tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360223442024-03-04T22:01:36.661-07:00Kendrick Newsilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-15656668248324262322010-06-12T08:18:00.019-07:002010-06-12T10:27:09.785-07:00Arches National ParkSaturday morning after we left our B & B near Mancos, CO., we drove to Moab Utah. We've driven through Moab many times but never taken the time to drive into Arches National Park. Since this was our hiking and exploration vacation, we were determined to do at least one hike in Arches. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlOmQ5WvTmuyCjOf_vFMa4woCw_KR6eFStMu4t_dyWTcn5Xd7tBBT2WuhDZyZwPw6KP6jWHD9wd42Uy19jpTIWv5rU__5n5bOeJ_fuPBih16RvstHa-jUUJWB_JLuMrY4rSBo/s1600/100_0455.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481914972847338786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrlOmQ5WvTmuyCjOf_vFMa4woCw_KR6eFStMu4t_dyWTcn5Xd7tBBT2WuhDZyZwPw6KP6jWHD9wd42Uy19jpTIWv5rU__5n5bOeJ_fuPBih16RvstHa-jUUJWB_JLuMrY4rSBo/s320/100_0455.jpg" /></a> The red rock formations are so amazing. It's kind of a surreal world with strange and varied towers and formations. It's hard to imagine how there can be so much variation in one area. Smooth boulders, massive formations that look like enormous buildings, rocks balancing on top of other rocks. . . it's unlike anything you'll see anywhere else. It's definitely a National Park worth seeing.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eWrPClo0qooLmRvkG0Iu2ir2EDdlaumKmH3kLbOdVspv2lQvE0AvI1_gDdZq7y2LoRI_puixwfhyphenhyphenNW34U5sYaNvrOFXKNN0Fd1JM469hBraollwVp7LeFBugkcLHEH1o_FZG/s1600/100_0480.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481914498487813618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eWrPClo0qooLmRvkG0Iu2ir2EDdlaumKmH3kLbOdVspv2lQvE0AvI1_gDdZq7y2LoRI_puixwfhyphenhyphenNW34U5sYaNvrOFXKNN0Fd1JM469hBraollwVp7LeFBugkcLHEH1o_FZG/s320/100_0480.jpg" /></a> Balanced Rock was just one of the many interesting formations. I don't know why this boulder hasn't just toppled off, and I suppose it will at some time . . . but I'm glad we got to see it.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygVHEWROIiz4MrVvMw1FKzQoZCpTXAQBSP2eAdTYkJUaHg2_OwBiLM3G7Kyb6hZD5F5D2TvPVNK-gr3hRkknOnC0TR1UDjfaWDdE-8AjNXbVoKRvOoLFLIHy-sIi0GTHcZf0d/s1600/100_0478.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481913982009758370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygVHEWROIiz4MrVvMw1FKzQoZCpTXAQBSP2eAdTYkJUaHg2_OwBiLM3G7Kyb6hZD5F5D2TvPVNK-gr3hRkknOnC0TR1UDjfaWDdE-8AjNXbVoKRvOoLFLIHy-sIi0GTHcZf0d/s320/100_0478.jpg" /></a> The blue sky, red rocks, and petrified dunes made such a pretty contrast. Much of the rock formation looks like muscles stretched across the landscape. It's so awesome!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07ICEq4ORPjZ-196uQ6uUq5YfxiEBPuIW6Qgb_Fh4SGRBhELmnhPtbhYOLu3mVBWYjFV2S1iia20VNeIraK5Bi8nTr4ZPz6vWDhSZVnB5IilD5ZNy4F5OTpsZ1ugiiF7O67P4/s1600/100_0453.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481913489080806082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07ICEq4ORPjZ-196uQ6uUq5YfxiEBPuIW6Qgb_Fh4SGRBhELmnhPtbhYOLu3mVBWYjFV2S1iia20VNeIraK5Bi8nTr4ZPz6vWDhSZVnB5IilD5ZNy4F5OTpsZ1ugiiF7O67P4/s320/100_0453.jpg" /></a> Southern Utah really has it's share of interesting geology. Everywhere you look there's something beautiful to see. I don't understand how all this was formed over the centuries, but I think it's some of The Creators finest!<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481910334063147362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglIyLTnqezy-SZVgCuGOOsnH_bLzO5PnIWOdho1QoKuHV1aTPXHVlPcEaG3-nx6DjJ58oVYMCrWEtHZhc8opTtzFYqruz136sMAao4Kj5gXhgXTEFPeI7nkDXnHi7hAQnvACvl/s320/100_0456.jpg" /> All the hiking trails in the Park are rated easy, moderate or strenuous. We didn't have a lot of time to spend, so we decided that we'd take the Delicate Arch hike. By the time we arrived at the parking lot it was almost noon and 93 degrees! We knew it was a strenuous trail but we were determined to give it a try because it was something we really wanted to see. After we'd hiked about a half mile, we saw this rock formation in the distance. . . it looked like people were climbing it. It made us wonder if we might be taking on more than we wanted in the heat, but we kept going anyway . . . slow and steady.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481910911044131026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1oEnhjJK3HkNissJVJYCgihSiTNHdje2x-bBEOOSp0z9FbwUdGdUA8Nyj_kSNXsa7pTl5l0YefsDhXLYPQJOqv69Dyu3QonZNSW3t4HODGZUMpgqOmkhDaCvPc-CGvWYlCtI/s320/100_0457.jpg" /> It really was a good hike. The brochure says this is a 3 mile hike, but it felt longer than that to us. We both walk a lot, but there were a couple of pretty steep climbs we had to make. We paused often to catch our breath, admire the scenery and then continued on.<br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481911330002717778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY1C2PsvKewwvqXyedTqbFVMjVsUAzDRw586mC4RgjTy1WAC8ryzTU5z-0E6NQp5yK59WzbKL-6_JxsQOZ5Xrnh08eGXf-bwPMRXNqDTyAsmXPJTgTJZ75wHXPAwed6Pq5xWb/s320/100_0458.jpg" /> We had heard that you don't see Delicate Arch at all until you come around a corner . . . then there it is! This was the corner.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4kYFbGg0DY99dy4k0gGYH8bqJMOrjz4l3DcNKVqFbcXzzz5KOPfMhtscI1uxcNiyYDWumeHY1ecIWgbFcXnKkEgaHTqdMXk2Zn6V8rE9WWuCl7ak_ImrBg-TsfocpNDTFcCE/s1600/100_0461.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481909782198944562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4kYFbGg0DY99dy4k0gGYH8bqJMOrjz4l3DcNKVqFbcXzzz5KOPfMhtscI1uxcNiyYDWumeHY1ecIWgbFcXnKkEgaHTqdMXk2Zn6V8rE9WWuCl7ak_ImrBg-TsfocpNDTFcCE/s320/100_0461.jpg" /></a> Delicate Arch is so spectacular! It sits on top of a huge bowl and getting over to where you can stand under it was a little scary to me. But we did it! </div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481907498284264802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOmMPG2IgkHBBTDxICtNHAKy9XEXXhOwRs2jxTTUfBeu75ut49-GpKwmXs4Bpz3rpKPLeRZGuoTXmatcFocKmDlMyILJtqL_6OFRM8LypmoUVWTfegXHjmeAxt_V_S-7yc7oo/s320/100_0464.jpg" /></div><div>That's us, those two little figures under the Arch. (I'm standing really still and trying not to look down).</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWGcNSyMwL693tNvpmsDZfEwDk5P7S5wXUMhLlx8m17DGqUe3o-r_KbvhUeK0x_C52QX75H6ymKg-3Isb52yjgZfuB1-RWWWgoedJdtYxaubto54yKGHvtgQd16WCb7FoTWTi/s1600/100_0472.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481908611340298914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWGcNSyMwL693tNvpmsDZfEwDk5P7S5wXUMhLlx8m17DGqUe3o-r_KbvhUeK0x_C52QX75H6ymKg-3Isb52yjgZfuB1-RWWWgoedJdtYxaubto54yKGHvtgQd16WCb7FoTWTi/s320/100_0472.jpg" /></a> Getting here on such a hot day had been a pretty good accomplishment for us, but it was so worth it. We'd seen photos of Delicate Arch lots of times, but now we were seeing it in person. It's hard to describe just how spectacular it is. We were so glad we'd made the effort.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXII7rJxQSwtubo09MHyjZMBVHwSOX9d0SWXEZ3nYVScvbb5tX297A476DK4u7f8KWotWq3Pre_rov_eSD5rL5kb6_eJhYAjvRmcLJqKZOrmrhpeOMOXlFZ0CCph6UH0I05uc/s1600/100_0471.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481908076247628770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXII7rJxQSwtubo09MHyjZMBVHwSOX9d0SWXEZ3nYVScvbb5tX297A476DK4u7f8KWotWq3Pre_rov_eSD5rL5kb6_eJhYAjvRmcLJqKZOrmrhpeOMOXlFZ0CCph6UH0I05uc/s320/100_0471.jpg" /></a> This was the last hike on our little six day adventure into the Four Corners area. It had been a<br />wonderful few days! The weather had been beautiful, we'd tried some things we'd never done before, and seen a lot of beautiful country. Many of the things we did were a little outside my comfort zone, but I survived and I'm so glad I didn't give in to my fears! You have to get out an experience life and not just view it from the sidelines and that's what we did. We had a great time together and made lots of great memories . . . . again!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-65264329131653958252010-06-10T16:00:00.026-07:002010-06-12T08:18:15.022-07:00Mesa Verde National ParkFriday morning we drove into Mesa Verde National Park to spend the day. The drive into the Park was interesting. The entrance to the Park was just 10 miles from our B & B, but the drive up onto the mesa was another 25-30 miles of VERY windy roads as you climb from the valley floor up onto the Mesa. Here's some interesting facts about the Park: Mesa Verde consists of over 52,000 acres, protects nearly 5,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings, with over 3 million artifacts in their research collection. So it's a big area . . . with lots of interesting things to see, but we only had the day so we picked just 3 cliff dwellings we wanted to see.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S_yPJemArBLWWbzHOKE4hSzw4Xqs4d0__21RMTFkGGHYkSECcXXOm7pInoFacff4NTjqHoFOC0knCi2my5lae48pKrfWvZYXt6TgZb78ps32sgC36P9fBg9DAcDEpWxR7Jnp/s1600/100_0397.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481295742225515666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9S_yPJemArBLWWbzHOKE4hSzw4Xqs4d0__21RMTFkGGHYkSECcXXOm7pInoFacff4NTjqHoFOC0knCi2my5lae48pKrfWvZYXt6TgZb78ps32sgC36P9fBg9DAcDEpWxR7Jnp/s320/100_0397.jpg" /></a> We started the first of our guided tours at Cliff Palace. In the early 1900's a couple of cowboys looking for stray cattle came upon these ruins. Can you imagine their first impression? A few years later, President Roosevelt established Mesa Verde National Park to "preserve the works of man," the first, and still only national park of its kind. There's some amazing things to see here. As you look down upon these dwellings you can see at least 8 kiva's and several 2-3 story structures.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9bMEoJ9_E2Ju32WpjklkfCrlz-ncy7COGuC9geIyxDNc6F0HHlpjkwPcgXAlDnO0DI6NvuqqO9zqyb385qiLWZt7kl0EovhvgHSr0xeziTn_E-3WGTKyYPzExdfMPH9Blj25/s1600/100_0401.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481295190399888914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9bMEoJ9_E2Ju32WpjklkfCrlz-ncy7COGuC9geIyxDNc6F0HHlpjkwPcgXAlDnO0DI6NvuqqO9zqyb385qiLWZt7kl0EovhvgHSr0xeziTn_E-3WGTKyYPzExdfMPH9Blj25/s320/100_0401.jpg" /></a> Cliff Palace is Mesa Verde's largest cliff dwelling. The hour long tour involved descending uneven stone steps, and climbing five ladders for a 100 ft. vertical climb. The total walking distance was a 1/4 mile round trip so it was an easy hike to start with.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_JibmT8-E4BEIb_-oqniS6wz4Wa5JRQpwV8IXkNyFi1lSm_dRNuu9ShdYjD_XkO6Fe8uZgPn34tdzPz-OPCxt-I01Ru2zBDf-YlbqQEPoyip1FhD2o3R1eOLQRDXMBZLTqev/s1600/100_0400.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481294610351131058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_JibmT8-E4BEIb_-oqniS6wz4Wa5JRQpwV8IXkNyFi1lSm_dRNuu9ShdYjD_XkO6Fe8uZgPn34tdzPz-OPCxt-I01Ru2zBDf-YlbqQEPoyip1FhD2o3R1eOLQRDXMBZLTqev/s320/100_0400.jpg" /></a> We took several pictures as we descended into Cliff Palace. It was an amazing place. It was so interesting to learn about the people and how they lived. It's estimated that Cliff Palace was built over a period of about 100 years. Can you imagine living here your whole life . . . as well as several generations after you? The people only lived about 30 years! It was almost unbelievable to see the sites we were seeing and to try to get a better understanding about the people who inhabited these dwellings. Life was not easy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NCEBuiMPmEMULFOVpZQ7NBpqBhLU9PZqgUS5S4-VRIjhR8_N50CyOrd61L5uue_bO4QqyCKeigcjDljePNaLw0A0nAsNbqDkcI9Fxz9SEPWx1Lthv8_ZlqbBmq2YOYMohA9m/s1600/100_0409.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481294018660886242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NCEBuiMPmEMULFOVpZQ7NBpqBhLU9PZqgUS5S4-VRIjhR8_N50CyOrd61L5uue_bO4QqyCKeigcjDljePNaLw0A0nAsNbqDkcI9Fxz9SEPWx1Lthv8_ZlqbBmq2YOYMohA9m/s320/100_0409.jpg" /></a> The stonework of these structures was amazing. The small openings that look like windows are really doorways. Remember the people were small, and a smaller opening meant less cold coming in in the winter, and less heat in the summer. Above the main structures, high in the small slits in the mountain, is where grains and seeds were stored. It's hard to imagine how you'd get to most of these areas . . . the people must have gotten really good at rock climbing!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDNNSOwesa5zcG43l6C9uuA9rLQ3BulzGM5T0JfyL9f3sKk1gbuxExd-G4qRi0_xeIoxcygwsGe1Ltufm3lhnnJ2x5Ocbbs9N2ee-g7s6H10qtaDsTT4iwZJmlJ6coWXRDF89/s1600/100_0411.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481293476889315074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDNNSOwesa5zcG43l6C9uuA9rLQ3BulzGM5T0JfyL9f3sKk1gbuxExd-G4qRi0_xeIoxcygwsGe1Ltufm3lhnnJ2x5Ocbbs9N2ee-g7s6H10qtaDsTT4iwZJmlJ6coWXRDF89/s320/100_0411.jpg" /></a> Here's proof we really made the hike. We'd never done hiking like this before and it was so fun. Our tour group ranged from very young to old. . . so we figured if they could make it, so could we. It really was a nice hike and we were seeing some really neat stuff!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxVpcCgxcZ607DL1V_83U-4DCzAFJINQBt2L4RPbJa2TBuIapWa3Ogx6hEFBzCQu2LxIm0RjvoR2W4h09gQkk3AiN0zBWZZiT1FwvXTRwZ0nn0Bk-_zy8EK7v555s8Ux2t36j/s1600/100_0412.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481293005277016338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxVpcCgxcZ607DL1V_83U-4DCzAFJINQBt2L4RPbJa2TBuIapWa3Ogx6hEFBzCQu2LxIm0RjvoR2W4h09gQkk3AiN0zBWZZiT1FwvXTRwZ0nn0Bk-_zy8EK7v555s8Ux2t36j/s320/100_0412.jpg" /></a> This is just one of many small slits we passed through on our hike into Cliff Palace. This is the rock slit we passed through as we climbed back on top.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMDuHuggIIzbDCj_ao_fkOILT7EFcYKBpPjbMH4MzfNEbuxEgsREkK3d1pkzavLTbWcn8CxbOLrwNolkj3qc9gSrv9WSA0OPJsCt8YNcMxeYvhHO1bNXPYp1xbOJqEjCwdyrd/s1600/100_0415.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481292210805762242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMDuHuggIIzbDCj_ao_fkOILT7EFcYKBpPjbMH4MzfNEbuxEgsREkK3d1pkzavLTbWcn8CxbOLrwNolkj3qc9gSrv9WSA0OPJsCt8YNcMxeYvhHO1bNXPYp1xbOJqEjCwdyrd/s320/100_0415.jpg" /></a> And one last photo of where we'd been. We were having the time of our lives!</div><div></div><div></div><div>Our next guided tour was to Balcony House. As we met with the Ranger and he described the hike we were going on, I just about chicken out. This tour involved climbing a 32 ft. ladder (I don't like heights), crawling through a 12 ft. long tunnel on your hands and knees (I don't like tight places), climbing up a 60 ft. open cliff face (again, I DON'T like heights), and two 10 ft. ladders to exit the site.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnyk-EDjql60hQKW1UgqnauA0BYDM_kMcuP6DpLUSTmueKziEwk7WmSV7g3G-BDO0-eR_0qX5vylLKSxGtoMlbP2fts1wmvYOMYvlRVR7SrzmnimZi29-BygZfnfugAXhxAek/s1600/100_0428.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481291558749622562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnyk-EDjql60hQKW1UgqnauA0BYDM_kMcuP6DpLUSTmueKziEwk7WmSV7g3G-BDO0-eR_0qX5vylLKSxGtoMlbP2fts1wmvYOMYvlRVR7SrzmnimZi29-BygZfnfugAXhxAek/s320/100_0428.jpg" /></a> Here's a view of part of the hike. You won't be surprised to know that I didn't take any of these photos, I was pretty much hugging the cliff walls and trying not to look down any more than absolutely necessary.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyQkhdIBdUX8neeyl3VV45Ay5XqX1SForI-Z79C7qFbtaGZuAR7EPsjY0y0jYhy01Op5xRYydOV5ZhfgbhJzY0gDrE5QIX_O2_nTXWoCLig0qAYfFnOlxW3H3C9jaTSX6G1K-/s1600/100_0416.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481290769762046434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyQkhdIBdUX8neeyl3VV45Ay5XqX1SForI-Z79C7qFbtaGZuAR7EPsjY0y0jYhy01Op5xRYydOV5ZhfgbhJzY0gDrE5QIX_O2_nTXWoCLig0qAYfFnOlxW3H3C9jaTSX6G1K-/s320/100_0416.jpg" /></a> This is the 32 ft. ladder we had to climb to get out of Balcony House. The ladder itself doesn't look too bad until you have the whole perspective as to where it's located! It's a long ways up and a long ways down.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dbIUEQM-ID9w1c1dsWeqwCUaL_llAPafHXWltmLi2UMkQSckoHtc2uky-cNJ4JG0LCHsHwapl2dZO3Np3qjFVH8T467uZfGOFcr67gPvWaV9ji1dyr8kYcadbV4Qkw6b2_qc/s1600/100_0417.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481290065526120482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dbIUEQM-ID9w1c1dsWeqwCUaL_llAPafHXWltmLi2UMkQSckoHtc2uky-cNJ4JG0LCHsHwapl2dZO3Np3qjFVH8T467uZfGOFcr67gPvWaV9ji1dyr8kYcadbV4Qkw6b2_qc/s320/100_0417.jpg" /></a> The ladder was made of sturdy poles and wide enough for two. The Ranger gave us all a little pep talk before starting up the ladder. He said, "Don't look up and don't look down", so that's how I was able to accomplish climbing at that height. I just looked at the rock in front of me and tried to climb as quickly as my shaky legs would carry me. Midway up the ladder I had to hesitate a moment waiting for others to go ahead, I was tempted to look around but I resisted because I knew I'd be sick if I did. <div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481289023661384370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBN2qcZCTjMv2F6P8HzeNFFrHzeYDHq1ImlpKAGzh0DOdJ4ZPNBL8gMbAdfkxJmS8qZg4PfCgLcYuJp3dH0nZEL3FPvRSVrR0e_asTyeD8O5lwG01Re9drTJyyeS0YhwlOMmWF/s320/100_0420.jpg" />I know this probably doesn't look that scary to a lot of people, but for me, this was a big deal! You can't really appreciate how far down it was to the valley floor or how high it was to the top, but this really was a CLIFF DWELLING! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481288495736844674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWSlbbeXjh67jyUcisZMVf5J4q9-rUkffSl8lN-LL8NbNNjzXUbqFCWNI_dVSiTDbYnqz-B293rB27p8D2FEJg-_jEXX4rWZg94ZmztofOv9aP7d5oTEzFcCsl9u4a2B2AeoG/s320/100_0424.jpg" />I was so glad to be on solid ground when we got here. The Ranger was asking everyone to solve the mystery of how and why the people lived here and why they left. I said I knew why they left. The women got together and said, "We're not climbing up or down those ladders one more time! We've had it, we're moving down by a river!" I don't care what the archaeologists say, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 335px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481289634610871266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRjTEi9y-SUr50n6fuY9Ial-44DiP5G5V_DFnYe1Evq5w5ALmyvNl4P60dO_RXoygJd_rBxW8Pcz6niHjlkD1eT2EsspRxYDiSq6hSBa2ubtDLhyWRoyVk5q5PtG5u72D-pHg/s320/100_0418.jpg" />This ladder, and the hand and toe holes, starts the climb towards the tunnel . . . the next obstacle I was really looking forward to as we left the Balcony House.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KmC5nFlkl6XGWCG2kPrz7wYdUInr-w6AsFS_9MOw39HVuc6RqyNtu2-whsPG3jP5uoULapDZ_VMtQW8GPb0o8P186e5GnjeHt21m97k-4sq9VeK2eqDvNbGGD3rcXIr0ly1R/s1600/100_0426.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481287971724414178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KmC5nFlkl6XGWCG2kPrz7wYdUInr-w6AsFS_9MOw39HVuc6RqyNtu2-whsPG3jP5uoULapDZ_VMtQW8GPb0o8P186e5GnjeHt21m97k-4sq9VeK2eqDvNbGGD3rcXIr0ly1R/s320/100_0426.jpg" /></a> This slit in the mountain is where we entered the tunnel. It wasn't nearly as bad as I'd anticipated. I was carrying my binoculars and a water bottle so I just pushed them ahead of me as I crawled through the tunnel. I didn't spend any time looking around, but just hurried through looking ahead towards the light at the end. Randy got caught up a time or two because his binoculars and camera were on his belt, but we made it just fine. I was pretty relieved when we made it back on top of the mountain. It had been quite an adventure . . . . and we were so glad we'd done it.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Our last tour of the day was to Spruce Tree House. This was a self-quided tour to Mesa's Verde best-preserved and third largest dwelling.</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481284743676469058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzELVnq-jNlDvfvBowtPL78ZARpkbZk4vZxCQJQQRcmZw0EJfAC-kpEMO3SOVDf2BTELh4-v2cOhZ9-3zsYBm1ZUvPNDmZ_8_Rg-kiKcMc1S8yykcdqW-fa5gEwYkmRetw6GM9/s320/100_0437.jpg" />It's estimated that Spruce Tree House was constructed between AD 1211 and AD 1278. The dwelling contains 130 rooms and 8 kivas. It is thought to have been the home to 60 to 80 people.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1s348QxtBUq_-t1xk-3_ECDnfplIH5ltiHE8fCeiERzVQzpocIoQF9am9KumBapEWyAwSWaZhVHbDxMg4TkuvlL6UdHp4lhcRfck8anesmcOjC2-Vn-sGP9o0Nv9fjP5oEY8/s1600/100_0432.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481286659085806546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1s348QxtBUq_-t1xk-3_ECDnfplIH5ltiHE8fCeiERzVQzpocIoQF9am9KumBapEWyAwSWaZhVHbDxMg4TkuvlL6UdHp4lhcRfck8anesmcOjC2-Vn-sGP9o0Nv9fjP5oEY8/s320/100_0432.jpg" /></a> It was an easy half-mile hike down the 100 ft. descent into the dwelling. Here we were able to descend a ladder into one of the kivas. All the other kivas we'd seen earlier no longer had the roof on, but this one we were able to go down into.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuxJOu59QqIcuWA6LECTq_XBrB5lV4RnVZcWVCqjzLHh6l7R32utOec7u3xBqnx271WzjBitMgGNTxtgFHNWVCbwBwPGwRQwPm4-0R7N94l0qTXxIm-vYyB8gvv6VV-wlW-TO/s1600/100_0435.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481286091087668434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIuxJOu59QqIcuWA6LECTq_XBrB5lV4RnVZcWVCqjzLHh6l7R32utOec7u3xBqnx271WzjBitMgGNTxtgFHNWVCbwBwPGwRQwPm4-0R7N94l0qTXxIm-vYyB8gvv6VV-wlW-TO/s320/100_0435.jpg" /></a> Randy is standing in the bottom of the kiva. Large or small every kiva is built with a fire pit in the center of the room, a deflector wall and a ventilator shaft. Kiva's were gathering places and were also used for ceremonial purposed. Being inside a kiva was a cool place to be on a hot summer day. Every place we stood, we tried to imagine what life would have like hundreds of years ago.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxXuoZs6in0rMlAaDFj-9TyzkyYp3iO65n3uyJU8rDQlMYWtI7lt6VCvItQe9MLmoBeWjp-FjoqjrWClnMLvfjiD4PsPD-QMLj7Ukd5bd-tYsXxkIqd6f4wiYnpL5xhdpzEth/s1600/100_0436.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481285235524698098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxXuoZs6in0rMlAaDFj-9TyzkyYp3iO65n3uyJU8rDQlMYWtI7lt6VCvItQe9MLmoBeWjp-FjoqjrWClnMLvfjiD4PsPD-QMLj7Ukd5bd-tYsXxkIqd6f4wiYnpL5xhdpzEth/s320/100_0436.jpg" /></a> Here I am coming up out of the kiva. Exploring these sites had been quite an adventure for us. We'd seen and experienced so many great things at Mesa Verde. We'd had a wonderful time seeing all these historical dwellings and seeing and doing things we'd never done before. We were having so much fun together. We've made another great memory of places we've traveled and good times we've had. <br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-83716218756258586032010-06-09T06:20:00.013-07:002010-06-10T15:59:41.328-07:00Sundance Bear LodgeThursday afternoon after visiting the Lowry Pueblo Ruins, we drove to the Sundance Bear Lodge near Mancos, Colorado. This part of Colorado is so pretty . . . lots of rolling hills and cedar and pine trees. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVkS9lm36Lno8jpgCzNrfW8Cz1bMLNjb4puKGU_AuCUVGpZR3XWNbkFBTKWixBkz1QR4OO2jiFZHok1U73VGgxLGXO1fs6FS4Fh6h36rNGcv7KI6QfvjLEwJcM77M67_yhKdP/s1600/100_0449.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 205px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481252255784202754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMnasAr6Nm-ZiULOvCWZBI34xPxLYSLP1Debm1_cCyzZHoqfAIHVHKOtbK8Ee0afWrnWA-rSKN7nqhxn4IC1nRcYLWUlGmyM5sDT2GtwgU4yMRhlP4ja54lkj3vDbtG34iPfR/s320/100_0394.jpg" /></a><br />We were greeted by this cute dancing bear as we drove up the hill to our B & B. We had reservations to stay here two nights.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481119677340721762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVkS9lm36Lno8jpgCzNrfW8Cz1bMLNjb4puKGU_AuCUVGpZR3XWNbkFBTKWixBkz1QR4OO2jiFZHok1U73VGgxLGXO1fs6FS4Fh6h36rNGcv7KI6QfvjLEwJcM77M67_yhKdP/s320/100_0449.jpg" />Sundance Bear Lodge sits on 86 acres and just 10 miles from the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park. It's a great place to stay and close to a lot of interesting things in the Four Corners area. On site are 3 very nice facilities, the Main Lodge with two guestrooms with private baths. . . that's where we stayed. A two story log cabin just across the pond--that sleeps 4, and a three bedroom, 2 1/2 bath quest house hidden in amongst the cedars a short distance from the Main Lodge.<br /><div><div><br /><div>The Great Room in the Main Lodge was really a wonderful room. The Lodge was decorated with southwestern art, rugs and pottery, and had lots of windows gave you a great view of the property. Several comfortable sofas, lots of interesting books, TV, cards, and board games made this room a very nice place to spend a relaxing evening. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlO1tuVz5hp3wg5LPQL8DGC3AM8YCNiOob2WTYaHbZ2iUYtFutLn0SIXbhKUEWJUpfbb_I1BKE8TCLQZP9Zp2s96pUN7LSyZVjM0C0Mq_1e1vASKB4CshJwFPz6YhcTB-q1Vi/s1600/100_0396.