Family visit in MISSOURI

August 5th was another log drive to Unionville MO.  We spent 2 lovely days with Al's niece, Wanda and her family.  It was wonderful to see family when it is not a life event like weddings etc.  And best of all we just sat around and talked.  Wanda cooked a great meal for the family.  Phil and Wanda's kids (Mike, Danny, & Megan)  and spouses/ signficant others were all there including Al's great-great nephew, Case.  There are 2 additions expected in late Aug and mid Oct.  I had a wonderful time chatting with the expectant moms and with Megan about her nursing career.  Thank you, Wanda for the hospitality!
Even got to see the Arch in St Louis on way home.

Mike, Al, Chris (Megan's husband), Phil, & Danny

4 generations: Danny, Wanda, Al, Mike, Case, & Megan+

Phil, Wanda, Al, Mike & Mary, Chris,Case & Megan, Tracy& Danny

South Dakota aka Sturgis

August 2nd found us "experiencing" Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.  Needless to say the operative word was "Experience".  We were blessed to have SWFL HOG Chapter members, Deanna and Jerry to show Al the ropes.  My great friend and business partner, Kathy, came for the weekend as well.  So Al went off on the motorcycle with Jerry and Deanna riding though canyons and mountains.  He did see a casualty who later died from injuries.  They rode to Rushmore as well.  Saw buffalo, deer and other wildlife (aka bikers).  Kath and I ventured to Sturgis via 4 wheels and I have never seen so many motorcycles.  The "wildlife" there in human form was interesting (photos censored).  There were varied attire seen all over... leather to body paint.
We also saw the Crazy Horse Monument ... the hole where they are starting the armhole is 110 ft high to get an idea.  Mt Rushmore heads can fit in the Crazy Horse Head area.  Truly spectacular and all privately funded.
Enjoy the pics!

Al, Me, Deanna, Jerry, & Frank (All SWFL HOG Members) in Sturgis

Kath and I in our Sturgis shirts

Colorado Springs

Wed July 31 found us in Colorado Springs.  We crossed the Continental Divide at Wolf Creek Pass at10000 ft. with beautiful wild flowers from recent rains.  Impressive driving over these roads by Al!  In Colorado Springs we visited the Air Force Academy and you will see pics of the Chapel.  Beautiful place to have a moment of reflection and thanks for our airmen and all they do. I especially loved the needlepointed kneelers by altar.  Also on the agenda was Garden of the Gods - a city park free to drive through.  As a friend said - who thought rocks were so beautiful.  Sandstone worn away by the elements just jutting upward.  Notice the Balancing Rock- over 60 million yrs in making.  A visit to the Manitou Springs area included the Anasazi Cliff Dwellings-- over 900 yrs old.  These native Americans were very short and loved one family to a room about 10x10 ft.  Pikes Peak looms over the area.. 14300 feet up.  Next visit will be the Cog Railroad there.  Al has been observing all the train rides that I missed or "forgot" to tell him about. Harlette and Harley Hog, our "faithful HOG members", have accompanied us everywhere there is a Harley dealer, so Pikes Peak Harley was included.
We are on the downward slope, literally and figuratively, of the trip of a lifetime in my books.  As I keep saying, the US is one incredible country.  One has to see it in its glory on the ground not from the air.

Wolf Creek Pass road

Air Force Academy Chapel

Garden of the Gods

Anasazi Cliff Dwellings - Manitou Springs

Flowers @ Cliff Dwellings

Majesty of the USAF Academy Chapel

Durango, CO and onward

8-3-13.  I can't believe the incredible trip to date.  We left Williams AZ on way to Durango, Co on Sunday July 28th via Gallup, NM.  Of all things, we stop for gas north of Gallup... we meet a Washington Redskins fan who is an actual American Indian.  He saw our license plate on front of car.  One never knows where you meet people with things in commons.  BTW, I saw plenty of Steeler fans on the road too.
Durango is 6300 ft up.. altitude can be wicked so we had down day for laundry and exploring Durango which included the obligatory visit to the HD dealer.  All I can say is that Durango is one of the best food scenes - had dinner at an Iron Chef winner rest.  Incredible pan seared duck breast with cherry sauce and scallion fritter.  YUM!!!  Another night we met a couple from Ft Myers Beach.... us Floridians get around.
The real highlight was the round trip on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  We did upgrade from open car to the Parlor car built in 1880...all original wood paneling.  It is the red car in pics.  You follow the Animus River with some of the most gorgeous scenery around.  I particularly enjoyed the groves of aspen (see pic with trees with white bark).  In Silverton at 9318 ft, we did stop in the highest Harley store in the US, of course.  Al did try to pick up some of the "ladies" along the way with little success.  Enjoy the pictures!

House for bicycle scene in Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid movie

 

Al and the train lady

A happy man

Stained glass in Grumpy's Rest. in Silverton

Our parlor car