Alaska Journey Day 119

Last Two New Parks Day 

In the morning we went to Wilson Creek NBP (park 252). I thought I knew most of the major battlefields of the Civil War. In fact, I was excited to go to Pea Ridge because I believed that was the “last one” I needed to see. Not true. I did not even know about this place until last month and it is a large, really well preserved and very well administrated park in south Missouri. A real treat this morning was to visit this place. We then drove west along US 60 East, a familiar road in an unfamiliar place. Our stop was another Wild and Scenic River, the Ozark (park 253). We found a decent US Forest Service campground for $5 and then drove to an old CCC built resort that is sadly fading. There are plans to restore it but it is a shame it got to this state. Lots of springs in this area.

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

No Moose for miles. No speeches to give cause no people for miles. No ice cream for days. No lattes for miles. No letters from Ms. McKinley. I’m going to bed wake me when life as I know it returns. 

Ray House at Wilson Creek Battlefield. It is 75% original, used as a field hospital and where a dying Union general was brought.

Alaska Journey Day 118

Didn’t Start Out Well Day 

The plan was to go southeast to Buffalo Scenic River (#251) and then on to Branson for a show. The roads to BSR turned out to be torturous and the trip, 45 miles, took forever. When we got to the river, there were absolutely no places for us to park and precious few to even stop with the trailer. We left with CJH shooting two photos out her window while traveling over a bumpy bridge. We were there but failed to actually see much and taxed the truck to the max. Next on to Branson. Now I qualify for the stupid award, or another one of them. We edge into town and there is a very nice building “Branson Visitor Center” and we have been using them all across the US and Canada. In we go and get “help” to find a show we would like. We are passed off to a second person who can get better discounts. I still don’t catch on. After 15 minutes we decide on a show, decent prices and we are now told all we do to get this “amazing deal” is a brief visit to this wonderful property opportunity. We said “no” absolutely and left. The sales person was kinda shocked and that made me sad we were the exception. After frustrations with getting shows and prices, reviews etc., we opted to move north and see a movie tonight. Super decision to rescue a poor day. Excellent & abundant meal at Lamberts Throwed Rolls and off to see Downton Abby. We even found some ice cream!

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Here is a bonus photo from a couple of days ago when we stopped to see Harry S Truman’s birthplace.

Someone needs to tell me where we are! I’m off to campaign and I’m not in Arkansas anymore but back in Missouri. Make up your mind. And, by the way, find some decent ice cream. I am starving my brain cells - I need a butterscotch ripple, double chocolate, icy mint triple cone. STAT. Ms McKinley would never let this happen to me. Never.

The coyote at Yellowstone along the Yellowstone Lake

Alaska Journey Day 117

A Triple Day 

First light saw us cross town to Fort Scott. This is a well-resourced park with an extremely well done history in one of the old barracks. The grounds were immaculate but we did not linger because it was raining quite vigorously. We crossed into Missouri and headed south past Joplin to the George Washington Carver NHS. This park, number 249, was well worth the trip. Large grounds with a well marked walk that had statues and panels about GWCarver’s life gave you a peek at the enormous obstacles he overcame. Astonishing man. We also saw a bit about him at Tuskegee Institute, another park in Alabama, where he did most of his research. I challenge you to get a book about him and be enthralled. Tripping further south into Arkansas, on narrow, winding, hilly roads we emerged at our third park, Pea Ridge National Battlefield Park. Fitting for our 250th park as the first park I can remember visiting on my own was Gettysburg NBP. This was a Union victory and secured Missouri for the North. Most interesting aspect is how intact the field is, they own the entire 200 plus acres and the views are basically unchanged from the era. Also the old Butterfield Stage Route to the West ran across here and portions are still visible. Long tiring day. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

OK, enough. I am having trouble keeping up with these states. We are in Kansas, we are in Missouri, we are in Arkansas and it is barely lunch. I guess I need to get out and speechify a bit but no ice cream and one latte tells me we are not really in a civilized part of the world. Oops, can’t say that in campaign mode. I believe I will write a note to Ms. McKinley and ask for counsel. At this rate we will finish these 50 states in a few more days and I will see her in the Minnesota one. Maybe we can go quicker.

A statue of G. W. Carver as a boy in the woods he loved.

75% of the Pea Ridge battlefield is visible in this shot.