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481118291070604450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUlO1tuVz5hp3wg5LPQL8DGC3AM8YCNiOob2WTYaHbZ2iUYtFutLn0SIXbhKUEWJUpfbb_I1BKE8TCLQZP9Zp2s96pUN7LSyZVjM0C0Mq_1e1vASKB4CshJwFPz6YhcTB-q1Vi/s320/100_0396.jpg" /></a> The dining table in a corner of the Great Room was where we had a delicious breakfast each morning. It was a nice time to visit with our hostesses before heading out for our days adventures.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FXQd1o3A0LG0IxKDN602LHP1SrIxfDyq6gXAbasl57nf98TmiBGFXz9RaC-rNpL5W6CEbq0i_6x-XGnNeLEouquZuXFYdDr1CNFsUUYzT1d5E2EqwIJOLE-ewKUyVZ0m4F66/s1600/100_0448.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481117888328270578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FXQd1o3A0LG0IxKDN602LHP1SrIxfDyq6gXAbasl57nf98TmiBGFXz9RaC-rNpL5W6CEbq0i_6x-XGnNeLEouquZuXFYdDr1CNFsUUYzT1d5E2EqwIJOLE-ewKUyVZ0m4F66/s320/100_0448.jpg" /></a> This a view of the pond near the Main Lodge. We spend some time one evening going for a walk around the property, spotting some deer and just enjoying our lovely B & B.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM3vJaeET55oGi7hmHoBqaIeiMQ1ZNbtkOcOon4sgwKcJVVeaAH7zBZKORzcrqAeqyMSEiahUhA1FRXWYcMcS_q0lqMG9HQ8AR1uuQ-lNeIX1Qq5k8p9_fz7k7Nd0_Ue0MmHc/s1600/100_0441.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481117224489977938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM3vJaeET55oGi7hmHoBqaIeiMQ1ZNbtkOcOon4sgwKcJVVeaAH7zBZKORzcrqAeqyMSEiahUhA1FRXWYcMcS_q0lqMG9HQ8AR1uuQ-lNeIX1Qq5k8p9_fz7k7Nd0_Ue0MmHc/s320/100_0441.jpg" /></a> The front porch had lots of comfortable seating and a hot tub on a side deck. We spent a relaxing hour soaking in the hot tub and watching the stars one evening- - -it was nice way to end a day of sightseeing. This is such a pretty place!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTQMHDrLXZFdwAehPL96kJ8LnBggu5XvT2M3Tkbl2jzApN9KMfZ2V4GudoTPpyzZ_-DdFbtuCaFkAeyXDNp_pGD2irx_Jd5DvgD5Gugsd3eQ87vB1HDEr3RQOda2h5DI4t3qP/s1600/100_0446.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481116763332999746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTQMHDrLXZFdwAehPL96kJ8LnBggu5XvT2M3Tkbl2jzApN9KMfZ2V4GudoTPpyzZ_-DdFbtuCaFkAeyXDNp_pGD2irx_Jd5DvgD5Gugsd3eQ87vB1HDEr3RQOda2h5DI4t3qP/s320/100_0446.jpg" /></a>I'm standing in front of a pretty little pond near the Lodge. The reflection of the trees, buildings and sky in the pond made this such an ideal spot. I spent one evening with my sketch pad outside enjoying the beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds and just enjoying a beautiful Colorado evening.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R4xrNCGwvKrtaxia1J9l79VLoTADeO1A1vUR-8cvEg6hTwMfADYANIcnJ1fYS_F5RxBcT4I4rCs5F3aVGMQZEHFPK0Q_anOxPk67W0kFVO75u8uIHCOjMpc4lUniLAp7zSMo/s1600/100_0395.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480764945655477490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R4xrNCGwvKrtaxia1J9l79VLoTADeO1A1vUR-8cvEg6hTwMfADYANIcnJ1fYS_F5RxBcT4I4rCs5F3aVGMQZEHFPK0Q_anOxPk67W0kFVO75u8uIHCOjMpc4lUniLAp7zSMo/s320/100_0395.jpg" /></a> There's another view looking across the yard toward the Lodge. The Sundance Bear Lodge was a B & B we'd definitely go back to. The owners were very friendly, the food was delicious and the views were stunning. </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjFjoSiAbxsLqFqMs4uD41mPOmbk8D_JHKwCOSa2yvXZ7c62rFh_FNuy8KWBINgan6VIOEB6sHUYwyrAtP9hiK2mEn31zmH1EIZcHZrkxiXMbST_nal3js71-nYA9Cxvl5Hj7/s1600/100_0393.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480764359065021698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjFjoSiAbxsLqFqMs4uD41mPOmbk8D_JHKwCOSa2yvXZ7c62rFh_FNuy8KWBINgan6VIOEB6sHUYwyrAtP9hiK2mEn31zmH1EIZcHZrkxiXMbST_nal3js71-nYA9Cxvl5Hj7/s320/100_0393.jpg" /></a>I'm so fortunate to be able to travel with a husband who loves an adventure and likes to find new and interesting places. We've had such fun times and made some great memories in our travels together. There's a lot of beautiful and interesting country out there and we've sure loved seeing a little portion of it.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-34851584938629432662010-06-08T06:27:00.008-07:002010-06-09T06:20:23.306-07:00Lowry Pueblo RuinsWe drove into Colorado Thursday and arrived in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Cortez</span> about noon. This area of Colorado is part of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument which is on the Great Sage Plains. The Great Sage Plain consists of more that 1,500 square miles of high, dry, rolling plateaus, deeply scored by Canyons. This area contains the highest recorded density of prehistoric and historic sites in North America. So if you're interested in the Anasazi or Pueblo cultures, (and we are) this is the place to come.<br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 154px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480394993480130594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3LAZMjJJyuX1ixFiFmdYx3Hw7B5ApEMT0OCC5Plmwmsh2QOxZW6N1XRCI5sXV2VEEC4q_FamumJOvOozuuDGZHK_NqVG7Z-_qEFjuRdtG-zsh09tZp2WsW0kBIMreExv44GQe/s320/100_0384.jpg" />These are the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lowry</span> Pueblo Ruins. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Puebloan</span> people constructed the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lowry</span> Pueblo around AD 1060 and inhabited it for about 165 years. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWXpHFxiA2VtyWYdPWsb8IlIX0qqZFDjNQJQoXUcIxsk34cFLrhzuxo2VrPFphyphenhyphenHHat2H0pgERKhjKWpxHAdWvD0V9ZWBeqmuqTVtCJH1G3zIuteBq8YMYViPpt9T5yjXq-e8/s1600/100_0386.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480748166393824002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWXpHFxiA2VtyWYdPWsb8IlIX0qqZFDjNQJQoXUcIxsk34cFLrhzuxo2VrPFphyphenhyphenHHat2H0pgERKhjKWpxHAdWvD0V9ZWBeqmuqTVtCJH1G3zIuteBq8YMYViPpt9T5yjXq-e8/s320/100_0386.jpg" /></a>It began as a small village with a few rooms and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">kiva</span>, then several more rooms, and the Great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kiva</span> was added AD 1085 - 1170. I'm standing in the Great <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kiva</span>, which is the largest <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kiva</span> in the area. This structure originally was covered with a log and mud roof and it was accessed by a ladder through a central opening in the roof or down a series of steps through the rooms to the north.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHcTpJ3tcelez_YpFAQ13LcUCZgfkoAxpnHEqO7jXnlk3s6QyqzRBRpfII5GfEp-W8ox7HuNk8L0FKvmk0MzFg0OnmCKN7QraVybeIs4bUYdQAqWu_SXnLSVyFQMkWWFBoNiD/s1600/100_0388.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480747225805206626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHcTpJ3tcelez_YpFAQ13LcUCZgfkoAxpnHEqO7jXnlk3s6QyqzRBRpfII5GfEp-W8ox7HuNk8L0FKvmk0MzFg0OnmCKN7QraVybeIs4bUYdQAqWu_SXnLSVyFQMkWWFBoNiD/s320/100_0388.jpg" /></a> The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">kiva</span> was a gathering place for the community. They came here from other communities on the Great Sage Plain to trade, exchange information and conduct religious ceremonies. This <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">kiva</span> is 47 feet in diameter. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vQ5WGgpVjKNK2ZKK_oMFrmT8LU90z_lKFhwuRIhzRz35I29KVN7U8Y9N0ZL7tHY9FTpGPRgymjg8TKoAVmIv3kRUqssn9LR_PhNM5ytYP-VCn2cFm_o5h71GtaIzFkDKRZrd/s1600/100_0379.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480746441943306834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vQ5WGgpVjKNK2ZKK_oMFrmT8LU90z_lKFhwuRIhzRz35I29KVN7U8Y9N0ZL7tHY9FTpGPRgymjg8TKoAVmIv3kRUqssn9LR_PhNM5ytYP-VCn2cFm_o5h71GtaIzFkDKRZrd/s320/100_0379.jpg" /></a> It's estimated that about 40 people lived in this village. All the rooms of the village are small but that's because most of daily life took place outdoors. The people were small, the women only about 5' tall, the men a little taller - about 5'1''. Half of the children died before the age of 6, and the average life span was about 30 year. The people struggled to survive in this arid landscape. They farmed corn, beans and squash and hunted small game using tools made from stone and animal bones. <div> </div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-56364408258604508002010-06-08T05:04:00.014-07:002010-06-08T06:26:51.286-07:00Bluff, UtahWednesday, after leaving Chinle, Arizona (where Canyon de Chelly was located) we drove back into Utah going through Monument Valley on our way to Bluff, Utah. We stayed the night at the Desert Rose Motel - - our only motel visit this trip and very nice.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9y29ULAj17yz01wELj79hjx3uZYOsuEJ17TsfxXzeq0D_W_wUy17RHr7y9ODvpkRfY6K3q8ziZYUbkyUVIvCT7MxNuNT8vwvu4BIbV4Uym7iLmDq-TwxeuVB3sT7msfP-MI9/s1600/100_0358.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480379019989638594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9y29ULAj17yz01wELj79hjx3uZYOsuEJ17TsfxXzeq0D_W_wUy17RHr7y9ODvpkRfY6K3q8ziZYUbkyUVIvCT7MxNuNT8vwvu4BIbV4Uym7iLmDq-TwxeuVB3sT7msfP-MI9/s320/100_0358.jpg" /></a> Thursday morning, we decided to spend a little time in Bluff before traveling on. Bluff is located at the base of a huge mountain range. It was settled by pioneers who had to travel over some very difficult terrain to get here, and once they arrived it still wasn't easy going. It was interesting to spend a little time looking around the town and learning some of it's history.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nyND6EXkXKT4mNpuM2JtrZcY-CYXGsgozTGEAjCBrqPiTRIIHz1qxlMLN9j6jgt13WqA9M3Rf_Y6OzslFb6aK7dl0ia7j-9pqnH3sX0AUkcYylv_r7xuzPBiDrAx1Xq1d0zl/s1600/100_0361.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480378495497976466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nyND6EXkXKT4mNpuM2JtrZcY-CYXGsgozTGEAjCBrqPiTRIIHz1qxlMLN9j6jgt13WqA9M3Rf_Y6OzslFb6aK7dl0ia7j-9pqnH3sX0AUkcYylv_r7xuzPBiDrAx1Xq1d0zl/s320/100_0361.jpg" /></a>This old stone house was one of the early homes here and appeared to have been recently restored. I've always loved the character of old buildings. If their walls could talk, what an interesting story they would tell. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAifckdBeizjowOMtN3EJ4J2xCrJ5IV2abCK_R_m2qYVDMTCHzRY_VY9aKB5hC-quyZj0rJ1YubmNh91s2dE1uGdf1PwagvH4im4f3VnA0wq-b6T1SaoPtbPrEKfzv0Z-Ppma/s1600/100_0365.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480377733926151746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAifckdBeizjowOMtN3EJ4J2xCrJ5IV2abCK_R_m2qYVDMTCHzRY_VY9aKB5hC-quyZj0rJ1YubmNh91s2dE1uGdf1PwagvH4im4f3VnA0wq-b6T1SaoPtbPrEKfzv0Z-Ppma/s320/100_0365.jpg" /></a> It may have seen a better day, but I still loved this old truck. It stood in front of one of Bluff's cafes as you come into town.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGrQhTHfgn4MBoCCNuPMRzYpE69yD8MAvUnm1qUZzHieTxEqMXH79T0_3z0wBxRwd3MDDdwTAG3X7hTWj-XkEhJ6zqbKQbFhsvQAgXFIDmwrPcuFd-JVB_qgpXzvffEVut-CD/s1600/100_0372.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480376855368668418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGrQhTHfgn4MBoCCNuPMRzYpE69yD8MAvUnm1qUZzHieTxEqMXH79T0_3z0wBxRwd3MDDdwTAG3X7hTWj-XkEhJ6zqbKQbFhsvQAgXFIDmwrPcuFd-JVB_qgpXzvffEVut-CD/s320/100_0372.jpg" /></a> We took the time to visit the Bluff Fort where there was a nice little visitor center. Within the walls of the fort are 8-10 small log cabins along with covered wagons and other old structures. The cabins were built by families of descendants of the original pioneers who settled this valley.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kWiPx7OTDH-fZXp_i45aqcQTMfyRJ7n8fYOI0LdoHRNxBekTGzKs8O-xfWWb6WuAptpvc0bC6pOMrD_hDZo8cBMI5jFN0jbk_82OvBNPSbkENazY92KZjRUTI7sXGg_HxuPd/s1600/100_0370.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480376249922440002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kWiPx7OTDH-fZXp_i45aqcQTMfyRJ7n8fYOI0LdoHRNxBekTGzKs8O-xfWWb6WuAptpvc0bC6pOMrD_hDZo8cBMI5jFN0jbk_82OvBNPSbkENazY92KZjRUTI7sXGg_HxuPd/s320/100_0370.jpg" /></a> Each little cabin has the family name of the early pioneer who settled here in Bluff. Antiques, quilts and old photos furnish each cabin and no two cabins are alike. Several times a year, the old Bluff Fort hosts family reunions where the descendants of these pioneers come together in this historic setting. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdNIPYwHnhrEWtIe2nRxRRD85Q6V4eg19yAFT9odiWodYjxGBgYquWxIgPd14fNQhMoQ15XatdDdyLehItPdzER0yidy2R9JR1Uz1KipGO6taEvKrZZhoTltr1yVyWil3I_6j/s1600/100_0367.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480375810186509954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdNIPYwHnhrEWtIe2nRxRRD85Q6V4eg19yAFT9odiWodYjxGBgYquWxIgPd14fNQhMoQ15XatdDdyLehItPdzER0yidy2R9JR1Uz1KipGO6taEvKrZZhoTltr1yVyWil3I_6j/s320/100_0367.jpg" /></a> Living in the heat of southern Utah wouldn't have been an easy thing, let alone in the mid 1800's. It really made me appreciate the struggles the pioneers had gone through. They must have been made of sturdy stock . . . I can't imagine anyone in this day and age working as hard as they did.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J7tS3CiowdW5DW8G95rbsBiPekaEm9wI3vh2-KMCzipvRKmql8ZjLXnuexprh-joexIPTui1w7PUHxCzgsSH_cHNMn-8PvJaIx9l8080QCKTxgIYpmVDPmnddYHDpc3tesfr/s1600/100_0375.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480374392010948306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0J7tS3CiowdW5DW8G95rbsBiPekaEm9wI3vh2-KMCzipvRKmql8ZjLXnuexprh-joexIPTui1w7PUHxCzgsSH_cHNMn-8PvJaIx9l8080QCKTxgIYpmVDPmnddYHDpc3tesfr/s320/100_0375.jpg" /></a> This hogan is similar to the ones you'll see all over the Southwest. Nearly every Navajo home has a hogan built next to it. This one is made of a framework of cedar poles with mud covering the poles. It's kind of a crude structure, but they are amazing cool inside and would be good protection on a hot summer day. Hogan's are for ceremonial use and have been made for centuries by their ancestors.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-78710942949856285732010-06-07T16:29:00.024-07:002010-06-07T20:22:00.983-07:00Canyon de ChellyOur interest in Canyon de Chelly (pronounced de shay) was peaked a few years ago after having read a book called "Blood and Thunder". It's a story about the southwest, the Indians who inhabited the area and the men - - namely Kit Carson, (his commanders and armies) whose job it was to clear the Indians out of the area. Much of the book was about some of the events that took place in Canyon de Chelly. It was a fascinating story and since that time we determined we wanted to visit the Canyon.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmzOw30y2Edl2x2TB2xdGzy7e1R8xnz0JVutkKLQjFHhUxCUpmC9ScnWcDxAPsbv-t_skl62rTcXuU5U5TKvSMrdRmX9eVr_H_W5qanwUWnNfEO3p3fav5TKA0kfrkEfooX8/s1600/100_0334.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480215823956673986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmzOw30y2Edl2x2TB2xdGzy7e1R8xnz0JVutkKLQjFHhUxCUpmC9ScnWcDxAPsbv-t_skl62rTcXuU5U5TKvSMrdRmX9eVr_H_W5qanwUWnNfEO3p3fav5TKA0kfrkEfooX8/s320/100_0334.jpg" /></a> In order to go into the Canyon, you have to hire a Navajo guide, so that's what we did. We hired a man named Tim Haulwood to be our guide for 3 hours to learn about the Canyon and it's people.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaClxXqfgAVSW5HEZ7Je7gy3DNkN8CNAlZeWy6Og176f9fsmkpkwqN2qqQ5xuAmbnRYT-QelmYUWIogV7Ag374spJjb4xpx_sGw-GShrdxyc0yg06oH54bO3JrZr3DCnoAddf/s1600/100_0326.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480215209843547026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaClxXqfgAVSW5HEZ7Je7gy3DNkN8CNAlZeWy6Og176f9fsmkpkwqN2qqQ5xuAmbnRYT-QelmYUWIogV7Ag374spJjb4xpx_sGw-GShrdxyc0yg06oH54bO3JrZr3DCnoAddf/s320/100_0326.jpg" /></a>Randy is standing in awe of the massive canyon walls. Archaeologica excavations of Canyon de Chelly and its tributary canyons have revealed that the canyon has been occupied almost continuously for nearly TWENTY CENTURIES. Ancestors of the first inhabitants, and perhaps ALL of the Indians of the United States came from Asia crossing a land bridge during the Ice Age and migrated southward. This migration happened several times, but the first group was the Anasazi Indians. They occupied the plateau area of the Southwest--an area that includes the drainages of the San Juan, Little Colorado and Rio Grande Rivers, much of Utah, Nevada, and Colorado from the first century to A.D. 1300.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj4xdV8v_nSz1G74llOu0A5JkV0_BPmxLx6xF3u8CykLPJxEe1kIilGS7t8UhDcUb5oxi0bBS0TaVKEijwmr52iasuc_VJLxJ3K1CD6DIRjHVC43ZqZL7qnFJ7vp2EX8DGJ4_/s1600/100_0316.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480214671179227538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj4xdV8v_nSz1G74llOu0A5JkV0_BPmxLx6xF3u8CykLPJxEe1kIilGS7t8UhDcUb5oxi0bBS0TaVKEijwmr52iasuc_VJLxJ3K1CD6DIRjHVC43ZqZL7qnFJ7vp2EX8DGJ4_/s320/100_0316.jpg" /></a> The ride into the Canyon was wet and wild. We were riding in an open Jeep and we crossed through the river many times as we drove further into the Canyon. The cliffs are massive, soaring 700 feet above the river. It's an impressive place.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso5avEtijDRG5MkBV11iRPmXw3vOXLu2XjyLAZcRlkcCUzuzCjVKMBLZJb00BQtRmICY8XFwR1lh505FFJsRpi4cun82myGd-uee6wvw8mDr_PtU42i5o5kECbwTJ6X1sL661/s1600/100_0322.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480214055670383970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso5avEtijDRG5MkBV11iRPmXw3vOXLu2XjyLAZcRlkcCUzuzCjVKMBLZJb00BQtRmICY8XFwR1lh505FFJsRpi4cun82myGd-uee6wvw8mDr_PtU42i5o5kECbwTJ6X1sL661/s320/100_0322.jpg" /></a> Here are some of the Anasazi dwellings we came upon. The stonework is unbelievable. We reached these dwellings after driving several miles up into the Canyon. The people of long ago live much as the Navajo people live today. . . growing crops of squash, corn, beans and watermelon. Some hay is also grown and taken out of the Canyon to be sold.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FCAfKZ8Wot043WYHmKip3hCDmQffC8kRYhmPWL478fNAoXyp7096aW_lHEqE-cYxeWIUZa_a4ZLqW-OF-3V51XrZus4Uku0EjXL-ULvptD0k-EKSOJvaG-k20qfvv-w6FSPB/s1600/100_0324.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480213304099078642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FCAfKZ8Wot043WYHmKip3hCDmQffC8kRYhmPWL478fNAoXyp7096aW_lHEqE-cYxeWIUZa_a4ZLqW-OF-3V51XrZus4Uku0EjXL-ULvptD0k-EKSOJvaG-k20qfvv-w6FSPB/s320/100_0324.jpg" /></a> This is such an impressive and beautiful place. The dark color on the rock is caused by the mineral in the soil that has washed over the canyon walls for centuries.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbNvB2VLx0ghpkyqfraSJ6p4kazDLKWKJtNeSJXbCSKJ3HR4ZcKJ0DB2J6jwin1JYUhnCh3uQO1p3nDVVuOE2vV9u6C0Bm6x-xrtHv6wc1l9MCr7lg-8MM9IcrLtdgCIBqcdC/s1600/100_0338.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480212839593657026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbNvB2VLx0ghpkyqfraSJ6p4kazDLKWKJtNeSJXbCSKJ3HR4ZcKJ0DB2J6jwin1JYUhnCh3uQO1p3nDVVuOE2vV9u6C0Bm6x-xrtHv6wc1l9MCr7lg-8MM9IcrLtdgCIBqcdC/s320/100_0338.jpg" /></a> It's not just a Canyon of rock and water but also a very lush farmland. Our guide Tim is 5th generation Navajo to work and live in the Canyon, and he's been quiding for over 20 years.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYdteZO79-y0qPDPOv7XBTrKOImPT7dIYfCSXU5iOHdOepji3424PDxqxgRPvLn_c91sG94D1iIVT7rJanotai_GKBiVUU16czI5h43agzgncxs9O2WsktRrjh0pgRb3dAivS/s1600/100_0340.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480212244479781970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYdteZO79-y0qPDPOv7XBTrKOImPT7dIYfCSXU5iOHdOepji3424PDxqxgRPvLn_c91sG94D1iIVT7rJanotai_GKBiVUU16czI5h43agzgncxs9O2WsktRrjh0pgRb3dAivS/s320/100_0340.jpg" /></a> The Navajo came into the Canyon after the Anasazi were gone, but they never lived in any of the dwellings left behind because they consider those dwellings sacred places. Their duty now is to protect the area and perserve it for others to enjoy.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgmUcM3g6XobMbse8bwLA-LCMNtRtDKQrgLNfLTPcIq-mHDzfXUr7Ybq8i5cDEOIuOEFMCKz6PPJARONqSnRHXdPh_enhoJX3EyG73SvWzvS2oZdaoNHF2T7UKplwX0h8r6_n/s1600/100_0343.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480211734911716546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgmUcM3g6XobMbse8bwLA-LCMNtRtDKQrgLNfLTPcIq-mHDzfXUr7Ybq8i5cDEOIuOEFMCKz6PPJARONqSnRHXdPh_enhoJX3EyG73SvWzvS2oZdaoNHF2T7UKplwX0h8r6_n/s320/100_0343.jpg" /></a> This is our guide Tim. You can see how dirty the Jeep got going through all the water. We had been spashed with red sandy water and got a little dirty and hot, but we were so glad we'd had the opportunity to see this magnificent place. Pictures don't do it justice.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxHShGoYVGx_K4UOowN4pqLUBMk5e9RPCLBnxcPNJEA2SK685mwCG5oSyWWEK4MVfkuMoAzzLYSn4G15eVcIS6xMBiy1M_OTaX6zNKm_vrryTHoe-B2f4PPeTe4pMmDWcPBlt/s1600/100_0346.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480203736427207490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxHShGoYVGx_K4UOowN4pqLUBMk5e9RPCLBnxcPNJEA2SK685mwCG5oSyWWEK4MVfkuMoAzzLYSn4G15eVcIS6xMBiy1M_OTaX6zNKm_vrryTHoe-B2f4PPeTe4pMmDWcPBlt/s320/100_0346.jpg" /></a> After we left the Canyon, we drove the South Rim of the Canyon so we could get a different perspective from what we'd experienced with our guide. You can see the vast green areas that are now being used to grow crops for those who still live there.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk7gDm8LqUqItt9u_2SxdtQhFfXFRZsuA4hAoCosV8MVeZK3zwWcDhCKmHkkTDQwvznA6YVLmce7sIbO_8Oj9LUjpPjfOzOb3x6v8TDCOhzK6zIHi6JymC64jvx9s-uk0g_Zm/s1600/100_0348.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480203161573156978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk7gDm8LqUqItt9u_2SxdtQhFfXFRZsuA4hAoCosV8MVeZK3zwWcDhCKmHkkTDQwvznA6YVLmce7sIbO_8Oj9LUjpPjfOzOb3x6v8TDCOhzK6zIHi6JymC64jvx9s-uk0g_Zm/s320/100_0348.jpg" /></a> Canyon de Chelly is nearly 70 miles long. Our 3 hour tour took us only 8-10 miles, traveling into two different areas. It's not hard to imagine why the Navajo had the advantage when they were persued by Kit Carson and his men. One of the sad parts of the story is that because there was so many places for them to hide and never be found, the Army destroyed all the crops growing in the Canyon, including 5,000 peach trees. Only after everything was destroyed and the Navajo's were starving did they surrender to Kit Carson and his men. That's only one of the many sad accounts of how we dealt with the Indians in the 1800's.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAnbUQFSX0VCFEIBshZ-kKdneF6OaCQSf8ml5gDn74EryFAJYeECaLBaTF0a70M9UjFl_uGZJBGTX9KzH4SgUiPOtmuEtDWjYtPql9BVplU0TE1jb7m2v9ikEFLuDmgy-hEGz/s1600/100_0350.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480202546168662146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAnbUQFSX0VCFEIBshZ-kKdneF6OaCQSf8ml5gDn74EryFAJYeECaLBaTF0a70M9UjFl_uGZJBGTX9KzH4SgUiPOtmuEtDWjYtPql9BVplU0TE1jb7m2v9ikEFLuDmgy-hEGz/s320/100_0350.jpg" /></a> Spider Rock stands where two Canyons meet - -Canyon de Chelly and Monument Canyon. The smaller rocks at the base were used as lookouts by the Navajo.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkelXDhz7UusfSJQ32fI215QOOyBs6ycUuL_YjahDO-ALBYkAXxVtQKZAjXMCw09BluVKlUaDLXDEBsm93FLDqJPMguCOQDM6tieBaCugPDXfecguK1ZjEdQt8rdBGtazTk8h/s1600/100_0357.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480201957656395410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkelXDhz7UusfSJQ32fI215QOOyBs6ycUuL_YjahDO-ALBYkAXxVtQKZAjXMCw09BluVKlUaDLXDEBsm93FLDqJPMguCOQDM6tieBaCugPDXfecguK1ZjEdQt8rdBGtazTk8h/s320/100_0357.jpg" /></a> We spent a memorable day here in the Canyon. It was so interesting to stand in places we'd read about and learn more about the people who lived there long ago, as well as the ones who inhabit it today. It's an experience unlike anything we'd ever done, and it will always be a special memory of awesome places and adventures we've had together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-52921074737847538792010-06-07T15:30:00.002-07:002010-06-07T20:28:28.453-07:00Our Four Corners AdventuresWe began our adventures to see Indian dwellings in the four corners area of Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico just outside of Blanding, Utah. Here is a view of the first of many great sites we'd see over the next few days . . . the Westwater Ruins<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 181px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480139725210626162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiUIwVEYffu-XvVTdvh3RZLHx4GDPhCpjyLrKGcCyyvABxI2IO3mHg3jtP69D5z5__oO-UKCpjTXTQbFEANcvWA6R-GJvFvTHX6gvmiKASUklOJHkquKOST4YvIuVHp8u4ZV2/s320/100_0244.jpg" />Here are the Butler Wash Ruins. It was amazing to see these sites and know that thousands of these ruins are tucked in remote canyons and dwelling throughtout the Southwest. I really didn't have any idea what hidden treasures we were about to see over the next couple of days. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh0VbuFMlDqnDv7NCJ2au-pNOCjHJRneYsG44LsP3fM50ErC4cJVCuZAQk6XhtCUS0DQ0GKk9V5LL-00VpiUDTrI_1nfnsWidlTqJVI5z_TRJ_7SV73uLWGqq0Vv4NLJ8ph_L/s1600/100_0246.