On the Road in a Chevy Van

After riding on my back bumper for all those months, my bike was stolen from the bike rack in the backyard of my building the first night I was home.
Many a day on the road, I had failed to lock it on the van. I hope this is not a precursor to something soon happening to Ol' '95 and to me!

This was my first - and only- stop in Colorado

First and Only Stop in Colorado

If many folks think Kansas is desolate, that is because they have not spent much time on the eastern plains of Colorado.

I pulled into Denver only six days shy of 16 months from the day I left.
I have toured around 30 states - several of them more than once.
New Mexico
Arizona
California (3 times)
Oregon (2)
Washington (2)
North Carolina (2)
Idaho
Montana
North Dakota
Minnesota
Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana (2)
Illinois (2)
Kentucky
Tennessee
Georgia (2)
Alabama (2)
Mississippi (2)
Arkansas
South Carolina (2)
Florida
Virginia (3)
Pennsylvania (2)
New York
West Virginia
Ohio
Missouri
Kansas
Colorado (2)

I have visited five foreign countries:
Ontario, Canada
Cuba
England
France

I have visited sites of significance for eight presidents:
Washington
Jefferson
Madison
Monroe
Lincoln
McKinley
Truman
Eisenhower
(I thought it was ten, but unless I read back over my entire blog I can't recall them!)

I have been contacted by so many old friends and relatives.
I have stayed with so many friends, relatives, and strangers. Thanks so much to all of you for all the good times and hospitality.
I have met so many new friends. My door is always open to all of you.

Well, maybe you had better wait until I get through redecorating. My house is sparsely furnished. I am not going to move my furniture back in until I paint, etc.

A Clean Palette from Which to Start

My young neighbor helped me unload the van. Even though it took many trips and it was rather warm, he proved we could still enjoy ourselves.

My Young Neighbor Helper

Young Man About Town

No Wonder the Van Was Messy

When most of the hard work was done, family showed up with flowers and a warm welcome home.

Mother and Son Reunion

It has been quite a ride.
I don't regret a minute of it.
Thanks for riding along.

Everybody says they hate to travel through Kansas, but I was glad to see it.

Left Missouri Right Kansas

Missouri seemed so messy. The highway, like Pennsylvania, was cluttered with those 1/10 mile markers and more huge billboards even more frequent than the markers. Poor Ladybird Johnson is rolling over in her grave and chasing down Senator Stuart Symington's ghost because of what Missouri has done to the Beautify America Campaign.

I'll take Kansas any day over Missouri - Well, that is one good long day! And if you are Paula, you will turn it into two days.
As a matter of fact, I think I will schedule a fall spring camping trip in the Ol' ' 95 just to see all the little museums and silos throughout western Kansas.

Amel;ia Earhart's Childhood Home

I visited Amelia Earhart's birthplace in Atchison.
I met a man from the Ukraine visiting this house. When he was a youth and living as part of the USSR, he discovered information on Amelia Earhart. He became so fascinated because all he knew about the US was the cold war propaganda. He specifically came here on a tour of AE sites in the USA.

I also spent four hours at the Eisenhower Museum and Boyhood Home.

Eisenhower Boyhood Home

Unfortunately, along with my camera recharger my enthusiasm for snapping photos seemed to get lost somewhere in Pennsylvania.

This is a Lot of Kansas

I failed to get any pictures of the amazing Kansas horizon, the rainstorms, and the roadside rest stops less than 50 miles apart, in one of which I spent the night.

As I approach Colorado, I don't think my foot is getting any heavier on the gas. I do think, I am preparing myself to stop singing Life Is a Highway and just wait until I can sing On the Road Again.

I picked up some travel literature at the first visitor center in Missouri. I meant to get gas. I forgot.
Rolling along I 70 a few miles later, it seemed my windshield wipers were slowing down. All of a sudden my radio went off. Hmmmm.... Well, maybe it is just giving up before the van does.
When I looked at the dash, I realized I was out of gas. I literally rolled off the fortunately-placed exit ramp and into a gas station. I flagged down a very nice man who pushed Ol' '95 up to the pump despite the falling rain.

