He said, "in my opinion, it's just another patch of dirt -- a pretty one, but just another patch of dirt."
The "he" was a handle-bar 'stached Harley biker (is that redundant?) Standing on the parking lot of Grizzly campground at 7 am July11 we had driven down the day before from MT through the north entrance of Yellowstone to the campground in west Yellowstone. The evening before, we'd had dinner with Brad, my friend from college, and attended the local rodeo where one of Brad's ministry students tried his hand at (a very brief) bull ride. It had been a great day celebrating the majesty of northwest Yellowstone and fellowshipping with this group of college students as Todd made a memory to last a lifetime.
Yet, my biker friend, who was from 160 miles south of the park, only saw it as a stopping point, as a piece of land to "get through before the gawkers get out and make it a 4 hour drive through the park."
Since this encounter, we've been retracing steps from the past. On the occasion of our first wedding anniversary, Darcy and I trekked from Sioux Falls to Montana, with stops in Wyoming, Yellowstone, etc. This year, we're visiting many of the same sights:
* From the campground, we motored through Yellowstone and exited the park via the Beartooth Highway (outstanding views) and camped in the shadows of Devils Tower.
* The journey across South Dakota included stops at Mt. Rushmore, Wall Drug, and the Badlands, before we raced tornadoes to our Sioux Falls stop-off.
* In Sioux Falls, the kids got the chance to see "Little Blue," the first house we lived in after college and to meet some dear friends. We had a great, albeit brief, opportunity to visit familiar turf and see it anew through the eyes of the children. It was fun to see the "familiar" of old friends reborn in the lives of their children.
* The next stop was Chicago and a visit with Purdue friends and a stop at the Shedd aquarium. Once again, a 36-hour stop was filled with fond reminiscence.
* Finally, we've landed in the Cleveland suburbs to see Darcy's family and attend her 20th high school reunion. In some instances, we saw some people that we hadn't seen in 10 years (even though we live within a 2-3 hour drive of some of them) and some that Darcy hadn't seen in more like 20 years. There were the expected stories from the past, the antics of high school, as well as the new set of exchanges (marriages, childbirths, separations and divorces). And the commitments to maintain the connections to ensure that the familiar remained that way.
This afternoon we visited Grandma Jones' grave site and then took the kids to Akron, to see the house we lived in there, to see the patch of dirt we formerly called home. Though some of the directions were jumbled, the neighborhood was familiar to Darcy and I. We gawked at the changes that subsequent homeowners have made, particularly the removal of the trees we planted when Mikaela and Nathan were born. We ended the day, celebrating with family at Aunt Dana's.
Interestingly, this past week has been filled with treading on old patches of dirt -- places and people that are easy to dismiss as familiar and old. Yet we've been blessed to see them anew, to freshen the familiar.
Might that be our mission everyday.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Run 'em and Gun 'em
The last two days at Grandpa Jones' Montana ranch could not have been better -- a much needed rest and time, again, to connect with the people who mean so much to us.
The kids have spent the two days riding ATVs and target shooting (don't forget, it is Montana!). We've watched deer walk through the yard and, generally, just enjoyed the down time in the cool mountain air.
Tomorrow, we head to Yellowstone where we will search for wildlife, see the phenomenal sights and reconnect with college friends who work there now.
It should be a great time.
The kids have spent the two days riding ATVs and target shooting (don't forget, it is Montana!). We've watched deer walk through the yard and, generally, just enjoyed the down time in the cool mountain air.
Tomorrow, we head to Yellowstone where we will search for wildlife, see the phenomenal sights and reconnect with college friends who work there now.
It should be a great time.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tall Trees, Connected Roots
[I've been trying, unsuccessfully, to get pictures to load. Hopefully, I will eventually be successful. Otherwise, we'll have photos on facebook after we return.]
A good time was had by all in Vegas and I'd love to write more about it, but, as you know, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas," so we'll move along.
From Vegas, we traveled to Sequoia National park, home of some of the world's largest trees. However, before we arrived we experienced our first Wallyworld moment of the trip. As you recall from Summer Vacation, the Griswald family is on a vacation much like ours, with Clark constantly talking about how exciting it will be to reach Wallyworld. Of course, when they arrive, Wallyworld is closed for the season.