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 204px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480140222012032482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh0VbuFMlDqnDv7NCJ2au-pNOCjHJRneYsG44LsP3fM50ErC4cJVCuZAQk6XhtCUS0DQ0GKk9V5LL-00VpiUDTrI_1nfnsWidlTqJVI5z_TRJ_7SV73uLWGqq0Vv4NLJ8ph_L/s320/100_0246.jpg" /></a> Getting to these ruins was a nice little hike over white limestone rocks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEhHyef2_aQ7BohgC15KpJ19laPUwjmcti1b49uV1Qz4MLsaRxSmIlSoQr1LGX1f2V9Cos14AjXyswrWE8lBVvtJ_PSIZMlKsDntov4o2PIBdF1wOHd9vHcglqecZ8_LTby5I/s1600/100_0249.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 315px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480141432664318018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEhHyef2_aQ7BohgC15KpJ19laPUwjmcti1b49uV1Qz4MLsaRxSmIlSoQr1LGX1f2V9Cos14AjXyswrWE8lBVvtJ_PSIZMlKsDntov4o2PIBdF1wOHd9vHcglqecZ8_LTby5I/s320/100_0249.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>It was a perfect afternoon for a hike. . .except for a pesty little critter called no-see-ums--a tiny biting insect and seemed to find us on our first hike. </div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-32705850937111741612010-06-07T14:33:00.033-07:002010-06-07T20:16:15.736-07:00Valley of the GodsAfter we left the Blanding area, we drove to Bluff, Utah where we had a little lunch and then continued on towards Valley of the Gods. The road thru the Valley of the Gods is a 17 mile road gravel road that twists and winds around some beautiful red rock formations. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78WJYtJrNkvl-ZK6GYVFBs7j112BA8dSFSr8d7Nl7mcTegH7qSTGlIBU3tkMYZrnPXH6U7bh4nWOnVJCooogziOGXaTCpxeXtvo1Y_AvYS3r34Snaqth1pvNiG3vwpnp7A7Fg/s1600/100_0258.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480157368521055650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg78WJYtJrNkvl-ZK6GYVFBs7j112BA8dSFSr8d7Nl7mcTegH7qSTGlIBU3tkMYZrnPXH6U7bh4nWOnVJCooogziOGXaTCpxeXtvo1Y_AvYS3r34Snaqth1pvNiG3vwpnp7A7Fg/s320/100_0258.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke4HH3LD2OsjFLtIz0tKhQ0jGnbIt4-h2nZwNQFBuKnH7HcbJTwHaCtdAj8Ok4g9fkMu1PZe0_OYOe8bwinJs4h0bpKbzPolfVskqqNNznRqyDpt6fEKiIvZRyc-LUeLdftEV/s1600/100_0261.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156881746640754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgke4HH3LD2OsjFLtIz0tKhQ0jGnbIt4-h2nZwNQFBuKnH7HcbJTwHaCtdAj8Ok4g9fkMu1PZe0_OYOe8bwinJs4h0bpKbzPolfVskqqNNznRqyDpt6fEKiIvZRyc-LUeLdftEV/s320/100_0261.jpg" /></a> I was a little skeptical when Randy turned down the main road, but it turned out to be a beautiful scenic drive, even though the road was like riding a rollercoaster. It was so awesome!<br />This road would be an awesome ride on mountain bikes.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAqu6-0-uo1Zq4LcIJfQpo_TlnXW5fBVAE11CD6RYrvnOwZTUb_CS-FdtK2_nNnD71ZnMCXMfFlYlQl-NFgfvpbRUzg3n2pjuYTK4bl-xeEgUNtJwzMtp3L-qqZv9TW3gWgV2/s1600/100_0265.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480156287761959330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxAqu6-0-uo1Zq4LcIJfQpo_TlnXW5fBVAE11CD6RYrvnOwZTUb_CS-FdtK2_nNnD71ZnMCXMfFlYlQl-NFgfvpbRUzg3n2pjuYTK4bl-xeEgUNtJwzMtp3L-qqZv9TW3gWgV2/s320/100_0265.jpg" /></a> The contrasts in the desert were so striking. . . the red rocks, green cedars and a carpet of wildflowers. A wet spring has made the desert especially beautiful this year.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVg0vzZF1Q8Eawh7W7Ot3lhkMGgIUmdLy5GUYrxvv73a_uxU-SjQpthCZ5H4KlSGRXN-BkhlPkW1cDrO9qx67JP6TwCxjlP81gVy-S-cyzPrvhGKOpCjJO6274dgRLN16CEZE/s1600/100_0252.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480155728043669362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVg0vzZF1Q8Eawh7W7Ot3lhkMGgIUmdLy5GUYrxvv73a_uxU-SjQpthCZ5H4KlSGRXN-BkhlPkW1cDrO9qx67JP6TwCxjlP81gVy-S-cyzPrvhGKOpCjJO6274dgRLN16CEZE/s320/100_0252.jpg" /></a> <div>It was the perfect time of day to be taking this scenic drive . . . late afternoon on a beautiful sunny, clear day.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Huge patches of blue wildflowers were growing everywhere. They were so pretty!</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0vt_4eWoACx-aFPWgnpAeEED5gvDy8tk4jKONV89Xgj73jHFYQKjc1KOrWX6FuXpNQhgCTepl4qPNpPhDePHI2Q6mTLN9JOjVvPx_NGj4BIBHwvlk1N5TQpxrivjJgeFBvE/s1600/100_0251.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480150088430890306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDz0vt_4eWoACx-aFPWgnpAeEED5gvDy8tk4jKONV89Xgj73jHFYQKjc1KOrWX6FuXpNQhgCTepl4qPNpPhDePHI2Q6mTLN9JOjVvPx_NGj4BIBHwvlk1N5TQpxrivjJgeFBvE/s320/100_0251.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480149407080183298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZs5_3rZfgB27nOPMk0RnXyz0M6ezqAhJIsJUl88J7XN47NLQN7li7CTohB939r3FnIgR7NfzFuxZA__TKUgA3WtQAHSkmgEsCu1SCS4R_mRjcV7KP-mzSXqo20MTQoeMksCsG/s320/100_0295.jpg" /> About 7 p.m., we finally arrived at Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480148759864443474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaL9W93IjAIsRn0YpoXoZG66Du0F3LTsPh8y6ntVbJLP6ha6YtePTY9JYNaM5wSZq83gG8__T-WoSpswrK6ynYXnZeZSehqQvSTKp-zZTdTRlJ1zeKqX2soV6SZYG5z7wCg2X1/s320/100_0296.jpg" /> Randy found out about this little jewel on the internet. This B & B which was built in the 1930's, was constructed out of stone and salvaged timbers from an old oil derrick. It's located between Mexican Hat and Bluff, the only home within 360,000 acres so it's really remote. Solar panels provide the electicity, and the owners truck the water in from Mexican Hat. But that's part of the reason it's such a charming and sought after B & B. Guests come from all over the country (the guestbook had names even from Austrailia, England, and Belguim) to this peaceful little spot. It really was special.<br /><br />Here's the room we stayed in. Thick stone walls, with the huge timbers in the ceiling and supporting the walls. It wasn't just your ordinary motel room by any means.<br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOFo4f3wMUerNhaO1hk6lNtVVrzpdm6AjBPEssMX50zd_O2rSzcRFuGsxcB4N98hsFvWf7_0R9lTS0WYCIDjCJpG9ERXiiKN4GQOvJZKlVTyi_4qkP9qX5HPP83ysr7ba153s/s1600/100_0286.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 294px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 197px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480151748334355234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOFo4f3wMUerNhaO1hk6lNtVVrzpdm6AjBPEssMX50zd_O2rSzcRFuGsxcB4N98hsFvWf7_0R9lTS0WYCIDjCJpG9ERXiiKN4GQOvJZKlVTyi_4qkP9qX5HPP83ysr7ba153s/s320/100_0286.jpg" /></a> The front porch was furnished with comfortable log rockers and had a view of the beautiful desert.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 328px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480152215636760402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HM-4UXyFLDgUSrnEVgyLYmHJ5RR4gupTkjO3hyphenhyphenNdgB-8AIv571TmfWEh_GMgJ3Lq7UJkyoOSNP2a9tryjnZAccEnjhqrEE1WhNn9HzqzuQM0uhRmIGZVw0BJnaZF5SMrnGoq/s320/100_0306.jpg" /> A table and benches were also on the porch and that's where we ate breakfast on Wednesday morning with the 3 other couples. They were from California, New Mexico and New Jersey. We would have liked to stay longer but we only had reservations for one night.<br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480150736537440242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJZtPjgD6tXRnvpEpZvVhKVddgNJ-4_MOd84_78itmAR99_ybFTZfky2BFjeMRcS9c9uoZq9OUXgum0uvvxm4zyBjBX6-m0KJyQVe_qleT2Nbn6nrXkrT3aP-q8vmKtznxSQXe/s320/100_0288.jpg" /> This little room was located right off from our bedroom. Our hostess, Claire, called this room the "conservatory", but whatever you call it, it was charming. A comfortable sofa, antiques, and lots of plants on window shelves made you want to spend some time here.</div><br /><div><br /><br />We sat on the porch in the evening and did a little star gazing before turning in for the evening. There was not a sound to be heard except for an ocassional coyote during the night so we had a great nights rest. The next morning we had a lovely breakfast while visiting with the other guests and then we were on our way again. It was definitely a memorable stay at the Valley of the Gods Bed and Breakfast!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-44498144507571942392009-10-26T13:00:00.005-07:002009-10-26T14:04:14.047-07:00Washington D.C. - Day TwoWednesday morning we drove back to Franconia, VA. again to catch the Metro into the city. It was much easier getting around our second day because now we knew how to get around a little better.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397015545613486354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4jWIaRVzIGUYN4i1sQZDDt73bgEXdNxrC-RQoGro_olNh-02y6MvJmLXl4VjEqZi-E0GxDhc62CCfG_UFvomgkEvqKgp_7kq1MK9wBrQPkl8JwEU0Kyp3ezR13ikqwQTrUFz/s320/100_2838.jpg" />We boarded the Metro and rode to the Smithsonian Museum stop where we planned to spend most of the day.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396964182380179186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMT3uJFP6N7fQIjy6I05gboogPg-IsXQrhSguv6vGrtc7Jh0DJYQ7Ud-FYEt0xrt_-77EJM9J6RJvQeLJk8IdvFqCEioXKCERiDVLutvoQM0DFrFiRL4Hr0piZuWAPfnwUl47A/s320/100_2889.jpg" />We had 10:30 a.m. tickets to go to the top of the Washington Monument, so that was the first place we went to after we arrived in the city. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JfGoc7lexYq9o-p_7Ra5GlOEcgFaLCEMxOvXra_p0OXR_AH2U6vRmDV76bN5eQtUc5JG8w1eZ3VZhCp5imREn5GVC4Hw8_2AeQRyEwNQE0zrZKWUQeQecdS00U8ywU41zuOb/s1600-h/100_2847.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396963147894212018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JfGoc7lexYq9o-p_7Ra5GlOEcgFaLCEMxOvXra_p0OXR_AH2U6vRmDV76bN5eQtUc5JG8w1eZ3VZhCp5imREn5GVC4Hw8_2AeQRyEwNQE0zrZKWUQeQecdS00U8ywU41zuOb/s320/100_2847.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Randy is standing in the Monument waiting to for our 70 second ride to the top of the 555 ft. monument.<br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br />This photo is the view looking out onto the Mall. The Lincoln Memorial is in the far distance,then the long stretch of lawn next to the World War II Memorial. It was so awesome to look over the city from this viewpoint!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396963505783406626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_pRWEFh-PqAAiSspkQpmP6cRzQOtsIKIFKwAowrMmtz0Q6OrmYCGIpCrCgUTqIUxOdpcWdnshyFKX5xGT6n4ejGYFkOoYMHaXzCZAmqri-zoQQ01iN6lOogmU1c1FNL84G2U/s320/100_2843.jpg" />From Washington Monument, we walked back towards the Smithsonian Museum's where we planned to spend the rest of the day. This enormous red stone building is The Castle - the Smithsonian information center.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 333px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396965189705288146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J7JIfUJJDF2NpIGEZh4ro5d1Y6ioQ6PhoRcb_naZ3pEwjSdEqx1yJqSVq2IqUU87q_biXwLkI3jfl5FPHgscs1dthKD7_MJINR4ltcKusrOqhqiE2z3nl8pGaB6BlcIBPKAR/s320/100_2800.jpg" />When we planned our trip to Washington, D.C. we allowed only two days knowing that we'd only see a tiny portion of the interesting things there was to see. The Smithsonian consists of 19 museums, all huge buildings, and you could easily spend a day in each one. So, needless to say, we were a little overwhelmed trying to decide what things we'd try to see in the allotted time.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMx1RETSKq4GzmE4xAwR3IJaMgiGrvnKCnIBhi9BSmCsio8IZFRIC72oHTSWS94YukCcVGCrmm6JZ6LS5s30Cpv_8RXlC8wBu4XFuuiGFSa61Pl5b7rHDThpH_vPGTynQh6-J/s1600-h/100_2851.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 305px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397007448154348658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkMx1RETSKq4GzmE4xAwR3IJaMgiGrvnKCnIBhi9BSmCsio8IZFRIC72oHTSWS94YukCcVGCrmm6JZ6LS5s30Cpv_8RXlC8wBu4XFuuiGFSa61Pl5b7rHDThpH_vPGTynQh6-J/s320/100_2851.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We started out at the Museum of Nature History. This museum has 18 exhibit halls containing tens of thousands of artifacts and specimens that tell the story of the earth and it's evolution into the planet of today. It made us think of "Night at the Museum". It's hard to imagine these enormous creatures once roaming the earth.<br /><br />The museum is so enormous, we had to make choices about what we wanted to see - it was all so spectacular and interesting!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWIyx4KV4lgRKs3OOFL0wSeKl6LjUXdea-h9aSfzECR_Xj5mCjj2sOnOqfiY0CAOdiBIHqqj4lvE9kcNCVwAglDNfNExUxy8PtZQs1pUg5ZXkdAb6OO3TC3QJLo1u-rrSAkka/s1600-h/100_2856.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396962267854972498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNWIyx4KV4lgRKs3OOFL0wSeKl6LjUXdea-h9aSfzECR_Xj5mCjj2sOnOqfiY0CAOdiBIHqqj4lvE9kcNCVwAglDNfNExUxy8PtZQs1pUg5ZXkdAb6OO3TC3QJLo1u-rrSAkka/s320/100_2856.jpg" /></a>We next spent some time among the relatives . . . the mammals. We thought of our conversation with Carson when he'd learned about mammals at school. He would have loved all of these exhibits. It's just fascinating the way everything is displayed. It makes learning so interesting! This section of the museum was like living and walking in among the mammals. The noises, the huge animals and all the information about each one was so awesome.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkAT2SyVd-fFHF6shRauTuGe4XznHokexpYg4lsKX7ekRjWngas4u7tKf_E2niP9qY3pcMX_YTs15aD7kAEeESNOEfiHWomt8dLvFKe-4w-B6RERUPbTnTRTvp_WUdfa8aAMn/s1600-h/100_2857.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396962011330719154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkAT2SyVd-fFHF6shRauTuGe4XznHokexpYg4lsKX7ekRjWngas4u7tKf_E2niP9qY3pcMX_YTs15aD7kAEeESNOEfiHWomt8dLvFKe-4w-B6RERUPbTnTRTvp_WUdfa8aAMn/s320/100_2857.jpg" /></a><br />And here I am sitting with a monkey watching a movie about how mammals evolved. I couldn't get over how many things there were to see. So many things to see and learn and not enough time to do it all . . .oh, well--we gave it our best shot!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9tjhs2GSA88X-L1KqeeSR98LwJCGVSkJczUwcjWvC1W2dX-VJpMfii1e9nHUD9iCZLDDw5xR0SwS69SNmW3elWSMW9-N9d34-F_2dyF1zgg0ZN9hzInsek0sdmCTZ6zP5vpy/s1600-h/100_2865.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396961722659550162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9tjhs2GSA88X-L1KqeeSR98LwJCGVSkJczUwcjWvC1W2dX-VJpMfii1e9nHUD9iCZLDDw5xR0SwS69SNmW3elWSMW9-N9d34-F_2dyF1zgg0ZN9hzInsek0sdmCTZ6zP5vpy/s320/100_2865.jpg" /></a> Next we spent several hours in the Air and Space Museum. There's just no way pictures do justice to the amazing things we saw there. It's easy to see why it's the most visited of all the Smithsonian Museums.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-9Lx3zESoxs0SFefs3OkcFACCf4CBnE4yTqoYDDb20hSDAqGLTXN_eeT1OfzgqCPWwLSvunnKtOEd2lX-8fm_44jvUiONFSjWpkPlJHr3vQBl13fr1uyGUvR3jnFkcIyx5va/s1600-h/100_2868.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396961433802250722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-9Lx3zESoxs0SFefs3OkcFACCf4CBnE4yTqoYDDb20hSDAqGLTXN_eeT1OfzgqCPWwLSvunnKtOEd2lX-8fm_44jvUiONFSjWpkPlJHr3vQBl13fr1uyGUvR3jnFkcIyx5va/s320/100_2868.jpg" /></a><br />It's an enormous display of anything and everything related to flight and space travel. It was so interesting to see how crude the first planes were and to see how flight has evolved. It made you appreciate the brave and adventuous people who believed it was possible to fly like a bird and then figured out a way to make it happen.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW2-g3BK3bwkIofjz2z89FwE-83Y4gT3gDFAZvEhLvST2fCDOQoEx-iz9B4395Yk0Cgfj-WPrvx1EJwMtrXP1jFAxyO8c_jOKMcoAIe2Ddns4_u1Ja6by3DRsYIAA4bBEOK9y/s1600-h/100_2871.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396960746803557762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXW2-g3BK3bwkIofjz2z89FwE-83Y4gT3gDFAZvEhLvST2fCDOQoEx-iz9B4395Yk0Cgfj-WPrvx1EJwMtrXP1jFAxyO8c_jOKMcoAIe2Ddns4_u1Ja6by3DRsYIAA4bBEOK9y/s320/100_2871.jpg" /></a>Many of the most famous air and space vehicles in history are just inside the doors of the museum. Moon rockets, Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis", the first aircraft to exceed the speed of sound, and the X-15, the fastest aircraft ever flown . . . they are all right there. Everything from first flight to lunar exploration all under one roof. It was unbelievable! It's something you shouldn't miss when you visit the Smithsonian.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4pZlGidLpAU6tdQ8l_Dlpf98FysRtCL-a7zosuj3Xun3Z_tSNXVlJWG6b7SGTgHFyq3rDEmPkucAXKc71puSGyzdYI40abqGLWc7p67CQqeUVW7vHFavEBn8L-j24o1_U3y/s1600-h/100_2873.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396960363205717202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv4pZlGidLpAU6tdQ8l_Dlpf98FysRtCL-a7zosuj3Xun3Z_tSNXVlJWG6b7SGTgHFyq3rDEmPkucAXKc71puSGyzdYI40abqGLWc7p67CQqeUVW7vHFavEBn8L-j24o1_U3y/s320/100_2873.jpg" /></a> This spectacular flag hangs in the Museum of American History. This museum holds over 3 million artifacts, everything from the top hat worn by President Lincoln the night he was shot, a desk Thomas Jefferson used to write the Declaration of <em>Independence</em>, and millions of other interesting things from our nation's history.<br /><br /></div><br /><div>By the time we got to this museum we only had a couple of hours left before the museum was scheduled to close at 5 p.m. It's difficult to have to pick and choose what you have time to see, but that's exactly what we had to do. This museum had 3 floors with huge east/west wings on each floor. We had only been in the museum about a half hour when we ran into David and Pam Beck and their 5 children. (They were taking their family on a week long vacation in Washington, D.C. during spud harvest). We were so surprised! The odds of running into anyone we knew were pretty great, but there they were!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1usey37-DlUCWBABU7BlnEiVVyTOpizJRaQCB78rZ0qGTVYDhTyPNbpNid21NzlamQZcbCrDrn7FMDJXX2peSN811iZRbh-nxZ6VAx-Zf5ZzVCPrhx8VojUZZnRWXe_irGAt/s1600-h/100_2874.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396959901991665602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1usey37-DlUCWBABU7BlnEiVVyTOpizJRaQCB78rZ0qGTVYDhTyPNbpNid21NzlamQZcbCrDrn7FMDJXX2peSN811iZRbh-nxZ6VAx-Zf5ZzVCPrhx8VojUZZnRWXe_irGAt/s320/100_2874.jpg" /></a><br />Because of time limitations, we didn't make it through very much of this museum but we did see the "Transportation and Technology" Exhibit.<br /><br />All kinds of transportation were displayed, from the earliest horse and buggy to cars, trains and planes. And with each display there were these life-sized statues, dressed in appropriate period costumes. They were so cute and they fit into each period of history.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS6xlNlncZt6sh1pYCUHU8qVBcsZgckHGmIP6yPDhQ2MURk5X1_kOPrSyAi4RN-p9vkNs-5eis5VzR3JA9tU2gPYfX4XXGp-hzzvJDFpCo3Cun9TQaHsBgypq269vgK8rY__E/s1600-h/100_2882.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396959455500834130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS6xlNlncZt6sh1pYCUHU8qVBcsZgckHGmIP6yPDhQ2MURk5X1_kOPrSyAi4RN-p9vkNs-5eis5VzR3JA9tU2gPYfX4XXGp-hzzvJDFpCo3Cun9TQaHsBgypq269vgK8rY__E/s320/100_2882.jpg" /></a> When Randy saw this car he had to have his picture taken by it. He said this was just exactly like the first car he remembered being allowed to drive. The one Grandpa owned was also black, just like this one. He kept saying, "I wish I still had that car". There's a lot of memories associated with the cars we've owned at different times in our lives - this one sure brought back lots of memories for him. <div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesGrLixKVmCZp6cntC7nBwBh483TJih4axyolT2NbaqZ8ahA9QhQbSr2Ds5gnCoyDzeIzDNRcoHLi3nJypHNf6nI2j0fRsjZ_cYccbbI-w7v8GBYlO2X7S2qw8S-4Ha8u1Kb/s1600-h/100_2885.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396958555939805458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSesGrLixKVmCZp6cntC7nBwBh483TJih4axyolT2NbaqZ8ahA9QhQbSr2Ds5gnCoyDzeIzDNRcoHLi3nJypHNf6nI2j0fRsjZ_cYccbbI-w7v8GBYlO2X7S2qw8S-4Ha8u1Kb/s320/100_2885.jpg" /></a> After the museums closed we walked to the World War II Memorial. It was a beautiful memorial with each of the 50 states represented on the columns surrounding the water feature.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Quotes from famous people were inscribed around this monument commemorating the sacrifices of the men and women who fought in World War II.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDGsxlxrc3s1Qm_WO1haE14bIBhe7wJfHDgmJ5h-yNq69TE-wmuVrrx5E7GLYtZcPqNN9wGjsGXuqoCBdud1jyskDe6ftsfGeYFelkk-fwtv_y7aPwwxtNJb4azh0apvPM9f/s1600-h/100_2884.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396958117101466834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBDGsxlxrc3s1Qm_WO1haE14bIBhe7wJfHDgmJ5h-yNq69TE-wmuVrrx5E7GLYtZcPqNN9wGjsGXuqoCBdud1jyskDe6ftsfGeYFelkk-fwtv_y7aPwwxtNJb4azh0apvPM9f/s320/100_2884.jpg" /></a>This last monument brought our visit to a close in Washington, D.C. We had spent two busy days in our nations capitol and had seen a lot of amazing sights and learned a lot of interesting things. As we walked back to catch the commuter train back to Virginia, we talked about the great things we were able to see and do. We had enjoyed our time here but we were also ready for a little slower pace than what we'd experienced here. We were glad we'd been able to see of so many beautiful historical sites and to experience some of the things we did. Like they say, "It's a nice place to visit but I don't want to live there". We love traveling and experiencing new things, but we're always grateful for where we live and the good lifestyle we enjoy. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-54553489335997541152009-10-26T10:24:00.001-07:002009-10-26T10:10:11.963-07:00Washington D.C. - Day OneTuesday morning (Oct. 6) we left our hotel and drove about 40 miles to Fraconia, Virginia. We parked our car in a parking garage and then caught the Metro into Washington D.C. It was all a little intimidating figuring out where we needed to be and what train to ride, but once we figured everything out, it was a quick ride into Washington. I'm so glad we didn't try to drive into the city, it would have been pretty stressful, so instead we just sat back and enjoyed our little half hour commute on the train.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OZv7MiCLVJTIDuCZ-L77sUBHZ6poqmnb6jAXGkQ4By2tJKieJPKE3UHxuZ5v54SgRZ0TpDZQ3C2ccjVTyzS_volK_Zopqd1xvezLeTvqsFm7KI_fMPguNzAqE8KsPFS6kwvO/s1600-h/100_2839.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395114207759119698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5OZv7MiCLVJTIDuCZ-L77sUBHZ6poqmnb6jAXGkQ4By2tJKieJPKE3UHxuZ5v54SgRZ0TpDZQ3C2ccjVTyzS_volK_Zopqd1xvezLeTvqsFm7KI_fMPguNzAqE8KsPFS6kwvO/s320/100_2839.jpg" /></a>We got off the metro at Arlington Cemetery where we got tickets for the tour bus. Riding the tour bus made it easy to get to the places we wanted to go and also be informed about the various sites around the city.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZhg3FkkAeq4cO5Gwm2EebGHjZhdIaTl8zktPT9CbT8wN_lpopZrDKYncImIRKimN0Wka0drB8z45DHBGkP5esgJNrfmGPkByqKihBDEutulPws_2twGpsoWsDhfYStDC4Usp/s1600-h/100_2814.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395113900783767170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZhg3FkkAeq4cO5Gwm2EebGHjZhdIaTl8zktPT9CbT8wN_lpopZrDKYncImIRKimN0Wka0drB8z45DHBGkP5esgJNrfmGPkByqKihBDEutulPws_2twGpsoWsDhfYStDC4Usp/s320/100_2814.jpg" /></a> As the bus crossed the river we started seeing all the famous sites we'd only read about. It was so awesome to see all these magnificent buildings. Here's the Washington Monument . . . .<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1eLnDfB4OoPXuQAIO9X5UQaznz1HPH2-Djn-U8CUnujXmpah9HcT6_u-LnGq7AHFZ4cXGGUYgrnI404sLXRklhoJTULQQ-nLFWXqToqGXB63-DKsuzHWN3u9qub_TlSXGIzE/s1600-h/100_2815.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395113449742320194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1eLnDfB4OoPXuQAIO9X5UQaznz1HPH2-Djn-U8CUnujXmpah9HcT6_u-LnGq7AHFZ4cXGGUYgrnI404sLXRklhoJTULQQ-nLFWXqToqGXB63-DKsuzHWN3u9qub_TlSXGIzE/s320/100_2815.jpg" /></a> . . . . and the Jefferson Memorial. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>We were in awe at the size of the buildings. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-2aDxuiw8p3sg8L-XzFzqX3ga1D1vGKkRSdDVKRpwzGBHTjTT3d0HPVteeTan1WUwj4zo3lrBKKIJ-Lj0h859aiqut3S4PbXytjL6fMj5I95o0dn96YbC0_DjNbe7AWgq4yj/s1600-h/100_2785.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 319px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395112161707637378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-2aDxuiw8p3sg8L-XzFzqX3ga1D1vGKkRSdDVKRpwzGBHTjTT3d0HPVteeTan1WUwj4zo3lrBKKIJ-Lj0h859aiqut3S4PbXytjL6fMj5I95o0dn96YbC0_DjNbe7AWgq4yj/s320/100_2785.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I had always wanted to see the Lincoln Memorial, so that's where we started our tour. Seeing pictures of all these famous places doesn't really do them justice. . . they are enormous.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPzU8zA5s1FcLrmB_GKIYvFPDnI9tWGdfReuWHKsBMETyngrxLnM35PsnuVkcD9TAZknOD_eDn3e8Tcti9shOD2lO6YfGezJPK0i6FwLXsAeN755MHNCfJ-squo_D-WB0SbE7/s1600-h/100_2788.