Seattle Fly By Day-Day 21

The temperatures hovered around mid-fifties all day with sun and rain coming and going.  This was the first day in awhile I didn't purchase any gasoline; whew!  I spent the bulk of the day in Seattle visiting the Museum of Flight.  There were just about any kind of aircraft one could mention from US Mail carriers, World War I and II fighters, to space travel vehicles.  Being inside one could dodge the raindrops also.
I am off tomorrow to board a ferry across the Washington waterways to find more adventures.
I would like to thank Rich for all his hospitality during my stay and to wish Pat a quick recovery from her surgery as I am once again back on the road.
On the road again!

The Traveller

Air Force One

This picture taken of Air Force One Presidential Jet that is on display at Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington.  This plane actually had three names:
VC-137 where V stands for VIP Transport, C stands for Cargo and 137 is the identification number.
SAM 970 where SAM stands for Special Air Missions and 970 is the last three digits of the tail number.
Air Force One is a temporary call sign used by traffic controllers while it has the President aboard.
This particular Boeing 707 carried many Presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.

Concorde Supersonic Airliner

This picture of the Concorde Supersonic Airliner was taken at the Museum of Flight located in Seattle, Washington.  The Concorde, one of 20 that were built, is on loan by British Airways for display at the Museum.  This particular Jet, Code "G-BOAG", was delivered to British Airways in 1980 and had logged more than 5,600 takeoffs and over 16,200 flight hours while in service.  The Museum's aircraft  made its last commercial Concorde flight on October 24, 2003 on its way to the Museum setting a record speed from New York City-to-Seattle of 3 hours, 55 minutes, and 12 seconds.  And that isn't whistling Dixie!

Northwestward Bound Ending Day-Day 20

Temperatures were basically in high 50s to mid 60s throughout the day during the drive up North from Tacoma, Washington to the tulip capital of the world in La Connor, Washington.  The tulip festival is still in bloom but nearing its end, especially with rain in the forecast for the day.  Gasoline purchased today was at $3.999/gallon, not exactly to my liking.  Day 20 was kind of a leisurely day.
My plans today are to visit the Museum of Flight in Seattle to try and dodge the raindrops.
Stay loose folks!

The Traveller

Fort Nisqually Granary

This picture taken at the grounds of Fort Nisqually located in Point Defiance Park between the Narrows and Commencement Bay in Tacoma, Washington.  Fort Nisqually was a fur trading and farming post.  The Granary, pictured at right, was a storehouse for threshold grain or animal feed and is one of the two remaining buildings from the 1840s time frame.  The location of the original Fort was in DuPont, Washington.  The present relocation and restoration was accomplished in the 1930s.

Tacoma Narrows Bridges

This picture taken of the Tacoma Narrows Bridges from Fort Nisqually at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington.  These are the the Suspension Bridges (Eastbound and Westbound) that replaced the historically known "Galloping Gertie" which opened in July of 1940 but collapsed due to aeroelastic flutter four months later.  Its nickname came from the vertical movement of the deck observed by the construction workers during windy conditions.  It collapsed in the Pugent Sound the morning of November 7, 1940, from winds of over 40 miles per hour.  The bridges, Westbound with a total length of 5979 feet, connect the city of Tacoma and the Kitsap Peninsula across what is known as Tacoma Narrows strait.  There is a toll cost of $2.75 for Good To Go! account with Transponders or $4.00 for cash/credit.

Clouds Get In My Eyes Day-Day 19

Was a real nice day for the most part as I awoke with a temperature of 54F and it did reach a high of 66F in the afternoon.  It plummeted to 40F at the top of the drive to Paradise (Mount Ranier viewing station) and as one can see from the picture of the fox it was extremely misty from the clouds I was in.  Gasoline prices in Washington are out of this world as I paid $3.999/gallon.  One of the locals stated that there are huge taxes (state) added to cause this.  I did spend a good deal of time on the road but it was most enjoyable.  It seems what ever direction one looks out here there are Mountains.  The Northwest is very pleasing to the eye.  I will be seeing Tacoma today and then up to the Eitners.
Stay in touch folks!

The Traveller

For You Animal Lovers

This picture taken at Henry M. Jackson Visitor center in Paradise, Washington.  Don't think I have ever seen one this color before.  Reminds me of my little buddy from Pikes Peak a couple of years ago.  Notice how cloudy the picture is.

