VA friends

[FireStillBurning]

It was the teacup ride that got me sick the first time when I was about 4-5. I have never been able to go on any ride that spins like that. Just watching it makes my stomach queasy. The dragster coaster in Cedar Point uses the same magnetic catapult system as the aircraft carriers. It goes from 0-120 in just a couple of seconds then it literially goes straight up for 420 feet and then straight down before it stops back on the straight away. The ride is over in 20 seconds but it so exhilarating. I loved it.

Yes, I have done "Its a small world" and yes, that song can hypnotize you into a crazy person. lol. I don't what is new there in the last 10 years since I was last there but up till then I think I was just about every ride except for spinning ones like the Merry-go-round. I can do a ferris wheel because that is more like an up and down motion.

When I was at Universal a few years back I bought the fastpass thing. It just about doubles the cost of the entry fee but is worth it since I get to go to the front of every line so the wait might be 2 hours but I got on in 5 minutes.

I can imagine there will be some scenery at the beach in California. Might be crazy but I am sure they will look good. It is fun to just sit and people watch sometimes. People as in the young ladies in those tiny bikinis walking by.
Does anybody remember Farrell's Ice Cream parlors? I use to love going there in High School. I don't think there is anything equilvant in this area anymore.

Yes, I believe they had the “ fast pass” there at Knottsberry. You sure have a major list of amusement parks that you have checked out
As far as Farrell’s there was never one in Western NY. But I definitely remember one in Phoenix. On our first trip there in 1968 we stopped at one. They had a promotion: Eat 3 softball size scoops of ice cream( chocolate, vanilla & strawberry) along with the toppings & banana slices, served in a “ trough” & you would get a Blue Ribbon that said: “ I made a pig of myself at Farrell’s” Being 12 at the time I took up the challenge..& did it. I remember when I finished they made a Huge deal out of it. Staff came over to our table, music, confetti & the Big, Blue Ribbon & everyone calling me a “Pig” & making “ oink” sounds. I kept that ribbon hanging in my room for years. Thanks for bringing back an almost forgotten memory Wonder if there is still one in Phoenix??

 

[Eowyn10]

Fire, I must sadly report that there is no Farrell Ice Cream currently in Phx to my knowledge. Everything like that got squeezed out by ColdStone Creamery, to a significant degree. From the pictures on line of their banana splits, it's a significant loss. That ice cream in the trough sounds like something only a growing boy could consume without going into a sugar coma. I remember growing up with High's Ice Cream in Roanoke, and it was a treat my dad would occasionally offer us on Sunday night after church, if we had been good. My first lesson in the power of positive reinforcement for good behavior....

 

[StarGazer58]

When my kids were little we did a lot of vacations at different amusement parks around the country. It was something they always loved doing and I enjoy them too. I believe I have been to all of the major amusement parks.

I remember there was something about eating a lot if ice cream at Farrels but now that you mentioned the trough, that brought back memories. I ate 13 pieces of pizza and 3 pieces of chicken at Shakey's Pizza one time when I was 13 but I never tried the trough at Farrels. That was a lot of ice cream and well deserved Blue Ribbon. Something to be proud of. There was a Farrels in Wheaton Plaza that was always fun to end a date at but I don't remember when it closed down. I like Cold Stone but there is no sit down Ice Cream Parlors that I am aware of in the DC area. I don't remember much about the ice cream but I liked the atmosphere at Farrels. Wish they would come back. I googled Farrels and the last one closed in 2019 in Calif. There were 120 of them when Marriott owned them back in the 70's and 80's. It is interesting why something is popular for a while but then fades away. Most people like ice cream so I cannot really think of a reason why they would have gone out of business. Not like there are a lot of other ice cream parlors out there as competition. There was another very popular ice cream shop local to DC called Giffords but it is long gone too. They had really good coffee ice cream.

I worked at High's as a clerk while I was in High School. One of my best friends growing up, his dad was an executive with High's. They always had good ice cream.

 

[FireStillBurning]

When my kids were little we did a lot of vacations at different amusement parks around the country. It was something they always loved doing and I enjoy them too. I believe I have been to all of the major amusement parks.