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395112709390323602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPzU8zA5s1FcLrmB_GKIYvFPDnI9tWGdfReuWHKsBMETyngrxLnM35PsnuVkcD9TAZknOD_eDn3e8Tcti9shOD2lO6YfGezJPK0i6FwLXsAeN755MHNCfJ-squo_D-WB0SbE7/s320/100_2788.jpg" /></a><br />I'd seen this statue of Lincoln hundreds of times, but I must say it was a real thrill be be standing in front of it and to be seeing it in person.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXJtQ90Ue0gKaR4HSmyLuMitzlb6QXrhaod4jKnriDqTqRFj4nDFk_3_50ldYI0PHe2OM7bZqeLJrrzfdA174HlCEcZhKo-VIC57tSFI7FI0tmOosbOOsBmae42IFJtmd9W_3/s1600-h/100_2790.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395112476724840162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXJtQ90Ue0gKaR4HSmyLuMitzlb6QXrhaod4jKnriDqTqRFj4nDFk_3_50ldYI0PHe2OM7bZqeLJrrzfdA174HlCEcZhKo-VIC57tSFI7FI0tmOosbOOsBmae42IFJtmd9W_3/s320/100_2790.jpg" /></a> What an awesome monument! How does anyone carve marble? And how do they get the detail and the flow of fabric? It's amazing!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ttc7kfPf-175WNeiU6crUxIeaowLhupSH1jVQXhYdK9I4gMlfJGcxZhyphenhyphenmtzO4wfEsqbSanFaPV74BYSPC0qIYw2AQSSX7EA_VHeMI7QJqRHxeHsCQT55uldpMPb1w6JuGDNM/s1600-h/100_2783.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395111757158015394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ttc7kfPf-175WNeiU6crUxIeaowLhupSH1jVQXhYdK9I4gMlfJGcxZhyphenhyphenmtzO4wfEsqbSanFaPV74BYSPC0qIYw2AQSSX7EA_VHeMI7QJqRHxeHsCQT55uldpMPb1w6JuGDNM/s320/100_2783.jpg" /></a> Next we stopped by the Vietnam Memorial. We located the names of two of our high school classmates who had been killed in Vietnam. Both of these boys were so young when they were drafted and sent to Vietnam, just like so many others who have served in our nations wars. But knowing them and seeing their names there on the wall was a sobering experience. To see all those names listed, and then to imagine how every family suffered when they were notified of the death of their son or daughter, it was so sad. Listing the names instead of just the numbers of the dead makes it so much more personal.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikugIBSFWVWBx_OuoRev7UzE9jC5-AV4sqlkRfAX2OuCX7G1X8iRlIX0OPjgY7UpW60VVbe-qhSOmHqIbvTIlqL96OOYj0ShOdivJ1PBOE3mdGB6apHpkOl_p9RtpNbiVTVvpj/s1600-h/100_2799.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395111336610303506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikugIBSFWVWBx_OuoRev7UzE9jC5-AV4sqlkRfAX2OuCX7G1X8iRlIX0OPjgY7UpW60VVbe-qhSOmHqIbvTIlqL96OOYj0ShOdivJ1PBOE3mdGB6apHpkOl_p9RtpNbiVTVvpj/s320/100_2799.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>The wind was blowing pretty briskly most of the day . . it made the flags around the monument stand out so pretty against the blue sky.<br /><br /><br />Looking up at the Washington Monument almost made you dizzy, it's so tall and such an awesome structure.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_X7Boo7GhmdzVPsoq7xJu1XaOHsbU2pqDmNOkTU8AWA6ZWuHauCZngj0qzcPhhkIspnuG64282rKEPbvK2ZXsDlne7BGOHlDfx7IntuldTE9phSaNZb_Jj2HNcB8IDsUvind/s1600-h/100_2798.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395111041468231746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_X7Boo7GhmdzVPsoq7xJu1XaOHsbU2pqDmNOkTU8AWA6ZWuHauCZngj0qzcPhhkIspnuG64282rKEPbvK2ZXsDlne7BGOHlDfx7IntuldTE9phSaNZb_Jj2HNcB8IDsUvind/s320/100_2798.jpg" /></a> And it's not just a quick walk from one site to another. The Mall is so huge, it takes a least a half hour to walk from one site to another. We wanted to ride to the top of the monument but the tickets were all gone for Tuesday so we got tickets for Wednesday morning.</div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzdKdsOCvOW3VaxenOk2HwuMgw4peWX58jNyaveY6-ALNhM0t7-3eSAXtSJ6wzKS17RAuPXdQo3iN0myGyx5e4UeTAECwzd6YmMuRe2FCHoO8kbeZmfZCbvhHbYRhi-oFKeHv/s1600-h/100_2796.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395110706184942850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzdKdsOCvOW3VaxenOk2HwuMgw4peWX58jNyaveY6-ALNhM0t7-3eSAXtSJ6wzKS17RAuPXdQo3iN0myGyx5e4UeTAECwzd6YmMuRe2FCHoO8kbeZmfZCbvhHbYRhi-oFKeHv/s320/100_2796.jpg" /></a><br />Here's a little information about the Washington Monument. It's 555 feet high. The cornerstone was laid in 1848 in a ceremony attended by President James Polk, and other dignitaries, namely Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson. Construction ground to a halt after it was only 156 feet tall because of lack of funding and stood unfinished for many years. Finally, President Ulysses S. Grant authorized the federal government to complete the project and so the Army Corp of Engineers completed it in 1885, 37 years after it began. It's now open every day except Christmas.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFZLHDIPJdrx3wAOxL1moXUkeA-2cUzlAYsylI1c4TIw8SnEGfPk-eamLGJd2dQjHT0wn_hST2dIxEyW7zpV5DlVnD1D3k-SHxXu9bnJD41CNM3_nceGYoMs-rHp-g-Kn0zhM/s1600-h/100_2806.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395110341547929154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFZLHDIPJdrx3wAOxL1moXUkeA-2cUzlAYsylI1c4TIw8SnEGfPk-eamLGJd2dQjHT0wn_hST2dIxEyW7zpV5DlVnD1D3k-SHxXu9bnJD41CNM3_nceGYoMs-rHp-g-Kn0zhM/s320/100_2806.jpg" /></a> Randy is taking a little break after we walked around the Capitol. We did a lot of walking so it was kind of nice to sit down occasionally and just take in the sights.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnpVOdty-IsiTAmsDEsi9lLkbhyonuDduIfZeJWs_Gb2ScckyLqwpd8bSe-cdcaTMIbr-94sYcJo0jW3jMv5RvALVlYw2Yqu2T5NfFnJagp3b9KENxMSyarfhylvmfsNhyphenhyphen4pK/s1600-h/100_2804.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395109917047562002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnpVOdty-IsiTAmsDEsi9lLkbhyonuDduIfZeJWs_Gb2ScckyLqwpd8bSe-cdcaTMIbr-94sYcJo0jW3jMv5RvALVlYw2Yqu2T5NfFnJagp3b9KENxMSyarfhylvmfsNhyphenhyphen4pK/s320/100_2804.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This view is from the Capitol looking back down towards the Washington Monument. You can see it's quite a distance.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgqr0r0sHxR42FmudqxAMWaZH2p7uv2Z6m23aqaVVeFFQ5A0NJ2BZNFrQP-zwtY20HyxrbcvVKKAGGfPR3GIKLAnJQ6SHtSoD5kamRFQpTsUDknfVEQHvZcVEOIT_JwsEgpld/s1600-h/100_2803.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395108152053874722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgqr0r0sHxR42FmudqxAMWaZH2p7uv2Z6m23aqaVVeFFQ5A0NJ2BZNFrQP-zwtY20HyxrbcvVKKAGGfPR3GIKLAnJQ6SHtSoD5kamRFQpTsUDknfVEQHvZcVEOIT_JwsEgpld/s320/100_2803.jpg" /></a>The steps of the Capitol were closed off so you couldn't go up them, but I'm not sure we would have walked up them if we could--that's a lot of steps.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJ99_8osp42mrcecLZj_JeDY106WG8OPcO3uMJbWZsBr_UNRS3CcFV7ZhwW_ydTkFx1HGVffv6tnfI7khhiYzVuA-3qvxobFEnCOoIg891fH4lyyFeUcsU1gYEpFsDqHE_w2f/s1600-h/100_2821.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1GkTEms3UqzdsVNgiA8Hm0LWXgsDCylEek4esCyVpHkhxb0dN6o8XO1KmJsNK1y7BOB0AVf0QCyBzut3PoKheK-L9a2vQxw_af39ZcG6Q5Y3p3h330kEu5n-ehjpwI0efo97/s1600-h/100_2819.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395107556651043506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs1GkTEms3UqzdsVNgiA8Hm0LWXgsDCylEek4esCyVpHkhxb0dN6o8XO1KmJsNK1y7BOB0AVf0QCyBzut3PoKheK-L9a2vQxw_af39ZcG6Q5Y3p3h330kEu5n-ehjpwI0efo97/s320/100_2819.jpg" /></a> We spent the last couple hours of the day at the Arlington Cemetery. It's quite a site to see all those white headstones laid out so exactly- - thousands and thousands of them.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzk8UL_VAM5xN0DSC-uP8WJywmzB5kAC_36mRHsCfbO5cjKmdRPq5yHpiXfJESXkCQqjakmNf4y6qghlrqGLjSOCXjnNy39djjKn9zA-lxllqMh5N34hASaRrk31SqsvAyzJJ/s1600-h/100_2820.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395107255348691954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzk8UL_VAM5xN0DSC-uP8WJywmzB5kAC_36mRHsCfbO5cjKmdRPq5yHpiXfJESXkCQqjakmNf4y6qghlrqGLjSOCXjnNy39djjKn9zA-lxllqMh5N34hASaRrk31SqsvAyzJJ/s320/100_2820.jpg" /></a><br />This is the Memorial Amphitheater. It's the site of all the Memorial Day services that are held here each year. It's a beautiful grey marble structure.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz7wavQpeW7jGKwncyp4zctXg0083xvhcw23nww29JpdBYmgg-3bU41M4HRG8P8Kzjr7I0Hif4wKGvDgmlxUoBGVuUsyNqi7xvGzyJlHqO1VrR4faXJAzK5dLSvrylVtrLy5-/s1600-h/100_2822.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395106949637237778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXz7wavQpeW7jGKwncyp4zctXg0083xvhcw23nww29JpdBYmgg-3bU41M4HRG8P8Kzjr7I0Hif4wKGvDgmlxUoBGVuUsyNqi7xvGzyJlHqO1VrR4faXJAzK5dLSvrylVtrLy5-/s320/100_2822.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycC-vdSqc9qUfLpR5lztrkqXcSWTagrEAcaDDd95ozB-f0XzdmOM_t6Em2rFA1ONp6jtX56evhtDPI9g8WQ6DA3QYkMhfSxwv9GobvTut0vC4zzDqRaStSglIQsXRJ6B3Qd2/s1600-h/100_2829.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395106489310928274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuycC-vdSqc9qUfLpR5lztrkqXcSWTagrEAcaDDd95ozB-f0XzdmOM_t6Em2rFA1ONp6jtX56evhtDPI9g8WQ6DA3QYkMhfSxwv9GobvTut0vC4zzDqRaStSglIQsXRJ6B3Qd2/s320/100_2829.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Adjacent to the Memorial is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is probably the best known memorial to those who have died in service to our country. The afternoon we were there, these veterans in red shirts had traveled from somewhere in the Midwest to see the monument and to have the honor of participating in placing of a wreath on the tomb. It was pretty touching to see all these men who had fought in the World War II, many of them in wheelchairs, be able to come here and take part in such a special ceremony.</div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9296-5Fj4Ps1WIimiD-5MyywzG1P1VS4F776VJRmO-avKtLig8vZaB5XwFagRA1sUarp0F-NdFsHcs1HdBYx8UvTqS3d5XkFCriZ2P07uyYIOw4Z6bMaotyQT5iwAMsPgyZV/s1600-h/100_2824.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395106135970318370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9296-5Fj4Ps1WIimiD-5MyywzG1P1VS4F776VJRmO-avKtLig8vZaB5XwFagRA1sUarp0F-NdFsHcs1HdBYx8UvTqS3d5XkFCriZ2P07uyYIOw4Z6bMaotyQT5iwAMsPgyZV/s320/100_2824.jpg" /></a> A sentinel of the Third U.S. Infantry maintains vigil around the clock at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He paces 21 steps alongside the tomb, pauses 21 seconds, then returns. The changing of the guard takes place on the hour. "Here rests in honored glory an American Soldier known only to God" is the inscription on the sarcophagus of the World War I soldier entombed here in 1921. Since that time, others servicemen have joined their comrade. Unknown servicemen from WWII, Korean, and Vietnam have also been entombed here. It was an awesome and reverent sight to see this ceremony. We were so glad we closed our day at Arlington. It's a very special place and we felt honored to have been there.<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-39630773322922187762009-10-21T11:00:00.000-07:002009-10-21T10:07:31.342-07:00Thomas Jefferson's MONTICELLOMonday morning, (Oct. 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>) we drove to Monticello, just outside of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Charlottesville</span>, VA. There we spent the day learning about Thomas Jefferson's mountainside home. Monticello means "little mountain" and it was a fascinating experience to be able to spend the day learning more about Thomas Jefferson, and some of the amazing things he accomplished in his lifetime.<br /><br /><br />This amazing man who at 26 became a member of the House of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Burgesses</span>, at 32 attended the Second Continental Congress and a year later drafted the "Declaration of Independence", then served in Virginia's House of Delegates, elected Governor of Virginia in 1779, elected to Congress in 1783, began diplomatic service to France in 1784, 1789 returns to United States and in 1790 appointed first U.S. secretary of state, six years later was elected vice president, and in 1801 elected 3rd President of the United States. While he was President, he commissioned Lewis & Clark expedition, concluded the Louisiana Purchase, re-elected President for second term, sold his personal library of 7,000 books to Library of Congress, in 1817 designed and planed University of Virginia, and on July 4, 1826, dies on the 5<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">oth</span> anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's hard to comprehend all the things he <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">accomplished</span>, but it was so interesting to learn more about our 3rd President.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Fy4lKWuZolfgFRrmB2KwyI8cnNQdE7XT5sXi1MX-52smjxiRTMdTT69F8tZDwjFHyOEYHLP_OUWYbnERug40WZVAxaJTbgk7__WJT3Ltpz_fMQeBm8WJs-1lvr23XIAdkJt/s1600-h/100_2780.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394817799870810578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1Fy4lKWuZolfgFRrmB2KwyI8cnNQdE7XT5sXi1MX-52smjxiRTMdTT69F8tZDwjFHyOEYHLP_OUWYbnERug40WZVAxaJTbgk7__WJT3Ltpz_fMQeBm8WJs-1lvr23XIAdkJt/s320/100_2780.jpg" /></a> In 1768 Jefferson began leveling the Monticello mountaintop for his house. (Much of the land- 3,000 acres - surrounding the mountaintop were inherited from his father, he later acquired another 2,000 acres.) That began the 40 year period of design, construction, and remodeling to create his mountainside estate. The house is extraordinary, not only in design, but in the way Jefferson related it to the landscape. The open-air living spaces in the form of L-shaped terraces served as extensions of the main floor. . . a concept unheard of at that time. While Jefferson was living in France he was greatly influenced by the architecture and incorporated many of those elements into his Monticello. The house went through several periods of redesign, changing from a two-story structure to a three-story structure. By the time Jefferson retired in 1809, the remodeling of Monticello was largely completed.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_W12CDNsGOkRRIDY9JurXF8IssI5pz7ymnePCwmOyoJnE4xwo3_PwCI1mbXX9D0Y_XlbE9E6i-FzEBSJ-53yc-9RFc0-znMcmkC1rrXcT5smwd5M4YcVio5wL02z3wpWiJW/s1600-h/100_2777.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394817494477314258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO_W12CDNsGOkRRIDY9JurXF8IssI5pz7ymnePCwmOyoJnE4xwo3_PwCI1mbXX9D0Y_XlbE9E6i-FzEBSJ-53yc-9RFc0-znMcmkC1rrXcT5smwd5M4YcVio5wL02z3wpWiJW/s320/100_2777.jpg" /></a> Being able to see this home was such a treat for me. Every detail of the house, gardens, and surrounding properties were unbelievable. Jefferson was not only interested in architecture, landscape, and farming, but in every aspect of his life, he was improving and inventing new and better ways to do things.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosiMlutWWclsEzFPHTwX-E0eGlhq5bJyQeGcpSiiSiO_BKkd9OYRnCYuG3tK6UFS9pFz_sHKWf-EQV-vxykTDq5mPE-VUzB54DpjUc7xggmRJVERg-TLXXDtOdGOiaHWgK5QF/s1600-h/100_2782.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394817176286137218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosiMlutWWclsEzFPHTwX-E0eGlhq5bJyQeGcpSiiSiO_BKkd9OYRnCYuG3tK6UFS9pFz_sHKWf-EQV-vxykTDq5mPE-VUzB54DpjUc7xggmRJVERg-TLXXDtOdGOiaHWgK5QF/s320/100_2782.jpg" /></a><br />Near the visitor center was a statue of Thomas Jefferson, he wasn't a large man but he knew how to get things done.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDerZ8Sw4RdoBd_85qTigCjzp9F4c2sOCeQXmFls7TY4tKKV_GpM1veIGP901Z0j7U5gr-ROO31oTd5BTBXmTdLiObGEBca00L37skuLJS711WXRrELuW3oFB6tfvydwCgd_C/s1600-h/100_2768.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394816806032765506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDerZ8Sw4RdoBd_85qTigCjzp9F4c2sOCeQXmFls7TY4tKKV_GpM1veIGP901Z0j7U5gr-ROO31oTd5BTBXmTdLiObGEBca00L37skuLJS711WXRrELuW3oFB6tfvydwCgd_C/s320/100_2768.jpg" /></a> These school children were visiting Monticello on Monday while we were there. Dressed in their little caps and long dresses they looked like they belonged there. They could have been the children of guests visiting the estate in the mid 1700's. Behind the children are some of the gardens.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzwwRqGRlpWj5jdge76gBnt6FUw7fIxLmHw-0cnrlH6plDJfImERP7nXI0ZOGFoUcn5QkWUdBPoeweVzIDdWbkv2eu_xtrBbxCSHBoJzrdPPm3jvCEWBKof4YlOOlXML8QvKK/s1600-h/100_2751.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394816402441499778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzwwRqGRlpWj5jdge76gBnt6FUw7fIxLmHw-0cnrlH6plDJfImERP7nXI0ZOGFoUcn5QkWUdBPoeweVzIDdWbkv2eu_xtrBbxCSHBoJzrdPPm3jvCEWBKof4YlOOlXML8QvKK/s320/100_2751.jpg" /></a> This area is called the "dependencies". These structures were built under the terraces that extend off the exterior of the house. These spaces were designed for working, living, and storage beneath the main house, terraces and pavilions. They included a wash house, carriage bays, ice house, two privies, wine cellar, a kitchen, smokehouse, dairy, and three rooms for the house slaves - the ones who did the cooking for the main house. All of these structures are concealed in the hillside and under the terraces to avoid obstructing the views around the house.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyby0X7idMxCdmbse7rVzd7-fT3PeRz3BX9V_0e9L0EJRGfunHV-MYkXPGsL9ROAZWB6hvvii6lScnEAnvDKqlSwIJ-dpMxPgFxg05cIPyr8_K82Y5RU90qOXYUFRGF12bQJZj/s1600-h/100_2757.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394816079744837314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyby0X7idMxCdmbse7rVzd7-fT3PeRz3BX9V_0e9L0EJRGfunHV-MYkXPGsL9ROAZWB6hvvii6lScnEAnvDKqlSwIJ-dpMxPgFxg05cIPyr8_K82Y5RU90qOXYUFRGF12bQJZj/s320/100_2757.jpg" /></a><br />This is a view into the kitchen area. In that day, kitchens were totally separate from the house. It had a large fireplace, several smaller cooking area, shelves, and several large tables for preparing food and lots of pans, kettles, and cooking utensils. Just inside the door was information about the slaves who did the cooking. It was all so interesting.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV6IdmQ830alzroQUDDRT5toJODhm9f4uS0d4khzfYlpUoTDeZ7J435dZ6UHmuptF-3CEl9-RK2rKeVjZBpKe8tv232nLZKuMNRyVqneZIQZmxTUHw2CqDYiqW_4U6itXanhS/s1600-h/100_2758.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394815788420126322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV6IdmQ830alzroQUDDRT5toJODhm9f4uS0d4khzfYlpUoTDeZ7J435dZ6UHmuptF-3CEl9-RK2rKeVjZBpKe8tv232nLZKuMNRyVqneZIQZmxTUHw2CqDYiqW_4U6itXanhS/s320/100_2758.jpg" /></a> This is a view from on top of one of the two terraces. Potted trees, flowers and benches for seating were all along the terraces. From these terraces you had a beautiful view of much of the gardens and landscaping on the backside of the house.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YdTqZ0Ws_qyfU6E7qD_JCrVRJPrNr1lQu3fu7PVl0aJfD-bHfJsCpFbrb4bLA8gxzeVAja28bxwm6UxD3o7am_ZSTxfUaftsjcejLw3l2hR8s5tPE6z9TtoQdTRWiW5Mym1_/s1600-h/100_2767.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394815505734868610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YdTqZ0Ws_qyfU6E7qD_JCrVRJPrNr1lQu3fu7PVl0aJfD-bHfJsCpFbrb4bLA8gxzeVAja28bxwm6UxD3o7am_ZSTxfUaftsjcejLw3l2hR8s5tPE6z9TtoQdTRWiW5Mym1_/s320/100_2767.jpg" /></a> Besides growing huge gardens, </div><div>Jefferson also had vineyards, </div><div>orchards, and berry squares. He experimented with new varieties to see what would grow best in the local climate.<br /><br />This is the garden pavilion where he and his quests would come to enjoy the view of the gardens and orchards. He loved to spend time in the evening overlooking his gardens. Who wouldn't?<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-yckW4mYq9As4t8PDl0zlK9jibXOslsULmHg4jK_s0jOQSslb5OD-7O-jI4CCF-_N5q78zotTPG0kk2GZCWRvi45fyElaJcG8bZ7aARTmFY8AnJEjGWIU6P0rOXN5bR_BhEB/s1600-h/100_2765.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394815256756934754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-yckW4mYq9As4t8PDl0zlK9jibXOslsULmHg4jK_s0jOQSslb5OD-7O-jI4CCF-_N5q78zotTPG0kk2GZCWRvi45fyElaJcG8bZ7aARTmFY8AnJEjGWIU6P0rOXN5bR_BhEB/s320/100_2765.jpg" /></a> This pavilion stood behind the vegetable gardens and overlooked the orchards and vineyards. The 2-acre gardens were divided into 24 "squares", according to which part of the plant was harvested- roots, leaves, or fruits.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrYkfP43v4nRBJ5mSHnjN4VcD1bOdTVo63rwytUdZVF7GeAb6iNZqlEkq45e4OHjWOh4odgPoHqa2Ec_83JSaMbPsKsMh8RJjQlsGgBMOnGJBXS1P930HM9y5fXJSkJq-uV9y/s1600-h/100_2774.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394814941298362754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrYkfP43v4nRBJ5mSHnjN4VcD1bOdTVo63rwytUdZVF7GeAb6iNZqlEkq45e4OHjWOh4odgPoHqa2Ec_83JSaMbPsKsMh8RJjQlsGgBMOnGJBXS1P930HM9y5fXJSkJq-uV9y/s320/100_2774.jpg" /></a> It really was a beautiful view from inside the pavilion. You can see how the gardens and vineyards were terraced--all divided and spaced so they make a beautiful pattern along the hillside. Jefferson said, "No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden." Of all his accomplishment and titles, he liked being called a farmer the most. His gardens were living laboratories for the study of plants from around the world. He chronicled a lifetime of gardening activities in his Garden Book, and kept detailed journals and meticulous records of everything he did. It's hard to imagine how he had time to keep such detailed records . . these handwritten accounts are so meticulous they are almost works of art.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1buEZy_CgBnLtDe0wGhlKdth7Dz1moMF1iTiuDub34dHEuXNOPYoLmBgCdDNq26NnpTChu0SQ3Tth1Z8qwNag5E9DeiBvYCEEAGyRaF_vnmOsQck5ZUUB3MQ2iLECYtrPuMUp/s1600-h/100_2776.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394814596919658226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1buEZy_CgBnLtDe0wGhlKdth7Dz1moMF1iTiuDub34dHEuXNOPYoLmBgCdDNq26NnpTChu0SQ3Tth1Z8qwNag5E9DeiBvYCEEAGyRaF_vnmOsQck5ZUUB3MQ2iLECYtrPuMUp/s320/100_2776.jpg" /></a> This is the south pavilion. It's one of two small structures that were built at the end of the terraces. Jefferson and his wife lived in one of these buildings while Monticello was being built. His wife died in childbirth in 1782, after having lived in this small building for almost 10 years. She didn't live long enough to see the completion of the house - - remember it wasn't completed until 1809 when Jefferson retired there after serving 2 terms as President of the United Stated.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglulepgSwqw1n1qRUplDprUH_JTgVzu-7adA8_iBNtqfDQzgkR4lwokR_BPLY-3kmcY8y7R82VrQOfN2VHYPRNwe_qzwKgbRsrgsvy17H2AEzzKGVSEIEER5XpbaPMPXucbDUV/s1600-h/100_2779.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394814027176805698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglulepgSwqw1n1qRUplDprUH_JTgVzu-7adA8_iBNtqfDQzgkR4lwokR_BPLY-3kmcY8y7R82VrQOfN2VHYPRNwe_qzwKgbRsrgsvy17H2AEzzKGVSEIEER5XpbaPMPXucbDUV/s320/100_2779.jpg" /></a> Along this 1,000 foot section of the estate, Jefferson planted Mulberry trees. It was in the shade of these trees where enslaved and indentured workers and craftsmen lived and worked in small stone and log buildings. At one time, Mulberry Row, consisted of 17 structures, including a blacksmith shop and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">nailery</span>, joinery, carpenter shop, smokehouse/dairy, and five log cabins for some of the slaves. The cabins were 12 x 20 with earthen floors and wooden chimneys. For most of his life, Jefferson was the owner of 200 slaves. It was these men and women who worked the land, raised and harvested the crops, grew the gardens, cooked the meals. They were the craftsman and workmen who did whatever was required of them by their owner. On his deathbed, Jefferson freed several of his slaves, but it wouldn't be until another 40 years passed before slavery was abolished and this sad period in our history would finally come to an end.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkaazQylrg3Cw6zt0k7kZNnTLjFz0-aE_YuqXe-s3aK_ofTq6ikQmFrmncXQ23ABNnyPIz3Yyr_DUx9UhjVhNA2L8aLFmJMzqziJRlcGDve_8JPTGT5xJGoFL3biSHTyxp9u1/s1600-h/100_2781.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394813623613171938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkaazQylrg3Cw6zt0k7kZNnTLjFz0-aE_YuqXe-s3aK_ofTq6ikQmFrmncXQ23ABNnyPIz3Yyr_DUx9UhjVhNA2L8aLFmJMzqziJRlcGDve_8JPTGT5xJGoFL3biSHTyxp9u1/s320/100_2781.jpg" /></a> Our day spent here at Monticello was so interesting. We'd learned so much about our 3rd President and what an amazing man he was. After we finished visiting the grounds, we spend another couple of hours in the museum and visitor center. The museum used the latest technology to tell the story of Monticello and the man whose planning and vision made it all happen. It was fascinating. We felt so fortunate to be able to learn some of the history of this part of Virginia. We had spent a wonderful day together . . . a day we'll long remember!