Friday, June 10, 2011

Journey of Fifty Nine Days--Fourth and Final Part

Camden, Maine.   Harbour and shopping area was a fun place to explore.

Back on our home turf so to speak at Lawrencetown.

Settling in back at home has some fun "perks". 

Journey of Fifty Nine Days--Part Three

While we were camping in Guntersville, Alabama we became acquainted with the cicadas...locusts that appear every 7 years.  Noisy, yes, but virtually harmless, as far as we know.

We had the privilege of attending Dexter Ave. Baptist Church on Sunday, May 15.


The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta was an experience in wonderment at our Creator.


The Martin Luther King Memorial Center--was very moving especially as we read the individual stories of people who lived and died for their beliefs in freedom.

A visit to the DeSoto Caverns, Alabama

Included in the day trip to the DeSoto Caverns was a visit to the Peach Park.  Of course, we enjoyed the fresh peaches in season.

The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

Bicentennial Park, Nashville


The Parthenon in Nashville


Hiking in the woods at Chocorua, New Hampshire




Thursday, June 9, 2011

Journey of Fifty Nine Days--Part Two

The most significant part of the trip for us was the time we were able to spend with our family.  There were eight days in April/May that our entire family was together. Throughout much of the fifty nine days we were also able to spend much time with J, A, M. as we travelled together, and spent time in Alabama together. Numerous memories are etched in our hearts when we were able to spend beautiful moments with our children and grandchildren.

We are also thankful that we were able to see new sights.  Some of those are included in the following pictures:


Smithsonian Art Museum in Washington, D.C.

A family friendly activity at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville was enjoyed by all.

The Biltmore Estate was a worthwhile visit for Lou and me.

Biltmore House and Estate was officially opened in 1900.  It was built by George W. Vanderbilt  with the purpose of enjoyment for family and friends.  Today it remains in the family as a business, and brings employment, beauty to the community of Asheville, North Carolina.  The above picture is one of the panoramic views from Biltmore House.

In the gardens of the estate property.




The Billy Graham chapel (part of the Billy Graham Conference Center); close to Asheville.

We enjoy a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The beautiful Looking Glass Waterfall

Journey of Fifty Nine Days--Part One.

Lou and I returned one week ago from a trip.  We travelled in our Class "C" Motorhome into eighteen states of the United States.  Our destinations included Washington, D.C., Wetumpka, Alabama,  Asheville, North Carolina.  Of course, as we travelled, we explored other communities and states as well.   Throughout the trip we were healthy, except for an almost constant presence of some hay fever symptoms just because it was spring wherever we went.  Weather was exceptionally nice and also quite extreme in the form of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and hail.  We have seen the devestating results of some of those storms, but experienced only one severe thunderstorm.   

Our bicycles came with us, attached to the back of our motorhome.  We were seeking out trails wherever we went...found them in cities, along country lanes, and as part of a "rails to trails" system in the USA. ( A similar program is underway in Canada--we have had the privilege of finding them in B.C., PEI and some in N.S. in previous years.)



This picture was taken on a bike trail in Maryland. We also found trails in Alabama (Chief Ladiga); New Hampshire (Chocorua); Guntersville, Alabama at our campground



Travelling itself was an amazing adventure.  Exploring new parts yet unseen by us.  Looking for details previously overlooked. 
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Here we are hiking in the woods of the Haenlein property in Tallassee, Alabama!


                          
                                                                                
                                                                           Basking in the blessings of God in our family times together. 
This is the vacation home we rented while we were in Asheville, North Carolina.  All of us children enjoyed the horses, fish, chickens, cats on the property.  Almost every morning we would bring the horses carrots to eat, collect the fresh eggs,  check on the new little chicks.  It became a welcoming routine for us.
 Enjoying a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway--looks like M. has fallen asleep.

A. enjoys striking out on her own.



A family photo at sunset...Haw Valley, North Carolina

Riding a wild pig statue in downtown Asheville.

Stopping for a requested pose while on a short hike at the arboretum in Asheville.

Tree huggers!


At Chimney Rock, North Carolina

 A couple of pretty girls enjoying our last evening meal together at a local restaurant.