For us the adventure involved a wrong turn or two (or twenty-seven). As we approached Sequoia (perhaps an hour and a half away), our GPS indicated that we needed to turn right at Bella Terra, CA. That right turn then took us on a left that then went right and another left -- along a country road fit for a slasher movie. We checked to make sure we had adequate gas (We did) and drove until, an hour into the detour, the GPS indicated we needed to make a U-turn. So, upon closer review, the GPS had taken us right to the closest point in Sequoia National FOREST. As soon as I programmed in Sequoia National PARK, we made the U-turn and then retraced our steps to Bella Terra and continued on to Sequoia -- only 2+ hours spent off course.
Thank God, Sequoia wasn't closed when we arrived.
Though not the tallest, the columnar (versus conical) shape of the Sequoia pine's trunk makes for massive volume (and they are pretty darn tall). We visited the General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume) and numerous others that only grow at certain elevations, found mostly on the western side of the Sierra Nevadas. Interestingly, these massive trees grow very shallow roots (only 3-6 feet deep) so they must intertwine their roots with the roots of other trees for stability. Also, the bark on the tree grows very thick (6-12") but is very light; filled with air pockets to protect the tree in the event of forest fire. And, speaking of forest fires, they are necessary for the Sequoia to propagate, as the heat from the fire is needed for the tight cone to open and release new seeds. All very interesting information, yes?
Our trek from Sequoia took us north to Yosemite National Park, where we able to see the natural phenomenon in action. A forest fire was moving through a section of the park and we learned that officials no longer "fight" natural fires by trying to put them out. Instead, they work to "manage" them, letting the fire serve its purpose without harming life or property. It is a delicate (and sometimes controversial) practice. Despite the delay due to traffic, we were able to see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and some of the other terrific Yosemite sights. We clearly had not allotted enough time for the California parks so I guess we'll have to return some time in the future.
On Monday, we left Yosemite and headed for Lake Tahoe. For me, it was a trip of reminiscence since I had worked at Tahoe during the summer of 1981. Here I was, returning to the scene 28 years later. It was a trip filled with anxiety and anticipation. The summer of '81 was a challenging one for me. My father had passed away the previous fall, my junior year of college was a hectic one (I had just changed my major and was playing a little catch up), and I had not really taken much time to ponder the loss. I suppose that I had more going on in my head and heart than I imagined (or remember) during that time. I'm not sure what value I added to the lives of others that summer, but the people I met at Tahoe saved my spirit in many ways -- more than they will ever remember. So, Monday night, we headed to the Holzers, where we would reminisce about the summer, laugh about the changes life had brought our way, and reconnect after nearly 3 decades apart. It could not have been a more joyous evening. I was proud to bring my family to meet the folks I had known as Ma and Pa for the summer. It was good for me to be reminded of that time and space, and the people who had been there for me. Some of the most authentic and generous people I have ever met. On my best days, I can only hope to embody 90% of the Graciousness they live every day (well, almost).
After dinner, we returned to our campsite and one of the kids remarked about how anxious they were to reach Grandpa and Nana's Montana retreat -- the next stop on the tour -- which we were expected to reach after a 12 hour drive on Tuesday. Instead, Darcy and I questioned whether we should just go ahead and hit the road. So, we broke camp and headed out of town. After a night of tag team driving, we were able to use the time gained for a stop at Craters of the Moon in Idaho (very cool stop if you are in the neighborhood) and an extra half day at the Jones' Montana ranch.
I'm confident that I cried when I left Lake Tahoe in August of 1981. I had weathered a trying time in my life, in a different place with its own set of challenges . . . and the people there had made it all possible. Runs in the Tahoe forests with Dan -- Conversations with Debbie and Donna about life -- Time spent tooling around in Dan's Datsun 280 ZX -- All added up to help me through this time of my life. I was grateful.
