park landscape. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day 2 (9/12)</b> – Time to get out and trek about the park. Today we headed up to Two Medicine – an 11-mile drive from the Lodge. Today we will hike the loop trail around the Two Medicine Lake. Our first destination will be Twin Falls via the North Shore Trail. The 3.5-mile (one way) trail is very easy with only a 75-foot gain in elevation from the trailhead to the falls. Along the way, we came across several Mountain Goats munching the sweet grasses.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The falls flow off the eastern slopes of the Pumpelly Pillar and are separated by about 50 feet. After shooting a few pix, we continued on to Aster Falls via the South Shore Trail. This section of the hike begins downhill as you head toward the Dock at the western end of the lake. <o:p></o:p></div>
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During the season, a shuttle boat is available to take passengers from the South Shore Trailhead to the dock at the western stretches of the lake. This mode of transportation knocks off a good 5 miles of hiking. <o:p></o:p></div>
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From the Dock, where we heard a moose was wading in the shallows, you’ll climb about 600 feet to a junction. The sign pointing us in the opposite direction of our final destinations says “Camp Store via Footbridge.” The other option was “Horse Ford Trail,” which pointed us in the direction we needed to go in order to get back to our car! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I opted to head us down the Horse Trail, which hadn’t seen much action lately. All was well until the trail ended at the river…where horses would “ford!” (Definition of “ford” for those of you not familiar with river crossings: “A shallow place in a river where brave people or sturdy horses can cross!” Terry wasn’t feeling like fording the cold, rapidly moving waters, so backtracking we went to the section of trail that would lead us back to the “Camp Store via Footbridge!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I told you so….!” And off we trekked to Aster Falls!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day 3 (9/13)</b> – Our plan was to head up to Many Glacier and hike around Swiftcurrent Lake and then up to Ptarmigan Falls. The road (Hwy 89) from East Glacier to Many Glacier is under construction at Cut Bank. Hwy 89 had been reduced to a single land dirt road that required a pilot car to lead vehicles single file for a good ten miles. Needless to say, it took us a lot longer to arrive at our destination due to the delay?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When we finally arrived at Many Glacier Lodge, the parking lot was packed! We were fortunate to happen upon someone who was departing and slid into the only available parking space. We’ve been to Glacier several times in September and couldn’t ever remember having to jockey for parking spaces. The park was packed with Geezers (like us) now that school was back in session.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shortly after parking, the clouds opened up and put a damper on our hiking plans. Both Terry and I had come equipped with rain gear; however, it was far more pleasant enjoying lunch at the lodge while watching it rain outside!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the return trip, we opted out of Hwy 89 and took a more circuitous route that ended up being shorter time-wise. At Bab, we took Hwy 464 eastbound to Browning, then Hwy 2 to East Glacier. Miles wise…much lengthier. Time-wise…much faster!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day 4 (9/14)</b> – Today we check out of Glacier Park Lodge and begin our trek to our next destination – the Belton Chalet located just outside the Park’s West Entrance. Since we can’t check in until 4 pm, we are off to hike the St. Mary and Virginia Falls trail. Cloudy day so we keep our raingear close by. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are fortunate to find a parking spot at the trailhead! The last time I hiked this trail (July 2013) the forest was thick with trees. However, the Reynolds Creek Fire of 2015 charred the forest surrounding the trail to the falls. The Thompson Fire was the largest and most destructive in 2015; however, the Reynolds Creek fire got the most media attention due to the fact that it closed the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road. The fire made Virginia Falls visible from the highway, which is normally hidden by the canopy of the forest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The fire did clear our view of St. Mary Lake from the trail allowing us a view of a moose munching the sweet grasses along the lake’s shoreline below. The 1.2-mile hike to St Mary Falls is easy. The forest floor is carpeted with colorful new growth. A new generation of trees has begun to sprout. Both of the falls are delightful destinations along this trail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once we finished shooting St. Mary and Virginia, we continued up the Going-to-the-Sun Highway in hopes of finding a parking spot at Logan Pass. Not.A.Chance! Cars and trucks were spilling out of the overcrowded lot! We continued on down to Lake McDonald Lodge for lunch. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Belton Chalet, built in 1910 by Louis Hill, was the first of the iconic lodges built in the vicinity of Glacier National Park. Located in West Glacier near the park’s western entrance, the Chalet was closed for 50 years before being restored and upgraded to its current condition. Our room (#37) was small like that at Glacier Park Lodge; however, it had a much roomier feel to it. Nina, the Front Desk Clerk was delightful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Much to our delight, we noticed that our tabletop board game – <b><i>Trekking the National Parks</i></b> – was prominently displayed in the Chalet’s Lobby and is offered for sale by the Chalet, which is now owned by Pursuit (formerly Glacier Park Inc). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Belton Grill Dining Room features an incredible menu by Chef Earl James Reynolds and is a must-do for foodies. We’ve visited over 30 Lodges and Chalets over the years and most of the food is average production fare at best. Not bad…but not very special. The Belton Grill is different! Only one other Lodge compared – the Lake Crescent Lodge in Olympic National Park was similarly exquisite! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day 5 (9/15)</b> – We’re up early to assure ourselves of a parking space at the Avalanche Lake Trailhead. The park is already bustling and we were once again fortunate to find the last remaining parking spot. We’ve hiked this trail on three other occasions and it remains one of our all-time favorites. The 2-mile (one way) trail to the Lake has an elevation gain of 500 feet. The early stages of the trail parallel Avalanche Creek and offer spectacular photo opportunities!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Once you reach the lake, continue along the trail and hike to its terminus. The last time we hiked to the south end of the lake, we were treated to a herd of deer that casually passed us by as we ate our lunch. This time, there were fewer of the cervidae family, yet every bit as delightful to observe. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Day 6 (9/16)</b> – Today is our “long hike” that will take us from the Lake McDonald Lodge, around the John’s Lake Loop, over to the Sacred Dancing Cascade and finally past McDonald Falls before returning to the Lodge. Unfortunately, the trail from the Lodge up to John’s Lake begins as a horse trail as well as a human trail. Due to the recent precipitation and the remnants of horse excrement, the trail was less than desirable! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Yet we trek on! About 3-miles into the muddy, messy hike, we reach a glimpse of John’s Lake. Not much to see and access to the Lake is limited. We cross the road and venture toward the footbridge spanning McDonald Creek. Alas! The footbridge is closed for repair! <o:p></o:p></div>
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No worries. There’s another route along a paved roadway that provides access to the McDonald Creek Trail located on the north side of the creek. The hike to the Falls and the Sacred Dancing Cascade is easy and these water features are worth viewing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The trail continues on further in a northeasterly direction after you reach the Footbridge. We’ve got nothing better to do, so we continue along the path. There is no signage along the trail so we don’t really know where we’re headed. The sketchy “map” we have indicates the trail will eventually terminate at the Creek. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we get deeper and deeper into the forest, the trail narrows and the wild berry bushes become more abundant. This is bear country. Bears like berries. There is nobody on this trail but us. Eventually, we come to the conclusion that reaching the end of the trail to look at a Creek we’ve already seen wasn’t worth the risk of surprising a Grizzly while she dined on the local fare! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Back to the Chalet for another delightful dinner before heading for home tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>
John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-66862986466533286422019-09-24T10:05:00.000-07:002019-09-24T10:05:39.738-07:00Sleeping Bear Dunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>September 2019</b> - Terry and I visit <b><i>Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore</i></b></div>
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The Legend of Sleeping Bear Dunes involves a Momma Bear and her two cubs who were attempting to swim across Lake Michigan to escape a fire and seek to find a place with more food. Sadly, the cubs didn't make it to shore. Upon reaching the shore, Momma Bear lay down facing the waters where her two cubs perished. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands (North and South Manitou Islands) to mark the spot where the cubs disappeared and then created a solitary dune to represent the faithful mother bear.</div>
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We were told the dark mound is where Momma Bar came to rest. </div>
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The Dune Climb is on everyone's list of things to do when visiting Sleeping Bear.</div>
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Dune Climbers - (L to R) Greg, Karen, Mary, John and Terry</div>
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The Dune Trail from the parking lot to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip...however, you'll be walking in soft sand. Two steps up...on step back!</div>
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To get to the Dune Climb, we rented bicycles in Glen Haven and followed the Heritage Trail to the base of the Dunes. </div>
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Lake Michigan shoreline.</div>
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Climbing the Dunes with Glen Lake in the background.</div>
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The trek down to the lake is very steep! Heed the warning on the sign before you attempt this hike. Like they say in the Grand Canyon...Going down is optional. Coming back up is mandatory! And at the Dunes, if you need help coming back up, be prepared to fork over 3000 scoots!</div>
John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-73992063612837432292019-07-24T18:50:00.002-07:002019-07-24T18:50:50.340-07:00NP# 61 - Indiana Dunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our 61st National Park visit - July 18, 2019</div>
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Ranger Steve Rossi (center) presented us our "official" 61st National Park visit certificates. Steve, a historian, gave us a thorough rundown as to the history regarding the creation of this park. <span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Steve Mather, the National Park Service’s first Director was in favor of getting the area into the park system in 1916. But WWI broke out. Then came the Depression. The next calamity was WWII. Finally Indiana Dunes became an official National Park on Feb 25, 2019.</span><br />
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Deemed the Everglades of the North, part of Indiana Dunes National Park was once part of and expansive swamp known as the Grand Kankakee Marsh. This marsh once saturated nearly a million acres in Northern Indiana and a portion of Illinois.<br />
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Swamp Trekkers enjoying #61!</div>
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Steve suggested we check out the West Beach Trails and Ogend Dunes....so we did!</div>
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Ogden Dunes and the beginning (or end) of the Dunes Succession Trail.</div>
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Terry trekking through the sandy trail leading up to the staircase to the top of Ogden Dune. </div>
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Climbing up and down this dune is relatively easy...if you don't mind climbing wooden stairs.<br />
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You can see Chi-Town in the distance from the top of Ogden Dune's staircase.</div>
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Staricase descending the Dunes Succession Trail down to the beach. </div>
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A look at the dunes landscape and a pond that formed when winds created a bowl so deep it reached the water table. </div>
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Steve also recommended we visit the tallest dune in the park - Mt. Baldy. Sadly, Baldy is off limits to trekkers as its undergoing a restoration.<br />
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However, there is a trail down to Mt. Baldy Beach. Lake Michigan was calm today. Water temperature around 72</div>
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As I walked the beach, I happend to spot something that reminded me of Chernobyl!</div>
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As it turns out, the power plant isn't fueled by uranium. It's a coal-burning power plant located in Michigan City, IN.<br />
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The sign basically says "Keep off the Dunes." Go figure?</div>
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Our good friend Gary Willson, former National Park Service employee suggested we take a look at the Pinhook Bog while visiting Park #61. Unfortunately, the Bog is accessible only via a Ranger-led tour, which is held on Saturdays! We headed for home on Friday!<br />
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Locked gateway to the Bog trail. I suppose we could have ignored the sign like those who ignored the Mt. Baldy "Keep off the Dunes" sign and just moseyed on down to the Bog unattended. But that's just not our style. <br />
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Happy Trails people and enjoy these treasures while you can.John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-22938349460482023122019-07-21T16:35:00.002-07:002019-09-24T09:28:38.402-07:00NP #60 - Gateway Arch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1PTeM5MY1-InmSK-OJn92_DM-_SLz8rl3ORBx_RynbXRNAOjPn4_yOuhyuaLaQLrRsum_UMNdmMvDgWZ47igkjdvzw_-A-pgphI8-KPr2PbIgMr36J0ZB7glRG3a7ZiYUKnJZH1Pcbo/s1600/60_3628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1PTeM5MY1-InmSK-OJn92_DM-_SLz8rl3ORBx_RynbXRNAOjPn4_yOuhyuaLaQLrRsum_UMNdmMvDgWZ47igkjdvzw_-A-pgphI8-KPr2PbIgMr36J0ZB7glRG3a7ZiYUKnJZH1Pcbo/s400/60_3628.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Gateway Arch - July 16, 2016 (1)</b></div>
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<b>Our 60th Park Visit (2)</b></div>
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<b>The 630-foot tall Stainless Steel Structure (3)</b></div>
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<b>(4)</b></div>
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<b>(5)</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hJamIQvqHbKv8cxVP4iWowxvUZqToANr743sj7uHWlVIteI3Nyhc4uoiy-QHL_Dy1wKKVVe0Q7T7nJzDqVpKu6HgTYV_4X3z9B7DXx8Tb7txn4NJAimhh49jblTjAPmmqe8TP6qhuU/s1600/60_0785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95hJamIQvqHbKv8cxVP4iWowxvUZqToANr743sj7uHWlVIteI3Nyhc4uoiy-QHL_Dy1wKKVVe0Q7T7nJzDqVpKu6HgTYV_4X3z9B7DXx8Tb7txn4NJAimhh49jblTjAPmmqe8TP6qhuU/s400/60_0785.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are 16 viewing windows on each side of the Arch <b>(6)</b></div>
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Eastward view of the Mississippi River from the top of the Arch. <b> (7) </b></div>
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Westward view of Old Courthouse from the top of the Arch <b>(8)</b></div>
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Newly constructed Museum. This panel represents all those involved in the design, <span style="text-align: center;">engineering </span>and<span style="text-align: center;"> construction of the Arch. </span><b style="text-align: center;">(9)</b></div>
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St. Louis was a bustling city and the "gateway" to the westward expansion of the nation. <b>(10)</b><br />
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<b> (11)</b></div>
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<b>(12)</b></div>
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<b>(13)</b> </div>
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Johnny "Trekker" standing on the starting point of Lewis and Clark's exploration...and the starting point for our tabletop board game <b><i>Trekking the National Parks</i></b>!<br />
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<b><u>Visiting #60</u></b><br />
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In 2009, Terry and I crafted a Life Plan that included visiting all of our country's major National Parks. When we originally set out to accomplish our Plan, there were 58 major Parks. In 2013, Pinnacles National Monument in California was upgraded to full Park status; hence our goal would change to include number 59.<br />
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On September 17, 2017, we visited our 59th park with our journey to the National Park of American Samoa. Life Plan Goal accomplished! We'd done what we'd set out to do. Eight years. Thousands of miles. Millions of smiles! On to the next Life Plan objectives - stay at all 16 of the Great Lodges of the National Parks!<br />
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Much to our surprise, on February 22, 2018, <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b>Jefferson National Expansion Memorial</b> became <b>Gateway Arch National Park</b> - the 60th and smallest park in the system! Many people...including Terry and I questioned the validity of this site being worthy of major Park status. What...a manmade structure a National Park? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Our understanding is that in order to qualify as a major National Park, the site must meet certain criteria: It must be a unique natural, cultural or recreational resource. It must be in need of protection. And no other organization other than the National Park Service would be able to adequately protect it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As for being a "recreational resource"...the Pod ride to the top of the Arch seems to fall far short of that criteria! The manmade structure certainly isn't "natural!" As for being a "cultural" resource, I suppose the new museum that was completed in 2018 would qualify. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In general, the park was created to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent expansion westward; the first civil government west of the Mississippi River, and the debate regarding slavery raised by the Dred Scott legal case. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Just prior to venturing out to visit the park, the weather was atrocious! A giant black cloud loomed over the Arch and dumped a good inch of rain. Nevertheless, with an umbrella in hand, we made our way from the Hampton Inn to the park. After taking the obligatory "selfie" (2), we entered the building and bought tickets for the <b>Ride to the Top</b> and the Movie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">It took about 30 minutes of standing in line and listening to a narrative to make the 4-minute "ride to the top." To get to the top, you enter one of 8 separate "pods" that are located on each side of the Arch. Each pod holds a maximum of 5 people. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Once at the top, you exit the Pod and fight for a spot at one of the 16 tiny windows (6) that face either east - a view of the Mississippi River (7) or west - a view of the city, courthouse and baseball field (8). You are permitted to spend as much time as you'd like on the Observation Deck. We spent about 5 minutes up there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">After our Pod Ride, we made our way to the Tucker Theater to watch <b><i>Monument to a Dream</i></b> - a 28-minute film about the construction of the Arch. A fascinating</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> story about the design, engineering, and construction of the Arch.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">At the conclusion of the movie, we visited the many displays throughout the Museum </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">depicting the “expansion” of America westward. The Museum covers over 200 years of American history and focuses on the role St. Louis had on the westward expansion of the country. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I couldn’t help but chuckle at one of the maps of North America that showed the boundaries between Mexico and the USA in the early 1800s. Mexico stretched from Oregon to the north and to Texas to the east. With the completion of the Louisiana purchase, the USA now butted up next to Mexico. Wouldn’t it have been ironic if the Mexicans and Indians during that era had banded together to <b><i>build a wall</i></b> to keep out the white "immigrants" from invading their territory!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">But that didn't happen. Instead, the idea of "Manifest Destiny" had swept the nation thus justifying the imperialistic landgrab that ousted Native Americans and Mexicans from the lands they previously occupied. By 1848, Thomas Jefferson's vision of America stretching from coast-to-coast was finally realized. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><b><u>Arch Facts:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Gateway Arch is the tallest human-built monument in the USA standing <b>630 feet tall and 630 feet from base to base.</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Although we met a couple of kids who swore the arch swayed "20 feet during the windstorm," it was designed to sway no more than <b>18 inches</b>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">With ideal conditions, you would be able to see <b>30 miles</b> from the Observation Deck. It was a bit hazy when we peered out the windows. I'd say we could see maybe 10 miles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Arch cost <b>$13 million to build.</b> Construction began on February 12, 1963, and was finished on October 28, 1965. It opened for the public on June 9, 1967.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The Arch is a combination of a stainless steel outer skin, carbon steel skeleton on the inside and tons of concrete to hold it all in place.</span><br />
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-28221225503366845652018-01-18T13:50:00.003-07:002018-01-27T09:41:19.364-07:00Bink Ink 2017<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>Getting the most out of Life - 2017!</b></h3>
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We accomplished our Life Plan Goal of visiting all of our country's major National Parks on September 19th with our visit to the <b>National Park of American Samoa!</b><br />
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(Scroll down beyond the pix for "The rest of the Story!)</div>
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<b>January 2017 - New Zealand - our first "Trek" of the year</b></div>
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Three German students we rescued in <b>Te Urewera National Park</b> - North Island, New Zealand.<br />
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The kids rolled their truck off the road on a slick gravel mountain road!</div>
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Cable Car - Wellington, NZ</div>
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Hydrangea Garden - Wellington botanical Garden</div>
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Kirkwood's, Gill's and Bink's doing what they do best - sampling New Zealand's wines!</div>
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Mitre Mountain - Milford Sound</div>
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Greymouth sunset</div>
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On our way to Pancake Rocks!</div>
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Selfie-imposed tour of Christchurch</div>
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Happy Hobbits! Hobbiton - The Shire, Middle Earth</div>
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Rotorua sunrise!</div>
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Copyright infringing page from our Park Guide Book - <b>Park Stamp!</b></div>
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New and expensively improved page! <b>Park Notes</b><br />
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<b>March 2017</b><br />
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Kolob Canyon section of Zion National Park. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">April 2017 - Park Visit Number 58!</b><br />
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Cruz Bay, St. John Virgin Islands. </div>
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Turtle Bay</div>
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Trunk Bay<br />
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Our unit at the Concordia Eco-Lodge</div>
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Inside our humble abode!</div>
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Imagine what the hurricanes did to these southern exposed units!</div>
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Caneel Bay Resort - before Irma!<br />
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After Hurricane Irma - complete devastation. </div>
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Plantation ruins on St. John</div>
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Clever rock cairns adorn the beach at Drunk Bay. </div>
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Glad we got to see them prior to hurricane season!</div>
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<b> June 2017 - Havasupai Falls Trek</b></div>
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Mountain Park Church group beginning hike to Havasupai and the Falls</div>
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Our friends Mary Cost (far left) and Nicki Kirkeby (far right)</div>
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Transition area between Upper and Lower Navajo Falls</div>
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Havasu Falls<br />
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A tad warm in Phoenix today! Time to head to the beach!</div>
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Building Sand Castles with the Grand Kiddos in Del Mar!</div>
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<b> July 2017 - </b><b>Grand Canyon</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1AkRKA6gnShuE4IZhxr4N_FBB6GPdzztJKcOAfnP5K_LELjWTmsnICBp0_mRNvzal5vhw6mtTNzUYBJZ4XFE2GpJo6OU-RQX8mu0JrgDLwb6vXE-oKmrq1aUoYacGwMYDJqkfZk6EIo/s1600/GC+Train.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1AkRKA6gnShuE4IZhxr4N_FBB6GPdzztJKcOAfnP5K_LELjWTmsnICBp0_mRNvzal5vhw6mtTNzUYBJZ4XFE2GpJo6OU-RQX8mu0JrgDLwb6vXE-oKmrq1aUoYacGwMYDJqkfZk6EIo/s400/GC+Train.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grand Canyon Railway</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcp-emk0LL1NB4sa9QAyKkMlHm9ErxoAZvi154-UIO_bjaHfKwbYashRXq9Jk2iUBQ2ZLpmMOAsdsWmsw3y9bGlbMR1Go1OYP83eUeavOtrNVLUMrHZVH6WnLjEPu4R-8AM8TkwAKFVQ/s1600/5_GC_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcp-emk0LL1NB4sa9QAyKkMlHm9ErxoAZvi154-UIO_bjaHfKwbYashRXq9Jk2iUBQ2ZLpmMOAsdsWmsw3y9bGlbMR1Go1OYP83eUeavOtrNVLUMrHZVH6WnLjEPu4R-8AM8TkwAKFVQ/s400/5_GC_3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Train Robbery. Khai says, "take her!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>August 2017</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm4FJmBUQnGFti5EcSmDDjAy7k9rTqU6FinbHzJQqmJmigFYA34EfbWFiiLlOfwLxurCHgKQ1R23Je6XZakP3D_CCPIKzATdR6zxsfXk17gY0-jxcd9vTA2ROztqqhueW_5211Lg721U/s1600/6_Saguaro_TJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAm4FJmBUQnGFti5EcSmDDjAy7k9rTqU6FinbHzJQqmJmigFYA34EfbWFiiLlOfwLxurCHgKQ1R23Je6XZakP3D_CCPIKzATdR6zxsfXk17gY0-jxcd9vTA2ROztqqhueW_5211Lg721U/s400/6_Saguaro_TJay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Day trip to Kartchner Caverns and Saguaro National Park with Jaylynn<br />
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Jaylynn and Skull Rock - Joshua Tree National Park</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>September 2017 - Trek #59 - National Park of American Samoa!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTCHdeenLOpr2tzNKk2DHySUPj_8JEBYN2ajXJl7tn_Ur7dOMinuWQE9YodxaDS-j1sWoTfMcyb8j1fjCBJ1_Hcgd8ijtJ1xuNEgHMyPstcmDjOYf5XO5dBAUUwMx2eMKSJUI_cQFlM0/s1600/7_AmSam_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTCHdeenLOpr2tzNKk2DHySUPj_8JEBYN2ajXJl7tn_Ur7dOMinuWQE9YodxaDS-j1sWoTfMcyb8j1fjCBJ1_Hcgd8ijtJ1xuNEgHMyPstcmDjOYf5XO5dBAUUwMx2eMKSJUI_cQFlM0/s400/7_AmSam_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tpW-hmwu-tXAIBBqjHsAGFwyywh3smmv3aRNsFVVcm1ruWCnKtpV1kNahZRLmpow-yw9ON3NAfM41uoj7phsAK0ukD90lVKS5DlBItA3mmBUAUPHDQPbIDvSbn1vsrchRpRUGz1iSzE/s1600/7_AmSam_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tpW-hmwu-tXAIBBqjHsAGFwyywh3smmv3aRNsFVVcm1ruWCnKtpV1kNahZRLmpow-yw9ON3NAfM41uoj7phsAK0ukD90lVKS5DlBItA3mmBUAUPHDQPbIDvSbn1vsrchRpRUGz1iSzE/s400/7_AmSam_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On the trail to the top of Mt. Alava</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFjASfbwaEzsmAgP_JLegpn5poSASbPbFitC4JmwC6qTTjArXfL1TgeaqI0Bu795iKP4uCWcebwTPNHQk5x_NbyPgvXhGMKSOfoleRfGJlnnIdbkFK1vS_E0amNeRnvGBLcM7e0_GLO4/s1600/7_AmSam_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFjASfbwaEzsmAgP_JLegpn5poSASbPbFitC4JmwC6qTTjArXfL1TgeaqI0Bu795iKP4uCWcebwTPNHQk5x_NbyPgvXhGMKSOfoleRfGJlnnIdbkFK1vS_E0amNeRnvGBLcM7e0_GLO4/s400/7_AmSam_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pola Island</div>
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<b>November 2017</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IiFTn8WpTPd0QU5xQxPQNKt0-bU82SgKjtWy__f4ZqeyzQ9e-WyC_Oytuj7RmifBDmWjWqZkfvMg9RY9Y9fuIK30CTaiWarX7r5KfVQEdY3uxIzfKciSH_PzILNYe4vbJJTXgF-Gfk/s1600/Cher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1IiFTn8WpTPd0QU5xQxPQNKt0-bU82SgKjtWy__f4ZqeyzQ9e-WyC_Oytuj7RmifBDmWjWqZkfvMg9RY9Y9fuIK30CTaiWarX7r5KfVQEdY3uxIzfKciSH_PzILNYe4vbJJTXgF-Gfk/s400/Cher.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She's still got it!</div>
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<b>December 2017</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNn52p3XMrxyzVYwiYOjr4dkIGMx_B2gMYScla-kfEVn0lL53OzT9g_Enl1CPXFDnbmF1RB8dq-pYPMKHG-BqC0WbMcbmc5shR9sv0FP1UwzjikloZ54J4mlY_2qincteyCKnK5nmHA/s1600/Games.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLNn52p3XMrxyzVYwiYOjr4dkIGMx_B2gMYScla-kfEVn0lL53OzT9g_Enl1CPXFDnbmF1RB8dq-pYPMKHG-BqC0WbMcbmc5shR9sv0FP1UwzjikloZ54J4mlY_2qincteyCKnK5nmHA/s400/Games.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last remaining inventory from our 2nd print run of </div>
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Trekking the National Parks- the Board Game. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekzsAraiNz5Fs3mz8Iv9LvSly6QkAx6nieTTjS0XmlmqapOfhZtOApt6iyAYv_A5TAQLkkXWtzEFEkQ_xHsZ1PT5Yt_f0Axx5IC9STzquEtT7DOwGpGDRnyOSN3TKSqHuWQ-JihsHx9k/s1600/Trekking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekzsAraiNz5Fs3mz8Iv9LvSly6QkAx6nieTTjS0XmlmqapOfhZtOApt6iyAYv_A5TAQLkkXWtzEFEkQ_xHsZ1PT5Yt_f0Axx5IC9STzquEtT7DOwGpGDRnyOSN3TKSqHuWQ-JihsHx9k/s400/Trekking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Still a few games available at <a href="http://www.binkink.com/">www.binkink.com </a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bink Ink 2017 - The rest of the story</b></h2>
</div>
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My Auntie Ester died on December 4<sup>th</sup>, which,
coincidentally, is the date of my mom’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>birth and the passing of Terry’s mom. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry and I had planned on paying Aunt Es a
visit. Sadly, she passed before we could experience her kind, gentle, loving
personality one last time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of positive outcomes from her passing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1 </span></span>It
reinforced in me just how precious life is and how important it is (at least to
me) to stay healthy, be happy, be active and strive to experience the people
and places I desire and admire. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2 </span></span>The
second “gift” came from her estate. My cousins David and Barbara (Esther’s
children) sent me a book that must have been given to Esther from her mother
(my Grandmother), Marie Binkele. I assume that to be true as there is a sticker
on the inside front cover with the following address:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Marie A. Binkele<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
234-C Elm Avenue<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: .5in;">
Burbank, CA 91506<o:p></o:p></div>
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The title of the book: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Getting
the Most out of Life. </i>It’s a collection of stories from The Reader’s Digest
published in 1946. Just the title alone is cause for the curious to dive in and
discover how to extract the most out of one’s existence. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Reflecting back on my Aunt’s life, it seemed to me she took
to heart the essence of this anthology for this woman exuded a happy persona
that got the most out of her 92 years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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So, for what its worth, here’s what the Binkele’s did in
2017 to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">get the most out of life!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>January</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1/20/17</b> - Our
first major “trek” of the year to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">harvest
the fruits of life</i> was our visit to New Zealand in January. Terry booked us
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">standby</i></b>
(my least favorite mode of long distance travel) to Auckland from LAX. We were
fortunate to get the last two seats on the plane! I’ve got to hand it to her;
she’s got a knack for pulling off these adventures. We made it to New Zealand
free of charge. We landed in Auckland on January 22<sup>nd</sup>. Somewhere
during our 12 hours flight, January 21<sup>st</sup> didn’t happen! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since we were flying standby, we had not made any reservations
for lodging or rental car. Cool beans…we’re now homeless and carless in a
foreign country! Not to worry, Terry finds us transportation. We look at a map
and decide to head south to Te Urewera National Park…one of 14 National Parks
in New Zealand. The park is located about 6 hours south of the airport. It
rained during most of the journey as I re-acquainted myself with driving on the
wrong side of the road!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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One of the reasons we booked the trip at this time of year
was because it was supposed to be New Zealand’s summer! Looking at the rainfall
charts, January and February are supposed to be dry months. As we were soon to
discover, the Kiwi’s were experiencing the “wettest summer in years!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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We entered the northern reaches of Te Urewera on a paved
road. That lasted about 3 miles. From that point on, we were traveling on a
wet, slick gravel road that ascended and descended the hilly terrain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The windshield view of the park displayed a dense rainforest
jungle with a wide variety of vegetation. Not much else. No Visitor Center. No
campgrounds. No facilities whatsoever. Very different than the parks here in
the States. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After carefully navigating about 15 miles on the slippery
gravel road, we caught a glimpse of three young men clawing their way up a
steep embankment. Odd? One of the boys flagged us down and asked us if we were
locals. “No, we’re tourists,” I said, wondering why he asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We just rolled our truck off the road down that embankment,”
the young man said, pointing over his shoulder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stopped the rental car, got out and peered
down the slope. Sure enough, their truck was resting on its side, lodged up
against a stand of trees, which kept it from rolling further down. We spent the
next several hours rescuing the three German students from their dilemma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After dropping our three German amigos off at a youth Hostel
in Taupo, Terry and I decided we should probably find a place to stay for the
evening. The Hilton Taupo would serve as our “campsite” for the next two days. (Nice
place to stay for those interested.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next day, Terry and I would visit two more of NZ’s NP’s.
First up - New Zealand’s oldest National Park – Tongariro NP, located about 60
miles southwest (103 km) of the Hilton Taupo. We had hoped to do a bit of
tramping (in New Zealand, hiking is referred to as tramping), however, without
rain gear, we were relegated to spending time in the Visitor Center and Hotel
café! Yep…it rained steadily during our visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our next stop - Whanganui National Park – featuring the Bridge
to Nowhere. We opted out of the boat ride in the rain up the Whanganui River to
the Bridge and instead took a couple of pictures of the river and left. A
couple hours later the rain let up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The following day we headed to the west coast on the wrong
side of the road to New Plymouth the closest city to our next park stop –
Egmont NP. The drive was pleasant and rain free. As we entered New Plymouth, we
could see in the distance tomorrow’s destination – Egmont National Park and the
volcanic Mt. Taranaki. We found a delightful hotel in the city, had a terrific
lunch, walked along the coastline and finished off our first sundrenched day
with a bottle of New Zealand Pinot and a slew of hors d’oeuvres. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still winging it, we woke the next morning to cloudy skies
and set off to visit Egmont. By the time we reached the Visitor Center, the
skies had darkened. The cloud cover was so thick; it drowned out any view of
the mountain. Again, it rained! While chatting it up with a couple of local
ladies, I learned that this was the “wettest summer in years!” Good grief! We’ve
travelled thousands of miles to experience New Zealand’s National Parks only to
find ourselves pelted by perpetual precipitation! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So be it! We’re not about to let a bit of moisture keep us
from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">getting the most out of life!</i> So
onward we go heading south to Wellington. Don’t know where we're gonna stay
when we get there…yet I’m confident Terry will figure that out by the time we
pull into town.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wellington. Gotta say, this city was well worth wading
through the rain. Terry booked us for two nights at the Hotel Intercontinental
right in the middle of downtown. The first night was spent soaking up more NZ
Pinot Noir and just relaxing. Good stuff by the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following morning we awoke to partly cloudy skies. Or
the optimist in me concluded, mostly sunny! After breakfast we wandered over to
the world renowned Wellington Cable Car (one of Wellington’s Top 10 things to
do). The Cable Car ride was ok…yet the walk down through the Wellington
Botanical Garden was incredible! The Hydrangea’s were in full bloom. The
variety of plant material amazing. (I’d rate the Botanical Garden a far better
experience than the Cable Car.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tail end of the Botanical Garden found us in a Garden of
Roses. Here we stopped for a bite to eat before heading down to the scenic
waterfront and museums. The sights were nice; however, we were thoroughly
enjoying a rain-free day exploring KiwiLand! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Off to the
South Island!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We met up with our good friends John and Mary Kirkwood and
Karen and Greg Gill in Queenstown. The four of them had just finished trekking
about Australia. The next 10 days would find us cruising Milford Sound, tasting
many fine New Zealand wines, watching youngin’s bungee jump off the Kawarau
Bridge, trekking the trail to the foot of Franz-Josef Glacier, getting
acquainted with Snowy Mountain (a NZ sheep), exploring Pancake Rocks, viewing
earthquake devastation in Christchurch, wandering about Akaroa, floating
through Glow Worm caves, dancing with the native Maori, and hopping around
Hobbiton!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><b><u>February 6<sup>th</sup></u></b></span>.
We depart Auckland (pronounced Oakland by our three German friends and the locals) on another standby
ticket. This time we had no problem getting aboard. The weird thing about traveling
long distances east-west is that time gets warped! Whereas we never did
experience January 21<sup>st</sup> on our way to New Zealand ... on the return
trip, we arrived in Los Angeles 3 hours BEFORE we departed! All said, we got the
most out of our trip to New Zealand! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b>Side note:</b> Once we had rescued them, I asked the German kids how they got to New Zealand from Germany. Their response: "We departed Munich and flew to Dubai. From Dubai, we flew to Oakland and here we are!" Why, I thought, would you fly from Dubai to Oakland and then to Auckland? Auckland...Oakland...one and the same. Just goes to show what a difference pronunciation can make! </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Park Guide Book</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just prior to departing to New Zealand, we received a
message from Jack Ryan. No, not the character from Tom Clancy’s novels. This
Jack Ryan is affiliated with Eastern National, a non-profit organization that
helps raise money to protect and preserve National Parks east of the
Mississippi. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jack informed us that our brand new Park Guide Book infringed
on Eastern National’s copyright to their National Park Stamp products. You see,
in my infinite wisdom, I thought it would be a terrific idea to include a space
on each page of the new Guide Book where people could get the park insignia
stamped into their Guide Book! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unfortunately, our attempt to offer our customers a way to
memorialize their visits to the parks had created a major faux pas. Our
choices: (a) ignore Jack and continue distributing the new Guide Book, (b) lawyer
up and fight the behemoth Eastern National, (c) do the right thing and reprint
the book. We chose option “c.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the next several months, we ripped the shrink wrap off 2500 games in order to extract the illicit Guide Book and replace it with the freshly reprinted (and very expensive) new one. Then, we painfully re-shrink wrapped every stinking one of those little bastards! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
By the way, if you're looking for a cool gift idea for a park enthusiast, let us know and we'll get you a copy of our Guide Book...the new one!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>March</u></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The highlight of this month was our journey to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SaltCon</b> – a gamers trade show in
Layton, UT (just north of Salt Lake City). Terry stayed home with the dogs,
while Charlie and I peddled our goods! (Trekking and his new game PUPS)<o:p></o:p></div>
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While the show was ok, our quick visit to the Kolob Canyon
section of Zion NP on the return trip was awesome! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>April</u></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fickle finger of fate was favorable to us this year
insomuch as we visited <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Virgin Islands
National Park </b>in April <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">before</i>
Hurricane Irma devastated the island of St. John! VINP was to be #58 on our
quest to visit all 59 of our country’s major National Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had we not gone when we did, there is no
telling when we’d be able to return due to the damage done by Irma.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During our visit to the Virgin Islands, our first “campsite”
was pitched at the Concordia Eco-Lodge located on the southeastern reaches of
the island. Exactly where the hurricane slammed into this tiny isle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since the structures we lodged in the first couple of nights
were plywood and canvas tents, we doubt there is any hope they are still
standing! (I just checked their website and the facility was severely damaged.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Nevertheless, once they rebuild the units, we highly suggest
you spend a night or two at this facility if you ever find yourself on St.
