Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#1

Before I start the postcards, I just want to say that in order to protect the innocent, okay, and probably the guilty too, I have changed the names of all involved. That said you will be hard pressed to recognize anyone involved.   Mike A.



Saturday PM, September, 12, 2009

We have arrived in Waterloo, IA for our first night’s stop. The drive up today was uneventful which is always how I like to see the first day’s long drive go. I’m not sure how this town got its name, but ‘Water’ and ‘Loo’ seem somewhat cruelly ironic. With 4 adult males in the car there were a lot of bathroom breaks so I consider it fortunate that we were able to get this far the first day. I suppose I shouldn’t be giving away “Man Secrets” to the female readers, but it is interesting that when you get four men in a van without any female distractions, they can somehow solve ALL the world’s problems in just 550 miles. Yep, by the time we arrived in Waterloo that was all settled and everyone was on top of the world. Then we couldn’t decide where to go for dinner…

To recap the day:

This morning, promptly at 5:45, Earl showed up at my house having been driven in from Oldham County by wife, Susie. Even though it’s dark outside I can tell Susie is glad to see us off. She even hands me a container of homemade cookies which I take were for me alone, only to find out later that the rest of the gang pretty much helped themselves whenever my back was turned. We loaded up Earl’s gear in the van and were at Carlos’ place before the scheduled 6:15. With him loaded, we were off to get Mike H. Things were going great.

While driving to Mike’s we encountered some bad omens on the Watterson expressway that made us wonder just how perilous this trip might be. First, we almost ran into an abandoned sofa just on the side of the road in the construction zone where the road is very narrow. Close call but my super keen reflexes dodged it. At least THAT’S the way I’m going to remember it regardless of how others may tell it. Next, just about ½ mile further down, we find a car stopped in one of the driving lanes. They simply have their lights on, like they are stopped at a stop light, only they are on the expressway!! Again, my keen sense of survival kicks in too late as we wiz past the vehicle and I’m saying “What the…?” Fortunately, the car was in the other lane. I hope the rest of the trip settles down. At least we are making good time and sticking to my schedule. I just love it when a trip stays on schedule.

We pick up Mike H and are on the road by 6:45. Still on schedule! Five minutes later we are pulling into the McDonald’s on Hikes for a bathroom break. Uh-oh, this is not good. We have over 550 miles to go today so these stops are not in my plan. Back on the road within 7 minutes and heading into Indiana. Traffic is very light for a Saturday which is good. About 35 minutes into the trip we see the first rest area at mile marker 21 and pull in for another bathroom break. I think the van is still rolling to a stop when we get out for our assault on the bathroom. Going across the parking lot, we look like a group of shoppers on Black Friday trying to be first in line for the doors to open at Wal-Mart. Not good. Not good at all. I’m thinking the pioneers probably made better time driving their mule wagons out west.

We saw the world’s largest truck stop on I-80 called “Iowa 80” Truck Stop. We did not stop primarily because I was past the exit and would not go back. I’m sure later someone will say I’m not flexible but that’s not the case because I’ve got a schedule to keep.

While on the road I like to eat at local places when possible as it’s just more fun to experience the local cuisine. In Waterloo, there was a magazine in the motel that advertised food places. I saw one that was a local pizzeria and had been around since the 1960’s. Mike H. and I agreed it would be a good place and the GPS said it was close by. When we arrived at the destination we did not find any pizzeria but rather found the wrong side of town. Gee, I didn’t need a Garmin to help me find the wrong side of town as I can usually find that myself. I thought, “Oh, boy, here I go getting lost in South Chicago again…” Well, I was determined to find this place and figured we could. After all, there are three analysts in the van and a techie so we should be smart enough to figure this out as long as the techie didn’t bring us down. After some bickering, we did find the restaurant down the street a few blocks. Here it was a Saturday night during prime dining time and we appear to be the only car in the lot. We check the door and they are open so we go in and have dinner. I felt better when a few other people showed up later.

Back at the motel we turn in for an early night. The USC and Ohio State football game is on so we will fall asleep watching that. Or, at least I fall asleep. Earl is from Ohio and Carlos is from California and graduated from USC. They are rooming together so I hope all turns out okay in their room as I’m counting on both of them to continue the trip and share in the gas costs.

Tomorrow it is up early and we head on to Mitchell, South Dakota and of course, probably another 16 bathroom breaks. There we will see the world famous Corn Palace.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#2

Sunday PM, September, 13, 2009

Weather update: Arrived in Mitchell, SD mid-afternoon and weather is 80 degrees with clear skies. A carbon copy of Saturday’s weather.

While driving on I-90 in Minnesota and South Dakota we encountered lots of bugs. They have completely covered the front of the van and windshield. There must be 10,000 bugs on the front of the van so I go to a wand wash and clean the front.

During the drive up we told the usual stories. I’m sure the women reading this think when a bunch of men go on a trip all we talk about are women. Not true. I’m not sure what younger men talk about as it’s been a few years since I was young. Perhaps they talk about women. When you get men our age on a trip we eventually get around to talking about bathroom stuff. I’ll spare you the details, but just say it’s pretty much what you would imagine bathroom stories to be like. We did discuss the merits of which brand commodes flush the best. I think I’ll be upgrading my commode with a replacement when I get back as I have a lazy flusher. Oh, and one member of the group wants to replace their toilet seat with one of those where the two sides don’t come together in the front. They saw these in the many restrooms on the interstate. Not really sure why they want that but hey it’s the second day and I’m not going to nit-pick everything that’s said (and The Barb thinks I can’t be laid back…). I’ll save the nit-picking for day 4 and beyond.

Mike H. started with only three or maybe four work stories. Then no more work stories. Well, almost. Earl had several and so did Carlos. I’m hoping they get this out of their systems soon so we can go back to bathroom stories, which I find WAY more fun.

In Blue Earth, MN we gassed up at a Sinclair (remember them? They have “Dino” the dinosaur as a mascot). We also stopped at the “Jolly Green Giant” to take our picture with the giant who must be at least 5 stories tall. There was a platform we were all on which was right under the giant’s crotch. I’m sure that picture turns out to be a beauty. Blue Earth is just a spot in the road so I’m not sure why the Giant was there. Carlos makes his first souvenir purchase at the gas station. I believe it’s an old “Look” magazine but not sure as I’m busy trying to get the 10,000 bugs off the windshield.

After arriving in Mitchell, we go check in at the Best Western and head downtown to see the Corn Palace. They redid the palace around 2004 and the interior now has stadium seating and a basketball court plus a stage for other events. Very nice. The outside is still being updated with this year’s grain harvest for the annual fall festival. It looks about 90% complete and we take lots of pictures.

