Christmas Trip - Day 11

Slept until 0915 - packed and got ready to go. Everything going great and left for Kim's at 1100. Stan was following me (very close) and he hit me as we came to a stop sign. He had a little Subaru - and it was totalled on the bumper of my Toyota 4X4... Too bad, since we now had to wait for the police to come (took several hours). Still, we made it to Kim's for Brunch and watched them open wedding presents. Stan was not angry, luckily, since he knew he was at fault. I do have a little damage on the truck, though... Kim and Jamie wanted to follow me towards the south, since their honeymoon was in Williamsburg. Left Holidaysburg at 1530 - took US-220 and I-70/76 to south. Changed to I-270 in Frederick, MD. Had dinner with Kim and Jamie at Bob Evans around 1745. Continued to I-495 and they kept up until just before hitting I-95. When I lost them, I slowed way down to allow them to keep up, but I never saw them again. Oh well - I'm sure they made it... Used I-95, I-295 and I-64 to get home - stopped at Busch Gardens exit to repack some luggage that had shifted during the drive and tighten the straps on the motorcycle. Made it home around 2245 - ran into my friend Jim while I was unpacking the truck. Worried about motorcycle and rear gate - must be some structural damage... Did laundry and called home around 2300. Bed after midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 10

Woke up at 0815. Called Bob and arranged to see him later today. Had a good breakfast and then drove over to Kim's. Went to get my tuxedo at a Bride & Groom shop. Around 1145, had a break from wedding festivities. Drove towards Johnstown to see Bob. Used US-220 and US-22, driving through mountains and valleys to Ebensburg. Changed to US-219 and got off at Elton exit (Richland Mall and PA-756). Met Bob at 1245 - followed him to his house (PA-756, PA-403) in Johnstown. Met his mom and had a nice lunch. Made plans to meet in Pensacola in a month. He took me around town at 1400 - took US-219 to Johnstown Flood Memorial. Took some back roads to visitor's center. Said good-bye to him and took US-22 & US-220 back to Holidaysburg. Found Kim's house again at 1530. Got dressed in tux, drove over to St. Michael's Church for wedding photos - practiced for ceremony. Service started at 1830 - kind of long, but very fancy and memorable. Nice to see two of my best friends tying the knot... Drove over to Calvin's House for reception and receiving line. Sat at Bride's table during dinner - danced with big band and polka music (fun!). Got to dance with Kim before she and Jamie left. Dinner over at 2330 - went back to Donna and Pat's - talked with them and Stan until 0015.

Christmas Trip - Day 9

Up by 0715 - packed rest of stuff in truck. It is much warmer today - made for an easier trip to Altoona. Got motorcycle on truck - took family pictures. Left home at 0845 and used US-6 to leave Cape. Crossed Sagamore Bridge - used MA-25 and I-195 to get to Providence. On I-95 by 1000 - in Old Lyme at 1100. Hit HUGE traffic jam at NY-CT border - stuck for one and a half hours. Crossed George Washington Bridge at 1335 and then on I-80. Del Water Gap at 1455 and into Pennsylvania. Much less traffic - started to speed and nearly got nabbed near Hazelton... In Bloomsburg at 1615 and got off I-80 at exit 23. Used US-220 to get to Altoona (1800). Found Kim's house and church in Holidaysburg - had already missed rehearsals. In time for the rehearsal dinner at Olympios, though! Over 50 people there - had a great time with Jamie and the other groomsment (Matt & Bill) and ushers (Viju and Stan). At Kim's house later - her dad took us to places where we were going to sleep. Staying with Donna and Pat - Kim's friends. Had nice chat until midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 8

Woke at 0945 and packed a little for tomorrow's departure. Called Mike about my truck - needs some work on emergency brake. Went with Dad to three junk yards (Dennisport, Harwichport and Harwich) - bought lots of good stuff for the truck for Mike and Bryan to add. Got work done at the Mobil and then went over to see Johanna - gave her my address since she goes to Liberty University (in Virginia). Went home at noon and had lunch. Took Dad to Ocean State Job Lot and then some dealers for his car - home at 1530. Worked on truck with Dad until 1800. Dinner and then went out to the mall again for Kim and Jamie's wedding present. Visited Grammy and Aunt Eva - later worked on motorcycle. Watched TV and packed a little more. Watched "West Side Story" with Katie and Carolyn. Around 2300, drove over to Oliver's to see Bryan - it was Karaoke night. Stayed until 0100 - fun! Packed up rest of my stuff and went to bed at 0130.

