TRAVELS & THOUGHTS in Retirement

Bill Mahrer on George Bush

2007-06-16T09:01:00.000-04:00

Responding to Jimmy Carter's comments on George Bush, Bill Mahrer said on his HBO program "... Bush is like a smorgasbord of "suck." He combines the corruption of Warren G. Harding, the war-mongering of James Polk, and the abuse of power of Richard Nixon... " May 25, 2007, New Rules by Bill Mahrer

Go Midwest Young Man, Go Midwest, April, 2007

2007-05-06T23:50:00.000-04:00

George Wright Society Awards Dinner, St. Paul, MN, former VP Walter "Fritz" Mondale is made an honorary National Park Ranger, presented by NPS Director Mary Bomar, Pres. Abby Miller - GWS, and Regional Director - Mid West. VP Mondale poses with the North American directors of National Park Systems from USA, Mexico and Canada. Go to right column, LINKs and choose My Photo Albums to see from the GWS 2007 Conference.

Minneapolis waterfront.

Live performance of Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keiller from the Fitzgerald Theater, St. Paul, MN. A totally wonderful experience, far exceeding previous movie or PBS showings. A bunch of folks from the George Wright Society conference flew in early or stayed over to attend and experience PHC.

Traveled south along the Miss. River Scenic Route through Iowa, crossing over into Wisconsin at Marquette, IO.. Then after visiting cousins in Milwaukee and Madison, WI, I drove onto Rt. 35 through south central Ohio, east of Columbus, stopping at Hopewell Culture National Historic Park to visit and learn more about the Indian mounds and Chillocothe. Then onto West Virginia and home.

My trip out took me through the bedbasket of America, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin - hundreds of miles of farm and dairy land. A wonderful experience and reexposure to the farming cultural landscape and associated vernacular variety of architecture.

A Winter Road Trip

2007-03-05T21:19:00.000-05:00

I just returned from Maryland and Pennsylvania on a little mini-vacation and photographic workshop. (Click below on the blue, bold, underlined words to go to the associated photo albums).

Attended a digital flash workshop, this past weekend, in historic Chesapeake City, MD. Horizon Photographic puts on the workshops. I learned alot, but some how feel even more ignorant (that or brain overload). Been applying some of this newfound knowledge at Longwood Gardens (more later). Chesapeake City is located along the Delaware-Chesapeake Canal. The village is only about 3 x 4 blocks. Several B&Bs and restaurants with water all around. There are some very large horse farms nearby, one of course owned by a DuPont. It was fun and exciting to see large cargo ships transverse the canal. From the third floor of the workshop, you would see what looked like ships going down the main street. The ships overpower the two and three story structures of the town. The weather cooperated, though Sunday was a little brisk. It was a nice group of students (only 7 in the class). Many other places to explore in the region from New Castle, DE to Chestertown, MD, along with Oxford, Easton, and St. Michaels, MD. All historic towns with interesting things to see and do. Do not forget to go along Route 9 in Delaware and enjoy the two National Wildlife Refuges, the Delaware River, and take a boat out of Odessa out to Fort Delaware. Lots of beautiful scenery to explore.

Late Sunday afternoon traveled to Chadds Ford, PA. Passed along some backcountry roads in DE and PA lined with huge country estates and horse farms.

Monday was devoted to Longwood Gardens. This is a former DuPont estate dating back to the mid 1700’s. The last DuPont, who developed what would become Longwood Gardens, was also Chairman of General Motors and DuPont at the same time. It is winter still up her, so nothing is in bloom outdoors, So, I spent over six hours inside the 4 1/2 acres that make up the Conservatory. Your senses, especially sight and smells, are constantly being delighted. If you have not visited you MUST. Come back several times during the different seasons. I will let my photographs tell the story of my visit, click the above blue link to go to the photo album and check out www.longwoodgardens.org. Nearby is the town of Kennett Square, the mushroom capital of the world with a bunch of galleries, shops, restaurants and historic buildings.

