Ah, the weather was blissful for the last day the family toured Gettysburg. Mid 60s was so much more comfortable than 90s! After taking it at a slightly leisurely pace, the family headed into Gettysburg for a ranger program in the National Cemetery. The ranger that led the program did a phenomenal job with his program. Mom had taught a class for the homeschool co-op that was called "History STINKS... Literally" in which she used the senses, mainly the nose, to talk about different times of the past. This ranger did a similar thing as he talked about the aftermath of the war. Even Jane commented that hearing that there were so many flies on a white picket fence that it looked like it was black and alive from the flies that were on it from all the death and decay, was not at all what we think when we picture all the dead bodies in our minds. He talked about a man named Edward Everett who was an orator during the time of the civil war and how he gave a 2+ hour speech when the cemetery was dedicated. It was after this speech that Lincoln got up to give his Gettysburg Address. The family learned that Lincoln's address was not well received by those who heard it. They expected it to be more like Everett's. Mom is interested in trying to find Everett's speech to read. Apparently he spent months researching and learning about the area and the war in preparation for his speech. But, ultimately as Lincoln delivered his address to the friends, families and loved ones of the dead and told them that this battle was not of great importance compared to what we need to carry out in the future, it seemed to not acknowledge the soliders' sacrifice in the way the families had hoped.
After this program, the family looked around a little and found the section dedicated to the Ohio soldiers. Next, they went to the PA monument in the park to watch members of the living history program. They fired a canon two times and explained how it was all orchestrated. They saw different shells and learned what they would have been used for. But, the part that the family seemed to like the most was the medical tent the living history group had set up. It was so educational! The doctors of the time were not butchers as they are often portrayed. (Although they did throw the amputated limbs out the window...) And, some of the medical advancements that were figured out during the 4 years of battle are still in use today. Perhaps the biggest is the method's of triage that we use today.
At this time, Mom and Dad wanted to do a 90 minute hike of history, or walk the battlefield walks, but the kids revolted. In an attempt to avoid another war, Mom and Dad to them to Mr. Ed's Elephant and Candy shop. Mom and Dad did not think it was as cool as they hoped it would be but since there was candy, the kids were happy with it. Jane wanted to visit "The Land of Little Horses" but there was not much time left before they closed. Dad drove in the lot in hopes they could catch a glimpse of them from there but as any good company that makes money from viewing cute animals does, they did not make them visible from the parking lot. So close... but not close enough.
The family went back to the campground for a leisurely night. Aidan and Riley went in the pool despite the cooler temps. They seemed to have a lot of fun! Mom and Jane colored some. Then they built a camp fire (perfect weather for it!) . They finished the movie they started earlier and then all turned in. I was a great day!
The trip was wonderful and they all would come back again. It was one of the top rated trips from the kids. It is always good when they want to go back. For now, I will get packed back in my cabinet and wait for the next great adventure with my family.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Friday, May 19, 2017
Gettysburg Day 4
Today the family took it slow. It was another scorcher of a day. They started the day eating Dad's frequently requested pumpkin pancakes filled with cream cheese filling -- can you say pumpkin roll for breakfast? I wish I could eat some too but the family never thinks to share with me. I am "just" a mascot to them.
After breakfast, they spent some time at the pool. They got Dad to join them in the water this time. Then they came back and had lunch before heading into town. Today they went to a ranger session on the life of a solider. (Interestingly, there was no rain on the docket for today but they had to move this session indoors due to the looming threat of weather -- which did in fact come down hard while they were in the session.) They got to feel reproduction articles of clothing. Mom and Dad were sure that they would have heat stroke from the layers and layers of wool and cotton blends. The ranger did say this was a big deal and many soldiers did in fact suffer from heat stroke. Mom was really impressed but the knit wool socks. She is thinking of knitting a pair just to get some idea of what the women at the time went through to help the soldiers out.
After that session they went through the museum. Jane, Riley and Aidan were not pleased at the number of plaques that were available for Dad to read. They started sitting on benches face in hands looking thoroughly bored. Mom took the kids to a different area to allow him to read and enjoy the items as his own pace.
When they were done with the museum, they went back and picked up the auto tour from where they left off. Today's portion had some amazing sights. Things you just read about and to be there it gives a whole to new perspective. They got to see Little Round Top, Devil's Den and the Bloody Wheatfield to name a few. There was a ceremony on Little Round Top that had people all dressed up and many in uniform. Mom wondered if it was a wedding but if it was, the bride was not in a white flowing dress. There were a lot of men in military garb so she wondered if they were giving an award.
