Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sunday, July 30—Northward Bound, Continued

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First, Happy Birthday, Harper.  Our older granddaughter turns 5 today—where has the time gone!

Lifting the stabilizing jacks, drawing the slides in, and unhooking from shore power, we were driving north again by about 8:30 am.  Continuing through picturesque rural Illinois, the 290-mile drive was uneventful—just the way we like—as we arrived at Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Illinois, about 2:45 pm. Again, we hooked up only to 50A electricity, making setup quick and easy. (NOTE:  The motorhome has sufficient onboard water and sewer capacity for us to travel several days without refilling/dumping.)

Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL

Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL

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Cycling at Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL (2017)

We stayed at Rock Cut State Park in 2014 as we toured Wisconsin and Michigan. Somewhat interestingly, we lived less than 10 miles from there in 1956 and 1958. I remember cousin Walker and I fishing in a Belvidere park, and catching a large bass on summer morning, that was 59 years ago! Kay and I biked here three years ago, and we tried again today. I made it over 8 miles, but the roads are so bad that maximum speed down the many hills was limited to about 10 miles per hour, making the uphill climbs challenging to say the least. We enjoyed another evening in camp chairs in the shade doing what we do best—nothing—followed by the season finale and perhaps series finale of Grantchester!

Cycling Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL in 2013

Kay cycling Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL in 2013

Saturday, July 29—Northward Bound

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Though not in a big hurry, we departed about 8:30 am, towards Carlyle Lake, Illinois, our destination for overnight. An uneventful drive of some 280+ miles led us along I-55 north to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, across the Mississippi River into Illinois, and northward on a small two lane road through mostly agricultural country. It is such a shame that Illinois is so readily identified with Chicago—the rural country we drove through was neat, clean, and very picturesque.

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Crossing the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau, Missouri

We arrived at the US Army Corps of Engineers Dam West Campground at Carlyle Lake about an hour east of St. Louis, and found it to be a lovely campground with a friendly and helpful campground host. Since we were just hooking up to 50A electricity, setup was quick and easy. We left the campground in search of tonic water, and had to drive 8+ miles to find a decent tasting brand.

Enjoying the cool afternoon at Dam West Campground, Carlyle, Illinois

Back at the campground, we relaxed in camp chairs under the awning before driving to dinner at one of the local fish houses. The catfish was very good, but the thousand island dressing at the salad bar was a bit old, and I suffered with stomach cramps and related maladies most of the night.

Kay enjoying happy hour!


Friday, July 28—Errands, Visiting the Simanks, and Harper’s Birthday Celebration

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Sure enough, the forecast proved accurate as rain began shortly after dawn.  With a couple of errands to complete in the Federal Building, we were off to Memphis. First, a stop at the US Army Corps of Engineers Security Office provided an opportunity to get a civilian Department of Defense identification card, allowing us to partake of a a few privileges afforded DoD retirees such as using RV campgrounds on Army, Air Force, and Navy bases. Then, it was across the hall to the credit union to close a 44-year account. (Of note was the friendliness of all the folks in the Federal Building from the Homeland security guards to Corps staff—quite a change from what I experienced in Little Rock!)

Following those errands, we drove to Germantown to visit Sandy and John Simank; Sandy has very serious surgery a few weeks ago, but is recovering very nicely.  We have sure missed visiting with them since moving from Norfork. Then it was off to lunch at Popeye’s, a non-event since our food was never prepared!

Harper greeted us at the door of their house, and she is growing like a weed. Kay hit grand slam home run with her presents, as she was elated with the Barbie dolls and Barbie swimming pool. Lunch was at a sushi bar nearby, and Harper loves sushi, eating almost two dozen sushi rolls—the apple did not fall far from the tree (her mother). After a great late lunch, one of our best ever visits was concluded.

Harper and Jenny blowing bubbles
Harper playing with Barbie and Barbie swimming pool

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We drove back to the campground in West Memphis, and enjoyed another night of peace and quiet before our departure north tomorrow morning.

Thursday, July 27—Enroute, Again

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Tom Sawyer had an open slot, and we had so little left to do that we decided to leave after lunch. Refrigerated and frozen foods were packed along with other last minute items. The house was readied for our absence, and we were literally “locked and loaded”. We hooked up the Honda CR-V at shopping center parking lot on the east side of the Village, and were off to West Memphis to celebrate Harper’s 5th birthday a couple days early. The 3-1/2 hour drive was uneventful, and after checking in, we parked and set up, enjoying a bit of peace and quiet before a full day of activities on Friday.

Tom Sawyer RV Park (West Memphis, AR) looking towards the Mississippi River
Beautiful clouds portending rain, Tom Sawyer RV Park, West Memphis, AR


Saturday through Wednesday, July 22-26—Washing and Packing the Motorhome

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Great on the back!