The Best Western we are staying in is one of those old 1950’s style motor courts just off the main highway. It reminds us of some of those hotels off of Dixie Highway back home, only those now charge by the hour. Actually, the rooms have been updated and the place is pretty nice. Our rooms are next door to one another so after getting my bag in place I head over to check out Earl’s and Carlos’ room. I notice it is a little stuffy inside and Carlos points to the A/C unit which is high on the back wall over top of the bathroom vanity. He says it’s turned off and he’s not going to climb up there to turn it on. I assess the situation, walk over to the thermostat on the wall and turn on the A/C. He thanks me profusely saying I’m a mechanical genius. I told him to think nothing of it as that’s what friends are for.

While in the Corn Palace, I find some postcards and lapel pin souvenirs to purchase. Earl has also gotten into the spirit and finds some thimbles.

Next we head to the big Cabela’s outdoor/sporting goods store. I say big as back in the ‘90’s I remember it was the biggest of these type stores I’d ever seen. Now it doesn’t look so big and the Bass Pro over in Jeffersonville is much larger. However, they have a lot of trophy game mounted on the walls so we take lots of pictures. And they have the largest gun arsenal I’ve ever seen. We spend some time looking at all the guns. I’m wondering just when does hunting season start up here and I hope we are long gone when it does as I notice there are not a lot of trees so what’s going to stop those bullets from just flying across the interstate?

For dinner this night I again find a local place that is a nice steak house, complete with white linen table cloths and even a gigantic concrete steer outside in the corner of the parking lot. They do seem to like larger than life sculptures up here. However, after the less than favorable reviews from the prior night’s dining, the boys were not about to let me pick the place this time. Instead we ate at Ruby Tuesdays which I was aghast as it IS NOT local. At least we knew what we were getting and no surprises.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#3

Tuesday AM, September 15, 2009

Weather update: Temp on Monday was 80 and then we toured the Badlands where it was 95.

We are now in Custer City, SD having arrived Monday afternoon from Mitchell. On the way, we stopped at Wall Drug and also toured The Badlands National Park.

While in the Badlands we stopped at several of the overlooks and walked around on the rock terrain and ledges. I kept telling everyone to stay on the paths as this was rattlesnake country but Earl kept wandering off trail and scurrying around on the ledges telling me there were no rattlesnakes here as it was too far north. At a later stop when we encountered the “Danger, Rattlesnake area” signs I made him stand by one of the signs so I could take his picture. Later, at the Badlands Visitor Center, Earl found the rattlesnake display and remarked they were a different color that what he thought they would be and how well camouflaged they were with the terrain. DUH! If I make it back from this trip without losing anyone it will be a miracle.

The Badlands were a big hit and everyone was fascinated by the prairie dog towns. We also saw rabbits, chipmunks, deer, pronghorn antelope and a big horn sheep. I’m sure we even saw a few rattlesnakes but just didn’t know it.

Oh, speaking of losing someone, we did have our first injury of the trip. In Mitchell, after returning to the motel, Mike H. and Earl decided to take a walk around the neighborhood for some after dinner exercise. There was a residential area behind the motel so an easy area to walk. While on the walk Earl again got off the sidewalk path and upon returning found he had cockleburs on his socks and shoes. I’m paraphrasing this as Mike H. told this story to us on today’s drive with only slight protest from Earl. Mike H. said that while Earl was removing the burrs he pricked his finger and he “cried like a girl” (I’m not paraphrasing that as those are Mike’s exact words). Mike H. had to lend assistance in removing what were apparently very thorny burrs and on today’s drive Earl kept saying a piece was still in his finger and kept trying to show it to us. Since I was driving I refrained from looking and told him to “Man Up” but not before repeating the “cried like a girl” phrase several times. I believe we will be using that one for several days to come.

We got to Wall Drug by 10:30 in the morning, having gone there first after leaving Mitchell. I wanted to wait and get our breakfast at Wall Drug so everyone could sample their homemade donuts. I knew Wall Drug is kind of spread out so not wanting to lose anyone, I broke out my trusty walkie-talkies. They did the trick and we were able to go our separate ways but get back together when needed. Wall Drug has mostly trashy souvenirs but I also discovered some high-end items. There was one sculpture worth over $28,000. I’m sure it will be there the next time I pass this way. Their western clothing, leather and hats were also the real deal and brought a high price so not everything was cheap in that place. I think everyone enjoyed Wall Drug and we each got a bumper sticker to take back home with us. Those bumper stickers were free, so technically Mike H. still has not purchased any souvenirs. The rest of us purchased something to bring home, mostly of the simple trashy variety. However, Carlos made up for Mike H’s frugality and came out wearing a new high-end western belt and also carrying a very large box that looked expensive. I believe it was a sculpture carving of some sort.

While in Custer City we are staying at The Bavarian Inn which will be our home for the next seven nights. Even being the off-season, this place was pretty packed Monday night. They upgraded us to the Chalet lodge for the price of the regular room. They only had one Chalet room available for Monday so Earl was gracious enough to let Mike H. and I have that as they would move into their new room on Tuesday. Our room overlooks the back parking lot where on the other side is the Bavarian Inn’s restaurant, which we ate at Monday evening.

At the restaurant I got a Walleye Pike fish dinner and the rest ordered from the authentic German cuisine selections. Halfway through the meal Carlos turned ill and went back to the room unable to finish his plate. Too bad, as they all said the German dishes were very good. Later, we were trying to figure out why Carlos turned ill and they decided it had been from Saturday night’s meal in Waterloo at the pizzeria where he ate off the buffet table. He and Earl said there were several items on that table that looked like they hadn’t been touched in days. Hey, I AM NOT taking the blame for that!! I may have picked the restaurant but did not force anyone to go through the buffet! Besides, doesn’t food poisoning show up quicker than 48 hours? I’m more inclined to blame it on the cooler of beer in the van and all the junk food they’ve been shoveling away while I’ve been driving.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#4

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Weather update: Yesterday was perfect weather again. Started off at 50 but then got to 80 by Noon with sunny skies all around. Not sure how we got so lucky but the weather has been beautiful so far. I’m thinking it might be that The Barb is the bad weather omen as when she was with me in Michigan it was awful weather and now it’s perfect weather. I may have to reconsider which trips I take her on next year. Today is predicted to be more of the same.

Went to Custer State Park in the morning and took the Iron Mountain Road to Mount Rushmore. I didn’t tell the boys about this road but it has several tunnels on the trip to Mt Rushmore from Custer State Park and each tunnel perfectly frames the Rushmore monument at one end or the other. This road also has several pig-tail overpasses that are made out of native pine timber. They are engineering marvels and we stopped and took pictures. I know of no other place in the US that has these massive wooden road structures. I’ve been to a lot of state parks through the years, and I’ve never seen one more spectacular than CSP. There are over 74,000 acres in this state park and the second largest bison herd in the world.

