Travels – Page 59 – Paint Your Landscape

Chicago, Chicago…

October 30, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

We have landed in Gardner, IL and have been able to park our rig right outside my brother’s house for the week. Since the closest campground is 35 miles away, we are thankful we do not have this daily commute. They live in a new subdivision at the end of the road so it is somewhat less obtrusive to have a 38′ rig in the neighborhood than it could be.

We had a few hours to spare one day so we decided to hop on the Amtrak in Joliet (about a 30 minute drive from where the family lives) to go to downtown Chicago. The temperatures have dipped in this part of the country and the Windy City is well, windy, so it was a brisk day to walk. We got some exercise in, spending 4 hours walking downtown, seeing some sights we had not seen for many a year or not at all. Terry once worked for Harris Bank downtown so he was anxious to see how the area had changed.

As we headed towards Millennium Park we passed the renowned Chicago Art Institute. It would have been nice to spend the afternoon pouring over the fabulous works of art inside but with just a new hours in the city, a quick photo was to be all we had time for. Our focus was on exploring Millennium Park.

What was once an industrial wasteland in the heart of Grant Park, with unsightly railroad tracks and parking lots, has evolved into the most significant millennium project in the world, Millennium Park. Work on this project began in October, 1997 and opened to ceremony in July, 2004, four years behind schedule. Many feel that this 25-acre park with world-class art, music, architecture, and landscape designs was worth the wait.

The most prominent feature in the park is the stunning Jay Pritzker Pavilion, one of the most sophisticated outdoor concert venues of its kind in the U.S. It was designed by Frank Gehry, one of the world’s greatest living architects.

Cloud Gate, an interactive sculpture that sits in the center of the park, was designed by Anish Kapoor, providing distorted views of those peering into her depths.

Crown Fountain, brainchild of Jaume Plensa, is a 50-foot block tower of flowing water (no water on this day), depicting the faces of 1000 different Chicagoans.

On a warm sunny day it would be delightful to wander Lurie Garden and the abstract sculptures in the Boeing Galleries but with just a few hours in the city, we had to be selective.

Boeing Galleries Sculpture — One of the sculptures of the Boeing Galleries

What would a visit to the Windy City be without a photo of Marilyn Monroe in her infamous subway-grate pose?

Seward Johnson, New Jersey based artist known for his gigantic pop art icons displayed in public spaces, created this 26-foot statue that is prominently featured in Pioneer Court, along Michigan Avenue. It will be on display here until spring 2012.

Unfortunately, it was time to head back to the train depot. Along the way Terry got in a few photos that I have posted below.

Chicago Skyline from Jay Pritzker Pavilion — Chicago skyline and fall colors from Jay Pritzker Pavilion

Reflections

October 21, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

“Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open, and rules are flexible, the kind of atmosphere found in a nurturing family.” ~ Virginia Satir

Since we have been in Dayton, OH for the past couple of weeks visiting Terry’s parents, I thought I would write about interesting sights, particularly after visiting Carillon Historical Park with the folks. Dayton seems to get a bad rap, never making it to the top “whatever” list that I frequently see on the internet. After visiting the Carillon Park museum and the wonderful job done depicting the history of Dayton, it deserves some attention. Dayton has long been one of the country’s leading producers of patents. The list of inventions is long, the airplane, artificial heart and kidney machine, and cash register, just to name a few. Although I found Dayton to be interesting, I want to go in another direction for this post.

When we are in Ohio my thoughts are drawn to the quality time spent with family and friends and how much more enriched I am for having had spent the time here. Why does reading or writing about feelings and emotions make so many of us uncomfortable? I believe because it forces us to take pause; it is the proverbial mirror held up in front of us.

As most of us grow older, I believe we have come to realize the importance of family and friends. I have been so very blessed to have had an anam cara, my “soul friend” Barbara, who I could share my deepest thoughts with, and her with me. She passed away March 15th of this year, and although I still miss her terribly, I have such treasured memories of our times together. Because of her deteriorating health, whenever we were together, we spoke of our feelings for each other. There was never any doubt for either of us. One of my most vivid memories, whenever my visit ended, was for Barb to have her husband Pete put her arms around me for a hug when she was no longer capable of doing this for herself. This always invoked a lot of tears and that hug said much that words could not express. To this day, if I shut my eyes, I still feel that embrace, warm as the sun on a beautiful spring day.

So I have asked myself, as many of us do, why does it take knowing that our life here is growing short for us to take the bold step to speak from our heart? Why don’t we do this on a regular basis, for none of us knows how long we are here? I find that as I grow older, I feel more of a sense of urgency to step out of my comfort zone, take a risk and speak out, to quiet that little voice in my head that says “hurry, because time is fleeting”.

Like so many others, I had the misfortune of losing my mother at an early age and had an estranged relationship with my father. I have been deeply blessed to have found beautiful replacements for both with Terry’s parents. I am thankful to have learned the importance of embracing the time we have together and trying (not always successfully) to overlook the little things that tend to try one’s patience. As we look back over time, isn’t it the “little things” we remember when our loved ones are gone? It’s not so much the bike as it is the memory of being taught how to ride the bike. It is not the dress, but the loving hands that sewed the dress.

