The rafters could be heard as they coursed through the rapids even from 1400 feet about the river. We were almost to the point that was the goal of this hike when I stopped and waited for these two rafts to go through this stretch of the river. The first raft is into calm water the second is just exiting the turbulent water but past the class 3 and 4 rapids.
Another View /
The mill at the Babcock State Park in West Virginia. A simple straight on shot.
Calm /
I thought this image was very interesting. The dark aspects are a reflection of a tree overhanging the river and the leaves are simply some that fell into the river and ended up over the shadows. So the colorful leaves float on the surface and the dark ones just are on the surface but seem deeper. Simple but neat.
Just a Spot Along the Road /
Driving in northern New Hampshire I was looking for some of the ferns that were not green or dead but the rich gold they turn briefly. Most fields were brown or some brown and a scattering of gold. Then I spied this tiny patch along the road with the bonus trees in the background. There were light poles and wires and road and some signs so the focus was a narrow slice of countryside.
The Fall 2021 Trip Recap /
12 new NPS units, now at 305
8 NPS parks re-visited
15 State Parks, all of them new - the standout was Rickett’s Glen in Pennsylvania
We have now completed all the national parks in 25 states - visits and photographs - 25 states, 4 territories and DC still having remaining units to visit
We were gone 71 days across 16 states traveling 10,752 miles. Our Oliver has now been towed a total of 87,500 miles in 5.5 years (total trip mileage is greater). It is holding up very well. Our new batteries allowed us to stay many more nights more comfortably while not connected to power. Coffee with one button pressed in the morning was delightful. We had one repair this trip - a design flaw in the furnace caught up to us. It was repaired and redone by an expert at South Hero, Vermont.
We stayed in 5 NP/COE sites, 11 state or municipal parks, 16 Harvest Host/ Boondocker sites, 9 commercial sites and 3 misc sites. Our largest expense, gasoline, was nearly double for this trip over the fall trip in 2020.
We enjoyed seeing friends from Williamsburg and Florida while in Maine. We met another Johnson graduate and his wife (he worked with Cindy in the JU kitchen) in Michigan and stayed in their church yard. I reconnected with two high school friends, one living in NY and one in Springdale, PA. We visited with Cindy’s niece, Judy, in WV and our grandson at Appalachian State U. We met interesting people from China, Saudi, Ireland, Japan and many places across the US.
What is next? We make plans as if we will keep moving forward on the parks list but that is always dependent on health, finances, and what God unfolds for our lives. Our next plan is a winter trip to Texas (13 parks), NM (12 parks), and AZ (9 parks) with a route home to complete MO (2), OK (2) AR (1) and KY (1). I would like to get to DC when some “hard to see” parks are open and pick up the four in MD we need.
And figure out what havoc the Moose will caue. That’s the most unpredictable part!
One of about a dozen covered bridges we visited.
Bill, rip /
Future Fossils /
These two leaves were blended into the rock along the stream. One of my favorite photos.
Tomorrow is a Long Time -Dylan /
The trip is winding down. We took a short walk this morning at Little Beaver State Park and met the nicest lady who volunteers at the center. She is proud of the park and justly so it is well kept and a nice place to stay. A stop at Tamarack to see the WV crafts and then on to NC and Bandit Roost Campground at J. Kerr Scott Lake. We are here for two days so we can drive over to Boone tomorrow and visit our Grandson, Kellen, who is at App State. We are excited to see him. We intend to be home Friday early afternoon or late morning. I will do a recap of the journey this weekend.
The C will be working on his project and make occasional appearances until we leave on the next big adventure where he “may” take center stage. Or not.
Thanks for following on the trip and watch for the many photos from the trip over the next few weeks that I have not posted, there are a lot to process. I will also be back working on the upgrades to the National Park pages as quickly as I can. The restaurants and the camping posts will begin next week. I intend to get two or three every week to catch up.
Red!
