The Best of the Dakotas

Wednesday, June 1 - I left home via cab about 6:00AM, arriving at PDX about 20 minutes later.  After checking in I went to the United Airlines Lounge until it was time to board the flight to Denver.  I completed a Virtual in Denver International Airport.   I arrived in Rapid City about 4:00PM.  I took the hotel shuttle to the Holiday Inn Rapid City - Rushmore Plaza Room #614 for four nights.  I had a pizza for dinner in the dining room.   It was delicious.

Thursday, June 2 - I ate cold pizza for breakfast.  The Hotel Shuttle transported me to the nearby Journey Museum - A journey through the Black Hills.  At 4:30PM there was a Road Scholar Reception, Orientation and Introductions.  Group dinner at the hotel.

Friday, June 3 - After breakfast we stopped at the outdoor informational signage and saw two sections of the Berlin Wall donated to the city.  We departed for Mount Rushmore National Memorial (5,250 ft. elevation) where four of the presidents are carved on the side of a mountain in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  I found a Virtual geocache.  We had lunch at Mount Rushmore cafeteria where I sat at a table near the fireplace.  We stopped briefly at a pullout to take photos of a side profile of George Washington.  We saw colossal Crazy Horse Memorial next.  I watched an American Indian dance presentation.  Back at the hotel, we had a buffet dinner.

Saturday, June 4 -After breakfast, we traveled the Custer State Park Visitor Center.  We had lunch at the historic State Game Lodge in Custer State Park.  We visited the Mammoth Site located in the southwest edge of Hot Springs in the Black Hills.  The Ice Age Museum contains the largest concentration of Columbian and Woolly Mammoths found in the primary context.  There are also camels, wolves and giant short-faced bears that became trapped in the giant sinkhole.  I had dinner at Piesano's Pacchia with George W. Gladfelter who I met many years ago on a Road Scholar Missoula Ice Age Flood trip. 

Sunday, June 5 - Following breakfast, we brought our luggage to the motorcoach.  We departed for historic Wall Drug.  Our leader led us on a brief tour.  I got a free donut and then looked at the extensive Western Art collection along the walls in the dining rooms.  We went to the Badlands National Park/Visitor Center.  We had a box lunch.  We traveled to Pierre, SD.   We stayed at the ClubHouse Inn & Suites in Pierre for two nights.  Room #129.

Monday, June 6 - After breakfast, we departed for SD State Capital Building.  I got a photo for the Capital Dome Benchmark.  I found a Virtual Geocache - "Fighting Stallions".  We visited SD State Historical Museum and Cultural Heritage Center.  I found a Traditional Geocache - "History Seeker".  We had lunch at a local restaurant.  We departed for the Oahe Dam Tour.  I visited the Oahe Chapel which served a dual purpose - it served as a schoolhouse and as a chapel.  I did not go on the Oahe Power Plant/Dam Tour or the Farm Implement Tour.  Instead I read James Patterson's "Lost".  About 4:00PM we returned to the hotel.  We had dinner in the Red Rossa Restaurant Meeting Room. 

Tuesday, June 7 - After breakfast, we brought our luggage to the coach.  We visited the ND Historic Site Welk Homestead.  I found a Traditional Geocache under a pine tree.  We had lunch in Linton, ND.  We visited the 17,000-acre Black Leg Ranch.  Black Angus cattle were the reason for the naming of  the ranch.  I had two samples of their microbrews.  We arrived at the Hampton Inn Bismarck Room for one night.  Room #110.

Wednesday, June 8 - After breakfast, we brought our luggage down to the coach.  I found a Traditional Geocache.  We visited the Art Deco ND Capital - "Skyscraper in the Prairie".  From the 18th Floor Observation Deck of the Capitol, one can see up to 35 miles away on a clear day.  We visited the ND Heritage Center Museum.  We had lunch at the Capital Cafe.  We went to the Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park.  The group explored the reconstruction of General George Custer home.  I had an ice cream bar sitting in the shade on the gift shop patio deck.  We drove along the Enchanted Highway where there were several large scrap metal sculptures.  We met the sculptor.  About 5:30PM we arrived at the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora for two nights.  Room #108.  I ate dinner in Theodore's.  I was deeply disappointed in the Burger and fries.

Located in the heart of downtown Medora the charming Rough Riders Hotel was originally constructed in 1884 in anticipation of an economic boom when French nobleman the Marquis de Mores built his meat packing plant, a stagecoach line, and several other businesses in the area.  Originally called the Metropolitan, the name was changed in 1903 to honor Roosevelt's Rough Riders.