Misty Mount Ranier

This picture taken as one makes the trek up to Mount Ranier from the Southwest Nisqually entrance to Paradise, Washington.  Talk about in the clouds.

The Palisades

This picture taken on Route 12 just a few miles West of White Pass, Washington.  The gigantic wall that one sees in front of them is actually cooled Dactite Lava from an volcanic eruption nine miles away that took place some 20,000 years ago or more.  Geologists still don't know for sure what blocked the lava flow, maybe a glacier or cliff.  The fractures they feel are a result of the edge of the lava flow cooling much faster than the rest of the flow.  Amazing!

Cascade Mountains

This picture taken of the Cascade Mountains on Route 12 (White Pass Scenic Drive) near White Pass, Washington.  One is standing at an elevation of 4500 feet to take the picture.  Looks pretty cold doesn't it?

BNSF Railway

This picture taken at McNary Dam on Washington side of the Columbia River near Umatilla. Oregon.  The Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway is wholly owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.,headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, who purchased the remaining 70% in 2010.  The BNSF Railway is one of the top transporters of intermodal freight in North America.  It is refreshing that someone like Warren Buffett with money and influence would invest in our rail system.

Oregon Trail Day-Day 18

The morning temperature was 49F and the afternoon maxed out at 55F and with the wind gusting made for a real cool day.  The sun did shine through today to warm it up a bit, however.  The $3.759/gallon gasoline price is probably average for the trip so far but it did have an octane rating of 87.  I might add that Oregon also has the same law as New Jersey in that one cannot pump there own gasoline.  The speed limit on the interstate is 65MPH which does slow one down a bit which was a contributing factor of only adding 250 miles today.  I stopped in to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center today which outlines the trail of settlers from Missouri to Oregon a journey of over 2000 miles.  The Trail just outside Baker City has a small granite marker erected by Ezra Meeker in 1906.  Meeker, a pioneer of 1853, retraced the Oregon Trail from West to East and erected markers throughout the route of the Trail.  These Trails have become a new passion for me.  It is off to the Northwest again today as Mt Ranier beckons me.
Have an enjoyable weekend everyone.

The Traveller

The Bowen Home

This picture taken in Baker City, Oregon as part of the Walking Tour of the city.  The home was built for Ira II and Mary Burke Bowen (maybe relatives of Craig) in 1895.  The Bowens were pioneers in Baker County as Ira became publisher and editor of the city's "Bedrock Democrat" newspaper for many years.  These Victorian homes were very pleasing to the eyes.

Geiser Grand Hotel

This picture taken of the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, Oregon.  Originally the Warshauer House, the Geiser Grand Hotel was built in 1889 by merchants Harry and Jake Warshauer for a sum of $65,000.  That probably would not even have covered the window costs today.  The Hotel was used as a gathering place for gold miners.  Local mine owner, Al Geiser, purchased the hotel at the turn of the century and did extensive remodeling.  It is was quite interesting to know that what is now the gift shop has a ceiling of stamped tin which  was quite popular during the Victorian era between 1839-1901.

Guess What University

The only University that has a football field painted blue and nicknamed "The Broncos".  Can one guess the University name?  A few of their alumni are Dave Wilcox (San Francisco 49ers), Gus Johnson (Baltimore Bullets), and Larry Jackson (St. Louis Cardinals).  It became a four year University in 1974.

After The Deluge Day-Day 17

Awoke this morning with the temperature hovering around 55F.  The afternoon temperature did get up to 74F but most of the day was overcast and very wet.  I spent the bulk of the day driving through torrential rains, especially on Routes 84 and 86.  Purchased gasoline twice again ($3.629/gallon and $3.679/gallon) as I drove a little over 400 miles today.  I might add the $3.679 was an octane of 87.  I have now traveled a total of 5031 miles in the 17 days for an average of 296 miles per day.  This past week I have picked up the pace a bit.  State count now reads 13 with New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho.  I am approximately 2-3 day ride from the Eitners, depending on the route I take.  I am leaning toward stopping off at Mt Ranier on the way up.
Enjoy your Friday everyone!