John Henry - Bruce Springsteen (The Seeger Sessions Live on YouTube & you're welcome) /
Busy day in the nation’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. This is not a new unit for us as it was the New River National Scenic River and we had visited as well as rafted on the New River. But with the new designation we wanted to spend a bit more time. First thing in the morning, after a walk around the meadow we camped at, was to Babcock State Park. The area adjacent to the park has several state and local parks. Babcock is famous for the Glade Creek Mill and I wanted to photograph it even though (or because) it is the most photographed place in West Virginia. That done we went to a 3.4 mile hike to a Diamond Point on the Endless Wall Trail. It was a stunning view and the hike was in a gorgeous forest with just a little touch of color. Then after a stop at the VC we drove the Fayette Station Road Tour that winds down to the river and under the bridge and up the other side. This scenic drive is on a 100 year-old road and was an important link for the many communities that dotted the gorge. Finally we drove to Thurmond - again on a very narrow and winding road to the bottom of the gorge and across a one lane bridge to reach what was once the busiest town in the coal era here and a major stop for the steam trains. Two people still live in the town. We did not have time to explore much as we had to pick up the trailer and move to a state park and you don’t get anywhere too quickly in this area. This is a park with still a lot to explore and it is only four hours from Raleigh.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
My new plan is to develop a full complement of support folks. Lets see, I’ll need a Muse Enforcer, a Personal Assistant, Chef, PR Team, Editer (can’t see why) Publisher, Accountant, Social Media Team, Artistic Team, Staff Photographer, Travel Agent, Ice Cream and Donut Research Team, Masseuse and, of course, a private Barista. That ought to do for the first few months. I wonder how many people will apply for these prestigious positions on the staff of a future Neustadt International Prize for Literature recipient.
Thunder on the Mountain - Dylan /
Before leaving Salt Fork State Park in Ohio we took a short hike up to Morgan’s Knob. Not much of a view at the small meadow but a very pretty trail in pine and then hardwood forest. And the warm sun and lack of a breeze were welcome in the early morning cool. The drive to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was uneventful. Just like you prefer travel. We went first to the Sandstone Visitor Center where the ranger was just incredibly helpful - in contrast to the information on the web site which is hard to discover what is where and if it is open. She gave us detailed instructions to several drives and hikes with maps and even showed some personal photos of the destinations. She told us of a free campground a mile away which was not in any info we had and the change of plans to stay here was an easy choice. We had time before dark to go to one spot, the Grandview area, and it was, particularly Turkey Spur Overlook which is on top of a great rock reached by 145 steps. We watched the moon barely visible over the mountains and the valley below. The campground is beautiful, quiet, large spaces and right beside the New River. No services but a trade-off I would take anytime for the serene night.
Happy Birthday to Geof.
The knob trail
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
The Driver does not understand the muse situation. I told him clearly the muse instructed me that I needed a dozen donuts of mixed flavors and he said, “Ha!” How am I ever going to win the No-bell prize with his help. I may need a muse translator or a muse enforcer. Yeah, that’s the key!
This Guy's In Love With You - Herb Alpert /
13 hours and 13 minutes on the trek today to photograph two NPS units that we had visited the past well before the camera era.
It was 1968 and I had a brand new Austin Healy Sprite (BRG of course) and a pretty girl I was dating (still am) so we were off driving around Western Pennsylvania for the day. We visited Fort Necessity briefly and then went to Point Marion where Cindy’s dad was the minster and she started kindergarten. On the way out of town we came to a PA historical marker along the highway about Friendship Hill the home of Albert Gallitan. I did not know him but the driveway was enticing. So down the long tree lined drive we went top down on the car. It was still a private home - the park service bought it in 1979. As we paused near the house two huge dogs came running out barking at us. They were Irish Wolf hounds and much taller than the car. Their heads reached easily over the sill. Then a lady appeared, just laughed and said they were harmless. We said we were just exploring a bit and she waved us on our way after calling the dogs back to the house. Today’s visit was more sedate. The house is a rambling miso-mash of additions yet very interesting. The grounds were beautiful fields and woods on a bluff overlooking the Monongahela River.
We finished the day with dinner and a visit with Cindy’s relative, Judy. Very nice time with her - she is a neat person and her folks were always a delight. Then back to our campground here at Salt Fork in Ohio.
Washington’s 50 foot diameter stockade - “A fort of necessity.”
Looking from the drive toward Friendship Hill.
And a bonus, the church in Point Marion, PA.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
Ok, over the stomach thing but nothing. No words are flowing. How does this muse thing work. I mean, here I am poised for the Nobel Prize in Literature and nothing is forming in my mind. Maybe the hat and the letter smacking machine are needed for the muse to work. We need to get home so I can have the tools needed for me to be famous.
Beer for my Horses - Toby Keith and Willie Nelson /
We awoke in the heart of the Amish area in Ohio and apparently thousands of people needed to be here for food and trinkets because it is very busy. We see long lines for food, crowded parking lots and long waits to get onto a street from any parking area. Lots of “We are understaffed, Sorry for the long waits” signs. Still we enjoyed a few shops and got some interesting food some of which we are going to eat tonight. Our new location is Salt Fork State Park. A really big place. We were able to get one short hike in to an impressive 1840’s stone house just before darkness descended. We will keep the trailer here for two nights but we will be doing a longer drive tomorrow out and back from here.