The next day I visited the Brandywine Museum in Chadds Ford, PA. Chadds Ford was/is one of the homes of the painting Wyeth’s -N.C, Jamie and others. The museum, along the Brandywine River, has a huge collection of their paintings and illustrations. Two rooms were the full size painting just from N.C's illustrations for Treasure Island and another book. Other artists depicting the Delaware Valley area are also represented. The original museum was a converted barn and silo. The museum is part of the larger Brandywine Conservancy, which has protected over 32,000 acres in the watershed, including a long section of the Rt. 1 corridor. It is truly amazing that the Rt. 1 corridor, where the museum and Longwood Gardens are located, have not been ruined by shopping centers, office parks, subdivisions. You see these but they are set back a good distance with trees, wetlands, creeks and fields as the main visual feature.

Just north is the town of West Chester with its Colonial period architecture, restaurants, shops and West Chester University.

The back roads hold many delights of discovery. Unfortunately, most of the sub-divisions going in show no imagination or sensitivity to vernacular architecture. The biggest change in the area since my last visit ten years ago is traffic. It is everywhere and not a pleasant experience.

If it is the warm season, think about renting a canoe and exploring the Brandywine River. The river flows through Chadds Ford and pass the Museum. Other sites in the area to visit include Hagley (Industrial Revolution, and another DuPont estate), Winterthur Museum of decorative arts and furniture, a diverse collection representing many centuries from all over the world, and of course another DuPont estate at one time. There is also the Delaware Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History, and Philadelphia to the near north, Wilmington.

When you are visiting the area, make sure you save time to visit the Sovano Bistro (www.sovanobistro.com). This Zagat rated restaurant is quite a find. From the beet salad to the different flatbread pizzas (cooked in a woodstove) to the other entrees. I went back two nights in a row. The setting, the service, the food are an exceptionally well-orchestrated and delicious experience. It is located just west of Kennett Square.

I traveled some of the Susquehanna River scenic route through Port Deposit and Havre de Grade, MD. The next day there was light snow flurries, which my Subaru and I enjoyed and light traffic as we traveled down Rt. 301 to Rt. 17 and home.

Well I am home for a month. Will be doing some volunteering for the local public radio drive. I leave for the Midwest in early April for 30 days or so. I will be attending and photographing the George Wright Society conference in St. Paul, MN for a week and attending a performance of Prairie Home Companion. In addition, I will visit friends and cousins in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Wishing you a very HAPPY SPRING.

2007-01-23T01:29:00.000-05:00

"Where's a burning bush when you need it".

ON THE ROAD AGAIN. ... TRAVELS NORTH -New England and Canada

2006-08-30T11:22:00.000-04:00

During the next month I will be traveling up north by car - through New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Mass., Maine, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. I will be posting my travelog and photo links here.

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Day 16, September 15, PEI National Park and Music

Today was the highlight along with Charlottetown. We drove out to Northside of PEI, Anne of Green Gables land to spend the day inside PEI National Park. A narrow piece of magnificent land along the shore. White beaches, red cliffs, green vegetation, flowering yellow flowers and dunes for miles and miles and miles. No traffic, light visitation and all this "eye candy" combined with the fresh smell of the sea and a light breeze and low 70's. On top of that we discovered the historic Dalway By the Sea Inn within the park. Once the summer home of the MacDonlad's it is delight for the eye and imagination along with a fine dining room with a great view. We also visited in the Brackley Beach area the Dunes Shops - great selection of arts and crafts.

Tonight I celebrated a Celidah at the Charlottetown Benevolent Irish Society Hall. A great group of brothers/cousins minus the piano player. Sitting in for the piano player was a young woman who had just come off touring with the Celtic Ladies. Great music and great voices..

Day 15, September 15, Prince Edward Island, Eastern Route

Spent the day exploring along the southeastern coastal route from Charlottetown. Traffic was light, which makes traveling outside the peak period such a pleasure throughout the Maritime Provinces. Just as the aerial photos show PEI is land covered by a rich green patchwork of farms (potatoes, hay etc.) and ranching (cattle, cows). Small villages and harbours dot all along the coast and support the fishing fleets and mussel acquaculure. Everywhere there are locals out walking. Campgrounds, cabins, B&Bs are found everywhere. Folks everywhere are friendly and helpful.

