This is it THE JACKPOT the Travel GEEK website extraordinary.
This web site is certainly a homage to that great patron saint of the American Road Trip, Clark W. Griswald himself!!
ROADSIDE AMERICA....... This site has to list every roadside tourist trap in the country! You name it it is here [I had no idea that Indiana was home to the largest ball of paint in the world]. While many of the things listed are just curiosities I am sure with little purpose other than to draw tourists and tourist dollars, some are legitimate.
I have spent some time exploring the route we will take this summer and there are some sites here that certainly deserve to be visited on an epic journey of this nature. If it was not for this site, we might have missed Chester, Illinois and what it has to offer.
After stopping at Metropolis and visiting Superman, there is no way that we can avoid visiting Popeye the Sailor Man!!!! I looks like the Popeye Park might be a good place to call a stop to grab a bite on the trip between Cairo and St Louis.... And while Popeye might not be as well know by today's youth as he was for us older kids, my kids know him well and the little one loves his cartoons.
My kids were introduced to him through a $5 video with something like 300 of the old cartoons on it during our trip to Florida in the Spring of 2008.
There are lots of things listed on Roadside America. Granted some are just unusual yard sculptures or commercial gimicks but hey, that's what makes a road trip intersting!!!
20091205
Forest Park III
The more I research and learn the more there appears to be in Forest Park to do and see!
While not as exciting maybe as the Science Center and Zoo, there are a lot of less notable structures to take in in the park, The Boat House and Grand Basin down the hill from the art museum, the Jewel Box (an art deco style greenhouse from the 1930's), The World's Fair Pavilion, and nature galore!
Part of the nature offerings is a the tree walk. Here is a short trail of less than a mile along which they have over 90 different species of trees identified. I wish I'd have know about this when I had High School biology and had to collect, mount and identify 50 leafs. I am thinking that some of us might have made a road trip ;-)
While not as exciting maybe as the Science Center and Zoo, there are a lot of less notable structures to take in in the park, The Boat House and Grand Basin down the hill from the art museum, the Jewel Box (an art deco style greenhouse from the 1930's), The World's Fair Pavilion, and nature galore!
Part of the nature offerings is a the tree walk. Here is a short trail of less than a mile along which they have over 90 different species of trees identified. I wish I'd have know about this when I had High School biology and had to collect, mount and identify 50 leafs. I am thinking that some of us might have made a road trip ;-)
The Wonders of Forest Park II
Sorry folks, I got tired last night and needed a little sleep!! I swear I had the best of intentions of writing up everything in Forest Park last night but...... I needed sleep long before I could finish doing a virtual exploration of Forest Park.
The next attraction in the Park is the Science Center. And it appears that they have plenty to do and see there. Like most of the other main attractions in Forest Park admission is free with fees for the extras like the I-max etc. Not a problem as the fees are very reasonable. One of the additional features in Science Center I think we may take advantage of is the Planetarium. I know that the kids have never been to a planetarium and I doubt that Illianna has either. There are a number of different shows each of approximately 45 minutes throughout the day. Looks like a family of four can enjoy the show for less than $20. A good deal all the way around.
Forest Park is also home to the Missouri History Museum. While I am a history buff and am sure I'd enjoy a tour, I am worried about museum'ing Illianna and the kids out so I don't know if we will get to see this one. There are however a couple of exhibits that I might be able to entice them with. from the website it appears that there may be a rather nice exhibit on Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St Louis. Now, I am the aviation butt in the family but, Lindbergh's story is a great chapter in the American Story. The other exhibit that I might be able to tempt the wife and children with is the World's Fair Exhibit. St Louis was the home of the 1904 World's Fair. Main of the buildings in Forest Park, such as the Art Museum, were originally constructed for this event. I was lucky enough to get to go to the World's Fair when it was in Knoxville, Tennessee back in the early 80's. It was a wonderful experience and one I don't know if my children will ever get to experience. With today's technology, a World's Fair does not inspire the wonder and awe that it had to have a hundred years ago. With TV, movies and jet airplanes, the world has truly become a smaller place and one has opportunities to experience first hand what a hundred years ago one could only read about or MAYBE take that once in a lifetime trip to the BIG city of St Louis and see a real mummy and model of the pyramids.....