After they did more of the tour, Mom wanted to go to the National Cemetery but it had more walking than she planned so they plan to go back tomorrow and try again. But, Mom had one more stop to make. She told the kids it was a surprise. They were hoping it was something fun. But, she just did not to tell them where they were going so they would not complain about it. She tried to warn them but they still held out hope for some special treat. What she really wanted to do was to go to the marker that indicates where the first shot was fired. She gave Dad directions on where to drive. As they approached she thought it would be a place to stop and see. The map had it marked as a green park service section. As they approached though, they passed right by it. Mom saw the marker on her right and made Dad turn around. They pulled off the road in a little gravelly area and approached the old house that had the marker by it. Despite the "No Trespassing" sign, Mom was determined to get a picture of the kids next to the marker. The marker is at the top of an approximately 8 foot steep grade that goes straight into the road. Mom got right up to the edge and took her pictures... amazingly she did not fall into the road! However, in their attempt to get off the property before getting in trouble she took the pictures hastily. Unfortunately, Jane's eyes are closed in all of them.
Once they had the picture, they returned to the campground for a relaxing evening of board games together. Exhausted again, they headed to bed ready for another adventure tomorrow.
After breakfast, they spent some time at the pool. They got Dad to join them in the water this time. Then they came back and had lunch before heading into town. Today they went to a ranger session on the life of a solider. (Interestingly, there was no rain on the docket for today but they had to move this session indoors due to the looming threat of weather -- which did in fact come down hard while they were in the session.) They got to feel reproduction articles of clothing. Mom and Dad were sure that they would have heat stroke from the layers and layers of wool and cotton blends. The ranger did say this was a big deal and many soldiers did in fact suffer from heat stroke. Mom was really impressed but the knit wool socks. She is thinking of knitting a pair just to get some idea of what the women at the time went through to help the soldiers out.
After that session they went through the museum. Jane, Riley and Aidan were not pleased at the number of plaques that were available for Dad to read. They started sitting on benches face in hands looking thoroughly bored. Mom took the kids to a different area to allow him to read and enjoy the items as his own pace.
When they were done with the museum, they went back and picked up the auto tour from where they left off. Today's portion had some amazing sights. Things you just read about and to be there it gives a whole to new perspective. They got to see Little Round Top, Devil's Den and the Bloody Wheatfield to name a few. There was a ceremony on Little Round Top that had people all dressed up and many in uniform. Mom wondered if it was a wedding but if it was, the bride was not in a white flowing dress. There were a lot of men in military garb so she wondered if they were giving an award.
After they did more of the tour, Mom wanted to go to the National Cemetery but it had more walking than she planned so they plan to go back tomorrow and try again. But, Mom had one more stop to make. She told the kids it was a surprise. They were hoping it was something fun. But, she just did not to tell them where they were going so they would not complain about it. She tried to warn them but they still held out hope for some special treat. What she really wanted to do was to go to the marker that indicates where the first shot was fired. She gave Dad directions on where to drive. As they approached she thought it would be a place to stop and see. The map had it marked as a green park service section. As they approached though, they passed right by it. Mom saw the marker on her right and made Dad turn around. They pulled off the road in a little gravelly area and approached the old house that had the marker by it. Despite the "No Trespassing" sign, Mom was determined to get a picture of the kids next to the marker. The marker is at the top of an approximately 8 foot steep grade that goes straight into the road. Mom got right up to the edge and took her pictures... amazingly she did not fall into the road! However, in their attempt to get off the property before getting in trouble she took the pictures hastily. Unfortunately, Jane's eyes are closed in all of them.
Once they had the picture, they returned to the campground for a relaxing evening of board games together. Exhausted again, they headed to bed ready for another adventure tomorrow.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
When the Secret Service Asks You to Move Away Quickly (Day Trip to Washington DC)
Mom and Dad took the kids for a day trip into Washington D.C. Dad was nervous about whether or not he would suffer from motion sickness on the Metro ride into town. He preemptively took a lower drowsy version of Dramamine. Jane was nervous as to whether or not she would suffer motion sickness as well. Despite the concern, she went on and ended up being fine.
The family took the metro into town and went to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. It is free to get in. But they have the funding problem solved. There are no drinking fountains so you must purchase expensive water bottles.
It was packed in the museum. So many school groups were there it was crazy. Riley was disappointed in the Hope Diamond, especially when he saw a bigger one in another exhibit. Aidan wanted to see the live butterflies but that was not free. But, there were some cool things to see. The giant squid gave them great perspective on the size. The black angler fish was so tiny it made my family question Nemo! But the worst realization was the cookie cutter shark. The thing has a row of super sharp teeth. It bites and then spins around to form a plus of flesh that it pulls out! I would not want to meet that thing and Mom agrees!
After that the family walked to the Shake Shack for lunch. After ordering what seemed like a harmless amount of food (and some more water bottles for the road in case the next museum also did not have drinking fountains), when the gentleman asked if there was anything else they would like to add to the order, Mom said she would like CPR since she was going to fall over from the final price. He laughed and told the kids they should give Dad a high five! The food was good, but mom was sad that the price matched bills they have paid at Japanese Hibachi and they got burgers and fries!