Alaska Journey Day 116

Forts and Friends Day 

Another long driving day. But at 130 miles in we meet our friend, Greta, sister of our long time friend, Gregg. We enjoy a nice time to catch up a bit before we go just a few miles south to Lindsborg, a Swedish town that was really fun with an excellent bakery. Miles later we arrive at Fort Scott in Southeast KS, find the NP site and then get lost twice trying to find the camp site in one of their parks. Not our best night. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Kansas has a lot more people and I really like the orderly roads and abundant coffee shops. Ice cream not so much. Greta is my new Kansas and Nebraska coordinator, I will let her know soon. She will be thrilled as she adores me. I can’t imagine I will have to do too much more of this cause apparently campaigning is one of my most outstanding abilities.

In a small Kansas town there were two of these restored stations that were hotel rooms. Plus this one was across the street from the world’s largest ball of twine. Wow.

Lindsborg Ks is a stunning town with wide brick streets, neat small homes and a wonderful downtown.

Alaska Journey Day 115

A Plain Day 

Up early with a great plan to get to a church in North Platte at 10:15 so we left for the three hour drive at 7. Perfect. Except for the fact that we entered Central Time. Oops. So we opted for the first service we found at eleven. It was pretty good, a Wesleyan new church plant. Then across much of Nebraska and Kansas as we angled south to get to park number 247, Nicodemus National Historic Site. This was a black community founded after the Civil War by those trying to escape the Jim Crow south. They built a thriving town that began to decline when the railroad bypassed it. Still an interesting place and they celebrate Homecoming (Emancipation Day) each year. Gayle Sayers was among several prominent people born here. Then more two lane quiet road with neat, compact little towns across the state until we land for the night at North 40 Alpaca Ranch. What fun we had among the 38 head at the ranch and with our hosts who showed us around. Great night in their parking lot, another hit from Harvest Hosts. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Nebraska turned out to have a few more people, maybe 400 or so, but still enough time spent here cause clearly I am adored. We then took a campaign swing into Kansas. Looks like about the same number of people but I was introduced to a new critter, an Alpaca. For a hornless beast they were OK, and pretty cute. Unfortunately I doubt they can vote. Well, more notes to Ms. McKinley will mark the end of this day. Sadly, day five with no ice cream, I’m getting jittery. 

This is the current VC but was built by the community in the 30’s for their gatherings. Beautiful work.

Alaska Journey Day 114

Time and Distance Day 

Yesterday a bit and today a lot we traveled. This is a big place and we wanted to get to some specific parks, so we piled on the miles. We did stop at the Agate Fossil Bed National Monument in Nebraska. Number 246 if you are keeping track or if you are not, it remains 246. This was in the middle of vast space and had a very nice VC. The place was a bit of a mystery. It was where some special ancient animals were discovered but no more digging is done. We took a 1.6 mile hike across a butte and looked at fossil rodent dens. The excitement was at a fever pitch. Then we drove until we reached Scott’s Bluff and then did laundry that evening. Not sure how much excitement we can handle. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Not sure why we are in Nebraska cause I can only find about 40 people. I’m sure some more must be somewhere or they would not call this a state. No lattes in site so it is a sad day except I seem to be humming Bruce Springsteen songs a lot. Anyway, I’m certain those 40 people will vote Bull Moose Party. Guess I’ll turn in early and dream of Ms. McKinley

The mounds whee the fossils were uncovered.

Alaska Journey Day 113

Friend’s Day The Sequel 

You never have enough time in Yellowstone or Grand Tetons so we poked around the “flats” and the dam area before we finally headed out. The weather was rainy and windy, the clouds low as we crested the 9800 foot pass leading out of the valley. At Debois we stopped for coffee and a break in the tiring drive and it turned into lunch and excellent pie at the Cowboy Cafe. Cute town and the rain stopped as we completed the 150 mile drive to Lander to see our friends, the Warners. We arrived a bit early so I got the oil changed and a superficial car and trailer wash. However the most exciting moment was the ceremonial removing of the yoga mats we had taped on the trailer three months earlier to protect it from stones on the Alcan. They worked well, no stone scars or scratches. We had a lovely time with Steve, Brenda and Elsie, Brenda’s mom who we knew in Virginia and now lives here with them. It was a late night after fine Thai food and lots of conversations that we tucked into our trailer at the city park. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

I secured my Why Oming state coordinator, Brenda, and she will do an admirable job - but it ought to be easy because it seems everyone one loves me here. Brenda, of course, adores me. With this state complete we head to more, somewhere. Writing to Ms McKinley makes me miss her more. I can hardly wait for us to reach Minnesota where she will meet me to campaign together. Meanwhile she is busy with her work in Alaska but she writes every day and she has a lot of great advice. What a team we are making.  

We did see this elk in a place where only we were and isolated from the main road. Sometimes in the crowds you get a “just for you” view.