Thursday, June 9 - After breakfast, we departed for Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  We took a scenic drive through the park.  We went to the Center for lunch.  We saw the Chateau de Mores Visitors Center and visited the 26-room historic house (1883).  I chose not to attend the dinner and musical event as I wanted to watch the first day of the House Committee Jan. 6 Hearings.  The fear of losing and being considered a loser was a common thread for Nixon and Trump.

Friday, June 10 - We brought our luggage to the coach.  After breakfast, we departed for Devils Tower.   We stopped at Painted Canyon Overlook where I found an Earthcache.  We had a sack lunch at The Geographic Center of North America in Belle Fourche, SD.  Many of the group hiked the 1.3 mile trail around the base of Devil's Tower however I chose to visit the Visitor Center and then sat on the bench in the shade.  We stopped in Sturgis at the Harley Davidson store.  We returned to the Holiday Inn Rapid City - Rushmore Plaza about 5:30PM.  I had a suite - Room #804.  I skipped the Farewell Dinner to have dinner with George.  We went to the Great Wall Chinese restaurant. 

Saturday, June 11 - I was disappointed that breakfast was not included.   I took the Hotel Shuttle at 7:00AM to the Rapid City Airport.  I wanted to buy a fruit/yogurt cup but the counter person would not sell me what I wanted.  So I ate a banana for breakfast in the airport cafe.  I caught the 11:10AM United Airlines flight to Denver.  I had lunch at the UA Lounge.  I caught the 12:27PM flight to PDX arriving about 5:40.  After retrieving my suitcase I caught the MAX Light Rails/Buses to the street where I live.  It was good to be home!

During the trip I saw bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, deer, prairie dogs, and longhorn steers.   With so much rain lately I saw wildflowers in profusion.  I found three Traditional Geocaches, an Earthcache, a Virtual and a Benchmark.  I added the state of North Dakota to the states that I have geocached in.

Home Away From Home - Alexandria, VA

When I stay at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Alexandria, the hotel staff knows me as I stay there almost every year.  I left Charlottesville, VA at 8:53 AM in Business Class, arriving Alexandria at 11:03 AM.  I had a King Bed One Bedroom Suite w/Living Room at the Comfort Suites in Alexandria.  My eldest son, Jeff, and I had dinner at Chuy's Mexican Food. 

Jeff introduced me to Geocaching in October 2004.  Ironically Geocaching began in May 2000 less than 30 miles southeast of my house.  I had never heard about Geocaching until my visit with Jeff.   My first Geocache find with Jeff and Lorraine was the "Ash Grove Bug Hotel" in Virginia.  I was so impressed by this historical geocache that when I returned home I created several historical geocaches in No. Portland, Oregon and Clark County, Washington

Tuesday, April 26 - Jeff and I found a Traditional Cache, a Multi Cache, and an Earthcache at the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary. We visited the Calvert Marine Museum.  I saw the Drum Point Lighthouse Built 1883.  We had dinner at The Lighthouse Restaurant at Solomons Island, Maryland.

Wednesday, April 27 - Jeff and I found a Traditional Cache, three Earthcaches including The Devils Den at Gettysburg and a Virtual.  I found a Benchmark.  We saw the Monocacy National Battlefield.  We ate a late lunch at Blue & Gray Bar & Grill in Gettysburg.  We visited the Gettysburg Visitor Center where we saw a Film, Cyclorama and Museum.  I watched "Survivor" in the evening.

Thursday, April 28 - Jeff and I visited the Shenandoah River Valley and Skyline Drive.  Virginia's Skyline Drive is a National Scenic Byway that runs 105 miles along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I found a Traditional Cache and a Virtual.  We did the Shenandoah National Park Vistas Adventure Lab.  Jeff found a lot of Earthcaches.  I was not impressed by the Earthcache sites along Skyline Drive.  We stopped at Shenandoah National Park Skyland about 3:00 PM for a late lunch (or early dinner).  We visited the Byrd Visitor Center.  I watched "Master Chef Junior" in the evening.

Friday, April 29 - We visited Manassas, Virginia.  We started The Battles of Bull Run & Manassas Adventure Lab but quit when it involved long walks.  We had lunch at the Pub in Manassas.  We had to head back early as Jeff had an event to attend in the evening.  I watched "Below Deck Sailing Yacht" series on television.

Saturday, April 30 - We went to Maryland.  I found a Traditional Cache, an Earthcache, and did an Adventure  Lab - Chelsea the Church Mouse visits Cambridge.  We ate at the Carpenter Street Saloon, St. Michaels, MD.  I had a delicious Grilled Reuben.  We drove through DC in the evening.  I got a great photo of the brightly lit Washington Monument.

