I spied the E.S. Hoyt House in Red Wing, MN

I spied the E.S. Hoyt House in Red Wing, MN the afternoon of Sep 12 from American Cruise motorcoach.  It was designed by the firm of Purcell and Elmslie and built in 1913.  The house is one of their more elaborate designs.  The horizontal lines of the Prairie School are quite pronounced in this house; they are expressed in the bands of art glass windows on both levels, the cantilevered second story, the low hipped roof, and deep eaves.  The exterior is clad with brick on the first floor and red stucco on the second floor.  Several of the art glass windows provide splendid views of the Mississippi River.  

50 States plus District of Columbia Challenge Completed - Sep 12, 2025

On Sep 9, I found Pearl Button treasure (Traditional Cache) in Iowa.  On Sep 10, I found Welcome to Unique - Dubuque Shot Tower (Virtual) in Iowa.  On Sept 11, I found I Like Your Style  Dude (Virtual) in Minnesota.  And on Sep 12, I found The Sea Witch Disaster (Traditional Cache) in Minnesota.

I have found at least one cache in each of the fifty states plus District of Columbia.

Upper Mississippi River Cruise on American Heritage, Sep 05 - Sep 13, 2025

I took a cab to PDX airport at 6:15 am to catch a flight to Denver at 8:35 am.  I had a Bulkhead Window Seat 7F. Then I had a Bulkhead Window Seat 7F from Denver to St Louis arriving at 4:33 pm.  The entire flight was cancelled.  A young woman sat by me and helped rebook using my IPhone.  An absolute angel.

I caught a flight out of PDX about 10:41 am for Chicago.  No Bulkhead Seat.  I sat in the Middle Seat 38E in the second to last row near the rear toilet.  I ended up in the Window Seat.  I had almost a three hour layover in Chicago so I used my United Lounge pass.  On the 8:05 pm flight from Chicago to St Louis   No Bulkhead Seat.  I sat 17B mid plane. 

Another nightmare.  Erratic Internet Service at the Airport Transportation area.  I finally got a Lyft.  I arrived at the Embassy Suites St. Louis Downtown Hotel about 10:30 pm.  I had an enormous Suite on the 5th Floor at the end of the corridor overlooking the Arena.

After breakfast I took a Lyft to the Saint Louis Art Museum located in Forest Park.  I visited the museum for three hours.  I had Ham and Swiss Sandwich for lunch in the cafe.  I took a Lyft back to the hotel.  I had planned to visit Eero Saarinen's Stainless Steel Gateway Arch but visitors who want to reach the top must take a tram ride.  There are 96 steps spread over six flights of stairs to reach the tram. The ride to the observation deck takes about 18 minutes, followed by a 30-minute to 1-hour wait on the way up. There are no seats or restrooms at the top of the Arch.  Not going to happen.

I had breakfast in the Hotel Atrium.  On board the ship I had a Single Balcony Stateroom 511 on the American Heritage traveling from St. Louis, MO to St. Paul, MN.   I had lunch at a corner table that was "my table" for the entire cruise.  The ship departed at 2:00 pm.

Sep 7 - The ship arrived at 7:30 am at Hannibal Riverfront Park - North Dock.  I rode the Hannibal, MO Local Loop.  I visited the Laura Hawkins House.  Laura was a real-life inspiration for Becky Thatcher in Mark Twain's books.  Afterwards I had Victorian Afternoon Tea of Scone, Strawberry Jam, and Clotted Cream with Earl Grey Tea in a lovely courtyard garden.  I attended the evening's entertainment: The Molly Brown Show.  Molly Brown was a resident of Hannibal and a survivor of the Titanic.  The ship departed at 11:00 pm.

Sep 8 - A relaxing day aboard ship.  The ship arrived at Riverside Park Landing in Davenport, IA at 11:00 pm.

Sep 9 - I took the narrated Muscatine Local Loop with stops.  We visited the Stanley Gallery where I photographed the statue "Prayer of Peace" (1987) by Allan Houser.  I found a Traditional Geocache at the National Pearl Button Museum.  The story of pearl buttons cut from the shells of freshwater mussels from the Mississippi River in Muscatine is told in the unique museum.  The ship departed at 1:00 pm from the Park Landing.  I attended the Presentation: The Golden Era of Steamboatin'.  I was interested in a book that a woman was reading about 6:30 am: "Beach Read'" by Emily Henry.  The woman gave me the book when she finished reading it.