After lunch, Mom wanted to go outside the White House and get some pictures for the Christmas cards. As they approached the front of the Treasury, Aidan declared that he once again had to go to the bathroom. Dad asked Secret Service the closest place to take him to the bathroom. Mom, Jane and Riley took the opportunity to sit on a bench in the shade just to the side of the White House. It made sense to wait for the whole family before going to the front of the White House. So, they sat there and rested. Just as Dad and Aidan came back and sat down, Secret Service started telling everyone to go across the road immediately. Not knowing what was going on Mom spread her arms like a mother hen and shoo'd her babies across the street. Once there, Secret Service told everyone to get off the road. At the corner of Pennsylvania Ave and 15th Street, everyone waited to see what was going on. There was lots of speculation as Police cars came in and out and K-9 units walked around. Mom asked a Secret Service Agent if she could tell what was going on and he said "No" (she thought so...) Seeing that Riley was pretty upset and wanted to go home, She asked the agent if he could at least tell the kids if it was something good or bad. He said "I can't say anything". So they waited. It seemed like forever as they waited. After some time, down 15th there was a motorcade that turned in behind the White House. Mom was still determined to get a picture for the Christmas cards so the family waited some more. They kept coming in and out of the shade to peek down Pennsylvania Ave to see if they were going to open the road soon. Some time later, Mom saw motorcycles and the big black SUVs coming toward them and stopping in front of the White House. Dad did a little research and based on the flags on the SUV, it seems like it was probably a foreign dignitary but Mom has searched and searched and is not able to find what country the flag goes with!
After waiting some time more they gave up on trying to get a picture from the front of the house. They began to walk back down 15th and noticed that the walkway behind the house was open. Mom dragged very hot and very tired Jane, Riley and Aidan to the back of the White House for Christmas card pictures! She forced the poor kids to plaster fake smiles on their faces.
At this point they all wanted to get into A/C again. They walked toward the Smithsonian. Mom wanted to go into the Museum of American History. Dad walked the wrong direction and took them to the Natural History Museum instead. Desperate for cool air, the rest of the family just said they would go in there again... UNTIL they saw the line. So, they marched back the way Mom wanted to go and went into the Museum of American History. It turns out that Mom and Dad like this museum even more and wish they has gone there first. They hope to be able to return there at some point to really see this museum. Alas, they got there so late in the day they did not get to seem much of the museum. They were ushered out by employees asking everyone to leave.
Mom really wanted to see the memorials. That is what she had been waiting for all day. They agreed that they would do it when the sun went down. But at this point with at least a 20 minute walk to anything they wanted to see (including the cupcakes Jane wanted to take the family to...) the family was done, exhausted and not willing to walk further. They all got on the metro to return to the truck that was parked in Maryland. The kids now got to experience the metro during rush hour! It is amazing how many men did not stand and made the women stand while they kept their comfortable seats. Jane said chivalry is dead.
Back at the truck, Mom remembered seeing a sign for "Kiss and Ride" for the metro and she could not take it anymore and had to know what that was about. I will not tell you because that would spoil all the fun! You can look it up and find out for yourself...
One last fun thing before they drove back to Gettysburg. Mom was thirsty so she grabbed a can of pop that had been in the truck baking all day! She cracked the tab and well... it EXPLODED all over. the tab flipped up instead of in and Mom thought her finger was cut but thankfully it was not. But the truck and Mom were all sticky. So, when they finally returned to the campground, Mom had to clean the truck. By the time all was said and done they finally sat down to dinner at 10:09pm! They are all exhausted and I am exhausted too!
The family took the metro into town and went to the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum. It is free to get in. But they have the funding problem solved. There are no drinking fountains so you must purchase expensive water bottles.
It was packed in the museum. So many school groups were there it was crazy. Riley was disappointed in the Hope Diamond, especially when he saw a bigger one in another exhibit. Aidan wanted to see the live butterflies but that was not free. But, there were some cool things to see. The giant squid gave them great perspective on the size. The black angler fish was so tiny it made my family question Nemo! But the worst realization was the cookie cutter shark. The thing has a row of super sharp teeth. It bites and then spins around to form a plus of flesh that it pulls out! I would not want to meet that thing and Mom agrees!
After that the family walked to the Shake Shack for lunch. After ordering what seemed like a harmless amount of food (and some more water bottles for the road in case the next museum also did not have drinking fountains), when the gentleman asked if there was anything else they would like to add to the order, Mom said she would like CPR since she was going to fall over from the final price. He laughed and told the kids they should give Dad a high five! The food was good, but mom was sad that the price matched bills they have paid at Japanese Hibachi and they got burgers and fries!