John! Great people. Unique lodging experience and we were introduced to
Caribbean Pain Killers at this resort!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The other couple of nights were spent at the Caneel Bay
Resort. (Very upscale and pricy and not nearly as people-friendly as Concordia)
Even this resort constructed out of rock and mortar took a major hit from Irma and will be closed for at least a year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>June</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For many moons, Terry and I have longed to hike down to the
waterfalls located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation in the western reaches
of the Grand Canyon. We got our opportunity in June when our good friend Mary
Cost invited us to join her church group for their annual trek down to the falls. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All of those pictures you may have seen of Havasupai, Navajo
and Mooney Falls aren’t nearly as exhilarating as witnessing them with your own
eyeballs. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Later in the month we spent a week hanging out at the beach
in Del Mar! Not a bad place to be when the temperatures in Phoenix were pushing
126° and upward! Building sand castles with the Grand Kids proved to be one of the highlights of this visit!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>July</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Family vacation time! Tosh, Greg and the two munchkins (Khai
and Jaylynn) met us in Williams, AZ to begin our Grand Canyon Railway
experience! After spending the night in Williams, we boarded the Grand Canyon
Railway and headed off to that huge hole in the ground known as the Grand
Canyon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Khai is a big fan of all things trains so he had a marvelous
time boarding the Pullman Car. Both JJ and Khai got a real kick out of the
Train Robber incident, willingly handing over the loot Papa John provided! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We overnighted at the Maswik Lodge. Grammy Terry had us
scheduled to take the Hermits’ West Bus Tour. On the way to the bus, Khai had a
few issues and opted out of the tour. Grammy Terry and he went back to the
Lodge and engaged in a raucous pillow fight!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, Tosh, Greg and Jaylynn joined me on the bus tour
that headed out on the West Rim Road to Hermits Rest. The twilight tour was
accentuated by a summer thunderstorm complete with jagged streaks of lightning,
loud claps of thunder and colorful rim-to-rim rainbows. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>August</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jaylynn had wanted to spend a week with Grammy Terry and
Papa John after the Grand Canyon experience; however, she had some other
commitments and had to wait until August to join us for a week of fun and
adventure. First up, a visit to Kartchner Caverns for a cave tour. The cave
captivated a bit of her interest; however, I think she got the biggest kick out
of taking “Bat Pictures” in the Visitor Center! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Off to Saguaro and Joshua Tree NPs to study the park’s
unusual cacti and yucca’s and to collect Park Stamps in <s>our illicit Park
Guide Book</s>! JJ’s legal Park Passport!<o:p></o:p></div>
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After dropping JJ off in Temecula, Terry and I met up with
our good friends the Gill’s and Kirkwood’s in Ramona for several days of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">getting the most out of life</i> playing
golf, tasting wines, attending plays and the Laguna Art Festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>September</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2009, Terry and I established a Life Plan Goal of
visiting all 59 of America’s major National Parks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
previously mentioned, we visited #58 (Virgin Islands NP) in April.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past September, we made it to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">National Park of American Samoa</b> – the
59<sup>th</sup> and final destination on our Trek to the Parks! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The park was nice; however, the highlight of the trip was
meeting the local Samoans. Delightful people! When the Park Rangers learned
that our visit concluded our mission of tramping about all 59, they make up a
special Certificate of Completion for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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On the return trip from American Samoa, we stayed at the Big Island Hawaii's <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kilauea Lodge</b> for the 2<sup>nd</sup>
time. This is the lodge where we decided to visit all 59 parks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>October</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I briefly came out of retirement for a month to help write a
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Low Voltage Lighting Training Manual</b>
for Hunter Industries – the company I last worked for after they bought FX
Luminaire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was exhilarating to
reacquaint myself with the brave new world of LED lighting…and get paid to do
so! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>November</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Online sales of Trekking and PUPS began to heat up in
November; however, we took <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>time out to
head to Las Vegas to see<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><b>Cher</b> perform
at the Monte Carlo with our good friends Karen and Greg Gill. At 71 years old,
Cher is still a fabulous entertainer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Prior to our Vegas junket, Terry and I snuck up to Sedona to
celebrate the 36<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of our First Date - November 5th!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>December</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shipping games like crazy! We’ve got less than 200 Trekking
games left in stock which means we've sold over 6400 copies since we began this project. Charlie is working on a new version of the game he hopes
to Kickstart some time soon! <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the motivations behind the creation of Trekking was
to create a product that the many National Park non-profit organizations could
offer in their gift shops to help them raise money for the further preservation
and protection of our country’s natural treasures. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Currently, 21 different park associations are offering our
little game. During 2017 our park affiliates sold 983 games; which means
collectively they raised over $39,000 for their coffers by selling our game in
their gift shops!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The current Administration plans on cutting the National Park Service’s annual budget. With that being said, the Binkele family will continue to
do what we can to support the parks. These special places have been set aside
for all of us to enjoy. If you are interested in preserving and protecting
these precious resources, we encourage you to reach out to your local congress people and let them
know how important the preservation of these parks are to the benefit of all Americans. Help keep these treasures for the good of all rather than for benefit of the gas and mining industry or the rich. <o:p></o:p></div>
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If you’re rich and do not care about these places, please
ignore this rant. Otherwise, we encourage you to do what you can to help
protect the parks. Go visit these outdoor cathedrals. The more people who show
interest in the parks, the harder it will be for the power brokers to pilfer
them from the general population. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I am convinced a visit to the parks will help you get
more out of life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Go take a hike and we </span>wish you well in
the New Year.<o:p></o:p></div>
John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-61542776064183679712017-09-27T14:14:00.002-07:002017-10-02T13:55:57.310-07:00NP#59 - American Samoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOKZ-7SNryPxz5mb_1_5rKKRF2_jRDBlomo4dmnmj5e8xAX6Yca3B6enjerrtgcIMB_sAFFoX4Tzo67nrq7_itF4MXmWb-YtvHdt98Yeu9UX1druZHNlOkH2N0jBwA_OVOjc4Y1tmgr4/s1600/1_AmSam_59JT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOKZ-7SNryPxz5mb_1_5rKKRF2_jRDBlomo4dmnmj5e8xAX6Yca3B6enjerrtgcIMB_sAFFoX4Tzo67nrq7_itF4MXmWb-YtvHdt98Yeu9UX1druZHNlOkH2N0jBwA_OVOjc4Y1tmgr4/s400/1_AmSam_59JT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>September 19, 2017</b></div>
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Park visit number 59 - the National Park of American Samoa!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sTmY7tcIE44dI-_K2arVt8YdIuLpNi6gw7B0qO6w834LBzY__VpvkhM31BKiLV2HI8Br9S7U9lGStY-f_br5vS5l-CtBBU8bfV2Y0CmsZ-FYLAbvyOQFQ4LoMGHCiqfV1S7-D5qrp1A/s1600/4_PolaShore__.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sTmY7tcIE44dI-_K2arVt8YdIuLpNi6gw7B0qO6w834LBzY__VpvkhM31BKiLV2HI8Br9S7U9lGStY-f_br5vS5l-CtBBU8bfV2Y0CmsZ-FYLAbvyOQFQ4LoMGHCiqfV1S7-D5qrp1A/s400/4_PolaShore__.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pola Island Coastline</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS4tvoVt09A9sgZ-GV4w9tRXT9IGj-Frb90SpGcrhGHt6HOPCpR-B4OQm-8tdRjTKP4kJiGJxm6i208jdITjslRkbO8FFSZbb1IksExwB-i44-7btGx40JzfxpJi38cJP-H9tzW8_R68/s1600/4_Pola_2_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXS4tvoVt09A9sgZ-GV4w9tRXT9IGj-Frb90SpGcrhGHt6HOPCpR-B4OQm-8tdRjTKP4kJiGJxm6i208jdITjslRkbO8FFSZbb1IksExwB-i44-7btGx40JzfxpJi38cJP-H9tzW8_R68/s400/4_Pola_2_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Pola Island</b> from Sauma Ridge Trailhead</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRBl9Q0KDT9WoV872APIL9U95bTD2O_5AMAokqzVhKu2oFxJ_1hlWqiSHMXegHQCYOnsWWllbC1qqcBqqrRn4EhKAj_Vz8SDcQ_Yjm4C7xvE6XWPoewUe35-BWcRpcR2fy9e8Rb2zuU4/s1600/4_Pola_Coast_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRBl9Q0KDT9WoV872APIL9U95bTD2O_5AMAokqzVhKu2oFxJ_1hlWqiSHMXegHQCYOnsWWllbC1qqcBqqrRn4EhKAj_Vz8SDcQ_Yjm4C7xvE6XWPoewUe35-BWcRpcR2fy9e8Rb2zuU4/s400/4_Pola_Coast_3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Rocky coastline leading to <b>Pola Island</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuilH88_PLROnulmHidpzLmxrIQ4jtDVkZehsNmh1Idn5UFqFZi5DdMkT8Jwir_H2tJs2w8VfCxMMzWowALrNffw-Gxu_gVz05iLHEKxfI4ntTGPCcsaDiIZklxZcJJIolOF66WSwSDQk/s1600/4_Pola_Coast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuilH88_PLROnulmHidpzLmxrIQ4jtDVkZehsNmh1Idn5UFqFZi5DdMkT8Jwir_H2tJs2w8VfCxMMzWowALrNffw-Gxu_gVz05iLHEKxfI4ntTGPCcsaDiIZklxZcJJIolOF66WSwSDQk/s400/4_Pola_Coast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Sand beaches are in the minority on the island of <b>Tutuila </b>(pronounced too too EE lah)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gjDeCmdAuzqbuXQmVFh2EWHmzKFb4XW16AMyhb2e0OtpbnbCic0iK6DI4sD2qj5iroTs3i9PqnjE5mdxDa4IM5N0tAhc9FRmahzzENP6_tbgxY9sTSir92u6YiosuN5VcA4s51xrtqQ/s1600/1_JTandPai_59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3gjDeCmdAuzqbuXQmVFh2EWHmzKFb4XW16AMyhb2e0OtpbnbCic0iK6DI4sD2qj5iroTs3i9PqnjE5mdxDa4IM5N0tAhc9FRmahzzENP6_tbgxY9sTSir92u6YiosuN5VcA4s51xrtqQ/s400/1_JTandPai_59.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Celebrating our 59th park visit with <b>Pai Aukuso</b> and a sign left behind from another couple who made the National Park of American Samoa their final destination.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PvCM6nrn4YVMr2eplPi-Vecmi2yXilKJLWpUaRRFmBCpreh-qm2z2BkHsZ1ZTUOhj7Xlo08YtLsaDWskiU98AfpYURmd7M9NEextG4QU_dcGAxj07ftUCdOVDBFM4uz9RJ0UT2AZmEg/s1600/1_AmSamCert_Pua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_PvCM6nrn4YVMr2eplPi-Vecmi2yXilKJLWpUaRRFmBCpreh-qm2z2BkHsZ1ZTUOhj7Xlo08YtLsaDWskiU98AfpYURmd7M9NEextG4QU_dcGAxj07ftUCdOVDBFM4uz9RJ0UT2AZmEg/s400/1_AmSamCert_Pua.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Park Ranger <b>Pua Tuaua </b>presented Terry and me with a <b>Certificate of Completion</b>!</div>
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-8-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSAtu_5LBIh4JGQHKKQ0k0NureOZSY_zmXHkYpspPZFeO3JE3FGa8jrpHyrlWWp3XW1Y4hdTzTqo9xwwmxSJGIusG5isGmdoykwQ0UCEaZEGuEVUBhVbYJWrEft3X-g3_XaQdUJ0fok4/s1600/1_Andrey*.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSAtu_5LBIh4JGQHKKQ0k0NureOZSY_zmXHkYpspPZFeO3JE3FGa8jrpHyrlWWp3XW1Y4hdTzTqo9xwwmxSJGIusG5isGmdoykwQ0UCEaZEGuEVUBhVbYJWrEft3X-g3_XaQdUJ0fok4/s400/1_Andrey*.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Andry Senefili </b>is the park's Interpretive Ranger...and very good at it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1KXKZ4Sr4z55uZ1E76e2AUxgQMNPyLHm9H5Xab7mDhNDTLdrrLUZ1_dG4SvpByPGsVRyRs-_eK_GaQOaiQPVGgYgs8v86eUT_178e3ADKmSdXXrpMN0N9DXpT8Au_IGT7Ry7ioNJ2oI/s1600/3_SaumaRidgeTrail_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1KXKZ4Sr4z55uZ1E76e2AUxgQMNPyLHm9H5Xab7mDhNDTLdrrLUZ1_dG4SvpByPGsVRyRs-_eK_GaQOaiQPVGgYgs8v86eUT_178e3ADKmSdXXrpMN0N9DXpT8Au_IGT7Ry7ioNJ2oI/s400/3_SaumaRidgeTrail_1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Hiking the <b>Lower Sauma Ridge Trail.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQPa9or5KLudESWveWjpY_1KFzG_p1JjFdm7VGQZZt6qbQjGPXVSX1-HEgiQffp9ULcIv1PqpZVYoTvlkZUrWThyphenhyphenPwFbF8U-vOCIusq48lrOHA9rwDsII95dD9OmvqjHvvKB7FATqgRM/s1600/5_Mt_Alava_Hike-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQPa9or5KLudESWveWjpY_1KFzG_p1JjFdm7VGQZZt6qbQjGPXVSX1-HEgiQffp9ULcIv1PqpZVYoTvlkZUrWThyphenhyphenPwFbF8U-vOCIusq48lrOHA9rwDsII95dD9OmvqjHvvKB7FATqgRM/s400/5_Mt_Alava_Hike-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A trek to the summit...a 7-mile, moderately rated hike to the top of <b>Mt. Alava. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpIEQ836yWcqoEbiAZ2_guM1tEeuNQC8D-CD2i1W9q5P23HHmQkzyMBWgDnWuIRg_hrZkcKe96zsUaX93FQveDPWdaoziEqL6u1YXCuuaYQu_maUoI2R791gUGte_rkGwdyo44b6KISs/s1600/5_Mt_Alava_Hike_Plants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpIEQ836yWcqoEbiAZ2_guM1tEeuNQC8D-CD2i1W9q5P23HHmQkzyMBWgDnWuIRg_hrZkcKe96zsUaX93FQveDPWdaoziEqL6u1YXCuuaYQu_maUoI2R791gUGte_rkGwdyo44b6KISs/s400/5_Mt_Alava_Hike_Plants.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plants in the paleotropical rainforest.</div>
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Hermit Crabs joining us on our hike to the summit!</div>
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Local color.</div>
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Stairway to heaven...actually to the summit of Mt. Alava. </div>
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Getting closer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVRr9f49Lsx04tp-S99Iagfu7y1SnNkmiHy73lUss6qBxAtiG4ne2OIQSvTkSjDEMJuaslLmQpaysLduxZkTb48o_YUxyC0z7-hnlpp2r0ApfFdlAbm30ytCPA782kj-SO7QzH9lyqe4/s1600/5_Mt_Alava_Summit_view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVRr9f49Lsx04tp-S99Iagfu7y1SnNkmiHy73lUss6qBxAtiG4ne2OIQSvTkSjDEMJuaslLmQpaysLduxZkTb48o_YUxyC0z7-hnlpp2r0ApfFdlAbm30ytCPA782kj-SO7QzH9lyqe4/s400/5_Mt_Alava_Summit_view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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View from the summit.</div>
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Summit shelter keeps us dry as it begins to rain. </div>
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Terry munching her Almond Joy</div>
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Rope trail down from the summit!</div>
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Tutuila coastline.</div>
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Eastern side of the island of Tutuila</div>
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<b>Sadie's by the Sea</b> - our vacation home while visiting the NP of AmSam</div>
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Mt. Pioa - "Rainmaker Mountain" view from our room</div>
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Misty morning on Rainmaker Mountain</div>
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Without a doubt, the food at the <b>Goat </b>was as good as it gets on this island! </div>
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Local students honored their park with the following incredible murals placed just outside the park Visitor Center</div>
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Siapo Tapestry</div>
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Siapo Tapestry</div>
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The American Samoa version of Starbucks!</div>
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We made it to all 59!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our 59<sup>th</sup> Park Experience – the
National Park of American Samoa<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In September
of 2011, my wife Terry and I created a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Life
Plan</b> that included a goal of visiting all 59<sup>* </sup>of America’s foremost
National Parks. We’re talking about the likes of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Great
Smoky Mountains and the Grand Canyon in addition to lesser-known sites such as Kobuk
Valley, Guadalupe Mountain and Congaree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On September
19, 2017, we achieved the objective with our 59<sup>th</sup> park visit to the
National Park of American Samoa. While drafting the text for this blog post, it
occurred to me that by far, the finest aspect of our visit to this particular national
park was meeting the people of the park! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Pai
Aukso, Pua Tuaua</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Andry Senefili</b>
were beyond a shadow of doubt, the friendliest, and most welcoming of any park
staff we’ve encountered during our trek to all 59 of America’s finest outdoor
cathedrals!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pai, Pua and
Andry treated us most graciously, listening attentively to our stories about
our travels to America’s amazing natural resources and then thoroughly educated
Terry and me about their park – its history, its key features and the culture
of the Samoan people who came to these islands 3000 years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 9.0pt;">* In 2009, there were only 58
major National Parks. Number 59 – Pinnacles NP – came on line in 2013, hence we
updated the goal to include Pinnacles! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Here’s what
we learned about American Samoa, its people and its fascinating park:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The word<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Samoa </b>translated means<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> sacred earth. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">American Samoa</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> consists of 5 major volcanic islands
amounting to a total of 76 square miles above sea level. The largest of these
islands is Tutuila (pronounced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">too too EE
lah</i>). Tutuila is a narrow, mountainous island 20-miles in length with an
east to west orientation. Tutuila’s biggest village is Pago Pago (pronounced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pahng-oh Pahng- oh</i>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sixty miles to the east of Tutuila are the
other two other islands – Ofu and Ta’ū -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>that include areas of the National Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The National
Park of American Samoa is considered one of the country’s most remote. (From
our perspective, Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic in Alaska were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the most remote</i> of all the 59 parks we
visited.) The islands are situated 2600 miles southwest of Hawaii and only 100
miles east of the International Date Line. The islands are one hour behind
Hawaiian time and 1 day behind Samoa! (Formerly called Western Samoa)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Ninety
percent (90%) of these islands are covered with a paleotropical
rainforest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A paleotropical rainforest
is a mixed-species forest where no single plant or tree dominates. This forest
is closely related to those found in Asia and Africa as opposed to neotropical
rainforests of Central and South America. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Weather.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> The average daytime temperature is a humid 82°-84°. Water
temperatures range from 82°-86°. Not quite as warm as our swimming pool in the
summer…but close! We chose to visit American Samoa in September because that is
the month where the rainfall is supposed to be its sparsest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guidebooks told us of the 120 inches of
annual rainfall, an average of only 5 inches of rain is supposed to fall in
September. I believe the island got 3 of those 5 inches the first full day we
were on the island! Rain showers can last a few minutes…or all day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting around</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">. On the island of Tutulia, you have several
transportation options. We opted to rent a car, which, although expensive, gave
us the freedom to come and go as we pleased. The locals typically use the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aiga</i> or family busses, which operate unscheduled
every day but Sunday. Fares on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aiga</i>
run from 50 cents to $2 depending on where you’re going. There are bus stops
along the roadways; however, you can simply wave at these independently owned
and operated busses to get them to stop. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If you
venture over to Ofu or Ta’ū, you will not find rental cars, busses or taxis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Wildlife.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> We had read about the “flying foxes” of American Samoa and were
eager to get a glimpse of these mammals once on the island. The flying foxes
are really not foxes at all. The two species of fruit bats got this moniker
because of their foxlike facial features.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The fruit
bats are the only native mammals found on American Samoa. We did get to see a
few of them as we drove about the island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Although
they probably shouldn’t be classified as “wildlife” there are literally
hundreds of dogs roaming the streets, sleeping under trees and guarding
households throughout the island. Many of them appear to be wild! The three
canines we encountered at the Pola Island Trailhead were downright ornery!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Besides the
many different species of seabirds we saw, the only other critters of interest
were the Hermit Crabs we encountered during our hike to the top of Mt. Alava.
Hermit Crabs at 1600 feet above sea level? What the heck are these crustaceans
doing up here? Nobody knew the answer to my question!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Park</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The National Park of
American Samoa (AmSam) is the only park located south of the equator. The park
was established in 1988; however, because of Samoan tradition, the land and sea
areas within the park boundaries could not be purchased by the National Park
Service (NPS). This matter was resolved in 1993 when the NPS entered into a
50-year lease with the Samoan village councils. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The park
consists of 9,000 land based acres and 4500 acres of coral reefs and ocean. It
was established to protect and preserve the coral reefs, paleotropical
rainforests, the “flying foxes” and the Samoan culture. The most popular
activities within the park are hiking its trails and snorkeling the reefs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
facilities at this park are not like those found at most parks on the mainland.
We found no campgrounds, picnic areas or restrooms. The trails we hiked were
adequately maintained and the beaches clean of debris. For the Eco tourist,
this is as natural as it gets!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tsunami!</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> One evening at dinner, we couldn’t help but catch glimpses of the
news about the calamity Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused Florida, Puerto Rico, and
other islands in the Caribbean. With heightened awareness about the devastation
these storms can inflict, we couldn’t help but notice all the Tsunami warming
signs posted all along the coastal region.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We asked Pai
Aukuso about the possibility of a tsunami occurring during our stay. She told
us the last major tsunami occurred on September 29, 2009 following an 8.1
magnitude earthquake epicentered about 150 miles northwest of Tutuila.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The tsunami
destroyed the park’s Visitor Center and caused substantial damage to the island
with waves reaching up to 20 feet washing ashore. The new Visitor Center is
located on the 2<sup>nd</sup> story and has a blue line depicting where the
water level reached during the flooding. Fortunately, during our stay the
largest wave we experienced was about 6 inches tall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our 59<sup>th</sup> Park Experience.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting there.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Visiting American Samoa is an adventure all
by itself! There are only two scheduled flights from Honolulu each week. One on
Monday. Another on Friday. That’s it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Being a
former Flight Attendant, Terry likes to take advantage of her free flight
benefits. Hence, she typically schedules us to fly “standby” to our
destinations. When planning this trip, she booked us on American Airlines from
Phoenix (PHX) to Honolulu (HNL) – standby – assuring me there were plenty of
seats available!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Note: I hate
flying standby! Nevertheless, we departed PHX on September 16<sup>th</sup> for
HNL and had no problem getting on board. In fact, there was a single First
Class seat still available when we checked in and my lovely bride allowed me to
ride up front! Ok, maybe this standby business is all right after all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We spent a
couple of days noodling around Oahu before departing for Pago Pago (PPG) on the
Monday night flight. Originally, Terry had planned to book the entire trip
standby!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re talking PHX to HNL to PPG
to HNL and back to PHX. Terry decided that since there are only 2 flights per
week from HNL to PPG, we should consider buying a ticket. Thank goodness she
did! The flights to and from PPG were packed! The outbound flight to PPG was
relatively uneventful except for the pair of knees constantly poking the back
of my seat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting around.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> We arrived on the island of Tutuila around
10:30 pm. The airport is rather modest. We deplaned via stairs and funneled
into the small customs and immigration area before retrieving our bags.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once our
bags were secured, we proceeded to the Avis Rental booth. The shuttle from the
airport to where Avis stores its rental cars consists of a young man and his
Toyota pickup truck. Five of us await the shuttle. The driver can only handle
four of us. A kind gentleman offered to stay behind and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said with a smile that he’d “catch the next
shuttle!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After
pointing out all the dents and dings on our Toyota RAV, we ask the attendant
how to get to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sadie’s by the Sea</b> –
the hotel we’re staying at near the park. He points in a direction that just
doesn't seem right to me. But who am I to question a local’s directions? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Leaving the airport
in the RAV, we quickly discovered Samoans are in no hurry to get anywhere. The
top speed limit on most roads is 25 mph. In many parts of the island, the speed
limit is 15 or 20 mph…and unlike drivers in the USA who take speed limit signs
to mean, “Speed Suggestion,” the islanders obey the signs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">There is
only one main road on Tutuila. It is referred to as the 001 and runs east-west
across most of the island. We set out into the night and soon discovered that
road signs are nearly extinct on this island. We thought we had found the 001,
but couldn’t really determine if we were on the right track due to lack of
signage! My Spidy senses were twitching. I had no idea if we were going the
right way when we passed a sign indicating the turnoff for the Ili’Ili golf
Course. (Yes, there is a golf course on the island. More about that later.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We took a
look at the map our Avis Counter person gave us and discovered that my Spidy
senses were right! We were heading west. The Avis dude had sent us packing in
the exact opposite direction of where Sadie’s is located! By the way, you might
be wondering why we didn’t just pull out our iPhones and dial up Google Maps.
Good luck with that if you visit this tropical island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We
eventually found the 001 and turned eastbound. Top speed on this “major
thoroughfare” is 25 mph. Now don’t get me wrong. I didn’t mind crawling along
at a snails pace this evening because not only are street signs and
streetlights non-existent, business signs are few and far between as well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we be able to find Sadie’s at night…in
the dark…on an unfamiliar island…102 miles from the International Date Line? We
did…at 11:45 pm!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lodging.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Terry booked us to spend four nights at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Sadie’s by the Sea</b>. As it turns out Sadie’s is one of the island’s “premier”
hotels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re assigned room 217. Second
story with a view of a small sand beach and the Pago Pago Harbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dead tired
from our flight and the fiasco of finding Sadie’s in the dark, we hit the
sheets and immediately fall off to sleep. I’m not sure if its jet lag or what,
but I’m up at 5 am! Terry’s sound asleep. I read my book. She softly snores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Weather.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Terry gets out of the sack around 7:30 this Tuesday morning. The
skies are dark and threatening. Since we didn’t have any dinner on the flight
from HNL, we’re a bit hungry and in search of food. The Goat Mountain Café is
adjacent to Sadie’s. As we make our way to the Goat, the skies open up. I
remember the brochure saying it could rain for just a few minutes…or all day
long. The clouds are looking like it could be an all-dayer! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Fortunately,
the rain only lasted a half-day on Tuesday. During the rest of the trip, we
encountered only sporadic rainfall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Dining.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Food is important. Good food is desired. I will admit that my
expectations regarding the quality of food on this remote island were low.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Goat Mountain Café immediately exceeded
my expectations! Much to my delight, my Veggie Omelet was excellent and Terry’s
Eggs Benedict superb!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At
breakfast, our situation begins to sink in. Here we are on a remote tropical
island visiting the final park of our quest to visit them all. The pace of life
is much slower and more primitive than in the USA. And that’s quite ok with us.
What’s the hurry? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We would
dine at the Goat each day and found every meal to be delightful! Our server
Ruta, was friendly and quite charming! We asked for her each evening. She
helped us learn the language. As mentioned earlier, Pago Pago is actually
pronounced <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pahng-oh Pahng- oh</i>. The
“g” is mostly silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the locals pronounce
Sāmoa as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">SAY moah</i>. Strong emphasis on
the SAY part of the word. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Park.</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> With the weather looking rather inclement, we hop in the RAV and
set off to explore the island. Our first stop is to find the National Park of
American Samoa sign and take pictures with our “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">59</b>“ flag in hand! At the summit of road 006, we find the sign, snap
our pix and continue on to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lower
Sauma Ridge Trail</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The view
across Vatia Bay to Pola Island, nesting grounds for sea birds, is hampered by
the cloud cover. Since all of our park visits included hiking, we set out to
trek the short Ridge Trail. Very easy 0.4 mile round trip hike although a bit
slippery due to the rain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">From the
Lower Sauma Ridge, the RAV winds its way down the steeps of road 006 to Vatia
Village where we are greeted by Chief Dave who is wheel barrowing his trash
down the center of the road. Dave repeatedly welcomes us to his village. The
glazed and very bloodshot look of his eyes along with his slurred speech tell
us Dave is pretty much stoned out of his gourd. Nice enough guy, however after
the 10<sup>th</sup> “welcome to our village,” Terry and I chose to bid Dave
adieu and venture on to the Vai’ava Straight Natural Landmark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At the
entrance to the Landmark, a trio of loudly barking, very angry looking dogs
greets us. In fact, there are dogs everywhere you go on this island. Dogs lying
under trees. Dogs roaming the streets. Dogs guarding landmarks. Not excited
about dealing with dogs at this particular moment, we chose to turn around and
get some lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Back to the
Goat for a late lunch. Terry’s Rueben and my NZ Burger were delightful. Two
meals at the Goat…all four thumbs up! As it would turn out, there was no need
for us to eat anywhere else. After lunch, we decided to retrace our steps from
last night…only this time in daylight. We’d head back toward the airport and
see what we missed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We quickly
learned that heading eastbound at 4 pm on the 001 is a very bad idea. If you
think the max speed of 25 mph is annoying, traffic on the 001 at this time of
day resembles the 405 in Los Angeles at rush hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The map Avis gave us shows a multitude of
cities or towns or villages along 001. Yet we soon discovered that if there are
signs indicating the location of these villages, they are very well
camouflaged! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We drove
west as far as Auma, then turned back to check out the Ili’Ili Golf course just
off route 014. Upon inspection, we chose to pass on playing the Ili. The price
was more than fair; however, the rental clubs were a mixed bag of ragtag sticks
and the practice putting green appeared to be rolling about a 0.5 on the
Stimpmeter. A tad shaggy to say the least. From there, we headed back to
Sadie’s and the Goat for dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9/20/17</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> – Slept in until 6:30 this morning. Cloudy skies again today. A
fellow tourist told us that the weather forecast for the remainder of the week
called for rain! At 6:30, it appeared this forecast might prove to be accurate!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once Terry
awoke and freshened up, we wandered back to the Goat for more food. We
discovered early on that the serving portions were very generous. Hence, we
began splitting meals…and still had plenty to eat. By the way, if you ever do
find yourself in Pago Pago, go to the Goat and order their Chicken Quesadilla.
Best we’ve ever had!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After
breakfast, the sun poked out from behind the grey skies and provided us with
some photo opportunities. We hustled back up to Sauma Ridge and then back down
to Vatia Village. This time, Dave was not there to greet us and the three
ornery dogs had gone off to terrorize others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now that
we’ve actually set foot in Park #59, we needed to pay a visit to the park’s
Visitor Center to purchase our Park Pin, a commemorative Hat and Teeshirt and
learn more about this area. As I mentioned earlier, the highlight of Trek 59
was the people we met at the Visitor Center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The first
person we encountered was Pai, who was stationed at the reception desk. She
welcomed us to the park and asked us about our travels. When we mentioned that
AmSam was our 59<sup>th</sup> and final park on our quest to trek them all, she
went and got Pua Tuaua, the Park Ranger on Duty. Pua and Pai gave us perhaps
the warmest welcome we’ve ever experienced at any of the 59 parks we’ve been
to. When they learned that AmSam was the final chapter in our quest, they
created a personalized “Certificate of Completion” and ceremoniously presented
it to us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Following
the presentation ceremony, we hopped back in the RAV and proceeded to venture
eastbound on Highway 001. We drove along at the blistering pace of 27 mph
passing through Alega, Faga’itua, and Tula. We almost stopped at Tisa’s
Barefoot Bar; however, there didn’t appear to be anybody working there when we
passed by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On our
return trip from the east coast, we stopped back by the Visitor Center and had
the pleasure of meeting Andrey Senefili – the park’s Interpretive Ranger.
Andry is a delightful young man who enlightened us about the cultural ways of
the Samoan people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explained the
making of the Siapo – one of the oldest cultural art forms of the Samoan
people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The process
involved in creating the Siapo tapa is to first cultivate the bark from a Paper
Mulberry tree, stripping the bark from the tree, repeatedly beating and
scraping it until its thin enough and wide enough to apply the patterns thus
creating an artistic tapestry like those shown in pictures #37 and 38. When
Andrey learned we had created a game about the National Parks and had written a
Park Guide Book, he was eager to have his picture taken with us so he could
prove to his friends that he met the “authors” of the game and Guide Book! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We learn the
park gets about 42,000 visitors each year. That’s about the same number of
people who visit Great Smokey Mountain National Park in a day and a half. Many
of these visitors arrive by cruise ship. Lucky for us, the cruisers typically
don’t arrive until October. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After
leaving Andry and the Visitor Center, we drove up to Fagasa Pass to check out
the trailhead for tomorrow’s scheduled hike – weather permitting. Our
destination will be the summit of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mt.
Alava</b>. The 7-mile round trip Mt. Alava Trail is rated “challenging” which
means it is most likely easy to moderate for anybody who is in decent shape. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">9/21/17</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a hearty
breakfast, we drove back up to Fasama Pass to begin our hike to the top of Mt.