We got to Mt Rushmore around 9:00 but there were already a lot of people there. Even so we parked and went on in to tour the grounds and visitor center. We also took the 1 mile walking loop up to the base of the mountain. Easy walk, but there were several stairs at the end.

While at Mt Rushmore, we noticed another oddity. We had begun noticing it while at Wall Drug, but at Mt Rushmore it finally hit home and that was we were seeing OLD PEOPLE everywhere!! Lots and lots of old people in big tour buses. And I’m not just talking old because 3 out of 4 of us on this trip would be considered old (I’ll let you do the math on who is the youngest…) but these were people way beyond 75. They were in the food lines, the check out lines, bathrooms and a lot of other places. We were zigging and zagging around them everywhere at the monument. The silver lining to all these people is that it is nice to see that retirement is working out well for at least one generation of Americans.

After Rushmore, we headed back to CSP by way of Needles Highway. Needles gets its name from the many “needle like” rock formations along the twisty hilly drive. Plus it has a series of very narrow passages which the tour buses like to go through. One especially is only 8’ 4” wide and the buses literally only have 2 inches per side of clearance. While at one of the overlooks, Earl immediately went beyond the railing and was climbing around on one of the rock ledges like a mountain goat. This is not the first time he’s done this and I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t lose him before the trip is over. I should call Susie and make sure the life insurance policy is paid up.

We also took the Wildlife Loop Road in CSP and saw the buffalo herd on the free range. Carlos keeps saying how he wants his picture beside a buffalo but I tell him that is not a good idea. Carlos and Earl are rooming together and if they keep it up we may lose them both. Mike H. and I are drawing cards to see who gets Carlos’ Corvette.

While on the Wildlife Loop we also found the Begging Burros for which we purchased the bread in Rapid City. Only the male was beside the parking area as the females were way out in the prairie over 200 yards away. I’ve had previous experience going out to “round up the Burro herd” so Carlos and I got our bread and headed out to entice them to come in. I stayed on the burro path ever vigilant for snakes but not sure Carlos did the same as he headed off in a parallel direction to me. Walked through several prairie dog towns but they were all in their holes chirping out the intruder alarm.

We were successful in getting the burros back to the parking area where we fed them all the bread. Carlos found out that when feeding the burros, it is best to stay on your feet and keep moving, as he sat on a picnic table and the next thing I know he was hollering as the burros had surrounded him and pinned him down wanting food. Now he knows how Custer probably felt.

Dinner on Tuesday was at the historic State Game Lodge in CSP. President Coolidge stayed at the State Game Lodge back in the 20’s when he was here to commemorate one of the Rushmore faces. Initially he was only going to stay for 3 weeks but liked the area so much he stayed for 3 months. Cal sure knew how to have fun.

Back at the Bavarian Inn the new chalet room was available for Carlos and Earl so we moved them into their room. We were going to Mt Rushmore for the evening Ranger presentation but before going I went down to see their new room. Carlos has been having issues getting the A/C to work properly in the various rooms and while in Mitchell I helped him with his room’s A/C. Now in this new room, he proudly shows me the A/C and how he figured out its operation. He said the only way he could get it to work was to set it at ‘60’. I thought that was a rather cold setting but if that was the way he liked it then so be it… We then left for Rushmore and returned four hours later. Earl immediately calls our room whining (okay, crying like a girl) that it was so cold he could see his breath!! I was literally laughing so hard I couldn’t plug my charger cord into the wall. The next day I never asked what they did to stay warm as I just didn’t want to know.

At the Rushmore evening presentation, we found that again we were in the younger 5% of the audience. I hope I can stay up that late when I get old.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#5

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Weather update: This morning it is 49 and sunny. The high today in the low 80’s which keeps the string of carbon copy beautiful days going. Forecast for Sunday is cooler temps in the 40’s with highs in the 60’s. We will probably need jackets by Sunday.

Today we go into Rapid City and will tour Ellsworth AFB, home of the B-1 bombers plus B-52s. On the way in Monday we saw a B-52 take off over the interstate, impressive.

Yesterday we had the continental breakfast (free) at The Bavarian Inn and set off for Hill City for the 1880’s train ride. Hill City is basically a one street town so you can tour it in about an hour. The train goes to Keystone and then returns on the same track. There were only 15 minutes before the return departure so we stayed on the train. Not sure how we all were able to avoid going to the bathroom for that long but we did. After returning to Hill City we dashed for the public restroom facilities only to find them overwhelmed with the seniors from the several buses parked at the train depot. THIS IS SO NOT GOOD. The older retirees seemed to be a happy lot and they should be as they were able to use the restroom. We limped into town and found restrooms there.

The conductor said that in Hill City the place to dine for lunch is the Alpine Inn right on the main drag and only a block away from the depot. Their specialty is German food. When we got there we again found that the seniors had beat us to it making it too crowded so we went across the street to a small unassuming Mexican place named “Rico’s”. The lady proprietor was a delight and this may have been the most authentic and great tasting Mexican food I’ve ever had. They even had Mexican Sombreros for us to wear while eating. We all enjoyed it plus there were no lines for the bathroom. Good thing too as I was about to break out the “Man Toilet” from the van which I purchased back in Louisville for $5.99. It’s still brand new as we have not had to use it yet but its good just knowing it’s there as a back-up.

After lunch, we drove to Keystone and encountered the best town to date as far as being a tourist trap shopping Mecca. They had everything. Carlos was off on a quest to find some wood carving sculpture to represent his trip (a Buffalo) and Earl was looking for thimbles of the $2 variety. However Earl kept getting distracted and would find other items for sale like the Alpaca wool blanket for only $350 but since it was ‘end of season’ he could have it for just $250. No sale, back to thimbles. Mike H. was looking for a t-shirt but was very particular so he again parted with no tourism dollars spent.

We then headed back to Custer City (our home base) and the museum of wood carving where Carlos would again look for his buffalo. He did find a treasure there but it was a carving of some mythical dragon for only $90. Not sure how he got off the buffalo theme.

At this store, like several stores earlier, Earl kept trying out the lotion samples and coming over to show us how they smelled. I’m getting worried about Earl and glad he’s rooming with Carlos.

Later that evening we had a light meal at the “Budget Burger” in Custer City. From the night before we found everything in this town closed down by 9:30 so we decided to go into town earlier and found several places still open. Okay, several was a stretch as there just is not a lot here, so we found about 4 places open that served food and only one of those was a chain—Pizza Hut. Budget Burger was about the only game in town which explains the $4 burger prices. I’m not sure where they get the name “Budget” and I think some of those kids working that place were no more than 14 years old. It was like that movie “Children of the Corn”.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#6

Friday, September 18, 2009

Weather update: Yesterday the morning low temp was in the high 40’s but in Hill City, just 15 miles away, it was 41. Our high was in the low 80’s and sunny.