I remember there was something about eating a lot if ice cream at Farrels but now that you mentioned the trough, that brought back memories. I ate 13 pieces of pizza and 3 pieces of chicken at Shakey's Pizza one time when I was 13 but I never tried the trough at Farrels. That was a lot of ice cream and well deserved Blue Ribbon. Something to be proud of. There was a Farrels in Wheaton Plaza that was always fun to end a date at but I don't remember when it closed down. I like Cold Stone but there is no sit down Ice Cream Parlors that I am aware of in the DC area. I don't remember much about the ice cream but I liked the atmosphere at Farrels. Wish they would come back. I googled Farrels and the last one closed in 2019 in Calif. There were 120 of them when Marriott owned them back in the 70's and 80's. It is interesting why something is popular for a while but then fades away. Most people like ice cream so I cannot really think of a reason why they would have gone out of business. Not like there are a lot of other ice cream parlors out there as competition. There was another very popular ice cream shop local to DC called Giffords but it is long gone too. They had really good coffee ice cream.

I worked at High's as a clerk while I was in High School. One of my best friends growing up, his dad was an executive with High's. They always had good ice cream.

Thank you both for the background on Farrell’s. Seems that’s how things “ progress “ the last 50 years, sad. Gazer I’m most impressed that you we’re able to visit so many parks when your kids were young. We did Disney World, Cedar Point, Busch Gardens in Virginia & Hershey Park ( I really liked that one)
Well the weather didn’t cooperate today. We did a Garden/Tree/Flower walk this morning, the kids actually had a good time. A Mexican restaurant for lunch, then the ocean at Newport. Very “ High End, Upscale “ community to say the least. Sadly it was overcast, breezy & only 66 ( warmer back in Buffalo ). But we walked the surf & got chased by the incoming tide, kids had an absolute Blast . Did any Italian restaurant for dinner. Tomorrow a zoo is on the agenda, as well as a camp fire at dusk & roasting marshmallows . I’ll make sure all “ appendages “ stay away from the glowing coals. Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Seems like you did a good number of the parks too. Hershey park is a fun park but then who does not like chocolate.

Sometimes I think of the things that were around when I was a kid that are no longer around. Farrels, Shakeys Pizza, Fudgetown cookies, the 12" GI Joe, Monkey Bars, Lawn Darts, S&H Green Stamps, Drive-Ins, Candid Camera, Mighty Mouse, Good Humor Ice Cream trucks, Mad Magazine, riding bikes wherever, playing outside all day to name a few.

Sounds like a fun trip so far. Glad you are having a good time.

 

[FireStillBurning]

They had a ore

Seems like you did a good number of the parks too. Hershey park is a fun park but then who does not like chocolate.

Sometimes I think of the things that were around when I was a kid that are no longer around. Farrels, Shakeys Pizza, Fudgetown cookies, the 12" GI Joe, Monkey Bars, Lawn Darts, S&H Green Stamps, Drive-Ins, Candid Camera, Mighty Mouse, Good Humor Ice Cream trucks, Mad Magazine, riding bikes wherever, playing outside all day to name a few.

Sounds like a fun trip so far. Glad you are having a good time.

They have a good zoo at Hershey Park too. I thought Mad Magazine was still around.. “ What, Me Worry”. S & H Green Stamps, Western Auto, ACME & A & P....
Did the Santa Ana zoo today. Just finished up crab legs , smoked fish, shrimp & corn on the cob. My son is starting a fire for toasting marshmallows. We leave tomorrow morning. First for Chicago, then Columbia. Other then the chilly weather the last 3 days it’s been a great time. When we went shopping for the dinner items this morning the store actually sold “ Spirits “, in addition to beer & wine. NY,& Virginia don’t, wonder how many others do?. We’re getting in about 8:00pm tomorrow, may not get on till Sunday morning. Slainte, Good Sir

 

[StarGazer58]

Never went to the zoo at Harshey Park. I have been to the San Diego zoo which was a lot of fun. Have not been to the National Zoo here in years though.