High temperatures and equally high humidity has us ready to head to a cooler climate. Unable to find anyone to wash the RV, Kay and I opted to do the job ourselves today.  Our storage facility has a decent wash rack, with an elevated platform on one side.  Armed with a hose, washing liquid, brushes, and towels, we were able to complete the job in two hours, soaking wet from perspiration as much as the wash water. The motorhome was again stored awaiting a few days to begin packing (we are allowed to park the RV in the driveway for 72 hours; consequently, we will move it to the house on Tuesday for packing).

We were surprised with a visit from Aker, Ridge, and Karyn just before lunch—our final visit for a few weeks.  Aker and Ridge are growing entirely too fast, and both enjoy beach time.  Balboa beach offered warm water and sand, and despite the crowds, we had great time; Ridge is definitely a water kid, and is swimming like a fish, and Aker is getting more and more acclimated to the water, though still quite cautious.

Aker contemplating some mischief
Kay went to church on Sunday, and I stayed home recuperating from washing the RV and watching the final round of The Open.  Jordan Spieth is an incredible golfer and seeming an outstanding young man!

Monday was exercise day for Kay and golf for me.  Golf again was on the agenda for Tuesday while Kay volunteered to assist in preparing meals for the hungry at Jackson House in Hot Springs.  After golf, I moved the motorhome to the house, and set it up to begin preparation and packing for the trip north. We had a 50A outlet installed when the house was constructed, so the motorhome was fully operational as air conditioning was much needed in the sweltering heat and humidity. We also replaced the leaking “air” mattress (similar to Sleep Number) with one from our master bedroom. Water was drained from the fresh water tank and it and the pipes were sanitized, the hot water heater was drained and flushed, and packing began. Fortunately, we have numerous packing lists, and they prevent an otherwise daunting task.

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Wednesday morning was filled with a haircut, a medical appointment, and shopping.  I played golf in the afternoon while Kay accumulated here clothes and shoes. Except for refrigerated and frozen foods, and last minute items, we are about ready! Rain was forecast for our original “depart” date, Friday, and we discussed and opted to leave on Thursday afternoon IF we could finish packing and IF Tom Sawyer RV Park in West Memphis had an open slot.

Friday, May 19—Viking Homeland Cruise, Day 14, Stockholm, Sweden

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Cruising into Stockholm early Friday morning, we thought we were back in Quetico Wilderness in Ontario, Canada.  Small, wooded, sparsely inhabited islands surrounded us as we sailed slowly into the city.  Viewing these islands while enjoying coffee on the balcony in the cool air was a peaceful conclusion to the 14-day cruise.   In fact, Stockholm extends over 14 islands linked by 57 bridges. 
One of many islands comprising Stockholm

Small Stockholm island

The closer to City Center, the larger the houses.  Stockholm, Sweden

Private residence on island that is part of Stockholm

Yet another island.  Stockholm, Sweden

Another island near City Center.  Stockholm, Sweden
Our tour guide, Stockholm, Sweden
After docking in Stockholm, we took the included tour “Journey through the Streets of Stockholm”.  Mostly a bus tour, our guide was quite fluent in English, with no accent.  Asked how he learned to speak English, he said by watching television.  In Sweden, television does not subtitles, so viewers had to learn the language spoken on the television!  We saw City Hall, the Parliament, the Royal Palace, and the Royal Opera, stopping to photograph building where the Nobel prizes are awarded.  Much like other European capitals, the elegant and clean capital city Stockholm was crowded with young folks enjoying the relatively warm, sunny day.
Baltic Sea waterfront, Stockholm, Sweden
Amusement park, Stockholm, Sweden (note the swings on the largest tower)
City Hall, Stockholm, Sweden
One of three towers, City Hall, Stockholm, Sweden
Waterfront, Stockholm, Sweden
Yours truly, Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm was the last stop on our Viking Homeland cruise.  We enjoyed a great dinner on this last evening in a small private dining room with Nan and George, Bernice and Jim, and Debra and Ralph.  Packing and putting luggage outside the door will be the order of the rest of the evening!

Weather today was sunny, with unusually warm with temperatures in the low 80s.

Thursday, May 18—Viking Homeland Cruise, Day 13, Helsinki, Finland

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Ferry between Tallinn and Helsinki
Senate Square, Helsinki, Finland
While Helsinki is a small European capital compared to other cities we’ve visited, it has an air of grace and sophistication—exhibited via its neoclassical beauty and Art Nouveau elegance.  The Senate Square, a wide open space is the heartbeat of the city with close proximity of the University of Helsinki, political and administrative buildings, art edifices—and an abundance of traffic!  While the Senate Square is the heartbeat of the city, Helsinki’s centerpiece is the Helsinki Cathedral, with influences of both Greek and old Russian architecture as evidences by its colonnaded entrances and green domes.
Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Cathedral, Helsinki, Finland
Our “included” tour incorporated a bus exploration of the city, viewing the places mentioned in the previous paragraph.  We drove by the 1952 Olympic Stadium, and stopped for a close-up examination of the Sibelius Monument consisting of some 600 stainless steel pipes dedicated to the composer.  Jean Sibelius was a Finnish Composer and Violinist, and through his music is often credited with having helped his country to develop a national identity during its struggle for independence from Russia.  He is best known for his seven symphonies, with other well known compositions such as Finlandia, the Karelia Suite, Valse trust, the Violin Concerto, the choral symphony Kullervo, and The Swan of Tuonela.
Sibelius Monument, Helsinki, Finland
Sibelius Monument, Helsinki, Finland
Jean Sibelius
The tour also stopped to examine the copper filled and roofed Temppeliaukio Kirkko (aka Rock Church) carved into a block of underground granite.  We thoroughly enjoyed classical music being played by a concert pianist.
Concert pianist, the Rock Church, Helsinki, Finland
Copper-domed roof, Rock Church, Helsinki, Finland