After lunch, Mom wanted to go outside the White House and get some pictures for the Christmas cards. As they approached the front of the Treasury, Aidan declared that he once again had to go to the bathroom. Dad asked Secret Service the closest place to take him to the bathroom. Mom, Jane and Riley took the opportunity to sit on a bench in the shade just to the side of the White House. It made sense to wait for the whole family before going to the front of the White House. So, they sat there and rested. Just as Dad and Aidan came back and sat down, Secret Service started telling everyone to go across the road immediately. Not knowing what was going on Mom spread her arms like a mother hen and shoo'd her babies across the street. Once there, Secret Service told everyone to get off the road. At the corner of Pennsylvania Ave and 15th Street, everyone waited to see what was going on. There was lots of speculation as Police cars came in and out and K-9 units walked around. Mom asked a Secret Service Agent if she could tell what was going on and he said "No" (she thought so...) Seeing that Riley was pretty upset and wanted to go home, She asked the agent if he could at least tell the kids if it was something good or bad. He said "I can't say anything". So they waited. It seemed like forever as they waited. After some time, down 15th there was a motorcade that turned in behind the White House. Mom was still determined to get a picture for the Christmas cards so the family waited some more. They kept coming in and out of the shade to peek down Pennsylvania Ave to see if they were going to open the road soon. Some time later, Mom saw motorcycles and the big black SUVs coming toward them and stopping in front of the White House. Dad did a little research and based on the flags on the SUV, it seems like it was probably a foreign dignitary but Mom has searched and searched and is not able to find what country the flag goes with!
After waiting some time more they gave up on trying to get a picture from the front of the house. They began to walk back down 15th and noticed that the walkway behind the house was open. Mom dragged very hot and very tired Jane, Riley and Aidan to the back of the White House for Christmas card pictures! She forced the poor kids to plaster fake smiles on their faces.
At this point they all wanted to get into A/C again. They walked toward the Smithsonian. Mom wanted to go into the Museum of American History. Dad walked the wrong direction and took them to the Natural History Museum instead. Desperate for cool air, the rest of the family just said they would go in there again... UNTIL they saw the line. So, they marched back the way Mom wanted to go and went into the Museum of American History. It turns out that Mom and Dad like this museum even more and wish they has gone there first. They hope to be able to return there at some point to really see this museum. Alas, they got there so late in the day they did not get to seem much of the museum. They were ushered out by employees asking everyone to leave.
Mom really wanted to see the memorials. That is what she had been waiting for all day. They agreed that they would do it when the sun went down. But at this point with at least a 20 minute walk to anything they wanted to see (including the cupcakes Jane wanted to take the family to...) the family was done, exhausted and not willing to walk further. They all got on the metro to return to the truck that was parked in Maryland. The kids now got to experience the metro during rush hour! It is amazing how many men did not stand and made the women stand while they kept their comfortable seats. Jane said chivalry is dead.
Back at the truck, Mom remembered seeing a sign for "Kiss and Ride" for the metro and she could not take it anymore and had to know what that was about. I will not tell you because that would spoil all the fun! You can look it up and find out for yourself...
One last fun thing before they drove back to Gettysburg. Mom was thirsty so she grabbed a can of pop that had been in the truck baking all day! She cracked the tab and well... it EXPLODED all over. the tab flipped up instead of in and Mom thought her finger was cut but thankfully it was not. But the truck and Mom were all sticky. So, when they finally returned to the campground, Mom had to clean the truck. By the time all was said and done they finally sat down to dinner at 10:09pm! They are all exhausted and I am exhausted too!
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Gettysburg -- Day 2
Today got off to a slow start. Mom has been having issues with her migraines for over a month now and this morning was no exception. While she waited for medication to kick in the family spent some time around the camp ground. She got video of all 3 kids and Dad jumping on the campground's jump pad. It made her smile through the pain.
Once things were stable in terms of her head, they all headed out to Gettysburg again. First stop was the pharmacy to pick a Rx Mom had her doctor call in since she forgot one of the back-up medications. From there they went to the visitor center. After doing the math, they got a membership to the museum. Ironically, they did not go into the museum today. They went into the movie and the cyclorama. The film was just the right length for the youngsters and explained the 3 days of battle well. From there they headed to the cyclorama. Unsure of what the big deal was about this painting, Mom did not know what to expect. It really was amazing. 377 ft in circumference and 42 feet tall -- it was pretty amazing. They had lights that went off behind the canvas to make it look like the battle was going. They could have stayed longer to take it in but the staff had them move on.
From there, they started the auto tour. It was VERY hot out so reading some of the plaques from the truck with the a/c on high made it bearable when there was no shade. You hear how many people were there at the battle but until you start to see all the monuments to the battalions, etc. You just don't get the full impact. You see the open fields and remember that it was littered with bodies and red from blood. It is not something you can imagine...