Christmas Trip - Day 7

Carolyn woke me up at 0800 - she was ready to open presents! Went upstairs and found Dad, Beth, Katie, Grammy and Aunt Eva waiting. Opened all the presents. Had breakfast and cleaned up kitchen. Watched "Bambi" with Carolyn and read some more while waiting to leave for Gerard's. Took a nap from 1200 to 1300. Left Dennis at 1330 - US-6 to Sagamore Bridge and Gerard's house. Helped make dinner (mashed potatoes) and had a great Christmas dinner. Talked for several hours - very nice conversation. Watched "Bull Durham" with everyone and then had desert and opened Christmas Cards. Watched family slide show. After some more talking with Gerard, took Katie and Carolyn home - via some Christmas lights in town. Listening to radio, heard President Bush announce the end of the Soviet Union! At home, watched the movie, "Total Recall." Read until midnight.

Christmas Trip - Day 6

Awake by 0830 - left hotel around 0900. Found Christmas list - had to wait for store to open to finish buying presents for the family... Left South Weymouth at 1045 and stopped in South Yarmouth to finish the rest of the Christmas shopping. Home at 1230 - had lunch. Went over to mall with Katie - she needed more presents too ("I wish this stupid shopping was over!!!"). Home around 1500 - wrapped all presents and cleaned up the living room. Had our usual dinner - tuna fish sandwiches on the floor in the living room. Ate with Dad, Beth, Katie, Carolyn - we each opened one present. Called Jamie to verify the wedding information. Went to EDCC with Katie and Carolyn for candlelight service. Saw lots more friends: Julie, Kerry, etc. Drove Damien home and his mom asked me to stay for their Christmas Eve party - that's a tradition, too. Had some really good food and played ping-pong. Saw lots of the old family friends (from when I was a kid). Had a good talk with Damien's dad. They gave me a leftover cake when I left and I went home - waking Dad by accident when I got there. Read for a little while and went to sleep at 0200.

Christmas Trip - Day 5

Woke at 0730 and drove back to Watertown (MA-3, I-93, I-95, MA-16). Christa told me she wanted to see some of the good history around here, so I decided to take her to Concord. We left her place at 0900 and headed over to I-95 (passed Bentley College on the way - I did Boy's State there in the 80s...). Used MA-2A and found Battle Road near Concord. Drove into town and found Old North Bridge. Went to visitor's center and looked around a bit - it was kind of rainy and cold, but we had fun anyway. Stopped by Lexington Village Green on the way back towards Boston. Used MA-2A to take Christa over to Salem - she wanted to see the Witch Museum. Found US-1 and took I-93 to the North Shore. Parked in town and walked around. Ended up eating lunch at the Viva Restaurant (Italian) - and it really started to pour outside by then. Walked around looking for Witch Museum for awhile - ended up lost and asked for directions. Eventually found the place - watched the show. Christa thought the museum was a real hoot - she laughed a good bit (it really hasn't changed since I went there in the 1970s...). Decided to go back to Boston - took MA-1A and then MA-16 - lots of traffic north of Boston. Tried to take her to the Museum of Science, but got trapped on Storough Drive. Eventually gave up and went back to Watertown. Watched TV and then went over to Fresh Pond Mall with Christa to see "Addams Family" at the theatre. Ended up watching TV with her and talking until 0200. Back to South Weymouth at 0230 and bed...

Christmas Trip - Day 4

Up before 1000 - had breakfast with Katie and Carolyn. Went to church at EDCC at 1100 - saw lots of old friends. At lunch at home and then packed up my stuff for the trip to Boston. Called Christa and then had a nice talk with Katie and Carolyn. Left Dennis at 1345 - US-6 to Sagamore Bridge and MA-3 to Exit 15 (South Weymouth) - got my hotel there with no problem. Drove north on MA-3 again and used I-93 and I-95 out to Mass Pike (I-90) - got off at exit 17 (Watertown). Got lost around MA-16 but found the address where Christa had told me to meet her. Met all her friends and then left for the mall nearby. We had fun there - it has been about five years since we last saw each other (see summer 1986). Ended up driving into Boston and then crossed Charles River into Charlestown - back across to Arsenal Mall and shopping. Returned to Christa's roommate's house and watched TV and movies until 2330. Got back to my hotel around midnight - bed immediately.