Everyone is still adjusting to Mountain Time (2 hours difference from Louisville) generally awaking around 2:30-3:30. I was awake at 2:30 today, but finally went back to sleep around 4:30 only to awake for good just before 6:00.

Today, we head for Spearfish and Deadwood.

Yesterday we went to Rapid City and toured Ellsworth AFB where we went into a Titan missile silo. There were about 1500 of these silos built in the 50’s and early 60’s with about 1/3 of them in southwest South Dakota. They were dismantled beginning in 1994 as part of a treaty agreement. The one at Ellsworth was for training which is the one we toured. Carlos said he didn’t like the closed space so we may not be able to take the cave tour later in the week. We’ll see.

Then toured downtown Rapid City where we first had to go to SAM’s for lunch (the boys forced me to take them…). Of course we also made some purchases while there but I couldn’t figure out how to strap the big screen TV to the van so I reluctantly left without it. One simply can not have too many big screen TVs around the house.

Did I mention that earlier in the week Carlos purchased a nice Western belt and then later acquired a suede Western jacket? With his long silvery hair he now looks like Buffalo Bill. Only needs the goatee and a hat to make it complete.

Also in Rapid City the downtown has bronze life-sized sculptures of all the Presidents on various street corners. We took our pictures with several. For some reason they would not take my picture with Reagan though I pleaded. I’ll get it next year when I return.

On the way out of town we found “The House of Thimbles” which was like Manna from Heaven for Earl.

And one last thing: Yesterday was the first day no work discussion (okay, complaining) happened. I guess vacation is finally here.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#7

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Weather update: This morning it is 48 with the high only to be in the upper 70’s. The cool front is starting to come into the area but it will still be sunny.

Today we go to Hot Springs and Wind Cave National Park.

Yesterday we visited Deadwood, Lead, Spearfish, Belle Fourche and Spearfish Canyon.

Lead was on top of the mountain right above Deadwood. One mile high. Prominent at the crest of the hill top was the gold mine which went 8,000 feet underground, the deepest one in the nation. The main elevator only went down 4600 feet due to the cable stress. A series of additional elevators stepped down the remaining distance. The mine closed in 2004 and was not open for below surface tours.

Belle Fourche, SD is the geographical center of the United States (all 50). We stood on the marker for pictures. Then it was on to Deadwood where we spent the remainder of the day.

By the 1980’s Deadwood was about as dead as its name. In 1988, South Dakota passed a gambling law which brought Deadwood back. It is now a series of gambling halls and old fashioned hotels. Easily, it’s the most authentic looking 1880’s town in the Black Hills area. We went to the Lucky Nugget gambling hall where our female bartender was wearing an outfit that even an 1880’s Madam’s girls would probably not wear. But we really didn’t mind and stayed for several drinks. We also visited Boot Hill where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. Boot Hill was aptly named as it is way up on the hillside overlooking the town.

By 6:00pm we were back in the van and heading back to Custer City. I wanted to get back before dark as I did not want to encounter any of the very large animals that roam this area. Even so we rounded one curve and found several Big Horn sheep grazing just a few feet off the highway.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#8

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Weather update: Low this morning was 51 with a high only around 78. Tonight rain is coming into the area with Rapid City’s high to be only 48. Definitely will need jackets Monday.

As today is our last in the Custer State Park area it will be a day of rest and light sightseeing. Will see CSP and perhaps Rushmore one last time.

Yesterday, I again heard those four little words from Earl that I so love to hear; “Mike was right again”. I think that makes four days in a row that I’ve heard Earl say them. Early in the trip I’m sure he muttered them under his breath but I can’t say for certain. I kind of miss The Barb, as while she would also say them a lot, I think she was a more worthy opponent.

On Saturday, we went into CSP on the Wildlife Loop Road to see if we could find the big buffalo herd. We found a small herd of about 50 around the corral area. Then on the way to Wind Cave NP, we came upon a larger herd of around 500 just off the side of the road. There was a pull-off so we parked. Several cars were already there and the people were content just sitting in their cars taking pictures. That would not do for us so Earl and I got out and took our pictures from the parking area. Once the other cars saw we were not being charged by the bison they ventured out too. The closest we were to any buffalo was probably 50 yards so we were not in any danger. Even so, Mike H. and Carlos stayed in the van, I suppose so they could at least be witnesses for the county sheriff when they came to take a statement as to why the tourists were mauled by the buffalos. One time, on an earlier trip, I accidentally got within 10 feet of a buffalo which scared the #$%@ out of me and I quickly got back into the car.

At Wind Cave we took the cave tour. Surprisingly there were about 40 people on the tour given by Ranger Tammy, who said she was there for three more weeks and then they close for the season. Sadly Earl did not make the tour as his phobias of closed spaces would not allow. I was all set to give him one of my encouraging (and soooo uplifting) manly pep talks to inspire his participation when Mike H. reminded me of his melt-down when we went to the St Louis Arch. I remembered the terrible things we had to say to him to get him to go on the tram up the arch, and since children were present this time (not to mention the cute Ranger Tammy), I decided it was not worth it.

After the Wind Cave tour I encountered one of the male rangers in the parking lot who complimented me on my Tilley hat. I was initially pretty happy, but after thinking about that for a while I was not sure if he was flirting with me and decided I better go find Ranger Tammy and get my picture taken with her just to balance out.

Next we went to the town of Hot Springs where we toured the Mammoth dig site which is the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere if not the world. The dig is all indoors under roof. They have both Woolly Mammoth and Mastodons (the larger of the two) at this former sink hole. In the past 20 years they have dug down 30 feet and still have 80 feet to go. Volunteers help with the dig and Sept-Oct is the “55 and over” group. Wouldn’t you know it as that’s all we have been seeing on this trip is old people!! Hardly anyone OUR age!!...

Stopped at the DQ in Hot Springs for a quick snack. The DQ has been there since 1940 and was a hopp’n place for such a small town.

I almost forgot, while at the Mammoth site Carlos purchased a fairly large buffalo carving. What’s that make now for this trip, three carvings or four? There are so many boxes in the van that it now has a slight list to the driver’s side.

Next it was back to Custer City to watch the UK vs UofL football game on TV which Mike H. said started around 5:30 local time. Once in downtown Custer City we found out the game was already over, having actually started about 10:00am local time.