Sep 10 - The ship arrived at 8:00 am at Rivers Edge Plaza Landing.  I rode the Dubuque, IA Local Loop. I visited St. Lukes Methodist Church. The guided experience highlighted the church's stain glass windows. Then I took a ride on the funicular elevator - the shortest and steepest scenic railway in the United States run at 45 degree angle.  I got my picture taken with the Dubuque Shot Tower in the background (Virtual Cache). The ship left at 1:00 pm.

Sep 11 - Dense Fog Advisory until 9:00 am. The ship arrived at 12:30 pm at the Winona Levee Park Landing.  I took the Local Loop at Winona, MN.  I visited St. Stanislaus Basilica (Polish) to view the stained-glass windows.  I took a Lyft to the Winona Knitting Mills.  I did a Virtual geocache.  I wandered the corridors looking at the displays, large photos, prints, etc.  I saw Big Lebowski's Sweater and display in a glass case and a newspaper article and photo of Mr. Rogers wearing his red sweater in framed displays.  I took a Lyft back to the ship.  The ship left at 6:00 pm.

Sep 12 - The ship arrived at 6:00 am in Red Wing, MN.  I went to a nearby Levee Park to find a multi-cache: "The Sea Wing Disaster" about 9:00 am.  We were supposed to have a narrated coach tour of St. Paul in the afternoon.  It was cancelled so I visited the Red Wing Arts in the Red Wing's historic 1905 depot.  When I returned to the ship, Emily, a local woman, helped me cross the railroad tracks.  Earlier I had spotted a FLW house.  Emily told me that the architect was a student of FLW.  I wish we could have had lunch together. I would have enjoyed our talk. I placed my luggage outside my stateroom after dinner.

Sep 13 - I had an early breakfast this morning.  The motorcoach departed for the airport at 7:45 am.  I got a Delta wheelchair attendant to take me to United Counter.  Afterwards I paid the Day Fee at United Lounge.  I ate lunch and rested. 

I was supposed to depart Minneapolis/St. Paul at 1:00 pm.  Disaster strikes again. Thankfully the women at the United Lounge Counter took charge of the chaotic re-bookings.  I was supposed to be routed through Chicago.  By the time the dust settled I was routed through Denver to Portland, OR.  United gave me a Voucher so I got a glass and half of wine during the flight.  The wine had Tasting Notes of Melon, Honeysuckle and Toasted brioche.  I did have Bulkhead window seats both flights.  I got a Lyft.  I was home by 6:30 pm.  Great trip (except for United Airlines) but it was good to be home!

Then they came for me—Martin Niemöller

 The Quote

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller.   After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

The Nature of Survival

 "The nature of survival is that stuff doesn't always go as planned. Survival is about making decisions, keeping going, keeping cheerful and coming up with a new plan when something doesn't work." Edward Michael Grylls, nicknamed Bear, (b. 1974), British adventurer, writer and television presenter.

Oregon Coast Trip, August 1-2, 2025

On Friday, August 1st, I stayed overnight at McMenamins Gearhardt Hotel.  I had lunch at the hotel's Sand Trap Pub.  I was disappointed that there was not a Happy Hour.  I had a room on the top floor, overlooking the golf course.  Good night's sleep.  I should have taken time to have a hearty breakfast.

I rode the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.  The Cafe Car, Open Car and Coaches were pulled by Steam Locomotive No. 25.   I departed from Rockaway Beach at 1:00PM, arriving in Garibaldi at 1:30. Left Garibaldi at 2:00, arriving back in Rockaway at 2:30.  I had a Coach Car Ticket but I chose to sit in the corner of the nearly empty Cafe Car with great Bay Side/Ocean views.

I drove northeast via Hwy 53 and Sunset Hwy 26.  I visited Nehalem Bay Winery. I stopped partway home to have a fish sandwich at Dairy Queen.  I arrived home about 8:00PM.  During the two day trip I found two Virtuals, a Locationless Cache and got coordinates and information to create an Earthcache: Silver Point Interpretive Overlook on the Oregon Coast.  