The Traveller

Anne Frank Memorial

This picture taken on 8th Street in Boise, Idaho adjacent to the Boise River.  The Anne Frank Memorial honors the triumph of human spirit.  Anne Frank was of Jewish Religion who wrote in her Diary from the silence and dread of family's hiding place in Amsterdam during World War II.  Anne would not live pass the age of 15.

Snake River

This picture taken of Snake River just North of Swan Valley, Idaho on the drive up Route 26.  The Snake River at over 1000 miles long is the largest tributary of the Columbia River.  Its waters are from Western Wyoming to the state of Washington.  The Snake River was created by a volcanic hotspot which now lies beneath Yellowstone National Park.

The Grand Teton's New Day

This picture taken of the Grand Tetons this morning with the sun on my back with Grand Teton smack dab in the center.  Its Peak has been obscured by the clouds.  Notice the difference in elevation from the Mountain Peaks to Jackson Hole Valley shown in the foreground.  I believe Jim has a photo of these Mountains taken 40 years ago. 

Some Kind of Mountains Day-Day 16

The weather played it straight today basically, as the morning temperature was 62F and rose to 70F in the afternoon.  It was quite a bit cloudy today and did rain off and on especially when I was in the Grand Teton National Park.  Gasoline purchased today was nearly at the trip low $3.499/gallon.  I really liked the Teton Mountain Range and how they were formed.  They are one rugged looking Mountains.  The scenery and road made for a really nice drive up Route 191 today.  I am again heading Northwest tomorrow to search out new treasures that I may and will find.
Say goodnight Gracie!

The Traveller

Oh Give Me A Home....

This picture taken on Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park showing the Wildlife that exist in the  Park.  As one can see neither the Moose or the Bison really paid much attention to me.  The Park Ranger also told me that there is a mother bear and her two cubs that have been spotted in the Park.  I could not find them.

The Grand Tetons

This picture taken at Teton Point on Teton Park Road in Grand Teton National Park.  One can only guess what is the main attraction here.  The Park is named for Grand Teton, the tallest Mountain in the Teton Range.  The three Mountains in the photo are from left to right, South Teton, Middle Teton, and Grand Teton which stands at 13,770 feet.  This Mountain Range was formed as a result of a fault line between two plates that existed many million of years ago.  Beginning 10 million years ago, movement on this fault occurred which generated earthquakes that caused the Mountain side to rise while the Valley (Jackson Hole) floor to drop.  Glaciers then flowed through the Valley sculpting the jagged Teton Skyline.  I only wish the weather had cooperated a wee bit more.

Crazy Weather Day-Day 15

Left Wheat Ridge, Colorado this morning with the temperature near 70F and sunny, left Rocky Mountain National Park with it raining and lightning and temperature at 62F, drove through Willow Creek Pass on route 125 with it snowing and temperature at 40F, drove just South of Rand on route 125 with unbelievable winds, and arrived in Rawlins, Wyoming with it sunny and 80F.  I am not sure what other weather conditions can exist.  Is this what they call Colorado weather?  Today was spent visiting Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  One could only travel 16 miles up Trail Ridge Road to Milner Pass on the South entrance to the Park.  I remember having this issue two years ago with some of the Northern Parks.  As a result the planned route of exiting RMNP through Estes Park had to be changed.  The gasoline purchased was priced at $3.899/gallon and $3.599/gallon today.
The plan is to travel further North and West to visit the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone the next few days. 
Night everyone!

The Traveller

Continental Divide at Milner Pass

This picture taken at Milner Pass (10,759 feet elevation) on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.  I am standing exactly on the Continental Divide which separates water run-off to the Atlantic from water run-off to the Pacific.  All the waters East (left) flow into the Atlantic Ocean and all the waters West (right) flow into the Pacific Ocean.  This is kind of neat.

Rocky Mountains National Park

This picture taken of the Never Summer Mountains from Fairview Curve on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park.  The elevation of these Mountains are approximately 12,500 feet. 