Alava. The trail is actually a rugged road that once led up to a banana and
coconut plantation. It would take a strong effort by a burly 4-wheel drive
vehicle to navigate this deeply rutted roadway up to the summit; however, those
of us with 2-foot drive and a sturdy set of hiking boots did just fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike many of the more crowded trails in
other parks, here we were the only ones hiking Mt. Alava. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
ridgeline trail leads you through a paleotropical rainforest – the only one of
its kind in the National Park system. Most of the trail is sheltered from
direct sun by the rainforests canopy. About halfway to the summit, we
encountered a troupe of Hermit Crabs scurrying about the trail. I was under the
impression Hermit Crabs hung out by the seashore…and not at 1000 feet above sea
level. Yet, here they are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">This hike is
divided into three sections. The first section includes a steady incline with
an occasional segment of the steeps. The middle section is the reverse of the
first. You will find yourself losing all the altitude you’ve gained during the
first section. The final third is uphill culminating with a climb up a 69-step
metal stairway leading to the towers and shelter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If you
choose to trek to the top of Mt Alava, be sure to take plenty of water, some
snacks and expect to get wet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
elevation at the summit of Mt Alava is 1610’ – the same height as Rainmaker
Mountain. And like Rainmaker, this peak creates its own weather. It did not
rain a drop until we reached the summit shelter. Just as we sat down to eat our
snacks, the sky opened up and it rained steadily for 15 minutes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">On our way back
down the mountain, we stopped at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Starstruck
</b>for a cappuccino! As you may gather by its name, Starstruck is the
Starbucks of American Samoa. If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee in Pago
Pago, Starstruck is the place to go!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At dinner
that evening, we reviewed our visit to American Samoa. Hands down, the most
gratifying experience we encountered were the three people we met at the
Visitor Center. Pua, Pai and Andry made our lengthy journey well worthwhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry and I are thankful that we were able to
end our quest of visiting all 59 parks with meeting these three delightful
people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our National
Parks are truly “samoa” - sacred earth. They represent treasured landscapes
that people from all over the world come to experience and enjoy. It is our
hope that you too will become inspired to visit these extraordinary
recreational resources. And we hope and encourage<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our nation’s leaders to have the presence of
mind to preserve and protect the integrity of the parks now and for all future
generations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Happy trails
everyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For those of
you who’ve asked us “What’s next?” we’re happy to report that our next Life
Plan Goal is to visit all the parks in the Four Corners States. We’re talking
the monuments, historical sites, recreational areas as well as revisiting the
National Parks! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-20841020534459252672017-07-31T15:02:00.001-07:002017-07-31T17:30:19.088-07:00Grand Canyon 2017<h3 style="text-align: center;">
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<b>July 28th</b> - Grand Canyon Railway - Williams, AZ to the Grandest of Canyons. (Click on images to enlarge)<br />
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Old #5 - Williams, AZ</div>
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The long walk to Pullman</div>
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Khai working his way to the Pullman Car</div>
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All aboard! Tickets please.</div>
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Stolen glasses!</div>
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Cozying up to Pappa!</div>
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First glimpse of the Canyon - Khai says "....its massive!"</div>
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Our "Gang"</div>
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Pappa John, Grammy Terry, Jaylynn, Tosha, Khai and Greg</div>
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The Henderson Gang</div>
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Tosh and Jaylynn peering into the depths of the canyon</div>
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JJ and Chippy</div>
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Stormy Sunset Canyon Tour</div>
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Loving it!</div>
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Dad and the JayKid</div>
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A hug for mom</div>
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A stop at roads end</div>
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Greg looking for the elusive pot of gold</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Grand Canyon along the Hermit's Rest Route</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwovR7Gp4os_ixzo1Bm35LQ4swUjcR-SES6wNBY84-FG4lCGEV7erO0zyrgVV4MTfMh_8yzD8E_UJqWk8VrNjwbp9dynZP2KTbAsDbbUvZ-J1fPnTPK3fwxKO3wIOjz8ynBk9CXPLJkow/s1600/Grand_Canyon_2017_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwovR7Gp4os_ixzo1Bm35LQ4swUjcR-SES6wNBY84-FG4lCGEV7erO0zyrgVV4MTfMh_8yzD8E_UJqWk8VrNjwbp9dynZP2KTbAsDbbUvZ-J1fPnTPK3fwxKO3wIOjz8ynBk9CXPLJkow/s400/Grand_Canyon_2017_26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiKlMhn43lJRXgdaYCn5T0y-LSkrag7u5qN2M42ThkY8onnVljSKvkXqjqBSscWW8GXsgvfduAF_ECvkDqp66YviYqtW-ajkRtgakWTSe7nJoaogF_dRCdSxhwPN1v8AnK-A6UrCURBM/s1600/Grand_Canyon_2017_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiKlMhn43lJRXgdaYCn5T0y-LSkrag7u5qN2M42ThkY8onnVljSKvkXqjqBSscWW8GXsgvfduAF_ECvkDqp66YviYqtW-ajkRtgakWTSe7nJoaogF_dRCdSxhwPN1v8AnK-A6UrCURBM/s400/Grand_Canyon_2017_36.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Colorado River</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gLiVgIPMdhhCcLf7XgT0CASK_7kwCpf959SSbh2QUlIOR0GC6hzq9O1t9mrjm160wiAMj6almTIocwZM_k01Cjyjp0yEMwVoTgAN8JjgbtwkW45i7nzkwa_ubXHcI_LwLWT17nlM4Y/s1600/IMG_0033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13gLiVgIPMdhhCcLf7XgT0CASK_7kwCpf959SSbh2QUlIOR0GC6hzq9O1t9mrjm160wiAMj6almTIocwZM_k01Cjyjp0yEMwVoTgAN8JjgbtwkW45i7nzkwa_ubXHcI_LwLWT17nlM4Y/s400/IMG_0033.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Junior Photographer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCII_pJuhmSvYpKRXQ__A6DoovMRoPI_VpK70r38sadYsofJX9gR0MHzkBDJz5uN2PQYPLlt7IUiY4n5v33RzlRjVOsLKswcSYNv0MzPp7tI3YyP6tMmjkW-J8ZVMXzSkblwmDrTKX04Y/s1600/Grand_Canyon_2017_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCII_pJuhmSvYpKRXQ__A6DoovMRoPI_VpK70r38sadYsofJX9gR0MHzkBDJz5uN2PQYPLlt7IUiY4n5v33RzlRjVOsLKswcSYNv0MzPp7tI3YyP6tMmjkW-J8ZVMXzSkblwmDrTKX04Y/s400/Grand_Canyon_2017_33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jaylynn's picture</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Rainbows</b></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Sunset Storm</b></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Animals and Buildings</b></h3>
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California Condor soars above</div>
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Lookout Studio</div>
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Kolb Studio</div>
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Hermit's Rest</div>
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Elk grazing</div>
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Thirsty Elk</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Indian Hoop Dance</h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Returning to Williams! </h3>
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Heading for home!</div>
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Deep thought.</div>
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Logging her 1st National Park visit!</div>
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She's got the loot! </div>
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<b>7/27/17</b> - Departing Phoenix at approximately 9:30 am in route to Williams, AZ to meet up with daughter Tosha and her brood - husband Greg and her two kids - Khai, age 6 and Jaylynn, age 5...going on 25.</div>
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But first, we must drop off the pups Bella and Aimee at our new DogSitter - Micki Mosel. This always proves to be an anxious time as the little critters sense we are about to abandon them and they tend to freak out. Aimee will immediately go on hunger strike. Bella will adapt. </div>
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The forecast for this three day trip calls for occasional thunderstorms. Excellent for picture taking!</div>
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Terry has us booked at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel for the evening of the 27th. Our reservation includes dinner at the buffet. After gnawing for several minutes on a couple pieces of shoe leather served on the buffet line, Terry and I opt to have dessert in Spensers Pub. </div>
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<b>7/28/17 </b>- Back to the Buffet for breakfast. Yikes! The room at the hotel was very nice. The Breakfast Buffet...well...it was better than eating last night's shoes! After breakfast, we mosey over to the mockup Western Town for a 15-minute Cowboy Show featuring the Cataract Gang and the local Sheriff. Khai and Jaylynn got a kick out of watching the Sheriff shoot it out with the Outlaws. </div>
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<b>9:30 am.</b> All aboard! We are seated on the Pullman Car departing for the Grand Canyon. The train and its tracks have been hauling people from Williams to the Canyon since 1901. Originally, the train was used primarily to haul miners and their cashe to and from the Grand Canyon. When mining activity declined, the Grand Canyon Railway became the most convenient mode of transportation for tourists seeking a glimpse of the canyon. </div>
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We arrive at the South Rim Train Depot at about noon. Skies are filled with big, fluffy clouds. Perfect for picture taking. To the rim we venture to see what sort of reaction the kids will have once they peer down into this huge chasm. Jaylynn looked about inquisitively but withheld her opinion. Khai, on the other hand was quick to quit, "It's not as impressive as I thought it would be, however it is massive!"</div>
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Lunch at the Arizona Room was part of our package and I must admit, the food there was as good as it gets for most tourist traps. After lunch, we strolled around the Rim gazing at the canyon, the tourists and spending money of souvenirs and such. </div>
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This evening we will stay at the Maswik Lodge which is located about a quarter mile south of the Rim. Terry has us scheduled to do a 2 hour Sunset Tour which departs the Lodge at 5:30. The skies are getting darker and more ominous. At 5:25, our entourage makes its way to the bus for the Tour. Unfortunately, Khai melts down. Big time. Greg ushers him back to the room. Terry decides to relieve Greg of Khai Duty and gives up her seat on the Tour Bus to Greg. He is forever thankful for her selfless act!</div>
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The Sunset Tour is the highlight of the visit to the Canyon. Ben, our Bus Driver and Tour Guide, takes us on the restricted Hermit Road, making 4 stops along the way. All of the pictures of the Sunset Storm and many of those under the heading Hermit's Rest Route were taken while on this Tour. Stormy weather makes for exciting pictures!</div>
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<b>7:45 pm.</b> Back at the Lodge, we meet up with Terry and Khai at the Pizza Pub. A long, rewarding day culminating with pizza and beer!</div>
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<b>7/29/17. </b>Our train doesn't depart for Williams until 3:30 this afternoon. Hence, we have most of the day to continue exploring the Grand Canyon. I suggest we take the Blue Bus to the main Visitor Center to let the kids watch the 30 minute movie about the Canyon. Great movie. One of the best we've seen at the park Visitor Centers and <i>the nicest </i>theater of all. </div>
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Terry and I opt to hike the 2 1/2 mile Rim Trail back to the Bright Angel Lodge where we'll meet up with the Tosh and Greg and the kids, who chose to ride the bus back to the Village. Along the Rim, Terry and I witness several close calls of Death in the Canyon. A father wanted to take a picture of his two daughters who were standing very close to the edge of the cliff. Dad told his daughter to "get rid of the stuff in your hands." So, she unwittingly tossed her bottle of water and the papers she was holding to the ground. Gravity has a way of pulling stuff downhill, and sure enough, the water bottle was heading straight for the edge of the cliff! And the little girl was about to chase after it until Terry and I screamed for her to stop! Over the edge did the water bottle go. Fortunately, the little girl did not!</div>
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It's hard to put into words the splendor of the canyon and the stupidity of humans! Most of those who die at the Grand Canyon do so by not thinking of the consequences of their actions. Hopping from rock to rock. Standing way too close to the rim's edge. Walking backwards toward the edge of oblivion because the photographer wanted to get a better shot. "Just a little farther back so I can get the clouds in the picture". Oops! "What happened to my subjects? They were in the viewfinder just a second ago"!</div>
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We meet back up with the Henderson's around lunchtime and choose to go back to the Arizona Room. After lunch, we wander up buy the El Tovar Hotel and watch a fascinating Indian Hoop Dance. The kids are mesmerized by the dancer as he adds hoop after hoop to his dance. jaylynn exclaims, "he's so talented." Khai is counting out loud the number of hoops the Indian is using in his dance. "He's got 6 of them now!" Khai exclaims! This disturbs the lady standing close by who is videoing the dance and knows Khai's ring-by ring commentary is being caught on her tape!</div>
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Terry, Tosh and I sneak away for an ice cream just before we head back to the Train Depot. All aboard for the 3:30 departure back to Williams. The return trip is much more eventful that the ride to the Canyon. The first musician was a good old Geezer from Prescott who was able to get the crowd in the Pullman car to sing along. Jaylynn chimed in loudly and melodically when "You are my Sunshine" was played. </div>
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At about 5:15, the train makes an unscheduled stop out in the boondocks. A couple of bad guys from the Cataract Gang hop on board and begin looting the passengers. The kids hand over all their loot (which they only moments before...stole from Grammy Terry!)</div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-57852429496009955042017-06-06T16:45:00.002-07:002018-01-18T10:55:02.860-07:00Trekking the Havasu Canyon Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3PNXwu-WM44zhIRvc5-xqox-R9MSfqRylWQGg6B8so8UqHxqIQb4LbisBd8UIiCHlEJIYi7tWly0IlrLvNDJCZy_I0CSaUMViI4W5xwiXtczLiJFOexKrBuAGwLFlZRWMwgQSwY3IXc/s1600/1_GroupHavasupi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3PNXwu-WM44zhIRvc5-xqox-R9MSfqRylWQGg6B8so8UqHxqIQb4LbisBd8UIiCHlEJIYi7tWly0IlrLvNDJCZy_I0CSaUMViI4W5xwiXtczLiJFOexKrBuAGwLFlZRWMwgQSwY3IXc/s400/1_GroupHavasupi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Mountain Park Community Church</b> gathering for the annual hike to the Falls!</div>
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Seventy-two eager hikers about to descend 8.3 miles to Supai, AZ and then onward to a series of world famous waterfalls.</div>
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J<b>ohn, Terry, Nicki and Mary </b>about to begin the hike!</div>
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<b>The Steeps!</b> The first mile and a half is rather steep!</div>
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Our private Trailmaster - <b>Jim Rojewski</b> - guides us down the path. </div>
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<b>Nicki Kirkeby</b> leads the pack.</div>
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Down on the flats, <b>Mary Cost</b> takes lead. </div>
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Terry, Nicki and Jim follow along one of the many trails leading down to the riverbed below. </div>
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I love texture in nature. </div>
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Rocks sculpted by thousands of years of water rushing through the canyons.</div>
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Well worn path leading to <b>Supai</b> - home of the the <b>Havasupai Tribe</b>. Havasupai means people of the blue-green waters. Once you experience the river and the falls, you understand the meaning of the name.<br />
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Turn left for <b>Supai Village</b>. </div>
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Entering the Village.</div>
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The blue-green waters between Upper and Lower Navajo Falls. Navajo Falls was the premier falls in the area until a major flood in 2008 rerouted the Creek and rebuilt a set of newer and smaller falls. For my money, I enjoyed the mini-falls found in between Upper ands Lower Navajo. </div>
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Nicki and Mary cooling off in Middle Navajo after the morning hike. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I love being amongst natural beauty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx16JxQoyDoWfXWxdWXKoTleo8Gif6kyv3VKCOKQZwLNhMGkEOeG7tWjnfjhf-ZTMiIu1bialv3yEwPcb78a9xJoe3pES59JVT5KdXCTJYBCAMl_9tZaO0QFfh_x3y0aehpHKPiX9ZOxk/s1600/14_MidNav_1679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx16JxQoyDoWfXWxdWXKoTleo8Gif6kyv3VKCOKQZwLNhMGkEOeG7tWjnfjhf-ZTMiIu1bialv3yEwPcb78a9xJoe3pES59JVT5KdXCTJYBCAMl_9tZaO0QFfh_x3y0aehpHKPiX9ZOxk/s400/14_MidNav_1679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mid Navajo Falls</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNIDw9lnUBfuy6x_Je522pzasCetktecX08mDqXudBG8b7NKaG9Lli47wLHcIOEvCcCi6wOZ7WSIMnQm-XJM7v_RUyV1BVPy6qsk6yPf3rgx7iroo575Luf7fnPsuRKvHEFRXgBx53Vg/s1600/15_Texture_1661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNIDw9lnUBfuy6x_Je522pzasCetktecX08mDqXudBG8b7NKaG9Lli47wLHcIOEvCcCi6wOZ7WSIMnQm-XJM7v_RUyV1BVPy6qsk6yPf3rgx7iroo575Luf7fnPsuRKvHEFRXgBx53Vg/s400/15_Texture_1661.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Texture in Nature</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlTJjEJPKl5j24pswA7mhHrTUr6UD89pXtCSJ_JqS-TM0bspF4QYQ16PZzG3HhB72StIuDl8JTHxEjlRDXXwRTXrL1MWDxK6A4S-WP0DdNUPAVSlmII8P_efhash9_k6KCG7gQb0rUms/s1600/16_Girls_1689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlTJjEJPKl5j24pswA7mhHrTUr6UD89pXtCSJ_JqS-TM0bspF4QYQ16PZzG3HhB72StIuDl8JTHxEjlRDXXwRTXrL1MWDxK6A4S-WP0DdNUPAVSlmII8P_efhash9_k6KCG7gQb0rUms/s400/16_Girls_1689.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My Three "Natural Beauties"</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrinhm9aEA9BXDWOr0l2Dp1KMBmXxP4AlAk-kakG_sD4OS98C429KrzCDM-l9m7SdBja8-F5w0MKnZc47Cx4ha6OuC_pFL-CcHrKkOolfqznuypnC5bkmL7Mfg-784KLI3Q1liK0Hazo/s1600/17_J%253AT_1691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrinhm9aEA9BXDWOr0l2Dp1KMBmXxP4AlAk-kakG_sD4OS98C429KrzCDM-l9m7SdBja8-F5w0MKnZc47Cx4ha6OuC_pFL-CcHrKkOolfqznuypnC5bkmL7Mfg-784KLI3Q1liK0Hazo/s400/17_J%253AT_1691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy Trekkers</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJaESVUpLMNIeU4CDmFNYS9GYAzgkcf_ZmyJpFD_qOltS6ngIU41fiv2r1xo72rnDGxXzYwcNv75_442NXBEFKqVfk4RbMq6mPlfs08u4xmgW1RodCwwyT0WHd6bB1yqh0YgQPYV5nwA/s1600/18_LowNav_1657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJaESVUpLMNIeU4CDmFNYS9GYAzgkcf_ZmyJpFD_qOltS6ngIU41fiv2r1xo72rnDGxXzYwcNv75_442NXBEFKqVfk4RbMq6mPlfs08u4xmgW1RodCwwyT0WHd6bB1yqh0YgQPYV5nwA/s400/18_LowNav_1657.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lower Navajo Falls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaGEZowbDO8wpfS5K_WXM-1btICMHMArJV6CBUQK0PmkaRtRnprW18hHMkpBKCbPfvgvpaO_ePr2VN70ekMLIaYRpbGVztoZG_ZHDGefTzREcuNyQVfOCK2Yl0VsDVrcsJoRyHngnRSM/s1600/19_LowNav_1660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaGEZowbDO8wpfS5K_WXM-1btICMHMArJV6CBUQK0PmkaRtRnprW18hHMkpBKCbPfvgvpaO_ePr2VN70ekMLIaYRpbGVztoZG_ZHDGefTzREcuNyQVfOCK2Yl0VsDVrcsJoRyHngnRSM/s400/19_LowNav_1660.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Lower Navajo Falls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNUC2imnfyka0k4seRwRKrzujLZX-TlEu4gT9KZlj8Zkj8N2dnFkXSxvmDAwHi_NwUK57tW_tTU1xpE8tJynF01oE9bWq6URFj50p8toVJM0Vj-4Kc0hvOe-oVcCvbFaDWUOM94sHaRw/s1600/20_LowNav_1698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNUC2imnfyka0k4seRwRKrzujLZX-TlEu4gT9KZlj8Zkj8N2dnFkXSxvmDAwHi_NwUK57tW_tTU1xpE8tJynF01oE9bWq6URFj50p8toVJM0Vj-4Kc0hvOe-oVcCvbFaDWUOM94sHaRw/s400/20_LowNav_1698.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Lower Navajo Falls from above</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Tck3ay_cR48PWEmamaGK2sQRQkcsoWQc8p2zsYKKb2o4mnq82hgW8dZV-oIeIdVa_ay2R3L0V-lXxw5bK-pj_aM2utdWlY6RlVJbFLNJVlv0P4MJU1e-mlnpDlwf5uaov2Jeg8UmsWk/s1600/21_John_1694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="702" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Tck3ay_cR48PWEmamaGK2sQRQkcsoWQc8p2zsYKKb2o4mnq82hgW8dZV-oIeIdVa_ay2R3L0V-lXxw5bK-pj_aM2utdWlY6RlVJbFLNJVlv0P4MJU1e-mlnpDlwf5uaov2Jeg8UmsWk/s400/21_John_1694.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Photographer</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkNr6YmI3ZrrLAs2DejM0ohVQr42Maz2w3OP6ni3KwvOVubkBCixbPmHyYPL1abd1a5er55BuYjFhyphenhyphenoyJ-cIMCoT-cD23mUiovmaTTTC_SOmwZLSEztAqC4IqHQ2H5PdQ__-fZXJ4j1s/s1600/22_UpNav_1815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkNr6YmI3ZrrLAs2DejM0ohVQr42Maz2w3OP6ni3KwvOVubkBCixbPmHyYPL1abd1a5er55BuYjFhyphenhyphenoyJ-cIMCoT-cD23mUiovmaTTTC_SOmwZLSEztAqC4IqHQ2H5PdQ__-fZXJ4j1s/s400/22_UpNav_1815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Upper Navajo Falls</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P7B-NJYQnB4s9AeT8uv8NJfdHD3YHIPgrLOnDfVMnEcFoGyKHjExfb86N1QxX-CKoY86mMGmhZcA1wcWZx2rO9RHSbOlz04Cd1cbEaoDbZWuMkPoSEUqf_B17K3qjfO6NTcy61JP7hw/s1600/23_River_1813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P7B-NJYQnB4s9AeT8uv8NJfdHD3YHIPgrLOnDfVMnEcFoGyKHjExfb86N1QxX-CKoY86mMGmhZcA1wcWZx2rO9RHSbOlz04Cd1cbEaoDbZWuMkPoSEUqf_B17K3qjfO6NTcy61JP7hw/s400/23_River_1813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Havasu Creek</b> - the waters that feed the falls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiM0ySLLAIOh7XmxzzyNHSAcn0YVxXfQESG1f8XL8t7VWqCK80xiPqDdLxwzCQ1cxehNauEB4PVHcINGSfTv6aUG_6KLVnJR37lFfGICEWofb4J5bG92tI9TO1pb_eACTL0_o2oAKNs0/s1600/24_Texture_1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAiM0ySLLAIOh7XmxzzyNHSAcn0YVxXfQESG1f8XL8t7VWqCK80xiPqDdLxwzCQ1cxehNauEB4PVHcINGSfTv6aUG_6KLVnJR37lFfGICEWofb4J5bG92tI9TO1pb_eACTL0_o2oAKNs0/s400/24_Texture_1703.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cliffside candle drippings</span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoJQJzMYS1Gu1jwTUcKjMfqp4qmuElvexB1ZFHQflExwqTTXbfHhy4sh-q0lYfdqIh9JJweqhukRq-LUREVpEDKMZdgumpj5IKz6KtnIb65VhDZPWAgLzqQyYLoXg_A_iagiWRIWxtbA/s1600/25_Terry_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoJQJzMYS1Gu1jwTUcKjMfqp4qmuElvexB1ZFHQflExwqTTXbfHhy4sh-q0lYfdqIh9JJweqhukRq-LUREVpEDKMZdgumpj5IKz6KtnIb65VhDZPWAgLzqQyYLoXg_A_iagiWRIWxtbA/s400/25_Terry_1733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before descending down the tubes and chains to Mooney Falls.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-VDXFq6H8JIQUdslYRXLZ6UphSyP0VtazhzOOEvHoPyPr8GU1ULx2ljpkaYWY_c-d7TIKoM9NVR6mbjjx34uZ7nHddoT9ujgyxgKyDtvXLyQh-2ELnR2WSP7UObXvU7cfOE-gAnax-w/s1600/25.4MooneyFallsWarning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-VDXFq6H8JIQUdslYRXLZ6UphSyP0VtazhzOOEvHoPyPr8GU1ULx2ljpkaYWY_c-d7TIKoM9NVR6mbjjx34uZ7nHddoT9ujgyxgKyDtvXLyQh-2ELnR2WSP7UObXvU7cfOE-gAnax-w/s400/25.4MooneyFallsWarning.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Taking heed of the sign before desc</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ending!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp4mN71GFgPk47Agw-Up67z0kNXcgnG_77LYdnBqZW3R7WzTgWWZp2Y7P1hBU7UwPuNWmSvcDJ8vNGiPhTbjm9-LLR1dvoEsBoNrYBAhZDRetn3ACQ2D2M4JYCUZa3MuNip-zNDIpzYo/s1600/25.5Entering+Lava+Tube.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp4mN71GFgPk47Agw-Up67z0kNXcgnG_77LYdnBqZW3R7WzTgWWZp2Y7P1hBU7UwPuNWmSvcDJ8vNGiPhTbjm9-LLR1dvoEsBoNrYBAhZDRetn3ACQ2D2M4JYCUZa3MuNip-zNDIpzYo/s400/25.5Entering+Lava+Tube.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Terry entering the "Lava Tube!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24hiZDE6CSo3fIQFyyFvPIgEWDDpdXCCKFAXR1e4PuABQnLttnu6PcAJj60Cqxs9IZEMDCkpUepmGJFRh6JP2E7UQ_INljbYzEQefxhKaxzRdKufJNYjynEXGjSEPFE2KJ3qxLhguqYw/s1600/26_Mooney_1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24hiZDE6CSo3fIQFyyFvPIgEWDDpdXCCKFAXR1e4PuABQnLttnu6PcAJj60Cqxs9IZEMDCkpUepmGJFRh6JP2E7UQ_INljbYzEQefxhKaxzRdKufJNYjynEXGjSEPFE2KJ3qxLhguqYw/s400/26_Mooney_1729.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mooney Falls</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Named after James Mooney, a miner who explored the falls and fell to his death as he was climbing out from the bottom of the Falls while attempting to carry an injured companion out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Idh5hmJzvCl9g7i6Jxp_JazRVrpSd-xIqgGpvOvwPyi3hfTVtr7wz-y7FzI7ez2JhbR7Mct05NwLnliwMNjQtxzjF0scMbquDKntxHDIiXhL1I6nG0-1h0UKw77tojSVSwG7zNoFgj8/s1600/27_Mooney_1737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Idh5hmJzvCl9g7i6Jxp_JazRVrpSd-xIqgGpvOvwPyi3hfTVtr7wz-y7FzI7ez2JhbR7Mct05NwLnliwMNjQtxzjF0scMbquDKntxHDIiXhL1I6nG0-1h0UKw77tojSVSwG7zNoFgj8/s400/27_Mooney_1737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mooney Falls</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Accessing Mooney is a challenge. The first section of the trail is a series of switchbacks and is moderately difficult. The trail then turns into the first of two "lava tubes." The tubes will get your heart pumping. Yet the real excitement begins after emerging from the second tube. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Next up, a near vertical set of chains, ladders and handholds will aid you to the bottom. Mist from the falls can make the rocks slippery and it really gets dicey when traffic becomes two-way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXjKofBDZuz5kpgdxrhJ97zE2RG-Po_DJjvBR_wG78zavKND5oWOfioUOprUoEb0iAxMbwakzcUAhPwNiSMwjJq6tCxQ-VQkOXZOhgY204nthEGLqEOH5U9nXOIEiF-MIegOlLMH9Do/s1600/28_HavFalls_1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXjKofBDZuz5kpgdxrhJ97zE2RG-Po_DJjvBR_wG78zavKND5oWOfioUOprUoEb0iAxMbwakzcUAhPwNiSMwjJq6tCxQ-VQkOXZOhgY204nthEGLqEOH5U9nXOIEiF-MIegOlLMH9Do/s400/28_HavFalls_1807.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Havasu Falls</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZp2Mni6r5iX6ofmFXk7eD3MWvn1AT7pXM0RPmBhxTnRiznmN0NO4Rf1kiezHOMj9H8CuJxm4mBNIopU3gPVS2ASsBMCEw4ED2AphXk4HoKm9WIjk88O-AqJhTJgf-kptvz_fgXtgKcY/s1600/29_Terry_1717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="879" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZp2Mni6r5iX6ofmFXk7eD3MWvn1AT7pXM0RPmBhxTnRiznmN0NO4Rf1kiezHOMj9H8CuJxm4mBNIopU3gPVS2ASsBMCEw4ED2AphXk4HoKm9WIjk88O-AqJhTJgf-kptvz_fgXtgKcY/s400/29_Terry_1717.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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Striking the pose!<br />
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Cooling down.</div>
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Nicki and Mary admiring Havasu Falls. </div>
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Havasu Falls </div>
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Havasu Falls</div>
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Havasu Falls</div>
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Mary admiring the falls</div>
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Good friends chillin'</div>
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Enjoying a head massage from the natural Jacuzzi!</div>
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Travertine spillways into one of many pools found at the base of Havasu Falls. </div>
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Flipping out at Havasu Falls!<br />
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For evening entertainment, John goes Fly Hunting!</div>
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The "hike" out took three minutes!</div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-19490331323606248592017-05-07T08:17:00.000-07:002017-05-09T10:25:31.628-07:00NP#58 - Virgin Islands National Prk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>April 28, 2017 - Our 58th National Park visit! (1)</b></span></div>
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<b> Toasting #58 with local Rum! (2)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(For a full screen look at the pictures, double click on any image.)</span></div>
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<b>Salt Pond Bay</b> (3)</div>
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Beach art at Drunk Bay Beach (4)</div>
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<b>Our Lodging</b></div>
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Sugar Bay Resort - St Thomas (5)</div>
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View from Sugar Bay Resort (6)</div>
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Cruz Bay - St John (7)</div>
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Concordia Eco-Resort - St John (8)</div>
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Inside our Eco-Tent! (9)</div>
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"Premium" Eco-Tent (10)</div>
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Eco-Lodges perched on the hill (11)</div>
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View of Saltpond Bay from our Eco-Nest (12)</div>
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Eco-Bedroom! (13)</div>
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77 steps UP to our Eco-Lodge (14)</div>
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View of Drunk Bay from P-18 (15)</div>
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Caneel Bay Room 161 - Patio View (16)</div>
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Caneel Bay Love Nest! (17)</div>
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Locals at Caneel Bay Resort (18)</div>
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Caneel Bay Ruins (19)</div>
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Caneel Bay Beach (20)</div>
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Sunset at Caneel Bay (21)</div>
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<b>Beaches of St. John</b></div>
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Turtle Bay Beach (22)</div>
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Hawksnest Beach (23)</div>
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Turtle Bay Beach (24)</div>
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Hawksnest Bay (25)</div>
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Hawksnest Beach (26)</div>
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Trunk Bay (27)</div>
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Drunk Bay (28)</div>
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Salt Pond Bay (29)</div>
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Honeymoon Beach (30)</div>
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Friendly Donkey (31)</div>
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Beggar Bird (32)</div>
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Prehistoric Beach Critter (33)</div>
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Terry and the Donkeys (34)</div>
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Cactus Beach Boobs (35)</div>
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Pipe Organ Cactus (36)</div>
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Turpentine Tree at Caneel Bay (37)</div>
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Epiphytes (38)</div>
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Colorful Yucca (39)</div>
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Wild Plants at Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins (40)</div>
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<b>Ruins</b></div>
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Caneel Bay Ruins (42)</div>
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Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins (43)</div>
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Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins (44) </div>
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Annaberg (45)</div>
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Annaberg "Pizza Oven" Ruin (46)</div>
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Annaberg "Iron Jacuzzi" (47)</div>
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Windmill Tower of Annaberg (48)</div>
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Caneel Ruins at night (49)</div>
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Francis Bay Ruins (50)</div>
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Peace Hill Ruins (51)</div>
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Caneel Bay Ruins (52)</div>
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Carl Penn Home at Salt Pond Bay (53)</div>
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Carl Penn Ruins (54)</div>
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Frances Bay Ruins (55)</div>
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<b>Beach Art</b></div>
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Window to the Sea (56)</div>
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Bevy of Beach Babes (57)</div>
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Old Man of the Sea (58)</div>
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JollyMon Sing (59)</div>
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SurferGirl (60)</div>
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Three Stone Foxes at the Beach (61)</div>
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<b>One last Rum Drink!</b></div>
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Homeward bound! (62)</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Chapter 58 – Virgin
Islands National Park<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4/28/17 – 12:20am –
PHX to MIA to STT<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once again, I sit at the American Airlines lounge wondering
if we will make the flight to Miami (MIA). We are going “standby,” meaning my
seat on the airplane is subject to availability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry knows this mode of travel makes me
crazy, yet if we can manage to hop the flight, the price is certainly right.
(Zero $$$’s to fly from Phoenix (PHX) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to
Miami (MIA) to St. Thomas (STT) – IF seats are available!)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier in the day, she tells me the PBT’s (Passenger
Boarding Totals) are looking “real good for both flights,” which means there
might be a few seats available. When we arrived at the terminal, she checked
the PBT’s and noticed Flight 2162 to MIA was now oversold. Minus 2 seats
available! The good news about flying standby in your hometown is the fact that
if you don’t make the plane, you simply go home!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The scary part about flying standby is that you can never
make any prior reservations for necessities like lodging, car rentals, tours,
etc. So if we are fortunate to get on the plane, we hope we can find a car and
a place to stay once we arrive at our next park destination – Virgin Islands
National Park – located on the tiny island of St. John. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All ticketed passengers have now boarded the plane. There
are a handful of us standby freeloaders wondering if we’ll get on. The gate
agent calls the cabin, turns to Terry and prints out two tickets! We’re on! We
got the last two seats. The other standbyers will have to wait until tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since it will take two flights to get to St. Thomas, the
island adjacent to St John, we will have to undergo the standby waiting game
once we arrive in Miami. This segment of our flight itinerary had no suspense.
Plenty of seats into STT (call letters for Cyril E. King Airport on the island
of St Thomas)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once we land in St Thomas, the next order of business is to
locate a place to spend the night. Terry breaks out the iPad and searches for
hotels on the east end of the island. Sugar Bay Resort has rooms available at a
“moderate” price point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The logic for staying on the east end of the island is the
ferry from St Thomas to St John (where the park is located) departs form Red
Hook…a 5-minute drive from Sugar Bay. We hail a “cab, “ which turns out to be a
9-passenger Ford Econoline van. Four other people join us on the ride from STT
to our various locations. The Hippie has her comfort dog in toe. She’s lived on
the island for 30+ years having escaped a failed marriage in the states. (“Don’t
touch the dog!”) She likes the island lifestyle, however, mentions its full of
“reverse discrimination.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The couple sitting in front of us is from Boston. She’s a
nurse. Not sure what he did; however, he knew our “cabdriver” Freddie by name.
They own a condo on St Thomas and frequent the island whenever they can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they learned we hadn't yet made any
lodging arrangements on St John, they offered up a few suggestions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The traffic going from STT eastbound was glacial slow. We
soon discovered the island was celebrating Carnival - a month long celebration similar
to Marti Gras with pageants, calypso shows and hard-core partying during the
last week. We are arriving during hard-core party time. And judging by how slow
everyone is moving this afternoon, my guess is many of the revelers are sporting
massive hangovers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After dropping off all other passengers, Freddie resumes the
drive to Sugar Bay Resort, which is perched along the cliffs of eastern St.
Thomas overlooking Water Bay. Our room has a spectacular ocean view; however,
due to the redeye flight and the long cab ride, we need to figure out lodging
on St John, reserve a Jeep, get something to eat and then hit the sack! <o:p></o:p>(pictures 5 and 6)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4/29/17 – 11:30 am –
Red Hook Ferry Dock<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night, Terry booked us a Jeep from L & L Jeep
Rentals. Jeeps seem to be the vehicle of choice on St John. She also booked us
a two-night stay at Concordia Eco-Resort on the eastern end of St John and 2
nights at the Caneel Bay Resort. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We cab it down to Red Hook to catch the Ferry to Cruz Bay. (7) As the cab driver pulls into the Ferry depot, the sky opens up and it pours for
a good ten minutes. Liquid sunshine…similar to the weather we experienced in
New Zealand! The Ferry ride across the bay takes about 15 minutes. The seas are
a bit choppy and the clouds continue to threaten more rain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once on the island, we walk the 2 blocks up to L&L to
pick up our Jeep. The attitude and manner of the staff was rather indifferent…perhaps
even a bit “reverse discriminatory.” Nevertheless, we hop into our two-door Wrangler
and head off to Concordia, driving <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on
the left side of the road. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Virgin Islands are a Territory of the United States.
Nonetheless, these islands are the only place where you are required to drive
on the left side of the road! The good news is, unlike in New Zealand and
Ireland (the other two places we drove on the left) the steering wheel on the
Jeep is located on the left! This may not seem to be a big deal…until you’ve
experienced driving a car with the steering wheel situated on the right side.
When driving in New Zealand and Ireland, I found that every time I hit the turn
signal, the windshield wipers were activated! <o:p></o:p></div>
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All roads on St John are narrow, curvy and steep. The top
speed limit is 20 miles per hour for good reason. Passing another vehicle is
near impossible. The traffic was light this afternoon and we had no problem
finding our way to the Eco-Lodge as there are really only two main roads on the
island. Highway 10, the Centerline Road runs atop the ridgeline of the island.
Highway 20, the North Shore Road is the coastal route with stunning views of
the bays and beaches. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Concordia Eco-Resort.</b>
Terry and I had both come across this bohemian lodging opportunity when we were
planning our visit to NP #58. The resort is located on the southeastern portion
of the island. All units are perched on the hills above Salt Pond Bay. (pix 8-15)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stanley Selengut, a civil engineer and environmental
visionary, is the owner and developer of the Eco-Resort. Stanley envisioned a
resort depicting “how the world might best be lived in.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the intent of the resort is to combine “the
closeness of nature with comfortable beds and really good food.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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At Concordia, there are no TV’s or radios. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cell phones work only in a couple of spots.
Electricity is generated by solar power. The water in the Eco-tents is
non-potable (no drinkie) The water for your shower is collected in cisterns and
heated by the sun. (In our case, the sun didn’t come out during the two days we
stayed at Concordia; consequently, the shower water temperature was
quite….refreshing!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of the Eco-Resort’s dwellings are wood framed units
with canvas siding, a metal roof and pressure treated wood flooring. Being set
upon a hillside, there are 77 steps UP (14) to the boardwalk that leads you from
Reception to your unit. We were assigned P-18 (Premium Eco-Tent) with a nice
view of Salt Pond Bay, Drunk Bay and the very odiferous Salt Pond. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Air conditioning at the Eco-Resort is au natural - provided
exclusively by the near-constant breezes of the trade winds. It was at the Café
Concordia where we rediscovered rum drinks! Not only did Stanley achieve his
goal of offering guests “really good food,” his bartender also pours a very
good Painkiller! Terry and I killed many “pains” during our visit to the
islands!<o:p></o:p></div>
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After settling into our Eco-Tent, we decided to take the
short Nature Trail hike down into Virgin Island National Park. The trail begins
at Concordia’s parking lot and works its way down to the white sand beach of
Salt Pond Bay. Along the self-guided Nature Trail, you will come across a
variety of subtropical plant life (36, 38), the ruins of Carl A. Penn’s residence (53, 54) and an
army of Soldier Crabs marching along the pathway. Soldier Crabs aka Hermit
Crabs use the trail as much as the human trekkers. You are asked to keep an eye
out for these camouflaged critters as they blend in with the understory. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After exploring the coastline, we took the short trail
leading from Salt Pond Bay to Drunk Bay. This trail runs adjacent to the Salt
Pond. This pond smelled like the inside of a Port-a-Potty on a hot summer day;
however, because of its location it is where you can harvest 100% natural St.
John sea salt! That is of course if you can stand the stench! We opted to pass
on harvesting sea salt and instead enjoyed the many “rock sculptures” found
along Drunk Bay’s coastline. (56-61)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Upon returning to Café Concordia, we immediately sang out,
“Rum drinks! Bartender, pour up two more rum drinks!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after several more Painkillers…we headed
up the 77 steps to P-18 for a good night’s sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing keeping us from that good
night’s sleep was the torrential downpour pinging the tin roof of our Eco-Tent!
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4/30/2017</b> – Café
Concordia does not do breakfast. Yesterday, we had stopped at one of the very
few markets on the island and loaded up with the bare essentials. For
breakfast, we feasted on granola. For lunch, we packed peanut butter
sandwiches. We bought cheese, crackers, salami and water…since the water in
P-18 wasn’t drinkable! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We start the day by firing up the Jeep with the intent of
touring the entire island. Mind you, this island is rather small. The entire
island is only a little over 19 square miles. The drive from Cruz Bay to
Concordia at the far end of the island is a whopping 12 miles! <o:p></o:p></div>
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From Concordia we set out to see the far eastern reaches of
the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Route 107 to 10 is steep and
narrow. It’s Sunday so traffic is light. The East end offers nothing
spectacular so we turn around and head west! We’re looking for the Rte 20
turnoff and blow by it without seeing the sign. We wind up back in Cruz Bay and
stop in town to browse the National Park Visitor Center and the surrounding
shops. Mongoose Junction has a variety of retail shops and a great Deli. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Departing Cruz Bay, we head up 20 along the North Shore
Road. Today we will explore the island’s many sugar plantation ruins. The first
ruin we encounter is situated on Peace Hill (51), which overlooks Hawksnest Bay (25).
From there, we made a stop at Trunk Bay (27) – featuring one of the world’s top 10
beaches. Here; we dined on peanut butter sandwiches!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Moving on, we visited the ruins at Francis Bay (50) before
trekking up to Anneberg Sugar Mill Ruins. (43-48) In its day, this well-preserved site
produced large quantities of sugar and molasses that was use to produce rum.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After touring the island, we headed back to Concordia to
consume more rum drinks! Upon downing a couple of our newfound beverage of
choice, we decided to hike the Ram Head Trail. Ram Head is about a mile and
three quarters from Café Concordia. The skies have been threatening all day so
we decided to pack our flimsy trashcan-liner<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“rain coats” with us…just in case. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The first portion of this hike takes you down the Salt Pond
Bay Trail. From there you trek across the sandy beach and pick up the Ram Head
Trail on the eastern edge of the beach. You will follow the rocky coastline for
about three quarters of a mile before beginning the accent to Ram Head. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We met up with an older couple who was returning from the
hike just as we were about to head uphill. They warned us about the
“approaching storm.” We replied, “No worries. We’ve got our rain gear!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the trail exposed us to the eastern side of the
peninsula, we could see the weather closing in quickly. We needed to get to the
summit (that’s what Trekkers do) so we ran to the top of Ram Head just as a
violent blast of wind and rain began pelting us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We sough cover behind a small shrub and hastily donned our
$5 rain gear! However, by the time we got the trash bag – like garment on, we
were already thoroughly soaked! We headed down the flooded trail to the leeward
side of the peninsula, which was sheltered from the wind. Laughing about our
circumstances, we made our way back to our Eco-Tent and Café Concordia for more
rum drinks! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 1, 2017</b> –
From our modest digs at Concordia to the lavish Caneel Bay Resort, the contrast
between the two facilities is unmistakably extreme. Whereas Concordia shows how
little one needs to enjoy paradise, Caneel goes out of its way to offer up
vacation excesses. The biggest difference between the two properties is the
geography. Whereas Concordia is built upon a hillside, Caneel’s real estate is
relatively flat with 7 beautiful beaches lining the shore. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I should probably talk about the highlights of our stay at Caneel. However, what was disturbing about our visit to this posh resort were the three
unsettling incidents that occurred during our stay. First off, when we checked
into the facility, all of our luggage and bags were put into a holding room
while we checked in at the front desk. When we got to our room, Terry noticed
that the milk and cheese we had brought over from Concordia were missing. What
the...? Someone took our milk and cheese? <o:p></o:p></div>
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The next bit of unsettling news came while I was reviewing
our preliminary account recapitulation. I noticed the resort was charging us
$220 to shuttle us from the resort back to the airport on May 3<sup>rd</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“One hundred ten dollars each?’ I asked
Terry. NO. It was supposed to be $110 total! <o:p></o:p></div>
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The third item of issue was found while we reviewed the
final billing. There were several suspicious-looking charges from the café and
bar that occurred while we were offsite. When Terry asked the Front Desk about
the charges, she discovered someone had assigned our room number to their
restaurant and bar tab totaling over $100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Strike three…Caneel, you’re outta here! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Another disconserting characteristic about this resort was
their TV and telephone policy. The front desk made it a point to inform us that
there are no TV’s or telephones in any of the rooms. The Resort wants its
guests to “get away from the daily interruptions TV and phones create. the no TV or
phones policy was OK by us. However, during our sushi dinner this evening, we found two
large flat screen TV’s featuring CNN news and ESPN sports very distracting...and unfitting in an environment meant to islolate you from mainstream news!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 2, 2017</b> - I
suppose on the brighter side of our stay at Caneel, we did enjoy kayaking
Caneel Bay and got our first experience Paddle Boarding. The room was
comfortable and the walk-in rock shower was delightful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did take three easy hikes inside and out
of the Resort. First of all, we hiked back from L&L after dropping off our
Jeep on the Lind Point Trail. This trail begins at the Visitor Center in Cruz
Bay and follows the coastline past Honeymoon Beach and down a dirt road back to
Caneel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Once back on the property, we hiked the scenic Hawksnest
Trail on the north side of the resort and Mary’s Trail on the eastern
peninsula.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both hikes are rated “easy”
and give you a great view of the bays and beaches. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">May 3, 2017</b> –
Departing for home…or at least I hope we are! Yesterday, Terry said the PBT’s
from STT to MAI were looking “very good…plenty of seats.” This morning,
however, she noticed the plane was oversold…minus 2 seats available! Great!
Here we go again with the uncertainty of standby travel. At this point, I just
wanna go home! On the way to the airport, one of the two ladies who joined us
on the cab ride from the dock to the airport looks at her cell phone. It’s a
message from her sister letting her know the airport is “jammed” with people
departing from Carnival!<o:p></o:p></div>
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True to her words, we notice the line of people waiting to
clear Customs extends at length outside of the terminal. No wonder they suggest
you get to this antiquated airport three hours prior to your flight! We arrived
about an hour forty-five prior to what I hope to be our departure!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve got to admit, Terry seems to have the Midas touch when
it comes to this standby business. Even though the PBTs’ said the flight was
overbooked, we were able to board the plane without incident. Perhaps Carnival
had taken its toll on several of those who had made reservations on the plane.