<br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-15754704335799137202009-10-20T13:45:00.009-07:002009-10-20T15:29:31.966-07:00Historical Fredericksburg, VAAfter a late Saturday evening flight from SLC, we arrived in Richmond, Virgina, Sunday, October 4th to begin our adventures in beautiful Virginia. We picked up our rental car, had a little breakfast and then drove to Fredericksburg, - about 50 miles north of Richmond. It was a beautiful drive with trees alongside both lanes of the interstate. It took awhile for us to realize that we were not going to see much scenery, except for trees, while we were driving on the interstates, so whenever possible we drove the more scenic byways. <br /> Virginia is beautiful state with lots of rolling hills, lakes, beautiful trees, and only small areas of cleared ground. Unlike in the West, where we are planting trees to beautify our cities and yards, they are clearing trees so their homes or businesses can be seen. <br /> We arrived in Fredericksburg by early afternoon and after getting settled in our hotel, we drove a few miles into Historical Downtown Fredericksburg. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaqr4Sz8AATCkY3WDziH8jSuTsxg6aJWb_2ET1Bnw2tfqWSRW1LQvhtXcBIh7JZlvfv6Mpx0qG4KA2JpL_AbUBeImx-HLZA8jmHLOfPDky1mCkGPE9wZ2ObTUT9FSB6ZGdLZv/s1600-h/100_2734.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394789217930466466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaqr4Sz8AATCkY3WDziH8jSuTsxg6aJWb_2ET1Bnw2tfqWSRW1LQvhtXcBIh7JZlvfv6Mpx0qG4KA2JpL_AbUBeImx-HLZA8jmHLOfPDky1mCkGPE9wZ2ObTUT9FSB6ZGdLZv/s320/100_2734.jpg" /></a><br /><br />All the buildings were so charming. Red brick houses with several chimneys, black shutters and white porches seemed to be the typical structure of the day. So pretty . . . I just loved the architecture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzFwaeTz5MaTwakhNCo5_aKyZo95Oj5zkY1Deo5xl8enoyJ9RNkCfTgskvqRdPEHgzjJ7JZb6-jh8rrXVJhSrvNMhUf47Un8ObD6bzAWFcVntEgc5XbpKkkItl1HGXmyZzXlV/s1600-h/100_2725.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394788787025394658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzFwaeTz5MaTwakhNCo5_aKyZo95Oj5zkY1Deo5xl8enoyJ9RNkCfTgskvqRdPEHgzjJ7JZb6-jh8rrXVJhSrvNMhUf47Un8ObD6bzAWFcVntEgc5XbpKkkItl1HGXmyZzXlV/s320/100_2725.jpg" /></a> We spend several hours just wandering around this pretty historical district. The cute shops painted in every color were all along tree lined streets. Many of the storefronts had colorful awnings and pretty little signs hanging above the doors . . . now that's my idea of what a little downtown area ought to look like! <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrU5VvRH483B8TKzUm6vRn_3aLttlaeZA0L8kEBUC4QARlbO04Hk0BGIWY5AunG2Gh-0as9PE2kLsaZ-zEnkOKVtPT9uzzjoKFpEwMja0DYrj6wTo0y2zqg5el7EX_K-q01DJ/s1600-h/100_2724.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394788432576384834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrU5VvRH483B8TKzUm6vRn_3aLttlaeZA0L8kEBUC4QARlbO04Hk0BGIWY5AunG2Gh-0as9PE2kLsaZ-zEnkOKVtPT9uzzjoKFpEwMja0DYrj6wTo0y2zqg5el7EX_K-q01DJ/s320/100_2724.jpg" /></a> The shops were all decorated for fall . . . and in front of one of the shops a fellow sat strumming his guitar. It made for a very pleasant atmosphere. We bought some popcorn from a street vendor and enjoyed our late afternoon stroll along the streets.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen-YbGgiv0xSgrjv5KKvj2UunsmN8x4-L-aUYu_Ez3TZxLvsz3wAKpemrOjPU9fD9EssNdpcVqqwX375J2odfw7p1r4MSR147J8s8Wj15APMKbCZqRmfKo7aNgtiQONr5NBaS/s1600-h/100_2731.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394788203674862770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen-YbGgiv0xSgrjv5KKvj2UunsmN8x4-L-aUYu_Ez3TZxLvsz3wAKpemrOjPU9fD9EssNdpcVqqwX375J2odfw7p1r4MSR147J8s8Wj15APMKbCZqRmfKo7aNgtiQONr5NBaS/s320/100_2731.jpg" /></a> Huge churches were on just about every corner. This church steeple towered above the downtown area and even though it was an exception to the traditional red brick buildings, it was beautiful. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMv9dIPUgFvKug4harcQGiLPqrOQ9uyehqGCuHV8bV3pKvK0UT177cOduzxN_OomdSpgvq82_xM49Bll9ctM_Yks9SdY3XW8NJiIYNnqrmmk0VHk6xXQdDwaL0IWhiTKV6dPb/s1600-h/100_2730.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394787899265276466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMv9dIPUgFvKug4harcQGiLPqrOQ9uyehqGCuHV8bV3pKvK0UT177cOduzxN_OomdSpgvq82_xM49Bll9ctM_Yks9SdY3XW8NJiIYNnqrmmk0VHk6xXQdDwaL0IWhiTKV6dPb/s320/100_2730.jpg" /></a> It was interesting to step into the cemetery, always located next to a church, and read the names and dates on the headstones. Some of the headstones were so worn it was difficult to read the dates, but you could still make out many of the dates from the mid and late 1700's. <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAvy9V378rOoVHk0aM6qX0e4SkjNkA8vCgokM91Wsh9xIZ2RX2tUYW-s5PB3nmQRjhX69MifAGRGCrOWC_xy2CXNg7oCSEb03ZQOKXXVDVXi2cEV157f9fkRn4NAfkc7EBysm/s1600-h/100_2735.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394787330971301826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpAvy9V378rOoVHk0aM6qX0e4SkjNkA8vCgokM91Wsh9xIZ2RX2tUYW-s5PB3nmQRjhX69MifAGRGCrOWC_xy2CXNg7oCSEb03ZQOKXXVDVXi2cEV157f9fkRn4NAfkc7EBysm/s320/100_2735.jpg" /></a> And here's another church with it's tall steeple. It was amazing to us how many antique shops, churches and attorney offices we saw as we walked along the city streets. I guess there's never a shortage of attorneys in any city, but this area seemed to have more than it's share. The antique shops were full of interesting and beautiful collectibles. And on a corner in front of a store was a large stone where slaves were brought to be sold to the highest bidder. It was hard to believe we were standing right where such sad events had taken place, where families were split apart, never to see each other again. That's such a sad chapter in the history of this part of the country. Seeing all these historic buildings was like stepping back in history several hundred years. We thought all of this was so interesting and to think this was just the first day of our week long adventures in Virginia. What a way to start the week! We were looking forward to seeing lots of great things and having a wonderful time together.</div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-61378694337997384822009-09-14T15:24:00.015-07:002009-09-14T16:59:47.237-07:00Eastern Idaho State FairIt's probably been about 20 years since I entered anything at the Fair . . . it was sometime in the late '80 when I was showing horses with my Dad. In the horse show events I usually did pretty good, in fact I'd even won a few blue ribbons. But like I said that was 20 years ago.<br /><br />Even though I've sewn just about all my life, I just started quilting about 5 years ago. And now I'm really hooked! I really love the challenge of learning new techniques and trying to improve my skills. I feel like I've made a lot of progress when I look back at some of my earlier projects.<br /><br />I joined a quilt quild three years ago and being involved with so many creative woman has really taught me a lot. It was pretty intimidating when I first joined the quild, but everyone has been so helpful. Each year we've had a different project and my piecing and quilting abilities have improved with each project. I gained a lot of confidence and my skills have improved. It's been an enjoyable experience to be able to make so many new friends and I've learned a lot from them.<br /><br />This year when it came time for the Eastern Idaho State Fair, I was encouraged by some of my quilting friends to enter some of my projects. I was real nervous about doing that because I'd seen the quality of quilts and needlework at the Fair. But I decided I'd give it a try so I entered four of my favorite items. . . the ones I felt were a good representation of my handwork.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDueoE8QMOaMGkK8xnCqnjs4_myoGAcOHgSF_ulqeij8B5u7idbrZbHNj5mNeq2Z8lZIeuHMzUNKOEvSchd8FXyLxGv5AZCcwNJrvfaGNvY7Gu2LeKFipBHneHVMSGHDxK1bY/s1600-h/100_2652.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZq2cs9n3Ui-2jC4RDYAhH50sfPiP67g11sanTUTg3iCCySIvqU3goTJ7bxCxX1g1IhMFU05inOQoMKDm9CTysFCBtS46BjF60kVVkPRr9TnDU7oXU1B1BNM4se7byG4yHi9yQ/s1600-h/100_2607.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381455488716395186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZq2cs9n3Ui-2jC4RDYAhH50sfPiP67g11sanTUTg3iCCySIvqU3goTJ7bxCxX1g1IhMFU05inOQoMKDm9CTysFCBtS46BjF60kVVkPRr9TnDU7oXU1B1BNM4se7byG4yHi9yQ/s320/100_2607.jpg" /></a> I've been wanting to learn to applique, so I made this pillow to learn the technique. The center flowers, stems and leaves are needle turned applique, then I pieced the outside blocks and hand quilted the whole thing. I felt pretty good about how it turned out, so I decided I'd enter this pillow along with a table runner, a wall hanging and a quilt. <div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>When I got to the Fair, you can imagine my surprise when I found out my pillow had not only gotten a blue ribbon, but was judged best in class. I was so surprised and thrilled. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-zpKO2ZdMUgyrREi_N0_NM8SSfvjCtBVw3pYwcICvY9UJ518TnYCs3Vj-pXRO4BpZr4ZqToTZg-fQ9vQ5EZL2qEaO7mue5It1w4YfitnF3Zhq7FMUY9Z8ks9DSOVFaQCGU2n/s1600-h/100_2605.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381455194596467490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-zpKO2ZdMUgyrREi_N0_NM8SSfvjCtBVw3pYwcICvY9UJ518TnYCs3Vj-pXRO4BpZr4ZqToTZg-fQ9vQ5EZL2qEaO7mue5It1w4YfitnF3Zhq7FMUY9Z8ks9DSOVFaQCGU2n/s320/100_2605.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div></div><div>When I found out my pillow had not only gotten a blue ribbon, but was judged "Best in Class", I counldn't believe it! All the "Best in Class" needlecraft items were displayed together in a separate section. There was a variety of quilts, crocheted items, clothing, rugs . . . and among it all was my pillow! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div><br />And then as I walked around, I found my table runner. It was my foundation piecing project called "Praire Land Village", and it had also gotten a blue ribbon.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDA5-2_HXn7LPKdhupExH2HSj1MIdoM1KL74J1WZAtIEgZ6mj9n34PyNfkbbZ02LJ5k_vaZ4sWztJ8Kn54wIwF7QuDu9vig7C_CPk6AYQaGKZG1clHgx05IPNRQgqjjF51Y8R/s1600-h/100_2617.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381454461186487506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDA5-2_HXn7LPKdhupExH2HSj1MIdoM1KL74J1WZAtIEgZ6mj9n34PyNfkbbZ02LJ5k_vaZ4sWztJ8Kn54wIwF7QuDu9vig7C_CPk6AYQaGKZG1clHgx05IPNRQgqjjF51Y8R/s320/100_2617.jpg" /></a> I had loved making this table runner. It was my first really big foundation piecing project and I loved the variety of houses and building. It was also one of the first things I did stippling on . . so the whole thing was a real learning experience.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381454798167297170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzTYr1p9vAHu0wke1-oiY8pM4UbAogptpPWDCkcaW1MivX2AqHP0b2y9QiwLWue_VFTWERt29XAGB1f2jXuct3T9w-1s32BbU8Kv4b6uBt6ryuQfkc9dh0pQz9sHGYFlZMMsG/s320/100_2653.jpg" /> I guess the judges also liked it! <br /><br /><div><div></div><div>About a week before the deadline to have items entered in the Fair, I decided I'd <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaItj60FVNZxj69wNILvk5IaLFlf2usgSdcqZGRY-ziTp6jObuh8uekN7EjIFfmR790HD3MFi3aCXFvgFXZaze7xeLnB0Bt_egPdq-h9NTQd0BdfVzg9libLrWlkcCQhEiiUJW/s1600-h/100_2654.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381454134139223346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaItj60FVNZxj69wNILvk5IaLFlf2usgSdcqZGRY-ziTp6jObuh8uekN7EjIFfmR790HD3MFi3aCXFvgFXZaze7xeLnB0Bt_egPdq-h9NTQd0BdfVzg9libLrWlkcCQhEiiUJW/s320/100_2654.jpg" /></a>enter the quilt I made out of tee shirts that Kristi had given me. I worked hard to get it quilted and bound so I could enter it in the Fair.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb35lpLRv2_U5S6f_WwVClw1G7GTAaAFzPKu5AMXORQKOBTViGxVUN4ix30wNfSRXoCbLc8Nn3si_uRtN2dyBSlzgwg-JOgYRwtyWBmRTcN0sHG-cY8Y0fZt1JoSKMLTb4A0K/s1600-h/100_2636.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381453833934759506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb35lpLRv2_U5S6f_WwVClw1G7GTAaAFzPKu5AMXORQKOBTViGxVUN4ix30wNfSRXoCbLc8Nn3si_uRtN2dyBSlzgwg-JOgYRwtyWBmRTcN0sHG-cY8Y0fZt1JoSKMLTb4A0K/s320/100_2636.jpg" /></a> And look at that . . .it got a red ribbon! There were quite a few other "memory quilts", and each one was so different. It was another fun project and it probably won't be the last memory quilt that I make. . . no two will ever be alike.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2zPOPRHeOP_2cMImkZfrt-zI_dMfk-4d2xLGEy5Z9_9dfYVHIB8yi6iRv59Dpu6wk7SWc9ix1MWdZxs9j0E2pNvYDQFeeJUZ_HDgwKjx6B6AZYu8JiRC3aJGORi6eRuwf9n/s1600-h/100_2633.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381453487525819090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes2zPOPRHeOP_2cMImkZfrt-zI_dMfk-4d2xLGEy5Z9_9dfYVHIB8yi6iRv59Dpu6wk7SWc9ix1MWdZxs9j0E2pNvYDQFeeJUZ_HDgwKjx6B6AZYu8JiRC3aJGORi6eRuwf9n/s320/100_2633.jpg" /></a> And finally, my favorite "Country Roads" wall hanging got a pink ribbon (4th place). It probably has been my favorite project just because I loved all the country elements on the quilt . . . the horse and carriage, the covered bridge and pig pulling a cart. I was pleased to get a ribbon at all because the wall hanging division was really big this year. It was nice to place when you have some really good competition and there were so many to choose from.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-sCOXjnxDELy4x2RqJVpJzX_iUmF0J6JzcxRsKvxmkoi3TIjxIdMEbbwHRAIjqHqT3Db86TXcDBFs0DWGcGqPkNz-45Ane6MdIR246yTUJMF77DSsgvfFGqcE9DJ4sCov0IW/s1600-h/100_2655.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381453119819678066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-sCOXjnxDELy4x2RqJVpJzX_iUmF0J6JzcxRsKvxmkoi3TIjxIdMEbbwHRAIjqHqT3Db86TXcDBFs0DWGcGqPkNz-45Ane6MdIR246yTUJMF77DSsgvfFGqcE9DJ4sCov0IW/s320/100_2655.jpg" /></a><br /></div><div>So all in all, it was a good "first time" experience for me at the Fair. It's a good experience to have someone judge your work because you learn what you need to improve on. The display of beautiful quilts and needlework was so awesome. I was inspired with lots of ideas for projects I may try to do during the coming year. . . . and then who knows, I may do it again next year! </div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-28551856681904068352009-09-09T09:45:00.000-07:002009-09-09T09:48:29.831-07:00Harrison IdahoThis is the Osprey Inn, the Bed and Breakfast we stayed in for the two nights we spent in Harrison. It was a pretty Inn overlooking <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Couer</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">d'Alene</span> Lake. It was built in 1915 and over the years it's had many uses. Originally it was a boarding house for lumberjacks, then in the 1930's and 40's the ground floor served as the local hospital. It was right on the trail so it was very convenient for us and apparently gets booked by lots of others who enjoy riding the different sections of the trail. While we were staying there we met two other couples who had also brought their bikes to ride the trail; one couple from Washington, the other from Montana.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWshzLNLESk3X3aw_PR8yw-Ov4yEUEb4Z_Biq8Xr9jGf6T134sK9ul6vgxIxwWjCWkQmYs94awzIpSJbb63LHgN2AFcQO22GHkxTlr2KJ9Z02PBFkIWbJdLHw1TtlzHWm6E7a/s1600-h/100_2556.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378501929625449682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCWshzLNLESk3X3aw_PR8yw-Ov4yEUEb4Z_Biq8Xr9jGf6T134sK9ul6vgxIxwWjCWkQmYs94awzIpSJbb63LHgN2AFcQO22GHkxTlr2KJ9Z02PBFkIWbJdLHw1TtlzHWm6E7a/s320/100_2556.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKydHDX1kHn2ZprDItUXGizb0a-VK236GF6oSiUIaW5WxJW5ICaRioFMjZp5w60pSV1k_5A0gJvD0OCzrejtk9Xt8kf9aSHaBHFh8_myWb5CJeiOyAqlX3NL0CNJo5RgtAT_fl/s1600-h/100_2573.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378501647026600370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKydHDX1kHn2ZprDItUXGizb0a-VK236GF6oSiUIaW5WxJW5ICaRioFMjZp5w60pSV1k_5A0gJvD0OCzrejtk9Xt8kf9aSHaBHFh8_myWb5CJeiOyAqlX3NL0CNJo5RgtAT_fl/s320/100_2573.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTw9ubu424-SBxvhsoSFVnXFH1uma1tKDo4Fb0K1I7SFZqkR2bxF3_0WlUWPHcDGyovKmSJPFOMicjXwTrL3q_AJ5vjYagNwZhKQjguBG8r9WWLAjQFqVB16qvwpLrpZ4xn46/s1600-h/100_2558.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378501357247554706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiTw9ubu424-SBxvhsoSFVnXFH1uma1tKDo4Fb0K1I7SFZqkR2bxF3_0WlUWPHcDGyovKmSJPFOMicjXwTrL3q_AJ5vjYagNwZhKQjguBG8r9WWLAjQFqVB16qvwpLrpZ4xn46/s320/100_2558.jpg" /></a> We had breakfast every morning in this sunny little dining room. As we ate our breakfast we could watch the osprey outside the window. It was a pretty view and a nice way to start the day. I got kind of spoiled having someone else fix such delicious meals each morning and being in such beautiful surroundings. It's always so fun to go new places and meet interesting people from around the country. Over the years, we've had some great times staying in B&B's . . . it's a nice way to get a feel for an area, besides meeting some very nice people.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM6-aNVKbR35oFQCQUgvHWi3Z2QJSHjMekwCGL8-tVkrAYupz6Hye5ApzlkPp5kHBdCBM-MUWtBZptHMZtaHqy8Dk84_EvaDelAw9j8CQYnpLm5_GHF_M1kvdbBEHNtFTl7t2/s1600-h/100_2575.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378501051295388546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVM6-aNVKbR35oFQCQUgvHWi3Z2QJSHjMekwCGL8-tVkrAYupz6Hye5ApzlkPp5kHBdCBM-MUWtBZptHMZtaHqy8Dk84_EvaDelAw9j8CQYnpLm5_GHF_M1kvdbBEHNtFTl7t2/s320/100_2575.jpg" /></a> Here's a few photos of some of the buildings in Harrison. When it was founded in 1891, Harrison was a bustling town of 2000 people and 11 lumber mills. A big part of it's life and industry centered around a busy steamboat trade that traveled throughout the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Couer</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">d'Alene</span> Lake region. But that era died out with the coming of the railroad when the steamboat <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">buisness</span> could no longer compete with the railroads. In 1917, a fire swept through Harrison destroying much of the town. Over the years, fewer trees to harvest meant less industry and the population has dwindled now to only 280 residents.<br /><br /><br />We walked around town and I took a few pictures of some of the quaint old buildings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc-8jYqTR72fOpPrJ-v0oiHOQi-6_0lWtBje6LD7k0feqbyjdqHxEj8MaFFaTvELZN6HjiL7JyIHjdERxmLUFARjnT-jQHuF1K3bjaFwzSEJIr9Rwx7axcd88B7srfv5FrHff/s1600-h/100_2574.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378500753509478674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc-8jYqTR72fOpPrJ-v0oiHOQi-6_0lWtBje6LD7k0feqbyjdqHxEj8MaFFaTvELZN6HjiL7JyIHjdERxmLUFARjnT-jQHuF1K3bjaFwzSEJIr9Rwx7axcd88B7srfv5FrHff/s320/100_2574.jpg" /></a><br />There are 3 churches in Harrison . I thought this one was pretty cute, besides I'd never seen a church with a blue roof and doors.<br /><br /></div><div><br />This big old red building on the corner houses at least 3 different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">business. A</span> coffee shop, a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span> and a tackle shop.<br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApy74PAMOxLB4QNYf2-nr6wEKjH2tcQO2bGwPSth6Su-i4WHfG3jaVTYgHAyiMDWo8Qe7Xez8VyDrtKf9QwL2GeAxZgcq5p2Q49Pk-odPXjajEtNvdFO7caNdGqjdJSKhoO0F/s1600-h/100_2552.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378500466126430162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApy74PAMOxLB4QNYf2-nr6wEKjH2tcQO2bGwPSth6Su-i4WHfG3jaVTYgHAyiMDWo8Qe7Xez8VyDrtKf9QwL2GeAxZgcq5p2Q49Pk-odPXjajEtNvdFO7caNdGqjdJSKhoO0F/s320/100_2552.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B9R5t-gzR9smKw0eQldKHezFYZ8xKvJUy-9FXCbfUZVCBKPt34jKagRNvsL_Z2zWYtmX9rMpoHLSoqm44Ff32Ymk1r0iSDvFCnbzCGB9nym0hgSh9mUG8G57Y0lgBOZofUTn/s1600-h/100_2551.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378500104487044770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5B9R5t-gzR9smKw0eQldKHezFYZ8xKvJUy-9FXCbfUZVCBKPt34jKagRNvsL_Z2zWYtmX9rMpoHLSoqm44Ff32Ymk1r0iSDvFCnbzCGB9nym0hgSh9mUG8G57Y0lgBOZofUTn/s320/100_2551.jpg" /></a> Several restaurants, a market, bike shop, a marina and a post office and a few other shops and buildings make up the rest of the town. Even though it's not a big place, it's ideal location near the lake attracts a lot of travelers who use the trail. It's also a scencic spot for families with trailers or campers to come enjoy the lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0LlRSFeWF18rdIYfCND1tT9KF6Ft3-bsRXHAAjx8SEKtbqV5Yn_geICXhQbYxKbdWTMjHod-LOZNS0VoM5P38ZsbUWVoB_K84UjO-1D2OuMLKBaYGm9IBd-DoTKDKw4fFh2z/s1600-h/100_2553.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378499732866599538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0LlRSFeWF18rdIYfCND1tT9KF6Ft3-bsRXHAAjx8SEKtbqV5Yn_geICXhQbYxKbdWTMjHod-LOZNS0VoM5P38ZsbUWVoB_K84UjO-1D2OuMLKBaYGm9IBd-DoTKDKw4fFh2z/s320/100_2553.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The Creamery is the local ice cream shop. Besides lots of ice cream choices, they made homemade fudge and other goodies. I loved it's stripped awnings and table and chairs on the sidewalk. It seemed to be a popular spot in this scenic little town. </div><div></div><div>After dinner Friday night at a local <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">restaurant</span> overlooking the lake, we stopped for an ice cream to eat on our way back to the Osprey Inn.<br /><br /><br />Our stay in Harrison was very pleasant. Sitting on the front porch at the Inn after our long ride, enjoying a cold drink and enjoying the scenery was so nice. The unhurried pace was just right for us . It's nice to be able to take it easy and discover new places. There's sure a lot of great things to see and do all over this great country. We feel so fortunate that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasionally</span> we are able to enjoy some of them.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-24305012439923727592009-09-09T07:30:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:50:40.450-07:00Biking around the LakeSaturday morning we got up early, had a delicous breakfast and went for another bike ride. We had 15 more miles to ride so that we could say we'd ridden all the Trail of the Couer d'Alene's. We decided to save this part of the trail for Saturday rather than adding it to our long ride on Friday. I'm glad we did it that way because we were well rested and we could really appreciate what a beautiful ride it was. The trail was right along the Lake Couer d'Alene. This part of the trail was much busier with riders than our ride on Friday. Families with their kids and dogs, people walking, fisherman . . . all of them were out enjoying the beautiful area. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6FI8XSN-qUp3ka0ceNioLBqPEDtZxmT0q33vTYt6G6AH0dRd8sDvrrw0k6yhhVFjxK4RpgTBeWTXeWxyPkCK7WoM-yXpebkDDlOZSVkiGlQCRHxOrzpfqYm6HeZY3yBTHiju/s1600-h/100_2561.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378510860140978562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6FI8XSN-qUp3ka0ceNioLBqPEDtZxmT0q33vTYt6G6AH0dRd8sDvrrw0k6yhhVFjxK4RpgTBeWTXeWxyPkCK7WoM-yXpebkDDlOZSVkiGlQCRHxOrzpfqYm6HeZY3yBTHiju/s320/100_2561.jpg" /></a> There are some beautiful homes all along the Lake and the riding that section of trail allows you to go by some awesome properties. It was fun to imagine what it might be like to have a home on the Lake. You couldn't ask for a prettier view. I was kind of surprised to see lots of apple trees along the trail and near the lake . . and they were loaded with ripe fruit. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9_pL1780YaTHoO1w3LsemwQA6IrlLpC2byXtaScqjZ5ZDgFLKvauPtkEthk6OisWtNPKudNK3FORiMQH1LW5QKBD_uWMVPGBvu3OQMODoDdtBVymMIHkgyVA58bErSuv4cx/s1600-h/100_2562.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378510568861997570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9_pL1780YaTHoO1w3LsemwQA6IrlLpC2byXtaScqjZ5ZDgFLKvauPtkEthk6OisWtNPKudNK3FORiMQH1LW5QKBD_uWMVPGBvu3OQMODoDdtBVymMIHkgyVA58bErSuv4cx/s320/100_2562.jpg" /></a>In the background you can see the bridge that cross the Lake. It's an awesome bridge with long spans on both ends. The ride to the bridge is 7.5 miles.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61O7AUze58ihrWZUx5L8RiBTS0KonzsKcv8nbuMW_fBK1uzJ3mg_mS-kqD71uztPaK06aLWF4J81jgJQh9FKgJmz3YruztqG3J4dQVE4aj2NHzmTOqopOq0TYZ8120LZPdxMY/s1600-h/100_2563.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378510249848035906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61O7AUze58ihrWZUx5L8RiBTS0KonzsKcv8nbuMW_fBK1uzJ3mg_mS-kqD71uztPaK06aLWF4J81jgJQh9FKgJmz3YruztqG3J4dQVE4aj2NHzmTOqopOq0TYZ8120LZPdxMY/s320/100_2563.jpg" /></a><br />Randy's on the bridge looking pretty pleased. It's a great view from the top because it's high enough to allow large ships to pass under it.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o79YR5k0Go1by6O-8AP-SkrZazrbMOtvb4Tr_MzSyOIhi-9fq5eacBwlgCudORJ8XlxqlIzqdy1zQGzdX4NiwGCyEUrAB0i_QrNKmme-iKL-srQWv6F_51sd97JOrVZ5zsHa/s1600-h/100_2565.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378509952514815794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1o79YR5k0Go1by6O-8AP-SkrZazrbMOtvb4Tr_MzSyOIhi-9fq5eacBwlgCudORJ8XlxqlIzqdy1zQGzdX4NiwGCyEUrAB0i_QrNKmme-iKL-srQWv6F_51sd97JOrVZ5zsHa/s320/100_2565.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2Cjj-LbfxO13V3Lr1YS9PwAwz2FLO8_Oyv1Llh-0oCcKAC6k6s7_ZvoScxrdmbeoqApCxIH-h0kSypk2Nur61rCMPxxHUsET2ZNj4ttOzZeBj_DOzNnMAWn3beUIjBrXmVB3/s1600-h/100_2566.