One of the places in Forest Park that we will visit even if for only an hour or so is Turtle Playground. With giant sculptures of turtles and a snake, this looks like a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the creativity and generosity of Mrs. Sonya (Sunny) Glassberg. If nothing else, a picnic lunch and pictures should be the things that memories are made of for the kids....
The next attraction in the Park is the Science Center. And it appears that they have plenty to do and see there. Like most of the other main attractions in Forest Park admission is free with fees for the extras like the I-max etc. Not a problem as the fees are very reasonable. One of the additional features in Science Center I think we may take advantage of is the Planetarium. I know that the kids have never been to a planetarium and I doubt that Illianna has either. There are a number of different shows each of approximately 45 minutes throughout the day. Looks like a family of four can enjoy the show for less than $20. A good deal all the way around.
Forest Park is also home to the Missouri History Museum. While I am a history buff and am sure I'd enjoy a tour, I am worried about museum'ing Illianna and the kids out so I don't know if we will get to see this one. There are however a couple of exhibits that I might be able to entice them with. from the website it appears that there may be a rather nice exhibit on Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St Louis. Now, I am the aviation butt in the family but, Lindbergh's story is a great chapter in the American Story. The other exhibit that I might be able to tempt the wife and children with is the World's Fair Exhibit. St Louis was the home of the 1904 World's Fair. Main of the buildings in Forest Park, such as the Art Museum, were originally constructed for this event. I was lucky enough to get to go to the World's Fair when it was in Knoxville, Tennessee back in the early 80's. It was a wonderful experience and one I don't know if my children will ever get to experience. With today's technology, a World's Fair does not inspire the wonder and awe that it had to have a hundred years ago. With TV, movies and jet airplanes, the world has truly become a smaller place and one has opportunities to experience first hand what a hundred years ago one could only read about or MAYBE take that once in a lifetime trip to the BIG city of St Louis and see a real mummy and model of the pyramids.....
One of the places in Forest Park that we will visit even if for only an hour or so is Turtle Playground. With giant sculptures of turtles and a snake, this looks like a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the creativity and generosity of Mrs. Sonya (Sunny) Glassberg. If nothing else, a picnic lunch and pictures should be the things that memories are made of for the kids....
20091204
The Wonders of Forest Park......
We continue our exploration of the St Louis Area with a look at Forest Park. According to the website, the park was "officially opened to the public on June 24, 1876, is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,293 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York." Put in perspective another way, that is right at two Square Miles of green space in the middle of a large industrial city. Quite an accomplishment actually when one thinks about it..... what is even more impressive is the list of activities that are available to one in the park.
Probably the most famous attraction in Forest Park is the World famous St Louis Zoo! The zoo encompasses approximately 90 acres of the Park and in that 90 acres there are "more than 22,805 exotic animals, many of them rare and endangered. These 800 species represent the major continents and biomes of the world."
One of the nicest things about the St Louis Zoo is that it is free. You can enjoy all the animal displays for absolutely nothing. Now that's a deal! Most zoos are rather pricey to get into these days and rightly so but, not St Louis. Now in the Zoo, there are a number of attractions that have a nominal fee associated with them but even those are most economical all things considered and for $10, you get a day pass for all of them except the 3-d Movie (another bank breaking $3) and save $5 on the sum of the individual prices. So basically, for less than the cost of a movie, you can enjoy a day at the zoo! That in my book is great and I wonder how many of the citizens of St Louis never take advantage of this wonderful facility!
I am sure that we can spend a day in the zoo alone and still not take in all it has to offer!
But Forest Park has much more to offer!!!! Another offering is the St Louis Art Museum. And like the zoo, admission to the art museum is free. While it may be hard to keep a four year old's attention in an art museum, I think this will be an excellent place to start to instill a little bit of cultural appreciation in both kids. The art museum has an extremely diverse collection that ranges from pre-Columbian to contemporary and most medium from painting to sculpture. Given Illianna's artistic nature, I am sure that she will be interested and will be able to spark and interest in the kids...... And Again, the price is right!!!!
20091203
The Gateway Arch and the Start of an Adventure
Of all the things that St Louis is known for, there is little arguing that the Gateway Arch is right up there (no pun intended;-). And on the Lewis & Clark trip, there is no getting around a stop here.