After six years I finally completed the McMenamins Passport!

On Friday, June 27, I traveled North on I-5.  I filled the gas tank in North Vancouver., WA.  I stopped at Rest Stop 52 halfway to Olympia just to stretch.   I stopped in Chehalis for Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit at McDonalds at 8:20AM.  I got a Passport Stamp and free T-shirt at the McMenamins Spar Cafe in Olympia.  I got a Passport Stamp and free lunch and commemorative glass at McMenamins Mill Creek Pub. 

After six years I completed a McMenamins Passport at Anderson School in Bothell, WA.  I got two free T-shirts, a charm and commemorative glass.  I was awarded several Grand Prizes.  I had dinner at the Tavern on the Square.  I talked to the couple at the next table about traveling and geocaching.  I stayed the night at the Main Lodge on the third floor.  Fantastic room!  

The next morning, I ate a light breakfast at Starbucks on the way to Edmonds.  I visited Rick Steves Europe where I purchased his recent book "On The Hippie Trail."   I wish that I could take his Grand Tour but it is just too physically demanding.  I stopped at Starbucks in Renton for Fruit and Cheese Protein Box.  I stopped at two rest stops on the way home so I could stretch a bit.  I took a brief nap in the remote, shaded Wal-Mart parking lot at one point.  Home again about 7:00PM.

A few of my favorite films...

"The Lake House"

"Capricorn One"

"Letters to Juliet"

"Sleepless in Seattle"

"Rebecca" starring Joan Fontaine

"All the President's Men"

"Serendipity"

"The Secret Garden" with Maggie Smith (1993)

"The Railway Children" (1970) with Jenny Agutter

"Portrait of Jenny" (1948) starring Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten and Ethel Barrymore

Seashell Photo threatens Trump's life

Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation for '8647' Instagram Post seen as a potential threat to Trump's life.  He had posted a photo of a seashells formation that he saw on a beach walk. Comey denied that his posting of the seashells was meant as a threat, saying in a statement that he was unaware people linked the specific number arrangement with violence. 

The number 86 has also been used by Republicans calling for the impeachment of Joe Biden - for example, T-shirts sold on Amazon reading '8646', indicating a call to impeach Biden (the 46th president).  Where was the uproar then?  Some liberals are accusing the right of deliberating misunderstanding Comey's intent in order to score political points.  As for Don Jr's comments what else would you expect.  

Check out the plethora of '8647' T-shirts sold on Amazon.  I especially like the T-shirts that have flowers intertwined with the numbers.

Cruising Since 1993

Sternwheeler "Columbia Gorge" - Columbia River - !993

Golden Princess - Salish Sea - 2012                 

MV Malaspina - Alaska Inside Passage - 2015

American Countess - Ohio River - 2023

American Splendor - Lower Mississippi River - 2025

Next Upper Mississippi River

Trump and I boldly claim...

A - Trump: 'I run the country and the world'

B - My coffee cup: I am 'The Queen of Everything'

C - Both are delusional

Which is true?  B is the correct choice.

Then they came for me--Martin Niemöller

The Quote

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller.   After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

Call to Action or "Play Dead"?

Actor Peter Finch starts out saying in the movie "Network", “I don’t have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad.”

After warming up a bit more by citing a list of bad things, he delivers his call to action:

“So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out, and yell, ‘I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!'"

or

You can roll over and “play dead” and allow President Trump and his Republican allies who control Congress to self-destruct under the weight of ever increasing, unpopular policies.

Cruising the Lower Mississippi River March 2025

I took a cab at 2:45 AM to Portland International Airport on Monday, March 17.  I took the 5:00 AM flight to Memphis, TN via Denver, CO arriving a little after 2:00 PM.  After retrieving my suitcase, I caught the Hotel Shuttle to The Guest House at Graceland.  I ended up staying in Room #761. I ate dinner at Delta's in the Hotel Lobby. I was so exhausted I went to bed early.  