Trouble in O'Fallion Missouri

Of course, there was no connection between the empty gas tank and the other problems, so I called roadside assistance for a charge.
He recommended I go to O'Reilly's just up the street and have the battery and the alternator checked.
As soon as I pulled up to the store, the car stalled again. We could not start it without a jump. Sure enough the alternator was shot.

A Good Chain

Although a Firestone was just across the street, I had to wait another hour for another tow truck to come and get me across the street.

An Alternator and a Tire Later

My day that had started out so full of anticipation had become a 9-4 day of frustration and expense. I did, however, meet some very nice folks at both Firestone and O'Reilly's I was joking about being stuck in a place called O'fallon, Missouri, so I Googled it to see what I could learn. Even everyone in the Firestone shop was surprised to learn that Money Mag had listed it as one of the top 100 places to live! Sorry, but I'll stay in Denver regardless of the rating or the nice folks.
I definitely recommend O'Reilly's auto parts anywhere in the nation. This is the third time I have used them. They test almost any thing for free. If you purchase a new battery, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc., they install them for free. They did not charge me for the battery/alternator test even though I did not purchase the new alternator from them.
By the way, back in Ohio I had careened off the edge of the drawbridge where I had stopped to take a photo. The two truck driver and Firestone all agreed I had done some real damage to my rear tire and I was taking a big risk driving along the Interstate with it. I now have one blackwall.
I had noted a state park where I wanted to stay, but became weary and stopped at the Double Tree in downtown Jefferson City.

To Heck with the Campground

It was just like going back to 1967. The only activity in the hotel were a handful of people from St Louis coming to testify at some kind of regulatory hearing. The hotel is round with a restaurant on top.

Available for a Party of One

The population of Jefferson City is less than 50,000. Apparently, it is spreading out in typical USA sprawl while the downtown sits empty and undisturbed except for government offices. The area around the capitol is rather charming with statues, churches, and commemoration of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase.

Jefferson City from the 14th Floor

Paris or Jefferson City

The Missouri River flows right behind the capitol building.

Missouri State Capitol Building

The Signing

Somehow, everything I tried to do since I crossed the Mississippi was thwarted or disappointing.

It Was This Kind of Day

I think this was to prepare me to be ready to come home.
I headed for Independence, Missouri to visit the Harry S Truman home.

That didn't work out either.
I Googled Visitor Center and followed the directions.

Is This the HST Visitor Center

Boy was I surprised when I arrived. I had never imagined old HST would have such an ostentatious visitor center.
Well, he doesn't! When I approached, I realized I was at a very important spot for the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)!

Independence Temple Site

Had I looked more closely at the fewer than 10 cars in the parking lot, I might have suspected something when half the license plates were from Utah.
It is an amazing complex, however. This is actually a temple and not the visitor center. apparently, all the flags represent the nations with Mormons and is dedicated to peace.

Turning Arms into Plows

I finally found the HST Visitor Center.

WIN_20150720_141936

Apparently, the clerk at this center was Mormon because he did not find my confusion amusing.
Eventually, I also found the HST museum and library.

HST Statue

Courtyard through the Window

Compare to McKinley

By this time, I only had an hour before closing. In retrospect, that was enough.

The Truth Is......

I found my way to Watkins Mill State Park . Although all other campers walked through my site on the way to the shower room, I chose this one because all the others had been strewn with straw because of all the rain and this one was just right to hang the hammock. It was still very hot and muggy and sleeping in the van was not the most comfortable option.

Perfectly Spaced Trees

Next day a trip to St Joseph, Missouri offered a visit to the Walter Cronkite Memorial

On Western Missouri State Campus

Full Media Coverage of Cronkite

and the Pony Express Museum.

The Original Eastern Poiht of the Pony Express

Relive the Excitement

See Western Art

I enjoyed both very much, but don't go out of your way.

After a visit to the Indiana Welcome Center, I realized that Lewis and Clark actually started their journey from Clarksville, Indiana on the Ohio River. As many months ago I had stood on the spot where they wintered on the west coast. I thought it was befitting that I stand on the spot where they started and ended their expedition.

