Jun – Jul 2023

A new Adventure!

Heather and I are on the road again! This time headed to Vancouver, BC to spend 3 months with our Son and his family.
This trip is public, but if you ask if you can follow me: the answer is "no" unless you are family or friends. Read more

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Trip start
June 8, 2023
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Day 4
Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 5:13 PM
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 69 ft
United States Dry Swamp 30.1172, -81.411930°7’2” N 81°24’43” W
Am I ready?
June 11, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
Am I ready? I certainly hope so. The car is packed, I have gone through the packing list, and I think I have everything.

Yesterday there was a mini competition at the dance studio. A couple of other studios came, we danced, we got judged, and for some reason I won Best Bronze Male Dancer. I just want to thank my teacher Aida, who has shown exceptional patience and persistence in working with me. It is because of her that I can sorta dance.

So... tomorrow is it. D-Day, as in Departure Day. I will drive up to Laurie and John's home and spend 2 nights. I want to see how their new cabin construction is moving along.Read more
TravelerLooking forward to seeing you soon.
6/11/23Reply
And you’re off! Safe travels. [Bonnie Benedict]
6/11/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilLooking forward to seeing you down the road.
6/11/23Reply
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Day 5
Monday, June 12, 2023 at 8:16 AM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 16 ft
United States Nocatee 30.072655, -81.393630°4’22” N 81°23’37” W
This is it!
June 12, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Off we go, just 20 minutes late. I did ask Heather if we could just stay home, but nope, off we go.

The car is completely packed.
Jeanee and PhilShe's taking care of you. May your travels go smoothly.
6/12/23Reply
TravelerSafe travels. 🙏
6/12/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictLooks like you’re well prepared for your trip.
6/12/23Reply
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Day 6
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 12:35 PM
⛅ 70 °F
Altitude: 1,765 ft
United States Pettit Ridge 34.470398, -84.29486834°28’13” N 84°17’42” W
The Cabin
June 13, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F
We went to see Laurie and John’s cabin in Big Canoe. Progress is being made. The cabin is going to be a beautiful refuge in the mountains.
Fabulous. [Janet Clarkson]
6/14/23Reply
I’m so glad you were able to get a photo of the two of them in front. Up to know it’s been one or the other. House is looking fabulous! [Bonnie]
6/14/23Reply
And what a view out those windows. [Bonnie]
6/14/23Reply
TravelerWe enjoyed our trip with you to see the progress on our build.
6/14/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:51 AM
🌩️ 66 °F
Altitude: 1,066 ft
United States Sandy Plains 34.009892, -84.49394234°0’36” N 84°29’38” W
Tearful Departure
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 66 °F
I was sorry to leave Laurie and John. I had a wonderful time with them. Heather and I need to come visit more often.

The photo is blurry, my fault for shaking. It comes with age sometimes.

Oh, I got a really good sleep last night. Probably because John and I went out to eat last night with some of his neighbor men while the wives gathered for bunko. When Laurie came home she announced that she had won $10. I didn’t get a photo of her proud announcement, nor did I get a photo of the gentlemen at dinner. I need to have my phone at the ready to get these moments. But back to dinner and the good night’s sleep… well, back in a moment. I am picking up John’s method telling stories, slowly drawing you into the tale, having quite a few side journeys, before finally returning to the main theme for the finally revealing of the ending. Now finally back to the story… at dinner I had two pints of IPA, and when I crawled into bed at 9 and turned the light off a short time later, I immediately fell asleep.Read more
Glad you had a nice visit and a chance to rest before hitting the road again. [Bonnie]
6/14/23Reply
TravelerWish we could have seen you this trip. But there is always next time.
6/14/23Reply
TravelerYou brought me good luck at Bunco!!
6/14/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilGlad you got a good night's sleep. Beautiful cabin. How special.
6/15/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 9:25 AM
☁️ 72 °F
Altitude: 669 ft
United States Spring Creek 34.996283, -85.20653734°59’47” N 85°12’24” W
Tennessee!
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F
We are in Tennessean now. Stopped at the Visitor Center for a bathroom break, walk, and to look at the display of Civil War battles around Chattanooga. I want to come back to Kentucky and Tennessee to explore the Bourbon Trail and the Civil War.