Deja Vu... All Over Again Day-Day 14

The day temperature started out at 68F today and rose to an 84F in the afternoon with sun galore present.  These past three days have just been some kind of wonderful especially the weather and scenery.  Gasoline was purchased at a Western Station located at the base of Pikes Peak for $3.739/gallon.  I am thinking that one of the reason gasoline is less out here is because of the octane rating of 85 versus 87 at home.  I continue to pile up the mileage thanks in turn to the 75MPH speed limit in Colorado.  I certainly can vouch for John Denver's feeling in the song "Rocky Mountain High".  I had that feeling while traveling up to the summit of Pikes Peak.  I had the same feeling two years ago when I did the same, only this time I did make it to the top.  It is an awe inspiring experience.  This time I also got to stop at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  The Cadet Chapel is some piece of architecture.  I asked the ranger about the fox that I encountered the last time I went to Pikes Peak and he said that they have not seen him or her (there were two) for about six months.  He was not sure what had happened to them.
The Traveller is off to Rocky Mountain National Park today and then further North and West in Wyoming.
Signing off for now!

The Traveller

Cadet Chapel Interior

The Cadet Chapel was designed to house three distinct worship areas; Protestant Chapel pictured in the photo was designed to seat 1200 people, Catholic Chapel located below the Protestant Chapel was designed to seat 500 people, and Jewish Chapel also located on the lower level was designed to seat 100 people.  The Jewish Chapel is circular in shape.  The Chapel was also designed to allow for all the services to take place at the same time and not to interfere with the others.

U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

This picture taken at the Air Force Academy just North of Colorado Springs off I25 Interstate.  The Chapel was completed in 1962 and has become a classic and highly regarded example of modern architecture.  The most striking feature of the Chapel is the seventeen spires.

Pikes Peak View

This picture taken looking Northeast from basically atop Pikes Peak showing the switchbacks it took to travel up the mountain.  One can see the Continental Divide far off in the photo.  The view is simply amazing.

Crystal Creek Reservoir on Pikes Peak Highway

This picture taken at Crystal Creek Reservoir on the trek up to the summit of Pikes Peak on Pikes Peak Highway.  This was absolutely one of the most beautiful sites I have ever seen.  The weather, the right time, the subject matter, the camera and everything else that I fail to mention just made this a magic moment for me.  I just hope that everyone who views this will be just a bit awe inspired as well.

A Swinging Day-Day 13

This was another good day for the weatherman as the temperature was 54F in the morning and 79F in the late afternoon.  There were a few rain showers in the afternoon while traveling through Salida on route 50, however.  I purchased gasoline for $3.899/gallon in Walsenburg, Colorado which meant the prices are going in the wrong direction again.  This was a very good day of seeing nature's beauty with The Great Sand Dunes, the Mountains, and the Royal Gorge along the route.
Today the plan is to go back up Pikes Peak and to reach the top this time and possible visit US Air Force Academy.  Until next time folks!

The Traveller

Royal Gorge Bridge

This picture taken of the Royal Gorge Bridge from the Canyon floor compliments of the Inclined Railway.  The Bridge, built in 1929 taking only 6 months to complete, is the World's highest suspension bridge at 1053 feet.  The bridge is 1260 feet long and 18 feet in width.  The surface of the bridge is wooden planks of which there are 1292.  A total of 250 on average are replaced annually.  The strange part of this bridge is the allowance of automobiles to cross the bridge.  I could feel the bridge swaying when this occurred.  This even made me want to find land quickly.

Royal Gorge on the Arkansas River

This picture taken from the Royal Gorge Bridge near Canon City, Colorado.  This canyon was basically formed by the Arkansas River that one can see directly in the center of the photo and the uplifting of the granite rock that began to rise approximately 3 million years ago.  The Gorge, width at the base is 50 feet and a couple of hundred feet at the top and a depth of just over a 1200 feet, is attributed to the long, direct erosion through the hard rock.  If one looks closely enough there are train tracks where the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads use to run back in the late 1800s.  The Royal Gorge Route Railroad operate excursion Trains through the Gorge now.

Great Sand Dunes Partie Trois

This picture taken at the base of the 30 square mile dunefield in Great Sand Dunes National Park.  The sand came from in from the Southwest Winds that blew, bounced, and pushed the grains toward the Sangre De Cristo Mountains piling them into the tallest dunes in North America.  Star Dune is the tallest dune at 750 feet.  One can get an idea of just how large and high it is by noticing the people in the center of the photo.  Nature was working overtime on this beauty.

Great Sand Dunes Partie Deux

This picture taken of Medano Creek just a stones throw North of the the Visitor Center in the Park.  Medano Creek is just one of the many streams that washed the sand from the San Juan Mountains into this San Luis Valley.  I might add that when the stream was like it was today sneakers are not the foot apparel to use as one must cross this stream to get to the dunefield.