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378509687840964514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2Cjj-LbfxO13V3Lr1YS9PwAwz2FLO8_Oyv1Llh-0oCcKAC6k6s7_ZvoScxrdmbeoqApCxIH-h0kSypk2Nur61rCMPxxHUsET2ZNj4ttOzZeBj_DOzNnMAWn3beUIjBrXmVB3/s320/100_2566.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The trail leading up to the bridge kind of goes in a stair stepping fashion - it's flat, then it goes up, then it flattens out again - all the way to the top. I'd never seen anything like it before and it was kind of fun to ride on it. You can see by looking at the rails how it makes gradual steps down the sides.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ix9r9Zg9WB7A6qnFjttgMa2lmYPwcBcyn95zMS4885vSTRg4D6aZF0SJu0ECl6wXgTYFRx7sh-Jy8syDdXdtdNuv1Wew-RSHKo8fW1lSa1XxJavDSb2iL55-27F7mncYu5HU/s1600-h/100_2570.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378509432136588690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ix9r9Zg9WB7A6qnFjttgMa2lmYPwcBcyn95zMS4885vSTRg4D6aZF0SJu0ECl6wXgTYFRx7sh-Jy8syDdXdtdNuv1Wew-RSHKo8fW1lSa1XxJavDSb2iL55-27F7mncYu5HU/s320/100_2570.jpg" /></a> On the top of the bridge was a nest with Ospreys. This one flew off the nest onto this pole and sat there watching us the whole time we were on the bridge. They are beautiful birds and they have an ideal spot for fishing. There were a lot of Osprey on nests in some of the marshy areas and it was fun to watch them as they tried to catch fish on the Lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd2J2vKHWwad_S3krJl-kLovqPpHppZTDp0vxmqewtH4HcagGkG2IWPoiG_9lE-9C-Dgl_FlvAZW39y5AAz8MCriIJuDfaqz-sfy_VYR8WObsk1iGAKIJTAcmXu4WFpODUdXm/s1600-h/100_2571.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378509245147273970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd2J2vKHWwad_S3krJl-kLovqPpHppZTDp0vxmqewtH4HcagGkG2IWPoiG_9lE-9C-Dgl_FlvAZW39y5AAz8MCriIJuDfaqz-sfy_VYR8WObsk1iGAKIJTAcmXu4WFpODUdXm/s320/100_2571.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />We had to stop on our way back to Harrison<br />to take a picture by this strange creature someone had made. It was made out of old motorcycle parts and who knows what else. It looked kind of like a preying mantis. Anyway, this critter was pretty clever and gave us something else to talk about.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>By the time we got back to Harrison, we had ridden another 15 miles. By doing that we'd ridden all of the "Trails of the Couer d'Alene's". Friday and Saturdays ride was a total of 72 miles, plus Thursday's ride on the Hiawatha Trail of 30 miles. That gave us a three day total of riding 102 miles! I'm not sure we'll ever have conditions to ride that distance again, but I'm so glad we did it. If someone told me I'd have to ride a hundred miles I'd tell them there's not way I could do it. . . but we did! </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>I feel like one reasons we were able to do it was there was some downhill on both trails, a lot of flat land, great paved trails, perfect temperatures, miles of tree lined trails - so we were riding in the shade and we broke it up into very "do-able" size chunks. It was a wonderful experience and an accomplishment I think we can be pretty proud of . . . especially for a couple of old guys. It definitely was a memorable trip. </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-25569222957479239342009-09-07T16:34:00.001-07:002009-09-09T08:14:10.667-07:00Trail of the Couer d' Alenes<div><div><div>We had heard about the Trail of the Couer d' Alenes several years ago. We enjoy riding our bikes so much we thought it would be something we'd enjoy doing. So we decided that we'd not let another summer go by without making the trip to Northern Idaho to ride the trail. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8g8_YVPkQlwS5mS7lQnc22PY4U1wWF_1XkQuTsxQmTbAhxwV9f47RlUJe5YDzlHG-aha2FB9T2FOkSRWqmsJHuD2PFzRz8SjQAU51YqSxNWNEpJaEKwNf1YfbPm_nlSrlGxB/s1600-h/100_2537.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 295px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378508705010134466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8g8_YVPkQlwS5mS7lQnc22PY4U1wWF_1XkQuTsxQmTbAhxwV9f47RlUJe5YDzlHG-aha2FB9T2FOkSRWqmsJHuD2PFzRz8SjQAU51YqSxNWNEpJaEKwNf1YfbPm_nlSrlGxB/s320/100_2537.jpg" /></a> The trail goes 72 miles across the panhandle of Northern Idaho from Mullen, near the Montana border, to Plummer, on Idaho/Washington border. <br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 236px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378508463110906418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMDKJm9_XqeXn1kWUEd2Z6rTlRMe_bNCR2wWeE4MdLANwyAmGF3WRQ2ya-9xL51BONpgYGogwR0sKe7jp5oBSbsWq1_LnOqsN3NvgtY_Pf-PNe2u3DZhomHqVni9aPiyyvkTr/s320/100_2595.jpg" /><br /><div>Randy is standing at the Trailhead in Mullan where we started our ride Friday morning. We found a woman (that's a whole other story) who would drive with us to Mullan, drop us and our bikes off at the trailhead, and then drive our car back to our Bed and Breakfast in Harrison. So on Friday morning, we left our B&B and drove to Mullan to begin our ride on the Trail of the Couer d'Alenes. We started our ride at about 9:30 a.m., it was a cool 65 degrees, the sun was shining and we headed off ready for a long, beautiful ride.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378508174743497586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8ZficXf80Yce5jYirkDywrUXa9801ESPOj91TFd8UGi-FBXcWmcwS-vdS19BdJnibWJSda3Zm-fS6VCN3QcU-yP3a_WJpHOrpvGfdYJU2CpnBhlk9wXTFIpgMDb_bRrXYWJ1/s320/100_2532.jpg" /> Here we are at Wallace, just 8 or 9 miles into our ride. The trail for about the first 20 miles was a gentle downgrade. Even though it was next to the interstate you didn't even really notice it because the trail winds through the trees and except for a few open places you never even see the interstate. It was a beautiful paved trail and a very easy ride.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimOmFg9nq_69rVguCBpPQIbKm7QuunLx6O-7aQmxDpnFTT8cYXdNIdPyCMMvUTyxU_TxUbjcqfoV3lGJ-R6OY-C3ulnnNeFL8zI2AMu_pRYyGdasNc1djvD8RPL5AaFbgIO6W/s1600-h/100_2534.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 278px; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378884709443986594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimOmFg9nq_69rVguCBpPQIbKm7QuunLx6O-7aQmxDpnFTT8cYXdNIdPyCMMvUTyxU_TxUbjcqfoV3lGJ-R6OY-C3ulnnNeFL8zI2AMu_pRYyGdasNc1djvD8RPL5AaFbgIO6W/s320/100_2534.jpg" /></a>We stopped for a little break near Osburn at this little roadside garden.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiA3i61StoapTPyVGol7_2ZDlXoOK88LKhQ1ZyUFzHsrysQXmmYJmVwnpzbTjkacnBv2X84yCTwLegp66D1iZiSzprQ2pkZRKcZ2nYKff4F2Fky5n-PEslBcWNGGYKsHrTH9-/s1600-h/100_2533.jpg"></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378507911909185634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdiA3i61StoapTPyVGol7_2ZDlXoOK88LKhQ1ZyUFzHsrysQXmmYJmVwnpzbTjkacnBv2X84yCTwLegp66D1iZiSzprQ2pkZRKcZ2nYKff4F2Fky5n-PEslBcWNGGYKsHrTH9-/s320/100_2533.jpg" /></a> This sunny little hillside garden was planted by a woman who obviously loves to garden and just wanted to beautify the trail. There were birdhouses, a wishing well, and a mailbox and a lots of other stuff. If you wanted to take some of her free seeds you could leave a note in the mailbox. I helped myself to a couple of seed packets and then we were on our way again down the trail. </div><div>(I'll plant the seeds somewhere in my garden and they'll be nice reminder of fun trip)<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykv7RH0DZ9SUvlmQTszWN5bSH0oPM4fQs0g-QYFef1CyE8J4ZURgfwJ76wCxznh58talD4FrCGKM43_AodvnlNxsXWpGiYcwdSjiRvfB7W4_eXI4KLZ9MxRasBh-y0VUFu-oz/s1600-h/100_2535.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378507384393152226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykv7RH0DZ9SUvlmQTszWN5bSH0oPM4fQs0g-QYFef1CyE8J4ZURgfwJ76wCxznh58talD4FrCGKM43_AodvnlNxsXWpGiYcwdSjiRvfB7W4_eXI4KLZ9MxRasBh-y0VUFu-oz/s320/100_2535.jpg" /></a> Our next stop was at the old train depot at Kellogg. We stopped just long enough to go inside and get a map and then we were on our way again. At this point we were about a third of the way.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV40QuCHw4WddQJduTxxRNdHRZMVieFmrlQwZJ0ksAby-j4q5D9cGdxjh4GssYTJDEkCmO2XQRlznI4fjczem7oKpke_wMS50cN50BNXtaN0_DKmNn_dfHU_ctv7Sp9VlqAISV/s1600-h/100_2536.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378507089969432642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV40QuCHw4WddQJduTxxRNdHRZMVieFmrlQwZJ0ksAby-j4q5D9cGdxjh4GssYTJDEkCmO2XQRlznI4fjczem7oKpke_wMS50cN50BNXtaN0_DKmNn_dfHU_ctv7Sp9VlqAISV/s320/100_2536.jpg" /></a> The area near Smelterville was the most open area of the whole ride. Like many of the old towns in Northern Idaho, it was an old mining town. We stopped long enough to take a picture and were on our way again.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtf1kyf6Z78l0LnXXiQyJFN9gSyBgeYhRykCkld75RJt0DDkwqq7Lnslo767rYt63CXpj011eRqltn9oYq7zg9K_so2E2nwetCNU8p-Cs9YMDDAtOtLhCHodc5p1NYohhZCf0/s1600-h/100_2538.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378506806961292754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtf1kyf6Z78l0LnXXiQyJFN9gSyBgeYhRykCkld75RJt0DDkwqq7Lnslo767rYt63CXpj011eRqltn9oYq7zg9K_so2E2nwetCNU8p-Cs9YMDDAtOtLhCHodc5p1NYohhZCf0/s320/100_2538.jpg" /></a> About every 8 to 10 miles we'd stop and get off our bikes and take a little break. Every few miles all along the trail there are nice benches and restrooms. Our legs weren't tired but we got tired of sitting so we took advantage of some of these nice rest stops. Taking a few minutes to walk around, drink some water or eat a little snack was all we needed to keep us energized so we were ready to go again.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucKtX1h2iK2tbczcHnnlUAo1zYpbsXWgaET8PygJ8-WB0dl5ydG_bLHnsgdxUfEZZ9d19ju-ujUu3nBzF6UPKj9AyWtoxTP3ylPlKoiaFmvogXc2kt9mXjzkFshwlZJG9bJOG/s1600-h/100_2539.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378506522320346530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucKtX1h2iK2tbczcHnnlUAo1zYpbsXWgaET8PygJ8-WB0dl5ydG_bLHnsgdxUfEZZ9d19ju-ujUu3nBzF6UPKj9AyWtoxTP3ylPlKoiaFmvogXc2kt9mXjzkFshwlZJG9bJOG/s320/100_2539.jpg" /></a>After we'd ridden about 25 miles, we stopped for lunch in Enaville. The locals said if you're anywhere near Enaville you had to stop at the Snake Pit. It's THE PLACE to eat. And they were right! It was a big ole log building that looked like it had been around for a long time. It was one of those places that had lots of character and served really good food. It was very convenient because it was just off the trail so anyone who ridden the trail knew about this place and so it was a good rest stop. It was nice to take about an hour to eat lunch, take a little break and feel refreshed ready to go again. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU04taKaMp8gZuKzyXhHRWqYaybB0xk0pa2ekRbaX2kZxxyfd7PFaglQlqTYRafqKUzfa-TU22tnKE1ayYu3Yb1ikfVyrlS7qDRpg-TU6ht8BmT5-YJGlYU_G7o8TOqVYc4_M/s1600-h/100_2540.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378506218853766002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU04taKaMp8gZuKzyXhHRWqYaybB0xk0pa2ekRbaX2kZxxyfd7PFaglQlqTYRafqKUzfa-TU22tnKE1ayYu3Yb1ikfVyrlS7qDRpg-TU6ht8BmT5-YJGlYU_G7o8TOqVYc4_M/s320/100_2540.jpg" /></a> After we left Enaville, to trail left the little towns and headed out through the countryside. From here on the trail was mostly flat instead of being downhill. We were always is the woods and the colors were just starting to change. It was so pretty. It was perfect weather for a bike ride. Randy saw a fisherman on this bridge so he had to stop to visit for a minute to see if the fish were biting. The trail followed either along a river or a lake much of the time. We saw a lot of waterfowl as well as fishermen in boats and pleasure boats. It's such a pretty area. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dO3ih2TLrwXCoanbircnd24BCEETmaC25Dxup2_72SYwHbrJD23l4ln1eCM-fMX1RydA115IOawsEP4l_-DhQ1ly9WWSAXY5ChIIjXdiiY25WTm2Opste30h6QsnsDzuQ7eN/s1600-h/100_2579.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378505856408117378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dO3ih2TLrwXCoanbircnd24BCEETmaC25Dxup2_72SYwHbrJD23l4ln1eCM-fMX1RydA115IOawsEP4l_-DhQ1ly9WWSAXY5ChIIjXdiiY25WTm2Opste30h6QsnsDzuQ7eN/s320/100_2579.jpg" /></a> This view of the trail shows a stretch where we were leaving some of the wooded areas and going out through some marshland. Even the colors in the marshes were beautiful. The grasses and reeds were different shades of reds, greens, and golds so even in the open there was beauty all around us.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp19Tu56DANvp2tf7DXQTujT9E8RIxwKJEp_OoKuzQ7nzMLXIaLuxyOSpRWw14mKNqSBVfb7zcVR9AvTE4hyZsrPopteFt_ZSCm1OU0tVDqn8F9JMipGH8m2WldedshjWQ20es/s1600-h/100_2580.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378505524578519874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp19Tu56DANvp2tf7DXQTujT9E8RIxwKJEp_OoKuzQ7nzMLXIaLuxyOSpRWw14mKNqSBVfb7zcVR9AvTE4hyZsrPopteFt_ZSCm1OU0tVDqn8F9JMipGH8m2WldedshjWQ20es/s320/100_2580.jpg" /></a> The trail just kept on going and going . . . . and going. And so did we!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojzT331iEQ78kDYVsq0Yv418BiwHDLAvpogot93ud-zsGsUooHyDWFPV3xgJ2cADNu0oTuFuXG7-7oSxumxBdXwkVnCkc_0KYx0ePwXFnJkAEPAGfSHBslmhrm6C9fOZKdi90/s1600-h/100_2541.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378505204718792290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjojzT331iEQ78kDYVsq0Yv418BiwHDLAvpogot93ud-zsGsUooHyDWFPV3xgJ2cADNu0oTuFuXG7-7oSxumxBdXwkVnCkc_0KYx0ePwXFnJkAEPAGfSHBslmhrm6C9fOZKdi90/s320/100_2541.jpg" /></a> For several miles as we rode along, we kept noticing muddy tracks coming up out of the marshes, crossing the trail, then leaving the trail again. We could tell they were moose tracks but we rode for miles and miles and never saw anything.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD73rmFgmnO5BzhdkWe4IqADxgdn2cMYQKoQLNY0DMyrOtNOJtRLINL_1k67YlrOmh1sNBuqlshaMp6Mb86VgJi0fl3riFwJ4pHBJu1G5dxDmh1Z24i9xK3CG-F5FPqYOE6wix/s1600-h/100_2545.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378504856899261874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD73rmFgmnO5BzhdkWe4IqADxgdn2cMYQKoQLNY0DMyrOtNOJtRLINL_1k67YlrOmh1sNBuqlshaMp6Mb86VgJi0fl3riFwJ4pHBJu1G5dxDmh1Z24i9xK3CG-F5FPqYOE6wix/s320/100_2545.jpg" /></a> After following all those muddy tracks, I had just said, "I can't believe we haven't seen a moose". We hadn't gone another 200 yards when a moose came out of the trees and stood on the trail. We couldn't believe it! She just stood there eating the leaves off the trees. Of course we had to stop and just watch. We heard more noise and then . . . .<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoHDiTb9lPsDLE-j_SPI53Ifl6IdIHm6Q71HlKmUgX3-Pqze6VYP7wjnyF82OSLEu4vN_DV-Bg9XRBtWWPyXOnSKxOBxeeQASG9IVy-ZcH3YQrtQ7aZ1l3WG_bkgo0s2qDN96/s1600-h/100_2547.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378504570505316258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoHDiTb9lPsDLE-j_SPI53Ifl6IdIHm6Q71HlKmUgX3-Pqze6VYP7wjnyF82OSLEu4vN_DV-Bg9XRBtWWPyXOnSKxOBxeeQASG9IVy-ZcH3YQrtQ7aZ1l3WG_bkgo0s2qDN96/s320/100_2547.jpg" /></a> . . . out came twins following their mother. It was an amazing sight! We were glad to see one moose, but we never expected to get to see a mother with twins! Twins are pretty rare and to be able to see them up close was really special. We wondered, if one is a moose . . . what are three? Mices - Moosen - Moose and Micen - - who knows? But whatever you called it, it was really something to see. The three of them just wondered back and forth across the trail eating from the trees and not at all concerned about the bikers standing there watching them. They stood there for over 10 minutes until finally they moved off the trail and down a slope until they were a safe distance from the trail. A moose is pretty unpredictable in any circumstances, but a mother with youngens is even more so. It's better to be safe than sorry, just because they're a big clumsy looking animal doesn't mean they can't move fast. We were so lucky to be able to see them!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCujJZN6dgVmdaeUdvpjxmj5YU0uvG5N1nClG3UliWwzvbslLcYU5VRCO2faj6JjXu9F_jALQqu-pJa7Mq24TrJGVMAdQd-irOx95rWtWwTMplxElgJv8mBEkR-7dnQdy_Y_5I/s1600-h/100_2548.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378504303883072130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCujJZN6dgVmdaeUdvpjxmj5YU0uvG5N1nClG3UliWwzvbslLcYU5VRCO2faj6JjXu9F_jALQqu-pJa7Mq24TrJGVMAdQd-irOx95rWtWwTMplxElgJv8mBEkR-7dnQdy_Y_5I/s320/100_2548.jpg" /></a> Randy is on the home stretch now. He's coming down the last part of the trail. From here we only had another 5 or 6 miles to our Bed and Breakfast. We were like a couple of horses headed for the barn . . . there was no stopping us now! <br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQPYbKEWQVuq0_05PuPoBhxdazqoNQtlWJO3oTDu7YDVBzi18FS-B3sIom4Y_2SgS-HfgxStQEOVRQxoQZxt_MXjIzp5EwQ5IyYi7HZ5SFrzx75ubHPhsw_5EFPKW56FlXoLX/s1600-h/100_2550.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378504046227033426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQPYbKEWQVuq0_05PuPoBhxdazqoNQtlWJO3oTDu7YDVBzi18FS-B3sIom4Y_2SgS-HfgxStQEOVRQxoQZxt_MXjIzp5EwQ5IyYi7HZ5SFrzx75ubHPhsw_5EFPKW56FlXoLX/s320/100_2550.jpg" /></a> We finally made it to Harrison . . . 57 miles from where we'd started at Mullen. It had been the longest ride we'd ever attempted but we did great! We had started our ride that morning and seven hours later we had reached our destination. We were tired of sitting but we'd made it in good shape and still felt pretty good. I wouldn't have ever believed we could have ridden that far in a day, but we didn't try to hurry. . . we made lots of rest stops . . . just really enjoyed our adventure together. And the fact that we'd ridden 30 miles the day before made it even a greater accomplishment. It's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it. And when you can travel that distance riding next to your best friend, enjoying the beautiful scenery and having a new adventure together, how can you help but have a terrific time? It had been a beautiful day, we'd seen some awesome countryside. We'd throughly enjoyed the day we'd spend together - - making great memories all along the way! <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-27195286883976701142009-09-07T16:08:00.001-07:002009-09-07T15:16:55.456-07:00Hiawatha TrailHiawatha Trail is a trail that runs 15 miles from Montana into northern Idaho. The trail winds through 10 tunnels and over 7 high steel trestles. It's a spectacular trail with beautiful scenery all along the way. Up until 1977 it was part of the railroad system run by the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroads until they went bankrupt. One of the engines on the Milwaukee Railroad was called "the Hiawatha" so that's how the trail got it's name. Now this scenic stretch of trail is open for bicyclists and hikers to enjoy. About midway <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">through</span> this first tunnel is the Montana-Idaho state line.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 218px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378497835245270834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuKcP8loiV83IrpkQKJ4blYQxdG_Boup01jyGkNQuJnLlpYZx3cTEpV0LcheITArlwCde4sx_aYpGLQtycf4nkngJrpQbFwleSXQsQTgLzr5ZSn2wGMfNWAAei6DalV7W7f_Z/s320/100_2519.jpg" /><br />Randy is entering the "big tunnel" which is 1.7 miles long. The first tunnel is right at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">trailhead</span> and headlights or flashlights are required because it's REAL dark in the tunnels. It was very unsettling to me when we first went into the tunnel. My flashlight and headlight weren't that great and it took a few moments for your eyes to adjust to the total darkness. And besides that, it was hard to get used to not being able to look ahead to see where you were going like you normally do as you ride along on your bike. But after a few scary moments, I adjusted to just watching the spot that was lite up and riding along in that spot. It was only about 35 degrees in the tunnel and you could hear water running along the edges and dripping from the ceiling and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ocassionally</span> a drop or two of water would hit you on the top of your head. It was definitely a new experience!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NZabNcS0-EnUKJBHB0kr5X_lfzfmY9S3rGlCrinNxk9opx0fy7xntHTMZC-s5LvcjhLSjlVRjeRA7lbBVfRygGwdY5tXuGuqk2ZiwB2OXuMhEdnRn-JJN8lggzgu-ge5hV9Z/s1600-h/100_2516.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 221px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378498449709273250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NZabNcS0-EnUKJBHB0kr5X_lfzfmY9S3rGlCrinNxk9opx0fy7xntHTMZC-s5LvcjhLSjlVRjeRA7lbBVfRygGwdY5tXuGuqk2ZiwB2OXuMhEdnRn-JJN8lggzgu-ge5hV9Z/s320/100_2516.jpg" /></a> I was very relieved to make it through that first tunnel . . . only 9 more to go, and none of them were as long as the Taft Tunnel, but you still needed good lighting to be able to ride through them safely. Even though it was a little frightening because I'd never ridden anywhere like that before, it was so awesome! <div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3pJ9kIUdgyNOfNO9heTIa65OzvAsWB8eUhcuhlRaxJ9mQrU25AqerS1ATZqgeixjKoXH94wCaW5KaQBHw43urPRmxpLwZh6v_N6OQ1ZWHkyR_W5-yJTXd6_HI2kZOHUCrIyc/s1600-h/100_2520.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378497561502085122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV3pJ9kIUdgyNOfNO9heTIa65OzvAsWB8eUhcuhlRaxJ9mQrU25AqerS1ATZqgeixjKoXH94wCaW5KaQBHw43urPRmxpLwZh6v_N6OQ1ZWHkyR_W5-yJTXd6_HI2kZOHUCrIyc/s320/100_2520.jpg" /></a> You can see off in the distance one of the 7 high steel trestles we rode over. From this distance I couldn't tell if the trestles have any sides on them. I was pretty worried because I don't like heights and I was pretty intimidated not knowing exactly what to expect.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUpS97ayt_H8ucW5f38G1ZyET_Zg5gZBOq-2bogti-q8moioriINp5MaDtgLNLyOm36l23Bq9zVYYa6bdoE-4B5XpUGGvjGR9Cf69unw8OG8ll_RFAVecG3Zeu-jqQXKVIv8-/s1600-h/100_2521.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378497328332854850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUpS97ayt_H8ucW5f38G1ZyET_Zg5gZBOq-2bogti-q8moioriINp5MaDtgLNLyOm36l23Bq9zVYYa6bdoE-4B5XpUGGvjGR9Cf69unw8OG8ll_RFAVecG3Zeu-jqQXKVIv8-/s320/100_2521.jpg" /></a><br />Randy is on one of the trestles (and even though you can barely see them in the photo) there are good sides on the trestle . . . which was a great relief to me. This is the longest of the trestles being 850 feet long and 230 feet high. I can't imagine how they were built but they're pretty awesome structures and the view from up there was unbelievable!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWuLH3qH3JKBQ_FoeLQktCvSeTLJpFRhsSqnkmYIDg29RtYMViAJ-qHSfZsV9huIS7Gg29QoMbjrnezXx3Q0JOikt71I8rO_-MsIz_CSC5hsx1n1J_PuXxWcPOYOrq7Uy4kuc/s1600-h/100_2523.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378497049852638322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWuLH3qH3JKBQ_FoeLQktCvSeTLJpFRhsSqnkmYIDg29RtYMViAJ-qHSfZsV9huIS7Gg29QoMbjrnezXx3Q0JOikt71I8rO_-MsIz_CSC5hsx1n1J_PuXxWcPOYOrq7Uy4kuc/s320/100_2523.jpg" /></a>This is what the trail looked like. It was a compacted gravel trail and a gentle 2% grade so it was very easy riding. Not much work, you just had to pay attention to not get into loose gravel. The forest and the wildflowers everywhere were beautiful. Riding through the woods on such a beautiful trail was an awesome experience.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm3y9KCHBs5hfcYd1Aoe8fTLq1sdx8kKSbvzSVhdzYnyKYuXKQmUNPMwZcHXvV21mcgP06O_H0EtmccjZgYLS_d-Msvgq3Ykiw6BmpVsLUTzawelJc8ceBS6cqwROburrHRtQ/s1600-h/100_2524.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378496718417562834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKm3y9KCHBs5hfcYd1Aoe8fTLq1sdx8kKSbvzSVhdzYnyKYuXKQmUNPMwZcHXvV21mcgP06O_H0EtmccjZgYLS_d-Msvgq3Ykiw6BmpVsLUTzawelJc8ceBS6cqwROburrHRtQ/s320/100_2524.jpg" /></a> Along the trail were beautiful ferns . . . and the forest smelled so good. It was such a pretty setting to have an amazing experience.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH5nRJ5scquasK98jJ200tuLMaPs4txVAm3fqAlY5VY9om05o3PrIB7zsrKQiNG4qWeDmgrvJh2gTT-9HTpkbiJG4PASI9sOlYIvkbwWjSTzmrYzWOFHcX07MPQEsdFowEfe7/s1600-h/100_2527.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378496427575101938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH5nRJ5scquasK98jJ200tuLMaPs4txVAm3fqAlY5VY9om05o3PrIB7zsrKQiNG4qWeDmgrvJh2gTT-9HTpkbiJG4PASI9sOlYIvkbwWjSTzmrYzWOFHcX07MPQEsdFowEfe7/s320/100_2527.jpg" /></a><br />Coming out of the tunnels into the bright sunlight took a moment for your eyes to adjust but when they did there was a beautiful sight to behold.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Here is another view from the trestles. Randy wasn't nervous like I was about being near the edge so I took several pictures of him enjoying the view. All along the route there were interpretive signs that told of the colorful history of the railroad and the old mining towns. It was very interesting.