Sounds like good dinner. Love crab legs with butter. You cannot buy beer and wine in the grocery stores in Maryland. It is some stupid law here. It is only in the last 10 years that you can ship wine into the Maryland. I once bought a wine of the month club thing for my dad but could not ship it to him in Maryland. Had to send it to a friends house in VA and I would go pick it up every month. Liquor laws in most states are stupid. Years ago I was in dry county in Kentucky. There were more beer cans on the side of the road in that county than in the next county where you could buy beer. So stupid. Like they are actually going to stop drinking because of some law.

Have a safe trip

 

[FireStillBurning]

Never went to the zoo at Harshey Park. I have been to the San Diego zoo which was a lot of fun. Have not been to the National Zoo here in years though.

Sounds like good dinner. Love crab legs with butter. You cannot buy beer and wine in the grocery stores in Maryland. It is some stupid law here. It is only in the last 10 years that you can ship wine into the Maryland. I once bought a wine of the month club thing for my dad but could not ship it to him in Maryland. Had to send it to a friends house in VA and I would go pick it up every month. Liquor laws in most states are stupid. Years ago I was in dry county in Kentucky. There were more beer cans on the side of the road in that county than in the next county where you could buy beer. So stupid. Like they are actually going to stop drinking because of some law.

Have a safe trip

Well we finally got in at 9:45 last night, long day. But a worthwhile adventure. They will return the favor in mid October. We’ve established a new tradition by celebrating Thanksgiving the 3rd Thursday of the month. Easier traveling for all parties concerned & decent fall weather for the grandkids.
We did go to the Toronto Zoo years ago with the kids. Huge, over 700 acres. A Most Impressive Facility. Yeah it’s taken a while to get used to the liquor laws in Virginia, as opposed to NYS. We will chill out today with our daughter & son in law, & our dog, sip some Irish Whisky & watch the PGA. Speaking of which $13.87 fir a craft beer in Chicago... almost as bad as Southern Hills. Back to the Valley tomorrow. Slainte to All

 

[Eowyn10]

Never went to the zoo at Harshey Park. I have been to the San Diego zoo which was a lot of fun. Have not been to the National Zoo here in years though.

Sounds like good dinner. Love crab legs with butter. You cannot buy beer and wine in the grocery stores in Maryland. It is some stupid law here. It is only in the last 10 years that you can ship wine into the Maryland. I once bought a wine of the month club thing for my dad but could not ship it to him in Maryland. Had to send it to a friends house in VA and I would go pick it up every month. Liquor laws in most states are stupid. Years ago I was in dry county in Kentucky. There were more beer cans on the side of the road in that county than in the next county where you could buy beer. So stupid. Like they are actually going to stop drinking because of some law.

Have a safe trip

Really???? you can't buy beer or wine in the grocery stores in MD??? And I thought the East was civilized. The grocery store selections out here are enormous and there is even a bar in Frys (think Kroger), where you can get a glass of wine and have a cheese plate. Really good pricing on California wine since we are so close, but can't get a good German Trauminer Riesling for anything. When we were in Germany visiting, I came to the conclusion that Germans save the good wine, and anything shipped to the US was drained from the kennels....

Travel safely, Fire. I hear from family that it is 70s and raining there today in the Valley.

 

[FireStillBurning]

Really???? you can't buy beer or wine in the grocery stores in MD??? And I thought the East was civilized. The grocery store selections out here are enormous and there is even a bar in Frys (think Kroger), where you can get a glass of wine and have a cheese plate. Really good pricing on California wine since we are so close, but can't get a good German Trauminer Riesling for anything. When we were in Germany visiting, I came to the conclusion that Germans save the good wine, and anything shipped to the US was drained from the kennels....

Travel safely, Fire. I hear from family that it is 70s and raining there today in the Valley.

Thanks Eowyn10. Yeah I’ve noticed a 20 degree drop from 90 to 70 in the past few hours. Rain is on tap , but we should be OK. Leaving about 8:15 in the morning. Just watched Justin Thomas come out of the pack & take the PGA Championship. Tough break for that guy from Chile on the 18th. Slainte

 

[Eowyn10]

Never went to the zoo at Harshey Park. I have been to the San Diego zoo which was a lot of fun. Have not been to the National Zoo here in years though.