Clark and Lewis

Clark Cabin Site

This point is where William Clark's brother, George Rogers Clark, had his cabin. Clark was staying here and they designated it as their meeting point. Although this was not the complete contingent and is not generally recognized as the expedition kick-off, it is where L and C first met and signed up a few men and set off with the first boats and some supplies.
It took me at least an hour of wrong turns, closed roads, no signs, and nothing on Google to help me find this spot. Finally when I was stopped at a closed road, a local was kind enough to say "Follow me!"

Point of Departure

The cabin site volunteers were very friendly and knowledgeable. I was their only visitor on this hot and humid day. It was nice to sit on the porch in rocking chairs and while away the afternoon.

Volunteers at the GR Clark Cabin

I think I motivated her to hit the road in a camper truck she had inherited from her mother.

Working for My Water

I was told some historical information that I was either never taught or had forgotten:

George Rogers Clark l led American Revolutionary War battles in this territory. We must have learned this in Indiana history in 7th grade, but I certainly don't remember.

Jefferson ensured slavery was not allowed in the new territories. GR Clark was given land in Indiana territory for his service during the Revolution and was allowed to take 12 slaves from his property in Virginia. However, they were given free papers and then made to sign as indentured servants. Consequently, there were slaves in Indiana. William Clark also brought his slave with him who embarked on the expedition here in Clarksville. GR Clark's indentured servants who did not live on the hill behind his house, lived on this spot on the Ohio. This was the first African American community in the North (so it is claimed). The Ohio flooded in 1937 and only the park remains.

High and Muddy Ohio

Although my old classmate Jane Alter Yohe sent me several enticing links to keep me finding wonderful things in Indiana, I decided I really needed to keep heading west. With all the possible things to see in Indiana, I could have ambled here for another six weeks.
I headed West on I64. At some point I picked up a brochure on following the Quilt Trail of Gibson County.
What fun! I had seen the large quilt blocks painted high on barns throughout the country in Tennessee.
I had to use GPS to find the spots in Fort Branch, Indiana.

Was This Worth the Hunt

Found Another

Somehow, I decided this adventure was not worth the gas and time and crossed into Illinois.

Illinois Wetland

I didn't see much of anything on either side of Interstate 64 in Illinois that struck my fancy.
I relaxed in a rest stop.

Resting in Illinois

I drove through some great downpours.
I kept on driving after the sun went down and saw the most amazing orange crescent moon with Venus just above it. I didn't know what it was until I just now Googled it. I hope you saw it.

As construction started popping up for miles and miles and I approached St Louis, I thought I should stop. I don't see well at night and am a hazard to impatient drivers as I try to find my way on unknown highways. It seems that every time I have driven through St Louis, the highways are a maze of construction. I decided to pull off and find a place to sleep for the night.

Truck stops are usually a good bet. There are always people sleeping there; food and restrooms are easy to reach.
There was a Love's at the intersection with a Hardee's. That seemed like a good choice.
I drove up in front of the Hardee's to get my bearings for a place to park for the night. The lot was really bright and designated for autos.
Then I noticed the Hardee's was packed. There were a few women out front. Everyone was wearing what appeared to be rather inexpensive "best clothes."
Love's has a reputation across the country for allowing all types of truck driver services. Oh well, I thought, no big deal. I needed a salad and some chicken, so I pushed my way through the crowd.
These African American ladies didn't seem like hookers on closer look. I finally asked someone what was going on.
They had chartered a wine tour bus to celebrate someone's birthday. On the way home, the bus had some kind of electrical problem. The air conditioning went off. Nothing worked except the emergency lights. They had to force open the emergency windows to exit. Apparently, some of the women had panic attacks during this ordeal. Here they had been for almost an hour in this Hardee's waiting for the tour company to find another bus to get them back to St Louis! Now, that is what I call a bad end to a nice day.
I forgot to get a picture of them.

I drove around back where the trucks were parked to see if I could find a spot out of the bright lights.
There was one other camper parked there, so I decided to park near it.
That is until I decided it was a camper for the special trucker services.

I pulled out of the lot and Googled parks. A community park was identified about 5 miles away. I headed for it and found a spot that was fairly secluded with only one light that for some reason flashed on for a brief period about every five minutes.
I finally was able to eat my salad and chicken tenders with a vodka drink mixed with Sprite and settle down for the night.