I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at Delta's on Tuesday, March 19.  I caught a Lyft at 10:00 AM to The Peabody Hotel to hear the Duckmaster's presentation and watch the famous ducks walk the red carpet to the fountain.  I purchased a Lansky's Lucky Rubber Duck.  I caught a Lyft at noon to the Johnny Cash Statue, a Historical Landmark and a Virtual Geocache.  I had Pulled Pork Sandwich and iced tea for lunch at nearby Bain Barbecue.  I caught a Lyft back to the hotel at 2:00 PM.  I had dessert at EP's Bar and Grill.  I saw an Elvis Movie "Love Me Tender" in the Guest Room Theater.  Early to bed and early to rise.

On Wednesday, March 19, I had a light breakfast of eggs, grits and fruit at Delta's.  My suitcase was picked up in my hotel room by the bell staff.  I met Group 1 in the hotel lobby for the 11:15 Embarkation time.  We were escorted to the waiting cruise coach for transfer to the American Splendor.  Once on board I proceeded to my stateroom #413.  I went to the Dining Room for lunch.  The ship departed at 2:00 PM.  Thunder and Lightning storm mid Afternoon.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.

On Thursday, March 20, the ship arrived at 1:30 AM at Terrene Landing, Rosedale, MS/Cleveland, MS.  I had breakfast and then lunch in the Restaurant.  About 2:30 PM I visited the fascinating Railroad Museum on the Cleveland Local Loop coach ride.  The ship left at 5:30PM for Vicksburg.  Dinner in the Restaurant. 

On Friday. March 21, the ship docked at Vicksburg Riverfront Landing at 6:00 AM. After breakfast we went on a driving exploration of Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park at 9:00 AM, stopping briefly at the U.S.S. Cairo Museum.  I gathered the information for GCG107 Virtual Geocache.   Returned to the ship.  After lunch I made a Scrapbook Bookmark.  I listened to a talk about The Sultana in the River Lounge.  Recommended book: "Disaster on the Mississippi" by Gene Eric Salecker.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.  Our ship left for Natchez, MS at 11:30 PM.

On Saturday, March 22, the ship docked at 6:00 AM.   I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.   I went on a Natchez Landmark Exploration: Natchez, MS at 10:00 AM.  We visited the exquisite Rosalie House, an antebellum mansion in downtown Natchez.  We also visited The Basilica of Saint Mary.  I found the Virtual Geocache (GC7B69F) at the brick building that currently houses a saloon at 25 Silver Street in Natchez under the hill.  Afternoon Presentation: The Voyage of New Orleans.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.  The ship departed from Ferry Street Landing (Lower Landing) at 10:00 PM.

On Sunday, March 23, the ship arrived at West Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 6:00 AM.  I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I visited The Myrtles, St. Francisville, LA from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  I purchased a unique necklace.  Back onboard I went on a Pilothouse Tour at 5:00 PM.  Dinner at 5:30 PM.

On Monday, March 24, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  The ship departed West Feliciana Landing in St. Francisville, LA at 7:00 AM.  Presentation at 11:00 AM by Guest Speaker Jim Schweickart: Taming the Waters.  Recommended books: "Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America" by John M. Barry and "The Control of Nature" by John McPhee.  Culinary Presentation: Pralines at 2:00 PM.  Bingo at 2:45 PM.  The ship arrived at Vacherie Landing at 5:00 PM.  Dinner.

On Tuesday, March 25, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I visited Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM.  After touring the Plantation House I had a couple sips of Mint Julep and a glass of Lemonade.  Dinner.  The ship departed Vacherie Landing at 6:00 PM. The ship arrived at Thalia Street Wharf in New Orleans, LA at 10:30 PM. 

On Wednesday, March 26, I went to the Early Riser's Breakfast.  I took a Motorcoach to the Airport.  I got my boarding passes but was not allowed to check my suitcase.  I spent the day in United Lounge as I had a free pass.  I caught the 6:02 Flight to Portland International Airport via Denver, CO.  I took a Lyft home.  Great trip but it was good to be back.

I found three Geocaching Virtuals during the trip: one in Memphis, TN, one in Vicksburg National Milit6ary Park, MS and one in Natchez, MS.

