Pere Marquette State Trail - Reed City to Evart (MI)

We started our day early today.  It is Saturday, June 19 and overnight temperatures were in the 50s.  Highs today are expected to be in the lower 70s by afternoon.  An ideal day for a bicycle ride into parts unknown.  After loading our tandem on the back of our car and Schooner in the back seat we headed for the Dog Star Ranch which is about a mile from us.  The ranch is maintained on approximately 48 acres and dog care is done well!  Schooner is scheduled for doggie day care and grooming today.  One pampered pup!  She is going to have a ball!  We dropped Schooner off and were on our way by 8:00am.

 

The above map shows two bicycle trails in purple.  The east/west trail is the Pere Marquette Trail and the north/south trail is the White Pine Trail.  The place where the trails intersect is Reed City and that is where we are headed.  Reed City is about 1.5 hours from our campground and the drive is picturesque.  We take back roads to reach the highway.  There are many farms and fields along the way.  We are in an Amish community and signs along the way warn drivers to be alert to horse-drawn carriages on the road.  We see two.  One "driven" by a man and another was driven by a woman.  Both adults were dressed in traditional attire.  Not something we see everyday. 

We always enjoy riding Rail-Trails.  These paths were once used by trains.  Many states have converted the no-longer-used tracks to paved bicycle trails.  They normally will not have more than a 3% grade.  That is the part that I really like.  The Pere Marquette trail is a 56-mile east/west trail on the former CSX Railroad line.  It runs from Baldwin to Clare, MI.  The White Pine Trail is along the former Penn Central Railroad.  Reed City is a crossroads of the two tracks.  There is a staging area at the Reed City Depot for us to park and begin our ride.

We began our ride at 10:00 am under clear skies and a chilly 61 degrees.  Our destination is Evart, MI.  The trail is asphalt and well maintained as are most trails in Michigan.  Along the route we observe a number of farms with long perfectly parallel rows of crops growing.  Some cattle are out enjoying the sun as well.
 The pic below shows mounds of gravel, dirt, and sand.  Beside the mounds are huge holes in the ground.  Evidently trucks come here for loads of dirt/sand to distribute around the state.

Around 11:30 am we made our way into the community of Evart, MI.  (Pronounced ev-art)  Evart has a population, as of 2013, of 1,890.  Michigan highway 10 runs through the middle of town.  Above left is a picture of the depot and the old rail switch.  We asked a local where we might find a good lunch and he recommended the Lamplighter Cafe.  (pic above on the right)  After a leisurely lunch we are energized and ready for the return trip of 14 miles.  It is now 12:30 and 63 degrees.  We both agreed that the day could not be more perfect.

On our way back to Reed City we took advantage of a scenic pull over to take a break and view the Muskegon River.  In this selfie the Muskegon River is in the background.  

On the right is the Muskegon River without bicyclists in the pic.

 The above pic gives an idea of how pretty the day and how well maintained the trail is.

Along the trail and near Hersey is an interesting building.  Above the door it says "The Get Away".  It is not listed as a bed and breakfast.  It appears the owners just wanted to name their home.

Pictured on the left is the Hersey River.  We stopped on the wood bridge to take pics when another rider came by.  We were thrilled when he stopped to visit with us.

Pictured below is Chris visiting with "Gordie Payne, the biggest pain in Hersey," he said.  Hersey (population 344 in 2013) is a little community just off our trail.  Our map shows our trail passes through Hersey, but if it does, I didn't see it.  Like I said, it is a small community.  Among several topics, Chris and Gordie discussed fishing here in Michigan.  Imagine that!

Chris and Gordie visit on the Hersey River bridge

 Just before 2:00 pm we are completing our 28 mile ride.  The sign below is on the trail just as we enter Reed City.  We don't have these signs in Oklahoma.

Such a beautiful entrance into the Reed City staging area.  Our ride is now complete.  I checked the weather app to confirm my suspicions that the weather was still perfect.  It was 67 degrees, sunny, light wind, and deep blue clear skies.  Indeed, the weather was still perfect!

Saturday means Farmer's Market in Muskegon (MI)

The blue dot on the map above shows the North Muskegon area where we are located.  When a Michigander tells you where they are from, and if you have a blank look on your face when hearing the name of the town, then they usually respond by holding up their right hand, palm outward, to demonstrate the "mitten".  Then they will show you where on the mitten they live.  This works for folks living in the Lower Peninsula.  Those from the Upper Peninsula usually reply "upper peninsula" and that explains everything.