Christmas Trip - Day 3

Slept until 0930. Visited Aunt Eva and watched football with Dad. Later, drove over to have truck fluids checked - have to work on getting oil to run cleaner. Checked out some trucks at the junk-yard in Dennisport. Drove over to Bryan and Chuck's station later in the day - then went home to watch more football on TV. Went for a late afternoon walk with Dad and Ericka around the pond and Golf Course. Called Christa - she is in Boston already - and made plans for a visit. Dad is not happy that I am going up there... Got Christmas decorations out and started to put them up with Carolyn. Had dinner and then went out to rent the movie "Overboard" - watched some TV. Put lights on Christmas tree and decorated with Carolyn. Katie called while we were decorating - she'll be here later tonight. Watched movie and talked until around midnight - then slept.

Christmas Trip - Day 2

Slept until 1100 - still tired. Cleaned up the truck and took motorcycle off truck. Did some maintenance on it - it ran well with the repairs and new chain oil. Visited with Dad and Carolyn for a little bit. Drove down to see Bryan at the service station. Visited Grammy and then went home. Decided to go to the D-Y basketball game with Carolyn. Had pizza at the Papa Gino's with Carolyn and then went over to the High School. The team lost tonight 80-55, but I saw lots of people I knew from school: Sarah, the principal and track coaches - even the paper boy from Dave's house (who made an awesome half-court shot). Went home around 2100 - talked politics with Dad. Over to Oliver's again - saw Bryan. Stayed there until 2300. At home, watched movies with Carolyn and read some of the ND magazine. Bed at 0030.

Christmas Trip - Day 1

Left Norfolk at 1600 - used I-64 to I-295. I brought the motorcycle this time - in the back of the pickup! On I-95 by 1715, then on towards DC. Used I-295 again and then took I-95 to Baltimore (used Fort McHenry tunnel today). On I-95 all the way to Philadelphia and then crossed Delaware River at Trenton (2130). Drove on US-1 and then made a crucial error - got on I-287 instead of Garden State Parkway (extra 60 miles of driving...). Finally on I-80 and drove to George Washington Bridge (2330). Back on I-95 and continued through CT and RI. Switched to I-195 in Providence, MA-25 in Wareham and crossed Sagamore Canal on US-6. Exited at Station Avenue in Yarmouth. Home by 0345. Unpacking when snow started... Whew!

Albemarle Sound, NC (USA)

Left Norfolk at 1230. Drove south on I-64, got off at Battlefield BLVD. Continued on VA-168 and then VA-104 until I hit US-17. Went near Dismal Swamp and crossed the NC border. Followed US-17 until I got to Elizabeth City. Continued along the Albemarle Sound for awhile - passing through Hertford (home of Catfish Hunter) and the town of Edenton. Changed to NC-32 and crossed Albemarle Sound. Switched to US-64 on the other side and drove through the East Dismal Swamp area. Crossed Alligator River into Dare County, started driving on US-264. Crossed Croatan Sound at Manns Harbor. Located Fort Raleigh and explored the Lost Colony park on Roanoke Island. Found a place that did a "Lost Colony" play in the summer - I'll have to check that out someday... Drove down to Manteo and crossed over to Nags Head. North on US-158 along the Outer Banks. Stopped to see Wright Brothers Monument. It got dark, so I had to change my plans to keep looking around and headed back. Took 158 back towards Norfolk. Got on NC-168 at Barco and it became VA-168. Home at 1845.

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - went to buy Toyota Pickup Truck]

Washington Weekend - Day 3

Woke at 0930 again. Checked out and then drove by Tori's unannounced. She got dressed and we all went over to the American City Diner for breakfast. After eating, explored Connecticut Avenue a little bit - stuff for next time. Went back to Tori's one more time. Left the city at 1300 - took I-495 this time. Used I-95, I-295 and I-64 to get back to Norfolk. Hardly any traffic, and we were home by 1600. Relaxed for most of the afternoon.

Washington Weekend - Day 2

Slept until 0930. Warm enough for shorts! Had breakfast at McDonalds and did a little shopping nearby. Went to Tori's house around 1130. She drove us into DC on Wisconsin and Pennsylvania Avenue. No traffic or problem parking - we parked right next to the Smithsonian (1300). Watched a planetarium show, explored Air and Space Museum (found computer program that Ken designed). Walked down the mall towards the Washington Monument - not open today. Walked back towards original Smithsonian building - looked inside. Also checked out Sackler Museum (beautiful Asian art). Drove over to Chinatown and ate at Mr. Yung's restaurant. Hoods hanging out near our car - we may have stopped them from vandalizing it! Returned to Tori's around 1800. Tori didn't want to go out, so we stayed at her place watching movies for a little while. Went to Malarkey's at 2030. I was sitting with the guys in a booth and a girl came to sit down in the next one. After a long time, the guys told me to talk to her - and I did. Her name was Linda. We talked for several hours and then she told me she worked at a restaurant across the street. Around 2300, we went over there and her boss made me a late night snack. We were able to hang out there until around 0300. Then she took me back to the hotel, where Pete and Rafael were waiting... Bed around 0330.