Sounds like good dinner. Love crab legs with butter. You cannot buy beer and wine in the grocery stores in Maryland. It is some stupid law here. It is only in the last 10 years that you can ship wine into the Maryland. I once bought a wine of the month club thing for my dad but could not ship it to him in Maryland. Had to send it to a friends house in VA and I would go pick it up every month. Liquor laws in most states are stupid. Years ago I was in dry county in Kentucky. There were more beer cans on the side of the road in that county than in the next county where you could buy beer. So stupid. Like they are actually going to stop drinking because of some law.

Have a safe trip

There used to be a place in Virginia Beach that had the most incredible fresh seafood, and it was right near the beach. As it happened, my parents were on their honeymoon and had a picture taken on the beach, right in front of the little shack where the restaurant started. Having trouble remembering the name, but the memory of the food is crystal clear.

 

[StarGazer58]

Nope, cannot buy wine or beer in the grocery store here in Maryland. Heaven forbid if the Maryland government allowed something convenient.

Phillips is the best known seafood restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland. It has probably been around for 60+ years. I don't know much about Virginia Beach since I have only been a couple of times.

I caught the end of the PGA tournament while I was making dinner last night. Exciting finish. I did not play quite so well yesterday afternoon when I played 9 holes.

 

[Eowyn10]

I finally remembered the restaurant: It was the Duck Inn. Not there any more after one of the hurricanes hit Va Bch.

No, no, don't tell me.....another golfer with perfectionist syndrome. I live across the street from one of those types and she drops in to tell me about her golf performance and anxiety issues associated, on a regular basis. We drink wine, she feels better, and I have struck another blow for the sanity of the human race. Everybody is happy.....so, do you have a bottle of wine or a six pack available that you can use to stimulate the same result????

 

[FireStillBurning]

I finally remembered the restaurant: It was the Duck Inn. Not there any more after one of the hurricanes hit Va Bch.

No, no, don't tell me.....another golfer with perfectionist syndrome. I live across the street from one of those types and she drops in to tell me about her golf performance and anxiety issues associated, on a regular basis. We drink wine, she feels better, and I have struck another blow for the sanity of the human race. Everybody is happy.....so, do you have a bottle of wine or a six pack available that you can use to stimulate the same result????

Glad to sea you solved the mystery of the missing restaurant. Made it safely back to the Valley by 3:00pm today. A wet 59 degrees, gonna be cool & damp till Thursday, maybe should have stayed in California.. they had blue skies today.
Don’t golf to much any more, but when we did the 19th hole was always the Best. Had a lot of good memories of countless good...& bad shots we all had... kinda miss it. Oh well. Plan on resting up & taking care of the yard for the next few days... then it’s off to Western NY for the weekend & Mom’s 87th B-Day. Slainte

 

[Eowyn10]

Congratulations to your Mom, Fire! Hope she has a happy birthday. And aren't you glad to be home after your travels? I think the best part is sleeping in my own bed for a change, and knowing where the bathroom really is in the middle of the night.

Star, you should try Va Beach if you get a chance. The best beach is not at Va Beach proper, but down at Sandbridge. Lots fewer tourists down there.

Eowyn

 

[StarGazer58]

I finally remembered the restaurant: It was the Duck Inn. Not there any more after one of the hurricanes hit Va Bch.

No, no, don't tell me.....another golfer with perfectionist syndrome. I live across the street from one of those types and she drops in to tell me about her golf performance and anxiety issues associated, on a regular basis. We drink wine, she feels better, and I have struck another blow for the sanity of the human race. Everybody is happy.....so, do you have a bottle of wine or a six pack available that you can use to stimulate the same result????

I get mad at myself on the course, but of course I want to play at what I consider a decent level of competency. I don't expect perfection but I hate when I do things like top the ball off the tee so it hits the rock garden in front of me and proceeds to bounce over my head and behind me so my second shot is even longer than from the original tee box. lol. I actually did that one time playing in a tournament. I enjoy beer and wine but I am not a big drinker so one glass of something after a round is good for me. I do find indoor golf more fun than outdoor golf. Thought I would provide the rules of Indoor Golf. Maybe you can share them with your golfing neighbor and see if her golf performance improves.