After the usual complaining and recriminations it was back to the Bavarian Inn for an early night. Carlos stayed home but the rest of us ate one final dinner at the Inn’s restaurant, which was a crowded place on a Saturday night. They seated us in the bar/lounge area which was very nice plus we had a TV and being the only ones there got quick service from our bartender/server. Again, the food was excellent.

Cub reporter Earl has taken over 750 pix with my pocket size digital camera. He was concerned that the display showed he only had about 120 snaps left. I told him I had additional memory for over 10,000 pictures. He was reassured and proceeded to take several pictures of the female restaurant owner’s portrait which hangs above the bar astride her Harley. I guess we will need that new memory card sooner than expected.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#9

Monday, September 21, 2009

Weather update: Turned colder Sunday late PM as the rain came into the area. We left CSP at 3:00pm to head back to Custer City and temp was 73. Ten miles later it was 53. This morning the temp is 39 and windy with clouds and light rain. This weather pattern will be with us all day.

On Sunday we toured CSP in the morning one last time. Took the Iron Mountain road toward Mt Rushmore from the park. About 2 miles in we came across a large burro herd in a parking area. About 20 burros and we fed them my two last loaves. Then we went to Keystone for a last look. The big house above the town which looks like a brand new hotel is actually a private residence and is well over 20,000 square feet. They must have a lot of stairs in that place as it is literally built into the side of the hill.

We then stopped at Mt Rushmore in order to get our daily fix of the old people in the big tour buses.

We took the Needles Highway back to CSP, arriving at the State Game Lodge around 2pm. We ate lunch and had the blueberry pie for dessert. We also stopped at the Coolidge gift shop to purchase those last mementos from CSP. Carlos kept eyeing the buffalo in the store and I thought for sure he was going to make one more purchase but did not. Mike H actually parted with some hard earned tourist dollars and purchased a t-shirt. By last tally the souvenirs to date are: Carlos: 1 suede western jacket, 1 western leather belt, 4 carvings of various sizes plus several other items I’ve already forgotten about; Earl: numerous thimbles; Mike A.: numerous post cards, crushed pennies and commemorative lapel pins; Mike H.: 1 t-shirt.

Thank God for Carlos, because if it was up to Mike H. we wouldn’t have a tourism industry.

Today’s drive also consisted of numerous van conversations revolving around our favorite subject, bathroom activities. I did not start the talk this time but fun was had by all with the comment thrown in that “we just can’t talk about this stuff” when women are around. Sad, but so true.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#10

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Weather update: Yesterday it was windy and cool. It was difficult keeping the van between the lines on the interstate. This morning’s temp in Sheridan is 32.

Yesterday while on the road to Sheridan, we stopped at Devil’s Tower N.P. which is off Interstate 90 about 20 miles. For those of you that are not familiar with Devil’s Tower it is the big rock tower that was prominent in the movie “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”. It’s pretty impressive up close at approx. 865 feet tall. We took the 1.3 mile hike around the base and saw three climbers on the tower even though it was cold and windy out. After the hike we high-tailed it across the parking lot to the bathrooms. It’s too bad they couldn’t have put a bathroom at the half-way point around the hiking loop. That would’ve been a good use of the new tax stimulus dollars.

Check out the tower at   www.nps.gov/deto/index.htm

We arrived in Sheridan, Wyoming about 3:30 in the afternoon to our motel on North Main. Another one of those 1950’s motor court style motels and is definitely off the beaten path. The dilapidated trailer park on the side and the train tracks to the rear were a classy touch.

Earl’s and Carlos’ room’s interior looked like it was put together to resemble “Lincoln Logs” and was on the other side of the multi-building complex about as far away from our room as you can get. After dropping their luggage off I was trying to concentrate on finding our room, but was distracted as Earl had already started whining about not liking his room and why can’t our rooms be closer together? After a full day of driving that made it difficult for me to concentrate on finding my room, but also made me remember why I enjoy being retired and not going to work everyday. Not having kids of my own I always wondered what travelling with them would be like. I no longer have that wonder.

It turned out we had been given the wrong room keys and our room was actually on the side of the complex closer to Earl and Carlos. We made it over to our new room and settled in with Earl still whining about us having the better room and he doesn’t like his “log cabin” décor. After storing the luggage we headed downtown to see King’s Saddlery and leather store before closing. They had saddles for sale the price of a small compact car and I’m thinking of all the people I know who have horses and how they probably will never be able to retire. We also went to a couple of other western stores on the main drag plus a J.C. Penney’s, which they said is the 2nd oldest in the country. It looked just like the store that was in Owensboro’s downtown back in the 1960’s. Carlos purchased both a cowboy hat and a string tie. Now he DOES look like Buffalo Bill Cody.

We also went to the Mint Bar which opened in 1907 and looks pretty much unchanged since that time. Then we went to a local restaurant called “The Chop House” for dinner where Carlos ordered the nightly special which was a 24oz. Rib-eye dinner. I believe Carlos is single-handedly raising the GNP of these states by about 15% with his visit. We ended the evening going to the movies to see “Inglorious Bastards”.

AN UPDATE: It is now around 11:00pm at night as I write this, having just returned from downtown Sheridan. When we got back to the room we discovered our smoke detector is defective and has intermittent chirping about every 20-30 seconds. Actually, the noise is more like a toy machine gun going something like “BRRRAAACKKKKKK, BRRRAAACKKKKKK, BRRRAAACKKKKKK”. And remember those train tracks I mentioned earlier? Well they are now outside our back door not 50 yards away. And they are not just train tracks, it turns out it is an assembly yard for the trains… Oh, yeah, constant noise all night long. And why they put these patio doors on the back of the room I’ll never know as who wants to watch a train track? Some solid wall that was more sound proof would’ve been better. So here I lie in bed listening to the staccato of the smoke detector with its “BRRRAKKKCKKKKK, BRRRAAACCKKKKK, BRRRAAACCKKKK” and the clanging of rail cars with the occasional whistle when a train does go by, wondering just what I did to deserve this, and is it too late to drag Earl out of bed and forcibly trade rooms? I wondered what else could go wrong with this overnight stay and then remembered the van is parked on the side lot adjacent to the dilapidated trailer court and wondered if it would still be there in the morning.

Actually, we did survive the night’s stay in Sheridan and as it turns out the bed mattresses in these rooms were the most comfortable we had ever encountered, not only on this trip but any other. And the morning breakfast was also the best one we had on this trip, with hot food like bacon, sausage, eggs and waffles. Everyone agreed our rooms were not that bad and would stay here again provided we get a room with a working smoke detector.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#11

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Weather update: This morning it is 36 degrees but clear and dry. Wind is 0 mph so it feels okay.

Today we drive across all of North Dakota on I-94 to Fargo, ND for the night.