Sunday, May 1 - Jeff, Donna and I attended the NoVAGO Spring Picnic 2022 at Mason District Park in Annandale, VA.  The heavy rain held off until the Event was over!  I was scheduled to fly out of National Airport at 6:55 PM however I volunteered to be bumped.  They called me while I was having a snack in the American Airlines lounge.  I requested that they double the price which they did plus a stay overnight at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City and First Class seat.  As a Hyatt Member I had a suite on the top floor but later moved as it was near a very noisy pepsi machine.

Monday, May 2 - I checked my luggage at the front desk, rode the Airport Shuttle to National Airport and took the Metro to Alexandria.  I had a scone and hot tea at Starbucks, enjoyed a mango and lemon sorbet at Dolci Gelati, and took a guided tour of the Carlyle House.  I purchased a Toy Cypher Wheel.  I rode the Metro back to National Airport where I took the Airport Shuttle back to the Hyatt Regency.  I got my luggage and rode the Airport Shuttle back to National Airport.  After checking in at the Ticket Counter I went to the American Airline Lounge once again. 

I boarded my flight which took off about 7:00 PM, sitting in First Class, 3A.  My seatmate, John, opened my Diet Coke cans for me, loaned me his noise cancelling headset and IPad so I could watch "The House of Gucci" and gave me two sea salt toffee in milk chocolate bars that he was given by the  flight attendant.  His composure during the bumpy segments of the flight reassured me. 

I arrived in a rainy Portland about 9:45 PM.  I got a terrible Taxi Driver who ran up the meter.  My next flight is during the daytime so I will take MAX Light Rail and buses to my home for $1.50.  All in all it was a great two weeks but it will take me quite some time to recover, I'm sure...

Weekend with Lorraine - near Charlottesville, VA

I had an Amtrak Roomette (free) from Penn Station, NY to Charlottesville, VA on Friday, April 22nd.  I left at 6:45 AM on Amtrak Train No. 51.  I had a Berry Trio Parfait,  Melon and Grapes Fruit Cup and  Banana Nut Loaf Big Piece from Starbucks for Brunch.  I arrived in Charlottesville about 1:43 PM.  Lorraine met me at the Train Depot.  We drove to her place on the crest of the hill, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

On Saturday, April  23, we had a lovely Afternoon Tea at The Ploughcroft Tea Room in Lynchburg, VA.  We drove around Lynchburg for awhile as they were not serving Afternoon Tea until 2:15 PM.  Lynchburg is quite an historic town.  I was able to find a Virtual - "Vita Abundantior".  The Afternoon Tea was quite lovely.  I would definitely have Afternoon Tea there again.

On Sunday, April 24, we went to Trump Winery. A huge U.S. Stars and Stripes waved from the flagpole in front of the winery.  I have seen larger flags but it was definitely making a statement.  We shared a White Wine Flight and a Cheese and Charcuterie Board with three gourmet cheeses, two cured meats, accompaniments, and warm demi baguette.  I was not fond of the Jazz music that was playing from the overhead speakers but it was ok.  I found a Virtual on the way home: Nelson County Hurricane Camille Flood.  I bought a bottle of Sparkling Ice Water at the Blue Ridge Grocery at 6:30 PM.

I caught the Amtrak train early Monday morning, April 24, for Alexandria.  Lorraine and I said our goodbyes.  She packed a small box of treats for me.  I was seated in Business Class.  No seatmate.  Very relaxing.  I found two Virtuals during my visit with Lorraine.  The entire visit was delightful as always.

New York City Trip

In preparation for the Road Scholar Trip to New York City I read "New York" by Edward Rutherfurd.  This historical fiction looks at the fascinating story of New York City from its early years as a 17th century Dutch trading post through to the present day. 

Saturday, April 16 - My youngest sister, Jeanette, dropped me off at PDX airport.  I traveled via Alaska Airlines from Portland, Oregon at 6:00 AM, arriving at National Airport via Seattle about 4:40 PM.  I had Bulkhead Seat.  Alaska Airlines tried to take my Bulkhead seat (6A) in Seattle however I insisted that I had paid for that seat.  I suggested three times that they gave me a seat in First Class if they wanted my seat.  They didn't.  I kept my seat in 6A.

I rode from National Airport to the Van Dorn Street Metro Station where my eldest son, Jeff, picked me up.  We had dinner at Delia's - a Mediterranean Grill & Brick Oven Pizza.  I had a Gyro with a glass of Erath wine.  I stayed in an 8th floor suite at the Comfort Suite in Alexandria.  My home away from home.  Great location.  It is now serving a breakfast buffet. 

Sunday, April 17th - Following breakfast I took a cab to the Amtrak Railroad Station, Alexandria   I caught the 8:25 AM train to Penn Station riding in Business Class arriving at 12:47 PM.  I walked across the street to The New Yorker Hotel (1929).  I had a great room - 748.  Comfortable arm chair for relaxation.  Beautifully decorated.   