Washington Weekend - Day 1

Left Norfolk at 1630 in Rafael's car - Pete came too. Took I-64 out of town (lots of traffic). Switched drivers when we finally got to intersection of I-295 and I-64. Used I-95 and I-395 to get to DC (Francis Scott Key bridge). Drove through Georgetown with the convertible top down. Ended up in the Wisconsin Avenue area - planned to come back later. Drove over to Bethesda for a hotel (they had rooms, luckily). Picked up Tori at her place nearby and then went over to Pizzaria Uno for dinner. Checked out Malarkey's Bar and then went down to Georgetown again. Hung out at Garrett's Bar. Finally left around midnight - back to hotel. Slept immediately.

Urbanna, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - went with repair crew to "rescue" broken truck in Urbanna]

Urbanna, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - tried to drive to Oysterfest in Urbanna, VA - traffic jam - waited awhile and gave up]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 5

Woke at 0900 and went to breakfast in Lowell. Had nice meal with Katie and John and then checked out the University of Lowell bookstore - bought souvenirs. Drove out of town by noon, using Lowell Connector to I-495 down to the Mass Pike (I-90). Drove west until I got off at I-84. Switched to I-91 in Hartford and drove to Hamden - changed to Wilbur Cross Parkway. Had so much traffic - and a little rain - almost had two cars take out the GLC near Norwalk. They hit each other (and not me, luckily) and I continued without further incident. Continued into New York and used Merrit Parkway and Hutchinson Parkway - still more traffic. Finally took Cross County Parkway and NY-9A to George Washington Bridge. Used I-95 and Jersey Turnpike and then changed to I-195/US-206. Crossed Delaware River on US-1 at Trenton again - drove through town. Listening to Senate vote on Clarence Thomas - pretty interesting when it was live on the radio... Got back on I-95 and drove through Philadelphia (1805). Took Delaware and Maryland toll roads (still I-95) to Baltimore, using the Francis Scott Key tunnel. Went through DC on the edge of town (used I-295 and I-95). No traffic at all from DC down the Richmond. I-295 and I-64 back to Norfolk. Home by 2300.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 4

Awake by 1000. Went to visit Grammy and Aunt Eva. Started packing for trip and spent some time with Carolyn. Called Katie to make sure she would be there when I arrived. Stopped to see Bryan at the Mobil station around 1830. Left Dennis and took US-6 towards Boston, then MA-3. Switched to I-93 in Quincy and then I-95. Got on US-3 north of the city and drove towards Lowell. On I-495 and Lowell Connector and arrived at John's (Katie's boyfriend) apartment at 2015. Waited for his roommate to come back so we could all go meet Katie. Went over to where she works (at the Ground Round) and watched some football - had a tall beer! Stayed until midnight and then went back to John's. Watched TV until 0100 - then bed.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 3

Woke at 0915. Went to East Dennis Community Church with Carolyn - it hasn't changed much... Came home around noon and cleaned up car again. Dad suggested we go to play golf, it was so nice out. Went to Harwich Golf Course - had a pretty good game. Home around sunset. Had nice chats with Dad and Carolyn and later watched some football games. Ended up watching reruns of the Clarence Thomas hearings again until late. Watched some of Carolyn's videos until 0200, then slept.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

Slept until 1100. Unpacked car and - noticed some maintenance problems. Dad took me to a nearby junkyard so we could find a replacement light (was in luck, they had one!). Later visited Grammy and Aunt Eva. Dinner with Dad, Beth and Carolyn (1730). Went out to Oliver's to see Bryan - had some beer and appetizers. Returned home at 2200 and watched Saturday Night Live with Dad. Stayed up until 0200 watching replays of the Clarence Thomas hearings.