I remember going up in the Arch the first time as a small boy probably of Bridgette's age. It was a long weekend with Mom and Grandma. I will confess that I don't remember anything from the Museum, I don't remember hardly anything else in St Louis but I DO remember going up in the Arch. Since then, I have been back and up in the Arch twice I think. Once with the Boys Scouts on a trip to Philmount and then again shortly after Illianna arrived in the US. As a Boy Scout, I remember looking down on a baseball game being played in the stadium. With Illianna, I remember the feeling of being scared of heights and her laughing at me about it. I remember the sensation of going up in the Arch as the little egg shaped elevator cars twist as you ascend so your not laying on your side when you get tot the top. I remember being much more appreciative of the engineering feat that the arch is a man with a background in engineering. I want to share that with my children.
While the above link is to the National Park Site, to pre-purchase tickets to go up in the Arch and the various other attractions, there is a commercial website for the Arch. At this site, they even provide Sample Itineraries on how it get the most out of your visit to the park!
While the Arch's shear size and physical presence makes it impossible to ignore, there is much more there is to see and do which must not be ignored. The basement of the Arch houses the Museum of Western Expansion. According to the website, the museum covers a wide range of topics and subjects which cover St Louis' role in the opening of the American Frontier. What I think my be fo most interest to us will be the Photo Murals that document the journey of Lewis & Clark. My plan is to point these out to the kids and challenge them to find these sites along the journey. Will it work? I don't know but it will certainly be worth a try....:-) While the Lewis & Clark exhibit plays a large role in the museums mission there are many other artifacts and displays which detail the expansion of the west from an Indian Tipi to prairie schooner, the important items of the 19th century are displayed and explained. Should be very good for the kids and Illianna too.
The Old Courthouse is also part of the park complex but I must confess I never realized this fact. The website suggests that there are lots of displays about the history of St Louis (I did not realize that St Louis was attacked by the British during the Revolutionary War) it suggests that a lot of the museum is dedicated to the history of Slavery and the role St Louis played in that chapter of American History. It will be interesting to learn. Having been completed in 1862, I am sure that there are architectural features a plenty to enjoy.
I an see a whole day spent in the shadow of the Arch with little difficulty whatsoever......
I remember going up in the Arch the first time as a small boy probably of Bridgette's age. It was a long weekend with Mom and Grandma. I will confess that I don't remember anything from the Museum, I don't remember hardly anything else in St Louis but I DO remember going up in the Arch. Since then, I have been back and up in the Arch twice I think. Once with the Boys Scouts on a trip to Philmount and then again shortly after Illianna arrived in the US. As a Boy Scout, I remember looking down on a baseball game being played in the stadium. With Illianna, I remember the feeling of being scared of heights and her laughing at me about it. I remember the sensation of going up in the Arch as the little egg shaped elevator cars twist as you ascend so your not laying on your side when you get tot the top. I remember being much more appreciative of the engineering feat that the arch is a man with a background in engineering. I want to share that with my children.
While the above link is to the National Park Site, to pre-purchase tickets to go up in the Arch and the various other attractions, there is a commercial website for the Arch. At this site, they even provide Sample Itineraries on how it get the most out of your visit to the park!
While the Arch's shear size and physical presence makes it impossible to ignore, there is much more there is to see and do which must not be ignored. The basement of the Arch houses the Museum of Western Expansion. According to the website, the museum covers a wide range of topics and subjects which cover St Louis' role in the opening of the American Frontier. What I think my be fo most interest to us will be the Photo Murals that document the journey of Lewis & Clark. My plan is to point these out to the kids and challenge them to find these sites along the journey. Will it work? I don't know but it will certainly be worth a try....:-) While the Lewis & Clark exhibit plays a large role in the museums mission there are many other artifacts and displays which detail the expansion of the west from an Indian Tipi to prairie schooner, the important items of the 19th century are displayed and explained. Should be very good for the kids and Illianna too.
The Old Courthouse is also part of the park complex but I must confess I never realized this fact. The website suggests that there are lots of displays about the history of St Louis (I did not realize that St Louis was attacked by the British during the Revolutionary War) it suggests that a lot of the museum is dedicated to the history of Slavery and the role St Louis played in that chapter of American History. It will be interesting to learn. Having been completed in 1862, I am sure that there are architectural features a plenty to enjoy.
I an see a whole day spent in the shadow of the Arch with little difficulty whatsoever......
Bellefontaine Cemetery
I really had no idea that there was so much to see in the St Louis area!!