At this point stomachs were getting hungry and the family returned to the camper. You think they would have greeted me but Riley and Aidan got straight into their swimsuits and ran off to the pool. Mom and Jane took books to read pool side. Dad stayed here to start cooking dinner.
The family seems to be glad that they planned several days here. You could cram a lot more into one day but you would be so exhausted at the end of those days you would have a harder time taking it all in. Mom is pretty sure they still will not get to experience all they could. But, since they bought a membership perhaps they will come back in the winter to experience some holiday items around here.
The family is turning in early tonight -- or at least they are going to try to. They want to take a day trip to Washington D.C. It was supposed to be a surprise for the kids but they are able to ask Dad just the right questions and watch his face and figure things out.
Once things were stable in terms of her head, they all headed out to Gettysburg again. First stop was the pharmacy to pick a Rx Mom had her doctor call in since she forgot one of the back-up medications. From there they went to the visitor center. After doing the math, they got a membership to the museum. Ironically, they did not go into the museum today. They went into the movie and the cyclorama. The film was just the right length for the youngsters and explained the 3 days of battle well. From there they headed to the cyclorama. Unsure of what the big deal was about this painting, Mom did not know what to expect. It really was amazing. 377 ft in circumference and 42 feet tall -- it was pretty amazing. They had lights that went off behind the canvas to make it look like the battle was going. They could have stayed longer to take it in but the staff had them move on.
From there, they started the auto tour. It was VERY hot out so reading some of the plaques from the truck with the a/c on high made it bearable when there was no shade. You hear how many people were there at the battle but until you start to see all the monuments to the battalions, etc. You just don't get the full impact. You see the open fields and remember that it was littered with bodies and red from blood. It is not something you can imagine...
At this point stomachs were getting hungry and the family returned to the camper. You think they would have greeted me but Riley and Aidan got straight into their swimsuits and ran off to the pool. Mom and Jane took books to read pool side. Dad stayed here to start cooking dinner.
The family seems to be glad that they planned several days here. You could cram a lot more into one day but you would be so exhausted at the end of those days you would have a harder time taking it all in. Mom is pretty sure they still will not get to experience all they could. But, since they bought a membership perhaps they will come back in the winter to experience some holiday items around here.
The family is turning in early tonight -- or at least they are going to try to. They want to take a day trip to Washington D.C. It was supposed to be a surprise for the kids but they are able to ask Dad just the right questions and watch his face and figure things out.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Gettysburg -- Day 1
Today the family took off nice and early (well that is relative, I guess) and traveled out toward Gettysburg. It was about six and half hours of me bouncing around in the camper. I am not sure why they think it is fair for them to ride in the truck and leave me in the camper. I thought I was a member of the family! They were up there playing a scavenger hunt and license plate games. I had to laugh though at the kids. Mom gave them maps of the USA to use to mark the license plates they found. Riley realized that Mom was sneaking school into the mix. Serves them right for making me ride in the camper for the entire trip.
The campground of choice this time is the Gettysburg KOA. It seems like a nice place. Mom and Dad got the camper set up and in place and then took the kids to the Gettysburg Vistor Center. Riley was not pleased with this idea given they were on the road so long. And when they got there they found school groups taking over the store. They decided to come back in the morning when hopefully lines would be shorter so they could actually make their purchases. After all, Mom wants to get her white oval for the bumper and a patch or two for their memory blanket.
Next, Mom and Dad made it worth Riley's while to go back out by taking them all to Mr. G's Ice Cream. Mom said they did not have a huge selection but the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was worth it. It was odd though. There were 3 ice cream shops within 500 feet of each other. The family walked a little further and found 3 more ice cream shops. In the busy time they must all do well due to vast numbers. There were more ice cream shops there than any city has Walgreen's or Starbucks. But, Mr. G's had the best ratings and we all know that Dad goes by ratings!
They briefly stopped into the Jenny Wade store to ask some questions and while they were there Aidan found some miniature glass animals and helped Mom picked one out for her collection. She got what they think is a moose or a reindeer. No one is sure. I just know it is not the mouse that Aidan was hoping she would pick.
After that they walked around a little more and the kids groaned with each plaque that Dad stopped to read. (Yep, this should be a fun trip... LOL ) They then headed back to the campground. The boys jumped in the pool for a few minutes before it closed. Mom and Dad looked at all the materials they collected in hopes of mapping out a plan for tomorrow. Then they found giant chess and connect four games to play. Aidan and Mom even played giant checkers.
At this point the family was exhausted and took showers and came in to play board games and watch a movie. Not too much adventure for the day but still a fun day nonetheless. Everyone needs to rest for tomorrow. It looks like the family is going to do the auto tour!
The campground of choice this time is the Gettysburg KOA. It seems like a nice place. Mom and Dad got the camper set up and in place and then took the kids to the Gettysburg Vistor Center. Riley was not pleased with this idea given they were on the road so long. And when they got there they found school groups taking over the store. They decided to come back in the morning when hopefully lines would be shorter so they could actually make their purchases. After all, Mom wants to get her white oval for the bumper and a patch or two for their memory blanket.