Today it was cloudy and a cool 48°.  Helsinki was a neat city but one visit was enough.

Wednesday, May 17—Viking Homeland Cruise, Day 12, St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Hermitage and Winter Palace

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Today marked our second day in St. Petersburg.  
In St. Petersburg, several rivers are intertwined through the city creating islands connected to the mainland.  One such island houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.

The myriad of artwork, numbered at over three million pieces, includes the largest collections of paintings in the world.  The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings including the Winter Palace which houses and displays an unbelievable collection of priceless art surpassing even the Louvre in quantity of famous art masterpieces.  Among the artists were ,Da Vinci (2 madonnas), Raphael (2 madonnas), Michelangelo (1 statue), Rembrandt—about 2 dozen paintings, Tizian, El Greco, Goya, Caravaggio, Canaletto, Impressionists – Monet, Renoir, Pisarro, Van Gogh, Matisse; Greek jewelry at the Golden treasury rooms; and Scythian jewelry at the Golden treasury rooms.  And then, the second tier of names:  Rubens, Van Dyck, Poussin, Fragonard, Canova, Sten, Metsu, de Hooch, ter Borch, and Hals. 


Feeling worse with continuing high temperature and after a second visit to the infirmary, I did not accompany Kay on the tour of the Hermitage—another of the places I really wanted to see—but stayed in bed all day. 

Weather today was partly cloudy and 55°.

Tuesday, May 16—Viking Homeland Cruise, Day 11, St. Petersburg, Russia

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Make no mistake, St. Petersburg, Russia, is opulent, but solidly a Russian city with massive covert security and seemingly secretiveness.

Spectacular palace(s), St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia
Made lavish by Tsar Peter the Great some 300 years ago, St. Petersburg is one of Europe’s most important cultural centers.  It abounds in grand boulevards, a network of canals, elegant baroque and classical buildings, seemingly innumerable palaces, and the picturesque onion-domed churches and cathedrals such as the extraordinary Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.  The onion-domed decorative memorial is dedicated to the assassinated emperor Alexander II, the last of the Czars of Russia.

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

The city is a blend of old and new Russia.  Before the revolution there were over 600 aristocratic families with residences in this city and many of them have either been restored or repurposed.  Beside them are modern buildings housing colleges, government offices, museums, etc.  And yet, there seemed to be a coldness, aloofness, or reluctance to interact with the inhabitants.  Like any big city, traffic congestion and road construction were part of the every day life.

Waterfront Memorial, St. Petersburg, Russia

Costumed street “entertainer”, St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia, as seen across from the Church

Despite not feeling well, I made the included tour bus tour today, but returned to bed.  Weather was partly cloudy and 50°.

Monday, May 15—Viking Homeland Cruise, Day 10, Tallinn, Estonia

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Red-roofed buildings in Tallinn, Estonia

Cobble-stone streets in Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn is one of Northern Europe’s best examples of a medieval village with cobbled streets and red-roofed buildings.  In the walled Upper Town on Dome Hill (Toompea), there are extraordinary government buildings and striking cathedrals, while the Lower Town is a network of 13th century streets, gabled houses, and churches, all encompassed in the 2-hour “included” tour accompanied by the aromas from the many confectioners’ shops filled with an almost infinite variety of marzipan.
Churches are everywhere in Europe, Tallinn, Estonia

Announcing a sale at one of the stores in Tallinn, Estonia

We adore the clocks in Europe—Tallinn, Estonia

George, the Viking—talking about Viking ocean cruises

Sweet Nan (on the left), Kay’s sister in Tallinn, Estonia

Marsipan pot, Tallinn, Estonia

149 Euros for these shoes in Tallinn, Estonia

Local Estonian selling wares at a store in Tallinn, Estonia
Of note regarding Tallinn and Estonia, in 1988, some 300,000 citizens rose up and sang against Soviet rule, effectively ending its communist chokehold on the small country of Estonia; this “singing revolution” was won without spilling any blood.
A visit to the ship’s infirmary confirmed a wicked virus and 102° fever; consequently, Tallinn was not on my itinerary today—bed, instead—and it was one of the cities I so wanted to see!

Weather for those who braved the elements was drizzling rain, cloudy, and 50°.