Alaska Journey Day 112

Leaving Yellowstone Day

On the way back to Grand Tetons we took one more loop on the Gull Drive but did not see much. Another stop, this time at the Rockefeller Parkway, was to see where I might photograph this park but did not see anything compelling so I shot the neat fireplace in the VC. Another stop at Colter Bay to use WiFi (at the laundry!) to pay some bills and yet one more at Signal Mountain where there was a spot left in the campground so we seized it. We took a short hike along two nice lakes, drove to the top of the mountain for a great view of the park and then set up for an early dinner to photograph sunset over the lake - right by our site, but the clouds rolled in and the sun set with out fanfare.  

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Spoke in several lodges where I am a hit, of course. Secured the National Parks for 2020. Since they are “National” I guess I have most of the 50 or so states covered but still, unrelenting, I press on regardless preparing for the “swing” states and the “battle” states. I wonder if they give prizes too? Was able to scoff down three lattes today with three different flavors, all were pretty well done but I think I could do better. I will have my Chief of Lattes look into this serious matter of state (more pol talk).

The aptly named Dragon’s Mouth” a super neat thermal feature.

Alaska Journey Day 111

Falls and Food Day

Even colder this morning, under 30 and heavy frost. Sunny and a bit warmer in the afternoon. Good for solar charging on the trailer. We had to run the generator for 3 hours yesterday. Went out before breakfast, saw a bull elk moving along the shore, pretty in the sunlight, some Bufflehead, a loon and an Osprey. Back to the trailer for a cooked breakfast today - French toast, eggs, Canadian bacon and then north to the Canyon area. At the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone we walked the 2 miles South Rim Trail. It was a beautiful day and the views from several points were outstanding. A quick drive on the North Rim and then ice cream at the old lunch counter in Canyon Village. We stopped for a long time on the way back in Hayden Valley to watch for animals, saw elk and bison then to Gull Drive where the sunset did not materialize too well but we saw a coyote. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Apparently I ought not to take a day off. Much turmoil about where I was and what I was doing or not doing. It is hard to understand because everyone loves me - they will all vote for me, right? Well, to keep everyone content, I will campaign today and tomorrow, speeches, baby licking and seeking campaign coordinators for some other states. (Still cannot imagine there are 50?)

Alaska Journey Day 110

Earth on Fire Day

It was cold this morning. It snowed this morning. Two days ago it was 87, not today. Rain, wind, sleet, snow, and sulphur. Lots of sulphur. We spent the day in the various thermal basins. We saw Old Faithful - twice, lots of pots, mud and paint, small geysers, bubbling ponds, steaming lakes and hundreds of vents with vapors rising across the landscape. This is a big park and it was a 50 mile ride to the majority of the features and lots of steps on the various boardwalks. I clocked 6.5 miles and breathed a lot of fumes. Still the colors, the sounds, the heat, the vistas - there one second and gone the next, are just a neat experience. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

I took the day off, don’t tell anyone! Simply sat in the historic old lodge and sipped lattes today. Several flavors including huckleberry. Pretty decent. Aw, a well-deserved relaxing day. I could have used a massage but showed great restraint, one of my more admirable qualities. 

Alaska Journey Day 109

A Grand Old Day

Two parks today, the morning in the Tetons and the afternoon and evening in the oldest national park in the world, Yellowstone. (We also drove though the Rockefeller Parkway yet a third park. None of these are new to us but we were able to get a few nice photos. We were up before dawn, saw three moose, bison, pronghorns and a nice sunrise. Back to the trailer and off to Snake River overlook (site of Ansel Adam’s iconic photo) and Schabacker’s Landing for some really nice reflections and a cool walk. We then got the trailer and stopped again this time at Oxbow Bend but the light was not too good and no ducks. A stop at the Jackson Lake Lodge for lunch at the 1950’s lunch counter (authentic not retro!) before we left for Yellowstone. We got into the campground, very busy, and then went to see what we could find. Turned out to be a field with nine elk, one bull who bugled and stomped and carried on to let one young buck on the hilltop know he was not welcome.  

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

So we are now in the Yellow Stone. Lots of distant and inferior “cousins” called elk. Though I will be diplomatic because they might vote. Can’t have a bloc against me. (Note the use of political terms, I am so good with languages, one of my most outstanding qualities.) Ms. McK staying in touch each day. She is urging me to get moving to other states. I am trying to get the guides moving but you all know by now how “he” is. Eventually we will stumble out of here. Lots of states to win yet. This big campaign swing (see!) is crucial. 