Or perhaps they didn’t heed the “three hour prior” suggestion? Nevertheless, we
made both of our return flights and marked off Park #58 from our list. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Number 59 – the final destination – the National Park of
American Samoa is scheduled for this September! Stay tuned and…happy trails!<o:p></o:p></div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-13747106893271795512017-02-26T05:10:00.003-07:002017-11-25T08:34:58.311-07:00Tramping around New Zealand <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Zealand 2017 </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE72Ry3z6b9Yvusw0Qj6Fqpy4Thz7GC_oqNF-k82GOCmDMW71KtPRVfTmZbDAWS1hM6CCnTg_IqhrnKJDUlRJz3UY6GOBzBeparR3LK-yEPjZ_Egm7C2Lg3midvCs7ubsZCFMBhmjliHg/s1600/1-NZFlag_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE72Ry3z6b9Yvusw0Qj6Fqpy4Thz7GC_oqNF-k82GOCmDMW71KtPRVfTmZbDAWS1hM6CCnTg_IqhrnKJDUlRJz3UY6GOBzBeparR3LK-yEPjZ_Egm7C2Lg3midvCs7ubsZCFMBhmjliHg/s400/1-NZFlag_0564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>January 20, 2017 -</b> Our New Zealand experience begins! We depart LAX at 11pm after bagging the last two "standby seats" on AA Flt 82 and arrive in (AKL) Auckland, New Zealand at 9am on <b>Jan 22nd.</b> January 21st did not happen! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN08jmqtZFAWsFecKFF7f5fPIiQtQDl5rxdX-CNsgVZGNBc16wB-THy1xtnFWDHpMKDBPcagfWKxTc9u22T0O-pYNYb0l18Y9av9fRoInSQX_MTcNI0ruxNqBd6xJ1__ait4vMYNbJFkk/s1600/2_Toupu_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN08jmqtZFAWsFecKFF7f5fPIiQtQDl5rxdX-CNsgVZGNBc16wB-THy1xtnFWDHpMKDBPcagfWKxTc9u22T0O-pYNYb0l18Y9av9fRoInSQX_MTcNI0ruxNqBd6xJ1__ait4vMYNbJFkk/s400/2_Toupu_1592.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Jan 22nd </b>- Terry and the three German "mates" after we rescued them when they inadvertently drove their vehicle off the wet, slick gravel road in Te Urewera National Park!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmNoBhJXtQIMVvRvd5B8hSGaGDJ3jJHRDYYDZzOBR-CQt3OuzV_3Hiw_U_SCrYtry-PRlUQMYr4oMIe7LkU33SXQggvYmts-aiRDWXLoWnGl-CyPwQCVyb3GTRy-Vt3LWZP1LZPctnkM/s1600/3_Te_Urewera_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmNoBhJXtQIMVvRvd5B8hSGaGDJ3jJHRDYYDZzOBR-CQt3OuzV_3Hiw_U_SCrYtry-PRlUQMYr4oMIe7LkU33SXQggvYmts-aiRDWXLoWnGl-CyPwQCVyb3GTRy-Vt3LWZP1LZPctnkM/s400/3_Te_Urewera_1590.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not how you want to spend the day in a National Park! </div>
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<b>Jan 23rd</b> - The rain finally let up in the afternoon and after spending a couple of hours trying to discover the nuances of Tongariro National Park, we ventured over to Whanganui NP.<br />
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The Whanganui River as viewed from the tiny town of Pipiriki. Pipiriki is the launching point for the boats that will take you upriver to <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Bridge to Nowhere! </i>We passed on this "opportunity!"<br />
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<b>Jan 24th </b>- <b>New Plymouth</b>. The sun came out today as we made our way on the wrong side of the road from Taupo to New Plymouth. This photo represents a strange piece of artwork located on the beachfront walkway. Not only does it distort your body, it reverses the viewer's position insomuch as I am actually standing on Terry's left!<br />
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<b>Jan 25/26</b> -<b> Wellington</b>. Pleasant stay in Wellington. We took the World renouned Cable Car up to begin our tour of the gorgeous Wellington Botanical Gardens where the Hydrangea were in full color!<br />
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Wandering around the Waterfront in Wellington rewards you with an assortment of artwork, cafes, museums and interesting people!</div>
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<b>Jan 27th - Queenstown. </b>Our VRBO home had a most spectacular view!<br />
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Queenstown sunset.</div>
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<b>Jan 28th</b> - On our way to Milford Sound.</div>
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Mitre Mountain - Milford Sound</div>
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Milford Sound water feature.</div>
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<b>Jan 29 </b>- Kirkwood's, Gill's and Binkele's tasting Queenstown's local grape juice.<br />
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Wine Tasting at its finest!</div>
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Classic Tasting Rooms!</div>
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Mary befriends White Rabbit after tasting a variety of vinos. </div>
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New Zealand cairns!</div>
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Bungy jumping is BIG in Queenstown!</div>
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<b>Jan 30th </b>- Franz- Josef Glacier on our way to Greymouth.</div>
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High fiving the Franz Josef Ranger!</div>
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Franz Josef waterfalls</div>
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<b>Snowy Mountain</b> - the fierce "Guard Sheep" protecting our VRBO home!</div>
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Terry loving up Snowy.</div>
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Greymouth sunset.</div>
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<b>Jan 31st</b> - The gang headed up to Pancake Rocks.<br />
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Pancake Rocks.</div>
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West coast New Zealand - South Island just north of Greymouth.</div>
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<b>Feb 1st- Travel Day. Greymouth to Christchurch. </b>Bypassed Arthurs Pass National Park due to foul weather. Upon arrival in Christchurch we Trolly'd around town to get a feel about this earthquake devastated city.<br />
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<b>Feb 2nd</b> - 'Inspirational" country drive out to Akaroa.<br />
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Kiwi Knomes sunning themselves in Akaroa. </div>
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Akaroa Lighthouse.</div>
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<b>Feb 3rd</b> - Travel day. Christchurch to Auckland to Glow Worm Caves via our way to Rotorua.<br />
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<b>Feb 4th</b> - Noodling around our VRBO abode in Rotorua.</div>
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Rotorua sunrise. </div>
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A lake full of Black Swans.</div>
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Maori Warrior.</div>
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<b>Feb 5th - Visited the Shire and explored Hobbiton.</b> </div>
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<b>"Fake Tree!"</b></div>
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Happy Hobbits in Hobbiton!<br />
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In New Zealand speak, "tramping" is the word the Kiwi's use for hiking. A "track" is reference to the trails they tramp! Tramping is a very popular outdoor activity in this beautiful, peaceful and friendly country. If we had more time and were better prepared for the wet weather we experienced, Terry and I would have spent much more time tramping about the parks!</div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-42946524796818708912017-01-02T11:13:00.000-07:002017-12-19T15:05:36.827-07:00Bink Ink 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>January 2, 2017</b><br />
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<b>Happy New Year</b> everyone! And welcome to the digital version of <b>Bink Ink</b> – the family newsletter that goes on and on and on….<br />
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At least by digitally posting this almost annual look at what we've been up to the past year, we're probably saving a few dozen trees. </div>
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The dominant activity during 2016 that kept Terry, Charlie and I hopping was the growth of our little business - <b>Bink Ink LLC</b>. Of course, with growth comes growing pains and the Binkele family experienced plenty of those during the course of the year! Yet, most months were filled with very positive experiences. <br />
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In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">January</b>, Terry and I attended an industry program called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BryceCon</b> – a gathering of mostly Utah gaming geeks who converge upon Bryce Canyon National Park for their annual gamefest. This was our second visit to Bryce since we set out to visit all 59 of our country’s major National Parks. The first visit was during the early summer. The Hoodoo’s have a completely different look and feel when dusted by snowfall! The Con was ok…the Park – spectacular!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9tKHmoiAYutX2ez-Sr4qq2U_2Sly636tEiSpAGKxm5gqkWU4wAQIHC1PxKwOVGmVI5S8-eb40iyJ2MetUEGNxHXTdlWXWtF0n4Ka86rPZuACa57ib57XOfVlY4NF4FMXzzMgt1vkTug/s1600/1_Bryce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9tKHmoiAYutX2ez-Sr4qq2U_2Sly636tEiSpAGKxm5gqkWU4wAQIHC1PxKwOVGmVI5S8-eb40iyJ2MetUEGNxHXTdlWXWtF0n4Ka86rPZuACa57ib57XOfVlY4NF4FMXzzMgt1vkTug/s400/1_Bryce.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoodoo's with Frosting</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sFyZ-aGk9IxkkfzB1RwmnXHqZ8Va9IOm1qrjpY52LcRPx4akOt3vagOPDUvqOLJsx1rsEFtrfoBTMMf6AtaVwkB5RTR7fOe_lhf0hS8quMLs8fgNbUYAiIFP1LD9myMvmzKuZjSxGtI/s1600/2_BryceIMG_2622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sFyZ-aGk9IxkkfzB1RwmnXHqZ8Va9IOm1qrjpY52LcRPx4akOt3vagOPDUvqOLJsx1rsEFtrfoBTMMf6AtaVwkB5RTR7fOe_lhf0hS8quMLs8fgNbUYAiIFP1LD9myMvmzKuZjSxGtI/s400/2_BryceIMG_2622.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekkers in Love</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl68TKRTfPzGmIhlxstZt_tmWUctGUvfH4mqW3uv_tsRKzMvb4FQPSESqejNwSD1JCVTnnGgZnL8dvKQWx9vv0wQkiL56qUznh-1cNAHpzw0-ecu2CNrxRJQo52SWaloyigC-IxpwAS4/s1600/3_Bryce_IMG_2637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBl68TKRTfPzGmIhlxstZt_tmWUctGUvfH4mqW3uv_tsRKzMvb4FQPSESqejNwSD1JCVTnnGgZnL8dvKQWx9vv0wQkiL56qUznh-1cNAHpzw0-ecu2CNrxRJQo52SWaloyigC-IxpwAS4/s400/3_Bryce_IMG_2637.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thor's Hammer</td></tr>
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<b><u>February</u></b><br />
Knowing that we would most likely sell out of our first printing of Trekking, we began planning for the second round of games. Charlie made a few minor tweaks to the game. The major change was the company we chose to print the 2<sup>nd</sup> edition. We went with a Canadian company called Panda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They specialize in board game manufacturing. The quality of the components is superb and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the price was half of what we paid for the first edition!<br />
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My contribution to the 2<sup>nd</sup> edition was a re-write of our Park Guide Book, the educational component that we include in every game. I purchased a software package called InDesign and begun muddling through a myriad of tutorials so I could get the hang of this new program.<br />
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You may be wondering why our very talented kid didn’t do the Guide Book re-write? He was instrumental in helping me with the graphic elements and created the layout of the document. However, he and his good friend Dave were busy creating Bink Ink’s next new game – PUPS! A trick-taking card game for dog lovers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjs1ABBic2gdPgSx9fpiKIvkeIMP8rJsAraMNl-jC9zVOMGoQduyo_aKDQyr3IJdGGMRX8bA0yEIhdXre-WyOdp7pP40OoK45RiyeDgFy6QHo1e7FwR6_2723SXkYslCENMwpMh9p4Lo/s1600/4_guidebook3D+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjs1ABBic2gdPgSx9fpiKIvkeIMP8rJsAraMNl-jC9zVOMGoQduyo_aKDQyr3IJdGGMRX8bA0yEIhdXre-WyOdp7pP40OoK45RiyeDgFy6QHo1e7FwR6_2723SXkYslCENMwpMh9p4Lo/s320/4_guidebook3D+copy.png" width="245" /></a></div>
So while Charlie and Dave worked on PUPS…Daddio worked on updating our Park Guide Book...which by the way, turned out very nice! If you'd like to take a look at the Guide Book click here: <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/247040520/Park%20Guidebook_compressed.pdf">Park Guide Book.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEf_5zLbx_ChCCJ6IyWw20f544o2TlfDH-Jk_Hp-59PAGH_70VZJ5fkhakFsuaYI_4n7Kk3drnnK8eHidu6PMauU-C4Yxji6n1KQBZi-3nbX7WBP1H3OpnDguLQC70GKRTGVFHEhssic/s1600/5_pups01+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEf_5zLbx_ChCCJ6IyWw20f544o2TlfDH-Jk_Hp-59PAGH_70VZJ5fkhakFsuaYI_4n7Kk3drnnK8eHidu6PMauU-C4Yxji6n1KQBZi-3nbX7WBP1H3OpnDguLQC70GKRTGVFHEhssic/s320/5_pups01+copy.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Speaking of pups, Terry and I took Aimee and Bella to Montezuma's Castle National Monument where the two of them became <b>Official Bark Rangers!</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry with her Bark Rangers</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>April</u></b><br />
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We entered 2016 having visited 52 of the 59 parks on our Bucket List. <b>Bryce</b> was a re-visit and in April, we revisited <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Zion National Park</b> in Utah – Terry’s favorite! What prompted our Zion visit was an email from our Australian trekking friends – Andrew and Debbie – asking us to meet them in Zion.</div>
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We first met Andrew and Debbie in Bettles, AK during our 2015 visit to the two parks above the Arctic Circle – Gates and Kobuk Valley. They had just completed their 57<sup>th</sup> and 58<sup>th</sup> park visit and had only Denali to complete their quest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Andrew is a professional photographer and along their journey, he had photo documented the beauty of our parks. He went on to publish a fabulous coffee table book called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The National Parks of the United States – a photographic Journey </i></b>by Andrew Thomas.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>He and Debbie<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></b>were back in the States doing book signings and asked us to meet them in Zion! <o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Watchman at Sunset</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zion's Virgin River</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>May</u></b><br />
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On the spur of the moment, we hopped an American Airlines standby flight to Miami, FL to take in Park #’s 53, 54 and 55. I’m not fond of flying standby…however, Terry pulled off another successful trip for us! (Who needs planning when you’ve got a clever and resourceful wife!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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First up, a voyage to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Dry Tortugas National Park (#53) ,</b> which lies about 70 miles west of Key West, FL. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very unique park. Main feature, a brick fort built between 1847 and 1875 to protect shipping lanes in the Caribbean from pirates.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wL9bX3MgVrLUdEfu6HvxpKNRHh2x1eloHtMYuRT1_LfzpRMVC7vKGWHcmeInaio6FFzH0fh-bkblOKtpZ2zGtsqrZ3tHewywK85C25ywvHJgo_mH6wK6AmVVhoy9VeWb3KoJx-c181o/s1600/9_DryTorts_9109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wL9bX3MgVrLUdEfu6HvxpKNRHh2x1eloHtMYuRT1_LfzpRMVC7vKGWHcmeInaio6FFzH0fh-bkblOKtpZ2zGtsqrZ3tHewywK85C25ywvHJgo_mH6wK6AmVVhoy9VeWb3KoJx-c181o/s400/9_DryTorts_9109.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remains of Ft Jefferson Dock</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu1j2EqLenHSEJFRsH9AO2e4TcmpXocxjqaRblcOtDgtN7iQzl7PlmUenKxl-nWrrvWLnbPp-Ki9BWb0n9Mk2iNQsBP5U7qq-AG89eX16L5awBRvRdpAGF6k_7oabGB8s5kYNhBToi_4/s1600/10_DryTort_IMG_9132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAu1j2EqLenHSEJFRsH9AO2e4TcmpXocxjqaRblcOtDgtN7iQzl7PlmUenKxl-nWrrvWLnbPp-Ki9BWb0n9Mk2iNQsBP5U7qq-AG89eX16L5awBRvRdpAGF6k_7oabGB8s5kYNhBToi_4/s400/10_DryTort_IMG_9132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Jefferson</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intricate brickwork inside the Fort</td></tr>
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Once back on the mainland, we paid a visit to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Biscayne National Park (#54)</b>, located just south of Miami.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ninety-five percent of Biscayne is an underwater wilderness. The land portion of this park is found primarily on several Keys. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We discovered that a “Key” isn’t an island. It’s a mass of dead coral, sea creatures and debris that formed a landmass and became exposed when the level of the oceans receded. To appreciate this park, you’ll need to get out on the waters.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ornamental Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boca Chita Key</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate guarding the Lighthouse</td></tr>
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Our final trek on this trip was to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Everglades National Park (#55). </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everglades is the 3<sup>rd</sup> largest park in the contiguous US covering 1.5 million acres of the southern tip of Florida. Many believe the Everglades to be a huge swamp. Not so! Actually the Everglades is a 50 mile wide river that slowly flows from Lake Okeechobee down to Florida Bay. It’s also the only place where both crocodiles and alligators co-exits. We were fortunate to see both of these prehistoric-looking creatures along with the cutest baby Manatee!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Anhinga Trail into the 'Glades</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH44RCtIrTUk-d4sj8RZwJ677iC_Y8Td6giViliBqcT0rEaKYwBINO0FCJOGaUbo4LrVlD0yAKNddDwroPsrtevWhWaL6_XlS_Ik8MEUgpg82Qew35nLD4_hsYDfi5wMHT89s8VkP0G0/s1600/16_Everglades_Croc_9411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsH44RCtIrTUk-d4sj8RZwJ677iC_Y8Td6giViliBqcT0rEaKYwBINO0FCJOGaUbo4LrVlD0yAKNddDwroPsrtevWhWaL6_XlS_Ik8MEUgpg82Qew35nLD4_hsYDfi5wMHT89s8VkP0G0/s400/16_Everglades_Croc_9411.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocodiles Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp1uZ2uycQ26FzApVeYGx-LxCLpNLcGgPRMIk0z49YM6k7hZz8H6RR-vVDlCr4Hs_A43jFldnrwtAr9ufy9zGBwq2D6V3NwDYH840sK4k86QJf8rX9Ehc5cG4iYkfo5fAYzRcncMSw1A/s1600/17_Everglades_Manatee_9406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp1uZ2uycQ26FzApVeYGx-LxCLpNLcGgPRMIk0z49YM6k7hZz8H6RR-vVDlCr4Hs_A43jFldnrwtAr9ufy9zGBwq2D6V3NwDYH840sK4k86QJf8rX9Ehc5cG4iYkfo5fAYzRcncMSw1A/s400/17_Everglades_Manatee_9406.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Manatee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl001i5Ec-kAEHoJaoQbfPii9G_vmqCmUb6iDIF9I4mRJWy9MFAcnk0nef8d0eyg15ypiwJAumVEM_SwFOxzE4kpHe2H_zD9UFBfqi0Q8yDe9VWBP3aXLbVcEy6SOKE6fAj3xlXWCqgx4/s1600/18_Everglades_SavingTurtle_9341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl001i5Ec-kAEHoJaoQbfPii9G_vmqCmUb6iDIF9I4mRJWy9MFAcnk0nef8d0eyg15ypiwJAumVEM_SwFOxzE4kpHe2H_zD9UFBfqi0Q8yDe9VWBP3aXLbVcEy6SOKE6fAj3xlXWCqgx4/s400/18_Everglades_SavingTurtle_9341.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry rescuing Turtle from becoming Roadkill</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>June</u></b><br />
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Upon returning from our park visits, it was back to business! First up – Charlie signed us up for a 10x20 booth at <b>Phoenix ComicCon</b> where we sold and displayed both Trekking and the prototype of Pups – the card game.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpoSvRmOHPx66NqbloqsdOTwHFqhS_KKmhRrROuoMUVFzlM8y19K6OySBvKPP_hg7M6HcOdTWX2ZcQJ7Pqs1J9EW8OnG7fNIiHMUMXsf2iA40xu3GXjzteGFrbMX6Boq6s7e447y6aRo/s1600/19_PHXComicCon+2016+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpoSvRmOHPx66NqbloqsdOTwHFqhS_KKmhRrROuoMUVFzlM8y19K6OySBvKPP_hg7M6HcOdTWX2ZcQJ7Pqs1J9EW8OnG7fNIiHMUMXsf2iA40xu3GXjzteGFrbMX6Boq6s7e447y6aRo/s400/19_PHXComicCon+2016+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phoenix ComicCon</td></tr>
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Following the Con, Charlie and I did an 1881-mile, cross-country road trip back to Columbus, OH to attend the annual <b>Origins Game Fair </b>– the country’s 2<sup>nd</sup> biggest gaming event. To save a few bucks, we chose to camp our way back to Ohio rather than stay in hotels. (Charlie's idea...not mine!) First stop – the KOA Campground in Tucumcari, NM! (Scary) From there, we traveled to Claremore, OK (just outside of Tulsa) and pitched our tents at the KOA Campground adjacent to the Will Rogers Horse Race Track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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In Tucumcari, the weather was threatening, so we covered up all our gear. Not a drop of rain fell. When we jumped in our sleeping bags in Claremore, the stars were twinkling in the sky. The temperature was in the low 90’s and humidity to match. At 2 AM, I felt a drop of moisture bounce off my forehead only to awaken to a downpour! Charlie and I scampered out of our bags to cover up the games and our gear! Of course as soon as we got everything under cover…it stopped raining!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCCe06wzbzSr55EAXAtHR6sorWwBggPbEVeDedkxR_okNp4tJw32LQAL5bcXqGDU1wfq4Rhq7owHggOck6CguMgNGovA2Bkw2oOOIJZc5Otz-OUG5-Sjlrd1oH3R2yjwuwn0jDyZa8Ko/s1600/20_TucumcariCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCCe06wzbzSr55EAXAtHR6sorWwBggPbEVeDedkxR_okNp4tJw32LQAL5bcXqGDU1wfq4Rhq7owHggOck6CguMgNGovA2Bkw2oOOIJZc5Otz-OUG5-Sjlrd1oH3R2yjwuwn0jDyZa8Ko/s400/20_TucumcariCamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up camp in Tucumcari </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRrt-wXvtbyQJFBhIXweWGbadf8XlHp-DR8GCCn6AdcxPegjV5BUdigZYppxeDmSLLnBsbJtPmY2HS_vynSTJpNRPn568EJN22fIf5zsB05g8pMbD0r2txag-NMIbQ7ac-0Z1p3jitMQ/s1600/21_Tucum_2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRrt-wXvtbyQJFBhIXweWGbadf8XlHp-DR8GCCn6AdcxPegjV5BUdigZYppxeDmSLLnBsbJtPmY2HS_vynSTJpNRPn568EJN22fIf5zsB05g8pMbD0r2txag-NMIbQ7ac-0Z1p3jitMQ/s400/21_Tucum_2016.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie's Tucumcari "Hotel"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwIPsfjrwwLMid9QF6mZdAiVipDBDdxDrK0ei54ifq8MWqWvbiKsyR9mSiPbAeBdGOXPfQgA-1EfTrxLUp-iu8s_9gFVG96bNYhrsisf4FwmvYffa9QmRUo854_yXv1EMRzUbLdCpOS4/s1600/22_Claymore_KSCamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwIPsfjrwwLMid9QF6mZdAiVipDBDdxDrK0ei54ifq8MWqWvbiKsyR9mSiPbAeBdGOXPfQgA-1EfTrxLUp-iu8s_9gFVG96bNYhrsisf4FwmvYffa9QmRUo854_yXv1EMRzUbLdCpOS4/s400/22_Claymore_KSCamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claymore, OK Campsite</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5blYzzfcwKqhKCbRMeU1P2R-dEnIjSNd336ZNXVjjNsxvP_xZiiWFp5Sxqll3iT_DH0Cy3e8Z-9r5HlQG7Ztj0a7lRgMgx2APBCU6y_vP1wV86xKKPWFB_ixYmlIdTWP3w4y8QWd_i3g/s1600/23_Claymnore_Racetrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5blYzzfcwKqhKCbRMeU1P2R-dEnIjSNd336ZNXVjjNsxvP_xZiiWFp5Sxqll3iT_DH0Cy3e8Z-9r5HlQG7Ztj0a7lRgMgx2APBCU6y_vP1wV86xKKPWFB_ixYmlIdTWP3w4y8QWd_i3g/s400/23_Claymnore_Racetrack.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Will Rogers Racetrack from our campsite!</td></tr>
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The next morning, we were off to the KOA in Casey, IL. The weather was still sticky hot, yet this was by far the best campsite of the three! We ventured into the town of Casey to get a bite to eat and discovered this tiny city is host to a collection of the “World’s Largest Things!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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We saw the World’s Largest Rocking Chair, World’s Largest Mailbox, Chimes, Pencil, Wooden Nickel and the World’s Largest Golf Tee! Strange what you find when traveling about!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Frdm0d7abSgA24ABXnV9WAHvWH3L4x8Qsom7El1dX9LhoyQs4PDWrloHNQ1b8_6lP6I-npzPknjm6wiZXxxSpjs8J_IP7mHVXHXFCvIW0aICf0lBDPnqTpX0X_GAr97Aa5P-xT7zt8/s1600/24_Casey+Campsite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Frdm0d7abSgA24ABXnV9WAHvWH3L4x8Qsom7El1dX9LhoyQs4PDWrloHNQ1b8_6lP6I-npzPknjm6wiZXxxSpjs8J_IP7mHVXHXFCvIW0aICf0lBDPnqTpX0X_GAr97Aa5P-xT7zt8/s400/24_Casey+Campsite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOA Campsite in Casey,IL</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50eQIceOUvrOc4yS2yIPELOy5bbJ8kbER4Hr14NWGKDkFXVQvW7jY6CeM0zn-GxDmggoWtge2nwUHwVDtQjPSl7K4qkGekevuygxiymY930EBCLYVnIsqImseDCMEZxSWMw9X9-Jhyps/s1600/25_Chimes+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50eQIceOUvrOc4yS2yIPELOy5bbJ8kbER4Hr14NWGKDkFXVQvW7jY6CeM0zn-GxDmggoWtge2nwUHwVDtQjPSl7K4qkGekevuygxiymY930EBCLYVnIsqImseDCMEZxSWMw9X9-Jhyps/s400/25_Chimes+copy.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Largest Chime</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxLdeDOs4TBIkQpO4YDwu1GzCwIM6Vpr-PFs6oYpmx9Ne-2b2XeeSwzPclNUPVFEwHu3Oe6_AAKG5-Mmjm3f7EPttNqIQP3aqsTTCbevv-74TtesNF4DOEcFsmqAAL-F2rTjYtUcE4NE/s1600/26_Casey_Rocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxLdeDOs4TBIkQpO4YDwu1GzCwIM6Vpr-PFs6oYpmx9Ne-2b2XeeSwzPclNUPVFEwHu3Oe6_AAKG5-Mmjm3f7EPttNqIQP3aqsTTCbevv-74TtesNF4DOEcFsmqAAL-F2rTjYtUcE4NE/s400/26_Casey_Rocker.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Largest Rocking Chair!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl5jszo4j0_a3axUrOINkQrrWiuCcxispfr76dcxcL0EnK9usptcHrR6fFD9KJ0jInB_o4QUGbz1V4POtHcz9cI3n7yyk_VOM3WOcIudMt1FLDtnO7CqirI1OHB_xxjY-ujUf6umWvKE/s1600/27_Casey_Mailbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl5jszo4j0_a3axUrOINkQrrWiuCcxispfr76dcxcL0EnK9usptcHrR6fFD9KJ0jInB_o4QUGbz1V4POtHcz9cI3n7yyk_VOM3WOcIudMt1FLDtnO7CqirI1OHB_xxjY-ujUf6umWvKE/s400/27_Casey_Mailbox.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's Largest Mailbox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL-AQq-bpvbZOCzwFO8X4j2PRXbOLYBrzBfMGVQY_LCet3-HZGT-iO5mZEdnyX7o9ryMQnclFw-61D3-MmhgbadCuwyOaCWnBgpJPUzmrcoIs4VsoimMDCemtMBWWmMBnIcjYtEm4Rdk/s1600/28_Casey_Pencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL-AQq-bpvbZOCzwFO8X4j2PRXbOLYBrzBfMGVQY_LCet3-HZGT-iO5mZEdnyX7o9ryMQnclFw-61D3-MmhgbadCuwyOaCWnBgpJPUzmrcoIs4VsoimMDCemtMBWWmMBnIcjYtEm4Rdk/s400/28_Casey_Pencil.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie can really get some drawing done with this pencil!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRgQsP4XkAxkzg_koCPYyHOCGxKrmmbaoJOYEEdMy0ha_cPCy-p7S8NzxoSB_oIdb8jDoj9ltyjPd4PNguxonKMeuX7tY7OhCPqkY0ECoKQ79tgth6DWE0nqG3zBQtOBvxtJZX9y5s3E/s1600/29_Casey_Tee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRgQsP4XkAxkzg_koCPYyHOCGxKrmmbaoJOYEEdMy0ha_cPCy-p7S8NzxoSB_oIdb8jDoj9ltyjPd4PNguxonKMeuX7tY7OhCPqkY0ECoKQ79tgth6DWE0nqG3zBQtOBvxtJZX9y5s3E/s400/29_Casey_Tee.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The silliness in Casey Continues as John tees it up!</td></tr>
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We reached our destination on the fourth day of travel, a day earlier than necessary. With a free day to explore, Charlie and I headed up to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Cuyahoga Valley National Park</b> to take a look around. After our quick visit to Cuyahoga, we drove back to Columbus to set up our booth and prepare for the 4-day Game Fair. We hauled 102 games back to Ohio with us. Sold every one of them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlEqcYweuFSEE8-FU_8klPI9YJA45B1KkzEajMeNVHabGnDG1GDLDmJ5c8mnrF1fRnh49r1fpuAObGdtweGm0sz8gtAxbCNQQMwsn6jXlRAQgAtE0z_i8Sv0Kk-DhiPN8hZyXLPMs2CE/s1600/30_Origins_2016_Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBlEqcYweuFSEE8-FU_8klPI9YJA45B1KkzEajMeNVHabGnDG1GDLDmJ5c8mnrF1fRnh49r1fpuAObGdtweGm0sz8gtAxbCNQQMwsn6jXlRAQgAtE0z_i8Sv0Kk-DhiPN8hZyXLPMs2CE/s400/30_Origins_2016_Booth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking Booth at Origins Game Fair</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The return trip found us camping at the Will Rogers Track the first night. Hotter and stickier than our first visit. I awoke at 3am and suggested we hit the road. The original plan was to stop in Albuquerque before making the final leg home, yet the thought of camping at another KOA was too much for me, so we decided to make the 1100 mile trip in a day! Brutal, yet well worth sleeping in one’s own bed!</span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>July</u></b><br />
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July began with an interesting twist. A local freelance writer interviewed Charlie regarding our game and published the story in a local newspaper. Someone from the local NPR radio station (KJZZ) saw the story and asked if we’d like to do a show with them featuring our game. So, Charlie and I headed for the studio and told our story to NPR and its listeners!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mid-month, Charlie launched his PUPS Kickstarter Campaign at the same time Terry and I ventured to Sacramento to hook up with our good friends – John and Mary Kirkwood. The Kirkwood’s were Premier Park Pledgers of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lassen Volcanic National Park</b> for the first edition of the game…and they’d never visited the park. Therefore, it was necessary for us to make the trek back to Lassen with them!<br />
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By the time Terry and I reached Sacramento, Charlie’s PUPS Kickstarter campaign was over 300% funded. PUPS would go on to attract over 580 backers from all over the world! Kickstarter campaign #2- a total success!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2zBYuDNcoWcW28swHYxc-fFKDlUUXRJBHnAoKLtVnqnRutOuz55fQcJZ40SFKSI1k_Y4WjAOt5czrsTJ20lw98-wi7ixtBoN-XZB2pCoo4DStxWHFg557kr_ARj-m5UxDVFqnVGimY/s1600/31_Lassen_IMG_9522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3D2zBYuDNcoWcW28swHYxc-fFKDlUUXRJBHnAoKLtVnqnRutOuz55fQcJZ40SFKSI1k_Y4WjAOt5czrsTJ20lw98-wi7ixtBoN-XZB2pCoo4DStxWHFg557kr_ARj-m5UxDVFqnVGimY/s400/31_Lassen_IMG_9522.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Campers at Lassen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44xiAmDwISrETPUdXupUaeatZi5wzNSXfyhzNmmwFsaZn8xpP_E13WnTEVaO1HQqu8eARCRmNazmSJtNeyfEdCqvD6dW90FjTJh3luzqAITAcwPeTuOZfY_spM01OczF8dhJRSxATLrQ/s1600/32_Lassen_IMG_9514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44xiAmDwISrETPUdXupUaeatZi5wzNSXfyhzNmmwFsaZn8xpP_E13WnTEVaO1HQqu8eARCRmNazmSJtNeyfEdCqvD6dW90FjTJh3luzqAITAcwPeTuOZfY_spM01OczF8dhJRSxATLrQ/s400/32_Lassen_IMG_9514.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziZQW5vG7TXRooyQVAfyMUt2ghAkad2uHX6ZcLfIXZTkDn7vffMClpdn0JaOCcvbWSh3QEsDfxW-I85hxFikt1z8eZysEC58NGazPbF-Usqd3vJIwp9FQJP0MFfspix8PJQG0KgArgnU/s1600/33_Lassen_IMG_9595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziZQW5vG7TXRooyQVAfyMUt2ghAkad2uHX6ZcLfIXZTkDn7vffMClpdn0JaOCcvbWSh3QEsDfxW-I85hxFikt1z8eZysEC58NGazPbF-Usqd3vJIwp9FQJP0MFfspix8PJQG0KgArgnU/s400/33_Lassen_IMG_9595.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking to Devil's Kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O_a1BLWMFGcuwzT722y6gwVlxErshUz4IbKgoQE59wAfAUq8NIPEyXCSpbykFBK8n8v6garp_88VRL_-mIFqZwNq6Oj10pFLAXWliajSFnQ4EbDJrfo2WDKCiVx9tudgRP-d3xxRIWE/s1600/34_LassenSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O_a1BLWMFGcuwzT722y6gwVlxErshUz4IbKgoQE59wAfAUq8NIPEyXCSpbykFBK8n8v6garp_88VRL_-mIFqZwNq6Oj10pFLAXWliajSFnQ4EbDJrfo2WDKCiVx9tudgRP-d3xxRIWE/s400/34_LassenSunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lassen Peak reflection on Manzanita Lake</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>August</u></b><br />
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On the road again! On Aug 1<sup>st</sup>, Charlie and I loaded up our brand new Ford Transit with 130 games and our gear and headed off to Indianapolis, IN for the country’s largest gaming event – GENCON! This time, however, I insisted we sleep in hotel rooms rather than at KOA’s. Charlie wholeheartedly agreed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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First stop – back to Tucumcari, NM! Strange little town with marginal restaurant choices. K-Bobs was the best we could find and their Chicken Fried Steak was gut wrenching! Next stop – Springfield, MO. Final Destination – the Hampster Inn in Indianapolis! Terry flew out to join us for the 4-day event, where we successfully sold all our games. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Bryon Dills</u></b></div>
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We first met Bryon Dills at the Origins Game Fair in 2014. Bryon lives in Topeka, KS and instantly became our very first Trekking advocate…even before we had the game published! He personally backed Trekking with 3 Park Pledges. When PUPS came on line, he was one of the first to Adopt a PUP.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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When we met him at Origins, Bryon was working with two other characters to set up a game store in Topeka. Bryon wanted our game! But at the time, we hadn’t even Kickstarted the project. We did have a couple of prototype games made up and Bryon was able to coax us out of one. He is the only person on the planet (other than Charlie) to have a copy of the original prototype!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The reason I bring Bryon up is he finally did get a game store opened in Topeka (Grog’s Games) and caught wind that Charlie and I would be attending GenCon. He asked us if we’d be able to swing by Topeka on our return trip so he could introduce us to his customers. How could we refuse? This guy loves us and he’s been our biggest supporter! So, Charlie and I made a slight itinerary change and paid a visit to Topeka! The following day, we did another marathon drive from Topeka to Phoenix! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>More Park Visits</u></b></div>
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August 25<sup>th</sup> marked the 100<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the National Park Service. With that being said, Terry made arrangements for us to visit parks #56 and #57. Once again, with last-minute reservations made for lodging at the two parks, we ventured off to the airport with standby tickets to Minneapolis – St Paul International Airport. I’m not sure how she does it, but we were able to board the plane and head off for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isle Royale</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Voyageurs National Parks</b>!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXVc8uveZqsHLRdvEbrvdD4h0Y1Iego0Z_C4wXznC3JqpRvWE03zyYSPUO3TLsaqjZ1qUAMgZkdqJo42vPiu-WQb3tQ9i3QYj166eLcdPWbD4jlZ-tjoCJVsB4wqG_h_C91RBxPm7ays/s1600/35_Isle_IMG_9701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlXVc8uveZqsHLRdvEbrvdD4h0Y1Iego0Z_C4wXznC3JqpRvWE03zyYSPUO3TLsaqjZ1qUAMgZkdqJo42vPiu-WQb3tQ9i3QYj166eLcdPWbD4jlZ-tjoCJVsB4wqG_h_C91RBxPm7ays/s400/35_Isle_IMG_9701.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail's end at Scoville Point - Isle Royale NP </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkas7ltyQi4Hf8sFcbR1IYzrn6b6GfjnMtNAfbGHNosugKSruRBRci3mcB4bjPg6R98dYIAKDE5sLk7llm0UR-w2aHIakL3_RG29xQ7P4RgpyKG1GXN4B5MbXMugP96LC5eB24SJBjSU/s1600/36_Isle_IMG_9776+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkas7ltyQi4Hf8sFcbR1IYzrn6b6GfjnMtNAfbGHNosugKSruRBRci3mcB4bjPg6R98dYIAKDE5sLk7llm0UR-w2aHIakL3_RG29xQ7P4RgpyKG1GXN4B5MbXMugP96LC5eB24SJBjSU/s400/36_Isle_IMG_9776+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edison Fishery - Isle Royale NP</td></tr>
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The one excursion we took while visiting Isle Royale was to the Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse. Just a short hike beyond the Fishery we found the campsite of the people who have been conducting the Moose/Wolf study for the past 58 years!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zB8G_ekXTXzExy1WlN81M96ijHJw6KiflAHmfRg4YWpJn-Wlbuuemj-CSsY7VNfsZzZVPHB1H0XpGjTDtHpxbfIPirx0qheBijsnO5647UnX86qUKMd-430bVysrjnzkJpFN197_Tsw/s1600/37_Isle_IMG_9786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zB8G_ekXTXzExy1WlN81M96ijHJw6KiflAHmfRg4YWpJn-Wlbuuemj-CSsY7VNfsZzZVPHB1H0XpGjTDtHpxbfIPirx0qheBijsnO5647UnX86qUKMd-430bVysrjnzkJpFN197_Tsw/s400/37_Isle_IMG_9786.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Harbor Lighthouse - Isle Royale NP</td></tr>
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Isle Royale is an island in Lake Superior that’s situated closer to Canada than to the state of Michigan, which is where they say it’s affiliated! To get to Isle Royale, you must take a boat or seaplane. We opted for the 3-hour boat ride on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isle Royale Queen IV</i>, which departs from Copper Harbor, MI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This park is a true wilderness. There is no vehicular traffic and no cell service. Because we made reservations at the last minute, we were unable to get a room in the Main Lodge. However, the Housekeeping Cottage we were assigned was very pleasant. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since 1958, Isle Royale has been the site of the longest continuous study of a predator-prey relationship between moose and wolf. Sadly, the wolf population is down to only 2 survivors. The future of this study, or at least that of the wolves looks bleak.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd3xszjhVqBoUjU_ZyWDwd865DkEwiz_Gr-luiFFHMMCqSUKR99sTEMvaVWu554LFdZHD2vtpC50V7iDBy4MiXy45nADWm2f0szYYM4pfO20vBUrY2_p5HjuAxMC7CTgKl_YT-uLupo4/s1600/38_IsleRoyale_9737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrd3xszjhVqBoUjU_ZyWDwd865DkEwiz_Gr-luiFFHMMCqSUKR99sTEMvaVWu554LFdZHD2vtpC50V7iDBy4MiXy45nADWm2f0szYYM4pfO20vBUrY2_p5HjuAxMC7CTgKl_YT-uLupo4/s400/38_IsleRoyale_9737.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kayaking along the coast of Isle Royale is a popular activity</td></tr>
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Our visit to Isle Royale was very pleasant until the day we were supposed to depart. A storm passed over Lake Superior the night before and churned up the waters to the point where the Queen IV was delayed 6 hours do to “high seas.”<br />
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To idle away the time, we wandered around the Lodge complex and Terry noticed a lady working on her iPad. Terry asked her if she was connected to the internet. She said that if you ask the front desk, they might give you the access code.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Terry logged on, she discovered a text message from Barb Drummond. Barb is the lady who watches<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CharlieDog, our Old English Sheepdog, when we travel. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>Sad News</u></b></div>
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Her text message said she’d tried to call us many times to no avail. She wanted to let us know that C-Dawg had died in her arms the night before. Talk about taking the wind out of our sails! What had been up to this point a marvelous journey, suddenly became very sullen. Old age and cancer finally caught up with C-Dawg. He was 14 years old and a very faithful companion for both Terry and me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RIP C-Dawg.<br />
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<b>#57 - Voyageurs National Park</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIGFhJ3_WSv2s9vNGVyitKnK-AB9m90ROqxr8BfMFeY_ThL5fWSQvzRnzOvxmTaL4d_qaN505z8ZB8Lbc6rtrZV68xt_JgC0EW2nek-K9wlje3vLDrqHNGu-4QhHR1uZmoYPDpD88nU0/s1600/39_Voya_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIGFhJ3_WSv2s9vNGVyitKnK-AB9m90ROqxr8BfMFeY_ThL5fWSQvzRnzOvxmTaL4d_qaN505z8ZB8Lbc6rtrZV68xt_JgC0EW2nek-K9wlje3vLDrqHNGu-4QhHR1uZmoYPDpD88nU0/s400/39_Voya_21.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry riding high on the Walleye of Voyageurs NP!</td></tr>
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What cheered us up from the news of C-Dawg’s passing was checking into a wonderful cottage near <b>Voyageurs National Park</b>. Terry had found a cozy cabin on Kabetogama Lake online. (Try saying <i>"Kabetogama"</i> three times quickly and you'll understand why we shortened it to Kab Lake.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Voyageurs is mainly a water-based park, including 26 interior lakes, 900 islands, 655 mile of shoreline and a large population of bald eagles! To experience this park requires a boat ride into its interior! Terry and I took the Kettle Falls Dam Tour, which got us out on the water to witness the essence of this park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AxmZrOe87c1MMsRjtezR97FgB1wvxFozE_zQ1TzE_tN_GjhS2oG96oiJr89P_iRDNf4LX0qFY4ceqdqdA7YjBbYbe3qxtXLS9MeCRM2SRO8no49wqfKx7n8dYMwQPDKUcTuSiwbDrGM/s1600/40_Voya_IMG_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AxmZrOe87c1MMsRjtezR97FgB1wvxFozE_zQ1TzE_tN_GjhS2oG96oiJr89P_iRDNf4LX0qFY4ceqdqdA7YjBbYbe3qxtXLS9MeCRM2SRO8no49wqfKx7n8dYMwQPDKUcTuSiwbDrGM/s400/40_Voya_IMG_0004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset on Kab Lake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMaDHv8MLQNfaa1-dAQHRlA5Xtm8F-0TUpd_TqNKjSKsFcH24qe0A4bUJC1YJhuP4Aw6JwzM58jQISMjv0kpH76iObCjNHVS7GvLqny0Gg7bEdfFvTo4NkICkLxdddAsVBBHKOUh5_ng/s1600/41_Voya_IMG_9837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMaDHv8MLQNfaa1-dAQHRlA5Xtm8F-0TUpd_TqNKjSKsFcH24qe0A4bUJC1YJhuP4Aw6JwzM58jQISMjv0kpH76iObCjNHVS7GvLqny0Gg7bEdfFvTo4NkICkLxdddAsVBBHKOUh5_ng/s400/41_Voya_IMG_9837.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cozy cabin at The Pines of Kabetogama Resort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk-TQ_LfqvO9Vki8RBtCBFGsRJenZiQQIOOL3InI8k2ouc7GNRVQ40mSt5jimGLDWZrmNOFzkE0NTFNmPp_DNK0LDjixFXt32Fo68EnVuWUpWieaD9Jie0wxlut8IepgnRV5QHboDuZQ/s1600/42_Voya_IMG_9901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPk-TQ_LfqvO9Vki8RBtCBFGsRJenZiQQIOOL3InI8k2ouc7GNRVQ40mSt5jimGLDWZrmNOFzkE0NTFNmPp_DNK0LDjixFXt32Fo68EnVuWUpWieaD9Jie0wxlut8IepgnRV5QHboDuZQ/s400/42_Voya_IMG_9901.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just being silly!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Good Ol' C-Dawg</u></b><br />