Oh no! I see a police car approaching from the other side of the park. I hopped into bed and pretended to be asleep.
After about 5 minutes of the flashlight shining in my window, I decided to sit up and wave to the policeman.
He seemed like a real Barney Fife in this little Illinois town of just a few hundred people.
He said "Well, the problem is you didn't let us know you would be sleeping here."
I didn't bother to tell him that even my own family has not really known where I would be sleeping on any night for the last year and a half. Instead I told him, "I'm sorry. I didn't know I was supposed to report this to anyone" and that I would probably be leaving at first light around 5 AM.
He said he supposed it would be okay and he would let the next shift know I was here.

It was a miserable night. At least 80 degrees and 90 percent humidity. I finally fell asleep around 3 AM.
At 6 AM, I awoke to another policeman. Apparently, Barney had not included me in his report.
I think the Colorado license plates on an old van made the officers think I might be a traveling doper. I guess my appearance helped them feel a bit less concerned.

I forgot to get pictures of this event also.

I am finally on my way home to Colorado - I think.
As it took me two days to get out of Pennsylvania and four days to get out of Ohio, it is anybody's guess on how long it will take me to go through Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and half of Colorado.
My plan is to take the Interstates most of the way and detour only if there is something unusual or interesting within 50 miles either side of the highway.
I saw the exit sign for the McKinley Memorial too late as I was traveling down I-77. Thanks to Google Maps, I was able to exit later and still find it.

Monument to President McKinley

He might not be our most well known president, but somehow I think we could do just a tad bit better as a memorial. Apparently, he was a rather unpretentious man, but is this all we can do?
You push a button and the two mannequins bob their heads as a recording plays.

Pres and Mrs McKinley 1

Pres and Ms McKinley 2

The monument on the hill and the statue are impressive. However, the wreaths in front of the tomb are so obviously artificial you feel like you want to wash the dust off them. Frankly, they look like something I might have made.

Artificial Wreaths from Hobby Lobby

People from Canton come to these steps to do their exercise routine - run up and down, do lunges on each step, do squats on each step, etc.
My left knee gave out on the way down and I had to inch my way down like a toddler - two feet on each step. It took me forever, and I was so embarrassed as the children slid down the railings on their stomachs and backs.

View from the Top

It Is An Impressive Statue

I noticed the Salt Fork State Park just a few miles off the Interstate, so Google took me the backroad way to get there. I didn't see a grocery along the way, so I turned when a sign pointed to the lodge.
Even though the parking lot was filled with hundreds of cars with Ohio plates, it didn't seem like much of a place until I tried to find my way through the 1980s-style halls and levels. I could smell the chlorine pool and restaurant. I could even see them through glass windows, but it took me quite a while on stairs and ramps until I found the entrance to the restaurant.

Salt Lake Lodge

They Are All in the Pool

The waitress approached me from the back for my order and several times to check on my needs and progress. Each time, she would come up and stick her head over my shoulder and say "I don't want to startle you, but I am behind you!" and then she would put her hand on my shoulder.
It drove me nuts!
I could only register for a campsite on line. Couldn't find anything without electricity, so I paid twice as much to get a camp spot.

Just a So So Campground

Paid - Used

I paid for it, so I darn well used it to charge my phone and computers. By the way, I have misplaced my camera rec-harger somewhere along the road. Am having to use my Surface Pro computer as a camera now. It is not quite as efficient and I don't think the photos are as good.

All my life, I thought President Eisenhower conceived the concept of an interstate system after all the navigation problems in Europe during WWII.

When I stopped at the National Road-Zane Gray Museum near Zanesville I learned that George Washington had even hoped for such a road leading from the east to the far west. By 1806, President Jefferson initiated such a plan. Construction began in 1811 and ended up at Wheeling, now West Virginia in 1818. It then continued through current Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Today it is US Highway 40.

The Three-in-One Museum

Very Early Paving Equipment

This museum covers every bit of local history, I learned all about the National Road.
I examined dozens of display cases of Ohio Art Pottery.
I reminisced about Zane Gray and looked at the copies of books that had also sat on my father's bookshelves. I learned even more about him from this link.