A single red leaf as we walked a trail in the forest. The sun came from behind a cloud, it illuminated and I dropped down to shoot a shot, then as I changed to a better f stop the light went in, a gust blew the leaf and that was done. Photography is often a single fleeting moment.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
I haven’t got the hang of this muse thing. Yesterday I loaded up on museishness - two extra large triple lattes and a huge sundae with loads of stuff, I just said if you got it put it on. I thought my muse would just leap out and there I would be on the road to my first pulitzer. But instead I was on the road to a stomach ache. I think I will cut down on the muse thing tomorrow.
My Girl - The Temptations /
In Canton Ohio we go to the most famous of museums, yes, indeed, the National …
… First Ladies Historic Site. What did you think I would punt over that one? Located in an old bank and adjacent to the home of William McKinley’s wife this National Park unit is #305 for us. And the home was well done and well presented. The nearby center is moderately interesting focused on the role of the First Lady and how it has changed over the decades. After, we headed to Taggarts, an ice cream and sandwich parlor founded in 1926 and we ate very good food and superior ice cream concoctions. CJH had one with toasted pecans and hot fudge, mine was chocolate with marshmallows, marshmallow cream, homemade chocolate sauce and grahamcrackers. What a treat. Well made, inexpensive, huge, real glassware and an authentic place. Now there is a reason to go to Canton.
After we eased south into Ohio Amish land. We are staying for the night in the parking lot of David Warther, Carver. This place is extraordinary. He has carved 90 perfectly scaled, accurate and historically important boats from Egypt to the early 20th century. His medium is ivory, including the rigging which he invented a way to make when he was in high school. You get a tour of the perfectly displayed boats, a visit from David and you can see into his windowed workshop. Words fail to convey these works of art. And the photos will not compare to the dazzling jeweled perfection of these miniatures either. Wow.
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
I wish my hat was here. I had to hide in the mobile house tube because if this carver fellow saw my magnificent antlers, well they might be a sailing ship today. Shudder.
Youngstown - Springsteen and the E-Street Band /
We hitched up the mules, tied the Moose to the bumper and headed our wagon into the Great Western Reserve. That’s the future you know, going west. We went west to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This is an atonement park, sort of. We have been there before but briefly and did very little. So this return visit somehow makes me feel better about the two in Philadelphia. Don’t ask why. We did the VC at Boston Mill, the village and a walk of about 3 miles on the tow path of the Ohio & Erie Canal. Lovely day with temperature of about 84. We are finally dried out. We then visited Stanford house, the Everett Covered Bridge and finally to the Beaver Marsh with a walk on the tow path again to reach it. This is an amazing reclamation tale. The thriving and healthy marsh was in the 1970’s an auto junk yard. Nice story. In fact the whole park is a testament to what can be done with the most marred landscape. In 1969 this river, the Cuyahoga caught fire it was so polluted.
The Tow Path
Love this late 50’s early 60’s station. I cannot imagine how many times I bought gas at a place like this
“Did I tell you that you could aim that thing at me?”
We are at a farm tonight poised to get park number 305 in the morning. Plus ice cream.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
I have made my decision. A muse is supposed to inspire you and provide a creative spark as you achieve higher and higher artistic, literary or culinary achievements. To that end I have chosen three key muses. First my ever-present and magnificent antlers and the vibrato they achieve is a clear path direction mechanism. Second, the brilliant quotes of Robert Allen Zimmerman. And, finally, a duo of power, the extra large triple maple latte with full cream, whip and an extra shot of maple and, if still stuck, a double waffle cone of any butterscotch, salted caramel or mint high butterfat ice cream. Can be combined with any other flavor but coconut. After all, when you are of my stature a single muse is not sufficient.
My Hometown - Bruce /
Not the first plan. I had thought we would do lots of “stuff” in Pittsburgh, like the top of Mount Washington but we went to the Heinz History Museum just after 10. and instead of an hour or two, we stayed until after 4. The museum is well done but it also spoke to both me and Cindy with lots of childhood memories. I did not take my camera in so everything is from the iPhone (not a bad thing at all). We did leave and walk up the street to an Italian place for lunch in the Strip District and also for more coffee at one of the many shops in the area. On the way back to the trailer we stopped at the amazing Oakmont Bakery and bought more than we should but not really enough:) And I got one more Glen’s Custard too. Last day for the Moose to be on hiatus while he searches for a muse, otherwise, I will simply let Tom be his muse.
I rode a few of these around Pgh but I would prefer walking. One time, while I was staying for a few days in Shadyside and going to school downtown I took a borrowed Honda 50 to get to school and promptly got the tire stuck in a street car track. Not my best day.