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

Left Norfolk at 1400 - had to work late... Used US-60 to get over to US-13. Took Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Wanted to stop and take picture, but cops were following me and there was really nowhere to turn off - too bad. Listened to Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings on the radio. Later found a place to stop (at the north end of the bridge) - met some guys who work down the street from me. Made it to Bridgeville, DE, by 1730. Continued on US-13 until I got on I-95 - ended up on the West side of the Delaware River (not what I originally planned). Found myself in Philadelphia - enjoyed that (saw some old Navy ships in the river). Eventually crossed the river near Trenton and found US-1. Lots of traffic, so took some back roads until I was on the Garden State Parkway - much faster. Hit I-80 and had more traffic - I-95 was better - I actually thought I was in the clear when I crossed the George Washington Bridge in NYC... Instead, hit a huge jam at the Connecticut border. Finally in Niantic, CT (2345). Took I-95 to Providence, then switched to I-195. Later on I-495 and MA-25. Crossed Cape Cod Canal at Bourne Bridge and drove north to Sagamore Bridge on Falmouth side. US-6 to Willow Street - home at 0230...

Yorktown, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - motorcycle - up very early - drove through HRBT as fast as I could... - rode all the way to Yorktown - found the place where Eileen does her research - saw where Ken works - back to Norfolk in the evening]

Williamsburg, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - trip to Busch Gardens with friends]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - party at Ocean Breeze water park]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[date uncertain - went to buy motorcycle in Virginia Beach]

Virginia Beach, VA (USA)

[drove around near Virginia Beach - took US-60 north to Fort Story and visited First Landing State Park - took US-60 back towards Norfolk]

Moving Trip - Day 2

Left hotel early - I have to check in by 0800! Had some trouble with I-64 and Hampton Roads Bridge traffic... Called ahead to get extra time. Not a good start for the job to be late. Oh well, the trip was worth anything they say... No one was mad when I got there anyway. Found a temporary place to live - may have to move eventually - and got to bed early...

Moving Trip - Day 1

Woke up early and left South Philippa for the last time... I'll miss the old place! Took US-31 down to Indianapolis. In Louisville around 1400. Eileen met me at a car dealer and we talked for a little while before I had to head over to my new job in Norfolk. Took I-64 all the way. Driving in West Virginia mountains under a bright full moon. Stayed in a Hampton Inn just east of Richmond - I'll finish the trip in the morning...

South Bend, IN (USA)

[checked out of ROTC unit - packing]

South Bend, IN (USA)

[last minute packing & visiting]

Newfoundland Trip - Day 11

Continued along the northern side of Lake Huron - pretty. Lots of boats out for the day. Had lunch near Echo Bay, Ontario before crossing the border back to the US at Sault Ste. Marie. Visited the locks again (it never gets old!). Crossed Straight of Mackinac just as the sun was setting. Dark driving back - stayed on I-75 to US-127 and then drove down to I-69 and I-80/90. Home around 2300...

Newfoundland Trip - Day 10

Woke up and drove up towards Quebec City. Got there around noon and walked around on the Plains of Abraham. Also explored the Ville de Quebec - very nice. Extremely French - couldn't get any information from some of the tourist places I asked (I think they are supposed to be able to speak English, right?). Explored the historic walls and went into little churches. Very nice weather today! Spent part of the morning in the Citadel - with another changing of the guard ceremony - before leaving the city. Visited Montmorency Falls - pretty! Drove along the Saint Lawrence and hit Montreal early - raining, so I didn't stay. Instead, continued West to Ottawa. Drove right up in front of the Parliament building (kind of stumbled on that...). Great weather all day. Around 1600, saw a sign for a historical marker - it seems that Champlain was in this area in the 1600s and lost a sextant (he recorded the loss in his journal). Just a few years ago, a farmer was plowing nearby and found a rusty artifact. He turned it in to the authorities who dated it as the lost sextant! Wow! Glad for the late sunsets this far north - helped me drive a long way before I had to stop. Stayed in the Hill Top Cottages at Deux Rivieres.

Newfoundland Trip - Day 9

Took the "interesting way" today - drove over towards the US - Canada border. Ran out of gas - thank God for the gas tank I brought! Mileage on the old GLC at that point was 430 miles! Found gas station just around the corner - I had almost made it. Just like last summer in Yukon and Alaska: if you don't get gas when you see it, you won't find any later... Crossed at I-95 and then took US-1 up to Caribou. Crossed back into Canada in Quebec. Drove along St. Lawrence River for a few more hours - stopped in Riviere-du-Loup for a bit. Eventually found a campsite near Montreal (at Camping 300 in Cap-Saint-Ignace). Met some interesting people in the campground - they are locals on a vacation. They told me more than anyone else had - about things to do around here...