Next, Mom and Dad made it worth Riley's while to go back out by taking them all to Mr. G's Ice Cream. Mom said they did not have a huge selection but the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was worth it. It was odd though. There were 3 ice cream shops within 500 feet of each other. The family walked a little further and found 3 more ice cream shops. In the busy time they must all do well due to vast numbers. There were more ice cream shops there than any city has Walgreen's or Starbucks. But, Mr. G's had the best ratings and we all know that Dad goes by ratings!
They briefly stopped into the Jenny Wade store to ask some questions and while they were there Aidan found some miniature glass animals and helped Mom picked one out for her collection. She got what they think is a moose or a reindeer. No one is sure. I just know it is not the mouse that Aidan was hoping she would pick.
After that they walked around a little more and the kids groaned with each plaque that Dad stopped to read. (Yep, this should be a fun trip... LOL ) They then headed back to the campground. The boys jumped in the pool for a few minutes before it closed. Mom and Dad looked at all the materials they collected in hopes of mapping out a plan for tomorrow. Then they found giant chess and connect four games to play. Aidan and Mom even played giant checkers.
At this point the family was exhausted and took showers and came in to play board games and watch a movie. Not too much adventure for the day but still a fun day nonetheless. Everyone needs to rest for tomorrow. It looks like the family is going to do the auto tour!
2016 in a nutshell
So, Mom gave me a year off. She says it takes a lot of work for me to write about trips. So, she gave me a break. Now the problem is that she regrets her decision. She wishes she had me write about all the trips in 2016. So guess what, now I have to summarize the year so that I can start up again in 2017. I wonder if she realizes that it might in fact be more work to do it this way. In any case, I am sure I will not remember everything. But here are the highlights...
We traveled to several of our "usual" places in 2016. Mohican State Park and East Harbor State Park were visited as usual. No surprise that Jane, Riley and Aidan were very insistent about only rafting during DAYLIGHT hours. They would not think of going rafting at all close to dusk. There is still some trauma over the rafting failure of 2015. In fact, every year the kiddos get Christmas ornaments that reflect something they want to remember for the year. They went to a Christmas store that has ornaments you can pick and then have personalized for free. Riley chose an ornament that had a little boy on a raft and then had them personalize it to say "2015 Worst Rafting Trip Ever"! LOL But, they do still love Mohican State Park as a destination.
In addition to the usual places, there were a couple new places added to the list. The big trip of 2016 was to Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you have never been there, it sounds like a bucket list item. Mom HATES sand, but was willing to walk these beaches. I heard Mom and Dad mention several times that Lake Michigan was beautiful. They said the water reminded them of the Caribbean. I have not been there myself to compare so I will have to trust them on this one. I do have to say no one thought it could look so clear and pretty. It does even seem like Lake Erie could be part of the same system of Lakes! Of course the trip up to that part of Michigan was not all fun... towing the camper on a dirt road that was so full of potholes that Dad could not tow faster than 5 to 10 miles an hour made him a little grumpy. Good thing they found a way home to avoid that road!
Jane liked shopping in Traverse City. She seems to like tourist locations. Her poor brothers do not always appreciate her desire to shop. But, once the family found Cherry Republic all was good. Cherry republic has samples! The boys rarely turn down samples! It is amazing what they will put cherries in! Mom found cherry pies. While that is not a big deal, she ate one. That IS a big deal. Just like she does not like sand, she does not like cherries either. But she had been told by friends that the cherries in Michigan were a must to try. She, of course, bought a slice that had cherries and other berries in it. I think she liked it becasue she was sad when the next Cherry Republic they found did not have pies at it!
Hiking the dunes themselves is an experience like no other. (Dune Climb Information) Mom and Dad saw others barefoot climbing the dunes so they told Jane, Riley, and Aidan that they could leave their shoes in the car and hike barefoot. Standing at the bottom of the dune the hill looked monstrous. Mom figured making it up that hill would be the hard part and then they would see Lake Michigan from the top and it would be a cool accomplishment. So up tehy climbed... now I should point out that Mom and the kids are pale.. pasty even. They wore their swim suits and started the climb but seeing it was early morning they did not wear sun screen (do you see where this is going?) the climb up the first portion of the dune was intense and felt straight up. Once the family reached the top of the big start they saw a smaller climb. They took a breather and then headed up further. But, once they crested the top, Mom's excitement fell. In the distance behind this "dune" was another. Determined to see Lake Michigan, the family trucked on. As they crested this hill they saw... well you can guess... yes ANOTHER hill. Riley and Aidan were jumping off small ridges along the way.. Jane on the other hand was hot and had enough. There was whining and gnashing of teeth. At this point Mom and the kids stopped to rest under a lone tree. The tree was small and it reminded Mom of Jonah sitting under the shade of his plant waiting for Nineveh to be blasted away. Dad went on ahead. Mom, being social started asking people coming back down the dunes how much further it would be. What she learned took the wind out of her sails. She was standing next to a marker that had the number 3 on it. It was explained that these markers indicated the "crests" that you had gone over. At marker 8 you would be able to SEE the lake off in the distance. At marker, 32 you would be at the lake!!! This was NOT what they thought it would be. It was at this point that Mom decided that they would stay in the minimal shade of the tree and wait to Dad to return to them. She then heard other children asking their children how much further. She began to share her new found information with other mom's. She began to see other families turn around and go back. As they waited for Dad the boys resumed their jumping into the sand below a little ridge they found.