I don’t remember if I had photo of Heather buckled in, but here she is.Read more
The Bourbon Trail is amazing. And, it’s only an hour between Lexington and Louisville. And it’s beautiful horse country. [Bonnie]
6/14/23Reply
TravelerWhat a very nice Visitor Center for a traveler in need of a break.
6/14/23Reply
Karen AndersonLove that you had Heather in the seat next to you! Tom and I explored serveral civil war sights outside of Nashville and have Chatanooga on our bucket list.
9/25/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 11:14 AM
☁️ 82 °F
Altitude: 653 ft
United States Sanford Knob 35.977395, -86.5684535°58’39” N 86°34’6” W
Pleasant lunch in Smyrna, TN
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F
Lunch a Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Had Chicken Pot Pie, house salad and a glass of Chardonnay. The pot pie was ok, but the chief needs to fully develop the broth flavor and thicken it less. The sauce was a bit bland and gummy. Oh well, that is why I don’t eat out much. But the service was great.Read more
TravelerNothing beats home cooking like yours.
6/14/23Reply
Yours is the best ever! [Janet]
6/14/23Reply
We have a Cheddars in our area. Was wondering how it was. [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
TravelerBecause it is a “scratch kitchen”, I was expecting to wait for my pot pie. But it was brought out in 3 minutes. I was there are the start of the lunch period, so maybe they had some pot pies ready to serve. But I would not go out of my way to eat at this Chedders.
6/16/23Reply
Karen AndersonGood to know for future reference!
9/25/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 5:35 PM
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 436 ft
United States West City 37.997215, -88.93121637°59’50” N 88°55’52” W
Benton, IL
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
Spending the night in Benton, IL. After checking into the hotel, I took a stroll around the small town. There were interesting landmarks.

The police office has old fashion globe lamps out front with Police written on them.

There is a sign commemorating the visit of George Harrison’s first visit to the US.

There was a bench in the town square with a book reader statue.

The town historical society had a canon from WW1 ( no signage so I will do a bit of research), a monument to men from the town who died during the civil war, and the last hanging in Illinois.

And finally, the federal building with anti car barricades out front. The obviously think anyone that wants to run a vehicle into the building is too dumb to think to run it into the side of the building where there are no barricades. They may be right.

I can not say it is a cute town, but it has not died. As the county seat, it continues to live on. There are a fair number of vacant properties, but for the most part, businesses seam to survive.Read more
TravelerWho knew there was so much to see in Benton, Il.?
6/14/23Reply
Who knew ? [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
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Day 7
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 5:58 PM
⛅ 84 °F
Altitude: 449 ft
United States West City 37.997429, -88.93215937°59’51” N 88°55’56” W
Mean while , back to the dance contest
June 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F
I did a Show Dance at the mini match because I was going to be gone when the studio had their Show Dance Performances. Through the creative vision of Aida, my teacher, and efforts of several talented instructors and dancers, and the final efforts of Aida, I had a dance routine that was fantastic. I just want to thank Aida for her patience and guidance in getting me to the point where I actually look good. Aida of course looks great, as always.Read more
TravelerThat was an amazing routine—dance, costumes and a bit of theater! Bravo.
6/14/23Reply
Bravo! [Margaret]
6/14/23ReplyTranslate
Jeanee and PhilImpressive! I wish we could see the entire dance.
6/15/23Reply
TravelerOops! I will break the video in half and get the rest posted.
6/16/23Reply
TravelerPart 2 is uploaded
6/16/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 7:34 AM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 449 ft
United States West City 37.997372, -88.9313537°59’51” N 88°55’53” W
Night in Benton, Illinois
June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
Stayed at an inexpensive hotel that exceeded my expectations. That doesn’t mean it was good, just that my expectations were very low.

There were many Starling nesting on the building, including in that hole in the wall.Read more
TravelerWell, maybe the starlings bring good fortune like the storks in Strasbourg. The storks favored chimneys for nesting.
6/15/23Reply
Starlings have a beautiful song. [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 10:14 AM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 453 ft
United States Lacledes Landing 38.627138, -90.18569238°37’38” N 90°11’8” W
The Arch
June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
I saw the arch in the distance and thought I should take a break.

Heather and I visited here a while back, but the only thing I remember was taking the elevator to the top. I didn’t go to the top this time, but enjoyed the view from the ground.

It looks like a huge alien artifact, just like in the Stargate movies.Read more
TravelerI like seeing the arch from so many perspectives. Love the full arch with the pool and leaves.
6/15/23Reply
:-) [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
Karen AndersonI lived in St. Louis during my teen years very soon after the arch was built. The grounds look so beautiful now.
9/25/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM
☀️ 88 °F
Altitude: 1,010 ft
United States Kanwaka 39.000088, -95.37309339°0’0” N 95°22’23” W
A thought about the roads
June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F
Today I drove in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas.

I noticed that the roads, including the Interstate, in Illinois were in terrible shape. They needed patching, and where patched, the patching was falling apart. The patches were just asphalt put in potholes and tapped down.