Newfoundland Trip - Day 8

Woke up early - cleaned up camp and drove over to see the Green Gables home at Cavendish. Carolyn likes the story of "Ann of Green Gables" - sent her a post card from the little post office. Visited grave of Lucy Mayde Montgomery, author of the book. Drove around the island - saw lots of the red mud everyone talks about! Even shopped at Matthew's Market (I'm sure that is a reference to the book...). Drove back to Borden to get on the ferry in the afternoon - arrived in Nova Scotia by 1600. Drove into New Brunswick and found a good campground (Camper's Cove near Young's Cove - near the border with Maine).

Newfoundland Trip - Day 7

Ferry (named "Caribou") dropped me off in North Sydney around 0030. Started to drive back towards Halifax, but got tired. A gas station attendant let me sleep in their parking lot from 0230 to 0630. In the morning, started driving down the coast - great views. Arrived in Halifax just in time (1200) - was able to watch marching soldiers at the citadel. Explored the city for a little while. Started to sprinkle later, so drove back to New Brunswick. I wanted to get on the ferry for Prince Edward Island in the morning, but there was no line for the evening crossing tonight. Had some trouble with my credit card today - I think I hit my limit. Luckily, they use an old system and still gave me tickets for the ferry fare... Found a campsite right when I got over to PEI - Cumberland Cove Campground.

Newfoundland Trip - Day 6

Had a good sleep last night. Spent a lot of the day in this beautiful park. Gros Morne seems to be a little like Scandinavia - the lakes are long and narrow, stuck in the middle of tall mountain valleys. I would say they look like fjiords - but I don't know. Hiked a bunch and ate food I brought. Stayed until around 1400. Later, visited a little park called Port-aux-Choix - a Native American site that told the story of the original inhabitants of Newfoundland (I guess the Scraelings of Norse mythology...). It was interesting. Visited Grand Codroy Provincial Park. Luckily, I got back to Port-aux-Basques in time for the ferry - there were big lines going back to Nova Scotia... Boarded at 1930 for ride over - dozed...

Newfoundland Trip - Day 5

When I got up, the weather was great - sunny and not as cold as yesterday. From my campground, I could see out into the ocean. There are huge icebergs everywhere! My camp neighbors took some good pictures of me... Over to Lanse-aux-Meadows later - site of the purported 1000 AD landing of the Vikings (Leif Ericson?). Very interesting museum and recreation of the sod homes... Just this place was worth the drive! Spent several hours walking around the park and taking in the cool summer air. I looked over towards Labrador - had there been a bridge or ferry right then, I would have gone over. Don't think too many roads are paved over on that side, though... Left in the early afternoon and drove back towards Port-aux-Basques. Visited Grose Morne again. Found a good campsite in Rocky Harbor.

Newfoundland Trip - Day 4

Ferry dropped me off in Port-aux-Choix around 0900 - good timing (thank God for the little sleep I actually got on the way over!). Nice day - sunny and cool. Drove up the west coast of the island. Stopped a few times for food and gas. There aren't any men around at all! I talked to some of the gas station girls - they said all the men leave Newfoundland for work in other parts of Canada and the US. Enjoyed scenery at Gros Morne National Park. Arrived at Pistolet Bay Provincial Park in evening. Found a good campground and took advantage of their rec-room. Went to bed early - tired!!!

Newfoundland Trip - Day 3

Woke up early - it is very rainy. Left after getting camping gear dried off as much as possible. Drove over to Port Hawkesbury. Crossing the causeway, saw a van that looked like Gerard's - couldn't be... (???). Continued along the western side of Cape Breton and enjoyed some sun in the afternoon. Found some great coastal rock formations for climbing. Met some nice people. Around sunset, camped near Cape Breton-Newfoundland ferry. After getting camp set-up, drove down to pier to inquire about crossing times. The ticket agent told me that I should get in line tonight to make sure I can get across by tomorrow morning. If I waited, he said the line would be huge... Went back to campground and convinced the manager to give me a refund. Headed back to the line and paid for my turn on the Ferry. It left in the middle of the night. Once car was on the boat, caught some shuteye in a row of seats...

Newfoundland Trip - Day 2

Left campsite in the morning. Unbelievable image of low tide versus the high I'd seen before! Picked up US-1 and drove all the way up the coast to the crossing to Canada. Got searched at border. Drove over towards St. John, New Brunswick. Visited the Bay of Fundy - everything I expected! Tides are amazing - found a little harbor where you could actually watch the boats rising and falling during the day. Explored the Park a little and then drove over to Nova Scotia. Camped just before dark near the town of Truro. I noted the names of towns are like those on Cape Cod - my dad says it's because the Loyalists left Massachusetts after the American Revolution and settled here. I heard that Gerard is out here somewhere. I'll try to catch up with him in Cape Breton tomorrow... Found a good campsite before dark.