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1OO_SgmfOXGK1IDLMpuZfrk9WiIcPAJ8dUGO5STZKD5HvlxyFgcFL30vSZFhyphenhyphenyVU8n8n0esBC2j9TF1F5kmM6S2hFtOisWljFlaO-uAQC0O1vmNtLNmtXworT2f8hMRq21cA/s1600-h/100_2525.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378496147703971506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1OO_SgmfOXGK1IDLMpuZfrk9WiIcPAJ8dUGO5STZKD5HvlxyFgcFL30vSZFhyphenhyphenyVU8n8n0esBC2j9TF1F5kmM6S2hFtOisWljFlaO-uAQC0O1vmNtLNmtXworT2f8hMRq21cA/s320/100_2525.jpg" /></a> And here we are at the end of the trail. The sign says, "You made it!" We felt great having spent about 2 and a half hours enjoying some of the most beautiful country you'll ever see. And the fact that we were able to do it together, sharing in this new adventure on our bikes made it all the more special. It was a wonderful ride!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS6LtcJ0t0exWS8YdprvO9p4-sLT2lz9UCNSpUXdAnOUnVSM4aoY7aZhcqmPvNELtnu9GWOA_M4FLQZ9Z9f-fRUGVAv1k3N1ZxFb08geAfNfzIbk9z_wXavGcWkouOQn87RcP/s1600-h/100_2531.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378495818379627570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS6LtcJ0t0exWS8YdprvO9p4-sLT2lz9UCNSpUXdAnOUnVSM4aoY7aZhcqmPvNELtnu9GWOA_M4FLQZ9Z9f-fRUGVAv1k3N1ZxFb08geAfNfzIbk9z_wXavGcWkouOQn87RcP/s320/100_2531.jpg" /></a> And when we got to the end of the trail, we started talking about how much fun it had been and what an awesome experience it was, so we got on the shuttle bus and road up the mountain to the start of the trail and did IT ALL AGAIN! The second ride down the mountain only took us an hour because we didn't stop. It was so much fun and a pretty easy 30 mile ride. Not too bad for a couple of 60 year <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">olds</span>! The Hiawatha Trail was such an adventure and definitely worth the trip! Anyone who likes to ride bikes needs to put it on their list on trail to ride! <div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-1507707634977227382009-09-03T15:54:00.008-07:002009-09-09T05:09:49.459-07:00Our Montana AdventureWednesday morning we left home to begin our little getaway. . . our Anniversary vacation. We decided to drive to Salmon for a little change of scenery instead of driving up the interstate towards Montana. It was a pretty fall morning and the drive to Salmon was very enjoyable. From Salmon, we drove over the Lost Trail Pass into Montana. The drive through the pass was beautiful. Coming into Montana, we drove near the Big Hole National Battlefield site and since we'd never been there before, we decided to stop for awhile and find out about the area. We spent about an hour watching a video and discovering what tragic events happened in this beautiful valley.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirACJJ_IyEsH7kyFYb3I6EPDWrCIwTPKnQcnc07WY4rXaPugGJ2jdkhaTM_iXIHt6KxMD364_UTJWmW8rKEFKgtFDf8Hf1D9IGamjcwNkjm1g7SrwCT-m-vsUu-hTarJpSp96f/s1600-h/100_2604.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 230px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378741383561181010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirACJJ_IyEsH7kyFYb3I6EPDWrCIwTPKnQcnc07WY4rXaPugGJ2jdkhaTM_iXIHt6KxMD364_UTJWmW8rKEFKgtFDf8Hf1D9IGamjcwNkjm1g7SrwCT-m-vsUu-hTarJpSp96f/s320/100_2604.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSoI3XLpLloFmKqJe_aQY_qhPL-fSHHy2P_X3KccRip_WpUMDZxdvAmp_Ou-axCCT4q-oRQEfY0hDct0w0G5Xdz5bLC4_oKrge465dm85_PWuf_59s3BN_z6a41CmIOmgyXx7/s1600-h/100_2603.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 250px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378740985115468498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUSoI3XLpLloFmKqJe_aQY_qhPL-fSHHy2P_X3KccRip_WpUMDZxdvAmp_Ou-axCCT4q-oRQEfY0hDct0w0G5Xdz5bLC4_oKrge465dm85_PWuf_59s3BN_z6a41CmIOmgyXx7/s320/100_2603.jpg" /></a> The Battle at Big Hole had the highest number of casualties during the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> War of 1877. Five bands of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> Indians consisting of 800 people and about 2,000 horses arrived in the lush Big Hole valley in August of 1877. Chief Looking Glass chose the old camp site to set up their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tipis</span> believing they were far enough ahead of the soldier's to be out of danger. The soldiers were trying to round up all the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> and remove them from their homelands in Montana and put them on smaller reservation in Idaho (1/10<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> the size of the original reservation agreement). However, scouts spotted the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">tipis</span> and were hiding in the willows waiting to attack the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span>. In the early morning hours, a warrior stumbled onto the concealed soldiers on his way to check on the horses. The warrior was shot and killed and the battle began. The troops crossed the river and fired into the village. Some of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> scattered quickly, while others were slow to awaken. In the confusion, men, women, and children were shot. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">figthing</span> lasted over the next 24 hours and in the end, 90 members of the tribe were killed, - -30 warriors; the rest were women, children and old people. Those who were able to escape were pursued by the troops over the next several months. Finally after many battles, Chief Joseph finally surrendered near the Canadian border. Of the nearly 800 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> who had started the trek towards the reservation, only 431 remained to surrender. The rest, including four chiefs had been killed in battles. Over that period of time, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nez</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perce</span> had traveled over 1,100 miles. It was such a sad story . . . such a needless and tragic event in our history.<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>From the battlefield, we drove to Anaconda and then on to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipsburg</span>, Montana. Randy had booked a sweet little B&B called the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quigley</span> Cottage. </div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6dYqfP1wtHXj8G0Lkzi1EgMqiuZRiOKkhPHWyAA8Ui79ocjGoX8PPzBthvbYW9a43uTbzgwVOijF4OTq1h-DVHKZqSZVVVmWsJeu8o4ZzqZ5f5nkvnqSkaBrx4H8HSdPSnKS/s1600-h/Qcottage+1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 296px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 206px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378494969853187842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6dYqfP1wtHXj8G0Lkzi1EgMqiuZRiOKkhPHWyAA8Ui79ocjGoX8PPzBthvbYW9a43uTbzgwVOijF4OTq1h-DVHKZqSZVVVmWsJeu8o4ZzqZ5f5nkvnqSkaBrx4H8HSdPSnKS/s320/Qcottage+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quigley</span> Cottage was a charming little house filled with antiques and surrounded by trees, three gardens and two patios . . . just a pretty place to spend a few summer days.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUmQpZ00MXqY2RkbkqHErGDqmTN0-_1MreLy1YgS0MisYfBmuYSt7ZMsaB-Vfi5VD496eLkr6g82GCQcqdwlkqSKE9AWPRPmnPYdTHS1SuX4uwFuLGXhezBT7djhkSBHIWIXJ/s1600-h/100_2505.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378494699183655474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUmQpZ00MXqY2RkbkqHErGDqmTN0-_1MreLy1YgS0MisYfBmuYSt7ZMsaB-Vfi5VD496eLkr6g82GCQcqdwlkqSKE9AWPRPmnPYdTHS1SuX4uwFuLGXhezBT7djhkSBHIWIXJ/s320/100_2505.jpg" /></a> We arrived about 6 0'clock, just in time to unload our bikes, get settled in our room and then go for a little ride around <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipsburg</span>. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_TkaiF51wqYpzABASxXFnH4zt2_OY0QP_mrzq3WG1Q0eNdrf6bWNhsoaR5ntm5Jq6Wz1uJKjgJ4paCrHYq1LOFPOGjAKczynyOPJpVVoRDUl4bi2aTHoBWpCbSppO0Usmy4v/s1600-h/100_2515.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378494382725692802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_TkaiF51wqYpzABASxXFnH4zt2_OY0QP_mrzq3WG1Q0eNdrf6bWNhsoaR5ntm5Jq6Wz1uJKjgJ4paCrHYq1LOFPOGjAKczynyOPJpVVoRDUl4bi2aTHoBWpCbSppO0Usmy4v/s320/100_2515.jpg" /></a> After a little dinner and a ride around town, we came back to the cottage and spent a pleasant evening in the parlor reading and listening to music. Various comfortable chairs were set around in the parlor so we moved from one to another until we found ones that suited us. It was a very pleasant way to spend an hour or so before turning in for the evening.</div><div><br /><br />Here we are in the dining room where we had breakfast Thursday morning. It was a sunny room filled with plants, chairs and more books and interesting antiques. The dining room overlooked a pretty little patio filled with hanging baskets and flower beds. We had a delicious breakfast of fruit, a ham, cheese and pear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">panini</span>, and fried potatoes. It was so delicious - and so pretty on the blue china.<br /><br /></div><div><br /><br />Dave and Davee Letford are the owners of the cottage and such a nice couple. Over several years they had totally remodeled the cottage, doubling it's original size and adding an upper floor. Then they filled it with antiques and books they'd collected over the years. They did a beautiful job and turned a plain little house into a charming country cottage. As we ate our breakfast, we visited and got a little better acquainted. Dave had worked in Alaska for over 25 years in the oil fields and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">Davee</span> had a owned a business downtown - a tea room and shop. They we so nice and friendly . . we really enjoyed getting acquainted.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjuA7eSzJAJw-SLL1zJzetJeh5VK3f6iReTyV63UsK7IfoN6GzF2HgACboclHlBAK8WOCnciK_-dBuyZ9YLHwGILqPkCeXvsgCqs97iHCtvXGXExDtkxnYY3n72WH260gE46E/s1600-h/100_2514.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378494080927416658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjuA7eSzJAJw-SLL1zJzetJeh5VK3f6iReTyV63UsK7IfoN6GzF2HgACboclHlBAK8WOCnciK_-dBuyZ9YLHwGILqPkCeXvsgCqs97iHCtvXGXExDtkxnYY3n72WH260gE46E/s320/100_2514.jpg" /></a>Here's the room we stayed in. It was a pretty little bedroom with lace curtains and shutters on the windows, and a very high sleigh bed. Such a pretty room! </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6f3FdcrJQSZtXis5qbb2KnYL4rNUovQfasDsn6KoMTXDlKMfoy9xb6WtEooCGWiDboR6C-NWsar8Wa_RW76luNpxsDA2mRfWfNwlUbE_Eel4UV58WgS3LHU_N18ojDmqYa0/s1600-h/100_2511.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378493790895874050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMF6f3FdcrJQSZtXis5qbb2KnYL4rNUovQfasDsn6KoMTXDlKMfoy9xb6WtEooCGWiDboR6C-NWsar8Wa_RW76luNpxsDA2mRfWfNwlUbE_Eel4UV58WgS3LHU_N18ojDmqYa0/s200/100_2511.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipsburg's</span> downtown area wasn't very big, but every building was a different style of architecture and all of them were so cute. I love old towns where they make an effort to restore their old buildings instead of tearing them down and building something new. At one time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipsburg</span> was a bustling mining town, just like many other mining towns throughout the west. Now it's a little quaint town of just over 200 people who are trying hard to restore the old buildings and make it an interesting little oasis.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaYes6cRw3LyBbYUtJffBg8C4XKpsZmvtEstQE2FKXeqtGPUosvWF0mSEw-zsdYNFz-gesgpQscfgNI4p-pbEF-Liu0lEtlCey1MU0JOh9Sk5pvgar7Xok0rIjt7LewC5lONg/s1600-h/100_2510.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378493227461276018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaYes6cRw3LyBbYUtJffBg8C4XKpsZmvtEstQE2FKXeqtGPUosvWF0mSEw-zsdYNFz-gesgpQscfgNI4p-pbEF-Liu0lEtlCey1MU0JOh9Sk5pvgar7Xok0rIjt7LewC5lONg/s320/100_2510.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />We'll definitely make an effort to go back to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillipsburg</span> for another stay at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Quigley</span> Cottage. A charming cottage, delicious food and great company made it a great little getaway destination.<br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-45175395807056757502009-08-20T12:28:00.000-07:002009-08-31T12:14:52.616-07:00My Summer Gardens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBhaGFaopp2fI0yyhges1QZubVhYQtB0KjCu-UKNTmQLmWQl-Isr1aRW5zxWQvvE5gkA-FNJfTJFTH_lsmFyQ9qitmMipC2bYdwBISGqUEQgbbKOtSSsmW9p4weo2Kp1WlOO7/s1600-h/100_2215.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376199564504243970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBhaGFaopp2fI0yyhges1QZubVhYQtB0KjCu-UKNTmQLmWQl-Isr1aRW5zxWQvvE5gkA-FNJfTJFTH_lsmFyQ9qitmMipC2bYdwBISGqUEQgbbKOtSSsmW9p4weo2Kp1WlOO7/s320/100_2215.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Sometimes when I go out into my yard I see such beautiful images I just have to take a few photos of them. I know it not like I don't see pretty flowers all the time. . . it's just that I love the images and I want to save it and show it to someone else who might appreciate how pretty it is. So that's what this posting of my blog is all about. Me, appreciating the beauty around me and saving some of the images to be enjoyed even after the season has past and the flowers are no longer there. I'm enjoying the moments and also saving them for a future season. <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6wp8RuXRqA5zf5v2Y3NZeAEk7UfWyB87fJDWAoON1Z3uz8xGpZ5LLKmk4djR-Db6BjLYTFVWTwZ6EVg8tuyj-IhVBA0l1Ly-V176MOAXvUqQAvOPeBR14k6pWQeHtcqefTsB/s1600-h/100_2224.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361742599910727826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6wp8RuXRqA5zf5v2Y3NZeAEk7UfWyB87fJDWAoON1Z3uz8xGpZ5LLKmk4djR-Db6BjLYTFVWTwZ6EVg8tuyj-IhVBA0l1Ly-V176MOAXvUqQAvOPeBR14k6pWQeHtcqefTsB/s320/100_2224.jpg" /></a> These flowers were spectacular this year . . . and every morning when I'd look out my dining room window I'd think I wish I had someone to show them to . . . . and so now I have!</div><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOltBf06f4304Bu-nogocBnkZG65rMSRVSRzCuy2c3YgB0G-AO3eRTJg3LvUIG_fMKO8J2idIgReqDJEbNce3bIZc71_fYzZyVXojhl3anc03lDHV_SIk2-bUMDKpZUn5HS6zR/s1600-h/100_2207.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361742246822018002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOltBf06f4304Bu-nogocBnkZG65rMSRVSRzCuy2c3YgB0G-AO3eRTJg3LvUIG_fMKO8J2idIgReqDJEbNce3bIZc71_fYzZyVXojhl3anc03lDHV_SIk2-bUMDKpZUn5HS6zR/s320/100_2207.jpg" /></a> And my Sweet Williams are also so pretty but they are on the south side of the yard where they are hardly ever noticed . . . so now they are.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ3bDlLQmGqeDIPe8qn8-Z803pfpwflb3zBp3EPz0ua4avuxV_KSvGAhagmvIxKyVtGLco4BMrC5D8Vy4LZXMUv8Oxc7mM5jnTpah46dtNv40zn0ZSLvg7mp6BDZwW1fYR3IJ/s1600-h/100_2254.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361741971562379762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQ3bDlLQmGqeDIPe8qn8-Z803pfpwflb3zBp3EPz0ua4avuxV_KSvGAhagmvIxKyVtGLco4BMrC5D8Vy4LZXMUv8Oxc7mM5jnTpah46dtNv40zn0ZSLvg7mp6BDZwW1fYR3IJ/s320/100_2254.jpg" /></a> And a few years ago, a gardening friend of mine, gave me a tiny start of these delphiniums. For several years I didn't think the plant would survive. But they did, and to my surprise, they finally bloomed this year and they were spectacular! I guess that's just an example of being patient and enjoying the beauty when it comes. They were well worth the wait.<br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDNIiw3Q1nxM7VMiq5IReswSP5kKVESUR-QKcksIRudgrQGdPWgb32_1p59vT5VfUJ2J0_ZudhhuIoMcxy7yageFBbT40kFeSuAaTdHnDnGS7efURhc5v5xSBYM2CL3u22J3Q/s1600-h/100_2248.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361741545753554834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDNIiw3Q1nxM7VMiq5IReswSP5kKVESUR-QKcksIRudgrQGdPWgb32_1p59vT5VfUJ2J0_ZudhhuIoMcxy7yageFBbT40kFeSuAaTdHnDnGS7efURhc5v5xSBYM2CL3u22J3Q/s320/100_2248.jpg" /></a> My poppies are always some of the prettiest flowers in my summer garden. They just make you feel happy to look at them. They have such a delicate blossoms, almost like tissue paper. And they just appear each year in my garden from seeds that dropped the year before. What a nice</div><div>thing - - and from a tiny seed about the size of a flake of pepper!<br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONwjcBSTmIxt5g3igYvS5AwIbTk1zdx8clJT1D6G-V9ruKpPpr6f8UX-zVt9kqlkMbEEsPFNtOszEkvjmjElbqNg6Xa5NqO-zNXVq6TaeW-kK54lKfaAY2dmGZI_JMUlGXo47/s1600-h/100_2205.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361740851085470066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONwjcBSTmIxt5g3igYvS5AwIbTk1zdx8clJT1D6G-V9ruKpPpr6f8UX-zVt9kqlkMbEEsPFNtOszEkvjmjElbqNg6Xa5NqO-zNXVq6TaeW-kK54lKfaAY2dmGZI_JMUlGXo47/s320/100_2205.jpg" /></a> These pink orientals poppies are another bonus of early summer. They don't last long, but while they bloom there isn't anything prettier.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NUipGb66qU_8WvwZ_HuhbCWRzHSFRtmi5ShsrMpa5FfHc1k6R09sibg-Zh7ppfQajvbTnXEFE06Z9FEfmJEezlDZvtsZpg2T3ocpLc4dsBrJxOXr8-XhWl_Hc8cwL7hwDeRz/s1600-h/100_2204.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361740592916009202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NUipGb66qU_8WvwZ_HuhbCWRzHSFRtmi5ShsrMpa5FfHc1k6R09sibg-Zh7ppfQajvbTnXEFE06Z9FEfmJEezlDZvtsZpg2T3ocpLc4dsBrJxOXr8-XhWl_Hc8cwL7hwDeRz/s320/100_2204.jpg" /></a> And now my summer gardens are coming to a close and the days are getting shorter. Soon the leaves will be turning and there will be other fall beauty to enjoy. I love being able to enjoy all the seasons and see the changes each one brings. Every season has it's own beauty. I hope you've enjoyed a little glimpse of some of my summer gardens bounty!<br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-57000665429654106732009-07-23T12:08:00.017-07:002009-08-31T11:35:35.318-07:00National Folk Festival # 2<div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHToJadQB2ciU0kZSsAelc9ELqiIRhk3v1fPAzmYjpGk8Ay3fwVW6Y9KfYNdwNP345Vbv_HuA_NORSRMmv4QrLtoSZXY_w2AKUg_9Pztb8oBOMpF0Ft4H_enD3eseMIu3R0P5/s1600-h/100_2273.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nVAYEIx3dRM6Rvv4XLhyC3i3avh5uY4kMcKLySMeyroXo6nZ16gCFgnld34dl2FqUyqHrZjRVe1hQPJiYK19TcLOZdxRyqdTRkwkwBGDGb1v61lMwBZw_UqQYoVjbDAgYJLH/s1600-h/100_2279.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361739687132935794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nVAYEIx3dRM6Rvv4XLhyC3i3avh5uY4kMcKLySMeyroXo6nZ16gCFgnld34dl2FqUyqHrZjRVe1hQPJiYK19TcLOZdxRyqdTRkwkwBGDGb1v61lMwBZw_UqQYoVjbDAgYJLH/s320/100_2279.jpg" /></a>July 11 and 12th we attended our 2nd National Folk Festival. After attending last year and having such a fun weekend, we decided to go back again. For the second year it was held in Butte, Montana. And again, it was a great event.<br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSgK4QzGI159L41NkCftwvnf8y1nEIj5_ooZpFO1fvbizXAZF_j8aus90dHKAysk8eGVSxKOGtQuo2bbKI24oKldBR1SZUktFn6yulM2IfQwM2NPiZI6lN4h-k52viWKBiHfp/s1600-h/100_2255.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 211px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361736768603362178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSgK4QzGI159L41NkCftwvnf8y1nEIj5_ooZpFO1fvbizXAZF_j8aus90dHKAysk8eGVSxKOGtQuo2bbKI24oKldBR1SZUktFn6yulM2IfQwM2NPiZI6lN4h-k52viWKBiHfp/s320/100_2255.jpg" /></a> Janet had expressed an interest in going to the Folk Festival so we were happy she could get some time off and spend a fun weekend with us. Sitting on lawn chairs on a beautiful summer day in Montana, a cooler of goodies and sodas, and listening to some great music . . . how could it get any better than that? </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9cYMu4-CGJeIyeTaoaDEqbFiq1dQbfm3EX2GaE585tr9OWxFK8z4eOr4t_dBVNbpu9P4uztGxtMxQBDx9Sg1SpBUFXNAWWea49_1AvHYX83XXr5czXoMarbehuqfAX2LCP-m/s1600-h/100_2257.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361736507621916738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9cYMu4-CGJeIyeTaoaDEqbFiq1dQbfm3EX2GaE585tr9OWxFK8z4eOr4t_dBVNbpu9P4uztGxtMxQBDx9Sg1SpBUFXNAWWea49_1AvHYX83XXr5czXoMarbehuqfAX2LCP-m/s320/100_2257.jpg" /></a> For two days we listened to about 12 different performers and every one of them were so good. There was cajun, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, piano, guitar, mariachi, celtic . . . you name it. Music for every taste and all of it was so entertaining. We had a wonderful time listening to all the great acts. If you like good music and music of all types, it's definitely a party worth attending!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh7Rs2DyMhYxnKST2NBpTRLYRiGChyphenhyphen7e9JkrqDcmwcfJ0Hzwr4bnvonUQgUA70nRXuvAEkTTdZdHf8CnrvfaNwTkJvo1uQI-ijV9dK864mnekqfprfFcxxWs1JfTuegciCa-8/s1600-h/100_2260.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361736228239850610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh7Rs2DyMhYxnKST2NBpTRLYRiGChyphenhyphen7e9JkrqDcmwcfJ0Hzwr4bnvonUQgUA70nRXuvAEkTTdZdHf8CnrvfaNwTkJvo1uQI-ijV9dK864mnekqfprfFcxxWs1JfTuegciCa-8/s320/100_2260.jpg" /></a> Here's some of the crowds who came downtown Butte to listen to the Jeff Little Trio. Jeff Little, from Boone, North Carolina played Blue Ridge Piano. . . and boy, could this guy play the piano! Maybe that's 'cause he started playing at age 5, but he was GOOD! And accompanying him was his longtime friend and neighbor Wayne Henderson, (maker of world famous Henderson Guitars). <div></div></div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div> Other groups we watched were Beau Soleil, an amazing cajun band from Louisanna, Tuxedo Jazz Band from New Orleans, Bill Kirchen and The Hammer of Honky-Tonk Gods ("Born at the junction of form & function"), Mariachi Los Camperos ( w/such beautiful voices), Pride of New York -Irish/Celtic, and many more. What a fun time! It was such great music, good food and lots of interesting people to watch!<br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O09wlBBC-hhk90u3LhptIrxxCFeq7VOzHwEPJZ5JTDrOum7TXfbQ2Lo5WCP_QEArh9LRme_ACpSAejh7JwMwGdXsCdf1Ys2VtrJwRKRzUZE-mCnyDn4ADw0YrUL1ibVSevNy/s1600-h/100_2262.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361735944046232754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O09wlBBC-hhk90u3LhptIrxxCFeq7VOzHwEPJZ5JTDrOum7TXfbQ2Lo5WCP_QEArh9LRme_ACpSAejh7JwMwGdXsCdf1Ys2VtrJwRKRzUZE-mCnyDn4ADw0YrUL1ibVSevNy/s320/100_2262.jpg" /></a> Sunday morning before going back for more music at the Folk Festival, we took a mine tour. Here we're all rigged up to go work in the mines.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgF6_7hj2OkazAHE2glPHXBbaRF1zaFX-oGl9j5BYNTqK88PQNiHLDLTUu_oABSCH7DEif5Gp4FbIdXwaD1iF7LD4xqWHBjmuUFN-kKy8s0dK8wbVtCNvuQySDNeOMt70XIWc/s1600-h/100_2270.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361735684892089042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgF6_7hj2OkazAHE2glPHXBbaRF1zaFX-oGl9j5BYNTqK88PQNiHLDLTUu_oABSCH7DEif5Gp4FbIdXwaD1iF7LD4xqWHBjmuUFN-kKy8s0dK8wbVtCNvuQySDNeOMt70XIWc/s320/100_2270.jpg" /></a>Randy is standing in the mine shaft looking much happier to be there than most of those who actually worked in the mines. Mining was hard, hard work in terrible conditions. It's hard to imagine working that hard every day of your life.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5gmoWn8Pqc4x7gTLn_VFJa0sZI4sgm2kCjb_MbNoX_9bBFIMPYW6fgxxkfVhmWOv4vtYwt9KaG1VRhv8jjtJkXyomKGt7M1APOGqQCdarfIuZ3-s0sFyyXi4zRUVNQwBlbLA/s1600-h/100_2266.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361735420635725234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5gmoWn8Pqc4x7gTLn_VFJa0sZI4sgm2kCjb_MbNoX_9bBFIMPYW6fgxxkfVhmWOv4vtYwt9KaG1VRhv8jjtJkXyomKGt7M1APOGqQCdarfIuZ3-s0sFyyXi4zRUVNQwBlbLA/s320/100_2266.jpg" /></a>And this sign is a good reminder of how dangerous mining is and was. Just working in the heat, the dark and the noise would be enough to kill 'ya . . . . yet alone the equipment you had to use. It was all so dangerous!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtmpqZLOgAB0885NLh8pLmUJs0i14cLoYiQagNZRwTRpNdj4QeAU5Q8gNdh1WZc92yPohYnvvgn49KwJ82r6jh3K_VfvbCHjGCUhHSVuiduI6V6LX5VRR5qNsue93g7hF1Wwl/s1600-h/100_2267.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361735141228449730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtmpqZLOgAB0885NLh8pLmUJs0i14cLoYiQagNZRwTRpNdj4QeAU5Q8gNdh1WZc92yPohYnvvgn49KwJ82r6jh3K_VfvbCHjGCUhHSVuiduI6V6LX5VRR5qNsue93g7hF1Wwl/s320/100_2267.jpg" /></a> And the hard hats and headlights were so heavy. I had a headache from wearing my hard hat after only a few minutes. I can't imagine putting in a 12 hour shift under such difficult work conditions. The tour was really interesting and you gave you an appreciation for the life of a miner and how hard and dangerous the work was. Butte is a city of 10,000 miles of underground mines so it's citizens know mining. I'm glad we had the opportunity to take the tour and learn a little more about Butte, Montana.