I rode one of these terror inducing cars as a kid and did not ride a roller coaster for 40 years. The race was a double track, wooden coaster with steep drops down a ravine that you COULD NOT SEE FROM THE OUTSIDE!
My love of ice cream started here with Sky High Cones as well as my preference for thinly sliced luncheon meats - Chipped Ham!
I took Cindy here once when we were dating, it may be our first super fancy meal.
A long, fun, memory filled day eases into night.
Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel /
Quiet day arrival in the home country. We got into the campground around 3:30 this afternoon. Easy drive from Lancaster today, minimal traffic. First stop was Glenn’s for a custard. Excellent. After we got everything ready at the trailer, we stopped to find a couple of houses and places important only to us but a meaningful time. A stop at the cemetery to make sure all the stones were still spelled correctly (or something like that). then off to my hometown to look up a great friend from high school. Dan was home and we got caught up - or a portion of that over a couple of hours. Off to Pittsburgh proper tomorrow. No real photos from today. And the Moose has the day off to adjust to the city.
Another of the falls from Ricketts Glen, this one presented in B&W
Workingman Blues - Dylan /
The glamour of the road never ceases. Today, we did laundry, washed the outside of the trailer, replaced a turn signal bulb, repacked the car, re-fitted all the cloths et al into the trailer, chipped the ice out of the freezer, shopped for groceries, put all the groceries away (more complex than you would expect), moved the trailer to a new site (really nice), got apples, and refilled propane. In-between we ate. Lots. At Dienners for lunch which we got into at 3:03 in the afternoon. Did I mention it is busy here and the same lack of staff effects everyone. Hiring signs are abound, $15 to do any job and lots with more and hiring bonuses. I think even the Moose could get a job! In the morning we head to Western Pennsylvania and the “home” territory. We almost had sun today but no rain and for that blessing we are grateful.
“Nuthin’, just nosing around”
Racing the storm
This mom paints a pumpkin (plastic) for her kid’s favorite movie of the year by their vote. Clever.
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
Of course I would be hired but most of the jobs I am highly over-qualified for and besides, the artist does not deny the impulse to create. I am now working on a promotional plan to kick off the rocket to writing stardom. I am exciting to share that plan with my fans but it is not quite ready yet. Prepare to be awed.
If the muse is a latte, it will be a triple shot, double whip, maple flavor - extra hot.
Lovely Cruise - Jimmy Buffett /
Big surprise. We went to three new parks on Sunday. The first is the Lower Delaware National Scenic River. We chose a spot in Pennsylvania where Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas Eve of 1776 and defeated the Hessians who were at Trenton, NJ. Then into downtown Philadelphia to view the Edgar Allen Poe house and the Thaddeus Kosciuszko house. Poe lived here for 6 years and Kosciuszko was a brilliant military engineer from Poland who aided the American cause. I feel like I cheated a bit on the last two but they have been closed more than two years on one and 18 months on the other. This would have been my second try to take the tour. The very limited hours even when they are open stil make these two downtown stops a challenge. For the present I will count them as visited but if the opportunity arises I will re-do both of these sites.
The Lower Delaware flowing past - one of three places we have been on the LD, the others pre-photos.
TK’s house on Third and Vine
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
I have found out that Cadillac is not waiting for his hat even though it will add “greatly to the erudite caliber” of his writing but is waiting for his muse. I expect his “muse” is a latte.
Gates of Eden - Dylan /
An early morning hike on Evergreen Trail that only included ONE waterfall. We are now so spoiled. The trail was in some old growth forest with a 100-130 foot canopy that gave the impression of a light tent with the bit of sun we had early. Ricketts Glen has proven to be a great destination that I hope we get to do again someday. We decided to do a bit of “staying in one place” for three nights and came south to Eastern Lancaster area. We did not arrive until near dark because of a mix up with the Woolrich Outlet address. Our GPS chose the old catalog return address. We tried to get Chick-Fil-A nuggets to go with our salad but the place we ordered the food was so busy with two lanes of cars backed up into the street and around the corner we had to park nearby and CJH walked to the place dodging cars on the way. Why don’t I own stock?
Update Cadillac - where, what and with whom — for his fans
Apparently he is waiting for the magic hat to arrive. Or finding a new vice!
Cindy shooting a video in the forest
A small portion of Adam’s Falls it is a three tier bridal veil falls but you can only see 1/3 of it from any vantage point.
Interlude II /
I really need to have a day ahead to post. I lost that day when we had no service in central PA. So, today we make that back up. Enjoy the old fisherman at Lake Jean.
“Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.” Mark 1:17, 18 NLT