Newfoundland Trip - Day 1

Left this morning after making one last check at the post office for any mail. This will be my last time calling Dennis home! Got a couple of letters and headed out of town by 1000. Took MA-3 up to Boston and got through city without much trouble (good day to drive north...). Made it into Maine by 1300. Picked up a hitchhiker late in the day. She was on a vacation of her own - hitching across Maine. Camped on Cobscook Bay (Cobscook Bay State Park).

[Wareham, MA] (USA)

[date uncertain - route uncertain - Dad went with me on my delivery route]

Coventry, CT (USA)

[date uncertain - drove Matt (and friends) to "Crossroads" camp in Coventry, Connecticut - (took US-44 there) through west side of Providence - he wanted me to spend the night but I needed to go home - drove back via Willimantic and US-6]

Harwich, MA (USA)

[golf with Dad at Harwich Port Golf Club]

Drive to Cape Cod - Day 2

[rest of the trip - in Pennsylvania just after midnight - gas in Stroudsburg at 0405 - back in Dennis by 0930]

Drive to Cape Cod - Day 1

[drove home for two months of summer work - left South Bend at 1830 - took I-80/90 to Pennsylvania - filling up tank in Niles (PA) at 2315...]

Mishawaka, IN (USA)

[church]

Land-o-Lakes Trip - Day 5

[drove back to S/B - took US-45 to Oshkosh and then US-41 towards Milwaukee (lunch at Hardees in Shawano) - (saw Jamie in Milwaukee ?) - changed over to I-94 after that and took it into Indiana - gas in Hammond (IN)]

Land-o-Lakes Trip - Day 4

[had planned to go back to South Bend this morning - changed my mind (beautiful day) - instead, drove north towards the north tip of the Upper Peninsula - saw a big bear running across a field (he saw me and turned around and ran back into the woods - arrived at Copper Harbor around lunch time - (ate at The Pines Resort and Restaurant) - (Brockway Mountain) - end of US-41 - on the way back - (saw record snowfall sign in Houghton) - decided to go back to UNDRC (surprised Eileen - but she was happy) - ended up spending another night (was this the day I went to the movies in Woodruff, WI ?)]

Land-o-Lakes Trip - Day 3

[visit]

Land-o-Lakes Trip - Day 2

[visit - (insect sampling in Ottawa Forest and at Bond Falls ?)]

Land-o-Lakes Trip - Day 1

[Drove up to see Eileen at UNDRC - used I-90 to I-39. Then drove up US-51 to Minoqua, Wisconsin - then over to Land O'Lakes. Stayed in bunk-house...]

[Chicago, IL] (USA)

[date uncertain - unsure of how far I drove - guided Dad back to Chicago O'Hare (???)]

[Chicago, IL] (USA)

[date uncertain - unsure of how far I drove - met up with Dad (rental car) after he landed in Chicago - guided them home on the interstate (???)]

[South Bend], IN (USA)

[date uncertain (location uncertain) - ROTC picnic with Eileen]

South Bend, IN (USA)

[rest of trip back from Chicago - arrived after midnight]

Chicago, IL (USA)

[went over to Chicago with IV group (& Ken ?) - left early and visited the Shedd Aquarium (waterfront) - then drove over to have late lunch at original Pizzaria Uno (also visited Pizzaria Due) - then attended Chicago Cubs (vs. Atlanta Braves) game at 1905 - after game, drove home (late)]

Mishawaka, IN (USA)

[church]

Indianapolis, IN (USA)

[Indy Time Trials]

North Liberty, IN (USA)

[date uncertain - Potato Creek State Park]

Louisville Trip - Day 3

[back to S/B]

Louisville Trip - Day 2

[Kentucky Derby]

Louisville Trip - Day 1

[drove to Louisville for Kentucky Derby]

Indianapolis, IN (USA)

[date uncertain - drove with Eileen to pick up Cathy in Indianapolis - took her to Chicago (via I-65) - driving in dark, mostly]

South Bend, IN (USA)

[rest of return trip from Chicago - arrived in South Bend after midnight]

Chicago, IL (USA)