Great Sand Dunes Partie Un

This picture taken from State Highway 150 approximately 3-4 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Park which is located 35 miles Northeast of Alamosa, Colorado.  One can see part of the 30 square mile dunefield just in front of the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range.

Tramway is the only Way Day-Day 12

Another beautiful day today as the temperature was 59F at daybreak and reached a comfortable 80F in the late afternoon.  I am hoping this weather keeps up as I am heading into Colorado tomorrow, one of my favorite states for scenic beauty.  Gasoline purchased today was for $3.699/gallon, not great but better than $4 at home.
Taking the Tram up Sandia Mountain was an eye popper today.  I only wish the photos taken could tell the story of just how beautiful it was.  Most of the drive today was again over desolate land.  I am glad that I stopped at Fort Union however, as this place shows just how difficult life and travel would have been back then.
Anyways it is on to Colorado tomorrow to see the Great Sand Dunes, stay in touch folks!

The Traveller

Santa Fe Trail

This picture shows the ruts of what is left of the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail.  Years before there was a Fort, huge freight wagons rumbled past this place enroute to Santa Fe.  This trail was used from 1821 to the onset of the Railroads.  I am amazed of just how tough people were back then, this was not a very enjoyable trek having to weather both extreme hot and cold temperatures during the long journey.  This makes me appreciate the old Cruze more than ever.

Fort Union National Monument at Watrous, New Mexico

This picture shows what is the remains of the Hospital of Fort Union.  There were three Forts constructed on this site beginning in 1851.  What remains at the site is the second of these three Forts as well as the ruins of the the third.  Fort Union was basically used as a military base and a key station on the Santa Fe Trail.

View of Sandia Mountain Range

This picture was taken inside the Tramway Car as I descended from Sandia Peak Tramway.  Pictured in the the foreground is the jagged terrain of the Mountainside with the Sandia Mountain Range in the background.

View From Atop Sandia Peak

One can see this view of the Rio Grande Valley (Albuquerque, New Mexico) from atop the 10,378 foot Sandia Peak in the Cibola National Forest.  A trip on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway transports one above deep canyons and breathtaking terrain a distance of 2.7 miles.  The trip took approximately 20 minutes to ascend to the top and was nothing less than spectacular.  There was also a second tram that while one was at the top of the mountain it would be at the bottom.

Gorgeous Day-Day 11

This was just about the most perfect day for weather as the temperature was 64F in the morning and rose to 75F in the late afternoon with no humidity.  What was real surprising was most of the driving was over the Prairie of Western Texas.  Gasoline purchased today was a trip low of $3.459/gallon in Lubbock, Texas.   Not sure what the prices are back home but I would think that they are dropping some????
I am going to start getting into the Mountains within the next few days, so I am getting a bit excited.  Everyone knows what I think of them. 
Another busy day tomorrow!

The Traveller

Billy The Kid Burial Site in Fort Sumner, New Mexico

This picture shows the tombstone of Billy the Kid (born William Henry McCarthy, Jr) as well as some of his pals.  It is encased in iron mesh to protect the site.  According to the marker by the site, twice this tombstone has been stolen only to have been recovered later once in Granbury, Texas and the other in Huntington Beach, California.
There is of course a great deal of myths surrounding Billy The Kid.

Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza in Lubbock, Texas

The "West Texas Walk of Fame" pictured above began as a tribute to Rock and Roller Buddy Holly in the late 1970s.  Waylon Jennings brought up at a meeting between Larry Corbin and Jerry Coleman that Holly should be recognized.  This conversation ended up in honoring the growing list of famous artists and musicians who had come from West Texas.  In 1979, a concert was held to help pay for the statue of Buddy Holly, and a plaque was placed around the base to honor the first inductee of the "Walk of Fame," Lubbock's own Buddy Holly.  In 1980 a second concert was held and Waylon Jennings of Littlefield, Texas became the next inductee.  Other inductees since then are Tanya Tucker, Dan Blocker, The Gatlin Brothers, Glen D. Hardin, Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox, Delbert McClinton, Jimmy Dean, Mac Davis, Joe Ely, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore to name a few.