This is our 7th trip to Muskegon, Michigan and as we travel people ask us why we summer in this particular area.  There are a variety of answers to this question, the first being that my sister lives here and that is how we found the area.  We have family in Oklahoma and Texas, as well as many other places around the country, yet we repeatedly choose Muskegon as our summer destination.  Other than coming to spend time with family, we come because of the people, the summer temperatures, and because so much of what we enjoy doing is here.

Over the past 7 years we have made several close friends.  Their kindness and acceptance has touched our hearts.  Upon entering the state several Michigan friends said "welcome back" and a few said "welcome home"!  Wow!  Oklahoma has always been home to us, but now Michigan has become like a second home.  This is a comfortable place for us to spend 4 1/2 months of the year.

Breakfast at Hennessy's

This year we arrived at Duck Creek RV Resort on a Friday, which was perfect!  We were just in time for Farmer's Market on Saturday.  Our Saturday started early with breakfast at Hennessy's around 8:40am.  They have a buffet that begins at 9am, but we like to order from the menu.  (I should note that this is not early for Chris and I, but it is early for this community).  Hennessy's is located in downtown Muskegon and is a block from the Farmer's Market.   The establishment has tables that are a beautiful thick, dark wood.  A fire is burning in the large brick fireplace.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting.  In a couple of hours the fire will not be needed as the day warms into the 70's.  The wait staff is friendly and quite efficient.  The manager always checks to make sure everything is just the way we want.  We can get a tasty and filling meal for $6 or $7.  All breakfast orders come with coffee!  My kind of place!

After breakfast we moved our car a little closer to the Market as we were not sure what prizes we might find and need to carry back to the car.  Below are pictures of Muskegon's Farmer's Market.  At 9:30 in the morning the market is not very busy but as midday approaches there will be quite a crowd.  As we move slowly through the isles so as not to miss anything we see fresh fruits and vegetables for sale.  Lots and lots of asparagus is available.  Also, we see cheese, jerky, and fresh eggs.  We try to find the "pie lady" as she is one of our favorite venders.  Also the lady with dog treats is a must find.  Schooner tolerates her treats best.  The man who has the best granola ever made is here today with a variety of homemade breads.  There is cordial (non-alcoholic), cookies, fudge (homemade, of course), and at this time of year we see a huge number of venders have plants for spring gardening. 

Entrance to the Market

An isle inside the Market

Entertainment and seating near the Market

We are going to try growing some plants outside our rig this year.  Today we purchased basil plants and Mosquito plants,  which will entail a trip to Meijer to get pots and potting soil after we leave the Market.  We also bought locally made Elderflower Cordial, all natural insect repellant, cookies and Michigan Cherry fudge.

The trip to the Meijer garden center was productive.  Found these attractive planters and placed them near our front door. 

 Time will tell if the Mosquito Plants help repel mosquitoes.  

Oklahoma City - A Time of Remembrance (OK)

Twenty years ago on April 19, 1995 at 9:00 am I was teaching a math class at Owasso High School just north of Tulsa, OK.  Second hour started in the usual way with roll and our starter activity.  It was around 9:20 am that we received news of the tragedy in OKC, just 100 miles from us, and in the heart of our capital city.  Upon hearing the news we were overcome with sadness.  We cried and felt fear mounting deep within us.  News trickled into our classrooms at the High School in bits and pieces.  One thing was clear:  Oklahoma City had been attacked.  At that time we did not know who did it, or how many were involved. What we did know was that the terrorist attack was devastating and that the death toll would be tremendous.

Oklahomans are a strong and courageous group of people.  We love our state and we love our country.  We are also a group of people not afraid to pray in public or put our arms around someone hurting and offer prayers for them.  On this day Oklahomans were hurting and the beautiful country in which we lived reached out to us, put their arms around us, and covered us in prayer.  Our nation wept alongside of us.

At 9:00 am across the street from the Murrah Federal Building the Oklahoma Water Resources Board had started a meeting and was in the process of recording the proceedings of that meeting.  It was 9:02 am when the truck filled with chemicals exploded in front of the Murrah Building in downtown Oklahoma City killing 168, 19 of whom were children.  Glass was blown out of windows of nearby buildings and foundations shook with the explosion.  This was the worst incident of domestic terrorism America had ever experienced.