CharlieDog was quite the character. He will be remembered for being a CoolDog in the pool, a Camping Dog when he joined us on our National Park treks, a LazyDog much of the time, a RabbitChasing dog on our walks, and a Big Brother to Aimee and Bella.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Zpal0FtLelbNNx7YFpw9gtk8HXUjp8X6GiReqvn6n4BcJlcVNZxzJfrDcJ5nuJ8kWO8goFaql2WGI6cf3TObsUMuwhSQPPnIRbWQxbPguuGE4uMdKV8PGFzojHgL3lbYf7zGIg8iJA0/s1600/43_CDawg_IMG_9796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Zpal0FtLelbNNx7YFpw9gtk8HXUjp8X6GiReqvn6n4BcJlcVNZxzJfrDcJ5nuJ8kWO8goFaql2WGI6cf3TObsUMuwhSQPPnIRbWQxbPguuGE4uMdKV8PGFzojHgL3lbYf7zGIg8iJA0/s400/43_CDawg_IMG_9796.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CoolDog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CampDog at Sequoia National Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SwimDog </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>September</u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I reached the age where Medicare kicks in! Definitely cheaper than the COBRA plan I was on following my departure from the working world! Now, with the political climate being as unpredictable as its been, I wonder how much longer Medicare will last!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>October</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Our feisty granddaughter – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jaylynn</b> – was officially adopted by Tosha and Greg on October 6<sup>th</sup> at the Courthouse in El Centro, CA. She immediately asked her mom and dad if she could come home with Gramma Terry and Pappa John! Greg eagerly agreed - with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>one condition. We couldn’t bring her back to Temecula until she turned 18! Sorry Greg, we love Jaylynn dearly, however, we will be bringing her back home long before she turns 18!<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tosha, Jaylynn and "Pappa John"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling in the rain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sassy ladies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8yKEkk_oDcRNZLn-_cd01Llg7ZiOU0_zEBUXGsIbEMMXQpylIvHYX3VSOZVmZZZE6RJH7f9RT-xp4Nju4Cv2muq0GdEz65LEcSMJ9A-3judjHcO5h-qOPjSeLIwH0e0X50R-TdRyNQc/s1600/49_JayBike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8yKEkk_oDcRNZLn-_cd01Llg7ZiOU0_zEBUXGsIbEMMXQpylIvHYX3VSOZVmZZZE6RJH7f9RT-xp4Nju4Cv2muq0GdEz65LEcSMJ9A-3judjHcO5h-qOPjSeLIwH0e0X50R-TdRyNQc/s400/49_JayBike.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaylynn and her new bike!</td></tr>
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<b><u>Sedona Golf Experience</u></b><br />
On Halloween Day, our good friends John and Mary Kirkwood, Greg and Karen Gill and Rilus Graham and his friend Kathy, joined us in Sedona for 3 days of great food, lots of Halloween fun, way too much vino and some fine golf! The golf format was to pit the AZ Team of the Binkele’s and Rilus and Kathy against the CA Team consisting of the Kirkwood's and the Gill's in a Ryder Cup style event.<br />
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After two days of golf, the teams were tied at 4 points each. On the final day of play, dark clouds began to form just prior to the start. By the end of the first hole, a steady rain began to fall and with that, the desire to continue the tournament quickly faded. All players agreed that a Hot Toddy by the fireplace beat getting soaked on the course. Hence, the CAAZ Cup will need to be decided some time next spring!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirk Diggler and his Date</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona Golf Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona Golf Buddies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>November</u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
After months of anxious waiting, the second edition of Trekking finally showed up! Thank goodness as we were down to the last 36 of the original 3534 games and the selling season was upon us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The new version of Trekking turned out excellent...and the Park Guide Book has received rave reviews!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>December</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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After being held up at customs in Long Beach and then held hostage by the company charged with delivering the 3000 copies of PUPS, Charlie was finally able to take possession of the inventory for his second successful Kickstarter project. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As soon as the games were unloaded, the wheels of production kicked into high gear as Terry and Charlie began the process of shipping over 700 copies of the games to the project’s 586 Backers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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All during the month, we set up our wares with both PUPS and Trekking at several local art shows and had a banner month! When the dust had settled on December 31<sup>st</sup>, we’d sold over 500 copies of Trekking and shipped out over 1100 sets of PUPS in the month of December!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Whew! Nice to have a bit of a break before we dive into 2017!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only two more Park Pins needed to complete our Trek to all 59!</td></tr>
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Well, folks…that’s all I have for this edition of
Bink Ink. We hope you all had a pleasant Holiday Season and wish you well in
the New Year. Keep in touch. <o:p></o:p></div>
John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-11215996748846678692016-12-01T15:07:00.000-07:002017-05-07T17:59:17.262-07:00New Game and Park Guide Book<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnBCyOFcOTo1NZ20oWLTUVicfPNZwA9CZwBWGMFVafqIScuVuGd70qR56fL9eND5hHY-WiDa8SUu9_NwLBQ4vKQr-pp61e0vbzMQsBHG6xaPCvNVylfDZWGQo2ZTfNoMS23sIIZ9btwI/s1600/LogoB700px.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnBCyOFcOTo1NZ20oWLTUVicfPNZwA9CZwBWGMFVafqIScuVuGd70qR56fL9eND5hHY-WiDa8SUu9_NwLBQ4vKQr-pp61e0vbzMQsBHG6xaPCvNVylfDZWGQo2ZTfNoMS23sIIZ9btwI/s200/LogoB700px.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.binkink.com/">www.binkink.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
December 1, 2016<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-o-ifHKdx8v7LcpX_8BZ92mOAYZ3oa_TXdeudC1RgxZsh3Lx5QFeUICC1Ujr1Risjk-iPtA6E8v5CLv85lcuMr2ArRieTCzVO-MsgGHtQ3nX0tgnvDMkBWRe4ZsTU6VeocV5sXBsMnU/s1600/Yellowstone_0372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-o-ifHKdx8v7LcpX_8BZ92mOAYZ3oa_TXdeudC1RgxZsh3Lx5QFeUICC1Ujr1Risjk-iPtA6E8v5CLv85lcuMr2ArRieTCzVO-MsgGHtQ3nX0tgnvDMkBWRe4ZsTU6VeocV5sXBsMnU/s400/Yellowstone_0372.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Edition of Trekking the National Parks Board Game</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><i>The Good News: </i></b>The first edition of our award winning game <b>Trekking the National Parks </b>officially <b>sold out</b> in early November.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Better News:</i></b> We have received in our shipment of 3000 copies of the new 2nd edition of Trekking. (As of May 1st, 2017...there are 1624 copies left of the 2nd edition.)<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Best News:</i></b> The new edition of the game comes with a better price, a few minor tweaks to the rules of the game AND and all new 64-page <a href="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/247040520/Park%20Guidebook_compressed.pdf">Park Guide Book</a>! (Click to view the Guide Book)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDKn0M9iiczgacyPnjQlbOS_abyErapqg-3nFtvQFzTkKOFwSEB_RRV20RvVWBrXMYNEB1JV58NEfqXHJQTuE-D3mAkg-teEH9usZhjljZXMY2Y_6iq3TUVnCUcYL-jP2XVTizViJdAQ/s1600/guidebook3D.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDKn0M9iiczgacyPnjQlbOS_abyErapqg-3nFtvQFzTkKOFwSEB_RRV20RvVWBrXMYNEB1JV58NEfqXHJQTuE-D3mAkg-teEH9usZhjljZXMY2Y_6iq3TUVnCUcYL-jP2XVTizViJdAQ/s320/guidebook3D.png" width="245" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The new Park Guide Book is filled with information about each of our country's 59 major Parks. The purpose of the Guide Book is to help readers broaden their understanding of each of these treasures and enrich the player or visitor experience -whether trekking to a park on the game board or in the family car. <br />
<br />
Much of the information contained in the Guide Book comes from our personal experiences while we've trekked about them. We've included information about the key features of each park, unique elements and what qualified each to achieve "National Park" status.<br />
<br />
Other segments of the Guide Book include the following:<br />
<br />
<b>Getting There: </b>Not all parks are accessible by automobile! This section will help you understand where the park is located and how to get there.<br />
<br />
<b>When to go</b>: for most parks, the summer months are typically "high season" attracting the largest crowds. This section will help you determine the best time of year for you to visit.<br />
<br />
<b>What to do:</b> This part of the Guide Book offers you a listing of the many activities available when you visit. Much of this section includes Day Hikes we took when we visited.<br />
<br />
<b>Where to stay:</b> Here you will find information regarding camping and lodging options once you arrive.<br />
<br />
<b>Wildlife:</b> This section highlights the animals you may encounter while visiting the park.<br />
<br />
<b>Trivia: </b>We have been asked numerous times if the game contains a trivia element. We play-tested a park trivia component for 6 months and found out that very few people could answer even the simplest of questions. So instead of incorporating Trivia into the game, we included a section to it!<br />
<br />
<b>Experience These:</b> At the bottom of each page, you'll find a checklist of things that we highly recommend you consider doing when visiting a park. Check them off as you complete each activity and add your own experiences as well!<br />
<br />
The <b>Park Guide Book</b> comes inside every game of Trekking. We do have a limited number of Guide Books for sale in the event you already have the game. To order a copy, visit our website at: <a href="http://www.binkink.com/shop">www.binkink.com/shop</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Trails!John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-42840737193855521422016-09-08T16:10:00.002-07:002016-12-01T14:17:20.137-07:00Wupatki National Monument<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>September 4, 2016</b> - We begin our Four Corners park exploration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">First stop - Wupatki National Monument</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJL16a_hPUi-0LeRGHUoOTNhFY6X448X-9oP_04eurDJ122GwzV48mZ3dhu0JXd6-qwnhQprfNdIkB-rYH-hQVkecdu58w170o0RkKcemQQT3YHWafOkcqZYnLAvMBu2MuqIvFth2sxM/s1600/Wupatki_9974.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJL16a_hPUi-0LeRGHUoOTNhFY6X448X-9oP_04eurDJ122GwzV48mZ3dhu0JXd6-qwnhQprfNdIkB-rYH-hQVkecdu58w170o0RkKcemQQT3YHWafOkcqZYnLAvMBu2MuqIvFth2sxM/s400/Wupatki_9974.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="text-align: center;">Lomaki Pueblo</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lomaki Pueblo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wukoki Pueblo - Phantom Ship of the High Desert</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Wupatki National
Monument</b> – Sept 4, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, we begin our Four Corners treks. These trips will
take us to the National Monuments, National Historical Sites, National Parks
and other sites managed by the National Park Service within the four corner
states – Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve lived in AZ for the past 24 years and have passed by
all four of the parks we will visit today over these years, never to have
stopped to pay them a visit! You see, we were on a mission of “grander scale!”
We set out to trek about all 59 of the “majors.” We’re talking about the
Yosemite’s, the Yellowstone’s, the Grand Canyon’s and such. The big ones. We
didn’t find the time to visit the monuments or the historical sites or our national
seashores. Or perhaps, we didn’t make the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that we’ve ticked off 57 of the 59 “majors”, we’re making
time to take in the “lessers.” So we pack up the two dogs and head north to
Wupatki NM on the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What a pleasant surprise! We will soon discover that these
“lesser” are every bit as impressive as most of the majors! Our first stop, Wupatki
National Monument, is located about a half hour north of Flagstaff, AZ. Nine
hundred years ago, the Sinagua people built impressive masonry dwellings that
have survived the ages. The photos above are of three of the dwellings found
within the park borders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It ceases to amaze me how well constructed these dwellings
are when one considers the tools and technology of that era. As I take in these
ruins, I wonder if any part of the home I currently live in will still be
standing nine hundred years from now! Perhaps the cement slab?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are several ruins to explore in this 35,000-acre park.
Our first stop was to take a peek at the Box Canyon and the Lomaki pueblos. These
homes of the Sinagua people were constructed from slabs of sandstone slabs,
limestone blocks, and chunks of basalt all found locally. To hold the blocks
together, these craftspeople developed a clay-based mortar that has stood the
test of time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One major resource lacking in the region was water! The name
Sinagua comes from the Spanish word meaning “without water.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These industrious people lived in the high
desert “sin agua” for hundreds of years before disappearing from the region as
did the Anazazi’s (Anazazi’s are now referred to as Ancestral Puebloans.
Apparently, the word “anazazi” is a Navajo swear word!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Built along the edge of a small canyon, the Box Canyon and
Lomaki Pueblos are the first two dwellings we explore. After completing the
½-mile Lumaki Pueblo Trail, Terry, Aimee, Bella and I ventured on to the
Visitor Center to examine the Wupatki pueblo community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Home to an estimated 80-100 people, this section
is the highlight of the park. Take the ½-mile round trip Wupatki Pueblo Trail
and get an up close look at the well preserved 104 room dwelling, its ball
courts and the unique geologic blowhole!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">During its time, the Wupatki Pueblo was perhaps the regions
most influential pueblo and served as the central hub for this growing
agricultural community. From all accounts, it was the regions largest dwelling and
served as a trade center and meeting place for people of the area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By around 1250 A.D., the Sinaguans had moved on and
abandoned their prized abodes leaving behind a cultural treasure that us
moderns can enjoy and reflect upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blowholes.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> One of the unique
features found at Wupaki is the blowhole found at the end of the Wupatki Pueblo
interpretive trail. A blowhole is a small opening in the ground through which
air blows out or is sucked in - a kind of natural vacuum. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Year
Wupatki became a National Monument</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
- 1924<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Average
Elevation:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 5,220’<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">Weather:</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"> Wupatki is located
in the high desert with elevations ranging from 4,280’ to 5,720’. Seasonally, here’s
what you can expect:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">Summer</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">: Dry and windy. Thunderstorms common from
July-September. Daytime temperatures range from 90</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">°</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"> to over 100</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">°</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"> F. Lows in
the 50s. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"> Fall</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">: Very pleasant, mild to warm daytime temperatures, some
precipitation, light winds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"> Winter</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">: Mild daytime temps. Nights often below freezing. Occasional
snow showers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">Spring</span></b><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;">: Unpredictable, and often windy. Mild to warm days,
but occasional rain or small snow showers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When to Visit:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Open year round. See Weather</span><span style="color: #434343; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Entrance
Fee:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> $20 per car. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Visitor
Center Hours:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> 9 am – 5
pm. Closed December 25<sup>th</sup>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Where
to stay</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">: Lodging can be found in nearby
Flagstaff. Camping is available at Bonito Campground.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What
to do:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Explore the Pueblos. Sign up for
the 2-day Crack-in-th-Rock, Ranger-led backpack trip. Take a Guided Tour
(October thru April) or a Discovery Hike with an Interpretive Ranger. Take the
35-mile scenic drive on the Loop Road between Sunset Crater and Wupatki. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Pets:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> OK on a leash and only in the parking lots.
Not allowed on trails leading to the pueblos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
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<!--EndFragment-->John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-16829426962463903012016-08-28T14:47:00.000-07:002016-08-29T20:39:19.397-07:00NP# 57 - Voyageurs National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>August 22nd </b>-<br />
Voyageurs National Park - #57 </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Terry booked us for a three night stay at <b>The Pines of Kabetogama Resort</b>.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Excellent accommodations!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
View from our cabin porch!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Typical sunset over Kabetogama Lake.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Terry riding the Walleye!</div>
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Another lovely sunset!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kettle Falls Resort</b> - the destination of our Voyageurs lakes tour. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The Bar inside the resort. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Notice the slope of the floor. Makes for interesting "sledding" after a few cocktails!</div>
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On our Kettle Falls Tour, we spotted at least six <b>Bald Eagles</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzT_ggQuI5SeS4W716uTk2veTyLtGRftlD5sed0CqE7hBPMMaHjwc8EKUDhJgnfXh1f-gjTkge7JEs3idUTi8bE5mP_L9JdlSvXbqiQRd48Gka4oJwxbOf-QzyKsGAq5oODShfXqzOhE/s1600/V_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzT_ggQuI5SeS4W716uTk2veTyLtGRftlD5sed0CqE7hBPMMaHjwc8EKUDhJgnfXh1f-gjTkge7JEs3idUTi8bE5mP_L9JdlSvXbqiQRd48Gka4oJwxbOf-QzyKsGAq5oODShfXqzOhE/s400/V_20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another majestic Bald Eagle perched afar in the treetops.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIMwvga9_BwqwtNVBGYSXY_O42gp-0UOfBIxkWh9Il_T_0ldt01dCbQt5AfcvgjhK4vfvsIxOhu49Zgj-V7Eghgk0qdXDKHpmVpe9fy9inFti4hcDDDKTHolx0Ja1-527temln4aM1WU/s1600/V_14.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIMwvga9_BwqwtNVBGYSXY_O42gp-0UOfBIxkWh9Il_T_0ldt01dCbQt5AfcvgjhK4vfvsIxOhu49Zgj-V7Eghgk0qdXDKHpmVpe9fy9inFti4hcDDDKTHolx0Ja1-527temln4aM1WU/s400/V_14.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Terry awaiting another lovely sunset. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-qqEdImjwNz2ljn6_JWse9RRbsaoH_iCzjnInFKZSCQG9VmmpczFA6ah4ORuHfrQOiMol_VK5L7P-YxVTQVMW7mUVOQhLlDFGVkfo6MqEnZDfqlRXskXRkwcIRHzvD36aLONDlD8uRY/s1600/V_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-qqEdImjwNz2ljn6_JWse9RRbsaoH_iCzjnInFKZSCQG9VmmpczFA6ah4ORuHfrQOiMol_VK5L7P-YxVTQVMW7mUVOQhLlDFGVkfo6MqEnZDfqlRXskXRkwcIRHzvD36aLONDlD8uRY/s400/V_15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ahhh....</div>
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The <b>Beaver Pond</b> <b>Overlook</b> near Ash River Visitor Center.</div>
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Alas...no beavers!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i9tHlorOZLYzDdXBwbIvsaUNb8qoSDYhDubfhwqAZfUqw8_moVvezuVhi_pvfNoKtaXEqXZp7ty-QcKAYcRRWYRXGmsrzDpDFX9ZoPSlzyyfWdvuMzHWi4EDzQD7xdLHpWyeiXnaNEw/s1600/V_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i9tHlorOZLYzDdXBwbIvsaUNb8qoSDYhDubfhwqAZfUqw8_moVvezuVhi_pvfNoKtaXEqXZp7ty-QcKAYcRRWYRXGmsrzDpDFX9ZoPSlzyyfWdvuMzHWi4EDzQD7xdLHpWyeiXnaNEw/s400/V_8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hoist Bay. </div>
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One final sunset before heading back to Phoenix!</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">NP#57 – Voyageurs National Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8/22</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – After a
somber and restless nights sleep, we get up early to begin our 7-hour drive to
Voyageurs NP. Today, our destination is The Pines at Kabatogama Resort...the ewe'll
stay for the next three nights. We got an hour back in time when we crossed
from MI into WI so we arrived at the Pines at 3:15 pm. Jackie checks us into
cabin #3 – a newly remodeled 2-bedroom cabin overlooking Lake Kabatogama. Nice
digs! Comfy bed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First order of business...pick up
our Park Pin. The Kab Visitor Center is literally 3 minutes from our cabin.
However, I take the long route, which takes us 7 minutes! Elizabeth is the
Ranger on duty. I ask her if they have any park pins left, as there are none on
the display rack. She checks back stock and finds none. The Kab Visitor Center
is small. She suggests we go to the Rainy Lake VC up by International Falls.
She says they should have them there. We will head up there on Wednesday as
tomorrow we are scheduled to take a cruise up to Kettle Falls. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We decide that rather than eating
at restaurants, we'd head up to International Falls to do some grocery
shopping. The Falls is about a 40 minute drive from our cabin and we eventually
find a supermarket off the beaten path. The Super 1 grocery store seems to be
our best bet. We load up with goodies and look around the store for some vino!
Lo and behold, we discover that grocery stores do not carry liquor! The state
of MN has decided that liquor must be sold separately! Liquor can only be sold
in liquor stores in MN! Why, you ask? Nobody had a good answer!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The corner store just down the
street from our cabin has a "green door" that provides access to
their Liquor Room! We purchase a couple bottles of vino and head back to
the cabin to make dinner. Salmon, rice and salad to go along with a fairly
decent bottle of Pinot Noir!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8/23-</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> I get up at
5:45a in hopes of shooting a decent sunrise. My vantage point does not present
good photo ops so I head back to the cabin and brew up a cup of coffee. I'll
try for a sunset shot this evening. Ranger Liz suggests either shooting from
the Woodenfrog Campground or at the end of the Blind Ash Bay hiking
trail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before we depart for our Kettle
Falls Cruise, which will expose us to the many lakes of Voyageurs, Terry and I
cook up a fine breakfast consisting of petrified cantaloupe, strawberries and
cheese omelets. The cantaloupe was imported from a faraway land ( California) and
needed a few more days to ripen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At 10:00am, we board the pontoon
boat called Borealis skippered by Ranger Gary. Ranger Liz will serve as our
interpretive guide. Our final destination is The Kettle Falls Resort...21
nautical miles from our home port at Kabetogama Bay. The outbound trip will
take us 2 hours, as we will be stopping to see the sights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First up, Liz points out a bald
eagle nest high up in the White Pines. Ranger Liz informs us these huge bird
abodes can weigh up to 4000 pounds. No birds in sight near this nest.
After a couple of more nest sightings, we come upon a majestic bird
perched on the upper limbs of a pine snag. We would be fortunate to view
at least half dozen or more bald eagles as we make our way to Kettle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our next stop is to a small island
on Namakan Lake where, in the early 1930’s, IW Stevens built his Pine Cove
Resort. Ranger Gary and Liz give us an informative narrative about this hearty
individual who lived on the island picking berries, skiing into town, baking
cakes, running his resort and writing in his journal. He lived there until he
was 94 when he finally decided to head back to the mainland. There he lived
another 10 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We floated by Mica Island...where
they mined mica and landed at the Kettle Falls marina at noon. Lunch at the
Resort was very pleasant. The lodge's Lumberjack Saloon features a floor that
has at least a 2-foot slope to it! Notice how the pool table has been leveled
in the picture above!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Liz took the group on a tour of
the Kettle Falls Dam, which was built to help the lumbermen move logs more
efficiently. Standing on the dam overlook, Liz pointed out that we were situated
at one of a few places in the continental US where you actually look south into
Canada!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another bit of meaningless trivia
Liz shares with us as we view the Dam is that the famous Hamm's beer commercial...."the
land of sky blue waters..." Ad was shot just off the point where the Kettle
Falls Dam sits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On the return trip, we stopped by
Hoist Bay, an area where loggers used to unload or "hoist" the fallen
timber onto train cars. Hoist Bay had an old Ice House still standing. Before
refrigeration, loggers would cut huge chunks of ice from the frozen lakes and
store them in Ice Houses. To keep the ice from melting when the weather turned
warm, they'd pack the ice in sawdust. This would keep the ice intact until the
following winter!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We also were treated to a Loon
sighting. The Loon is MN's state bird. Loons mate for life and do much better
in the water or in the air as opposed to on land. Because of the way their legs
are positioned on their bodies, they do not fare well on land. In the water,
they are capable of holding their breath for up to 5 minutes. As for getting
airborne, the Loon needs a 150-yard runway in order to get their bodies out of
the water. Once airborne, they are capable of reaching flight speeds of 75
mph. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another bit of trivia I found
fascinating is the fact that all of Voyageurs lakes flow north into Canada and
eventually into Hudson Bay. In this land of sky blue waters, there once lived
millions of beavers. It is said that the North American continent once was home
to between 60 and 400 <u>million</u> beaver! These furry critters were almost
hunted to extinction (like many other species) to satisfy the lust Europeans
once had for beaver pelt hats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On our Kettle Falls cruise, we met
two other "Park Trekkers." Gail was visiting her 50<sup>th</sup>
national park and had many questions about those we've visited that she has
not. The other lady from Oregon was on #37. Ranger Kevin (Kab Visitor Center)
told Gail that earlier in the season, a gentleman had made Voyageurs Park #59
in his quest to visit all 59 of our country's natural outdoor cathedrals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The evening of Aug 23rd. We seek
out potential sunrise/sunset photo ops which takes us up to Woodenfrog State
Park just north of where we're staying. Nice park with decent photo potential.
From there we wander down to Ash River Visitor Center to check out a site I saw
when we returned from our Kettle Cruise. This site proved to be idea and I set
up camp out on the rocky point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">To idle away the time before
sunset, Terry and I try to reenact the Voyager as portrayed by Rilus Graham <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Roy Mosel during our crossing of the Grand
Canyon. Our pose did not turn out nearly as humorous as that of Roy and
Rilus...nevertheless, we got a few giggles out of our futile effort!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The evening sunset turned out to
be a decent photo op. Snapped off a bunch of flicks and feel confident there's
at least one or two keepers in the bunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">8/24</span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – To get the
most out of this park in the summer, you must get out on the water. Today, we
have not sought out any means of getting out on the lakes so instead, we drive
up to Rainy Lake Visitor Center to seek out our park pin! Voila! Just as Ranger
Liz had suspected. Rainy has them in stock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After purchasing our pin, we take
one of the few hiking trails found in this park. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Oberholtzer Trail meanders through a
wooded area. The first 3/10 of a mile is wheelchair accessible. After that, the
path narrows considerably and breaks off in two directions. One path will take
you to an overlook staring at Black Bay and a field full of cattails. The other
section of the park takes you deeper into the woo where you’ll find another
bench overlook. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good to get out and
stretch the legs…however, not much in the way of memorable scenery!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Back at our cabin, I teach Terry a
game that every Minnesotan and Wisconsinite knows how to play – Cribbage! She
catches on fast, gets dealt ideal cards and proceeds to skunk me on the first
game we play! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "System Font Light"; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Not ready to call it quits, I talk
Terry into going back to Ash River Visitor Center for one more evening photo
shoot. She agrees and we head back to the rocky point where we reenacted the
voyager pose the night before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tonight,
the sunset is even better than last evening. But before we begin the photo
shoot, we decide to see what the Beaver Pond Overlook is all about. Not much to
it. No beaver in sight. Mostly an overgrown swamp of a lake trying to become a
meadow!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
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for our 5-hour drive back to Minneapolis. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Terry has worked her “standby” magic once
again and soon we’re heading back to Phoenix. Our pursuit to experience all 59
of our country’s amazing parks is coming to a close. We’ve got but two more to
check off the map to complete the mission. It’s been a magical experience for
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-85316147698405172902016-08-28T12:35:00.004-07:002020-02-14T09:44:22.259-07:00NP#56 - Isle Royale National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our 56th park visit along our quest to trek about all 59 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">of our country's major national parks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>August 17th </b>- Sunset at Copper Harbor, MI the evening before departing for <b><i>Isle Royale National Park</i></b> - our 56th park visit!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sunrise from atop Brockway Drive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>August 18th</b> - Rock Harbor location map!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Isle Royale Queen IV</b> - the transport vessel from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Shoreline along Rock Harbor on our hike out to Scoville Point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Driftwood along the coastal waterway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Terry's one happy trekker! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Intriguing coastline as we hike to the tip of <b>Scoville Point.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Almost out of real estate as Terry makes her way to the Point. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Enjoying the sunshine at Scoville Point. A 4.2 mile round trip loop from Rock Harbor most to the end of the trail. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Typical Isle Royale coastline.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lovely sunset - August 18, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>August 19</b> - Trekking to the top of <b>Mt. Franklin</b> - a 10-mile hike. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kayakers paddling Rock Harbor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Avoiding the swampy grounds.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Terry checks out <b>Suzy's Cave.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A smooch atop Mt. Franklin!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Time for lunch!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lily pond but no moose! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We heard them in the woods but they did not present themselves to us!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">More lilies on the pond! (Lake Ojibway)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>August 20th</b> - Edisen Fishery and Rock Harbor Lighthouse Tour. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A view of the fishery as we are about to dock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Rock Harbor Lighthouse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fishery NET house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Terry inside the Nut hou....er Net House!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Makeshift buoys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">About a half mile west of the Fishery you'll find the basecamp for the longest continuous study of a predator/prey relationship - the moose and wolves of Isle Royale. Pictured above is the wolf bone yard. Below, the moose bone yard. </span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">NP#56 – Isle Royale National Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Aug 2016-</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Getting
there! Isle Royale is located in Michigan. Actually, it’s located in Lake
Superior much closer to Canada and Minnesota than it is to Michigan; however,
somewhere along the way, the powers-to-be decided this island was a part of The
Wolverine State!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For our visit to our 56<sup>th</sup>
park, Terry has scheduled us to fly into Minneapolis-St. Paul via American
Airlines. We’ll be going “standby.” Not my favorite mode of transportation;
however, we had no problem getting a seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We land at MSP (code for the
airport) around 8:30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MSP is a very
large airport with a pretty decent hike to the rental car depot. We pick up our
Jeep and attempt to navigate out of the airport. That takes us two tries as the
little lady inside my phone who is giving me directions steers me back around
into short-term parking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once we escape the confines of MSP,
we're on our way to the Hampster <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Hampton Inn) in Chippawa Falls. By the time
we reach Chippawa, all local restaurants have closed up shop. Dinner this
evening consists of microwave Veggie Lasagna and nasty cheap bottle of Merlot
we bought from the night shift guy at the Hampster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8/17</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- The next
leg of our trek takes us from Chippawa Falls to Copper Harbor where we'll be
staying the night at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge. Today’s drive to Michigan’s
UP (Upper Peninsula) will take us about 6 hours. Like Isle Royale, I’m not sure
how the UP became part of MI since this landmass is connected to WI!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Along the route, we stop at the
Isle Royale Visitor Center in Houghton, MI to get our park pin...just in case
the Visitor Center on the island doesn't have them. On our drive to Copper
Harbor, the northernmost point of the UP, we pass through the tiny town of
Phoenix! A tad smaller and a whole lot greener than home!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge sits
up on a hill about a mile south of the dock we will be departing from. We are
assigned Rm #29- a motel unit that will do the job of housing us for the night.
Dinner at the Lodge is surprisingly good! We/I had a decent Pinot to go along
with my Veggie Lasagna. Yep Veggie Lasagna two nights in a row!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">At dinner, I discover that I had
misunderstood our departure time returning from Isle Royale on Sunday. I
thought Terry had told me we would be leaving the Island at 8 am, which would
get us back to the mainland at around 11:30am. Upon returning to Copper Harbor,
we would then make a 6-hour drive to Superior, WI before heading up to
Voyageurs. When I found out we would not be departing Isle Royale until 2:30 pm
(arriving Copper Harbor at approx. 6pm), I suggested we change or hotel
reservation from Superior, WI to the much closer Holiday Inn in Houghton, MI.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">That proved to be easier said than
done! We soon discover that there is little to no cell service in Copper Harbor
and AT&T took out the pay phones years ago. The desk clerk at the Lodge
suggested we drive to the top of the nearby mountain where cell service can
"sometimes be available!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After dinner, we hop into the
Jeepster and make our way up Brockway Mountain Drive in search of cell
service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve got one bar,” Terry
exclaims as we approach the summit of the mountain. She dials the Holiday Inn
and remarkably gets connected to a reservationist….for about 30 seconds. The
connection is lost before she’s able to finish changing our reservation! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“We need to get higher,” she
pleads….so off we go to the far reaches of Brockway Mtn Drive. “I’ve got
another bar!” Terry cries out. I stop the car and she dials the Holiday Inn
once again. Success! She gets through and is able to change our reservation. This
will prove to be a huge blessing four days from now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">With nothing better to do, we head
down the mountain to the coastline and find a spot to photograph the sunset.
The skies here in Copper Harbor are beautiful! After a productive photo shoot,
we discover a small shop that sells very tasty ice cream. We check out where we
will be departing tomorrow...then off to bed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8/18</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">- We’re up at
the crack of dawn (6am) to catch the sunrise. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another very productive photo op atop Brockway
Mountain! At 6:40a, we find a diner open and enjoy a decent breakfast. At 7:10,
we drive about 200 yards to the parking lot where we'll pay 30 scoots to park
our rental car before boarding the Isle Royale Queen IV, which is the vessel that
will transport us to Isle Royale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Today, Lake Superior is
"flat." Barely a hint of breeze as the crew loads a dozen kayaks, all
the luggage and finally the 80 or so passengers they will be shuttling from
Copper Harbor to Isle Royale. As we will discover upon our return trip,
the lake can get a bit surly! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">There are several transportation
options when visiting Isle Royale and driving there isn't one of them. You can
depart from Houghton, MI on the National Park Service vessel, which will take
about 6 hours to get to the island. You could opt to depart from Grand Portage,
MN on a boat that takes about 8 hours to get you to port. You could opt to take
a floatplane that will cost you about 300 scoots...and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>get you to the island in a half hour. Or you
could do as we did and take the 3 1/2 hour cruise on the Isle Royale Queen IV, which
departs from Copper Harbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Once on the island, you will find
no roads, cars or trucks. Just footpaths and waterways that will allow you to
experience this wilderness park in solitude. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After our island orientation, we
got checked into our housekeeping unit #220. We had a mediocre lunch before
taking the 4.2-mile Loop hike out to Scoville Point. We highly recommend this
hike if you visit Isle Royale. The first half of the trail takes you along the
rugged and rocky coastline and then out to the tip of the peninsula. This
section of the trail is called the Stoll Trail, named after William Stoll, who
was very instrumental in getting this hunk of rock set aside as a national park. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The return portion of the loop
takes you back to the lodge adjacent to Tobin Harbor. Rather than suffer
through another mediocre meal at the lodge restaurants, we opt to buy brats,
rice and a bottle of Ravenwood Zinfindel. Good vino! Terry even had a glass!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After dinner we listened to the
Ranger's presentation about how she has connected to the island. Terry fell
asleep as the ranger muddled through her slide show featuring none other than…herself!