Returned in time to attend a Celidah at the Performing Arts Center in downtown Charlottetown next to the legislative building. It was an excellent evening of music and dancing.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown including legislative bldg and Lt. Gov. residence.

Day 14, September 13, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island

Left Shediac around 11 am after a visit to Howard the Lobster, the largest lobster in the world (bronze). Pleasant drive along the Acadian coast brought us to the dramatic Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. Once on PEI it was a pastoral ride through rolling hills of farmland to the beautiful capital town of Charlottestown.

Charlottetown is a charming, preserved historic town on the water. It central core is an approximately 1 mile square downtown that has been preserved with old townhomes, mansions and buildings dating back more than a 100 years. Reminds me of a very small version of Victoria, BC. With restaurants, pubs, Cows (ice cream), Inns, some hotels, town squares, and the provincial legislative building it quickly captures ones eye, mind and heart.

We have once again found a great 4.5 star B&B, The Snapdragon Inn, on a residential street only blocks from the capital with great host. They are like our host two nights ago, they left the computer industry to become Inn keepers. There B&B is elegant but simple with a beautiful flower garden in the back. Dinner tonight was at least another four star seafood dinner.

LIFE IS ROUGH IN RETIREMENT, but I feel I am up to the challenge. Tomorrow we begin exploring the eastern shore of PEI.

Day 11-14, September 9-13, New Brunswick

Just a quick update. I will write more later. I find often that after a vacation one needs a few days at home to recover before going back to work, or in my case, more vacation. A friend asked what the difference between being retired and on vacation. I answered, "On vacation you leave home". I might add and over due it while enjoying the exploration.

We are in the charming town of Shediac, NB (9/12-13). They bill themselves as the lobster capital of the world and its lobster season. Had an excellent seafood casserole last night at Gabrielle's while overlooking the Bay and watching the sunset and the sky turn pink over the Gaspe Peninsula. This morning had a fantastic breakfast at our B&B, Maison Vienneau. Our host's are quite charming, and this is definetely another four star Canada Select establishment. Marie is also a fanstastic cook. Pancakes with ricotti cheese, mushroom potatoes (slight of knife), home made jams. Her equallly outgoing husband who helps out in the morning retired as the local fire chief and continues his 30 year plus career in audio/video production for the nearby University of Moncton. Our breakfast guest included a couple from Kent, England and their cousins from Montreal. They had just attended her daughters wedding in Halifax, NS. We had such a nice time discussing travel, retirement and laughing and smiling. And what a scrumptuous breakfast of fresh fruits, ricotta pancakes and more.

The first days in central and northern NB were overcast, driving through farmland and forest before reaching the coast at Bathhurst. Then on Tuesdayy, 9/12, it was a drive down along the coast to Shediac. Beautiful churches throughout the region with tall, insipring towers. Farms, fishing dominate the area. II will try to post some photos tonite.

But over and over again our Canadian host at the B&Bs, the guest, and locals have been so nice and interesting and probably would not have voted for our current administration.

This area is different than the Bay of Fundy region of NB, being far less dramatic. But there have some charming villages, beautiful coast, blue skies and great clouds the last two days.

Yesterday, Tuesday, 9/12 (and Monday nite), was spent in Caraquet visiting the Village Historic Acadian. A recreation of 300 years of Acadian life and history, very well done. Living history, plenty of farm aniamls to speak to also. They have brought farm, residential and commerical buildings from around New Brunswick to recreate the historic village. I spent four hours just walking around, talking and learning from the first person role playing staff and taking photographs.

We should reach and enter Prince Edward Island (PEI) this afternoon. It is so nice to travel after the tourist season, trafiic is light.