Now, once Dad returned to them they started the return trip. You might think it was all easy going but the way the dunes work is that they have little valleys in between them. This is how you keep thinking you are at the last dune only to find that when you crest it you are faced with another one off in the distance. So in order to get back you had to walk these valleys and walk up the back side of the dunes you already have traversed. At least the big hill was only down but the hike back was not going to be a simple one. About the time they crested the last hill before the downward slope they family learned the error of their ways. Now the sun was high in the sku and this beautiful sand was burning HOT! Each and every stop BURNED as they walked down the dune. Once Mom reached the bottom she told families in the parking lot to go back for shoes for at least their toddlers. It seemed that Mom was the informant for other mom's out there. :D
Once they reached the truck Mom just wanted to sit in tehe air conidtioning and rest. But that was not to be. She now learned the error of her ways further. Remember me saying they were pale and they forgot sunscreen. Well the back on Mom's swimsuit left a lot of her back exposed. She was beyond burnt. Blisters were already forming. Mom would be in pain for the next several days, coating herself in aloe frequently!
Another place I want to tell you about in Hocking Hills. The family has decided they LOVE it there. Old Man's Cave and the hikes around there are just beyond beautiful. Mom would like to go down and do the winter hike of Old Man's Cave. Mom says that I can skip all the details of that trip because it is on the list for 2017. But, if you have not been there it is another bucket list item. A great aspect of Hocking Hills is that there is so much tree cover and caves to hike in that you are protected from some of the sun and heat. Look for the Hocking Hills update later in the year!
And finally, the family added Cedar Point to their list. While they have gone before, they had never camped AT Cedar Point before. The campsite literally had a roller coaster behind it. Between that and the fact that Point Fest was going on that weekend (Who would not want to hear TobyMac as you walked to and from your camper?? :) ) This one was such a hit, it too is one the list for 2017. So, watch for a trip report on that one as well. :
We traveled to several of our "usual" places in 2016. Mohican State Park and East Harbor State Park were visited as usual. No surprise that Jane, Riley and Aidan were very insistent about only rafting during DAYLIGHT hours. They would not think of going rafting at all close to dusk. There is still some trauma over the rafting failure of 2015. In fact, every year the kiddos get Christmas ornaments that reflect something they want to remember for the year. They went to a Christmas store that has ornaments you can pick and then have personalized for free. Riley chose an ornament that had a little boy on a raft and then had them personalize it to say "2015 Worst Rafting Trip Ever"! LOL But, they do still love Mohican State Park as a destination.
In addition to the usual places, there were a couple new places added to the list. The big trip of 2016 was to Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you have never been there, it sounds like a bucket list item. Mom HATES sand, but was willing to walk these beaches. I heard Mom and Dad mention several times that Lake Michigan was beautiful. They said the water reminded them of the Caribbean. I have not been there myself to compare so I will have to trust them on this one. I do have to say no one thought it could look so clear and pretty. It does even seem like Lake Erie could be part of the same system of Lakes! Of course the trip up to that part of Michigan was not all fun... towing the camper on a dirt road that was so full of potholes that Dad could not tow faster than 5 to 10 miles an hour made him a little grumpy. Good thing they found a way home to avoid that road!
Jane liked shopping in Traverse City. She seems to like tourist locations. Her poor brothers do not always appreciate her desire to shop. But, once the family found Cherry Republic all was good. Cherry republic has samples! The boys rarely turn down samples! It is amazing what they will put cherries in! Mom found cherry pies. While that is not a big deal, she ate one. That IS a big deal. Just like she does not like sand, she does not like cherries either. But she had been told by friends that the cherries in Michigan were a must to try. She, of course, bought a slice that had cherries and other berries in it. I think she liked it becasue she was sad when the next Cherry Republic they found did not have pies at it!