But that is certainly not the fault of the volunteer docent. If you traveled with me in Virginia a couple of months ago, you might remember how I scolded all the male retirees who volunteer at museums across this country. Well this one certainly makes up for all of those disinterested ones!
He cherishes his responsibilities with enthusiasm.
When he told me the school in the National Road diorama did not have a privy and started to demonstrate how the girls squatted in the bushes and the boys aimed toward the center of the canal, I told him I thought I got the picture without the demonstration.

When I left, he made the sign of the cross over me and told me drive over the famous Zanesville Y Bridge and to stop for lunch at Tom's Ice Cream Bowl.
I did both.

Zanesville Y Bridge

I shot a video of traffic moving over the Y in the middle of the river, but I can't figure out how to upload it. Tom's was a friendly and fun place to lunch. They tout their cleanliness, but I am telling you this was the dirtiest place I have eaten in during the past 16 months - including the campgrounds!
I also drove a bit along The National Highway and stopped to look at part of the original road which is now a hiking trail.

Left = Current Right= Historic

Traces of the Original National Road

All this and George Jones duets on a CD kept me driving safely through Ohio. (My CD is after his divorce from Tammy, so the duets are with other singers. This link gives some oldies with Tammy Wynette which are fun to hear if you have had enough rock and roll.)
Eventually, I made it to Indiana and was welcomed by thunderstorms and flash flood warnings beeping over my phone.

Welcome to Indiana

I think Cleveland gets a bad rap!

Hello Lake Erie

I came only to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but I found there is a lot more to see. (Right click on that link if you want to listen to an oldie.)

My First Selfie - Ready to Rock and Roll

I stayed at the very nice Glidden House, which was originally the home of the son of the Glidden Paint founder. This hotel is on the campus of Case Western University and within walking distance of the Contemporary Art Museum, a historical society, and the botanical gardens. It is also within biking distance of the Cultural Gardens. Someday, I am coming back to visit all of these. I don't think it has much to offer on "regular history of the area." However, about 20 miles east is an Underground Railroad Museum that is open Friday through Sunday. ( I missed it.)

Glidden House Boutique Hotel in Cleveland

Glidden House Entry

Cafe at Gllidden House

Cleveland Icon Art

But the only reason I came to Cleveland was for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Everything else was a surprise.

Front Entrance

First Level Lobby

Just in case my grandson Bazil does not want to read this entire blog to see the pictures he specifically requested, here they are:

Metallica Exhibit

Green Day Display

Nirvana Display

An Early Ringo Drum Kit

I was most pleased they had a special Paul Simon exhibit. I have been playing the Graceland CD throughout my entire road trip. I regret getting rid of all my other PS and S&G CDs.

Excellent First Person Exhibit

I listened to every audio, watched every video, read every placard, and looked at every item.

Pink Floyd Wall Exhibit

Not Sure of the Meaning of This Display

2015 Inductees

While snapping Nirvana pictures, I watched a woman approach a man in his 30s and say "We don't want to hurry you; take all the time you want. We just wanted to let you know we have been here for 3 1/2 hours and you still have 4 more floors to see. But, please take your time. We don't want to hurry you."
I really thought about telling him I was planning on staying until closing time and would gladly get him to wherever his group was staying. But then, I became involved in a display and lost him in the crowd.

And, yes, I did stay until closing. At 7 PM, Paul Simon's most recent percussionist gave a casual presentation in one of the theaters.

Instruments of PS's Percussionist

Although it was not the high point of my visit and I sort of wish I had cut out after one hour, it was a discussion I would not have had the opportunity to see anywhere else.
I enjoyed every minute of my 10 hour visit.

Two of my favorite spots were the listening hall and booths.
In one, you could listen to the top R&R songs from each decade. I got a good Eminem fix as well as all the good stuff from the 50s through the 70s.
In listening booths, you could listen to the "one hit wonders"and other selections that I never even had the time to try.

Listening Booths

Herb Ritts Did NOT Take This Photo

There was an absolutely fantastic exhibit of Herb Ritts photos, however.
Of course, if you don't really dig rock and roll music, you will probably want to skip the Hall of Fame.