Day 6-10, September 5-9, Massachusetts to New Brunswick

Well after a pleasant visit and lunch in Exeter, RI I headed up to Marshfield, MA and the beach town of Ocean Bluff and Fieldston where I enjoyed the small New England towns, good friends and food, talk and laughter, old Inns and Taverns to partake in. The area is going through alot of growth, not for the good, unless you sell gasoline for the creeping trafficThe little villages and architecture are still quite charming, I found a wonderful nature preserve in Duxbury township to explore and photograph and got up to Boston via high speed ferry to have lunch with a group of former NPS colleagues/friends. Weather was mostly in the 70's, some sun, clouds, a little drizzle.

Saturday set off with a friend for New Brunswick. We made it up to Woodstock, New Brunswick, then down along the St. John's River to Fredericton, NB. Fredericton is the provincial capital and a lovely small town/city on the St. John River. We found a five star bed and breakfast with very interesting and friendly hosts and were directed to an outstanding restaurant called Brewbakers.

Saturday was mostly cloudy and not a good photography or viewing day. Temperatures were up in the 70's. But the northern portions of Maine with it rolling miles and miles and miles of forest and the beautiful St. John River were still pleasant. Falls evidence is showing little by little everywhere up here, while in the States most are just recovering from summer, labor day weekend and the kids going back to school.

We are heading north to Bathurst and the French Acadian reqion of New Brunswick where temperatures should only be in the 50's.

Day 3-5, September 2-4, Rhode Island

Though the weather for the first two days was overcast, windy, some drizzle and on the third day a mixture of sun and clouds, light cool breeze and no rain it has been a wonderful time here in Rhode Island. A time to reconnect and talk, play and laugh late into the evening with colleagues/friends (NPS at URI), old friends, new friends, nieces, dogs, chickens, goats and cats and lobster boats, along with great food with fresh locally grown or caught vegetables, goat cheese and fish. We got into one evening naming all the old TV series going back to the 50's - from I Led Three Lives, Highway Patrol, Sky King, Roy Rodgers, Flipper, Barney Miller etc. Some great old programs that need to return to cables TVLAND. And this from a group of basically heavy readers (yes I know it rhyms with breathers).

Labor Day was the annual Stamp Family lobster bake at the Stamp Family Farm in Exeter. The Stamps I think are into the fourth generation farming in Rhode Island. Lots of children or more properly stated "grandchildren", kids friends, adults, great food and just relaxing and gabbing.

Well of to Ocean Bluff, MA south of Boston on Tuesday for a few days before leaving for maritime Canada. Hope you had a nice Labor Day Weekend also.

Day 2, Friday, September 1, Connecticut

Today another overcast, 70s temperatures, pleasant day. Traveled up
Connecticut's Rt. 7 from Danbury to West Cornwell, then over to West Hartford where I am spending the night.

Rt. 7 parallels the Housatanic River and is beautiful green drive with small foothills (eastern term would be Mtns) on the westside, lots of little villages, farms, homes, Inns, parks etc. It's nice to be out of the southern pine region and in the northern hardwoods. A few trees were even begining to change color.
Been to several diners so far and each has been very good, huge menu, freshly and well prepared food and pleasant staff. Matter of fact even the toll takers in NJ, NY and CT have been pleasant and have appreciated being wished a Happy Labor Day weekend.

CT villages fit the typical New England stereotype, village green, town hall, library, Dunkin Donut store, white steepled church, cemetary, antique stores, Inns, little cafes and restaurants and other mixture of stores. Everyone seems to know each other. You know like the town Bob Newhart's Inn was in, just didn't see Larry and my other bother Larry and Larry. But everyone else was present.

Had the pleasure to visit West Cornwell, CT and the parents of a former NPS colleague of mind from URI. We had an enjoyable and vigorous discussion (no argument, since we all had the same viewpoint - the correct one...) on politics, the current administration. Her stepfather is a former professional dancer and manager with the NY City Ballet, and mom a former teacher and children's author - we hit it off immediately. There delightful dog Barney must work for the Dept of Homeland Security because he sniffed all around the undercarriage of my Subaru very thoroughly - I think it whatever scents I picked up alongside Rt. 7 while stopped to photograph a farm.