At 9:13 am the first images were broadcast to the world.  Massive rescue attempts were conducted. More than 600 are said to have survived the bombing.  People from all walks of life came together to do what they could to help.   People from across our country came to Oklahoma to assist with rescue, clean up, and restoration.

Immediately, temporary memorials started appearing.  In time there would be a permanent memorial.  It was decided that the OKC Memorial would be a place of healing and peace.  In 2001 Chris was transferred to the OKC area.  He worked within blocks of the Memorial for 11 years and we have visited the outdoor Memorial several times over the years.    Each visit to this site is very special for us.  Last fall we visited the site with family from Texas and we went through the museum as well.  The museum, which is thorough and tastefully assembled, offers a chronological walk-through of the day's events, in particular visitors may listen to the tape of the proceedings of the Water Resources Board up to the time of the explosion.  At that time we become participants rather than observers.  It is quite moving.

Across the street from the Memorial

This is the And Jesus Wept statue erected by St. Joseph Catholic Church.  It is across the street from the 9:03 gate.   When gazing at this statue my heart broke.

           

Gates of Time - 9:01

These two gates frame the moment of destruction and are the formal entrances to the memorial.  On one wall is the time 9:01 which represents the innocence of the city before the attack.  The other wall has the time 9:03, representing the moment we were changed forever.  Between the two gates is a reflecting pool of gently flowing water symbolizing the healing of wounds and a place of reflection.

 

Gates of Time - 9:03

Field of Empty Chairs

Below is the Field of Empty Chairs.  There are 168 chairs representing the lives lost.  The smaller chairs represent the children.  The chairs are arranged in 9 rows representing the nine floors of the building and are placed according to the floor on which they were working or visiting.  Each chair is on a glass base and has the name of the victim etched upon it.


Oklahomans, with the help of people from around the country and around the world, came together during this time with a determination to heal.  One day at a time was all they could do for quite some time.  Healing is a slow process.  It has been 20 years since 168 Oklahomans lost their lives here.  For survivors and for those who lost loved ones, healing is ongoing.  The OKC National Memorial is a beautiful tribute and place of solace. Anyone who visits this site will be touched in a special way as we remember, as we reflect, and as we heal.

A Day in Llano (TX)

Having been in the Marble Falls, TX area just over a month, we are experiencing some beautiful and sunshine-filled days mixed in among the cold and dreary days one normally associates with winter.  The forecast for Monday, February 9 looks promising for a 45 minute road trip to Llano, TX.  Llano has a population of just over 3,300 and is located 20 miles west of Lake Buchanan (pronounced Buck-anan).  We have been in Llano previously, but only for a quick lunch stop on our way to Kerrville in March of 2011.  The stop was memorable because of the excellent food at Cooper's BBQ and because of the companionship of Dennis and Rita with whom we were traveling.  
Today our traveling companions are dear friends, Bob and Nona, whose home is in Michigan.  We met Bob and Nona when camping in Kerrville, TX two winters ago and have been close friends ever since that time.  Bob and Chris are golfing buddies and today are off to check out the Llano golf course while Nona and I check out the historic area of Llano.

We drop off the guys for a few hours of golf.  The pic on the right shows the Llano River as well as part of the golf course.  The man pictured is David.  David had a stroke a couple of years ago and uses golf as therapy to regain strength and mobility.  Today he is playing alongside Bob and Chris.

Nona and I are on a mission.  Nona needs a particular color of fabric for a quilt that she is working on and there are two quilt shops in town.  Off we go!  I've never been interested in antiques, but there are several shops on our route where others are browsing.  I've never been a seamstress, but for some reason enjoy looking at fabric.   After checking out several fabric, gift, and "what not" shops, we are ready for something to drink and a place to relax.  Found it!  The Fuel is the name of the coffee house where we decide on a latte and small chicken salad sandwich.  Both were excellent.   Several customers here had their laptops out and were working diligently on something.  Others, like us, were just enjoying their day.  One side of the coffee house had a stage.  Tonight is open mic night!  Everywhere we went the folks were extremely friendly!  

On the left is the Llano County courthouse, built in 1893.  

On the right are several small shops on Main Street across from the courthouse in Llano's historic square.  Most were open and we enjoyed looking around.

More shops on Main Street

The first two stories of this building were built in 1880.  In 1883 the third story was added.  This building was used as a hotel and stagecoach stop.  Standing outside I imagined horses tied up where cars are now parked.  Look carefully and a stagecoach can be seen coming up the dusty road. Men and women walk out of the hotel carrying a bag with everything they need for the trip. Does family await?  A sweetheart?  A new job?   