Stayed at the AmericInn in Medora, ND last night. Had a very nice indoor pool and Jacuzzi at this motel which looks almost brand new. There was also a pool table in the pool area so three of us played pool while Earl frolicked in the pool and Jacuzzi all by himself. Well there were the 3 or 4 inflatable toys, too (I believe they were already there and not something Earl brought with him). I think everyone enjoyed this motel the best of all the ones on the trip.

Medora looks like a western town that Disney would have built. Very nice place. We ate in town at one of only three places open but it was a good local place. I finally got the buffalo burger and it tasted just as crappy as I remember it. That’s not a slam on the restaurant but more the lean buffalo beef just doesn’t have much taste and is very dry. Medora is a very small town and it’s basically closed for the season but there were enough shops open that we found some souvenirs to purchase with Carlos dragging off yet another box with a buffalo in it. It’s a good thing I didn’t bring my trailer hitch or else he could’ve rented a U-haul trailer for some serious shopping…

Earl found another thimble but has lost a t-shirt that was purchased last week. I’m confident we will find it in the mess that was once my van. It’s hard to describe what the van looks like, but just think of four male college freshmen sharing their first apartment with a beer cooler in the middle of the floor. The only thing missing is the smelly dirty underwear. Actually, scratch that, as there IS smelly dirty underwear involved…

After leaving Sheridan we stopped at the Little Big Horn Battlefield National Monument. It was about 90 miles north of Sheridan in Montana. I’m sure most of you might remember this place as “Custer’s Last Stand”. We toured the grounds where they have markers showing the places Custer and each of his troopers fell. We then took the drive along the ridge to see where the rest of his 7th Calvary unit survived the fight with the Indians. Not all of the 7th Calvary died with Custer as the unit was split into three groups. Only Custer’s group was wiped out as the other two units banded together and held out for another two days until help arrived. A good site to visit to learn more about Custer is www.garryowen.com

Earlier in the trip whenever we would drive and be talking about something, about 10 minutes later Earl would chime in on the very same subject that we had discussed like it had never been discussed before. This happened more than once and we would always give him grief about it. Now, I’m noticing Carlos is starting to do the same thing. I swear they are morphing into the same person. If Carlos starts “crying like a girl” then I will banish them both from the van.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#12

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Weather update: Looks like rain to the south of us as we head out of Fargo on the way to Madison by way of Minnesota. Hopefully we will be able to skirt it.

While driving the 380 miles across North Dakota yesterday we made a few stops to see some of the sights.

The first stop was a surprise as I saw this back in 2002 but thought it was in Minnesota and we wouldn’t get to it until later in the trip. It is the world’s largest Holstein cow perched high up on a solitary hill just off the interstate. You could see it from miles away. We drove up and took pictures as it would complement the Jolly Green Giant we saw in Blue Earth, MN. We could easily walk under it as it was over 40 feet tall. Most of the shots were of various members of the travelling party standing underneath hanging onto the udders. I guess being on the road for 12 days will do that to you.

Stop number two was at Fort Abraham Lincoln, from where Custer and the 7th Cavalry left on their fateful trip to the Little Big Horn. It’s a state park just south of I-94 in the town of Mandan, ND. At the park they have recreated several of the buildings including Custer’s house, a barracks, and the horse stables. Plus they have a very nice stone visitor center building that was constructed in the 1930’s by the CCC and also an authentic Indian village that was just outside of the fort’s grounds. This was an interesting state park and well worth the admission to see how life was back in the 1870’s at a western fort outpost.

Number three was an extra trip for the benefit of Mike H. but we all enjoyed it. Though we had used up almost all of my daily allotted trip time touring the other two attractions, I agreed to this extra one just to show everyone how flexible and accommodating I can be. I know it’s like I’m a new person now that I’m retired. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be (being flexible) and I’m sure the therapist back home can straighten me out once we get back. I just hope The Barb doesn’t find out I have these hidden flexibility talents. This stop was to Bismarck and the state capitol building. It’s a non-traditional designed art-deco building built back in the early 1930s. The building is 18 stories tall with a viewing area on the top floor. Again Earl checked out the elevator and decided against using it, instead walking/running up the 18 stories and meeting us there only about 3 minutes after we arrived. It was a sunny day so we enjoyed walking around and looking at the views. Too bad Earl couldn’t partake as he was off in a corner somewhere bent over and wheezing. Good thing he didn’t need CPR as he WAS NOT going to get it from me. That requires some kind of mouth-to-mouth contact, right?

In Fargo we are staying at the Super 8 in the heart of the shopping and eating district of this town of 95,000, the largest in ND. The first thing after checking in was to head to the local Wal-Mart/SAM’s which were side-by-side. How convenient!! We restocked on snacks and beverages for the final two days of the trip. The boys got distressed when neither store carried beer. What’s up with that a SAM’s not carrying beer?!! They regrouped when the friendly SAM’s greeter sent them across the parking lot to a beer store.

Then we ate Italian at Johnny Carinos, one of our best meals of the trip. And that’s saying a lot as we’ve eaten at some very good places. It looks like a chain but I’m not sure of any in the Kentucky area but worth checking out when we get back.

We also went to West Acres Mall to see the Roger Maris museum and shrine. This was Roger’s hometown. For a Wednesday, the mall was a busy place. We all left Fargo with a very favorable impression of Fargo and how attractive it is.

Tomorrow we head to Madison, WI about 450 miles away. I don’t have any detours planned as it will be just a long driving day but I’m sure we won’t be bored as someone will have a story to tell.

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--#13

Friday, September 25, 2009

Weather update: Cooler and no rain which is good as we were thinking we might be driving in rain all the way home.

Last night we stayed in Madison, Wisconsin at the Super 8 motel. While in Madison we drove to the Farm and Fleet store which was only about 3 miles away. Farm and Fleet is a combination of an Ace Hardware, farm store, sporting goods store and clothing variety store all in one. We found several things to purchase but the one thing that caught my eye was the snow blower that was on sale. Unfortunately I didn’t have any room to take it home with me but it was tempting as I just hate to watch The Barb shovel snow while I’m inside faking an injury.

After getting back to the motel we decided to get something to eat before turning in. Across the street there was a Hooters restaurant which was very tempting but instead ended up at the Hardee’s which was just next door to the Hooters. And that IS the ugly truth!!

Today we will drive the 500+ miles and make it back to Louisville before dark. A successful trip and I’m happy to say I did not lose a single passenger!

Subject: Postcards from Mt Rushmore--Final Recap

Saturday, September 26, 2009

We did make it back into the Louisville area by 4:30pm on Friday. Surprisingly we didn’t have as many bathroom breaks on this final leg as we did on the first leg. I’m not sure why that was.