As I headed the van toward Reno after 10 o'clock Monday night, the family settled in and drifting off for a long night ride, I found tears again trickling down my cheeks. Our eight hours in Tahoe had been more than a dinner stop. More than a tourist respite in this much sought after location. It had been a homecoming. And a reminder that the trees may look tall, but their strength comes from the relationships, the others with whom their roots have connected. The fires had come into my life, as they have for all of us, and I had stood (even grown) through the interconnectedness.
I was reminded that family and friends, those with whom we are intertwined, make all the difference. And I am grateful
A good time was had by all in Vegas and I'd love to write more about it, but, as you know, "What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas," so we'll move along.
From Vegas, we traveled to Sequoia National park, home of some of the world's largest trees. However, before we arrived we experienced our first Wallyworld moment of the trip. As you recall from Summer Vacation, the Griswald family is on a vacation much like ours, with Clark constantly talking about how exciting it will be to reach Wallyworld. Of course, when they arrive, Wallyworld is closed for the season.
For us the adventure involved a wrong turn or two (or twenty-seven). As we approached Sequoia (perhaps an hour and a half away), our GPS indicated that we needed to turn right at Bella Terra, CA. That right turn then took us on a left that then went right and another left -- along a country road fit for a slasher movie. We checked to make sure we had adequate gas (We did) and drove until, an hour into the detour, the GPS indicated we needed to make a U-turn. So, upon closer review, the GPS had taken us right to the closest point in Sequoia National FOREST. As soon as I programmed in Sequoia National PARK, we made the U-turn and then retraced our steps to Bella Terra and continued on to Sequoia -- only 2+ hours spent off course.
Thank God, Sequoia wasn't closed when we arrived.
Though not the tallest, the columnar (versus conical) shape of the Sequoia pine's trunk makes for massive volume (and they are pretty darn tall). We visited the General Sherman, the world's largest tree (by volume) and numerous others that only grow at certain elevations, found mostly on the western side of the Sierra Nevadas. Interestingly, these massive trees grow very shallow roots (only 3-6 feet deep) so they must intertwine their roots with the roots of other trees for stability. Also, the bark on the tree grows very thick (6-12") but is very light; filled with air pockets to protect the tree in the event of forest fire. And, speaking of forest fires, they are necessary for the Sequoia to propagate, as the heat from the fire is needed for the tight cone to open and release new seeds. All very interesting information, yes?
Our trek from Sequoia took us north to Yosemite National Park, where we able to see the natural phenomenon in action. A forest fire was moving through a section of the park and we learned that officials no longer "fight" natural fires by trying to put them out. Instead, they work to "manage" them, letting the fire serve its purpose without harming life or property. It is a delicate (and sometimes controversial) practice. Despite the delay due to traffic, we were able to see Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan and some of the other terrific Yosemite sights. We clearly had not allotted enough time for the California parks so I guess we'll have to return some time in the future.
On Monday, we left Yosemite and headed for Lake Tahoe. For me, it was a trip of reminiscence since I had worked at Tahoe during the summer of 1981. Here I was, returning to the scene 28 years later. It was a trip filled with anxiety and anticipation. The summer of '81 was a challenging one for me. My father had passed away the previous fall, my junior year of college was a hectic one (I had just changed my major and was playing a little catch up), and I had not really taken much time to ponder the loss. I suppose that I had more going on in my head and heart than I imagined (or remember) during that time. I'm not sure what value I added to the lives of others that summer, but the people I met at Tahoe saved my spirit in many ways -- more than they will ever remember. So, Monday night, we headed to the Holzers, where we would reminisce about the summer, laugh about the changes life had brought our way, and reconnect after nearly 3 decades apart. It could not have been a more joyous evening. I was proud to bring my family to meet the folks I had known as Ma and Pa for the summer. It was good for me to be reminded of that time and space, and the people who had been there for me. Some of the most authentic and generous people I have ever met. On my best days, I can only hope to embody 90% of the Graciousness they live every day (well, almost).
After dinner, we returned to our campsite and one of the kids remarked about how anxious they were to reach Grandpa and Nana's Montana retreat -- the next stop on the tour -- which we were expected to reach after a 12 hour drive on Tuesday. Instead, Darcy and I questioned whether we should just go ahead and hit the road. So, we broke camp and headed out of town. After a night of tag team driving, we were able to use the time gained for a stop at Craters of the Moon in Idaho (very cool stop if you are in the neighborhood) and an extra half day at the Jones' Montana ranch.