This may actually require the stay of more than a few days.....
There are some things that are going to be mandatory, no negotiation stops.
As I previously posted, I have business at Fort Jefferson, no negotiation.
Of course, as this trip is scheduled to follow the Lewis & Clark trail, there are going to be stops at Fort Dubois and at the Gateway Arch and Museum of Western Expansion.
Without a doubt, one of the required stops of this trip will be the in the grave of William Clark in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Now, I will be honest and admit that when I first realized that Clark was buried in St Louis I thought that it would only be proper to go to the grave and pay respects. I figured that it would be maybe an hour or so mainly spent trying to locate the grave, a couple pictures and then we would be on our way to things that Illianna and the Kids might find more exciting on just moving on down the road towards the west coast.... That is until I visited the cemetery's website. Now I will freely admit that I find old cemetery's fascinating. I enjoy looking at the various styles of tombstones and the architecture of the crypts that folks have built over the years, the symbology that has been used on the markers, the glimpses into history and the lives of those who have went before us..... I would spend hours in the cemetery at West Point as a cadet and find it most relaxing.. Looking at the website for this cemetery I see that I think we will be spending a good deal of time there as there is much it has to offer for all members of the family. with 14 miles of roads inside the cemetery, I am wondering if maybe it will not be in our best interest to take our bikes and picnic lunch and make a day of it?
According to the website, until well into the last century the cemetery had more varieties of plants and trees than the local botanical garden! There are numerous individuals besides William Clark buried there who played roles large and small in the founding and expansion of our nation. While the details are somewhat sketchy, it appears that there are a series of self guided tours which will allow you to visit and see the more notable graves and features of the park. If the weather's good, I think that bicycles might be a very good way to take in a most unexpected tourist destination. For some reason, I just think that there will be enough diversity in the 314 acres and 14 miles of roads in the cemetery that the interests of the whole family can be fulfilled. We shall give it our best shot!!!!
This may actually require the stay of more than a few days.....
There are some things that are going to be mandatory, no negotiation stops.
As I previously posted, I have business at Fort Jefferson, no negotiation.
Of course, as this trip is scheduled to follow the Lewis & Clark trail, there are going to be stops at Fort Dubois and at the Gateway Arch and Museum of Western Expansion.
Without a doubt, one of the required stops of this trip will be the in the grave of William Clark in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Now, I will be honest and admit that when I first realized that Clark was buried in St Louis I thought that it would only be proper to go to the grave and pay respects. I figured that it would be maybe an hour or so mainly spent trying to locate the grave, a couple pictures and then we would be on our way to things that Illianna and the Kids might find more exciting on just moving on down the road towards the west coast.... That is until I visited the cemetery's website. Now I will freely admit that I find old cemetery's fascinating. I enjoy looking at the various styles of tombstones and the architecture of the crypts that folks have built over the years, the symbology that has been used on the markers, the glimpses into history and the lives of those who have went before us..... I would spend hours in the cemetery at West Point as a cadet and find it most relaxing.. Looking at the website for this cemetery I see that I think we will be spending a good deal of time there as there is much it has to offer for all members of the family. with 14 miles of roads inside the cemetery, I am wondering if maybe it will not be in our best interest to take our bikes and picnic lunch and make a day of it?
According to the website, until well into the last century the cemetery had more varieties of plants and trees than the local botanical garden! There are numerous individuals besides William Clark buried there who played roles large and small in the founding and expansion of our nation. While the details are somewhat sketchy, it appears that there are a series of self guided tours which will allow you to visit and see the more notable graves and features of the park. If the weather's good, I think that bicycles might be a very good way to take in a most unexpected tourist destination. For some reason, I just think that there will be enough diversity in the 314 acres and 14 miles of roads in the cemetery that the interests of the whole family can be fulfilled. We shall give it our best shot!!!!
20091119
Maybe a little side trip off the side trip ;-)
I am considering trying to talk the wife into a hundred mile or so jaunt from Hannibal so that I can go visit the grave and maybe do a little research on the Bell Family. It seems that the Matriarch of the Bell family (at least as far as I have been able to get them back in the last 20 years) died and is buried in Rushville, Illinois. Since we are going to be so close on the trip, I am thinking that I might see if I can get Illianna and the Kids to let me do just a little research there. Maybe Half a day. If nothing else, I'd like to find the grave and get a picture. At best, find that someone local has done research and has a lot of information I've not been able to find in the last 30 years........ An old Family Bible would be fantastic, old family photographs would be the mother load..... But, I think I would be happy to just visit the grave and take some pictures.....