Alaska Journey Day 108

A Grand Day

We opted for an early shot to the Grand Tetons because the campground is first come/ first serve and got in a nice site close to the river. We took the longer easier drive to the park from Idaho Falls with pleasant scenery and lots of huge ranches. One was for sale, 4187 acres. After we set up the trailer we went to the old Mormon ranch buildings to shoot some photos. There were bison there so that added a nice touch. Then to Jenny Lake. Our goal was hidden falls. So we boated to the other side of the lake and then hiked about 3/4 mile to the falls. Flowing well. The hike back around the lake, another 3 plus miles with two long and unexpected up hills. Bonus, we saw a moose in a pond and watcher her eat for a bit. Then back to the trailer for dinner and early night. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Ms McKinley was right. I have already met Moose and have more days to go. Also they named a town, Moose, after me and I have only been in the state for a day. Now I know why Oming, a Great State and full of Great People and babies. (Being a pol means constant awareness of statements to make.) Not sure we need anymore time here but Ms. McK says a few more days to guarantee the result. I bet I can find some good lattes in the town of Moose.

Alaska Journey Day 107

Moon Day

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve was only 100 miles from our overnight and we planned to stay in the park’s campground, until we got there. The night would be neat as it is one of the really dark places but since we arrived late morning and we did the hikes and the drive and it is a park dedicated to lave and cinders, we decided we had seen enough and off to Idaho Falls for the night. Met a nice group of folks in the Cabela’s lot and chatted about various places to travel. Also got advice on the best route into the Yellowstone, Grand Teton area. Nice dinner in the trailer and pretty good ice cream from a local dairy, Reeds. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Gave a great speech in Idaho, easy to add to the win column. Even though this is not a very Moosey place, I’m a big hit. We are going next to Oming. That is one that Ms. McKinley found. She claims there are Moose, we’ll see. If so, the campaign will slip into high gear - otherwise, why Oming?

29 story cinder cone at Craters.

Alaska Journey Day 106

Fixed It Day

We spent the night at the Cracker Barrel in Boise. So you can guess where breakfast occurred. Then off to Hagerman Fossil Bed. Not my favorite type of park. The best thing was the portion of the Oregon Trail that passes across this area - you can still see extensive ruts from the wagons and worn tracks in the ground. And the view in places in unchanged. Then on to the Minidoka Internment Center. Another sad chapter where a group of people were not treated equitably. At the outbreak for WWII thousands of American citizens of Japanese heritage were placed in camps. The one here in Idaho is a new National Park Service site and being developed. The park tells an important story. Not many of the buildings remain from the tar paper city that had 10,000 people living in it. A couple of buildings and lots of scars. Still a moving place and will be more so as the park matures. Leaving here I went to a shop in Jerome to get some help on my truck. Last year the transmission did not work right and it was the radiator causing the issue. The same thing began again so I sought some help. Turns out the same deal but cleaning the radiators with a strong spray of water restored the shifting. The lower part of the radiator cools the transmission fluid and it was caked with mud and dirt. Alaska dirt mostly. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Since it is pretty clear I will win this election thing, I wrote to Ms. McKinley with an idea I had and she was very pleased because she is not anxious to leave Alaska. So, once I am commissioned as President, I will move the White House to Alaska. Simple. That is the kind of creative thinking that is one of my most outstanding qualities. I think I will paint it too as white is boring. Maybe a light maple color?

Oregon Trail follows the send ridge in the photo

Two Flowers

Alaska Journey Day 105

Surprising Idaho Day

We arrived at the Nez Perce site early morning and walked a portion of the grounds. The new movie at the VC focused on the Nez Perce and their reconnection to their heritage. It was well done but did not expand on the 1877 conflict that is the focus of the majority of the 38 sites across four states that make up the whole story. We did stop at a few of these, most along side the road with markers. A longer stop was the White Bird area where the first battle took place. It was a strong beginning for Chief Joseph and his people but the odds were just too great for the eventual victory he sought. This was the last of the Indian wars in the west. The rest of the day was spent driving south and a bit east to Boise. The route followed the Snake and Salmon Rivers and the scenery was spectacular. And it was hot again, in the mid to upper 80s.

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

It would be hard for any campaign to be going better. In Washington they named a hotel after me, in the north, a street, and in Idaho there was a sign - an expensive electronic sign - that said Welcome Moose Members. Apparently I have been here only a day and I have a club. I wonder if the other 237 candidates will just give up and then they will appoint me president. That would b nice. 