I'm confident that I cried when I left Lake Tahoe in August of 1981. I had weathered a trying time in my life, in a different place with its own set of challenges . . . and the people there had made it all possible. Runs in the Tahoe forests with Dan -- Conversations with Debbie and Donna about life -- Time spent tooling around in Dan's Datsun 280 ZX -- All added up to help me through this time of my life. I was grateful.
As I headed the van toward Reno after 10 o'clock Monday night, the family settled in and drifting off for a long night ride, I found tears again trickling down my cheeks. Our eight hours in Tahoe had been more than a dinner stop. More than a tourist respite in this much sought after location. It had been a homecoming. And a reminder that the trees may look tall, but their strength comes from the relationships, the others with whom their roots have connected. The fires had come into my life, as they have for all of us, and I had stood (even grown) through the interconnectedness.
I was reminded that family and friends, those with whom we are intertwined, make all the difference. And I am grateful
Friday, July 3, 2009
Story time
Gather ‘round and listen
Vacation trips such as the one we are taking make for good stories. The planning provided opportunities to tell people about our journey, the people we meet engage in story exchanges and I’m sure we’ll tell stories about the trip for years to come. So, I shouldn’t be surprised that stories make their appearance along the way.
On Tuesday we left Albuquerque and headed north for Four Corners, USA, the spot where the states of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah come together in a neat point. As we waited in line for the photographic moment, one gentleman was telling his story. It seems that he had visited Four Corners 30 years ago and (surprisingly?) a lot had changed. In his recollection, none of the vendor booths (that appeared to be 50 years old) had been there. It was interesting to watch his face as he scanned the surroundings, working to connect with the memories from long ago.
It was an interesting diversion, though a bit anticlimactic. Of course, the biggest benefit may have been that this stop enabled us to add Colorado to our long list of states visited this vacation . . . oh, and the stories we’ll tell.
From Four Corners we trekked to Canyon de Chelly, outside of Chinle, AZ.
We had never heard of this Canyon either, until a great salesman at REI informed us that this is where the diehard canyon visitors go, especially to see the ruins of dwellings built high on the cave walls thousands of years ago. It was well worth adding to our itinerary.
The views were terrific and we hiked down to the base where the ruins could be observed up close.
Made me wonder the stories of the peoples who had lived here (and some who continue to), eeking out a living as best as they can. Our camp spot was in a rustic area near Spider Rock. Our tent was set back close to the edge of everything and it was quiet (and dark). A terrific place to fall asleep listening to the breeze moving through the brush and awaken to a Native American flute in the distance.
Thursday, [Is that right? Have we covered this much distance in 5 days?] we set out for the Grand Canyon. What can I say? If you’ve been there, you know the story. If you haven’t, there’s really nothing I can say other than you must go. We’ve dubbed this trip the “highlights tour” because we’re seeing so many things briefly, with the benefit of digging deep in any one place.
The Grand Canyon falls into that category. Due to the brevity of our stop, we saw but a fraction of the grandeur, but we were blessed with the opportunity to hear the Canyon’s story. Not the part about the Colorado River carving through the rock over a period of thousands of years. That’s a good story, but if you’re fortunate, the Canyon tells its own story. Our campsite was located with a view of the North Rim, within 50 yards of the edge. From this location, we were able to listen to the canyon winds howling and the trees creaking throughout the night. With morning, we were greeted by the sound of birds awakening, anxious children chattering and RVs revving up for the new day. What a story. Go see it and hear it.
The remainder of the day was spent cruising through Zion National Park to our destination in Las Vegas. Zion is a story unto itself and deserves more time than we could give it. Like the two previous canyons we’d visited, Zion has its own script.
After spending the better part of the week in the wilderness, we pulled into Vegas for a quick 2-night stay. I’m sitting outside at a nearby Laundromat, waiting for the laundry to dry, while Darcy and the kids are asleep at Circus-Circus.
Nothing exciting to do in this city, so I’m sure we’ll just hangout, sleep . . . and do laundry.