Terry mentioned that they should require all rangers to attend a presentation
skills class before attempting public speaking engagements! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After the show, we wandered out to
the dock to take some sunset pix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8/19</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Slept in
this morning. Today, we are off on a 10-mile hike to the highest point on the
island - Mt. Franklin. At an elevation of only 1080', I'm not sure Ben
Franklin's namesake actually qualifies as a mountain. Nevertheless, we begin
our trek a little after 10 o'clock. The first 2 miles of the trail take you along
the coastal Rock Harbor Trail. From there, we hiked up to Suzy's Cave (see
picture) before joining the western section of the Tobin Trail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Just before heading up the trail
to the mountaintop, we heard a moose bugling. Shortly thereafter, we ran into
an older couple that had just encountered a Momma moose and her calf. The two
beasts apparently stood directly in their path, so the geezers chose to head
back to camp. I asked where the moose were in proximity to us and the
gentlewoman said “about 200 yards ahead off to the left!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We chose to continue on in hopes
of catching a glimpse of these majestic mammals. The geezers must have
frightened the moose as momma and child had moved on by the time we had hiked
to their said location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">About a half-mile from the summit,
we wandered by what I called the Lily Pond. Along this trail I learned about
Thimbleberries...a reddish-pink berry that were in full bloom. Tasty little
morsels, I must have picked a hundred of them as we climbed and descended the
mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The night before, we ordered a couple
of wraps from the restaurant that we intended on eating for lunch at the top of
the mountain. Like most of the food prepared by the Forever Resorts staff, the
wraps were barely eatable. Good thing we’d packed other goodies to munch
on. In particular, the Chocolate Brownie Cliff Bars were the best!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The hike to the top of Mt Franklin
proved to be the highlight of the day. For dinner we chose to experience the
Greenstone Grill. Much to our surprise, the Greek Pizza we ordered was actually
very good...as were the two beers I enjoyed! Plenty of pizza...enough for
leftovers for tomorrow's tour of The Rock Harbor Lighthouse and the Fish Camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8/20</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Slept in
again! Got outta our Jammie's around 7:10. Skies are cloudy this morning.
Forecast predicting showers later in the day. We pack our rain gear "just
in case." First order of business...breakfast! Yesterday, when I went to
get a cup of coffee and pick up our soggy wraps, the Greenstone Grill was
empty. Today it's packed! We get the last table!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Today we're scheduled to take the
Edison Fishery/Rock Harbor Lighthouse Tour. This is a four-hour trip from Rock
Harbor to the island's first lighthouse and one of its first fish camps. When
we checked into the Lodge on Wednesday, we asked the desk clerk to sign us up
for the Lighthouse tour. She told us "no need to sign up today. These
tours never sell out. Just sign up on Saturday morning. There will be plenty of
seats."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">T'was a good thing I insisted
signing up the night before as the staff overbooked the trip! With a boatload
full of people, the Sandy chugs across Rock Harbor to our destination. We are
greeted by one of the park’s VIP's (Volunteers-In-Parks) who gives us a brief
history of the Edison Fish Camp. She then sends us on our way to the
lighthouse, which is about a quarter mile down the path and recommends we also
visit the base camp for the 50 year+ study of the relationship between the
wolves and moose on Isle Royale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Inside the lighthouse, we learn
about the 15 ships that have sunk off the waters around Isle Royale. As I
mentioned earlier, Lake Superior isn’t always calm like it was on our passage
from Copper Harbor to Isle Royale. Gordon Lightfoot’s classic song, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald</i>
exemplifies just how nasty Lake Superior can become!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">After enjoying the lighthouse, we
explored the various buildings of the fishery before wandering down to the site
of the world's longest study of Moose-Wolf predator/prey relationships. These
people have spent the past several decades studying the dynamics of moose and
wolf on Isle Royale. Sadly, we learn that only 2 wolves remain on the island.
At one point, there were 50. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">With the wolf population down to
next to nothing, the moose population has grown to over 1300. It’s come down to
a tough decision: Does the Park Service repopulate the island with new wolves
or allow them to go extinct on this isolated landscape? During an evening
lecture by the local Park Ranger, we learn that the NPS has been conducting
surveys and studies as to what should be done about the situation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this time, there are four possible
solutions to the problem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">One option is to do nothing and
let nature take its course. Another option is to reintroduce a new set of wolves
like they did in Yellowstone a few years ago and then let nature take its
course. A third option is to reintroduce a small number of wolves periodically
over a series of years. The fourth option discussed is to reduce the moose
population so they don’t destroy the park’s ecosystem without reintroducing
wolves. There are arguments in favor of each of these options. Meanwhile, the
two remaining wolves may struggle to survive the upcoming winter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rain begins to fall as we depart
the wolf/moose study camp. Back to the Sandy (the name of the boat used for
this tour) to secure a seat under shelter. A handful of folks will ride back in
the rain!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Upon our return to terra firma, we
stop by the General Store and pick up a bottle of Ravenswood Zinfandel and a
$7.25 box of Triscuits. We play our favorite card game and watch the rain
gently soak the landscape. Rain! Soft, gentle rain. Unlike the brief and
violent downpours we get in Phoenix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">We didn't see any moose or wolves
on this trip. However, as we dined at the Lodge’s main restaurant, we did spot a
red fox running about the grounds with his dinner hanging from his mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">8/21</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> - Slept in
again! We awoke to scattered clouds. No rain today. After breakfast, we mosey
down to the Ranger Station only to find out that the Isle Royale Queen IV will
be several hours late due to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>high seas
and strong winds stirred up by last nights storm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">To kill time, we take a leisurely
2-mile stroll along the Scoville/Stoll trail. Upon our return, we noodle around
the Visitor Lounge. Terry discovers this area has Wi-Fi and finds a message
from Barb, our Dogsitter who is caring for CharlieDog while we are away. Terry
lets out a cry of anguish as she learns that C-Dawg has died! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sadness cast a dark shadow over us
as we mourn the loss of our good friend and companion C-Dawg! He had a good,
long life and will be missed by many. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our 2:30 departure time actually
ended up being 6:15. We won't be back to Copper Harbor until 10 pm. Good thing
we switched our hotel ressie from the Holiday Inn in Superior, WI to the
Holiday Inn in Houghton! It saved us a 5-hour drive on dark and windy
roads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The winds had died down and the
seas have calmed a bit. Nonetheless, the boat ride back to the mainland proved
to be somber as we both reflected on the good times we had with our shaggy
canine, CharlieDog. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Random</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <u>thoughts regarding: Isle Royale:</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Isle Royale is pronounced with a
silent "e" as in Isle Royal. I refuse to call it anything but Royale!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">There are two ways to get to Isle
Royale: (1) via boat, (2) via floatplane. If Lake Superior is feeling ornery,
you might want to consider the floatplane option. It will cost you $170 more;
however, you will save yourself a minimum of 6 hours travel time plus the
hassle of waiting for the crew to load and unload dozens of kayaks and canoes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were expecting <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">bugs and humidity</b> during our visit to the Isle. Not so much! It did
rain; however, the bugs never really bugged us. Apparently, the bugs take time
off in mid to late August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">If staying in a housekeeping unit
at Rock Harbor, plan on bringing your own food. Ignore the ship's 70 lb. max
luggage restriction. We saw people load hundreds of pounds of gear including
large coolers filled with food. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The two
restaurants are decent, yet the housekeeping units are equipped with most
everything you’d need to cook up your own meals! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Best Housekeeping unit appears to
be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">#201</b>. Looks like they have a view
of Tobin Harbor.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><b>Trivia!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">While reading the Keweenaw Traveler Newspaper at the Lodge, I came across an article about the origin of the saying "What the Sam Hill!" According to the legend, Sam Hill was a mining company agent during the Keweenaw copper mining boom in the 1850's. He was also a very proficient user of profanity! In fact, so colorful was his use foul language, he became famous for it! Sam Hill became a synonym for profanity! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">When respectable people were about to blurt out an expletive, they substituted Sam's name instead. Those involved in the conversation instantly understood what that meant! </span></div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-47977452312829018442016-05-18T07:19:00.003-07:002016-05-19T10:22:39.043-07:00NP#55 - Everglades National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7n5cAgIy-LcXtZV_0sl0y1u4qViEa7ZXAl800vXzy16lGr97LybNdY2U-lxkvyEHWh67yPlFvDIOgnqhoSvYg-XyS8Dh1NrXySk0jJigBUYJJiJCacyTFS5cRSish3bVa2byDEC9dPU/s1600/Logo700px+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg7n5cAgIy-LcXtZV_0sl0y1u4qViEa7ZXAl800vXzy16lGr97LybNdY2U-lxkvyEHWh67yPlFvDIOgnqhoSvYg-XyS8Dh1NrXySk0jJigBUYJJiJCacyTFS5cRSish3bVa2byDEC9dPU/s200/Logo700px+copy.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>Park visit #55!</b></div>
Four more visits to complete our quest of trekking all 59 of our country's amazing National Parks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5PFfezdvKsHPoQuVLQr4l-ywNfKqiOIMGrn1bO8h98nFwE7-VnA8MJMizM2K7riRYS2OkEjzAX9G20ThUkLmPJQUs8kyJ18CgJr3mUOswcve1YBWoRZktvvz5_Xa6GynBCbn7TgZ5Ok/s1600/EvergladesSign_9329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5PFfezdvKsHPoQuVLQr4l-ywNfKqiOIMGrn1bO8h98nFwE7-VnA8MJMizM2K7riRYS2OkEjzAX9G20ThUkLmPJQUs8kyJ18CgJr3mUOswcve1YBWoRZktvvz5_Xa6GynBCbn7TgZ5Ok/s400/EvergladesSign_9329.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Along the Anhinga Trail</div>
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River of Grass at the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook</div>
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Saving Turtles from the Road</div>
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Crocodile cruising the costal waters in Flamingo</div>
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Brown Pelican on approach</div>
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Lazy 'gator catching some sun along the Pa-Hay-Okee Trail</div>
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Baby Manatee looking for love!</div>
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Pelican posing on pier</div>
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Reflecting about dinner</div>
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Yawning 'gator hiding in the sawgrass</div>
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Eco Pond bird sanctuary - Roseate Spoonbills in flight</div>
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Paddling along the Buttonwood Canal</div>
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<b><i>E</i></b><b><i>verglades National Park, </i></b>the third largest park in the contiguous US, covers 1.5 million acres of the southern tip of Florida. Not a “swamp” as many believe, the Everglades is a 50-mile wide river that slowly flows from Lake Okeechobee down to Florida Bay located at the southern tip of the state.</div>
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A very "flat" state, the total vertical drop from the mouth of the "Everglades River" at lake Okeechobee down to the seashore at Florida Bay is a whopping 14 feet! The slope of the land averages one and three-quarter inches per mile!</div>
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The first national park established to protect an ecological system, Everglades was formed to preserve the sawgrass prairie, the mangrove forest, the abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, the Florida panther and much more. </div>
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Yet many things have changed since the Everglades became a park thus challenging its long term preservation. Primarily, a rapidly growing population of human beings living and vacationing in southern Florida has put a serious strain on the demand for water. Water for agriculture, water for human consumption, water for industrial usage and water for the survival of the fragile Everglades ecosystem. Water management has become the critical issue facing this unique landscape. </div>
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<b>When to visit:</b> The Everglades has two seasons – wet and dry. The <b>wet season</b> (May thru Nov) is typically hot, humid and attracts a plethora of pesky insects. During this season, crowds will be small. </div>
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We visited during the "wet" season and due to a recently passing cold front, the weather was ideal! Low 80's during the day, very mild humidity and hardly a bug to be found! </div>
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The <b>dry season</b> (Dec thru April) is considered “high season” for the Everglades. It is the best time to observe the diverse collection of wildlife this park was established to protect. Bothersome insects like mosquitoes and biting flies prefer the wet season. </div>
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<b>What to do:</b> Wildlife viewing is excellent at this park as you can see from the photos above. Be prepared to see alligators, crocodiles, manatees, turtles and a wide variety of migratory birds. Take the 38-mile drive from the Coe Visitor Center down to Flamingo. Along the way, stop off at Royal Palm and hike the Anhinga and Gumbo Limbo trails. </div>
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Hike the Long Pine Trail at Long Pine Key Campground. Venture out to the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook. Explore the Mahogany Hammock and learn about the “River of Grass” and the wide variety of plants that make Everglades home. </div>
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Once you reach Flamingo, opt to rent a canoe or kayak and paddle about the park on one of the many wilderness waterways. If you prefer others to do the paddling, take a Backcountry or Florida Bay Boat Tour. Stop by the Eco Pond. It will most likely be teeming with water fowl. At the north end of the park, take the 15-mile Tram Tour or rent a bike and tour Shark Valley at your own pace. </div>
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<b>Where to stay:</b> There are no lodging facilities within the park; however, you’ll find two drive-in campgrounds in the southern section of the park: Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campground. There are numerous wilderness campsites throughout the park.</div>
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<b>Trivia:</b> The Everglades is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles co-exist. We were fortunate to see both of them!<br />
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For information about our award winning tabletop board game - Trekking the National Parks - please visit our website at <a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a>.</div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-6849920104124363572016-05-16T14:52:00.004-07:002016-05-16T14:52:36.989-07:00NP#53 - Dry Tortugas<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>May 4, 2016 - Dry Tortugas National Park. </b></h2>
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Garden Key - site of Ft. Jefferson </div>
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Approaching the Fort</div>
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South coaling Dock Ruins</div>
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Welcome to Ft. Jefferson!</div>
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Entry to the Fort</div>
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Moat around the Fort</div>
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View from 2nd Story</div>
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One of the 116 Cannons designed to protect the Fort</div>
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Garden Key Lighthouse at Ft. Jefferson</div>
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Inside the Fort</div>
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Bush Key</div>
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Yankee Freedom III Ferry </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Park</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">: </span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dry
Tortugas National Park is comprised of 100 square miles of mostly open water.
Within its boundaries, there are 7 small islands known as keys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fort Jefferson, located on the Garden Key, is
the best-known icon of the park. Built between 1846 and 1875, the all-masonry, 16-million brick fort was designed to protect important shipping lanes; however, the Civil War
interrupted its construction and it was never completed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">This Park was established to protect the islands and marine ecosystems within its
boundaries, to preserve Fort Jefferson, the underwater cultural resources
(shipwrecks) and to allow the public to visit in a regulated manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">When to visit</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Dry Tortugas has essentially two seasons –
winter and summer. Winter runs from November thru April and is influenced by cold fronts that can create strong winds and large swells. Summer begins
in May and lasts thru October, which coincides with the Atlantic Hurricane
Season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Summer months are typically hotter and more humid than the winter season. </span>Benefits of a winter visit –
cooler weather, lighter crowds. Benefits of a summer visit – good weather and excellent visibility for snorkeling and viewing marine life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Our visit happened to take place during the transitional season. the evening before we departed for the park, a cold front passed through the Keys leaving in its wake partly cloudy skies. the good news - the weather was ideal! Low 80s. Almost no humidity. and Zero bugs! The bad news - the front left behind strong winds and a very choppy ocean. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10pt;">Getting there</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10pt;"> Dry Tortugas NP is located 70 west of Key West, FL. Access to this park is either by boat or seaplane. There are no services on the island, so visitors must plan to bring everything they need with them. The park has contracted with several concessionaires who provide transportation to and from the islands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We opted to take the 3-hour boat ride on the </span></span><b style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 10pt;"><i>Yankee Freedom III</i></b><span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> - a 110 foot, 250 passenger catamaran. Prior to departing, Jeff, our "Tour Guide" highly recommended that all passengers </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">susceptible</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to motion sickness take some Dramamine. He said "the seas were going to be rough for a couple of hours!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Terry and I took Jeff's advice and we suffered no ill effects from the bumpy ride. Unfortunately, many of the passengers did not heed Jeff's words of wisdom and found their faces firmly planted inside "Barf Bags." The sickening sound of "Ralph" echoed throughout the Main Cabin for </span></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 13.3333px;">a couple of hours!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">What to do</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> Most visitors (including us) come to Dry Tortugas to tour Fort Jefferson;
however, camping, snorkeling and diving about the coral reefs, wildlife
viewing, world class bird watching, kayaking and canoeing are among the many
other activities available to visitors of Dry Tortugas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Unfortunately, the </span><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">tremulous</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> ocean stirred up the waters so those who attempted to snorkel said visibility was "poor at best." </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Where to stay</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> There are no lodges or hotels at Dry
Tortugas; however, there is a 10-site primitive campground on Garden Key, the
island where Fort Jefferson is located. Campsites are let on a first-come,
first-served basis. There is an overflow area in case a regular campsite is
unavailable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Transportation
for those wishing to camp at Dry Tortugas is limited to the Yankee Freedom
Ferry. Bring a tent, as tents are required camping gear on Dry Tortuga! Since
there are no facilities on the island, you will also need to bring food and
beverage! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Trivia</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> This park gets its name – Dry Tortugas –
from two separate sources. The “tortugas” or turtles part of its name comes
from Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon who, in 1513, found these islands
teeming with hawksbill, leatherback and loggerhead turtles. He named the
islands <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">las tortugas</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Because they
lacked fresh water, early nautical charts indicated these islands to be “dry,”
thus the name Dry Tortugas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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For more information about our award winning game, visit our website at <a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a>.</div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-4223870142252884412016-05-16T14:33:00.003-07:002016-05-17T10:39:25.310-07:00NP#54 - Biscayne National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Park visit #54 of our quest to visit all of our country's 59 major parks. </div>
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Lighthouse on Boca Chita Key</div>
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Mangrove Shoreline</div>
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Mangrove Tentacles</div>
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Boca Chita Key Shoreline</div>
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"Cannons don't thunder...there's nothing to plunder...I'm an over 40 victim of fate!" (JB)</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Park: </span></b><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Most of Biscayne is an underwater wilderness filled
with a wide variety of sea life. Below the surface, colorful coral reefs,
exotic fish, manatees and turtles will dazzle you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike land-based parks, 95% of the park is
underwater! Most of the 5% of the park that does contain terra firma is found
mainly on northernmost of the Florida Keys, which lie approximately 6-10 miles
off the mainland in Biscayne Bay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Elliott Key, the park’s largest island, is considered to be the first in
a long chain of the Florida Keys. These islands are what remain of ancient
coral reefs, which formed when ocean waters were much higher than they are
today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">This park was created to protect one of the world’s
most extensive coral reefs along with the longest stretch of mangrove forest on
the east coast. The park also protects endangers species such as the Florida
Manatee, the Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles, the American crocodile and the
colorful Schaus Swallowtail butterfly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Getting
there:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Within sight of downtown Miami, getting to the
Visitor’s Center of Biscayne National Park is easy. Getting into the main
sections of this park is a bit more challenging, as only 5% of the park is land
based!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We took a 2-hour boat Tour of the bay, Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key. </span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">What to do:</span></b><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> This aquatic wonderland is ideal for snorkeling,
diving, boating, canoeing and kayaking. There is only one mile of paved road in
the park and only two hiking trails – both on Elliott Key - so visitors must
take to the water to get a true sense of the park’s charm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For divers, Biscayne’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maritime Heritage Underwater
Trail</i></b> features the sunken remains of six of the parks many shipwrecks.
Access to this trail is by boat only. The wrecks have been mapped and mooring
buoys have been installed. The newest addition to the trail is Fowey Rocks
Lighthouse where snorkeling is sensational around its base.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Glass bottomed boat and guided canoe and kayak tours
(when available) offer visitors a great way to explore the park. Tours are
mainly offered during the winter months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Where to
stay: </span></b><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">For lodging, you will find opportunities
outside the park boundaries in Homestead and Florida City as the park does not
have any lodging within its borders. Camping inside the park requires boat
transportation to either the Boca Chita Key or the Elliot Key.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Wildlife:</span></b><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> One of the most unusual critters that can be found
floating about Biscayne is the Manatee. These<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Sea Cows” can grow to up to 12 feet long and weigh as much as 3,500
pounds. These harmless beasts have lungs as long as a basketball player and to
efficiently submerge their massive bodies into the water, they pass enormous
amounts of gas! Eyes like a puppy, they will occasionally roll over and allow
you to rub their bellies!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Trivia:</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;">
Biscayne's Maritime Heritage Trail is the only underwater archaeological trail
in the National Park System. The "Shipwreck Trail" includes six
wrecks spanning a century of maritime history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Perhaps the most interesting anecdote we discovered while visiting Biscayne is learning the difference between an island and a key. Whereas an island is <b><i>geologically</i></b> formed, i.e. it is a body of land completely surrounded by water that are either a part of a larger continental mass or formed volcanically.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">A key is <b><i>biologically</i></b> formed - its mass consists of the debris that has collected on a coral reef. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><span style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Visit our website at <a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com </a>to learn about the award winning tabletop board game that was inspired by our travels to our country's amazing national parks. </span></span></div>
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<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-74230551862251713382015-12-30T12:57:00.002-07:002016-01-01T21:20:15.349-07:00Bink Ink 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been two years since I sat down to the keyboard to crank out <b>Bink Ink</b>. The last time I did this, I ended up with a 27- page novel. Hence, I condensed it into digital form and posted it on our TrekTrax blog site. I've done the same again this year with the intent of having more pictures than text!<br />
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The following is a chronological look at what we've been up to over the past two years. You'll notice that much of it has been consumed by the tabletop board game we created - <b>Trekking the National Parks</b>!<br />
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<b>January 2014</b><br />
Bink Ink LLC is created! Mission - create a tabletop board game that's entertaining, educational and engaging. One that will inspire people to get out of the city and experience our country's treasured landmarks!<br />
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<b>Early June 2014 -</b> Just prior to attending the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, OH, Terry and I were playing golf in San Diego. On the 17th hole, Terry slips on a hidden tree root and tears the crap out of her right foot and ankle. In the picture below, she is wearing a Boot that will be part of her daily garb for the next 6 months!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Origins Game Fair - Columbus, OH</td></tr>
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<b>June 2014 - Origins Game Fair. </b>We launched the idea of Trekking the National Parks - the Board Game at the Origins Game Fair in Columbus, OH in June 2014. With only a prototype of the game and the burning desire to bring it to life, we offered the concept to Conventioneers. Fifty people believed enough in us and backed our game on the spot!<br />
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<b>Cuyahoga Valley National Park - #43</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Everett Street Bridge - Cuyahoga Valley National Park</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cozy Cottage at the Inn at Brandywine Falls</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Inn at Brandywine Falls</b></td></tr>
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Immediately following Origins, Terry and I made our way up to Cuyahoga Valley National Park located about 2 hours due north of Columbus. This urban park sits between Cleveland and Akron. Unfortunately, with Terry's foot all buggered up, we didn't get a chance to do much hiking. However, we did have an excellent stay at the Inn at Brandywine Falls. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(For more details about Cuyahoga and the Inn, visit our trektrax post of June 23, 2014.)</span><br />
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<b>Rim to Rim in a Day</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From L to R - John, Christoph and Warren wading in the Colorado River</td></tr>
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The burning desire to hike the canyon rim-to-rim in a day finally happened. On June 30th, Warren, Christoph and I departed the North Rim at 3:40am. We arrived at Phantom Ranch around 8:45 am. It was already <span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">98</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 11pt;">° </span>at the river and we still had 9 miles of uphill climb ahead! We crawled out of the Canyon on the South Rim at 4 pm. By that time the temperature was hovering around 100<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px;">°. </span> Not the ideal temperature when attempting a 23-mile hike!<br />
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This trek proved to be both physically and mentally challenging; however, we accomplished our goal and made it out alive! The beer at the Bright Angel Lodge was ever so refreshing!<br />
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<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><b><br /></b>
<b>July 2014 </b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr9TIoQqEyXh69d7j-MgEO7pjVAxXZaIsv0FWMGyxfnwOFEwgpyxlt6SEp6ma1F56HfSR2YdOkhTJSL_i-IpGPmI5KROHh1R-Lxi-OXcS-b19dS18Al98D3Y3n4hcoCNa5DxoRNv-Hw4/s1600/Yosemite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKr9TIoQqEyXh69d7j-MgEO7pjVAxXZaIsv0FWMGyxfnwOFEwgpyxlt6SEp6ma1F56HfSR2YdOkhTJSL_i-IpGPmI5KROHh1R-Lxi-OXcS-b19dS18Al98D3Y3n4hcoCNa5DxoRNv-Hw4/s400/Yosemite.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Another picture of Half Dome far in the distance!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlYyKP_EIZcYCIeUYaE0rmhZRfp7akIFOeaf3dqR-7tAHp61wjzu6-_YfOl_lQHcuHUkSiG7dMJEqQpi8p2K1SvEEvGVdQwhxk91NypMpur5J-Bg_TXQsYcNqT4s5pIaZfAB0G_ClgrA/s1600/TimandKris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlYyKP_EIZcYCIeUYaE0rmhZRfp7akIFOeaf3dqR-7tAHp61wjzu6-_YfOl_lQHcuHUkSiG7dMJEqQpi8p2K1SvEEvGVdQwhxk91NypMpur5J-Bg_TXQsYcNqT4s5pIaZfAB0G_ClgrA/s400/TimandKris.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Kris and Tim Lopes </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We can never get enough of Yosemite so Terry decided to treat her brother Tim and his wife Kris to a couple of nights at the Wawona Lodge in Yosemite. Although they've lived in Merced for a long time, they had never been to Yosemite!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Kickstarter Campaign begins. </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPDrk7yU_1eN78bdXLFBY0lam5Y7Mf4zcU6_Ffj8Vo7jVufH15xhA-ud3Mw3JhpZPTx6SyLHOHiotEmhtUiSXCpxRdjNAQf8qoHxwrIT6R8yzUj1uKtkc_EPuARx2Yf6h9jj0GFEL2s4/s1600/Kickstarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPDrk7yU_1eN78bdXLFBY0lam5Y7Mf4zcU6_Ffj8Vo7jVufH15xhA-ud3Mw3JhpZPTx6SyLHOHiotEmhtUiSXCpxRdjNAQf8qoHxwrIT6R8yzUj1uKtkc_EPuARx2Yf6h9jj0GFEL2s4/s1600/Kickstarter.jpg" /></a></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To raise money and awareness for the creation of the game, Charlie put together a very professional Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is an online crowd funding website that helps entrepreneurs launch projects that might otherwise die on the idea board. Our Trekking Kickstarter project launched while we were visiting Yosemite and was fully funded in its first week! Charlie's campaign achieved 372% of his funding goal! Check out the campaign on this link: <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/charliebink/trekking-the-national-parks-the-board-game">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/charliebink/trekking-the-national-parks-the-board-game</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-azWw0xJqB52rT5oi555sCQr5_ua8JpCfLNm6di5gkQBkK2zOIy0gVE-jckacvYf9nhGw2VuCnZEXVHn3KhaLoEePOABL_UCxgZiAuujpWvbzyFhfsD4yQpahjS5AalsdQL_tr-DxWnY/s1600/Haboob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-azWw0xJqB52rT5oi555sCQr5_ua8JpCfLNm6di5gkQBkK2zOIy0gVE-jckacvYf9nhGw2VuCnZEXVHn3KhaLoEePOABL_UCxgZiAuujpWvbzyFhfsD4yQpahjS5AalsdQL_tr-DxWnY/s400/Haboob.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Haboob invading the neighborhood</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every summer, we Phoenicians are treated to nasty dust storms that leave the neighborhood gasping for a breath of semi-clean air! These haboobs are violent windstorms that kick up the desert sands and transport the crud directly into my swimming pool!<br />
<br />
<b>August 2014</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h5P_JKMPFqqfcK3RQczk4Pam9aznBEuGSRZC5JfvqVAsuSo-FLnqLQRc2WiNHbk_St1C7D_kNZwhxzMFkveH14A4VarT5x-qq044_2P6RLwW-v8Pfeqf1utdG6vKaOKMecOQkZTFkWU/s1600/JT_Acadia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h5P_JKMPFqqfcK3RQczk4Pam9aznBEuGSRZC5JfvqVAsuSo-FLnqLQRc2WiNHbk_St1C7D_kNZwhxzMFkveH14A4VarT5x-qq044_2P6RLwW-v8Pfeqf1utdG6vKaOKMecOQkZTFkWU/s400/JT_Acadia.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Trekkers atop Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJOV4xT29AeapJnM1-lImB8t3z0sllyyXFPofTBhceroXCOeAugXZ96K3j8Xp54_CWKT0baQiNI5MjkFjyNwkavpmZWpBLhFs-6Z1U6T6-410LqxXeAHAfi2DFsc3Q4w9FzKsQuzT5lo/s1600/AcadiaNP_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJOV4xT29AeapJnM1-lImB8t3z0sllyyXFPofTBhceroXCOeAugXZ96K3j8Xp54_CWKT0baQiNI5MjkFjyNwkavpmZWpBLhFs-6Z1U6T6-410LqxXeAHAfi2DFsc3Q4w9FzKsQuzT5lo/s400/AcadiaNP_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Round rocks of Acadia shoreline </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoymqSXJp_Zp1pF2mlF-OGbEpBI2wW7j8JxZBEwunldQKKXSIseD-Syf-_24WxXSREJR-gTSU0EErd5272DJQrJYqm7W6xEKD7q6VTpUR84gPSXFFoJMMkICL5Ov6Mnwi_C2BXEwzI8r4/s1600/AcadiaNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoymqSXJp_Zp1pF2mlF-OGbEpBI2wW7j8JxZBEwunldQKKXSIseD-Syf-_24WxXSREJR-gTSU0EErd5272DJQrJYqm7W6xEKD7q6VTpUR84gPSXFFoJMMkICL5Ov6Mnwi_C2BXEwzI8r4/s400/AcadiaNP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Acadia National Park Coastline</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Acadia National Park</b> in Maine marks our 44th park visit. Terry is still hobbling about in her boot; however, I get out of bed before she arises to take some early morning photos of this rugged landscape.<br />
<br />