Nez Perce Country

Alaska Journey Day 104

An Eastern Day

The truck and trailer are east bound toward home. Yet not for a bit. First stop is in Eastern Washington at the Whitman Mission. The Whitmans were the first missionaries here in the early 1830’s and eventually were killed by the Indians. The mission lasted 9 years and the story is sad because it was fueled by a lot of misunderstanding of language and the limits of medicine 200 years ago. Indian children were dying of disease from the other parts of the world against which they had no immunity while few of the settlers died in comparison. Suspicions grew and eventually became confrontations. A sad end for both peoples. We left the mission and worked our way northeast a bit toward the next day’s goal of the Nez Perce and the area of the 1870’s war that also ended sadly.  Our campsite was along the Snake River about a 1/4 mile into Idaho.

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Correspondence day with Ms. McKinley. She is setting some ambitious goals for the campaign. She claims to have found 50 states (seems unlikely) and several territories too. And she said the Provincial does not count. That can’t be right? She does seem insistent. Anyway some of them are Battleground States. Egad, I am not a fighter. But we must press on to those as well. First I will order a Sundae and a maple latte to allow the brain to freely roam the range of options out there for my candidacy. That’s the ticket. 

Part of the mission was along what would become the Oregon Trail, the westward passage for thousands of settlers.

Alaska Journey Day 103

An Emerald Day

A whirl wind of activity today, first off to get the trailer wheel bearings repacked. Then George dropped us off at the Seattle Light Rail where for a $1 each we rode into town. After a quick walk-through of the the NP Seattle Klondike site and an even quicker lunch and coffee we went underground. Actually on a tour. There is an extensive underground in Seattle from the 1892 fire. Neat PG-13 tour. The late afternoon we spent drifting around Pikes Place, the famous market. George and Dottie arrived and hit back to back home runs. First we went  north to Senior Moose who has now spoiled me for other Mexican food and a short walk in nearly the right direction led us to Salt and Straw a highly unique ice cream shop that wowed us with selection, service and taste. Drugged with lots of calories we all went to bed a bit on the early side. What a nice day with even nicer people. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

I spent the day in conference with my Washington State Campaign Coordinator, Dottie. She is the best, and I believe I mentioned she adores me. Anyway we did high level conference stuff and detailed elections stuff and quaffed a few lattes and ice creams just to keep us going. Guess we are heading out now that I have everything under control in the Great State of Washington. (We pols talk like that a lot.)

Nice produce at the market

Cadillac’s Washington State Coordinator, Dottie

Alaska Journey Day 102

Another Friends Day

We left the campsite and went to a short hike in Olympic National Park. It was raining and very foggy so there were no vistas to see making the choice to do a waterfall hike instead of the planned Hurricane Ridge. We walked about a mile on an easy wide path to the Marymere Falls. Very pretty place with massive trees and ferns in the undergrowth. Rain forests are special places. Then a long drive to an area south of Seattle to spend the night with George and Dottie. They are leading a church plant organization like Waypoint and starting some excellent churches. Enjoyed their company and the night in their very comfortable home. 

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

Well, clearly I now have my staff in Washington state. Dottie adores me and with my great speeches this state is going to be in the Bull Moose Column. So, already I have Victoria, Alaska, the Provincial and Washington and I am hardly started. I do miss Ms. McKinley but she writes each day and encourages me to “stay focused.” Not really needed as laser focus is one of my most outstanding qualities. I think lattes grow on every corner in this area. Wonder why? No birch however. 

Marymere falls is a 90 foot graceful display.

Alaska Journey Day 101

Back to the USA Day

We anticipated the rainy weather for this second day in Victoria so planned inside activity. Church was interesting. We attended a “quiet” service at an old Anglican Church where everyone sat in the choir. Lots of liturgy and communion, of course, but also a pretty decent sermon. Then to breakfast at Coras. Huge plates of food, a real treat. I went to see miniature dioramas in the Empress Hotel and Cindy was off to the Royal Museum. I joined her there later. Nicely done. We managed to squeeze in a bit of shopping at a neat tea shop (from 1892!) and found a different concept ice cream shop. The did soft serve well, and dipped your cone in a choice of several chocolate formulas and you could add on a bunch of toppings. No oil, just warm chocolate. Definitely not the DQ! Back on the ferry at 3 and the campground by 5. Not much dinner because we were still pretty full from the amazing breakfast. We are finished with Canada on this trip.

Cadillac’s Most Correct Viewpoint

I needed to drive a boat back to somewhere but enjoyed several unique lattes in the Victoria place. The also have tea, not too bad. I did not give any additional speeches because this place is locked up for the Bull Moose Party. Not a single person was going to vote for anyone else! This voting deal is nearly in the bag. 

I was almost late for this meeting! One of the many intricate dioramas at Miniature World