Road Scholar Program Registration was held at 4:00 PM.  I was given an info packet.  I was also given a yellow gold baseball cap which I was expected to wear.  Not going to happen!  Dinner was in a diner off the hotel lobby at 5:00 PM.  Orientation was held at 6:15 - 7:30 PM.  After Orientation the group walked over to the Empire State Building. I chose to go by myself later so I could have more time to explore the exhibits and the 86th floor.   

Monday, April 18th - Following breakfast in the diner, we had an introductory lecture on New York City.  Following the lecture, we took the subway to New York Public Library (and a Box Lunch), St. Patrick's Cathedral and Rockefeller Center.  We had a behind the scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall.  We had dinner at a neighborhood restaurant - Chef Yu.  After dinner, we heard an introduction to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, in preparation for tomorrow's field trip.  

Tuesday, April 19th - Following breakfast in the diner, we traveled via Subway to the ferry that took us to Liberty Island.  I wandered through the museum.  I had lunch in the cafeteria.  I did not visit Ellis Island.  Back in Manhattan I did the National Monuments Virtual.  We regrouped in Battery Park.  Joe, a R. S. Helper, and I rode the subway two blocks from the Empire State Building.  I spent a couple hours looking at the exhibits and the view of Manhattan and beyond.  I had dinner at Chef Yu, an authentic Chinese Restaurant.   

Wednesday, April 20th - Following breakfast in the diner, I went to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre for 9:00 AM Rush.  I was able to get a $138 ticket for $38 (partial view).  I went to the Grand Central Terminal to do the Virtual Cache.  I enjoyed the Whispering Gallery.  I got a quick snack of yogurt and another of fruit near the theatre at Pret A Manger.  I saw the musical "Come From Away" from Row A 7, sitting on a big cushion.  I found a Virtual at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. I watched "Survivor" in the evening.   

Thursday, April 21st -  An art historian gave us an overview of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  We rode the subway to the west edge of Central Park.  While the group traversed Central Park  I rode the bus with Joe, the R. S. helper, across to the museum.  I ate a Chicken Taco Wrap and Chocolate Brownie for lunch in the cafe overlooking the courtyard.  I met Patti from Bend, Oregon when I shared their table.  I saw four works of art that really interested me - the Tiffany Window "Autumn Landscape", Portrait of Madame X, Washington Crossing the Delaware and a portrait of Augustus Saint-Gaudens.  Road Scholars had dinner at a neighborhood Pub.  I watched "Master Chef Junior".  I packed my luggage for the Amtrak trip to Charlottesville, Virginia.   

During my stay in New York City I found four Virtuals: "The Empire Strikes Back", "National Monuments", "Busman's Holiday" and "The Grandest of the Grand".  I also found three Benchmarks.

Leggo my Eggo Waffles

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees f.  Place Eggo frozen waffles flat on baking sheet and heat in the oven for about five minutes or until crispy and hot.  Or you can cook Eggo frozen waffles on the stove with butter.  Preheat a frying pan on medium high heat.  Slather the frozen waffle with 1 Tbsp. butter (NOT margarine) per side.  Toast one side of the frozen waffle about 45 seconds to 1 minute until it is golden.  Flip the waffle to toast the other side for about 45 seconds to 1 minute - until golden brown.  It's ready for 100% pure maple syrup.  Mighty tasty!

Saturday, March 12, 2022 It felt like Spring!

I stopped by the FVRL Library to pick up a couple books and two DVDs.  I had simply delicious Afternoon Tea at Myrtle's Tea House in Ridgefield at 12:00.  Afterwards I headed north to Woodland and then east along the south side of the Lewis River.  

I did the new Virtual at the Cedar Creek Grist Mill.  I met the douglas clan geocachers.  We watched the grinding of corn meal. I got a small bag of ground corn meal. I forgot to leave a donation so I drove back aways to drop a Lincoln (the bill not the coin) in the Donation Box by the door. Fantastic place!

"Stick a Fork in it!" (GC9P4VT) Virtual 3.0

I was given an opportunity to create a Virtual this afternoon, March 1, 2022.  I love Virtuals.  I will go miles out of my way to find Virtual(s).  My Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals to be created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023.  Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache.  

The soon-to-be World's Tallest Fork is more than just an art piece. It marks and celebrates one of the newest businesses opening in the community. Opening in April, the Fairview Food Plaza will have 16 food carts surrounding a central covered dining hall, with two pop-up vendors and a beer garden inside. Some of the cuisines will include Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Swedish and Argentinean, as well as an American.