<b>September 2014</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY58LIzWbb8gnwtPu760mV40fDwHgMq9okdGmnvDabesBbJU4HGwe7WY_0FqeN4jKyJsprOpXqnGMacn-ascaTFDUMPxvUfZbz6Kz4QuiIVs5zZXY6mfuD8eUj72DgqeLspg85L2IhwbA/s1600/Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY58LIzWbb8gnwtPu760mV40fDwHgMq9okdGmnvDabesBbJU4HGwe7WY_0FqeN4jKyJsprOpXqnGMacn-ascaTFDUMPxvUfZbz6Kz4QuiIVs5zZXY6mfuD8eUj72DgqeLspg85L2IhwbA/s400/Game.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Trekking the National Parks - the Board Game</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With our Kickstarter campaign fully funded, we forge ahead and place our order for 3500 games! Delivery is anticipated for some time in mid November…which means we should be able to honor our pledge of getting the games to our Backers before Christmas!<br />
<br />
Park Visit #45 - <b>Great Smoky Mountain National Park</b> - TN/NC<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-gv0B8pavlMEReBUN3dpayWLx5H0l5pInjvs1ekrxbvix8N17OtRUDT-98RDsdcW1iMYuniU2FYcfEoO9JoQYFWh-mtCKiXB5xelIIYg0sBNye41y48Wxn8vhoiWYHcvxNJ_-T0joM8/s1600/GrSmokesSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-gv0B8pavlMEReBUN3dpayWLx5H0l5pInjvs1ekrxbvix8N17OtRUDT-98RDsdcW1iMYuniU2FYcfEoO9JoQYFWh-mtCKiXB5xelIIYg0sBNye41y48Wxn8vhoiWYHcvxNJ_-T0joM8/s400/GrSmokesSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry's still wearing an ankle brace, yet hobbling along better now!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV_FqrhpKbg9z0LFpN6eYJC0vY2RFheQDygUOPvESNAOC-Pq-4h5iA1imCM-hcobrZ1gwbvkzBHbwUOjx2Xi9cJEmd-j3u1gaktrUWM5ib1ld66H2ZjXLIzYX39LeNi8-h1XsaDib_so/s1600/GrSmokes_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQV_FqrhpKbg9z0LFpN6eYJC0vY2RFheQDygUOPvESNAOC-Pq-4h5iA1imCM-hcobrZ1gwbvkzBHbwUOjx2Xi9cJEmd-j3u1gaktrUWM5ib1ld66H2ZjXLIzYX39LeNi8-h1XsaDib_so/s400/GrSmokes_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunsets in the Smokies are sensational!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugorjr0o8oVgBmS1-MTcH9dVYU92ycM0Jfco8uLTpkgRVUa4vEMP_oo4ZWSi0vRVcWhkGbjsmeBjPzI8mYKQbZPdpWn9vQN-Y_0NLc28jswLPURqvfXuNLLQGklvDfvT7x7iGz_KdL8o/s1600/GrSmokes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugorjr0o8oVgBmS1-MTcH9dVYU92ycM0Jfco8uLTpkgRVUa4vEMP_oo4ZWSi0vRVcWhkGbjsmeBjPzI8mYKQbZPdpWn9vQN-Y_0NLc28jswLPURqvfXuNLLQGklvDfvT7x7iGz_KdL8o/s400/GrSmokes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy rocks make for a moody morning </td></tr>
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Great Smoky NP draws more visitors than any other park. Twice as much as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Yosemite. However, there are no Entrance Pay Stations to count visitors so I'm curious how they come up with the 10 million annual visitors the park claims to have passing through!<br />
<br />
<b>December 3, 2014 - Games arrive in Phoenix!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">52' Semi Delivers the Games! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JRtgLngFm7cvziREq-agahMLVHMJlewv_s2INOggs8Gm-NxjE1jiK8-By6XTlafqqLHLPeKcA672GsK13mRg1Zol_5TSkfFpOFsr3PQYvKpwZ-XGE0MEalo4JoGBccVuYGElT3csArM/s1600/e4f255189905cd4e91451c0e57a41884_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JRtgLngFm7cvziREq-agahMLVHMJlewv_s2INOggs8Gm-NxjE1jiK8-By6XTlafqqLHLPeKcA672GsK13mRg1Zol_5TSkfFpOFsr3PQYvKpwZ-XGE0MEalo4JoGBccVuYGElT3csArM/s400/e4f255189905cd4e91451c0e57a41884_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forkin' unloading the 19 pallets of "cargo!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2608uKKfpQL46cvYqo0EWjcuvYFUTii3s50NvSHK_rdv2OkJYQ6b4srDzr02yXU-balcHhLO_q4V1Bop0tYsewaU1jIGJ33nPlN7VyS63dgEhbh_sOzU1EGctTUnbmHguKXFKjte177s/s1600/ec16d2090596ce48c6ec3fdca32cc4f7_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2608uKKfpQL46cvYqo0EWjcuvYFUTii3s50NvSHK_rdv2OkJYQ6b4srDzr02yXU-balcHhLO_q4V1Bop0tYsewaU1jIGJ33nPlN7VyS63dgEhbh_sOzU1EGctTUnbmHguKXFKjte177s/s400/ec16d2090596ce48c6ec3fdca32cc4f7_original.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry (still in Boot) and C-Dawg preparing to ship!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
December 3rd will always be a memorable date for us as that is when the 19 pallets, 3534 games arrived. Our good friends Mark and Nance Hunter helped us unload the cargo, which filled up our 3 Car garage AND the 10x10 Storage unit we rented! Fortunately, it rained on December 2nd and 4th allowing us to transport the games rain free.<br />
<br />
<b>January 2015</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEenJqDWXWPiNyvpYmBw8_JQgW2QG6737hkpdM5x-qNkvkCZ3kFF6Z3rMFBOmco08mS5Kx5TLvQ3J10Sn1HZy4aXPEMgn4oYTcgzosU4oBWY4Gg6VC9cPq_rhlFAwGvBe4kcJM6EJo2E/s1600/Gilbert+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJEenJqDWXWPiNyvpYmBw8_JQgW2QG6737hkpdM5x-qNkvkCZ3kFF6Z3rMFBOmco08mS5Kx5TLvQ3J10Sn1HZy4aXPEMgn4oYTcgzosU4oBWY4Gg6VC9cPq_rhlFAwGvBe4kcJM6EJo2E/s400/Gilbert+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gilbert Art Walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After spending much of December shipping the games to our Friends and Family and Kickstarter Backers, Charlie began peddling the games at various Art Walks. In the photo above, he's set up his "selling station" at the Gilbert Art Walk in downtown Gilbert, AZ.<br />
<br />
<b>February 2015</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8-hS-ApNddwk-alIWX_sblfagcGWhQQDinb6-TGKeUteAOfSfO2BLtvwF8IjjhmQdq3ywgDIFgW99NCnjC_MtHfY6yslGWhblx0qFxOAOEp_xZ24CCSUc4LyEKA1pNzVbinQS9fr4hs/s1600/ArtisanMarket_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8-hS-ApNddwk-alIWX_sblfagcGWhQQDinb6-TGKeUteAOfSfO2BLtvwF8IjjhmQdq3ywgDIFgW99NCnjC_MtHfY6yslGWhblx0qFxOAOEp_xZ24CCSUc4LyEKA1pNzVbinQS9fr4hs/s400/ArtisanMarket_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artisan Market - Scottsdale, AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0NffshROoF9S3f0oYVhTcZ2j9fMcxSXk7kW-bohDdT231Hp7hPzJyR1kzehUkI1DzIBnW_bC_BG-PENuIkjQWOdND1ZgHmcy7vBzRbK5aneTonnWjGF0qqJBete8gflOwUcF4NXCKDE/s1600/Trek+Booth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0NffshROoF9S3f0oYVhTcZ2j9fMcxSXk7kW-bohDdT231Hp7hPzJyR1kzehUkI1DzIBnW_bC_BG-PENuIkjQWOdND1ZgHmcy7vBzRbK5aneTonnWjGF0qqJBete8gflOwUcF4NXCKDE/s400/Trek+Booth.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Bridge at Artisan Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other major outdoor art event we participated in was the Scottsdale Artisan Markets. This very popular and well attended event was very good to us. Sadly, the local merchants raised a fuss with the Scottsdale City Council claiming us "tent people" were creating a "negative impact" on their businesses. They succeeded in getting the City to shut down the Artisan Markets at the end of 2015.<br />
<br />
For the life of me, I could not understand how an event that draws potential customers to an area could ever be viewed as negative; however, the gallery people and other shopkeepers were hellbent on throwing us out. So here's how I CAN potentially create a negative impact on their businesses now that we've been removed. I urge all of you to NEVER shop at any of the shops or galleries located on Main Street or 5th Avenue in downtown Scottsdale…and please tell your friends and family to do the same! Thank you!<br />
<br />
<b>May 2015</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_hqJy3OZFXkBudhBwHl_HrX6yE5yBUqkzHJh_F2jSYw4T_jDAW2P8oTDm_JoNbzGdrN2qqd_G4E4Du1x1hOzMCQAlFVPnC32HbIdgtzsUDmbk-wCuAf2tr_9_54IwIFMwPXyHD1ER6I/s1600/MensaSelect_web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_hqJy3OZFXkBudhBwHl_HrX6yE5yBUqkzHJh_F2jSYw4T_jDAW2P8oTDm_JoNbzGdrN2qqd_G4E4Du1x1hOzMCQAlFVPnC32HbIdgtzsUDmbk-wCuAf2tr_9_54IwIFMwPXyHD1ER6I/s320/MensaSelect_web.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
At the recommendation of a customer we met way back in December, we entered our game in the Mensa Mind Games Competition - a very well known and prestigious gaming event that takes place each spring. Sixty-three games were entered and only five earn the coveted Mensa Select honor. Many of the games submitted were created by well known game publishers. Rarely does a first time submission win this competition.<br />
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Lo and behold….Trekking the National Parks was among the 5 chosen and from what we can tell, our game received the most votes!<br />
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<b>NP#- 46 - Congaree National Park</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDeaZo4_mTjzg6bIB8WwzYteKiBXzXnjLixtsDoJp0uMMuzLM137XV1YsX3DFAS_PKdiVrzbAAoR_FszfzMlYCeKzjiyeCjHu-1b03iV9vRu0ZEm7g5bX6YX3-d-trEbmEtqw0I8_AyE/s1600/CongareeSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDeaZo4_mTjzg6bIB8WwzYteKiBXzXnjLixtsDoJp0uMMuzLM137XV1YsX3DFAS_PKdiVrzbAAoR_FszfzMlYCeKzjiyeCjHu-1b03iV9vRu0ZEm7g5bX6YX3-d-trEbmEtqw0I8_AyE/s400/CongareeSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3Sj0gKu4F9eqeoeslErd0jvKTDnPDSIHLQIwAfKWDN0yRGMsCyAZiAndtrSmuedBB3nWKW24RKg0qbLMGewK1wg8ERKv7mAgsLOMLYALNW-tg725r2-3CK_nPs20m6DBxpxG-lAbz5Y/s1600/CongareeBoardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3Sj0gKu4F9eqeoeslErd0jvKTDnPDSIHLQIwAfKWDN0yRGMsCyAZiAndtrSmuedBB3nWKW24RKg0qbLMGewK1wg8ERKv7mAgsLOMLYALNW-tg725r2-3CK_nPs20m6DBxpxG-lAbz5Y/s400/CongareeBoardwalk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boardwalk where the Championship Trees grow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQhIX8mIVEp5DCVDrjlfwTQM7Kgj6EB_XGA1l2JY4BqpBmBbN3wFpIdMUHPbT4cZz023qeXxgCqqXFe9xhtsgNHHKjnrvzykCalJlekqrE2YPMFwXvO-k1cdgqRHVrABldZLl7kKv_o4/s1600/CongareeTreeKnees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQhIX8mIVEp5DCVDrjlfwTQM7Kgj6EB_XGA1l2JY4BqpBmBbN3wFpIdMUHPbT4cZz023qeXxgCqqXFe9xhtsgNHHKjnrvzykCalJlekqrE2YPMFwXvO-k1cdgqRHVrABldZLl7kKv_o4/s400/CongareeTreeKnees.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees Knees!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our 46th park visit found us wandering about the "championship trees" located in Congaree National Park. Congaree, located just south of Columbia, SC is know for its unusual array of giant trees that hold records for size of species. Before achieving National Park status, this park was originally called Conagree Swamp National Monument. It was created to protect 26,000 acres of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest - the largest such area left in the USA.<br />
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<b>NP#47 - Shenandoah National Park</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX5EY3JE9nAxdS6fmOsJKj7CCV19f3fCnubgKOwBssvwukcvLfmJI6xPSjl9_MiAFj4TBGDjSboH8dBM0Whp7lQv4NX-FjWgiCc70pmE9SiODi26lsr4O53nx3r-mTD9SBiRKGx0UsAM/s1600/ShenandoahSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX5EY3JE9nAxdS6fmOsJKj7CCV19f3fCnubgKOwBssvwukcvLfmJI6xPSjl9_MiAFj4TBGDjSboH8dBM0Whp7lQv4NX-FjWgiCc70pmE9SiODi26lsr4O53nx3r-mTD9SBiRKGx0UsAM/s400/ShenandoahSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OhTgkrU7uexQpq_mkOQjqSX8RutOoE_teirGnbQugl7rAj8n4RwJHANblJvtRK1Isi4DAMs6ztUkM_DPwvbqJy-8T7OEp2QTngh-ZFKurq17YWcn6WqfoWYhc026ysxCKwQRfq_iCt0/s1600/ShenandoahFalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OhTgkrU7uexQpq_mkOQjqSX8RutOoE_teirGnbQugl7rAj8n4RwJHANblJvtRK1Isi4DAMs6ztUkM_DPwvbqJy-8T7OEp2QTngh-ZFKurq17YWcn6WqfoWYhc026ysxCKwQRfq_iCt0/s400/ShenandoahFalls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dark Hollow Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaFyvkwyUeQZxvCiEVnhf9EwFfqtka8hyphenhyphenLr7J-qwXGNzVa_pWaJwLrx0xmrrxFbFi373m6coMwOEfYLF5GrW3ktc-h3HJAs7tlS7tqWpe5cWcVtKRMTKsmjPnKaaye7W_kVxEcKjzQC0/s1600/ShenandoahNP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaFyvkwyUeQZxvCiEVnhf9EwFfqtka8hyphenhyphenLr7J-qwXGNzVa_pWaJwLrx0xmrrxFbFi373m6coMwOEfYLF5GrW3ktc-h3HJAs7tlS7tqWpe5cWcVtKRMTKsmjPnKaaye7W_kVxEcKjzQC0/s400/ShenandoahNP.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twosome trekking Shenandoah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After visiting Congaree, we drove north to Shenandoah - our 47th park. Located just 75 miles west of Washington D.C., Shenandoah is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive, the park's 105 mile scenic drive runs the entire length of the park and features 75 view overlooks.<br />
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As with all of the parks we've visited, the best "views" are found once you get out of your car and hit the trails!<br />
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<b>July 2015</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwWhjuIy0SHYtYSEugZpYmMfeHJxHtZjZGl7HZOz1N8y7U8_ocZqIsm0kfiEJ4sc4lmWiqEpoYUq6PIq9YO_co_63obw1VBADcF9Szf_i6k23SBRjvT0XakP9vZRsn53KR5DNCVtiv8k/s1600/Hendersons_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwWhjuIy0SHYtYSEugZpYmMfeHJxHtZjZGl7HZOz1N8y7U8_ocZqIsm0kfiEJ4sc4lmWiqEpoYUq6PIq9YO_co_63obw1VBADcF9Szf_i6k23SBRjvT0XakP9vZRsn53KR5DNCVtiv8k/s400/Hendersons_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henderson Clan </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA_lugkbE7N6NBKLtjt5a1eLuX9jq08NExGtNXl1EH671mO9ZVLQu4Ijac0LP9GmzXqeoFgj7vO_tHHo9pFrdh_IAu0e3V8tEm3jjz3vkL3xuIxjjgjivQdezzVGypdNgg-KoVN4j0eQ/s1600/PappaJohnToshJay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA_lugkbE7N6NBKLtjt5a1eLuX9jq08NExGtNXl1EH671mO9ZVLQu4Ijac0LP9GmzXqeoFgj7vO_tHHo9pFrdh_IAu0e3V8tEm3jjz3vkL3xuIxjjgjivQdezzVGypdNgg-KoVN4j0eQ/s400/PappaJohnToshJay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tosh, Jaylynn and Pappa John</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPNR-Y0wPH5wltETsaaBRsYgj8IybN130PVMnZrWyKIIVHA6VlYhnVwF5QGnjin8QbCUDDal2ccLHOu5fE-tWaekbUp54U4TqmMPwNEEvXv_8-SeC2AlJ4Vix6SkAoQOytY_CvdfUayU/s1600/Khai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPNR-Y0wPH5wltETsaaBRsYgj8IybN130PVMnZrWyKIIVHA6VlYhnVwF5QGnjin8QbCUDDal2ccLHOu5fE-tWaekbUp54U4TqmMPwNEEvXv_8-SeC2AlJ4Vix6SkAoQOytY_CvdfUayU/s400/Khai.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Khai in the pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgDN2UdGZ8ifFft_v3UUwqEib8KJ57JsxVxX61t_1U4QRByX6KL0As179AjWXYW6Qm3rQn1nzc-7azFRviVNRvv4jnl-NLrqQGw7aBK3K4B0n-HQXyxLWX5SctRjttXuOHJN4hWZI6T8/s1600/Jaylynn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgDN2UdGZ8ifFft_v3UUwqEib8KJ57JsxVxX61t_1U4QRByX6KL0As179AjWXYW6Qm3rQn1nzc-7azFRviVNRvv4jnl-NLrqQGw7aBK3K4B0n-HQXyxLWX5SctRjttXuOHJN4hWZI6T8/s400/Jaylynn.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jaylynn in December!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Henderson Clan loaded up their Tahoe and paid us a visit over the 4th of July Holiday. Always a delight, the kids are growing up fast. At 4, Khai is reading books and such like he's in college. Jaylynn is 3 going on 23!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6UWxBdu8PlxuMcen4dOhI8WB7evX80I4g8bgppvrplDt4CZ2caZkekF0c9zR6WKEWvcCwX_tU3LnrtIsxytqfseykGSgz_-AUFk_bWPYPa4Y_Eds2PmOCzSpUBJyXV5yvYYROYXidko/s1600/Home+School+Convention.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6UWxBdu8PlxuMcen4dOhI8WB7evX80I4g8bgppvrplDt4CZ2caZkekF0c9zR6WKEWvcCwX_tU3LnrtIsxytqfseykGSgz_-AUFk_bWPYPa4Y_Eds2PmOCzSpUBJyXV5yvYYROYXidko/s400/Home+School+Convention.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homeshcoolers Convention</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later that month, we secured a booth at the Arizona Family Home Education Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center to offer our game to homeschoolers. The game was a huge hit and we will be attending this event again in 2016.<br />
<br />
<b>August 2015</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VM5pF_h3g4YkRBKy_L1lx6owQzQVGN1SNjSYMSj2RfYfrTGqslMw_ENrpAHSxjv9oTrrLC5OoNvAI8Bqfgjltmw_jtTc8N_bxxuXoo5nhCwpc2mHW3JMUWVC3dgSIauOv4OGBTrljwg/s1600/LopesReunion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VM5pF_h3g4YkRBKy_L1lx6owQzQVGN1SNjSYMSj2RfYfrTGqslMw_ENrpAHSxjv9oTrrLC5OoNvAI8Bqfgjltmw_jtTc8N_bxxuXoo5nhCwpc2mHW3JMUWVC3dgSIauOv4OGBTrljwg/s640/LopesReunion.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lopes Family Reunion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Charlie, his girlfriend Jessica, Terry and I along with Tosh, Greg, Khai and Jaylynn attended the Lopes Family Reunion at a lovely park in Scotts Valley, CA.<br />
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<b>Back to Alaska!</b><br />
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Following the Family Reunion, Terry and I made our way back to Alaska to finish off the four parks we had not yet visited. The journey began by flying to Anchorage, driving to Fairbanks, then flying in a very small aircraft to Bettles where we stayed a couple on nights at the Bettles Lodge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexPpLrso-VvTauulSma1Uc396iEhCH2G_aOjf7z9aFBj1QMcVOXrSyVGCdbiPLNdn1nf32awGoH20u7LVDgE19pO9j9c3bk1mnuAIfQ3wL7A5hVc7bh7USdeAqgn_F2zcexxeQOchXDc/s1600/Bettles+Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjexPpLrso-VvTauulSma1Uc396iEhCH2G_aOjf7z9aFBj1QMcVOXrSyVGCdbiPLNdn1nf32awGoH20u7LVDgE19pO9j9c3bk1mnuAIfQ3wL7A5hVc7bh7USdeAqgn_F2zcexxeQOchXDc/s400/Bettles+Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bettles Lodge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFtXvOhkUR7UYspbAQ-oCTnIiZO5cRCWZbG-8WN2EnVs6kZWKMc1EVZSuy6pXNN4Jb8BzL5G6wrbvgj9J1aBhGZqpoy8gL1pRo7MVN_gXssQ2SDnwmVd54-EkUxvLoqt7fiuncMI0MTI/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFtXvOhkUR7UYspbAQ-oCTnIiZO5cRCWZbG-8WN2EnVs6kZWKMc1EVZSuy6pXNN4Jb8BzL5G6wrbvgj9J1aBhGZqpoy8gL1pRo7MVN_gXssQ2SDnwmVd54-EkUxvLoqt7fiuncMI0MTI/s400/IMG_1726.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capt Jim and the Float Plane we took to Kobuk and Gates</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_EXfbNqgbZhnXG3ViSTFIIi4Z614219WD_rlne_U702bmEU1LV58jVzZsZqfxoh1F2jCojU3-xEYxahcnXG3v3BIg3K-oT6Nch6xovnia1COZhnXcCPxCLnihMsfFSpkHobv7mNmH5Y/s1600/IMG_1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_EXfbNqgbZhnXG3ViSTFIIi4Z614219WD_rlne_U702bmEU1LV58jVzZsZqfxoh1F2jCojU3-xEYxahcnXG3v3BIg3K-oT6Nch6xovnia1COZhnXcCPxCLnihMsfFSpkHobv7mNmH5Y/s400/IMG_1605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the cockpit on this rainy morning</td></tr>
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Our journey north of the Arctic Circle proved to be exhilarating! The only way to visit Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic is via a Float or Bush Plane. We charted a Float Plane to take us out to the Kobuk Sand Dunes and then to Walker Lake in Gates of the Arctic.<br />
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As the song goes "the weather outside was frightening"when we boarded our DeHavilland Beaver aircraft. Low clouds, drizzle and a touch of wind made takeoff and landing a thrilling experience!<br />
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Our first stop - <b>NP#48 - Kobuk Valley National Park</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKoDjNSwG64zS4BMWUV7wzjEYc59nIrmutYzFAeHtT0awaGCKwUL4yGCUtW-LPd2IvuaSdF5s-NzXHJamj775xj449UOwfiD8YBRqe-6fc3Rnofwf9dZ29YXiuteT8SATKNVyUT9253Y/s1600/KobukSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKoDjNSwG64zS4BMWUV7wzjEYc59nIrmutYzFAeHtT0awaGCKwUL4yGCUtW-LPd2IvuaSdF5s-NzXHJamj775xj449UOwfiD8YBRqe-6fc3Rnofwf9dZ29YXiuteT8SATKNVyUT9253Y/s400/KobukSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the Arctic Circle - Park #47 - Kobuk Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F0HvVKTZatvB8yRggJhbFZJvWnDSSPmk5yvDgto7d1BSe9eDfkF78LOwjxVfLRwokPNEV5Q4FhuDH0kGd0cHXxmTw4-Dk5TY2GOLLKH2-vLJ5b6R6VgMRRsY2Fqr20DLcFCn8kz88hM/s1600/Kobuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F0HvVKTZatvB8yRggJhbFZJvWnDSSPmk5yvDgto7d1BSe9eDfkF78LOwjxVfLRwokPNEV5Q4FhuDH0kGd0cHXxmTw4-Dk5TY2GOLLKH2-vLJ5b6R6VgMRRsY2Fqr20DLcFCn8kz88hM/s400/Kobuk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sand Dunes of Kobuk Valley</td></tr>
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Sand Dunes above the Arctic Circle? Yes indeed! Kobuk Valley actually has a couple of rather large dune fields and the summer temperatures on the dunes have been recorded to reach the century mark!<br />
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Stop #2 - <b>NP#49 - Gates of the Arctic</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJRCGb1OWtVFb_7BBvVWI8nToEm9k5KKZjc1oHKBP7W_DK_iC6zoXDljCDHt-Cp5F9ye0l5lSVX5Dio_P9E1HmeiSD1OJxZt91foEt-Yb8shPsn96Lzn9N1PX7tkCgRJf6pWz5uwUs7g/s1600/GatesSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJRCGb1OWtVFb_7BBvVWI8nToEm9k5KKZjc1oHKBP7W_DK_iC6zoXDljCDHt-Cp5F9ye0l5lSVX5Dio_P9E1HmeiSD1OJxZt91foEt-Yb8shPsn96Lzn9N1PX7tkCgRJf6pWz5uwUs7g/s400/GatesSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMq2R7cwgNoM8Fv_KRPBynXynviZvR_pRX-MVZ9F0JsIkJflq6KCPn2VoN7cN9ylTWmQBfqp3fU9XxtHg-boUGETtNK6uPDZDlM7EO2b7upmC711U5hHwKaOtMszrKFtlCKPwiy9Fjjk/s1600/Gates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMq2R7cwgNoM8Fv_KRPBynXynviZvR_pRX-MVZ9F0JsIkJflq6KCPn2VoN7cN9ylTWmQBfqp3fU9XxtHg-boUGETtNK6uPDZDlM7EO2b7upmC711U5hHwKaOtMszrKFtlCKPwiy9Fjjk/s400/Gates.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical terrain within Gates of the Arctic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToma33M2_ID9pMPuz8RWCRMhYghKurlFZ6c6lvMZnXg9zVDylrWJzPElVrb0HigNt5ki_fgT_MvcCnpc0U0gWZfxf9ufD_pzOcTJFnXfEdD_LM53mokV4FAtVE4ndKmqoBs2Wp-02qr8/s1600/Terry+at+Walker+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToma33M2_ID9pMPuz8RWCRMhYghKurlFZ6c6lvMZnXg9zVDylrWJzPElVrb0HigNt5ki_fgT_MvcCnpc0U0gWZfxf9ufD_pzOcTJFnXfEdD_LM53mokV4FAtVE4ndKmqoBs2Wp-02qr8/s400/Terry+at+Walker+Lake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry at Walker Lake</td></tr>
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After departing Kobuk, our next stop was Walker Lake in Gates of the Arctic National Park. As you can see by the picture above, the cloud cover was dense, so our anticipated flightseeing tour of the Arrigetch Peaks was aborted. While disembarking from the Float Plane, I happened to slip on the pontoon and fell, camera in hand, into the frigid waters of Walker Lake! Much to my dismay, my Canon 5D Mark II bit the dust…or should I say, drowned in Walker Lake!<br />
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The picture of Terry at Walker Lake was taken with a camera I borrowed from our travel companions!<br />
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<b>NP#50 - Wrangell - St. Elias National Park</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrqZon7tp6yFf1G9K5xBLWRvZiJsUl8RNarhZu67lk6_vVcs889eCQlMX1q7BgWUGWmTgOfdyzTPRQPpBW-XR7vUsagG0fvsMlaVcGCTRLqoByb6RoS9LwrbGY1csRIsVH7wFIb_qTgA/s1600/WrangellSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrqZon7tp6yFf1G9K5xBLWRvZiJsUl8RNarhZu67lk6_vVcs889eCQlMX1q7BgWUGWmTgOfdyzTPRQPpBW-XR7vUsagG0fvsMlaVcGCTRLqoByb6RoS9LwrbGY1csRIsVH7wFIb_qTgA/s400/WrangellSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi5764Kd4AB67YCgvNmVM0STN-K45BuMGJWXOGK00NT4ibNvunEycb-Mqg9_3YX5tD_YtsXZCUdS54Iz5d3Och3g_BHP4Tlf4VmY00YeVYYrdb8kqlof8KuHs7OgdlCykOLIrDAmkJCQ/s1600/Wrangell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUi5764Kd4AB67YCgvNmVM0STN-K45BuMGJWXOGK00NT4ibNvunEycb-Mqg9_3YX5tD_YtsXZCUdS54Iz5d3Och3g_BHP4Tlf4VmY00YeVYYrdb8kqlof8KuHs7OgdlCykOLIrDAmkJCQ/s400/Wrangell.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Drum - Wrangell St. Elias NP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eqRS4BJYy9XGkOA1-3zi252zQ77QP2wU-I0LaaRdtL4nYXf1CW6zradpGseRbr5pD5RaoBoB0tJzYUjD2bUUZqMXfY2_Dwz6Ra1RberimTEB0geHrqtfKsfzNOyhlOX9ZMEFSMRIlZs/s1600/KennecottSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4eqRS4BJYy9XGkOA1-3zi252zQ77QP2wU-I0LaaRdtL4nYXf1CW6zradpGseRbr5pD5RaoBoB0tJzYUjD2bUUZqMXfY2_Dwz6Ra1RberimTEB0geHrqtfKsfzNOyhlOX9ZMEFSMRIlZs/s400/KennecottSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennecott Mines outside McCarthy, AK</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qqV4oAH9ApjEeo2bJBXPpB60mIhvkTZKMZ807YvMtfW8zCX5AibsjetFLQ7sNz_z1YTjc7JFa3KWo22fh-2Ho547n6GzrcvPemD7eCpT4SyfZvsnBQven7zI3aktZzNyg4LF7Aree_E/s1600/Potatos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qqV4oAH9ApjEeo2bJBXPpB60mIhvkTZKMZ807YvMtfW8zCX5AibsjetFLQ7sNz_z1YTjc7JFa3KWo22fh-2Ho547n6GzrcvPemD7eCpT4SyfZvsnBQven7zI3aktZzNyg4LF7Aree_E/s400/Potatos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regulars at the Potato Restaurant in McCarthy, AK</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdUNf0cGCoh3gmVQk5Oo2K028b2jdfDFXlDfn7rl0csqONxNkfHOx6weEx1uhqj07l4ysBhzxs9s2rDOQXShm8xpAMho5bmvqI6WJgzqg8HtgqsnI0ZL0AmPaUHoxc_86IrC9-_u9efg/s1600/IMG_1889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdUNf0cGCoh3gmVQk5Oo2K028b2jdfDFXlDfn7rl0csqONxNkfHOx6weEx1uhqj07l4ysBhzxs9s2rDOQXShm8xpAMho5bmvqI6WJgzqg8HtgqsnI0ZL0AmPaUHoxc_86IrC9-_u9efg/s400/IMG_1889.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newbies to The Potato</td></tr>
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Our 50th park visit found us first wandering about the funky town of McCarthy, AK where we happened upon one of the town's featured restaurants - The Potato! After spending an hour touring McCarthy, we were given the full tour of the Kennecott Mining Town.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHCqCq1HR_S7Rc3Fe7A42bYq2CHnqnegOaWXngbjMX5F2SU4DBbSJvMP-xr-HZ9wk4G9X8yG7MNDxg6JtT-I95yL7ab_WgAsJOMfBJDHgRjUF4ZsCXQd-JIVqRk3F1baCceXr_RlquBU/s1600/IMG_1935+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHCqCq1HR_S7Rc3Fe7A42bYq2CHnqnegOaWXngbjMX5F2SU4DBbSJvMP-xr-HZ9wk4G9X8yG7MNDxg6JtT-I95yL7ab_WgAsJOMfBJDHgRjUF4ZsCXQd-JIVqRk3F1baCceXr_RlquBU/s400/IMG_1935+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennecott Mines</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVE0E1apvjCg1OdeqxIJ_Df8wbZnEm-Z59BobKCoql90locZVWz59B5A-LE25Y8hI8Cj7Xtz3-ZlU4ri3uCSkvUlNdM5zKR-xFi-qUPeyGUVzKXV1NIvzMUwk4-yOoRo25qCbMtIZSXg/s1600/IMG_2185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVE0E1apvjCg1OdeqxIJ_Df8wbZnEm-Z59BobKCoql90locZVWz59B5A-LE25Y8hI8Cj7Xtz3-ZlU4ri3uCSkvUlNdM5zKR-xFi-qUPeyGUVzKXV1NIvzMUwk4-yOoRo25qCbMtIZSXg/s400/IMG_2185.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection of Mt. Drum from Lodge window</td></tr>
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During our visit to Wrangell, we spent three nights at the Copper Center Princess Wilderness Lodge, where it's Christmas in August!<br />
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<b>NP#51 - Lake Clark National Park</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDKfDDLtiwGRPAyXvaMFIUvFXN4C0F6mJFSVE6kZIKZteVI7tfeCPk_08xp7gzqblw4766LZWikKOE4NUH513sCUUR0EP2BQs3mLPkUFpZmlGxuXEs5wgR3TP_wUOO9bW8sP7F2ZcQyU/s1600/LakeClarkSigh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDKfDDLtiwGRPAyXvaMFIUvFXN4C0F6mJFSVE6kZIKZteVI7tfeCPk_08xp7gzqblw4766LZWikKOE4NUH513sCUUR0EP2BQs3mLPkUFpZmlGxuXEs5wgR3TP_wUOO9bW8sP7F2ZcQyU/s400/LakeClarkSigh.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrui5Dj1coXNJTPn5q8R0NU77Zw9nuStanRyl1n06dCQnOFAhWBrmO-l9_hVt3SPc_dj3eJ_R840nkWoY0OZN6qzZOTr-wTjIJWw1NU7MwHSqqqtfMUDmP-LeL78QdfSvYoL9PamKrlmE/s1600/LakeClark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrui5Dj1coXNJTPn5q8R0NU77Zw9nuStanRyl1n06dCQnOFAhWBrmO-l9_hVt3SPc_dj3eJ_R840nkWoY0OZN6qzZOTr-wTjIJWw1NU7MwHSqqqtfMUDmP-LeL78QdfSvYoL9PamKrlmE/s400/LakeClark.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking about Lake Clark</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uZ0e1HRSArnjxIqbTpsakq_SDCuDTbVhO2jCs80egt7KqGsDFLNJFGIePCeue3gdC3rhfJbPK0CI4Dpvi94VOxtmgDf3H4QUnex5pYXn2jbfW67yFecpfbt1YAVkz9xta2PDthShnzE/s1600/IMG_0625+-+Version+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uZ0e1HRSArnjxIqbTpsakq_SDCuDTbVhO2jCs80egt7KqGsDFLNJFGIePCeue3gdC3rhfJbPK0CI4Dpvi94VOxtmgDf3H4QUnex5pYXn2jbfW67yFecpfbt1YAVkz9xta2PDthShnzE/s400/IMG_0625+-+Version+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Clark from the air</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYo3O8n0YIeu0k2-paKYr9KkZp6s6pddw0Xw-fE7SIKWbGg5EOZwQj9TgZJXY2RKlUQ3vDaN1Xl5akjg_pmAD7ypZ7jeWRp8iZt7n1Nx5UOogCyfd02uH_PCOfXvl_qVCUs-LQtNVOGg/s1600/IMG_0629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYo3O8n0YIeu0k2-paKYr9KkZp6s6pddw0Xw-fE7SIKWbGg5EOZwQj9TgZJXY2RKlUQ3vDaN1Xl5akjg_pmAD7ypZ7jeWRp8iZt7n1Nx5UOogCyfd02uH_PCOfXvl_qVCUs-LQtNVOGg/s400/IMG_0629.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cabin at Lake Clark</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeSRRphChQm9Ezb9EFpxV3rGWDTAs9VZ0KWEc3lMbwiEL0QpbSLTWXw9zHmrjSngbV2pvZnX4fpxkaxey3JEj4BCgc6-COxEnArSPIIUuxkmyejSR28yMivqp8dZqrC88nUNb3kNb7sY/s1600/LakeClarkShore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeSRRphChQm9Ezb9EFpxV3rGWDTAs9VZ0KWEc3lMbwiEL0QpbSLTWXw9zHmrjSngbV2pvZnX4fpxkaxey3JEj4BCgc6-COxEnArSPIIUuxkmyejSR28yMivqp8dZqrC88nUNb3kNb7sY/s400/LakeClarkShore.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Clark Shoreline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-PQiUUvjW2fN2dSCLcdra2nwUkAWv3PbUEMWxJDwzCk3JO5xhCxW_5ZFnAJlY0U9EIRW1wz_T3Q18NParz-YSCQEJJ_3DahKXzRQ-rnbuDcxjTjJZvWQXHxbZSKA5i-X4zPMvbxom_Y/s1600/LakeClarkCabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq-PQiUUvjW2fN2dSCLcdra2nwUkAWv3PbUEMWxJDwzCk3JO5xhCxW_5ZFnAJlY0U9EIRW1wz_T3Q18NParz-YSCQEJJ_3DahKXzRQ-rnbuDcxjTjJZvWQXHxbZSKA5i-X4zPMvbxom_Y/s400/LakeClarkCabin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Proernneke's famous Cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We spent 4 hours in Anchorage waiting for the fog that had settled over Lake Clark to lift before boarding our tiny aircraft to catch our flight to Lake Clark. The wait was well worth it as Lake Clark proved to be one of Alaska's finest!<br />
<br />
<b>September 2015</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73WC1WKFb4pnAPoW3YdqC59ZhVJWra6cJly5tHAqtTGCFNjP4qbz6plqUH6Sh_125PrklqHUIcv8vlnKgVZnb6aJ_0Gk5SK0x8WNaeZCPzVqkVxQ1t6eeA2k0EHsqcSMs-lZ5MqtS5oY/s1600/ews_lgo_ewing_irrigation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73WC1WKFb4pnAPoW3YdqC59ZhVJWra6cJly5tHAqtTGCFNjP4qbz6plqUH6Sh_125PrklqHUIcv8vlnKgVZnb6aJ_0Gk5SK0x8WNaeZCPzVqkVxQ1t6eeA2k0EHsqcSMs-lZ5MqtS5oY/s320/ews_lgo_ewing_irrigation.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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All good things must come to an end and on September 11th, my position as Director of Business Education was eliminated from the company's payroll. I have been affiliated with Ewing since 1988 - first as the company's Marketing Director for 11 years. Then, I worked closely with Ewing when I was the Director of Business Development for FX Luminaire. Ewing was FX's biggest and best customer.<br />
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For the past 5 years, I produced and presented a series of educational workshops to help Ewing's customers become better business people. Ironically, I was going to retire my position at Ewing upon completion of this year's seminar series. The company needed to make cutbacks and I was it, hence retirement came early for me!<br />
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And thank goodness I was relieved of my seminar duties, because Terry and Charlie immediately put me to work marketing and selling our game!<br />
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Yet before I jumped into my new full-time role, Terry and I made one last park visit!<br />
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<b>NP#52 - Mammoth Cave NP - Kentucky</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPd5vKQotLRl5aK_mQxLkxTtceP1mw5MCAb4AHmGlc6h03_x6DZwLtPJW__E3xydVVBW5_iAEE7D4sgjnnPEvVXoL1Nwri9v1hyphenhyphenTvJNZaWjp1uIr5oQcmMZrhzffJIarmS25svhn3pXiw/s1600/MammothSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPd5vKQotLRl5aK_mQxLkxTtceP1mw5MCAb4AHmGlc6h03_x6DZwLtPJW__E3xydVVBW5_iAEE7D4sgjnnPEvVXoL1Nwri9v1hyphenhyphenTvJNZaWjp1uIr5oQcmMZrhzffJIarmS25svhn3pXiw/s400/MammothSign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwhye_-WxMiJKponXz16hznDfnlaLDoas-Qj9_ARmI9KZzJQIYaYTq0ln9U6Bib9gUzy7dpPATjPr8712atYZ6IqBz9_rrozzyO7JbAVx1Vo0ZtyPO8yjEMK9I3IHwbh4-P-oh8rlYo0/s1600/MammothCave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwhye_-WxMiJKponXz16hznDfnlaLDoas-Qj9_ARmI9KZzJQIYaYTq0ln9U6Bib9gUzy7dpPATjPr8712atYZ6IqBz9_rrozzyO7JbAVx1Vo0ZtyPO8yjEMK9I3IHwbh4-P-oh8rlYo0/s400/MammothCave.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Entrance to Mammoth Cave</td></tr>
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The original plan was to take in Mammoth Cave while I conducting my seminars in Memphis and Nashville. With no seminars to conduct, Terry and I flew out to Nashville, TN and then drove up to Kentucky to see what these mammoth caves were all about!<br />
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<b>October thru December 2015</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeGSN6EbYt9ceOUlcHJXEyv_gdS5rYn3SEJNZn_f64k1-8c2zdVYnOoTdnHEsp1M8-mFPTTk8Wna3l5qQfyci4W-uOKNe9JAvRBqDDeO5d2eVL2jPaSeH3WjDZpfssHFt-2Y6WyH0Wmc/s1600/Phoestivus+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeGSN6EbYt9ceOUlcHJXEyv_gdS5rYn3SEJNZn_f64k1-8c2zdVYnOoTdnHEsp1M8-mFPTTk8Wna3l5qQfyci4W-uOKNe9JAvRBqDDeO5d2eVL2jPaSeH3WjDZpfssHFt-2Y6WyH0Wmc/s400/Phoestivus+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phoestivus for the rest of us!</td></tr>
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We were turned on to another outdoor Art Fair called the Phoestivus. The two evening events we participated in were very cool by Phoenix standards (hovering around 40<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 15px;">°</span>); however, the second event proved to be the most lucrative single day event we've ever done. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqSqMWGKUerxQY1wOiy1uloAbydG83gt_Yes0Ehx_AG7Q02Xf8F2uY8pJj3Zhc15EU50nyn28ljzFBD1RwQ1BSRB6KdDDxGj5aqniFuU1OqDPKeYqNbmisOy3BVHgeIeFEySS6d3dsJg/s1600/Game_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqSqMWGKUerxQY1wOiy1uloAbydG83gt_Yes0Ehx_AG7Q02Xf8F2uY8pJj3Zhc15EU50nyn28ljzFBD1RwQ1BSRB6KdDDxGj5aqniFuU1OqDPKeYqNbmisOy3BVHgeIeFEySS6d3dsJg/s400/Game_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking the Parks with the Binkele's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd3rL2lmGA1FkYXAzkl_N-PZtG3Y_mxoXfoemFwKa2twfU6asXhcZv7TgKgsBENPVZOVfhfkKk4K7bgSvgMQOsHrTqwjopQLAZ3FE0MVgP2Gp-upErhcR86TS2zCi2n7rI0_mAo3l6SY/s1600/2000th+game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrd3rL2lmGA1FkYXAzkl_N-PZtG3Y_mxoXfoemFwKa2twfU6asXhcZv7TgKgsBENPVZOVfhfkKk4K7bgSvgMQOsHrTqwjopQLAZ3FE0MVgP2Gp-upErhcR86TS2zCi2n7rI0_mAo3l6SY/s400/2000th+game.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2000th Game sold at Gilbert Art Walk in November</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQkFthwRElMp-olLu_XFCxlBHEfzYHXnijAUhkfAdVSZTA47ddsXZEIzma8ljY7cTmObJz9mh4X5X0Dm2DTA3Hcld4Z20FczKyi-MSDhfzWfKfcsIOvklham-_CduJk6gIYajrQl0BY8/s1600/1stBday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQkFthwRElMp-olLu_XFCxlBHEfzYHXnijAUhkfAdVSZTA47ddsXZEIzma8ljY7cTmObJz9mh4X5X0Dm2DTA3Hcld4Z20FczKyi-MSDhfzWfKfcsIOvklham-_CduJk6gIYajrQl0BY8/s400/1stBday.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trekking celebrates its <b>1st Anniversary</b> on December 3rd</td></tr>
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Since departing Ewing, all of us have been busy with the game. As this edition of Bink Ink shows, most of the highlights over the past two years are centered on two themes - promoting the game and visiting the parks!<br />
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This little project has become quite the "adventure" for the Binkele family. What started out almost three years ago as a wild idea about creating a board game about our country's amazing landmarks has since evolved into a full time business for the three of us!<br />
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As for moving forward, Terry and I plan on hitting all of the 7 remaining parks on our bucket list in 2016. Unless we order more games, we will most likely sell our remaining inventory by this time next year. Charlie will have to make a decision as to whether we continue with Trekking or move on to other projects. Time will tell and regardless of the direction Trekking takes, it's been one hell of an exiting ride!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8ZNCBL-OS8BcSICmX0j2NOsxQOrCPjCpl5dW5CfxOqD0IkLDZpGAFbwNbSOCXiV4tBA6ygJRQ0iWcRut1Z4Eg6fr3HtXcgAE9tmfUXEHN2yedfFsgkGCuUxZobsGGqE94IGCrYaxdqg/s1600/LogoB700px.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8ZNCBL-OS8BcSICmX0j2NOsxQOrCPjCpl5dW5CfxOqD0IkLDZpGAFbwNbSOCXiV4tBA6ygJRQ0iWcRut1Z4Eg6fr3HtXcgAE9tmfUXEHN2yedfFsgkGCuUxZobsGGqE94IGCrYaxdqg/s320/LogoB700px.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com</a></div>
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We wish all of you a happy, healthy and eventful New Year. Until we meet again….Happy Trails to all!<br />
<br />
The Binkele's<br />
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P.S. If you'd like more details about any of the park's we've visited, take a look at past blog postings. Or if you 'd like to learn more about our game, click on the link above.<br />
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-15804741005750845132015-11-02T15:11:00.002-07:002015-12-30T12:59:00.586-07:00NP#52 - Mammoth Cave NP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQbQkGgJCgLAdSw2vfwCxSZA1Kkv7b4pC1orRJtzUx0PGhH_jVGjcHzSoNy5IdPI11tUiWE0C8DCN1vwLVcglc0TWvITFFlBbBhrPSdWtwQ0MMcHnYJrVbnv7XKJ1FsV71eRcPS4kuQ4/s1600/LogoB700px.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQbQkGgJCgLAdSw2vfwCxSZA1Kkv7b4pC1orRJtzUx0PGhH_jVGjcHzSoNy5IdPI11tUiWE0C8DCN1vwLVcglc0TWvITFFlBbBhrPSdWtwQ0MMcHnYJrVbnv7XKJ1FsV71eRcPS4kuQ4/s200/LogoB700px.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://trektheparks.com/">trektheparks.com</a></div>
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Sept 27th - our 52nd park visit. </div>
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Natural Entrance</div>
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Inside Mammoth Cave</div>
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Cave formations</div>
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Cave Drippings!</div>
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Great place to eat and stay in Park City, KY…just south of Mammoth Cave National Park</div>
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Magic peach and honey brandy served here!</div>
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What now remains of Bell's Tavern.</div>
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Another Cave Tour Option…and a good one at that!</div>
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Inside Diamond Caverns.</div>
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Colorful calcite drapery</div>
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Cascading squid!</div>
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For over 150 years, Diamond Caverns has been offering tours of Kentucky's most beautiful cave system. </div>
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<b>Sept 27, 2015 - Mammoth Cave National Park, KY.</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Park #52 was originally scheduled to be a part of my 2015 -
2016 Business Development Workshop Series, which I had planned to kick off in
Nashville and Memphis on Sept 29th and Sept 30<sup>th</sup>. The business trip was not to materialize due
to the fact that on Sept 11<sup>th</sup>, Ewing cancelled ALL of my workshops
for the upcoming season! Now officially retired, (at least from Ewing) Terry
and I would still visit our 52<sup>nd</sup> park without being disturbed by
work! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest known cave system with
over 400 miles of surveyed tunnels weaving their way underneath the hills of
Kentucky. Visitors to Mammoth Cave can explore this underground labyrinth by
reserving space on one of a number of cave tours offered by the Park Service.