Cachly App preference

I have an iPhone 11 Pro.  I use the Cachly app.  Cachly is a simple and powerful Geocaching app for iOS that includes many advanced features.

Cachly vs the Geocaching App.

I much prefer Cachly vs the Geocaching App.   I came across an interesting article: Cachly vs Geocaching® App: A Comparison Review | The Geocaching Junkie – The Geocaching Junkie.  Check it out.

More Travel Tips I have Learned As A Female Solo Traveler

Save money on food by going to the grocery store instead of eating out for every meal. Book hotel(s) with continental breakfast. Use Lyft or Uber to get around. Pack a fully charged power bank (or two). Take that power bank everywhere with you. Keeping the power bank in your bag comes in handy especially in the airport and on days where you are away from your hotel for long periods of time. Bus tours are a great way to see more of the country for an affordable price. 

Plan, but don't over plan. So, what works best for me is planning a few things to do every day then spend the rest of the day wandering. Go to free museums and libraries for restroom access. While you are there, check out the exhibits! Choose a landmark or memorable place as a point of reference to guide you back to your hotel and other places you frequent.  Be sure to plan a rest day on a long trip. 

Stay hydrated. Try to always carry a water bottle. In the airport, use the restroom before boarding the plane or going through Customs. Don't post where you are in real time, especially if your profiles are public. Also, don't post where you are staying until you've left! Expect bumps in the road and mentally prepare yourself to adapt. Always have a Plan B. A bump in the road is simply an opportunity for a new adventure.

Some travel lessons I have learned as a Female Solo Traveler

Lessons I have learned: Never let the gas tank get below half full. As my eldest son says if you can't see the gas station from the highway it doesn't exist. Make hotel reservations for the first couple days then wing it - you never know where you will end up. Always bring plenty of water and snacks. Eat at places where the locals eat. Restrooms: McDonalds and Libraries. Libraries also for Computers and Book sales. Always travel with a map or Atlas - do not believe your car GPS; it will lead you astray. Check in with someone every day on long trips. If your car overheats, open all of the windows and turn the heater on full blast. And travel safe.

It's Going to Be a Long Four Years

Four Days in Las Vegas 2025

I took a cab from my house to Portland International Airport on Friday, January 10.  I had an afternoon flight to Las Vegas traveling First Class.  I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  I saw the Sphere upon landing.  My youngest sister met me at the airport.  We watched "Enola" in her Living Room in front of the glowing fireplace. 

I attended the Geocaching Event in North Las Vegas at Old School Pizzeria on Saturday.  I knew a Geocacher from Seattle.  My sister and I stopped at a Grocery store on the way back to her house.  We watched "Enola 2."  My sister gave me an interesting book "Floodpath" by Jon Wilkman c. 2016 about the St. Francis Dam catastrophe in 1928.

We saw the spectacular Chinese New Year display at The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden on Sunday.  We saw the chocolate fountain and had delicious but expensive Gelato.  We did the "Final Resting Place of Two Blues Greats" Virtual Geocache.  We saw actor Tony Curtis gravesite.  We did "The Amazing Las Vegas Sphere" and "Signs of the Times" Virtuals.  Photographed the glowing "Hard Rock Cafe" sign.  We watched Tom Hanks in "Greyhound" back at the house.

Slow start to the day on Monday.  I watched "The Mexican" starring Brad Pitt. We saw the first full moon of 2025 as we were driving toward the Strip.  The 'wolf moon" reached its peak this evening.  European immigrants would hear the nightly cries of wolves as they hunted for food in the harsh winter conditions hence the nickname.  We drove around the Fremont district looking at the Neon.  My sister accidently turned the wrong way onto a one-way street.  The officer used his vehicle to block the street so we could turn around.  We saw the Fremont Street Light Show at 6:00.  We watched "The Children's Train" an adaption of the 2019 novel of the same name back at the house.

After breakfast on Tuesday morning, we took an Uber to Las Vegas airport, leaving for PDX about 12:15.   I had a mimosa after boarding and later a cheese and fruit lunch.  Incredible view of the Cascade Range from Three Sisters to Mount St. Helens.  We took a Lyft to my house.  It was an interesting trip however I was glad to be back to cold/damp weather.