My thought is being so close, I'd hate to miss the opportunity... because as the poem says, knowing how way leads on to way, I may never pass this way again.....
My thought is being so close, I'd hate to miss the opportunity... because as the poem says, knowing how way leads on to way, I may never pass this way again.....
20091116
The Road Home.....
I am seriously looking at going down the California Coast an then taking the "Mother Road" home.
Yes Route 66..... I am thinking that that would really be the capstone of the journey.
I have started sending out feelers on sponsorship and to write articles about the trip........
THis is coming together... I am not sure how... But it is coming together...... ;-)
Been investigating activities around the St Louis area. I am thinking that we are going to diverge a little bit from the Lewis & Clark Trail and go on up the Mississippi to Hannibal and see the Mark Twain history. Think it might be something good for the kids.... Been thinking of a loop over to Springfield to see the Lincoln tomb and then to Hannibal and then down to Jefferson City to pick up the L&C trail again....... I figure about three days for all that.... Will have to see what Illianna thinks. Of course, if we come back Route 66, then most of the attractions of St Louis and Springfield could wait till we return........
The possibilities are truely endless.
Yes Route 66..... I am thinking that that would really be the capstone of the journey.
I have started sending out feelers on sponsorship and to write articles about the trip........
THis is coming together... I am not sure how... But it is coming together...... ;-)
Been investigating activities around the St Louis area. I am thinking that we are going to diverge a little bit from the Lewis & Clark Trail and go on up the Mississippi to Hannibal and see the Mark Twain history. Think it might be something good for the kids.... Been thinking of a loop over to Springfield to see the Lincoln tomb and then to Hannibal and then down to Jefferson City to pick up the L&C trail again....... I figure about three days for all that.... Will have to see what Illianna thinks. Of course, if we come back Route 66, then most of the attractions of St Louis and Springfield could wait till we return........
The possibilities are truely endless.
20091113
An Old Friend......... Dreams and the road not traveled......
Been a while since I posted.... Sorry about that for both folks that have been reading.... A lot has been going on here and my mind has not been into posting of late.....
Veterans Day has came and went. Veterans Day is in many ways I think my favorite holiday. No, there aren't gifts like Christmas. There's not a big feast like Thanksgiving. In a lot of ways it isn't a holiday as very rarely do most folks even get the day off. Generally it's to cold to have a cook out.... There are not those traditional things that make a holiday tops on most folks lists. Hell, most kids in schools today probably don't have a clue that it even is a holiday....
I get frustrated to by the way folks get Veterans Day confused with Memorial Day. Lots of people, including most dip-stick politicians think that Veteran's Day is about remembering those who have died...... It isn't, Veteran's Day is for those that lived through it; Memorial day is the day to remember those that died in service and those who have passed on...... I know in the grand scheme of things it's minor but it annoys me just the same and probably always will.... I think a lot about Veteran's Day and what it means and many friends made over the years through military service........... Ah, yes, this is a travel blog, I know.......
There's been a lot going on. to relieve stress, one has to find things to escape. Planing a trip with the family is one means of escape that I'd like to think is positive and productive(well at least more so than playing solitaire on the computer.... maybe).
One of the things that is common to most everyone here is that there is always a dream. Maybe it is the dream of asking that girl back home to marry you when you get back. Maybe it is that trip to Vegas with your battle buddies where you are going to paint the town red and hit it big on the slots...... Maybe it is to go back to school and get that degree. Maybe it's to sail around the world on a yacht. Some are big, some are small, but they are held by all. The point is, everyone here has a dream that they hold on to and cherish and nurturer while they are here..... Sometimes, maybe those dreams are unrealistic but they help a person hold it together in the most insane of places and circumstances....
I have been dreaming a lot about a motorcycle. I had one before I came over here but, Illianna sold it. That's OK, I agreed to it and it's not like it was doing me a whole lot of good..... But, when I get back, I want another. I know the type I want. I am not sure of exactly the version I want but I know the type.... I have been looking at them on e-bay and Craig's list. I have been reading about them and trying to learn about them, the peculiarities and issues...... Somehow, someway shortly after I get back I WILL have one.