Bank Entrance of R and R H of F

Cleveland Port at Sunset

Cleveland Skyline at Dusk

Next Door to the R and R

But I almost forgot to tell you about the video of vignettes with every Hall of Fame inductee and the American Bandstand video.
Better go and spend the day there for yourself.
But if you can't get there, see what you think about who Rolling Stone mag said were the top 100 bands in 2004.

I picked up a vacation map at the Johnstown Flood National Monument and realized there was too much to see in the area to move on.

Pennsylvania

The next day took me to Kentuck Knob, the home Frank L Wright built for the Hagen family. Falling Water was my original and only FLW destination, but since it opened at 10 and Kentuck Knob opened at 9, I headed that way first.

Atop the Knob

Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob Korner

Kentuck Knob Eaves

The Bedroom Wing

On the Patio

The Palumbo family of the UK bought the property from the Hagens and used it as a vacation home. They still visit and entertain there every year. They have added a sculpture garden which makes the visit even more delightful.

Part of KK Sculpture Meadow

The Room Sculpture

The Fans on the Knob

Piece of the Berlin Wall

Wind Chimes

The Pond

The Birdhouses

Tortoise in the Forest

Cairn

Initially, I hedged on taking the tour. In the end, I firmly believe the $23 was well spent and I enjoyed every minute of it.
After viewing Kentuck Knob, there was no way I could skip Falling Water.

Second FLW Stop

Fallen Flowers

This site is maintained by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Many more people visit this site. You can certainly tell the difference, but they handle the crowds without any problems and you feel as if you are receiving a small group tour.

FW Has a Nice Cafe

FW is much larger than KK.

A Peek at Falling Water

The Kaufman's left most of their furnishings that were also designed by Wright and their personal belongings so you are to feel that you are actually visiting the family at their vacation home.

Handwashing Spout

View from the Walkway

Springfed Plunge Pool

The Overhanging Patios

The Creek

On the Patio of the Guesthouse

Rock Wall and Boardwalk

Rain on One Side

If you are in the area, visit both homes. No need to skip either. If you are pressed for time, flip a coin. FLW might have been a somewhat despicable man, but he could certainly design a home and furnishings.

As it was so close and I had visited the 9/11 Memorial in NYC, I decided to visit the Flight # 93 National Memorial.

Hilltop

It is also very moving. The hilltop had been previously ravaged by surface mining and then by the plane crash. The memorial has beautifully restored the land.

Land Ravaged Twice

Fllight # 93 Pathway

Three Niches for Remembrances

Black Granite Walkway

Sculpture to the Crashsite

Rock at the End of the Crashsite

Marble Wall of Names

I am not sure the yet-unfinished visitor center is of a design that is pleasing to see - either from a distance as you spot it several miles away or when on the actual site. However, a Ranger explained how the center will allow you to walk through the walls with crash site blocked and then open out on a black granite pathway that marks the flight path. The black granite used in the pathway is meant to signify the former coal that was mined from the area.

Visitor Center to Open 9 11 15

The rain continued off and on and through the night where I camped at Raccoon Creek State Park just west of Pittsburgh.
As beautiful as I have found Pennsylvania, I wonder about two conditions:,
1. Why do they have a mile post for every 1/10 mile, i.e., 181.0, 181.1,181.2, 181.3,etc., etc., ad nauseum? You can stand at one and see the next three posts. I think the money could be better spent on improving the condition of the actual roadway.
2. The parks are in lovely, remote spots but could use just a bit of remodeling on the shower and restroom facilities when compared to some of the other states.

Back in the US of A, I was once again hosted with grace and cheer by the Linvilles.

The Fantastic Linvilles

How lucky am I to know such thoughtful and gracious people!
They sent me on my way after two nights of rest, eating, drinking, and visiting.

On the Road Again

I was not sure if I was going to amble or drive straight through to Denver. I looked at the map and thought I had some tentative plans, but was still rather iffy on what I felt like doing.
I was sure I would know which to do when I put the key in the ignition.
After driving a couple of hours, I decided I should stop and make a firm decision.