A CT phenomena are Subaru's everywhere. This morning when I came out of the supermarket with ice for my cooler I saw 3 green Subaru SW, in three parallel rows, plus others throughout the lot. At first I wasn't sure which green one was mine.

Only traveled about 95 miles today in 10 hours. Seems at times I was stopping every 100 yards to take in the view and photograph. My type of pace when on vacation.

Day 1, August 31, Thursday, VA-MD-DE-NJ-NY-CT

CAPE MAY FERRY I-95N New Jersey

Hudson River from Palisades Interstate Park, NJHudson River from Peekskill, NY

Got on the road half pass midnight for rendezvous with the Cape May - Lewes Ferry. It had starting raining yesterday with terrible humidity and pretty much stayed that way through VA, MD., and some of DE. The trip up the Garden State Parkway from Cape May was overcast, but light traffic and pleasant and scenic as always. The trip section on I-95 from Elizabeth to Fort Lee, NJ was the yang for the previous ying - terrible. The Palisades Parkway was moderate traffic, overcast with some sun and wonderful views of Hudson all the way up to Peekskill, NY. Great views of the upper Hudson at the crossing. But then alot of stop and go all the way to Danbury, CT 5 pm. About 490 miles, not to bad, alot farther than I expected. But hopefully I have missed the Labor Day weekend traffic.

"WE DON'T CARE'

2006-08-18T04:09:00.001-04:00

Watching the Bush Administration is akin to the actions of a defiant, belligerent child. Regardless of solid science, public concern, the law or common sense, this group of "it's our way or no way" gangsters continues to push environmental and societal degradation to the joy of hundreds of corporate and business lobbyists. from NEOCOMMONS.com

Random Thought

2006-08-18T04:09:00.000-04:00

"Money won't change you, but, time will take you on..." - James Brown

West Virginia Photo Workshop

2006-07-16T04:27:00.000-04:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a great photo workshop outside of Marlinton, WV in the Monogohela National Forest. The workshop was given by Bill and Linda Lane of Nature Image Workshops. It concentrated on manual exposure, tonal values and wildflowers and landscapes (esp. old barns). This area has an incredible number of great views, wildflowers and old barns.

The best discovery was the Cranberry Glades bog, formed by an ancient glacier that left seed remnants from the Artic. We arrived in the field before sunrise. While waiting for sunrise and the fog to lift from the bog I remarked I felt like I was on the Hollywood set of Jurassic IV. I could have spent the whole day just watching the light change, discovering the incredible flora diversity and just enjoying the visual pleasure and sounds of walking around on the boardwalk. Fortunately I did have my camera and tripod and thanks to the what I learned in the workshop got some good photos here and eleswhere. On top of all of the great photographic opportunities, nice group of participants and wonderful instructors, there were the delicious lunches and dinners prepared by Linda Lane.

Other neat places to visit in the area include the West Virginia Scenic Heritage Highway, Cass narrow gauge railroad, the National Radio Telescope Observatory, Pearl S Buck's home. Take time to also explore over in the Virginia Highlands from Monterey to Hot Springs (the Homestead and Garth Newell Music Center), to Lexington to Staunton to Harrisonburg and the many beautiful back country roads and historic districts and structures.

Some Thoughts to Ponder in 2006

2006-03-31T11:26:00.000-05:00

SOME THOUGHTS TO PONDER IN 2006
Good Health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach a person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks.
Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing.
In the 60s, people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird and people take Prozac to make it normal.

SayWA?

2006-03-18T06:06:00.000-05:00

Say Wa?

This is the brand new Washington State travel slogan.

I spent ten days traveling around the Kitsap Peninsula, Bainbridge Island and the Hood Canal area. These areas are all west of Seattle and east of the Olympic Mountains.

It is a beautiful area dominated by water, forest and the Olympic Mountains. Many small villages and towns, along with a few larger towns/shopping centers such as Silverdale and Bremerton.