That’s my story . . . and I’m sticking to it.
Vacation trips such as the one we are taking make for good stories. The planning provided opportunities to tell people about our journey, the people we meet engage in story exchanges and I’m sure we’ll tell stories about the trip for years to come. So, I shouldn’t be surprised that stories make their appearance along the way.
On Tuesday we left Albuquerque and headed north for Four Corners, USA, the spot where the states of Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah come together in a neat point. As we waited in line for the photographic moment, one gentleman was telling his story. It seems that he had visited Four Corners 30 years ago and (surprisingly?) a lot had changed. In his recollection, none of the vendor booths (that appeared to be 50 years old) had been there. It was interesting to watch his face as he scanned the surroundings, working to connect with the memories from long ago.
It was an interesting diversion, though a bit anticlimactic. Of course, the biggest benefit may have been that this stop enabled us to add Colorado to our long list of states visited this vacation . . . oh, and the stories we’ll tell.
From Four Corners we trekked to Canyon de Chelly, outside of Chinle, AZ.
We had never heard of this Canyon either, until a great salesman at REI informed us that this is where the diehard canyon visitors go, especially to see the ruins of dwellings built high on the cave walls thousands of years ago. It was well worth adding to our itinerary.
The views were terrific and we hiked down to the base where the ruins could be observed up close.
Made me wonder the stories of the peoples who had lived here (and some who continue to), eeking out a living as best as they can. Our camp spot was in a rustic area near Spider Rock. Our tent was set back close to the edge of everything and it was quiet (and dark). A terrific place to fall asleep listening to the breeze moving through the brush and awaken to a Native American flute in the distance.
Thursday, [Is that right? Have we covered this much distance in 5 days?] we set out for the Grand Canyon. What can I say? If you’ve been there, you know the story. If you haven’t, there’s really nothing I can say other than you must go. We’ve dubbed this trip the “highlights tour” because we’re seeing so many things briefly, with the benefit of digging deep in any one place.
The Grand Canyon falls into that category. Due to the brevity of our stop, we saw but a fraction of the grandeur, but we were blessed with the opportunity to hear the Canyon’s story. Not the part about the Colorado River carving through the rock over a period of thousands of years. That’s a good story, but if you’re fortunate, the Canyon tells its own story. Our campsite was located with a view of the North Rim, within 50 yards of the edge. From this location, we were able to listen to the canyon winds howling and the trees creaking throughout the night. With morning, we were greeted by the sound of birds awakening, anxious children chattering and RVs revving up for the new day. What a story. Go see it and hear it.The remainder of the day was spent cruising through Zion National Park to our destination in Las Vegas. Zion is a story unto itself and deserves more time than we could give it. Like the two previous canyons we’d visited, Zion has its own script.
After spending the better part of the week in the wilderness, we pulled into Vegas for a quick 2-night stay. I’m sitting outside at a nearby Laundromat, waiting for the laundry to dry, while Darcy and the kids are asleep at Circus-Circus.
Nothing exciting to do in this city, so I’m sure we’ll just hangout, sleep . . . and do laundry.
That’s my story . . . and I’m sticking to it.
[Spent the morning at Hoover Dam (wow!) and the afternoon at Circus Circus Midway. Dinner at House of Blues and to bed early. Really. Not a dime spent ganbling. Really. Okay, maybe a quarter. That's all. Well, it was a few quarter, but that's all. Really . . .]
Monday, June 29, 2009
La vie. Ca C'est bon!
Yes, it is good.
Saturday started with the Oconee County swim meet, bringing this great season swimming with the FAST Sharks to a close. All three kids swam great – each placing in the top 5 in all their individual events. Immediately (and I mean immediately) following the last event, Mikaela, Nathan and Garrett dried off, changed clothes and jumped in the car that was already pointed west. 
Seven hours later we pulled in to Memphis for a quick overnight visit with our friend Steve H. and dinner of fabulous jambalaya. I hope he wasn’t planning for leftovers (there weren’t any). Culinary lesson learned: add Velveeta cheese for a creamy, tasty base. It was a short visit, but a reminder how much friends matter in our lives.