Log Cabin Inn someplace in Maryland

This was the first restaurant I saw that was not a hamburger chain or a Subway.
It was then I decided for sure I would head to Cleveland, Ohio to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If I kept driving, I should be able to make Cleveland by nightfall.

Miles of Wooded Alleghany Mountains

I had only hit the road for a few minutes when I remembered I was not too far from Johnstown, Pennsylvania. A terrible flood occurred here in 1898. I remembered seeing a Johnstown Flood National Memorial on the map.
Detour!

Green and Wooded

Wildflowers Cover the Ground

I followed a motorcycle for several miles. He was going exactly the speed limit, so I did also. Coming in the other direction were MANY other motorcycle riders of all shapes, sizes, and models. As each passed, this driver held out his left thumb at about a 30 degree angle. Most of the oncoming drivers did the same.
I counted at least 300 oncoming bikes. Often, other vehicles were in between groups of bikers as large as 50 riders. Luckily, the lone rider and I exited at the same time. They pulled off the road for a bit of a leg stretch. I joined them to find out what was going on.

I Learned Something New

• The thumb angle is just a way to say hello.

• There was probably a charity ride going on. We were on Route 220 in Pennsylvania which is an often enjoyed bike ride. They said it might be a "poker ride:" You pay to join in the charity drive and stop at places along the way and collect a card. The one with the best poker hand at the end of the drive wins a prize.

Eventually, I reached Johnstown to view the memorial.
The great flood was caused when a poorly maintained dam gave way after heavy rainfalls. The dam created a private lake for a gun and fishing club whose members were the prominent and rich of the country - think Carnegie, for example. Many of the members had private homes on the lake.

That Valley Was Once a Lake

The national memorial is quite impressive. It tells the story of the flood in every imaginable media method you can imagine. You can also walk the area and tour the manager's home.

Manager's House Was Once Near the Lake

Apparently at some point, maintenance on the dam was stopped. Probably as a method of saving money and putting the money into frills, stocking the waters, etc. I wanted to find out if the wealthy members or the corporation were in any way held responsible for the flood. I was sure this information would be provided in the 35 minute movie.

I fell asleep and didn't find out! Please, please don't let me have snored! I was jostled awake when someone kicked the back of my seat. I hope it was because that person also fell asleep instead of trying to rouse me. I had to read the Wikipedia article I have linked above to learn the flood was judged an "act of god" due to good legal representation by attorneys who were members of the club.

I gotta tell ya that today Johnstown, Pennsylvania doesn't look like it has much money and I doubt if it looked too much better in 1898. In 2003, it was rated as the least likely city in the USA to attract newcomers.

After the flood, Carnegie had a public library built for the city. Because I didn't know about it while I was there, I missed that. I did, however, go to the cemetery to view some of the graves of the 2500+ people who drowned in the flood.

Plot for the Unidentified Victims

Some of the Lost Were Noted

Before dark, I found my way to Laurel Hill State Park where I spent the night in slot 103 of the campground.

I just can't quit!
In March, I was contacted with an opportunity I have wanted to do for several years. My first reaction was "Oh no, I can't do that. I have been going so many places this past year!"
That reaction lasted about 30 seconds.

Today, I am headed off on another adventure that will leave Ol' 95 parked in the USA.

A Nice Resting Place

Because I know such wonderful people, Ol' 95 will be safe and secure in Leesburg, Virginia.

Keith and Kelli the Keepers of the Keys

I am really on time

It is 5:15 and my 8:35 flight is on time. It is a long a story why I am here so early.

Airport Travellers Transfer

But it was my choice. As long as I am just going to be sitting around, I might as well do it here at the airport instead of rushing around at the last minute. The "good old days" when I would arrive at the airport just in time to walk on the plane are long gone.
However, those were probably the bad old days because it meant I was working up to the last minute, making arrangements for my home and kids, etc., Rush..rush. Being old and retired is not all bad.

My trip will probably post automatically on Facebook. If you don't follow it on Facebook, you can travel along with me via this link
Three Countries in Four Weeks or type

PCotterlyEurope2015.travellerspoint.com In your browser.

From there, you can subscribe to this blog and be notified each time I post.
See you on the other side.