Indoor Golf
1. Each player shall furnish his own equipment. Normally one club and two balls.

2. Play on a course must be approved by the owner of the hole.

3. Unlike outdoor golf, the object is to get the CLUB in the hole and keep the balls out.

4. For most effective play, the club should have a firm shaft. Course owners are permitted to check shaft stiffness before play begins.

5. Course owners reserve the right to restrict shaft length so not to damage the hole(s).

6. The object of the game is to take as many strokes as necessary until the course owner is satisfied that the play is complete. Failure to do so may result in being denied permission to play the course again.

7. It is considered bad form to begin playing the hole immediately upon arrival at the course. The experienced player will take time to admire the entire course with special attention to the well-formed bunkers.

8. Players are cautioned not to mention other courses they have played or are currently playing to the owner of the course being played. Upset course owners have been known to damage a players equipment for this reason.

9. Players are encouraged to bring proper rain gear for their own protection.

10. Players should assure themselves that their match has been properly scheduled, particularly when a new course is being played. Previous players have been known to become irate if they discover someone else playing on what they consider to be their private course.

11. Players should not assume a course is in shape for play at all times.

12. Players are advised to be extremely tactful in this situation. More advanced players will find an alternate means of play when this occurs.

13. Players are strongly encouraged to obtain permission before playing the Back Nine.

14. Slow play is encouraged. However, players should be prepared to proceed at a faster pace, at least temporarily, at the owners request.

15. It is considered outstanding performance; time permitting, to play the same hole several times in one match.

 

[StarGazer58]

Congratulations to your Mom, Fire! Hope she has a happy birthday. And aren't you glad to be home after your travels? I think the best part is sleeping in my own bed for a change, and knowing where the bathroom really is in the middle of the night.

Star, you should try Va Beach if you get a chance. The best beach is not at Va Beach proper, but down at Sandbridge. Lots fewer tourists down there.

Eowyn

You are quite the traveling man Fire. Here, there and all about the place. Congrats to your mom on her 87th. My mom passed last July when she was 97. She was still playing golf and bowling till about 90 and her legs got too weak. You did come back to some rainy weather. It was like August heat and humidity over the weekend before this cold front came through. Was suppose to play pickle ball tonight but looks like the rain will continue.

I only got to VA Beach proper, stayed at some hotel on the beach which I have forgotten the name. I like the boardwalk at Ocean City much better with all the crowds, junk shops, food and carnival rides up and down the whole boardwalk. Maybe it has changed but VA beach was mostly just empty cement walk running in front of the hotels. Now if Sanbridge was nudist beach I would give it a try. I also like the crowds at the beach if there are lots of attractive women in tiny bikinis. Gives me something to look at.

 

[FireStillBurning]

Congratulations to your Mom, Fire! Hope she has a happy birthday. And aren't you glad to be home after your travels? I think the best part is sleeping in my own bed for a change, and knowing where the bathroom really is in the middle of the night.

Star, you should try Va Beach if you get a chance. The best beach is not at Va Beach proper, but down at Sandbridge. Lots fewer tourists down there.

Eowyn

Thank You, Sir. Yes, that phrase Dorthy says “ There’s No place like home” rings true. Especially the bed, & the kitchen ( knot looking everywhere for mugs, plates, cutlery) . Still it was fun, With the grandkids being on the “ Left Coast” & only seeing them twice a year, have to pack a lot of “ Grandpa “ time in. Still it’s always good to be in ones own domicile! Slainte

 

[FireStillBurning]

You are quite the traveling man Fire. Here, there and all about the place. Congrats to your mom on her 87th. My mom passed last July when she was 97. She was still playing golf and bowling till about 90 and her legs got too weak. You did come back to some rainy weather. It was like August heat and humidity over the weekend before this cold front came through. Was suppose to play pickle ball tonight but looks like the rain will continue.

I only got to VA Beach proper, stayed at some hotel on the beach which I have forgotten the name. I like the boardwalk at Ocean City much better with all the crowds, junk shops, food and carnival rides up and down the whole boardwalk. Maybe it has changed but VA beach was mostly just empty cement walk running in front of the hotels. Now if Sanbridge was nudist beach I would give it a try. I also like the crowds at the beach if there are lots of attractive women in tiny bikinis. Gives me something to look at.