There is a rural pastoral and tranquil feeling throughout the area. Commuting by Ferry to Seattle area is a dominant feature along with the huge submarine base and Naval Shipyard and of course tourism.

The pace is slower and more peaceful. I have found it interesting that I have observed few speeders, only one honker (car), and almost no intrusion of cell phones in public places and restaurants.

But this also a tourist area with the associated galleries, quaint shops and higher prices. Boating is everywhere.

Homes are built to take advantage of the incredible views, while often providing some privacy from folks passing by on the roads.

Forest activities are still active and as you travel you will suddendly come upon clear-cut areas and then back into heavy forest.

Everywhere great views and places to explore via backcountry roads. There has been alot of drizzle and rain, known as liquid sunshine, with breaks of dark overcast skies, and beautiful blue skies dominated by cumulus clouds. the temperature has been pleasant and crisp in the upper 40s and 50s.

Discovered some great and eclectic restaurants with wonderful fresh seafood dominated by fresh, wild salmon; fresh halibut and tiger prawns and of course dungeness crab. Highly recommend Cafe Nola in Winslow on Bainbridge Island, also Mor Mor Restaurant and Magnolia Cafe in Poulsbo and the Boat Shed in Bremerton. Lots of fresh produce and fish.

I had the rare pleasure and honor for St. Patty's Day to attend a wonderful and delightful concert by the dynamic and entertaining Celtic Tenors in Bremerton, WA the original hometown of Bill Gates and also the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. What great voices and stage presence. The old Admiral movie theater has been restored and is wonderful venue for this concert. It is wider than deeper so everyone gets to sit nearer to the stage. Had the opportunity to take alot of photographs of the concert and hopefully will be selling some to the group and Theater.

Other sites to visit and explore include Gig Harbor, Port Gamble a restored and semi-active lumber town, Port Townsend and Fort Wooten State Park, Poulsbo, all around the Hood Canal area. Take the time to explore and the back country roads and other small villages and communities. More time go over to Sequim, Dungeness NWF (take hike out on the mile long spit) and Olympic National Park and Pacific coast region.

If you want to see the photo album from this trip click here.

Random thoughts

2006-01-21T19:09:00.000-05:00

Quality is never an accident
It is always the results of high intention
Sincere efforts
Intelligent direction, and
Skillful execution
It represents wise choice of many alternatives
Will A. Foster

Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge?
Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?
Margaret Thatcher

My fan mail is enormous
Everybody is under six
Alexander Calder

Always be honest
When you win, do not brag;
When you lose, do not show anger.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Respect others' ideas and opinions
Perform random acts of kindness
Make eye contact

The Answer Price List

2006-01-08T11:19:00.000-05:00

ANSWERS - $ .50
ANSWERS - requiring thought $1.50
ANSWERS - that are correct $2.75
DUMB LOOKS and SMART ASS ANSWERS ARE STILL FREE

Some Ground Rules for Life and Business

2006-01-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

MUTUAL RESPECT - we are adults and not living in a sandbox
DISAGREEMENT IS OKAY - it is the dynamic that will move things
LISTEN AS AN ALLY - do not close your mind off automatically to someone's view, try to see their side
EVERYONE PARTICIPATES - getting only one person's input invalidates the whole process of life
HONOR THE TIME LIMITS

What I Have Learned

2006-01-08T10:56:00.000-05:00

Me - Smile, it makes life more enjoyable and healthier, and people often are suspicious.
Not aging, just marinating.
Gandhi on western civilization - "I think it's a good idea"
Calvin and Hobbes - "The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us."
Christopher Morley: "My theology is that the universe was dictated but not signed."
Douglas Adams: "There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened."
Albert Einstein: "Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
American Indian Wisdom

An American Indian boy was talking with his grandfather. "What do you think about the world situation?" he asked.
The grandfather replied, "I feel like two wovles are fighting in my heart. One is full of anger and hatred. The other is full of love, forgiveness and peace."
"Which one will win?" asked the boy.
To which the grandfather replied, "The one I feed.."