Miles driven were just over 4200 with gas costs at $686. And though Carlos offered several times to drive, I did all the driving myself.

States we travelled through were 10; Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin. Several of those states were “first times” for some of the group.

We stayed in 7 different motels for 13 nights. The per person cost was $489 or $38 each per night. That’s not bad considering we really didn’t have a bad lodging night during the whole trip and I’m also including the Sheridan night which was to say the most memorable.

I’m not sure what everyone spent on souvenirs but I will go on record as saying Carlos spent the most and Mike H. the least. However if you include the snow blower which I purchased AFTER coming home (remember that one at Farm and Fleet?), I would still say Carlos still spent the most!!

Our top attractions list includes the following in no particular order as I can’t remember what everyone said when we ranked these while driving in the van.

1. The Badlands www.BlackHillsBadlands.com
2. Wall Drug www.walldrug.com
3. Mitchell Corn Palace www.cornpalace.com
4. Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills www.BlackHillsBadlands.com
5. Custer State Park and The State Game Lodge
    http://www.custerresorts.com/state-game-lodge-custer-state-park-resort/
6. Begging Burros in CSP
7. CSP’s bison herd, second largest in USA.
8. Devil’s Tower    www.nps.gov/archive/deto/home.htm
9. The Mint Bar in Sheridan http: www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Overview.aspx?RefID=44
10. King’s Saddlery in Sheridan
11. Little Big Horn Battlefield NM  http://www.garryowen.com/
12. Wind Cave NP
13. Iron Mountain Road in CSP
14. Needles Highway in CSP
15. 1880’s Train Ride from Hill City to Keystone
16. Mammoth Site in Hot Springs http:  www.mammothsite.com/geology.html
17. Spearfish Canyon, South Dakota

Until the next trip,

Mike A.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#1

Here it is Friday, August 21 and we have just spent the past seven hours driving up to Mackinac from Holland in the rain. This is the very uppermost part of the Lower Peninsula that you can get in Michigan and I’m wondering just where the Eff did summer go? It’s a “balmy” 54 degrees outside and the gale force winds are blowing reminiscent of Katrina. This is what summer vacation is supposed to be like? Oh, now I’m remembering why the Hell I left Wisconsin in the first place. At least the campground is nice and we have a nice water front view where we can see the Mackinac Bridge and the Grand Hotel on the island across the way.

While in Holland, the most interesting side trip I took was to a family run business that makes wooden shoes. Interesting process. I didn’t try any on but they say wooden shoes are pretty comfortable. They make all the shoes from Poplar as it is less prone to the wood splitting.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#2

Sunday AM, August 23, 2009

Weather update: Gray skies this morning and the temp is 56 degrees as of 6:00am. Winds are calm to slight. It’s odd but 56 seems a lot more balmy to me than the 54 degrees from Friday. Uh, oh, that’s not a good sign…

While in Holland earlier this past week, we took several day trips one of which was to Grand Rapids where we visited the Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum. Gerald was a simple and unassuming man. It’s interesting what history reveals. While negotiating to accept the vice presidency, he basically said he was screwed by Nixon in that Nixon lied to him when Ford asked if anyone inside the Executive Office was involved in Watergate. Nixon told him there was no connection at all. Ford said had he known the truth he would’ve never accepted the V.P. job. Outside the Library is Ford’s gravesite.

That makes about 13 Presidential gravesites I’ve visited. I should make a point to visit them all. Except Reagan’s.

Oh, and one last point about the Ford Library; For all you history revisionists who think the sun rises and sets with Fox News and blame Carter for the inflation of the 70’s, go visit the library. There it is in black and white the story of how Ford tried to deal with the rampant inflation issue and even has several of his video speeches on the subject complete with a collection of his “WIN” (Whip Inflation Now) buttons which were Ford’s personal brainchild. Actually, Ford inherited the inflation issue.

Ford was a decent man.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#3

Monday AM, August 24, 2009

Weather update: Temp at 6:00am is 52 degrees. Overnight low was supposed to dip into the 40’s but I guess summer is not yet ready to call it quits… I would like to apologize from an earlier email where I stated this was the “summer” vacation. Sorry for misleading everyone.

Now this is more like it. Yesterday went shopping in Mackinac and made just all kinds of pointless purchases. But then that’s what one does on vacation, right? Frank will be pleased to know that I have acquired a new sunny day hat and I won’t have to be wearing my booney hat anymore. This one is made in Canada and is called “The Tilley”. It’s guaranteed for life not to wear out. Very stylish and the girls up here in Mackinac are just going wild. Check it out at www.tilley.com

Last night we had our first campfire. Campfires are Barb’s department as she just loves them. As we were sitting in the dark watching the faint embers glow Barb asked “Why don’t we have more campfires when we go out?” I explained to her that in Kentucky during July and August, campfires and the heat given off are not something one usually gets excited about. Barb just sighed and continued stirring her campfire with the ice scraper.

After about an hour and a half, the fire was just not giving enough heat so we went inside. Did I mention that the camper has a FURNACE?! Thank God for the furnace.

Today is the day we go down to the docks and take the ferry ride over to Mackinac Island. I’m sure more shopping is on the agenda for today. They have a lot of fudge shops up here.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#4

Tuesday, August 24, 2009

Weather update: Yesterday the temp actually got up to the low 70’s and was sunny. Finally, one day of summer! Last night the low was just 58 but it was a “warm” 58 (scary but I think I’m getting acclimated to this climate). Alas, today is predicted not as warm as rain will be coming into the area late.

The trip to Mackinac Island went well and with uncanny prediction somehow found all kinds of useless and trashy souvenirs to purchase. Toured the historic Grand Hotel. When I was in Hawaii, everywhere I went there was Elvis memorabilia and music playing. It was like he had just left the islands yesterday. On Mackinac Island, it was just like Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve left yesterday. I don’t remember much about that movie but I’m sure it can’t rival “Blue Hawaii”.

There is just something elegant about being on an island where there are no motorized vehicles. Just a lot of bikes, horse drawn carriages and walkers. Definitely a throw-back to a more relaxed and formal lifestyle.

Hey! I just heard on the radio that Miss Venezuela won the Miss Universe pageant for the second year in a row!!. Note to self; Gotta set up a trip to Venezuela but I’m sure Gov. Sanford will beat me to it.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#5

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Weather update: Yesterday, in early afternoon, the rains returned as well as the Hurricane Ike winds. Another typical summer day in northern Michigan. The temp this morning at 6:00 is now 55 degrees and it looks like it will be a sunny day.