Dreams are funny things because in many ways they are kinda' like a mirage in the dessert, they shimmer and change shape as you get closer to them, sometimes.... they just up and disappear. This dream started out as a Goldwing trike. Illianna and I have agree that between my busted leg and my back getting broken, I really don't need to be hossin' a heavy bike around....... But as I have been reading and researching, I have found that I REALLY don't want a Goldwing. Illianna says she doesn't want to travel long distances on a motorcycle so we don't need that type of bike, and she's right. Most of the travel would be short hops around the lake or a poker run, maybe a long weekend to St Louis but extended trips would be rare.... So, we are looking at Cruisers..... I looked at a Honda VTX and it was nice and is a distinct possibility. I want something that is light enough to manage around town and a trip to grocery BUT, it also needs to be big enough that when the planets align and Sturgis calls it will be up for the task.... I can't see a Harley in my future, just to expensive and the maintenance and the cost of living that lifestyle is just to trendy and not for me....... WHat I really like the looks of is the old Honda Valkyries.... I have made up my mind that when I get home there is going to be a Valkyrie in the garage (Yeah, the fact I don't have a garage built yet is a minor problem but what come first the chicken or the egg). Some how some way.....
Part of the dream of a Valkyrie is where to ride it (see I told you travel was going to come into play here) there are a lot of rides that would be great for a bike. The Ohio River Scenic Byway is one that would be super of a bike trip.... The Natches trace would be another..... Somehow, someway..... It's going to happen so, I ain't getting any younger. IF I can find a Valkyrie, it should last me for a good 20 years, they are mechanically reliable almost ot the point of being indestructible. I want to find the right one and go from there.....
I think part of the mystic and desire for a bike over here is the freedom that it offers. Here where you are stuck in a very small place for months at a time and a vehicle hitting 35 miles and hour is considered reckless driving, the thought of hitting the open road on a bike is a very alluring dream....
I had a friend once who loved motorcycles and had a dream of riding across Europe. He planned and saved and for his 50th birthday he gave himself the present of traveling to Europe to take that ride. He never made it back. Somewhere in the Italian Alps, he put the bike over the side of a mountain. They think he had a heart attack and was dead before he crashed. He left a lot of friends here who miss him for a lot of reasons. Me, I miss him though we weren't THAT close and I am also happy for him. He went out the way he'd wanted to on a bike living his dream of traveling Europe.....
Me, I don't want to die on the road (there are much worse ways to go I am sure) but I also don't want to die having never been on the road either...... I want to have memories of trips and adventures to relive when I am old and confined to a nursing home in a rocking chair.........
We all need to have dreams and we need to work towards them and see that they are fulfilled. Take that road less traveled.
Veterans Day has came and went. Veterans Day is in many ways I think my favorite holiday. No, there aren't gifts like Christmas. There's not a big feast like Thanksgiving. In a lot of ways it isn't a holiday as very rarely do most folks even get the day off. Generally it's to cold to have a cook out.... There are not those traditional things that make a holiday tops on most folks lists. Hell, most kids in schools today probably don't have a clue that it even is a holiday....
I get frustrated to by the way folks get Veterans Day confused with Memorial Day. Lots of people, including most dip-stick politicians think that Veteran's Day is about remembering those who have died...... It isn't, Veteran's Day is for those that lived through it; Memorial day is the day to remember those that died in service and those who have passed on...... I know in the grand scheme of things it's minor but it annoys me just the same and probably always will.... I think a lot about Veteran's Day and what it means and many friends made over the years through military service........... Ah, yes, this is a travel blog, I know.......
There's been a lot going on. to relieve stress, one has to find things to escape. Planing a trip with the family is one means of escape that I'd like to think is positive and productive(well at least more so than playing solitaire on the computer.... maybe).
One of the things that is common to most everyone here is that there is always a dream. Maybe it is the dream of asking that girl back home to marry you when you get back. Maybe it is that trip to Vegas with your battle buddies where you are going to paint the town red and hit it big on the slots...... Maybe it is to go back to school and get that degree. Maybe it's to sail around the world on a yacht. Some are big, some are small, but they are held by all. The point is, everyone here has a dream that they hold on to and cherish and nurturer while they are here..... Sometimes, maybe those dreams are unrealistic but they help a person hold it together in the most insane of places and circumstances....