Once in Missouri, the Interstate got better. The roadbed had plenty of patching, but the patches were larger, and would seem to have been better prepared.

Finally, the Interstate in Kansas did not have patches.

Unfortunately, no photos. This is one of the problems with Heather not being able to drive while I take photos, or my driving while she takes photos. Though, maybe we could try having Heather drive. I will need to prepare my story before being stopped by the State Police. I would need to have the story be very good: interesting, entertaining, and with twists and turns; that will be the only way to avoiding a night in jail. Though maybe a night in jail would make a great story for a post.Read more
TravelerI imagine the rough roads gave you a bumpy ride.
6/15/23Reply
TravelerWe had a bumpy ride in Monument Valley. My Fitbit was tricked and gave me credit for lots of steps.
6/15/23Reply
Win win [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
Karen AndersonOr get one of those self driving cars and you and Heather can both take photos!
9/25/23Reply
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Day 8
Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 6:17 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 889 ft
United States Interstate 70 Commercial Park 39.051968, -95.76325239°3’7” N 95°45’48” W
Happy Hour at the hotel
June 15, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Had a wonderful conversation with Meg. She is the principal at a school for children in a Kansas prison. She is an angel for these children. She provides a vision of a better world, one outside the gang world. At one point she asked if I would be interested in teaching these children since I have a math and computer background. I thought that maybe God was speaking and this is something I should consider. I asked what it would take for me to teach. I would need a Kansas teaching certificate, hopefully just a test would get it. But when she mentioned teaching for 250 days a year, I realized that I am retired and I do not want a job where I HAVE TO be there.

But as Meg and I were talking, the nice lady at the bar kept giving me fresh gin and tonics. The first two two were paid for with vouchers. After that they were free. Meg and the nice lady at the bar are friends and I think that the free drinks were a way of getting Meg a nice conversation that lasted for an hour.Read more
Jeanee and PhilThat is a great story, so touching. Each day you will be glad you turned down the job I 🤔
6/16/23Reply
TravelerMeg is an angel! Michael was a summer counselor at Camp Hope 8th - 12th grade with guest appearances when in college. Camp Hope serves children of parents in prison “hoping” to break the prison cycle.
6/16/23Reply
TravelerMichael is an angel also to those kids.
6/16/23Reply
G&T and pleasant conversation. Lovely. And you ARE retired. [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 9:04 AM
☀️ 73 °F
Altitude: 1,138 ft
United States Goose Creek 38.997467, -96.87243738°59’51” N 96°52’21” W
Old Hwy 40
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F
I am getting if I70 for awhile. Taking old Hwy 40.

It reminds me of the Highways my family drove when I was young.
TravelerIndeed!
6/16/23Reply
Awwww [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 9:25 AM
⛅ 73 °F
Altitude: 1,145 ft
United States Detroit 38.937183, -97.11168638°56’14” N 97°6’42” W
Lambs Point
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F
The town no longer exists.
TravelerCool that they used stone from the Lamb home for the monument.
6/16/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 9:49 AM
⛅ 75 °F
Altitude: 1,178 ft
United States Dwight D Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum Visitor Center 38.912529, -97.21267738°54’45” N 97°12’46” W
Eisenhower Home
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 75 °F
Heather and I always wanted stop here but we just did not make it happen until now.

The grounds have his childhood home, Presidential Library, and Museum. The trees are beautiful, including a lovely American Elm.

Old Hwy40 disappears shortly, so back on I70. Next stop is Hays.Read more
TravelerDad’s parents thought Eisenhower was the greatest president of all.
6/16/23Reply
I didn’t know that! [Bonnie Benedict]
6/16/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:45 AM
☀️ 81 °F
Altitude: 1,604 ft
United States Garfield Township 38.857155, -98.13354538°51’26” N 98°8’1” W
Stone Fence Posts
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F
This was at a rest stop.
TravelerInteresting about the stone fence posts and the history.
6/16/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictSound’s like “Deadwood.”
6/17/23Reply
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Day 9
Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:10 PM
☀️ 86 °F
Altitude: 2,051 ft
United States Sternberg Museum of Natural History 38.889538, -99.29989738°53’22” N 99°17’60” W
Sternberg Museum of Natural History
June 16, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F
Mr Sternberg started hunting for fossils, and then his sons took up the quest.

A mixture of fossils, live animals and models. Very interesting.
TravelerNice!
6/17/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictAn unexpected find!
6/17/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 8:36 AM
☁️ 61 °F
Altitude: 2,116 ft
United States Buckeye Township 39.129269, -99.30007239°7’45” N 99°18’0” W
The Rockies are out there somewhere
June 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F
I am off the freeway today. I am on my way to Brush, CO today. At some point the Rockies will come into view.
TravelerBeautiful.
6/17/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 9:13 AM
☁️ 63 °F
Altitude: 2,142 ft
United States Saint Joseph's Church 39.318744, -99.58661339°19’7” N 99°35’12” W
Church in Damar, KS
June 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F
This Catholic Church towers over the town of Damar, population 112. The church was built 1912-1917. The services were held in French until 1923.