Since yesterday was our final full-day in this area we just spent it relaxing and visiting a few of my favorite places. Okay, we visited the numerous fudge shops and the pasties food vendors. Barb finally found her courage and allowed me to drive over the Mackinac bridge. For the past several days she said she wasn’t going to go over it because of her phobias. Had I known she was this defective years ago, well I would’ve just left her in Wisconsin…

When the Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957 it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Today, it is still the longest in the Western Hemisphere at just under 5 miles.

Today we break camp and head down to Bay City where will stay in a state park. While there we will visit Frankenmuth where they have the country’s largest Christmas Store among other attractions in this quaint German styled village.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#6

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Weather update: At 8:00am today (Yep, I got up later than my normal 5:00) it is 55 degrees out. I’m starting to notice a theme up here for what passes as summer weather.

Last night was a beautiful cloudless evening with just a slight breeze rustling through the trees at the Bay City State Park campground. The evening’s temp was in the low 60’s at 6:30pm. Barb tried out another campfire last evening. This one came out a little better than the one before, no doubt because she has had more practice.

Today we are off to Frankenmuth to see Bronner’s Christmas Store and the picturesque downtown Germanic village shops and buildings.

It has been a goal of mine for over 15 years to come and see this Christmas store ever since I saw a billboard for it on some God forsaken Indiana back road somewhere over by Evansville. I thought if they would put an advertisement for it on this out of the way road then it must be something to see. Now, I’m at the age where I don’t even want to put up a Christmas tree and have to question why I’m doing this. But I’m in full vacation shopping mode so who knows what I might purchase! Perhaps one of those “Leg” lamps like they had in “A Christmas Story”.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan--#7

Friday, August 28, 2009

Weather update: At 8:00 it is 58 degrees out. But it is a “dry” 58 so does not feel as cold as one would think. The weather forecaster led off the weekend’s forecast with “It is too early in the season for this weather…”. When that happens you know it’s time to say goodbye and head south.

Since it will be rainy and very cold all weekend, we decided to head back on Saturday rather than pressing the last ounce of time out of The Barb’s final vacation and head back on Sunday like she originally planned.

All-in-all, a relaxing vacation and we saw a lot of things. Oh, Bronner’s Christmas store was something to see once but I don’t think I need to return.

For the past several years, a tradition we have done on vacation is to visit an outlet mall. Yesterday, we found a Prime Outlet Center at the Frankenmuth exit. It’s about 50% larger than the one south of Indy.

This next item is for Earl so the rest of you don’t need to read on…

While at Prime I discovered I had in my possession a sure-fire “Chick Magnet” and you might want to get one as I’m sure it would help. We took the dogs on this trip and since the older dog can’t really walk very far anymore I brought along our Doggy Ride buggy for her to ride in. WWW.DoggyRide.com. Everywhere I went shopping the women all had to come up and just gush over the buggy and the dog inside. Actually, this happened on the whole trip at every destination but it wasn’t until getting to Prime that I noticed the connection, as the women were generally younger. You should consider getting one of these as it would definitely help. Or, I’ll rent you mine at some obscenely greedy rate that typifies my allegiance to rampant runaway Red State Capitalism.

Subject: Postcards from Michigan -- Last one

Saturday, August 29, 2009

#7 was to be my last postcard as we were going to be heading back home on Saturday but then something happened and I had to share the story.

I’ve been camping since the 1950’s and this has never happened to me before.

Friday night was a rainy night off and on and Saturday’s forecast was more of the same so that’s why we decided to come back a day early.

Saturday morning around 4:30 I had to get up for the usual “the dogs need to go outside” routine. This is not the way it works at home but for some reason while camping, they have gotten in the habit of going outside in the wee hours.

I was standing in the camper doorway putting on the leash for the younger dog (Pilar) as she is a flight risk. Normally, Pilar is very laid back about going outside but this morning she was all anxious which I attributed to a full bladder. I never put the older dog on a leash because she just goes outside, does her business and then waits to come back in.

No sooner than I get the leash on Pilar she’s out the door and goes under the camper which again, is not normal in the routine. Here I am standing on the ground at the camper steps with her leash now wrapped around my leg wondering what’s up with this? About that exact same time I’m thinking “Sweet Mother of God, what’s that smell?!!” Which was immediately followed by the brain kicking in with “SKUNK”!!!!! And a split second later followed by THE PILAR, coming back out from underneath the camper snorting, spitting and shaking her head.

Here I am outside in the dark with a dog wrapped around my leg going crazy and for all I know a rabid skunk two feet away in the dark getting ready to attack me. Fortunately, by the time I was able to shine my light underneath the camper the skunk had high-tailed it.

So, now as I watch Pilar for the next 3 minutes snort, sneeze and shake her head I’m pondering what do I do next for an encore? I mean, it is 4:30 and off and on rainy outside. So my only conclusion is to gather up the two dogs (the older one of whom has been oblivious to all of this going on) and go back inside the camper and hopefully keep my eyes from burning as the spray must have happened right under the camper door as that is where the strongest odor was.

After getting back inside, Pilar immediately goes up on the bunk where Barb has been sleeping through all of this. The older dog is still oblivious but thinking she might get a treat if she plays this just right.

Once inside I realize that the smell is just not going away. Barb groggily awakes and asks “Are you burning something on the stove?” She said later that she knew in a moment that something else must be up because of my swearing.

Well, what do you do in a situation like that? Here I had a 10 hour drive ahead of me in a van with the prospects of doing that in a pleasant odor-free environment now shot to Hell. Now, Brenda living out in the country, you’ve probably had all kinds of experiences like this and would have a remedy in a heart beat. Me, being a city boy, had not a clue. But let me tell you, Vick’s Vapor Rub applied liberally to the nose works wonders!!

Well, we did make it home and Pilar is actually starting to smell better (or is that the Vick’s has permanently damaged my nose?). That’s my last email from Michigan. Until next time.

Mike

Death in the Family

Sunday, August 30, 2009

It is with sadness in my heart that I have to tell you of the passing of my beloved and faithful companion of 33 years. On Sunday afternoon, suddenly and without warning, my all-time favorite car wash hose passed away. One minute I was washing the van and when I looked around there was my companion, writhing on the driveway with a leak shooting into the sky. Upon further examination I knew it was terminal.

I purchased this hose in 1976 shortly after arriving in Wisconsin for my first job after college. I loved its suppleness and flexibility. Over the years I have tried other hoses but none could ever take its place. Visitation was Sunday afternoon and burial will be Monday morning with the trash pick-up.

And though I’ve lost a close and dear companion to that giant car wash in the sky, don’t shed a tear for me as I happen to have the back-up hose cousin hanging in the garage. I’ve had the back-up hose for 25 years and it’s just like new, only being used about a dozen times. I don’t really remember why I bought this one but I’m game to see if it can measure up to my trusted and good friend.

Goodbye old friend, I’m sure someday we will meet again.

Mike A.