I have been dreaming a lot about a motorcycle. I had one before I came over here but, Illianna sold it. That's OK, I agreed to it and it's not like it was doing me a whole lot of good..... But, when I get back, I want another. I know the type I want. I am not sure of exactly the version I want but I know the type.... I have been looking at them on e-bay and Craig's list. I have been reading about them and trying to learn about them, the peculiarities and issues...... Somehow, someway shortly after I get back I WILL have one.
Dreams are funny things because in many ways they are kinda' like a mirage in the dessert, they shimmer and change shape as you get closer to them, sometimes.... they just up and disappear. This dream started out as a Goldwing trike. Illianna and I have agree that between my busted leg and my back getting broken, I really don't need to be hossin' a heavy bike around....... But as I have been reading and researching, I have found that I REALLY don't want a Goldwing. Illianna says she doesn't want to travel long distances on a motorcycle so we don't need that type of bike, and she's right. Most of the travel would be short hops around the lake or a poker run, maybe a long weekend to St Louis but extended trips would be rare.... So, we are looking at Cruisers..... I looked at a Honda VTX and it was nice and is a distinct possibility. I want something that is light enough to manage around town and a trip to grocery BUT, it also needs to be big enough that when the planets align and Sturgis calls it will be up for the task.... I can't see a Harley in my future, just to expensive and the maintenance and the cost of living that lifestyle is just to trendy and not for me....... WHat I really like the looks of is the old Honda Valkyries.... I have made up my mind that when I get home there is going to be a Valkyrie in the garage (Yeah, the fact I don't have a garage built yet is a minor problem but what come first the chicken or the egg). Some how some way.....
Part of the dream of a Valkyrie is where to ride it (see I told you travel was going to come into play here) there are a lot of rides that would be great for a bike. The Ohio River Scenic Byway is one that would be super of a bike trip.... The Natches trace would be another..... Somehow, someway..... It's going to happen so, I ain't getting any younger. IF I can find a Valkyrie, it should last me for a good 20 years, they are mechanically reliable almost ot the point of being indestructible. I want to find the right one and go from there.....
I think part of the mystic and desire for a bike over here is the freedom that it offers. Here where you are stuck in a very small place for months at a time and a vehicle hitting 35 miles and hour is considered reckless driving, the thought of hitting the open road on a bike is a very alluring dream....
I had a friend once who loved motorcycles and had a dream of riding across Europe. He planned and saved and for his 50th birthday he gave himself the present of traveling to Europe to take that ride. He never made it back. Somewhere in the Italian Alps, he put the bike over the side of a mountain. They think he had a heart attack and was dead before he crashed. He left a lot of friends here who miss him for a lot of reasons. Me, I miss him though we weren't THAT close and I am also happy for him. He went out the way he'd wanted to on a bike living his dream of traveling Europe.....
Me, I don't want to die on the road (there are much worse ways to go I am sure) but I also don't want to die having never been on the road either...... I want to have memories of trips and adventures to relive when I am old and confined to a nursing home in a rocking chair.........
We all need to have dreams and we need to work towards them and see that they are fulfilled. Take that road less traveled.
20091107
The St Louis Area
One of the place that I will visit while in the St Louis area is Jefferson Barracks.
Besides being an old military post, Jefferson Barracks holds a special interest for me in that it was the first post of a young lieutenant from northern Indiana who would later become the Surgeon General of the Army. I want to stop off and do a little be of research here for my book on General Merritt Weber Ireland.
In reading the internet histories of the post, it somehow is fitting that this was Ireland's first post as it had been one of the largests military hospitals of the Civil War.
The post is now divided up in a Veterans Hospital, a National Cemetery second in size to only Arlington and a city park which houses a number of museums in old buildings.
More later....
Besides being an old military post, Jefferson Barracks holds a special interest for me in that it was the first post of a young lieutenant from northern Indiana who would later become the Surgeon General of the Army. I want to stop off and do a little be of research here for my book on General Merritt Weber Ireland.
In reading the internet histories of the post, it somehow is fitting that this was Ireland's first post as it had been one of the largests military hospitals of the Civil War.
The post is now divided up in a Veterans Hospital, a National Cemetery second in size to only Arlington and a city park which houses a number of museums in old buildings.
More later....
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