Thank You, Good Sir. Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, sounded very active until she couldn’t be. I seem to travel in “spurts”, ( no offense to the Spurtman). After this weekend we should be quit until September, then it will be a trip to Tennessee to see some friends who relocated there last year. Between that & now it will just be day trips ( provided gas doesn’t go much above $5.00. ( it was $6.28 in Santa Ana on Sunday… took a pic).
Interesting rules for the game of Golf ️, but you neglected the 19th 🕳, but then again you may have had good reason too. Doing steaks on the grill tonight… the rain has left, still cloudy & cool. Slainte

 

[StarGazer58]

Thank You, Good Sir. Sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, sounded very active until she couldn’t be. I seem to travel in “spurts”, ( no offense to the Spurtman). After this weekend we should be quit until September, then it will be a trip to Tennessee to see some friends who relocated there last year. Between that & now it will just be day trips ( provided gas doesn’t go much above $5.00. ( it was $6.28 in Santa Ana on Sunday… took a pic).
Interesting rules for the game of Golf ️, but you neglected the 19th 🕳, but then again you may have had good reason too. Doing steaks on the grill tonight… the rain has left, still cloudy & cool. Slainte

At the end my mom was just existing, not living. The last year of her life she needed 24 hour care and I just could not afford to have the people come to her house so I had to move her to an assisted living home. By that point she could not do any of the things she loved doing so I think she just finally gave out. Thanks for the sympathy.

There was a really attractive Thai woman that worked at the Thai restaurant near my house. We would always chat whenever I went to pickup take out. Her and her husband recently moved to some small town outside of Nashville. I asked her why they were moving there and she said her husband had retired and that was where he wanted to go. I saw her a couple of weeks ago when she came up for a visit and I asked how things were and she said boring. She said there was nothing for her to do in the small town and that she missed it up here.

I have not done any travel in such a long time. I went down to Williamsburg to play golf back in October and that is it. I would like to go on vacation somewhere this summer but I don't know where yet.

With indoor golf you can skip the 19th hole and just start another round if the clubs hold out and the course owner is willing.

Steaks sounds good. It is still overcast but starting to dry up here. I believe it will be butter chicken tonight which is where I am heading now, to the kitchen. Pickle ball was canceled.

 

[Eowyn10]

So, Fire, what does gas cost in the Valley these days? It was $4.99 at Costco out in Phx when I gassed up yesterday, and that's about the best price you can get right now. Those folks in the ginormous trucks who spent $40K+ on their new babies are really regretting their choices out here. I am astonished in my community (55 and older) that there are people who are buying 28 ft long trucks, with expanded cabs and beds, which won't fit in their garages. That's a requirement from the HOA out here to cut down on driveway and street parking, since all homes come with dual garages.

Star, sorry to hear about your mom's passing, but boy, did she live a long life, and I'll bet she accumulated a ton of wisdom along the way. My mom is 92 and still going strong, but the women in her family were all very long-lived. It's hard when they can't live independently any more, and the assisted living areas in some places are pretty bleak. However, it sounds like she was loved and knew it, and sometimes that is the greatest gift.

If you are looking for beautiful places to visit for a vacation, may I recommend Yellowstone National Park out here in the West, and the Great Smokies in the East. Always loved going to Cherokee in the Smokies and seeing their outdoor pageant. Yellowstone is just magnificent, and when you factor in the face that it is sitting on top of a gigantic caldera for a still active underground volcano (where all those hot springs and mudpots are coming from), it is a bit intimidating. I read a report from a volcanologist once who said that if the caldera under Yellowstone ever erupted again, it would decimate the western US and Canada. So, I didn't go for the volcano, but for the wildlife, of which you can see tons wandering around. At night in the campgrounds, you can hear wolves howling at the moon at times. Buffalo are everywhere and it's clear that they see themselves as the Lords of Creation. They think nothing of walking in the roads, and stopping in the middle, I think just to laugh at the cars backing up.