Norm Cash Field in Post, Texas

This was a big surprise to me, while driving up Route 84 from Sweetwater to Lubbock, Texas, I notice Norm Cash Field from the road. As it turned out it was the same Norm Cash that played most of his baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. The Field was dedicated on April 23, 2005 in loving memory of Post, Texas's Most Famous Athlete. Although his lifetime batting average was .271, he did win a Batting Title in 1961 with a .361 average. He originally was drafted by both the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears (Running Back) in 1955.
How about that Jim!

Hit 'Em Up... Move 'Em Out Day-Day 10

The temperature in Texas again hit the 90s mark with a high of 91F. Everyone down here says these are spring temperatures and it soon will hit triple digits. I purchased gasoline this evening in Abilene, Texas for $3.699/gallon, at least it is heading in the right direction.
An update on the mileage to date shows a total of 2627 for an average of 262.7 per day, which is right where I want to be. States visited so far include New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas for a total of nine (9).
The plan tomorrow is to continue heading West, hopefully to add yet another state on the trip.
Going to sleep little doggies!

The Traveller

Texas Longhorns

This picture taken at the Fort Worth Historic District. Their horns can extend to over six (6) feet from tip to tip. As one can see from the photo, there are many different color and horn shapes on the longhorns.

Fort Worth Stock Yards

This picture taken in Fort Worth Stock Yards Historic District. This is a remembrance of the livestock market which operated in downtown Ft Worth from 1866 into the 1950s.

Hot! Hot! Hot! Day-Day 9

I woke up this morning to a brisk temperature of 54F and during my tour of Dealey Plaza the temperature rose to 90F in downtown Dallas, Whew! I purchased gasoline twice ($3.799/gallon and $3.829/gallon) today as I drove a total of over 300 miles today. The tour of President Clinton birthplace home, spending a great deal of time at Dealey Plaza which included a tour of the Sixth Floor of what was once known as the Texas School Book Depository Building, and stopping in Arlington to see Cowboys Stadium made for a busy day, but enlightening. Photos were not permitted during the Sixth Floor tour as a security guard was stationed there.
Today is going to be a more leisurely day as I plan to go down to the stockyards in downtown Ft Worth and then head west again.
Tentative plans are that I will be in the state of Washington sometime on or about May 1. I hope this doesn't create any problems with the Eitners.
Take care everyone!

The Traveller

Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Located just a stone's throw from the Rangers Ballpark of Arlington is Cowboys Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play football. I asked to go inside for a picture of the field but was denied. It doesn't hurt to ask though. I was told the front of the stadium is the rectangular shaped screen to the left of the photo. Your over a billion dollar building!!!

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas

This picture taken in Arlington, Texas which by no coincidence is located between Dallas and Ft Worth areas. The Rangers Ballpark is where the Texas Rangers play baseball. This may be the best team in baseball right now.

Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas

This picture taken from Dealey Plaza on Elm Street where President Kennedy lost his life on November 22, 1963. The Warren Commission concluded that the President lost his life as a result of Lee Harvey Oswald stationed at the Sixth Floor window of the Texas School Book Depository Building shown in the rear left building. The Sixth Floor window (shown with arches above windows) is the one all the way to the right. The X on the road marks the spot where it happened.

William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home

Although this place was President Clinton grandparents house, it is considered his Birthplace Home. His father Billy Blythe II died in an automobile accident three (3) months prior to his birth and his mother had him move into her parents house for four (4) years while she went back to school in New Orleans.

Who'll Stop The Rain Day-Day 8

It rained all night long and then all of the morning while I was finishing up the tour of Vicksburg National Military Park. The 16 mile tour of the Park took a great deal of time to finish totaling about 3.5 hours. The Siege of Vicksburg, which lasted 47 days until July 4, 1863, ended in the surrender of the city to the Union forces.
Gasoline purchased today cost $3.799/gallon, which still does not match the low $3.619/gallon price of the trip.
During the afternoon in or about Monroe, Louisiana the sun came out and the temperature then rose to 78F.
My plan is to go into Dallas tomorrow to Dealey Plaza, see Cowboy Stadium, and whatever else that I deemed interesting.
Until then folks!
The Traveller

Hutchinson Glass Bottle

This picture shows the very first container used to bottle Coca-Cola. In 1894 a candy store owner in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Joseph A. Biedenharn, began bottling Coca-Cola to sell using a common glass bottle called a Hutchinson. Prior to this all Coca-Cola was sold in soda fountains for five cents a glass at the local drugstore.