[Drove over to Chicago to see "Les Miserables" at the Auditorium Theatre (50 East Congress Street) with Eileen's dorm group. Left in the afternoon (show started at 1930). Convoy got separated on the Interstate. Show was very good. (Drove home very late)]

Easter Trip - Day 4

[back to S/B]

Easter Trip - Day 3

[visit]

Easter Trip - Day 2

[visit]

Easter Trip - Day 1

[visit to Louisville]

Chicago, IL (USA)

[drove to pick Eileen up at the O'Hare airport (there 1115-1215) - had time to visit Sears Tower downtown - drove back to South Bend in the evening]

Spring Break Trip - Day 8

Got up early and went to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It was cool - the sand-dunes are as big as any I've ever seen. And they really look like sleeping bears! We walked along in the sand for several hours before heading south towards South Bend...

Spring Break Trip - Day 7

Got up early and headed down the Lake Superior coast towards Mackinac. Stopped several times - Upper Taquamenon Falls (frozen), Whitefish Point Lighthouse (saw a huge ice flow from the lake - could destroy a house!). Detoured to Sault Ste. Marie and explored the Locks for several hours - cool! Drove over towards the Straight of Mackinac (pronounced "Mackinaw") - looking around on the east side of the UP for a little bit (Kara told us there was an Intervarsity Camp there). Stayed in a Days Inn in Petosky...

Spring Break Trip - Day 6

Woke up early and did some more exploring around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We had hoped to take a boat along the coast to see the colors, but the fact that it was frozen solid meant that wasn't possible. Used the park map to find every cool landmark - frozen solid waterfalls, more walking on Lake Superior, etc. Took one road too many, though, and I got stuck with my little Mazda GLC in the snow. Fortunately, there was a house not more than 1/4 mile away. Knocked on the door and got help getting out - gave them all the cash I had a the time. They were very friendly and nice - kept us warm while we waited to be rescued. Went back to our hotel for a second night.

Spring Break Trip - Day 5

Took our time driving up the coast, stopping several times to look at the rocky scenery. Saw some cool caves along the water - covered with icicles... Arrived in Munising around 1500 - checked into a hotel and then went out exploring. Walked out on frozen Lake Superior - what a cool experience! We saw lots of ice-fishing huts and B-52s flew nearby. We walked on the lake for awhile, but it was really cold!

Spring Break Trip - Day 4

Said goodbye to Puneet and headed up to the Door Peninsula, where another one of Eileen's friends lived. Walked along the lake near Sturgeon Bay - cold! Even went up in an observation tower - what a view! Finished up the afternoon with a nature walk in Peninsula State Park (Fish Creek, WI). Saw some unbelievable scenery - waves crashing on rocks, trees and lots of snow & ice. Left Eileen's friend, Denise, and drove towards Green Bay. Didn't stay in town long - just enough for dinner. Continued to Menominee, Michigan, where we got a hotel...

Spring Break Trip - Day 3

After saying goodbye to Kim and Jamie, we drove over to Madison. Eileen has a friend there and he was gracious enough to let us stay with him. We had a nice day in town and saw some student events...

Spring Break Trip - Day 2

Went to church with Kim and Jamie (one each). Explored a few other churches in Milwaukee - Basilica of Saint Josaphat, St. Stanislaus (Polish). Also walked along the waterfront of Lake Michigan. Later went to Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory to see the different domes...

Spring Break Trip - Day 1

Let South Bend in the morning. Stopped north of Chicago (Waukegan) and looked around Great Lakes. Also got to see one of Eileen's old friends who had gotten married and had a yound son. After getting a speeding ticket just outside Milwaukee, arrived at Jamie's house (late afternoon)...

Louisville Trip - Day 4

[return to South Bend]

Louisville Trip - Day 3

[visit]

Louisville Trip - Day 2

[visit]

Louisville Trip - Day 1

[visit - (blizzard ?)]

[Elkhart], IN (USA)

[date uncertain - location uncertain - basketball game (church team)]

Back to School Trip - Day 5

[return to S/B - fuel in Greenwood, IN]

Back to School Trip - Day 4

[visiting - date uncertain...]

Back to School Trip - Day 3

[visiting - date uncertain]

Back to School Trip - Day 2

[visiting - date uncertain]

Back to School Trip - Day 1

[return to S/B via Louisville - date uncertain...]

Dennis, MA (USA)

[home for holidays]

Dennis, MA (USA)

[home for holidays]

Dennis, MA (USA)

[home for holidays]

Dennis, MA (USA)

[home for holidays]

Dennis, MA (USA)

[home for holidays]