As Terry and I discovered, advanced reservations are recommended for the more
popular tours (such as the Grand Avenue Tour) as they do sell out! <o:p></o:p></div>
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We opted for the moderately rated <b>Domes and Dripstones Tour</b>
– a two-hour, ¾ mile trek down into deep pits, high domes and large underground
canyons. A 280-step staircase takes you
down a vertical cave shaft before leveling off and leading you to the Frozen
Niagara formation. As you exit this portion of the cave system, you’ll be
treated to the cave’s most decorative dripstone area. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Although impressive, Mammoth Cave and the Domes and
Dripstones Tour did not impress us nearly as much as the tours we took while
exploring Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Much of what we saw reminded me of
wandering through an underground rock quarry. Lots of jagged boulders, not much
in the way of cave formations until you reach the final 1/8 of a mile section
of this tour, which can also be experienced by taking the Frozen Niagara Tour. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After exiting the Caves, we sought out a place for lunch. A
Park Ranger suggested we head into nearby Park City and seek out a newly
renovated Bed and Breakfast called the Grand Victorian Inn. What a delight! Our lunch was incredible. The
service and hospitality impeccable and the newly refurbished Inn would have
been where we had stayed had we not been checked into the Hampster Inn in Horse
Cave, KY!<o:p></o:p></div>
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While enjoying our lunch and chatting it up with the fellows
who were involved with the Grand Victorian remodel project, the proprietor of
the Inn, Karin Carroll, recommended we visit the historic Diamond Caverns. She
said this cave system was much more spectacular than those found within the
National Park. It couldn’t hurt to explore, so we did!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We arrived at Diamond Caverns at ten minutes until two. We
were the only people in the “visitor’s center” and asked if the 2:00 pm tour
was still available. The Clerk smiled politely and replied, “you’ll be the only
one’s on the tour!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sure enough, we had a private viewing of this incredibly
beautiful cave filled with thousands of stalactites, stalagmites and flowstone
formations. One of the more interesting aspects of this tour was our Guide’s
knowledge of the Kentucky Cave Wars. Mammoth Cave is one of the oldest tourist
attractions in North American with cave tours beginning in 1816...long before
this area became a National Park! <o:p></o:p></div>
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As he told it, in the early 1900’s there were many private
“cave owners,” who were all vying for tourist dollars. Bitter “wars” broke out
between the owners of Colossal Cave, Long Cave, Short’s Cave, Crystal Cave an
others. When I asked our Guide about the broken cave formations, he said that
most of it was from competing cave owners who set out to disfigure their
competitors caves by breaking apart the stalactites and stalagmites. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In addition, motorists headed for the world-famous Mammoth
Cave were being stopped by Cave competitors and told “Mammoth Cave has been
flooded by recent rains...however, Colossal Cave just up the road is high and
dry and available for a tour!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s amazing how the pursuit of the almighty dollar twists
and taints people’s brains! Nevertheless, we enjoyed our visits to both the
main event – Mammoth Cave National Park and to our side trip to Diamond
Caverns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520304311224133128.post-17343520005231171102015-09-02T19:34:00.001-07:002015-12-30T12:59:09.875-07:00NP#51 - Lake Clark National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.trektheparks.com/">www.trektheparks.com </a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Lake Clark National Park - Alaska</b></div>
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<b>Our 51st Park Experience!</b></div>
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<b>Preflight shopping Spree</b></div>
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<b>Best Alaskan Hat…ever!</b></div>
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<b> Flying over Lake Clark Pass</b></div>
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<b>Hardenberg Bay on Lake Clark</b></div>
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<b>Our Cabin at The Farm - Unit #4</b></div>
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<b>Cabin Art</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRKJsZ0py5Y2nJ4a584xaAIownQ6WepqpUHG43ZKJnOuBxJwn4z2fcRVmWNLpBQ1mubuhfy5sDptYB4YZxzMDOeqR-BLpXFQZA4Uzsum_3tDsKlc6eN56yToWbxLmFmnfHR7K3WWeB48/s1600/7FloatPlanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRKJsZ0py5Y2nJ4a584xaAIownQ6WepqpUHG43ZKJnOuBxJwn4z2fcRVmWNLpBQ1mubuhfy5sDptYB4YZxzMDOeqR-BLpXFQZA4Uzsum_3tDsKlc6eN56yToWbxLmFmnfHR7K3WWeB48/s400/7FloatPlanes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Local transportation…weather permitting!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmAFfSppB1lyJ8E0-yy0Qg4qNOXNy9PFiejOmoygbJdJ4x_9Bo2P1q6wUmJwi0DpslHDN7MGyckEGLZ6jSkt0SRxmUiX_kcTiVBWtm5q8GEUzWK0wSwgxLT3CDK6J1_AABYTEGlvPvWg/s1600/8ReadytoBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmAFfSppB1lyJ8E0-yy0Qg4qNOXNy9PFiejOmoygbJdJ4x_9Bo2P1q6wUmJwi0DpslHDN7MGyckEGLZ6jSkt0SRxmUiX_kcTiVBWtm5q8GEUzWK0wSwgxLT3CDK6J1_AABYTEGlvPvWg/s400/8ReadytoBoard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Suited up and ready to fly!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4T2_Y-9KLl2C6dCSifEZZDFbVdg9sJZ-0s89hcYcwHly3zmByMygxi_2kQK2tTcOcjflLUAQFPHKvbpfXa7TSwIHTnrhi7hUh4_UsaAQ7X94zRtOo2PLq0G4Ogho4Gf_gC3ORXZj4pc/s1600/9TotheLakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4T2_Y-9KLl2C6dCSifEZZDFbVdg9sJZ-0s89hcYcwHly3zmByMygxi_2kQK2tTcOcjflLUAQFPHKvbpfXa7TSwIHTnrhi7hUh4_UsaAQ7X94zRtOo2PLq0G4Ogho4Gf_gC3ORXZj4pc/s400/9TotheLakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Cloudy skies…low ceiling…we won't make it to Twin Lakes today!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YPswg_EeCb1w5i-hhTCsmZh7bRte3D3SMnoz85AAzHQAQw0nMQSfpe-JhMDr2YJ-zXKNFxVgEBenLbVHjsGIusutthpfgHK_8_J3tamlfhhdxSGhzVtnwlcjfW6bTLtu_VmgSwj-Bz0/s1600/10HiketoFalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YPswg_EeCb1w5i-hhTCsmZh7bRte3D3SMnoz85AAzHQAQw0nMQSfpe-JhMDr2YJ-zXKNFxVgEBenLbVHjsGIusutthpfgHK_8_J3tamlfhhdxSGhzVtnwlcjfW6bTLtu_VmgSwj-Bz0/s400/10HiketoFalls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Hiking to Tanalian Falls via Beaver Pond Trail</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmvBNNKHRRTa-Dn5RWyPhMWoOB5vGAlFRC2YZeks_gUAFekiVbvxD3noOPPd5QIfEaXLbbYHJldjYQw7sDWnvjMOktZRJQg4skohST_nO_f6SreEBv6G0KkbaTr-9iE2JPwOa25QAGww/s1600/10HiketoFalls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmvBNNKHRRTa-Dn5RWyPhMWoOB5vGAlFRC2YZeks_gUAFekiVbvxD3noOPPd5QIfEaXLbbYHJldjYQw7sDWnvjMOktZRJQg4skohST_nO_f6SreEBv6G0KkbaTr-9iE2JPwOa25QAGww/s400/10HiketoFalls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Snack Stop at Beaver Pond</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcImxDVjYQ1gFp2nFbsQLK9PEUKm8jZQC5as5oS4oN4IRWRqxuN7BlFW8Z9Tq6hxTjJbzNQw7s_gGM5f-HLEiZQbPOWx9ShaJ1aH9pMM5-JkW6Ah_iBnVXkyQ9SQrGctNaiwls3SDrxs/s1600/11Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcImxDVjYQ1gFp2nFbsQLK9PEUKm8jZQC5as5oS4oN4IRWRqxuN7BlFW8Z9Tq6hxTjJbzNQw7s_gGM5f-HLEiZQbPOWx9ShaJ1aH9pMM5-JkW6Ah_iBnVXkyQ9SQrGctNaiwls3SDrxs/s400/11Falls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Tanalian Falls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPZDkUT77onRGUdED2QkLaTIC7bo0iNvZInFqEjojiCFgkcHZYzbF302gVavzC1CUIgal6c2e9BQZI3fXSfpKWj8rkePhnaliIR8QPmCpDAFwflGvFv8QbRu7atA2VmrF7e0ijZv3SOc/s1600/12Falls2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDPZDkUT77onRGUdED2QkLaTIC7bo0iNvZInFqEjojiCFgkcHZYzbF302gVavzC1CUIgal6c2e9BQZI3fXSfpKWj8rkePhnaliIR8QPmCpDAFwflGvFv8QbRu7atA2VmrF7e0ijZv3SOc/s400/12Falls2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Upper Tanailan Falls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRxqFh8aDLz2Oz79b-uFly6fNuB3VhLM2ilFej_ItdFpgOcrQiNZyeZZG8n90WgnPR7uVh-3MvNtvaAN0BcD70o1UXpgcP5ApdJSUI7xNEZxSzZl-oweQaop8EBAhvYyu3P4SLedCtN4/s1600/13Falls3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqRxqFh8aDLz2Oz79b-uFly6fNuB3VhLM2ilFej_ItdFpgOcrQiNZyeZZG8n90WgnPR7uVh-3MvNtvaAN0BcD70o1UXpgcP5ApdJSUI7xNEZxSzZl-oweQaop8EBAhvYyu3P4SLedCtN4/s400/13Falls3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> View of Tanalian River from Upper Falls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzNzEQhkOGattqbdpOivtWn2Hn11KKLzO4Zp8fM_WafwvqzFV91I6n1TS55dVuF9qyCTgsUdvLkrLF0SH_ETfISIRP-ty1pUjuqMvUP3TjJHF8DL6hILxJah06J_-bTSIPFV9FOPY0Ls/s1600/14LunchatLake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzNzEQhkOGattqbdpOivtWn2Hn11KKLzO4Zp8fM_WafwvqzFV91I6n1TS55dVuF9qyCTgsUdvLkrLF0SH_ETfISIRP-ty1pUjuqMvUP3TjJHF8DL6hILxJah06J_-bTSIPFV9FOPY0Ls/s400/14LunchatLake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Lunch at Kontrashibuna Lake</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SL09WAyDBqtMja8_8xZuC2lwVuQ1JwV53hQKRr_jX2jH71I22UFrKzcPLwUR96iKWkmT-SYpwrtZL8b8TT-sMbsaggHO0QVke1Ks5BYbRLT99GuUCHdoGmouc1qwN_jq1PYeDgNbsMQ/s1600/15LakeTour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6SL09WAyDBqtMja8_8xZuC2lwVuQ1JwV53hQKRr_jX2jH71I22UFrKzcPLwUR96iKWkmT-SYpwrtZL8b8TT-sMbsaggHO0QVke1Ks5BYbRLT99GuUCHdoGmouc1qwN_jq1PYeDgNbsMQ/s400/15LakeTour.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b> Island Girl!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUue70DrzHEoVHoxZ9SOnslZogrI2Kn_8slIWmdftk1WLcWGgX6JvkZmhszNd_KFoFOIaQBlSJJuLQxwHZXN-XqvPiLvpn_nPDPPSr1Dl0xRyCjc0x8LfKsIK6faCoFtMVYLETvT-Axs/s1600/16LakeTour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUue70DrzHEoVHoxZ9SOnslZogrI2Kn_8slIWmdftk1WLcWGgX6JvkZmhszNd_KFoFOIaQBlSJJuLQxwHZXN-XqvPiLvpn_nPDPPSr1Dl0xRyCjc0x8LfKsIK6faCoFtMVYLETvT-Axs/s400/16LakeTour2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Island dude?</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sQtC0-H__AGsgkcrr37IE-iH-NFjZcN-co5etLY6AcYsCKHJWCCvefAmYlA2j5EpWVL5BVH6BdwT_QzmX11sfOX2T0ER1GNu__q22zko1EvXGrZoLLACTHtTUWxMlLpZ1DpwXif0sg0/s1600/17LakeTour3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sQtC0-H__AGsgkcrr37IE-iH-NFjZcN-co5etLY6AcYsCKHJWCCvefAmYlA2j5EpWVL5BVH6BdwT_QzmX11sfOX2T0ER1GNu__q22zko1EvXGrZoLLACTHtTUWxMlLpZ1DpwXif0sg0/s400/17LakeTour3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Island Photo shoot</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN0gI9Dv3K_Wg5b8NXXxXgNsqv6_F2pEB0hWlEchO9o3ZGveeLRn-LoG1np8D9dN4FkNfe9G_-6R_ajJakdCJ1Ud6Nue9kLl56ESF23waIsxX97fkolpHakG98qtX7jBnpBlzocu3kK0/s1600/18LakeTour4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNN0gI9Dv3K_Wg5b8NXXxXgNsqv6_F2pEB0hWlEchO9o3ZGveeLRn-LoG1np8D9dN4FkNfe9G_-6R_ajJakdCJ1Ud6Nue9kLl56ESF23waIsxX97fkolpHakG98qtX7jBnpBlzocu3kK0/s400/18LakeTour4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Island in middle of Lake Clark</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJCN2WAskEd8PeP-DhRi4TMn9zDLedGYsx-54XGBHJ4G998_LN-wC3WWqeBq3myCXuh0O6f45Y5HcSj2ehhdgZs1IpI9O2u2lOe9UGDAPv9s4vMhzTgOWzg36XoSrGVuiKWuRJ_xITaU/s1600/19Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJCN2WAskEd8PeP-DhRi4TMn9zDLedGYsx-54XGBHJ4G998_LN-wC3WWqeBq3myCXuh0O6f45Y5HcSj2ehhdgZs1IpI9O2u2lOe9UGDAPv9s4vMhzTgOWzg36XoSrGVuiKWuRJ_xITaU/s400/19Cabin.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Dick Proenneke's Cabin</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIupi0MmCe9LTsRtOWTlBz0RGEekxdFCMW3DlQh4HscDj1i81dvhopNIA1Tyhkecg41SABXJL_H-ZPHtSv9amiv2VCsGtm2kFOvmPrSBWGBcuB_A4lhxBYHUAuyAJFYifchBZgBJ1l6A/s1600/20CabinDoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIupi0MmCe9LTsRtOWTlBz0RGEekxdFCMW3DlQh4HscDj1i81dvhopNIA1Tyhkecg41SABXJL_H-ZPHtSv9amiv2VCsGtm2kFOvmPrSBWGBcuB_A4lhxBYHUAuyAJFYifchBZgBJ1l6A/s400/20CabinDoor.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Cabin Door - notice the hinges!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtGpnqxP0uvPaxY6049BD8RFNNrA3S1-fmABHu-L5jWjQRV54aawfOjrZ-klssdLgBCJvscWhj1GfdBazzkei3_vxPpHosAOSTyevg6VUiyuRJnECU_kdir9FAUC1EbO5wTbDJO0Ta1Y/s1600/21CabinStove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtGpnqxP0uvPaxY6049BD8RFNNrA3S1-fmABHu-L5jWjQRV54aawfOjrZ-klssdLgBCJvscWhj1GfdBazzkei3_vxPpHosAOSTyevg6VUiyuRJnECU_kdir9FAUC1EbO5wTbDJO0Ta1Y/s400/21CabinStove.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Cabin heater and cooking device.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMcReMMhQSh6rbXBXbm7qrpFuql2F02pBYWb_wee407RJUGPVzqcxQncvHEVdjaUuoueQMnK6MtBXNzN7W5fkguHwMmm9y5OUZG5k4jyANwUWLJQrt8Ng2p5-d0CV83tuCOVHP3s-Yrk/s1600/22CabinBunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMcReMMhQSh6rbXBXbm7qrpFuql2F02pBYWb_wee407RJUGPVzqcxQncvHEVdjaUuoueQMnK6MtBXNzN7W5fkguHwMmm9y5OUZG5k4jyANwUWLJQrt8Ng2p5-d0CV83tuCOVHP3s-Yrk/s400/22CabinBunk.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b> Bunk Beds!</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPjSTYkZtms1izpYmgdZ7jJhKJUoEEFOfm8RZYd8dum3kmbyaP6iIpL02gI4xjfG6q69aYZAnWdqpYUHBYXNO9KPae5KsOBKR3kmBh__AMIUVxnykNVWd9Cg3zaujS4t5Px-R9yAKc30/s1600/23CabinView.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPjSTYkZtms1izpYmgdZ7jJhKJUoEEFOfm8RZYd8dum3kmbyaP6iIpL02gI4xjfG6q69aYZAnWdqpYUHBYXNO9KPae5KsOBKR3kmBh__AMIUVxnykNVWd9Cg3zaujS4t5Px-R9yAKc30/s400/23CabinView.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>View from Dick's desk - Twin Lakes outside.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMH_gDf4fayigscNUvW7tykvTqR6bJUbZO09JASaLYKVx8QP1ZJ0Fvz22k_npYsfbBadHNgOpueNIb4-Uxr7cSAbwjLsJJ9N1Fda6pqu03OO176WJ5kEUfv1DfMI59DFgyRePFTQbWlg/s1600/24CabinSkulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMH_gDf4fayigscNUvW7tykvTqR6bJUbZO09JASaLYKVx8QP1ZJ0Fvz22k_npYsfbBadHNgOpueNIb4-Uxr7cSAbwjLsJJ9N1Fda6pqu03OO176WJ5kEUfv1DfMI59DFgyRePFTQbWlg/s400/24CabinSkulls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Mantle full of skulls</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyn7m3CRgZo0qSunyvskQBfNQTvtXEyrw0q-iNSgENeUNboPVhO_FCu5YHp_ib6w5Oybn1K6_-Oa4MI4BoFq6aA5PLJGI1Yn4BMixZWT_mSOMHc-qVYVloK6bfMLAy-oow6cQji819Ps/s1600/25WoodShed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyn7m3CRgZo0qSunyvskQBfNQTvtXEyrw0q-iNSgENeUNboPVhO_FCu5YHp_ib6w5Oybn1K6_-Oa4MI4BoFq6aA5PLJGI1Yn4BMixZWT_mSOMHc-qVYVloK6bfMLAy-oow6cQji819Ps/s400/25WoodShed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Dick's woodshed</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj_hcPmEhlGHLv463uO5oDqjOJNQKIxE8ZMLsRdQ9YYowUGYDW9yB56_mKQT2dTUlq5CA2cZ7XO0adR8MZzAfrNZVcEUBouuTlLSWJWFUNX9LNL4bbxsp_WjwxzsS4Neawip6fRglCt4/s1600/26Fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj_hcPmEhlGHLv463uO5oDqjOJNQKIxE8ZMLsRdQ9YYowUGYDW9yB56_mKQT2dTUlq5CA2cZ7XO0adR8MZzAfrNZVcEUBouuTlLSWJWFUNX9LNL4bbxsp_WjwxzsS4Neawip6fRglCt4/s400/26Fireplace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>The fireplace…which he seldom used.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrzyEU-22-7bYHWItr9bHaJJqlpqkClI_y5hh4bSUfEVQvpoktEsZmitbJeQwjzFKWLySu3WlwAwTyEavVbYiAwtyAD-dvqecqtG8DoV6m7wY0k6O_A3Sjo_MVmFPSgDBou65kC9Eh6w/s1600/27FoodCache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrzyEU-22-7bYHWItr9bHaJJqlpqkClI_y5hh4bSUfEVQvpoktEsZmitbJeQwjzFKWLySu3WlwAwTyEavVbYiAwtyAD-dvqecqtG8DoV6m7wY0k6O_A3Sjo_MVmFPSgDBou65kC9Eh6w/s400/27FoodCache.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> Food Cache - to keep the bears at bay!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZEkGLmfwE3mkJ1Vp0P6kM7w-dOtGUJSPvPnugmhCFWfktpKe7DqVbldHWcT_WzWw7ISAOdi21ILQsfPkVDVGwjyQzAym-0zMyw7Pp4q59lG5iKni__zMqhBQlsEiPF6Hgjm3BZcEIcc/s1600/28CabinShitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZEkGLmfwE3mkJ1Vp0P6kM7w-dOtGUJSPvPnugmhCFWfktpKe7DqVbldHWcT_WzWw7ISAOdi21ILQsfPkVDVGwjyQzAym-0zMyw7Pp4q59lG5iKni__zMqhBQlsEiPF6Hgjm3BZcEIcc/s400/28CabinShitter.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Dick's Crapper!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkMBTr0y5sZlZDT5vQtVrDpwdWHdOSemIQGPwnzpVqvmUWUcRaYRKrksfqPTzMPETFw3lWgs1hM15iRp5PD5YgyLwIhCah7L23Rck05PklDWzsFKI25DUHA3KKom2OT1ODoAvQy4t47M/s1600/29Teetering+Rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkMBTr0y5sZlZDT5vQtVrDpwdWHdOSemIQGPwnzpVqvmUWUcRaYRKrksfqPTzMPETFw3lWgs1hM15iRp5PD5YgyLwIhCah7L23Rck05PklDWzsFKI25DUHA3KKom2OT1ODoAvQy4t47M/s400/29Teetering+Rock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Teetering Rock</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1PJapNPeT0XVtvEVnvqXlLf0WgW-uczd0Bn-Jx65hr4brMxXZx2SeObVgDyFG6plnLjqsk08-nLnsc6-ZSnHc_oIKHzWLa709jAivmd4cgrrPIlfaW3A-w3bmYCpbH2QxstJr3BoHXo/s1600/30TwinLakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1PJapNPeT0XVtvEVnvqXlLf0WgW-uczd0Bn-Jx65hr4brMxXZx2SeObVgDyFG6plnLjqsk08-nLnsc6-ZSnHc_oIKHzWLa709jAivmd4cgrrPIlfaW3A-w3bmYCpbH2QxstJr3BoHXo/s400/30TwinLakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>View of Twin Lakes from Teetering Rock Viewpoint</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/26 – Anchorage to
Port Alsworth.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are scheduled to
depart Merrill Field, Anchorage via Lake Clark Air at 1:00 pm today. With nothing better
to do, we go shopping at the Once In a Blue Moose Boutique and find the most awesome hat for Terry! Doesn't she look cute in that furry cap?</div>
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After shopping, we catch a cab and get to Merrill Field at 11 o’clock. We check in with
the folks at the counter, then take a short hike to the Alaskan version of
Safeway for a bite to eat. Before departing for lunch, we get the strong
feeling that inbound flights from Port Alsworth have been held up due to foggy
conditions. Hmm? <o:p></o:p></div>
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We return to the terminal at 12:30 only to learn that our
plane has yet to leave Port Alsworth…and it could be another hour or two until
the weather is clear enough for them to do so. As we idle away the time sitting
at the Merrill Field lake Clark Air Terminal, we meet Margaret the Park Service
Ranger responsible for Lake Clark. During our conversation, we tell her about
our game. She gives us the name of the purchasing person who buys for the
Alaskan Parks Association. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The weather finally lifts and at 4:00pm, our plane finally
arrives from Pt. Alsworth. We load up our gear, I get to sit up front with our
pilot Nate…but unfortunately while we waited at the terminal, I took out my
Canon to take a couple of pictures. Sadly, the Canon<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had died a second death! Crap! I haven’t
gotten used to the silly Sony and I tossed all the rice out before we left the
hotel. Looks like it will be up to the iPhone to capture any shots at Lake
Clark!<o:p></o:p></div>
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The flight from Merrill Field to Pt. Alsworth and The Farm,
where we are scheduled to spend the next four nights will take about an hour
and 15 minutes. Leaving Anchorage, the skies are partly cloudy; however as we
approach the eastern reaches of Lake Clark National Parks, we can begin to see
why traveling in this country can be difficult. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Clouds cover the peaks surrounding most of the mountains yet
Nate assures us that Lake Clark Pass is clear and navigable. Before leaving the
flatlands around the Cook Inlet, we spot a pod of Beluga Whales swimming
upstream to feed on salmon. From the air, they look like tiny white ovals
swimming up the mouth of a chocolate brown<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>river. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we approach the Chigmit Mountains, the scenery becomes
spectacular! To the left and to the right of the airplane we are surrounded by
jagged peaks and glistening glaciers. The air is turbulent so taking pictures
of these beauties is a challenge. We are flying at an altitude of no more than
3000’ for most of the trip. The elevation at the Pass is 1050ft, so we’re well
above the high point on our journey to Port Alsworth and Lake Clark. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we navigate through Lake Clark Pass, we are treated to
the sight of braided rivers and the turquoise waters of glacially fed lakes.
Approaching Lake Clark, the winds kick up and tosses our small aircraft
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nate gets us safely on the ground
where we are met by Joshua and Sam who help us with our bags and usher us up to
dinner. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We are staying at The Farm Lodge, owned and operated by Glen
Alsworth Sr and Jr. I had done all the arrangements with Glen Jr. and he assured
us of a pleasant stay! Glen Sr’s father, Babe Alsworth came to this area in
1944 and he and his wife homesteaded the land surrounding Hardenberg Bay –the
choicest real estate in the area!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Twenty-five years ago, the Alsworth’s began offering deluxe
sightseeing, wildlife viewing, fishing and photography oriented trips; however,
the only way to get to the Farm is via small aircraft.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Our package was to include a flightseeing excursion to Dick
Proenneke’s cabin on Twin Lakes, a photographic tour of Lake Clark and a day
hiking to Tanalian Falls and Kontrashibuna Lake. Tomorrow we are scheduled for
the flight to Twin Lakes…weather permitting! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/27 – Lake Clark
National Park and the Farm.</b> Breakfast at The Farm is served every day at
7:30 am sharp, therefore, Terry and I must roll our sickly bodies out of the
warm sheets about an hour ahead of time in order to be ready for breakfast.
Both of us are not feeling well. The cold has latched on to our lungs and
causes both of us to cough violently. The weather is a bit foreboding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Low clouds, gusty winds and a touch of rain.
But we’re here to have a good time, so up to the dining room we go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lo and behold…at this time, Terry and I are the only guests
at the Lodge! We have the entire place and staff at our disposal! At breakfast,
we meet our guide Jeff, who will accompany us on our Twin Lakes and Lake Clark
excursions. After breakfast, Jeff fetches our rubber waders we’ll need to get
on and off the floatplane that will take us to Twin Lakes. At 9:00 our pilot Carlin
makes his way to the floatplane which is docked about 50 yards in front of our
cabin. He seems a bit surly and rightfully so. The flying conditions are
deteriorating each minute. Once we’re aboard, Carlin lets us know that if he
feels uneasy about this trip, he’s going to turn around and head back to Port
Alsworth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Twin Lakes and Dick’s cabin are about 30 miles north of Port
Alsworth. We take off from the calm waters of Hardenberg Bay and are
immediately greeted by the notoriously gusty winds that blow across Lake Clark.
The little floatplane is getting bounced around quite viciously as Carlin
navigates it up narrow mountain valleys. Visibility is a bit to be desired as
the bottom of the cloud cover seems to be only a few yards above us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When Twin Lakes is finally in sight, the winds have picked
up even more. Carlin makes a wide pass over the two lakes, swoops down close to
the surface of the water and then shakes his head and says “we’re going back!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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No argument from either Terry or me! In fact, the ride back
to The Farm is even bumpier than the outbound flight! After we land, Carlin
says he could have landed on Twin Lakes – that wasn’t the issue. What would
have become a big issue is he didn’t feel he would be able to return later that
afternoon to pick us up. If that were the case, we’d be spending the night,
unprepared, at Twin Lakes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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All is not lost. Rather than visit Dick’s Cabin, today we
opted to hike to the Falls and to Kontrashibuna Lake. But first we would<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>make a stop at the National Park’s Visitor
Center located in Port Alsworth to pick up our pin and watch a couple of movies
about Dick and the making of Lake Clark National Park. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Rangers suggested we take the Beaver Pond Trail up to
the Falls and return via the Tanalian Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About 20 minutes into our hike, a gentle rain began to fall. We donned
or rain gear and continued on. The Falls are situated about 2.3 miles from the
trailhead and two smaller trails take you to a view of the falls from below and
one above. We took both trails and I took what pictures I could with my iPhone!<o:p></o:p></div>
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From the Falls, we continued on the trail to the Lake, which is actually located within the National Park boundaries! As
suggested by the Ranger, we continued along the trail until we found a spot
suitable for lunch. It was now 3:30 pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It took us almost 3 hours to get to where we are and dinner is served
promptly at 6 pm. Now we did take our time on the outbound leg of the hike and
there was a minor elevation change going up the trail. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Heading back along the Tanalian Trail proved to be much
easier and much quicker. We were back in plenty of time to make dinner. Tonite,
we did not dine alone. We had the pleasure of meeting Dave and Karen Eubanks –
freedom fighters that have created the Free Burma Rangers movement to help
suppressed Burmese people escape the tyranny of their government and military. Very
interesting story. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dave asked me what I did for a living. I told him I teach
business skills to contractors – primarily sales and marketing. He asked about
sales and I said sales is really nothing more than identifying what’s important
to the customer and why…then presenting a solution that satisfies their wants
or desires.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He pondered my comments for a moment then said, “John, I
learned something from you just now. As it relates to the work I do, and to
governments in general, perhaps we should all try to understand what the people
of a country want and why they want it before we impose our own agenda on
them.” Wouldn’t that be nice?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Because The Farm is a family oriented facility, they do not
offer alcohol in the dining room. And, unless you smuggle your booze into camp,
their airplanes do not allow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
transportation of alcohol between Merrill Field and Port Alsworth. All that
meant is no vino for Johnny during our visit. I can live with that. Certainly
won’t hurt me to lay off the vino for a couple of days! Apparently, in the past
there have been a few rowdies who whooped it up a bit too vigorously, hence the
Alsworth’s decided on the no booze policy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/28 – Lake Clark.</b>
Sun’s out at 7:15am. Perhaps today we’ll get up to Dick’s cabin? Still feeling
like crap. Bloody mucus coming from nose and throat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gotta get moving if we’re gonna make
breakfast at 7:30! <o:p></o:p></div>
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If there’s one thing I would request about our visit to The
Farm it would be more flexibility on mealtimes. I do understand they have tight
schedules to meet; however, there are times when I really don’t want to have
breakfast at 7:30a or dinner at 6pm. Not bitching here…just a customer service
suggestion to accommodate the guests. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The trip to Twin Lakes is postponed once again. High winds!
Today, our guide Jeff will take us out on the lake for some photo ops. Too bad
my good camera isn’t working because the little island he dropped us off at was
ripe with photo opportunities. I did what I could with my iPhone. We’ll see the
results once we get back to Phoenix. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Before going out on our boat rides, Terry and I walked about
Port Alsworth to see its full dimension. The tiny little town has two runways.
One that the Alsworth’s built and another wider runway that will accommodate
large transport airplanes. Both are gravel runways and rather lengthy. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The homes we saw as we wandered about were actually very
nice. Mostly second residences; however, there are several full time residents
living here. We wandered over to the resort’s garden and green houses and now
know why this place is called The Farm. They have a very impressive garden and
several green houses that provide vegetables for the guests at the lodge as
well as the local residents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the very cool aspects of this place is there is NO
phone service or internet connection! You do not see guests with their heads
buried in their laptops, tablets or phones checking emails or Facebooking.
Hell…I haven’t been able to follow the volatility of the stock market- crazy as
its been! People actually talk with one another! Or they play Trump! Our idle
time has been spent beating each other in this simple game that we have played
for years! At last count, Terry and I were tied at 4 games apiece. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After our Lake tour, we get cleaned up for dinner. Tonite the
dining room has a full house. We are seated with Ike Tamrak and his wife Tanya?
(hard to understand her as she spoke very broken English) from St. Louis. Like
so many others we’ve met along our path to visit the Parks, Ike and Tanya have
set about to visit all 59 parks as well. Lake Clark is Park #58 for them. They
will conclude their quest at Gates of the Arctic in the next couple of days! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ike works for Enterprise Rent-a-Car in the IT department;
consequently, they have driven to most of their park destinations. He told me
they’ve racked up over 300,000 miles on the road! Terry has trouble if I drive
over 6 hours. Imagine how she’d feel if she had to do 300,000 with me?<o:p></o:p></div>
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When I asked Ike what inspired them to visit all the Parks,
he replied, “The Ken Burns documentary.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So true. Those films were a great tribute to our nation’s park system.
As Burns put it the parks are “America’s Best Idea.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t agree more. Wandering about these
national treasures, all thoughts of the economy, politics, religion, sex, drugs
and rock and roll are diminished by the astonishing beauty created by Mother
Nature. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Gazing at a glacier that is probably hundreds of thousands
of years old and marveling at its incredible force that allows<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it to gouge out valleys between large stands
of mountains takes my breath away. Ah, but I’m easily amused. Yet, I think it
is much healthier to ponder the wonders of nature than to listen to the death,
destruction, and despair broadcast daily on all news channels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I digress. Back to our Lake Clark experience.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">8/29 – Lake Clark.</b>
The alarm goes off at 7. I’m really not feeling it. Terry’s completely wiped
out. She’s got some sort of stomach issue and passes on breakfast. I stagger up
to breakfast more to find out what our agenda will be for today and to ask Glen
Jr. if there is any way Terry and I could head back to Anchorage this
afternoon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our original itinerary had us departing Lake Clark at 9am on
Sunday. We would get back to Anchorage about 10:15 or so. From there, we’d need
to hustle to the International Airport (about a half hour drive from Merrill Field) to check in for our 12:30 departure to Seattle. That would be all fine
and dandy…IF we are able to get out of Dodge at 9 am tomorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every morning, there has been very low cloud
cover and today is no exception. On Wednesday, the flight from Port Alsworth to
Anchorage wasn’t able to leave until 3pm. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I track down Glen Jr. and ask him the questions. He says we
are scheduled to fly up to Twin Lakes and he believes there will be no problem
getting us out of Port Alsworth upon our return from Dick’s Cabin. Perhaps the third
time will be the charm?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I rustle Terry out of bed. We don our waders and hop on the
Floatplane – Destination Twin Lakes and Dick Proenneke’s famous Cabin. CJ is
our pilot. We’ve got Jeff, our guide and Liz the “VIP” joining us. The cloud
ceiling is very low. Did I mention that the clouds were hanging VERY LOW? Yes
the wind has died down…but visibility seems sketchy at best!<o:p></o:p></div>
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CJ takes off to the northeast and heads up the same valley
Carlin did on Thursday. I’m sitting up front with CJ. Looking ahead, all I see
is a dense bank of fog. To the left and right of me are mountain slopes. I
cannot see the mountain tops because they’ve been eaten by the cloud
cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I notice CJ straining to see if
the pass is OK. Apparently not, as he banks hard left and we begin retracing
our path. Oh crap, we’re headed back to home base. I guess old Dick’s Cabin
just isn’t in the cards this week. The weather has won out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few minutes later, CJ banks hard right. He’s now heading
up another valley. One of the many braided rivers below help show us the
direction. My guess is these Bush Pilots use the rivers to guide them though
the valleys. Again, I look forward and all I see is a dense blanket of clouds
directly in front of us. As we approach the gloom, CJ shakes his head and banks
the plane hard left. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now I know we’re heading for home. Not so fast Kemosabe! CJ
knows of another route to the Twin Lakes. Meanwhile, Jeff our guide who hates
to fly is going nuts. He can’t believe we’re still in the air. He told me later he thought CJ would be landing on any number of lakes we’ve flown over to
wait for the clouds to lift. But CJ forges ahead!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well what do you know! This valley is a straight shot to
Twin Lakes. CJ gets us there safely. We deplane and I manage to NOT fall in the
lake! Diane, the local Park Ranger is our guide and gives us the tour of Dick’s Cabin. Richard Proenneke originally intended to stay in the back county for a
year and ended up there for 31! His story is quite intriguing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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His cabin wasn’t the first to be built in Alaska’s
backcountry nor was it was the biggest. The reason it stands out is due to
his remarkable craftsmanship in building it and the fact that he filmed the
entire construction process. <o:p></o:p></div>
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After Diane completed her tour and story, Jeff, Liz and I
took off up a path to Teetering Rock. Terry still isn’t feeling good and was shivering in the cold. She stays behind and ends up meeting Monroe and Kay, the couple who
now care for the maintenance and upkeep of Proenneke’s cabin. Kay says to
Terry, “you look like you’re freezing.” Terry acknowledges and follows Kay back
to her cabin where they enjoy the warmth of the wood burning stove, a cup of
hot tea and stories about how each of them ended up in the wilds of Alaska.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meanwhile, Liz finds a blueberry patch about halfway up to
Teetering Rock. I’m on a quest to see if Jeff’s story about the rock it true.
As Jeff tells it, Teetering rock is a 9 ton boulder that “teeters” atop another
rock. Jeff says if you stand behind the rock, put your knees on the bottom edge
and lift upward, you can get the boulder to teeter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Since there’s been bear activity in the area, Jeff positions
himself between Liz, who is gathering berries, and me trekking upward to the
rock. Sure enough, I put my knees behind the rock, lift upward and the large
mass moves! Directly below me are Jeff, Liz and Proenneke’s cabin. I do not
want to be the one that gets the boulder to teeter off its perch and wipes out
this historic icon!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Up on a ridge, Jeff spots a couple of Dall Sheep grazing. In
past Alaskan Adventures, Terry and I were blessed with many animal sightings.
This trip, however, we’ve only seen a handful of wildlife. We did spot a bull
Moose grazing in a shallow pond on our way up to Twin Lakes and there are a
dozen ducks that hang out at the Farm. Besides that, we saw no other critters
during our visit to Lake Clark.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The flight back to
Port Alsworth is uneventful, as the cloud ceiling has risen to manageable
heights. We pack up or gear and are able to make the 3:00 pm flight back to
Anchorage. We bid our newfound friends goodbye and look forward to our next Park Adventure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Trails friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />John Binkelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543525251235827264noreply@blogger.com0