Fort Garrott from Hovey's Right Approach in Vicksburg National Military Park

This picture shows the restored section of the two approach trenches dug by General Alvin P. Hovey's Union Troops. The zigzag design helped to nullify the effects of Confederate enfilading (flanking) fire thus minimizing federal casualties. To the rear left of the picture, one can see Fort Garrott. This was where Confederate Colonel Isham W. Garrott lost his life. There were heavy Confederate casualties there which forced Col. Garrott to engage in the firing himself.

Wexford Lodge (Shirley House)

This picture shows the only surviving wartime structure in Vicksburg Military Park. The Shirley House as it is better known was the home of James and Adeline Shirley. They were both born in the North. Their three children were all born in Vicksburg. Upon the secession of Mississippi from the Union, the Shirleys, who remained supporters of the Union, tried to keep to themselves. During the siege of Vicksburg, the family was forced to flee and take refuge in an empty slave cabin.

Mississip Day-Day 7

The weather was overcast, adding that the temperature never saw 70F today left for a good day of traveling. I did however, get to hear some Delta Blues at Highway 61 Blues Museum, see Deer Creek where Kermit the Frog was born, and to visit part of the Vicksburg National military Park, all located in Mississippi.
The plan today is to finish my tour of Vicksburg Battlefield, it is 16 miles long, and then head West again to Shreveport, Louisiana and then into Texas.
Signing off for now!
The Traveller

U.S.S. Cairo

The U.S.S Cairo, located on the Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was a Union Ironclad River Gunboat that was built to wrestle control of the Mississippi River from the Confederates. On December 12, 1862, the Confederates had different plans for the U.S.S. Cairo as they sunk the ship on the Yazoo River. What is pictured here is what is left of the salvaged ship.

The Birthplace of Kermit The Frog, Leland, Mississippi

This picture shows Deer Creek and Rainbow Connection Bridge, an area where Jim Henson grew up and played during the years 1936-1948. As the story goes he sometimes was joined with Kermit Scott a friend of his. The rest is history. There is also a 'Kermit' Museum where there is a letter signed by Jim Henson "Leland, Birthplace of Kermit The Frog". One can also see the Rainbow Connection Bridge sign in the photo. This was dedicated on September 24, 2011 as part of the now annual Leland Frog Festival.

Delta Blues Musicians Mural in Leland, Mississippi

Known as Highway 61 Blues, this mural depicts musicians from the Leland area, including Jimmy Reed, Little Milton, Eddie Cusic, Willie Foster, and James "Son" Thomas. The mural was painted by Delta artist Christian Craven Barnard and Jay Kirgis in 2000. Pat Thomas son of "Son" Thomas actually played a blues tune while I was visiting the Highway 61 Blues Museum.

Memphis Blues Day-Day 6

Well I asked for warmer weather and am I getting it. Today's temperature topped out at 87F. The Boss said it best 'Waitin' on a Sunny Day' and voila it was here. Although I only drove 126 miles today, gasoline was purchased at $3.779. One can add Mississippi to the 70 MPH speed limit states. The last four states that I have visited have the 70MPH tag.
It was a very enlightening day today on the two stops at Sun Studio and Lorraine Motel in Memphis. Memphis should be on everyone's list of vacation stops.
It is off to Greenville and Vicksburg tomorrow to see Kermie and some Civil War history.
Say goodnight David!
The Traveller!

Lorraine Motel - April 4th, 1968

This picture taken from James Earl Ray perspective, the man found guilty of ending Martin Luther Kings life. Directly behind the red and white wreath on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel is the room (306) that Martin Luther King and Reverend Ralph David Abernathy shared. Notice the two automobiles parked near the Motel, these represent the original automobiles parked in the Lorraine Motel Courtyard. Just to the left of the Motel is the Museum that has an awe inspiring movie of Martin Luther King.
Truly Martin Luther King was worthy of having a national holiday.

Recording Studio at Sun Studio

This picture taken inside Sun Studio where Elvis, Roy, Johnny recorded some of their early hits. The acoustic tiles on the ceiling and walls are the ones used for these recordings. In the late 1980s U2, Def Leppard, John Mellencamp, and Chris Isaak to name a few used this studio to record their tunes. This is history folks, awesome!