More information on the Historic Register at:

https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/NRHP/05…Read more
TravelerI love that old church.
6/17/23Reply
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Day 10
Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 3:34 PM
🌧 72 °F
Altitude: 4,219 ft
United States Brush 40.26458, -103.62100440°15’52” N 103°37’16” W
Made it to Brush, CO
June 17, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 72 °F
Not much happening here other than I am poised for the final drive into Estes Park. My cousin Joanne lives along the way, so I will stop there to say hi and the go on Estes Park.
Bonnie BenedictGlad you made it there safe and sound. Enjoy the reunion.
6/17/23Reply
TravelerGood to hear you are almost to Estes. Have fun at the reunion.
6/18/23Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 9:02 AM
☀️ 63 °F
Altitude: 4,715 ft
United States Town of Wiggins 40.216561, -104.21493340°12’60” N 104°12’54” W
Mountains!
June 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F
The Rocky Mountains! They are hard to see, but they are there. The smoke from the Canadian fires is making the air a bit hazy.

The driving will be different from now on. No more 50 miles of absolutely straight roads from now on.Read more
TravelerAre you sure you didn’t take a wrong turn and find yourself in the Smoky Mountains? Drive safely.
6/18/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilWyoming Interstate is pretty straight but hilly.
6/18/23Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 1:01 PM
⛅ 79 °F
Altitude: 5,138 ft
United States Rough and Ready Ditch 40.205261, -105.13758140°12’19” N 105°8’15” W
Cousin Joanne’s
June 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 79 °F
Stopped at cousin Joanne’s. Cousin Will and Steve are here. We had a wonderful brunch with Swedish pancakes. Steve has the yellow shit on. The young man with the beard is Eric, Steve’s son.

Will is Joanne’s brother. Will’s daughter Rebecca is here also.

Joanne does weaving as you can tell from her weaving room.Read more
Jeanee and PhilSo nice to be together and learn new things about one another.
6/18/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilHappy Father's Day. Wish you were here.
6/18/23Reply
TravelerWhat a special time with extended family!
6/19/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictWonderful connecting with family not seen in a while. I have a girlfriend that weaves.
6/20/23Reply
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Day 11
Sunday, June 18, 2023 at 3:57 PM
☁️ 68 °F
Altitude: 8,071 ft
United States Dorsey Lake 40.33862, -105.57254540°20’19” N 105°34’21” W
YMCA in Estes Park, CO
June 18, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 68 °F
Arrived safe and sound. Have checked and we are in the room.
TravelerNestled in the mountains!! Pretty view. Have fun.
6/19/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictLook at those clouds!
6/20/23Reply
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Day 12
Monday, June 19, 2023 at 11:30 AM
☀️ 59 °F
Altitude: 10,128 ft
United States Emerald Lake 40.309711, -105.6667440°18’35” N 105°40’0” W
Hike to Emerald Lake
June 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F
Margaret and I went on a guided hike this morning. I group was small, but there were a lot of people on the trail.

Both Margaret and I viewed this 3.6 mile round trip hike with a gain of 700 feet as a trial hike. We have concerns about strength, endurance, sun, and altitude. But we seem to have survived the hike, though it will be tomorrow when our muscles let us know what they thought of the hike.

We have another hike scheduled for Wednesday morning. I don’t think that the altitude is as high, which would be good. But the elevation gain is more and the distance is greater.Read more
TravelerOh Wow!! What a lovely hike!! Beautiful views. I am sure all your dancing has built up your strength and stamina. Great photos of you and Margaret.
6/20/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilSuch a gorgeous area. Love seeing you and Margaret together.
6/20/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictBeautiful place to be hiking
6/20/23Reply
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Day 12
Monday, June 19, 2023 at 7:33 PM
☀️ 70 °F
Altitude: 8,022 ft
United States Tuxedo Park 40.341822, -105.57851340°20’31” N 105°34’43” W
Campfire and song
June 19, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F
We gathered this evening to introduce ourselves, toast marshmallows, and sing. Wonderful evening.
TravelerA campfire sing and toasted marshmallows!!!The perfect evening. A great way to get to know one another.
6/20/23Reply
Jeanee and PhilLooks like fun.
6/20/23Reply
Bonnie BenedictLove! ❤️
6/20/23Reply
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