Hiking the dunes themselves is an experience like no other. (Dune Climb Information) Mom and Dad saw others barefoot climbing the dunes so they told Jane, Riley, and Aidan that they could leave their shoes in the car and hike barefoot. Standing at the bottom of the dune the hill looked monstrous. Mom figured making it up that hill would be the hard part and then they would see Lake Michigan from the top and it would be a cool accomplishment. So up tehy climbed... now I should point out that Mom and the kids are pale.. pasty even. They wore their swim suits and started the climb but seeing it was early morning they did not wear sun screen (do you see where this is going?) the climb up the first portion of the dune was intense and felt straight up. Once the family reached the top of the big start they saw a smaller climb. They took a breather and then headed up further. But, once they crested the top, Mom's excitement fell. In the distance behind this "dune" was another. Determined to see Lake Michigan, the family trucked on. As they crested this hill they saw... well you can guess... yes ANOTHER hill. Riley and Aidan were jumping off small ridges along the way.. Jane on the other hand was hot and had enough. There was whining and gnashing of teeth. At this point Mom and the kids stopped to rest under a lone tree. The tree was small and it reminded Mom of Jonah sitting under the shade of his plant waiting for Nineveh to be blasted away. Dad went on ahead. Mom, being social started asking people coming back down the dunes how much further it would be. What she learned took the wind out of her sails. She was standing next to a marker that had the number 3 on it. It was explained that these markers indicated the "crests" that you had gone over. At marker 8 you would be able to SEE the lake off in the distance. At marker, 32 you would be at the lake!!! This was NOT what they thought it would be. It was at this point that Mom decided that they would stay in the minimal shade of the tree and wait to Dad to return to them. She then heard other children asking their children how much further. She began to share her new found information with other mom's. She began to see other families turn around and go back. As they waited for Dad the boys resumed their jumping into the sand below a little ridge they found.
Now, once Dad returned to them they started the return trip. You might think it was all easy going but the way the dunes work is that they have little valleys in between them. This is how you keep thinking you are at the last dune only to find that when you crest it you are faced with another one off in the distance. So in order to get back you had to walk these valleys and walk up the back side of the dunes you already have traversed. At least the big hill was only down but the hike back was not going to be a simple one. About the time they crested the last hill before the downward slope they family learned the error of their ways. Now the sun was high in the sku and this beautiful sand was burning HOT! Each and every stop BURNED as they walked down the dune. Once Mom reached the bottom she told families in the parking lot to go back for shoes for at least their toddlers. It seemed that Mom was the informant for other mom's out there. :D
Once they reached the truck Mom just wanted to sit in tehe air conidtioning and rest. But that was not to be. She now learned the error of her ways further. Remember me saying they were pale and they forgot sunscreen. Well the back on Mom's swimsuit left a lot of her back exposed. She was beyond burnt. Blisters were already forming. Mom would be in pain for the next several days, coating herself in aloe frequently!
Another place I want to tell you about in Hocking Hills. The family has decided they LOVE it there. Old Man's Cave and the hikes around there are just beyond beautiful. Mom would like to go down and do the winter hike of Old Man's Cave. Mom says that I can skip all the details of that trip because it is on the list for 2017. But, if you have not been there it is another bucket list item. A great aspect of Hocking Hills is that there is so much tree cover and caves to hike in that you are protected from some of the sun and heat. Look for the Hocking Hills update later in the year!
And finally, the family added Cedar Point to their list. While they have gone before, they had never camped AT Cedar Point before. The campsite literally had a roller coaster behind it. Between that and the fact that Point Fest was going on that weekend (Who would not want to hear TobyMac as you walked to and from your camper?? :) ) This one was such a hit, it too is one the list for 2017. So, watch for a trip report on that one as well. :
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Spontaneous Trip 2 -- Surprise... one more this year! October 30th
Well, I thought we were done for the year. Dad told the kids we were done for the year. They cleaned the black water tank extra good... Dad even put antifreeze in the lines. But they decided that they would go one more time to Cedar Point for Halloween Weekends since they had passes and well the kids wanted to see the haunted stuff one more time. You can't even reserve many of the normally reservable spots at East Harbor. There is not even anyone at the gate when you come in. You have to "self register". On Friday nights in October Cedar Point does not open until 6p so they had time to park the camper and get things set up before heading out. Again, they did not even bother with water and sewer (couldn't really since the winterization was done...). It was another "cheap hotel" trip. It was only one night... shortest trip the family ever took.
The family went to the park and rode many of their favorite rides one last time. The sad part is that some of the kid's absolute favorite rides were not open Friday nights in October and they were not coming back Saturday. The kids were so sad... :( After riding what they could and braving the cold they headed back a little early and had a nice night together in the camper. They said good-bye to me for the season... (apparently I get the privilege of "guarding" the camper from mice over the winter... Mom knows I will not do anything to protect the camper but she told me I am safer in storage than being moved around the house by the kids all winter...) they said good-bye to camping for the season. I heard them talking about next year... it sounds like there could be some great adventures for me to write about next year! Look forward to, Lord willing, telling you all about it next year....
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