Llano is the "Deer Capital of Texas" and there are deer everywhere around town!  Not real ones, but ones like this big guy!  Got a pic of this one because of what was stenciled on him.  "Hook 'em Horns!"

You hear that a lot in Texas.

Found this "Patti Wagon" parked on a side street

The guys call to let us know they are on 18.  That is our signal to make our way back to the golf course.  Anyone hungry for an early supper?  All four of us had very small, snack-sized lunches.  Right?  Shhh.  Don't tell the guys about chicken salad at The Fuel.  Those sandwiches were miniature.  Really, they were tiny.  

Barbecue?  Of course we're hungry!  We cannot leave Llano without a stop at Cooper's Pit Bar-B-Que.  They are famous in these parts for their outdoor grills and pit BBQ.  On the left is a pic of their meat selection which is located just outside their front door.  Selections are ordered by the pound.  Then we walk inside and pick out some sides, and drinks if desired.  The pinto beans are on the house!  I ordered two of the juiciest, most tender, flavor-packed pork ribs that I have ever had!   My, oh my!  Can you smell the smokiness?  See how tender they are?  Am I making you hungry?  Put some tasty pinto beans alongside!  How about a little jalapeno in with those beans?  I hope there is a Cooper's in heaven.  There really should be.  

Mission Tour - San Antonio (TX)

It is a beautiful morning in the Texas Hill Country.  We are getting an early start today as we plan to drive into San Antonio and meet friends for a relaxing day of touring and visiting.  Around 7am here on Lake LBJ we often see the sun making its first appearance of the day.  Today is spectacular!

The drive into San Antonio from Marble Falls (where we are camped) will take about an hour and 45 minutes.  On the way we pass through beautiful rolling hills and old Texas towns.  We enjoy every minute of the drive!

Chris and I have both been to San Antonio, in fact we have been there several times.  We have been to the Alamo.  Several times.  However, neither of us had toured any of the other missions in the area.  Today we are out to explore and to learn about 3 other missions in the San Antonio area.

The missions established along the San Antonio River in the 1700s form the largest concentration of Catholic missions in North America.  Franciscan missions served both Church and State.  Sent from New Spain (Old Mexico) the purpose of the missions was two fold.  First, the missions spread the Catholic faith.  Second, the missions pushed the empire northward.  The mission system served to bring Indians into Spanish society as well as protect from not-so-friendly Indians.  At first the missions did not have a wall which encompassed the compound, but soon found the walls were needed for protection.  Within the walls the Indians lived, worked, learned trades, and worshiped.

Mission Concepcion was transferred from East Texas in 1731 and looks essentially as it did in the mid 1700s.  The stones we see today are over 250 years old!  Standing outside or inside the structure I try to imagine life so very long ago.  The Indians essentially gave up the hunting/gathering life for one of farming and ranching in a permanent settlement.  They lived within stone structures for the first time.

One of 3 doorways, each of different heights

On the Mission Concepcion  grounds Chris discovered the bike trail (and bicycles) which connect the missions.  A credit card is required, but the use of the bicycle is "free" if you can make it to the next mission in less than 30 minutes.  He did!

Chris bicycles about 3 miles to Mission San Jose

In 1720 Mission San Jose was founded.  It is know as the "Queen of the Missions"  and was my favorite.

The architecture of this mission was just incredible.

Entrance to the church

Living quarters

Inside the church

Inside the small living quarters (below) you can see the built-in shelving (pic on the left).  We found the molding seen just above the shelves here to be in several places around the mission, very often appearing above doors.   The pic on the right shows a "stove/oven".  The overhanging wood piece above the stove is similar to our vent hood.  In the far upper, inside corner was a hole that allowed the smoke to escape.

 

The 3rd and final mission we toured is the Mission San Juan.  In 1731 it was moved to its current and permanent home on the San Antonio River's east bank.

Exterior of the church

The mission is still used for church services.

A view of the grounds and Church at Mission San Juan

The missions around San Antonio were self sufficient and in times of surplus the goods were traded to others.  This particular mission had many orchards and gardens.  Herds of sheep were said to be around 3,500 with almost as many cattle.  Quite a thriving community!

Dear friends we knew when we lived in Mustang, OK now live in San Antonio and were our tour guides.  Walking the grounds of the missions was extremely interesting.  But, spending time with Opie and Jim was what made the day so special.  

Opie and Jim