<br /></div><br /><div></div> </div><div> </div><div><div></div><div> It was such a fun weekend! The weather was good (for the most part) - - the music was awesome, and the company was great! It was a wonderful way to spend a weekend in July and we've already made reservations for next year's festival so we'll be back again next year!<br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-28652089875378226542009-07-18T12:48:00.001-07:002009-08-31T13:19:54.957-07:00A Waterful Weekend for both kids & dogs!<div>I love having family come home for a weekend. And one of the fun things about family being home in the summer is that we water the front pasture on weekends. That means for several hours, there's lots of water for kids and dogs to play in. It makes for good photos, good memories and lots of fun. And it's a good way for both kids and dogs to use up lots of energy.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1nopXthvw52GSFx9EzOIxFBtGKfIl4Rw-8uFpdAiesjckBssLizQB40Nr6jrrEArv98mMTdB7abjlD_vESqFoGhtyInGr5GkfDe8W4KSWNVsaPxqZCsC1OCIe5NDodx3XNSj/s1600-h/100_2312.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361747540175319650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1nopXthvw52GSFx9EzOIxFBtGKfIl4Rw-8uFpdAiesjckBssLizQB40Nr6jrrEArv98mMTdB7abjlD_vESqFoGhtyInGr5GkfDe8W4KSWNVsaPxqZCsC1OCIe5NDodx3XNSj/s320/100_2312.jpg" /></a> With Kris and her two dogs and Julie and her two boys, it made for a fun time for everyone. Both the kids and dogs played until they couldn't go anymore.<br /><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG0Tnd9JZxsxB7D5ExuTqMowxXW8E6GmGeRk0eIyYiZZQCLIjj7-XjI0Du9ukY5dI3Bd8_BMbAV9uo0jyT5J9Y7A62zirrc4whgMp33QJ650_d9eHrtdorBCPtQytOj9H_Taj/s1600-h/100_2305.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361746832814463442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoG0Tnd9JZxsxB7D5ExuTqMowxXW8E6GmGeRk0eIyYiZZQCLIjj7-XjI0Du9ukY5dI3Bd8_BMbAV9uo0jyT5J9Y7A62zirrc4whgMp33QJ650_d9eHrtdorBCPtQytOj9H_Taj/s320/100_2305.jpg" /></a> Cooper and Willis loved the water and couldn't hardly get enough of it. They look so cute waiting patiently for someone to throw the ball for them again . . . . for the hundreth time!</div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh_XSmGFMYwpKWuqvgmNfKFlxLa1lXhB_Kvd7IBbLKFi7OACg1Zc_0YAiVxWm6HTOziIPCApuUV-P8S48Zn_wphY8biBEMYSO_LRG__xwh7EoI9pMjqrSM210IIURW-WB_qVG/s1600-h/100_2303.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361746536014134706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBh_XSmGFMYwpKWuqvgmNfKFlxLa1lXhB_Kvd7IBbLKFi7OACg1Zc_0YAiVxWm6HTOziIPCApuUV-P8S48Zn_wphY8biBEMYSO_LRG__xwh7EoI9pMjqrSM210IIURW-WB_qVG/s320/100_2303.jpg" /></a> Bridger loved being so grown up and having the dogs listen to his instructions. It made him feel so important and neither of them ever tired of the game of fetch.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxZyNvs4WT5VkmqbR3PN9JaDC14d9jKlV-Q5nkH9Mdhyn4hxYZ0cLWN_eEoKlhsqux34HNE_NNmyaQdFjN-UR98UGEwXK3VRzuEy1NQS2QDXhQLVUNWRk9_A4CdUADfSBkZIH/s1600-h/100_2288.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361746234008693522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxZyNvs4WT5VkmqbR3PN9JaDC14d9jKlV-Q5nkH9Mdhyn4hxYZ0cLWN_eEoKlhsqux34HNE_NNmyaQdFjN-UR98UGEwXK3VRzuEy1NQS2QDXhQLVUNWRk9_A4CdUADfSBkZIH/s320/100_2288.jpg" /></a> On your mark . . . get set . . . . GO!</div><div> </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgSTE3eg_klMD9TZb-S3FJpwULPTwGygwVEyZLRan5bgFsHtkPmu7oWkax4037cVuwAf_YmuczURlpQT19exyPXynDSDYMNKov6WJTkL1i069L0Rxo1LWFMYJwzDli620iV-T/s1600-h/100_2283.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361745908118698610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgSTE3eg_klMD9TZb-S3FJpwULPTwGygwVEyZLRan5bgFsHtkPmu7oWkax4037cVuwAf_YmuczURlpQT19exyPXynDSDYMNKov6WJTkL1i069L0Rxo1LWFMYJwzDli620iV-T/s320/100_2283.jpg" /></a> I don't know whether Logan being rescued or dunked by Kristi, but it doesn't really matter 'cause he's having so much fun. Naturally, Cooper and Willis have to be in the mix whenever the kids are in the water . . . 'cause after all they are "water dogs"!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEQRzMY6_IL70VzjVSKoEYD1FtFzwekRWvkUkg2CydtpA9PswdFuterPLLDYSPigszsCZTeRMfKb3CMeQW_7qHOarOJLtGj2rosyB-iUrBxH9B2wdXBAZNEwj2gcsAQ7DeNhJ/s1600-h/100_2285.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361745529771020610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEQRzMY6_IL70VzjVSKoEYD1FtFzwekRWvkUkg2CydtpA9PswdFuterPLLDYSPigszsCZTeRMfKb3CMeQW_7qHOarOJLtGj2rosyB-iUrBxH9B2wdXBAZNEwj2gcsAQ7DeNhJ/s320/100_2285.jpg" /></a> Oh, to be a kid again when all it took to keep you happy was to be able to play in the water in the ditch. The water may not be too clean . . . but you're wet and cooled off from the summer heat so what better way to spend a summer day! Just some of the simple joys of life in the country at Grandma's. <div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-72164977101726731862009-06-30T09:52:00.003-07:002009-09-01T08:03:33.290-07:00Alpine Alumni Weekend<span style="font-family:georgia;">I had the opportunity in June to attend the Alumni weekend Alpine Academy with Janet and Lani. It was so good to spend that time with my girls and to see in more detail the work they are involved in. I am so proud of both of them and the difference they are making in the lives of so many girls.<br /><br />Janet is doing a terrific job as Director of Alpine. She works some very long, hard hours but her job has been very rewarding for her as well. She's fortunate to work with a lot of wonderful people who love, respect and appreciate all the things she's able to accomplish.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfk9fMuFtvOh-9UkfOVu-N4h2w0NzsQIIkaX1rKukg-jDuNni7nOha-tQrectdCb12JCdqTZD3ES-nRZeAoEPWihfo0kvZQupIpAZfTNsm0-3rETxS4i7IQtmcOk5msk1alY/s1600-h/100_2172.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361733799737883090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfk9fMuFtvOh-9UkfOVu-N4h2w0NzsQIIkaX1rKukg-jDuNni7nOha-tQrectdCb12JCdqTZD3ES-nRZeAoEPWihfo0kvZQupIpAZfTNsm0-3rETxS4i7IQtmcOk5msk1alY/s320/100_2172.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">This saying appears on a bench near the entrance of the school. When the girls come to Alpine I'm sure many of them think their life as they knew it before is over. . . and hopefully it is. But then with time and much effort by all the staff at Alpine, their lives get turned around, old habits eliminated and new skills learned so that they become like beautiful butterflies. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOa46B-KpWMUJATyCLI4WWJPjPRYy_0fzlVrM1hQkZ-bIY7wNAmmY9VAQf-JiznhYNypLls_UvmA33_qXwz7oG2w316E8sQpDPy7v42BdyxaZcuPHyJHT0QKbyOvPUJPT0mSI/s1600-h/100_2170.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361734071633795778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOa46B-KpWMUJATyCLI4WWJPjPRYy_0fzlVrM1hQkZ-bIY7wNAmmY9VAQf-JiznhYNypLls_UvmA33_qXwz7oG2w316E8sQpDPy7v42BdyxaZcuPHyJHT0QKbyOvPUJPT0mSI/s320/100_2170.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHfk9fMuFtvOh-9UkfOVu-N4h2w0NzsQIIkaX1rKukg-jDuNni7nOha-tQrectdCb12JCdqTZD3ES-nRZeAoEPWihfo0kvZQupIpAZfTNsm0-3rETxS4i7IQtmcOk5msk1alY/s1600-h/100_2172.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></a><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB2uKOihBOMRq8vJggsb61I2iOs8i8S2CpI66uiXNscEFlhIbxuQiuJS0AZaCocCwm7guQv6fWvEqgCXoOJRAHSngJ-gUXxxhYLbEg25JkWC9RjDMoNxKH0pPv6M6WXBhumTI/s1600-h/100_2168.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 332px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732154843307682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMB2uKOihBOMRq8vJggsb61I2iOs8i8S2CpI66uiXNscEFlhIbxuQiuJS0AZaCocCwm7guQv6fWvEqgCXoOJRAHSngJ-gUXxxhYLbEg25JkWC9RjDMoNxKH0pPv6M6WXBhumTI/s320/100_2168.jpg" /></span></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">The landscaping around the campus was beautiful. The grounds crew (which now includes <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span></span></span>) had done a great job getting flowers planted, mulch added and everything perfect for a weekend of extended family and friends. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlhc5tsQPEfrvjHWPsn2olmTYqARSnNtPnEsMJQ1PWcobt_my-yLCXuYUCCmvikovpqNGxvew9SF4VoBxDVSxUEIzgcHtoGNs7m_J0u66LQjRMBgHuCc8Y5A1X4rdej-WQxkq/s1600-h/100_2155.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 329px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732437153722690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlhc5tsQPEfrvjHWPsn2olmTYqARSnNtPnEsMJQ1PWcobt_my-yLCXuYUCCmvikovpqNGxvew9SF4VoBxDVSxUEIzgcHtoGNs7m_J0u66LQjRMBgHuCc8Y5A1X4rdej-WQxkq/s320/100_2155.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I was glad to have Payton as my little buddy. She and I were together so that Lani and Craig could host the families of their girls who were come to visit for the weekend.<br /><br /></span><br /></p><div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6o94o09PV253pHfrJ9R0nj6YkHVxEpEHxWDtTzXC_1Wp0h-y7PhNX7QMVUj5yao6-bib6plC9PIaErPRintcYFBgW3Fcr9M5yqh6Oy2Oi40kufvbMlcn76RQBKB3cTBl2IwB/s1600-h/100_2157.jpg"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361732713919166962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6o94o09PV253pHfrJ9R0nj6YkHVxEpEHxWDtTzXC_1Wp0h-y7PhNX7QMVUj5yao6-bib6plC9PIaErPRintcYFBgW3Fcr9M5yqh6Oy2Oi40kufvbMlcn76RQBKB3cTBl2IwB/s320/100_2157.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span></span></span>, Rory and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Baylee</span></span></span> stopped long enough for a couple of photos . . . but mostly they were just having fun being together and doing their own thing. </span><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDZj0hv3UDADTrb4UkrZkcptKpGZElx9uHpBkcXh-rDy8by_ptmYgoc9sfnSgzqH2twMbqRC5as9gQWVdH_Sn1isR722cDkLOKlEedwR-bYAjiA7ibwQQ2M-YAeroCfUCNwhS/s1600-h/100_2161.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 317px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 226px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361731874523108578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFDZj0hv3UDADTrb4UkrZkcptKpGZElx9uHpBkcXh-rDy8by_ptmYgoc9sfnSgzqH2twMbqRC5as9gQWVdH_Sn1isR722cDkLOKlEedwR-bYAjiA7ibwQQ2M-YAeroCfUCNwhS/s320/100_2161.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Alpine Academy is such a beautiful facility. It has been fun to see the transformation over the years. When Janet first became involved, there was the original home and one new home in the process of being built. Now there are six beautiful homes, a school, barns, pastures, a soccer field and beautiful landscaping and trees everywhere. The program has grown and changed and transformed much like the lives of the girls who come here to change and improve their lives. </div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWH32Ed7fsWoK9IxuwOAHfHpU65fgqBd7SM2RZ9igIQ_f-S62F275kMu6PE4xtE83B-bogrotChImbEm3JQFhWfRkVC-pVDkaYvEIKciT2YdqLZM32beOpJbWUPZC130TmHTS/s1600-h/100_2187.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 292px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 244px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376157235646545858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWH32Ed7fsWoK9IxuwOAHfHpU65fgqBd7SM2RZ9igIQ_f-S62F275kMu6PE4xtE83B-bogrotChImbEm3JQFhWfRkVC-pVDkaYvEIKciT2YdqLZM32beOpJbWUPZC130TmHTS/s320/100_2187.jpg" /></a><br />Payton got to ride one of the horses during the Saturday afternoon activities. Six or eight horses are kept at Alpine and are available for the girls to ride. The horses are used in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alpine's</span></span></span> equestrian program and also used in their therapy programs.<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 269px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 217px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361733408084666962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKxoWllST5vLtBCSCjYdq1iTXK1vVzTPdm1cEE_ne7wlIVBnV4LwShQ6RjLZto0Ol3nsZ4yaU0h9iEqCnygeNa4XYyAGG0Kivmx9MsVykvDyfRZ_MHt93YFJcm1Ugjs1ZAOnkX/s320/100_2188.jpg" /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Payton wasn't worried about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">getting</span></span> on such a big horse --all she cared about was that she got to ride. Must be an inherited trait!</div><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 348px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376165148869801746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kQl33VU05hajpmWN2t-5qjfEVEuhkv0CGL5jrZLurWM60U-TpwVQyME6nw1wkWe2muVyiT4HaR4s835dH3IOZ0XgxBUVfjofIGXuyS2bPMYhMPew3ZFj6-I-gNyxM7BDmq9e/s320/100_2167.jpg" /> <div></div><div></div><div>Much of weekend's classes and activities were held in the beautiful school on campus. Being able meet many of the parents of girls who have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">benefited</span></span> from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Alpine's</span></span></span> programs was a very touching experience. Their praise for Alpine and it's Director and other staff members gave me a better insight as to what a difference they are making in these girls lives. It was an honor to be invited and to be able to spend time with my girls. Again, I'm so proud of them and pleased that they are doing such good work!<br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-20091048752176206312009-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:002009-08-31T12:47:13.655-07:00A Birthday Quilt<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_PGsiL-lAAycG2z-ZRaZQkwfxrTMVmcVzRc9qUXj1jfWBt1p5gFyS378aQb90lm2POSLLFKwVFGgyJ1J08Q6OcHeccsmXmRsZ2yjXbar88nI9AS2NFc5oNnsUj2yuvwWXs_R/s1600-h/100_2196.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361744660725667074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_PGsiL-lAAycG2z-ZRaZQkwfxrTMVmcVzRc9qUXj1jfWBt1p5gFyS378aQb90lm2POSLLFKwVFGgyJ1J08Q6OcHeccsmXmRsZ2yjXbar88nI9AS2NFc5oNnsUj2yuvwWXs_R/s320/100_2196.jpg" /></a>My youngest daughter celebrated her 30th birthday in June. It hardly seems possible my little girl can be 30 years old this year! Where have the years gone? It was just the other day when she was born and now she's a wife and mother of two little boys. I don't know how the time could have passed so quickly. I'd been thinking all spring about making a quilt for her birthday but then when I hurt my leg I didn't know if I'd be able to get it done in time. But I couldn't let that birthday come and go without making something special to mark the occasion. So here's the quilt I made. It's a pretty simple design with big, chunky blocks of color that will go with her sofa and other colors in her living room.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQMYgesGr0UEqe1SASAhN9vHxc8ijaqUOhILpvYBWIeryJlLt3JP_KAfvN6NDSOqii3DepCsHPWLS98noW4a_Icf7u3PXTRjUcR7Om0AyJUc_O02gDS3bhT0q_Mx7EBrrlx5e/s1600-h/100_2197.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361744430278308066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQMYgesGr0UEqe1SASAhN9vHxc8ijaqUOhILpvYBWIeryJlLt3JP_KAfvN6NDSOqii3DepCsHPWLS98noW4a_Icf7u3PXTRjUcR7Om0AyJUc_O02gDS3bhT0q_Mx7EBrrlx5e/s320/100_2197.jpg" /></a> I used some of the same fabric on the backside of the quilt as I used on the front. Recently I've also been trying to make the quilt back interesting and not just making it a solid color. That way you kind of get a double quilt with design on both sides.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIKMZm-DCDw7tvaudcX-RfgBmxPmRceZ1hbnBNK9znc57lxxp1mTKEB6BuMNk_v1zntcQpSefpmGP5AcC3VKcB_WaGJfIyXj18KLHiArYSf3zhfIHEvJq6-CjKIdLojhyphenhyphen37NM/s1600-h/100_2198.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361744128908756482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIKMZm-DCDw7tvaudcX-RfgBmxPmRceZ1hbnBNK9znc57lxxp1mTKEB6BuMNk_v1zntcQpSefpmGP5AcC3VKcB_WaGJfIyXj18KLHiArYSf3zhfIHEvJq6-CjKIdLojhyphenhyphen37NM/s320/100_2198.jpg" /></a> <div>Julie, I hope you'll enjoy wrapping up in this guilt for many years to come and each time you do, you'll feel your mom's love and know that love will always be with you. Happy Birthday Juls!</div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-17363960097181410982009-06-03T08:57:00.010-07:002009-06-03T09:31:01.451-07:00I Spy with my little eye . . .<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryRhqmCLMWG2LpiHRGQsGOJ7mvRUFFMazl2ljFz_QXxS474jiZy8WFW7JaWfewXvKENFjdOoJeE9wibS4gKdshn53QRfJ0HZrm3UOMbLkHxJJW_Gyw9Ez5yIdFjmHgf_1ssDA/s1600-h/100_2142.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343138527070381650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgryRhqmCLMWG2LpiHRGQsGOJ7mvRUFFMazl2ljFz_QXxS474jiZy8WFW7JaWfewXvKENFjdOoJeE9wibS4gKdshn53QRfJ0HZrm3UOMbLkHxJJW_Gyw9Ez5yIdFjmHgf_1ssDA/s320/100_2142.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div>Ok, so I've made yet another quilt. This one is a little wild and crazy, it's not the colors I would normally choose, but I made it colorful for the grandkids to enjoy. It's my "I Spy" quilt. I saw "I Spy" quilt on a calendar and decided it would be a fun quilt to make. So I enlisted the help two other people to exchange blocks with --my sister, Mary and my friend Sue. We decided on 3 1/2 inch blocks, so from our fabric stash we traded colorful pairs of blocks for the quilt. After a month or so I decided I had enough to make a good sized quilt. We also decided to exchange pairs of blocks so that not only would the quilt be colorful with lots of things to look at, but that it would also be a matching game because each block had a match somewhere on the quilt. </div><br /><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cHOVacnd37sM_A68g9Ab0Vj9R2gQX5Aq9pn2Y3_BbhzyatxVIVCQfUh4PYksUGqM_clND2qJ0AS8YIpDbxh6dlFWcYXr9WoBraunrPGpPXYCC0uF2C7DXdN5rpcIESlcY5Y/s1600-h/100_2139.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343134930780323586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-cHOVacnd37sM_A68g9Ab0Vj9R2gQX5Aq9pn2Y3_BbhzyatxVIVCQfUh4PYksUGqM_clND2qJ0AS8YIpDbxh6dlFWcYXr9WoBraunrPGpPXYCC0uF2C7DXdN5rpcIESlcY5Y/s320/100_2139.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>So now when the grandkids come to visit, they can play a matching game on Grandma's latest quilt. . . . and hopefully have a little fun playing a game we've enjoyed playing for years.<br /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rXEUqAJg70lAh_DRXQ6o4Hi_JnpJ4yk9TrrBapdNQVQZWPxOE02_lVmVNzkwYdT0otXmrJ5exHE4R8T-nLYnBO7aFcZomGrxAaOpG0OWU82RNa8OmNIsjJSpHT6xKzL3BgGA/s1600-h/100_2140.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343135204868913682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rXEUqAJg70lAh_DRXQ6o4Hi_JnpJ4yk9TrrBapdNQVQZWPxOE02_lVmVNzkwYdT0otXmrJ5exHE4R8T-nLYnBO7aFcZomGrxAaOpG0OWU82RNa8OmNIsjJSpHT6xKzL3BgGA/s320/100_2140.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>And they will able to say, " I Spy with my little eye" just the same as their parent's did when they were little . . . . not so long ago!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rXEUqAJg70lAh_DRXQ6o4Hi_JnpJ4yk9TrrBapdNQVQZWPxOE02_lVmVNzkwYdT0otXmrJ5exHE4R8T-nLYnBO7aFcZomGrxAaOpG0OWU82RNa8OmNIsjJSpHT6xKzL3BgGA/s1600-h/100_2140.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36022344.post-51666310444452338702009-06-03T08:00:00.011-07:002009-06-03T08:56:07.334-07:00Grandma's Little HelperI usually spend my days doing things in the house, working on projects or being outside in the yard - - - but most of that time I'm all alone. But early in May, I had the best little helper come for a week long visit. My days went from quiet days where I may go for hours without speaking to another soul, to having a very talkative (not always understandable) little girl be my little buddy. We had a wonderful time together!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU1cgLzBsFXkcJq5FPwca27C3l5XvhU5U5O-z4d0rI3VRx05HRyACT6xK9Nwix7cj4l_aNeoG19cq9sHbSyvE_S1GnRBkK0S01WEeNBFSgrbEDjmUD0xCA1hnyAiU_OyYydUp/s1600-h/100_2097.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343119757831079442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcU1cgLzBsFXkcJq5FPwca27C3l5XvhU5U5O-z4d0rI3VRx05HRyACT6xK9Nwix7cj4l_aNeoG19cq9sHbSyvE_S1GnRBkK0S01WEeNBFSgrbEDjmUD0xCA1hnyAiU_OyYydUp/s320/100_2097.jpg" border="0" /></a> I knew Payton loved being outside and we'd looked forward to her coming to visit so we could be in the yard, but the early part of the week, the weather was cold and windy so we found other ways to keep busy. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zNIskgKvHzPvM8-DpPJyD_kwAZrpEJXg9WVtwVbon1j0dk68TjxQD-5b0xtG2OLGYp6fBxgMdIcPJSjO1qrXzMy_5Z9wf8ReJ6GQLfKF0bANCH2Qz8YzCUWZfLAoO0hTRPDk/s1600-h/100_2094.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343119264054729618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zNIskgKvHzPvM8-DpPJyD_kwAZrpEJXg9WVtwVbon1j0dk68TjxQD-5b0xtG2OLGYp6fBxgMdIcPJSjO1qrXzMy_5Z9wf8ReJ6GQLfKF0bANCH2Qz8YzCUWZfLAoO0hTRPDk/s320/100_2094.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p> </p><p>Since I spend so much of my indoor time in my sewing room, that became an interesting place for Payton to discover all sorts of new things to do. Her favorite thing was playing in my baskets of fabric and sorting pins - - moving the pins from one pin cushion to another. Who knew such a simple thing could entertain a little girl for such a long time? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUGEbOApqXRCHrcpdSD_0bDdI2Ml-hi_j3e_500ogbduYA-1ZdnNYYCC-svd-9c9tUz06VUpHNV3eYNA6KCAMVw8REIJrp0gjqaQYy-TU4vBmhWD1Gh45TGdetDC3HPut4QQ6/s1600-h/100_2114.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343118924053355170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUGEbOApqXRCHrcpdSD_0bDdI2Ml-hi_j3e_500ogbduYA-1ZdnNYYCC-svd-9c9tUz06VUpHNV3eYNA6KCAMVw8REIJrp0gjqaQYy-TU4vBmhWD1Gh45TGdetDC3HPut4QQ6/s320/100_2114.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Payton loved carrying the spray bottle around, sucking on it and dumping the fabric scaps out and then putting them back in the basket. She got lots of practice doing "cleanup" - - she's a little organizer like her mom. She loves to sort things . . .whether it's toys, pins or fabric. </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r98ejEASOPw_n8PrAopuyyHsThtpjoauxs5RCKQrqolCBlHUCQJTEyD4h8dSTpNPrYzqZIVIErnfXqdSkD3BjVXXFLVVUfhIsQrcj7XZcr51QNeYoi3uygyPkXaA1tlemP50/s1600-h/100_2131.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343118512297796754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r98ejEASOPw_n8PrAopuyyHsThtpjoauxs5RCKQrqolCBlHUCQJTEyD4h8dSTpNPrYzqZIVIErnfXqdSkD3BjVXXFLVVUfhIsQrcj7XZcr51QNeYoi3uygyPkXaA1tlemP50/s320/100_2131.jpg" border="0" /></a> Lunchtime was a real adventure. Payton didn't want my help--she wanted to feed herself and most of the time she did pretty good with most of the food staying on the high chair or in the bib. It looks like I'm feeding her dirt for lunch but she's eating one of her favorite food - black beans. She loves them. She eats them as quickly as her little fingers can pick them up!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQKNP7Kuz1MMxjp6PqeYL2nJ92duUrTxAt11kGTlBrc2O2Xujb8m2jkh1cXcPtWeQWjtMXVmgY8CaCamz3k8KmquCUu6dm0vYg6kDAODa9lFiwRkDRsKld54LwNO5qAQ1khy8/s1600-h/100_2118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343117792805777506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQKNP7Kuz1MMxjp6PqeYL2nJ92duUrTxAt11kGTlBrc2O2Xujb8m2jkh1cXcPtWeQWjtMXVmgY8CaCamz3k8KmquCUu6dm0vYg6kDAODa9lFiwRkDRsKld54LwNO5qAQ1khy8/s320/100_2118.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Finally, on Friday the weather got a little warmer so we were able to spend the day in the yard. She really is an outside girl. She loved walking around on the rocks around my flower garden- - -and just being out in the yard. She was so content to just be "outside" we spend all of Friday and Saturday in the yard! </p><p> </p><p><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcED63IJBzV_VjCKTIkASHZJpK4QEUexVPvB75KLmY5v2cpF9RDdKx5ioEDrTHnwRTZcx0wTKfzX_KeXeeSNRJzt4F_wYygGJoPccbgyhc0sDHG_1RsKPer5Xq1bWQchKBRXoh/s1600-h/100_2117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343117479173965218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcED63IJBzV_VjCKTIkASHZJpK4QEUexVPvB75KLmY5v2cpF9RDdKx5ioEDrTHnwRTZcx0wTKfzX_KeXeeSNRJzt4F_wYygGJoPccbgyhc0sDHG_1RsKPer5Xq1bWQchKBRXoh/s320/100_2117.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What a little punkin! We loved having her come for a visit. We don't get to have the grandchildren come for a visit very often and so to have such a sweet little girl stay with us for the week was a special treat. I'm sure her mom and dad missed her terribly while they were gone, but we were having a wonderful time!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jnLl97DWfN-F0yAVvRAXydGPk0zwSUyNkQ2LH8YLwahpcyfwpVydbeczZzem3gm0F5T51qPDvB45QsbxwVMwxCPtNzlJWwB-W7f5ORFq0bBa5JSLdX9bdeQUyHL1E-pOHLzs/s1600-h/100_2092.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343117151828838066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6jnLl97DWfN-F0yAVvRAXydGPk0zwSUyNkQ2LH8YLwahpcyfwpVydbeczZzem3gm0F5T51qPDvB45QsbxwVMwxCPtNzlJWwB-W7f5ORFq0bBa5JSLdX9bdeQUyHL1E-pOHLzs/s320/100_2092.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And besides, how often do you get chance to have such a good little helper? </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Not often enough!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div></div></div></div>ilenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11828489340625524843noreply@blogger.com1