Eowyn

 

[FireStillBurning]

So, Fire, what does gas cost in the Valley these days? It was $4.99 at Costco out in Phx when I gassed up yesterday, and that's about the best price you can get right now. Those folks in the ginormous trucks who spent $40K+ on their new babies are really regretting their choices out here. I am astonished in my community (55 and older) that there are people who are buying 28 ft long trucks, with expanded cabs and beds, which won't fit in their garages. That's a requirement from the HOA out here to cut down on driveway and street parking, since all homes come with dual garages.

Star, sorry to hear about your mom's passing, but boy, did she live a long life, and I'll bet she accumulated a ton of wisdom along the way. My mom is 92 and still going strong, but the women in her family were all very long-lived. It's hard when they can't live independently any more, and the assisted living areas in some places are pretty bleak. However, it sounds like she was loved and knew it, and sometimes that is the greatest gift.

If you are looking for beautiful places to visit for a vacation, may I recommend Yellowstone National Park out here in the West, and the Great Smokies in the East. Always loved going to Cherokee in the Smokies and seeing their outdoor pageant. Yellowstone is just magnificent, and when you factor in the face that it is sitting on top of a gigantic caldera for a still active underground volcano (where all those hot springs and mudpots are coming from), it is a bit intimidating. I read a report from a volcanologist once who said that if the caldera under Yellowstone ever erupted again, it would decimate the western US and Canada. So, I didn't go for the volcano, but for the wildlife, of which you can see tons wandering around. At night in the campgrounds, you can hear wolves howling at the moon at times. Buffalo are everywhere and it's clear that they see themselves as the Lords of Creation. They think nothing of walking in the roads, and stopping in the middle, I think just to laugh at the cars backing up.

Eowyn

We got back on Monday afternoon. Tuesday we went into town & it was $4.47. Down in Columbia it was $4.06 on Monday morning. Saturday morning on our way to the airport I took a pic…$6.29. You are right about them humongous trucks. Saw lots if ‘em in California & in the area where are daughter is in Columbia. All parked in expanded driveways ( overhanging the grass). I’m dreading the price of gas in Pennsylvania & Western NY.could be close to $5.00 a gallon this weekend
I doubt I’ll ever get out West to see those places again, but the Smokies are on our list. We’re lucky to have the Shenandoah National Park & the Blue Ridge Parkway in our back yard, as well as a host of Civil War & other Historic parks in easy driving distance( providing gas doesn’t climb to $6.00).
Well time to adjourn to the porch & rehydrate after doing the yard work . Slainte

 

[Eowyn10]

Fire, I would ask what you are rehydrating with, but feel I probably already know the answer... The next time you are on the Parkway, going south, and pass milepost 152, take a look down to your left as you pass a pasture sloping down to a spring, with woods on both sides, and a house up on the hill in back. That's our family's farm, or at least half of it. Also, if possible, stop at Mabry's Mill. They used to have the best buckwheat pancakes you could put in your mouth, along with real country ham, the kind that makes you drink a gallon of water after you eat it.

Drink up, now. You certainly don't want to get dehydrated...

 

[FireStillBurning]

Fire, I would ask what you are rehydrating with, but feel I probably already know the answer... The next time you are on the Parkway, going south, and pass milepost 152, take a look down to your left as you pass a pasture sloping down to a spring, with woods on both sides, and a house up on the hill in back. That's our family's farm, or at least half of it. Also, if possible, stop at Mabry's Mill. They used to have the best buckwheat pancakes you could put in your mouth, along with real country ham, the kind that makes you drink a gallon of water after you eat it.

Drink up, now. You certainly don't want to get dehydrated...

Thanks for the “ tip” on the Parkway. Not sure if we will get up there before fall, but MP152, got it Volunteer Thursday, kinda slow right now. By the way I am “ re- hydrated “ Slainte

 

[Eowyn10]

Fall is a beautiful time on the Parkway, so you won't miss much if you need to wait.

So how did the kids (and the moms) get along on the train without you while you were traveling?? Don't know when I will get back to Roanoke this season, but if and when, I will definitely make time to go see the train in the park. Also I want to experiment with flying into DC instead of Charlotte, and then taking Amtrak to Roanoke. Probably a longer trip, but maybe more relaxing once I am on the train.

Bottoms Up!