Sunday was a long drive day – Memphis to Amarillo (11 hours of driving). The highlight of the day was the Oklahoma City National Memorial. 
Although the actions of McVeigh/Nichols were wicked and dishonorable, the memorial is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It sounds trite, but the memorial brings out the best in people, from an event that demonstrated the worst in some. Go online, learn about it and then make a trip to OKC. You won’t regret it.
Although the actions of McVeigh/Nichols were wicked and dishonorable, the memorial is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It sounds trite, but the memorial brings out the best in people, from an event that demonstrated the worst in some. Go online, learn about it and then make a trip to OKC. You won’t regret it.This morning (wow, only Monday), we headed west from Amarillo and stopped to see the Cadillac Ranch – March’s tribute to the best in American automobiles. An artistic icon, these cars, planted hood down in the middle of the field, draw visitors from near and far, armed like us with spray paint to add out graffiti to the previous layers.
From Amarillo, we stopped in Adrian, TX to visit the Midpoint of Route 66. If you leave Chicago and drive 1,139 west on route 66, you’ll be in the middle of Adrian, with only 1,139 miles to Los Angeles. The highlight may have been lunch with Fran who owns the Midpoint café, but is the persona behind the character Flo in Pixar’s “Cars.” 
She’s a sweetheart and makes a good burger. While you’re there, ask to look at Flo’s pages – Cars coloring book pages from children who stop in – preserved for the next generation. Some kids from Georgia added their masterpieces.Our journey continued to Albuquerque. It was a trip down memory lane for me (Dale); traveling the path we took each summer while in college to attend conferences at Glorieta retreat center outside Santa Fe. We arrived late afternoon and headed over to Old Town for shopping and dinner. Following dinner, we headed over to Sandia Peak Tramway – the longest tram (2.7 miles) in the world and cruised up to the top. In addition to great views, we watched the sun set on the trip down. What a way to end the day.
And we were thinking that the vacation really started after Albuquerque. Ha.
La vie. Ca C’est bon. Yes, it is.
It's a big country!!!
And a great one. We've driven over 1300 miles since we left Athens Staurday afternoon and it's been a great drive. We're leaving Amarillo this morning and headed to Albuquerque. We'll update later today.
Friday, June 26, 2009
What can possibly go wrong?
Of course, you know the answer. Everything!
It seems like such has been the case this week. As if we weren't busy enough, the shower handle needed tightening, and then the door knob. Then the garbage disposal went on the blink (don't worry, Darcy fixed it!). Finally, we made it to Friday night and time to start packing the car, when wouldn't you know it, the latch on the brand new car top carrier broke. So, we were faced with either stopping on our way through Atlanta tomorrow to get a replacement or get er done tonight. So, I schlept over to REI, arriving 2 minutes before closing, traded out the broken one for a new one (and made them stay open late so I could get a National Parks pass).
Now we're home, kids are packed and in bed (resting up for the County swim meet tomorrow morning), Darcy and I are almost finished and it's only 11:30. Gonna be an easy night by "night before vacation" standards. Can't wait until tomorrow. As soon as the last swimmer touches the wall, we're yanking them out of the pool, throwing them into the car, and hammering our way to Memphis (violent family that we are).
Let the journey begin!
It seems like such has been the case this week. As if we weren't busy enough, the shower handle needed tightening, and then the door knob. Then the garbage disposal went on the blink (don't worry, Darcy fixed it!). Finally, we made it to Friday night and time to start packing the car, when wouldn't you know it, the latch on the brand new car top carrier broke. So, we were faced with either stopping on our way through Atlanta tomorrow to get a replacement or get er done tonight. So, I schlept over to REI, arriving 2 minutes before closing, traded out the broken one for a new one (and made them stay open late so I could get a National Parks pass).
Now we're home, kids are packed and in bed (resting up for the County swim meet tomorrow morning), Darcy and I are almost finished and it's only 11:30. Gonna be an easy night by "night before vacation" standards. Can't wait until tomorrow. As soon as the last swimmer touches the wall, we're yanking them out of the pool, throwing them into the car, and hammering our way to Memphis (violent family that we are).
Let the journey begin!
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