We have not done much since our time in Dayton that would prompt taking pictures to post in a blog. We did lots that will leave those pictures in our minds and imprints on our hearts. Meals shared together, painting birdhouses, trimming branches, shopping for groceries, running errands, and taking dad to a doctor appointment were the highlights. These are the “little things” that hopefully have helped them in small ways. Watching Terry and his mother reminisce as they sorted through old family photos was touching.

Our friend Doug, who recently lost his mother and wrote a heartwarming poem as a tribute to her, which became part of her eulogy, said his new mantra is “no regrets”. A good mantra for us all to follow.

I came across this quote from an anonymous source the other day that seems very fitting:

“Present your family and friends with their eulogies now – they won’t be able to hear how much you love them and appreciate them from inside the coffin.”

In this hustle-and-bustle world we live in, it can become easy to take for granted the bonds we have formed with those we love the most. We can sometimes forget the importance of showing them, in little ways, how much we appreciate them, how much they touch our hearts. Let’s take time for the little things.

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A Special Bond

October 17, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” ~ Henri Nouwen (1932-1996)

Normally I would blog about the little treasures to be found in a city like Columbus, OH, and there are those, but I want to take a different path for this posting. Given where we stayed for a couple of days, I feel compelled to touch upon the beauty of friendship, one that is comfortable, one that is steady.

How many of us have had the great fortune of maintaining a connection with someone from our childhood? Terry has a special friend that he has held onto since junior high, a connection born of the fantasies of adolescent boys, and that has been a constant in his life through many highs and lows for both.

Zundap Bella Motor Scooters - 1960 — Doug & Terry on their Zundap Bella motor scooters ~ circa 1960

A cancer diagnosis for Terry brought us to Columbus four years ago and a friendship that was already long-standing grew so much deeper, a tragedy flowing into a blessing. I was fortunate to be able to share in this friendship and we were both honored to spend a couple of days at Doug and Donna’s home this past weekend. You just know you are going to have a great weekend, one promising the creation of memories, when all you care to do, with all the opportunities presented to you, is spend time together visiting. That is the weekend we had.

Saturday night we shared a great meal, then relaxed around a crackling fire. A nice glass of wine, discussing our travels, everyday happenings, and kids’ lives rounded out the evening. When I hear Donna talk about her daughters and grandsons and see the love and support that they both have for their kids, I wish I had not lost my parents so early in life and had the opportunities for these kinds of interactions.

Sunday was even better, with no one getting out of their “comfy” clothes all day long. Storytelling, the comfort found in moments of silence, and the joy for me of mowing their lawn (I know, sounds a little odd, doesn’t it) added to the day.

Me, refusing to relinquish my "ride" to Terry

Honestly, after I realized where Terry and Doug disappeared to, I should have surrendered my hold on their new lawn mower, although I really do enjoy mowing grass. 50 years later, there they are still enjoying their toys, or more specifically, Doug’s new BMW Z4, just a tad pricier and a lot faster than the Zundap Bella motor scooters. What a beauty she is and the two “old guys” are aging pretty good as well!

At one point in the evening Donna looked at Terry, marveling at how close we had all become, and surmised that perhaps Terry’s journey of cancer treatment and recovery, undertaken at their home four years ago, was meant to result in drawing us closer together. She may indeed be right about that.

How do you thank someone for opening their home and their hearts to you, leaving their imprint along the way? Doug and Donna, two endearing souls, took care of us four years ago, and did the same once again this past weekend. What we have with them is truly a special bond, one that will sustain us throughout our lives.

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” ~ Albert Schweitzer

Mackinac Island, MI

October 5, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

The day before our visit to Mackinac Island, we drove to Whitefish Bay to see Tahquamenon Falls, which we had heard were rather special. Root Beer Falls is the name given to the Upper Falls by the locals, as the water cascading over the edge is notably brown in color, due to the tannins that leach from the nearby cedar swamps into the river. The Upper Falls span 200′ with a 48′ drop.

The Lower Falls consist of a series of 5 smaller falls that cascade around a small island. A vehicle can be driven to view both

the Upper and Lower Falls or a hiking trail 4 miles out and back (8 miles round-trip) can also be taken.

We opted for the latter and what a treat it was. We had to admit that it rivaled our hike at Pictured Rocks, although this hike provided more exercise with many stairs scattered throughout the woods. Much of the trail ran along the river, which was oh so pretty.

If you are in the area and have bikes, a great-looking bike trail is the North Central State Trail, a 62-mile multi-use trail connecting Gaylord, Indian River, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. The trail has a 10′ wide packed crushed limestone surface and is open to non-motorized use year-round. John and Janie, if you are reading this, you have yet another reason to head back to the UP.

Terry had been to Mackinac Island before but this was to be a real treat for me. Our last day in the area brought sunshine and temps in the 50’s so our ferry ride over to Mackinac Island proved to be invigorating.

Located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island was home to Native Americans before European explorers arrived in the 17th century. Based on its position, it played a significant role in the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac in 1780 by the British during the American Revolutionary War.

Much of the island has undergone extensive historical restoration and preservation. More than 80% of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park, originally designated the second National Park behind Yellowstone, in 1875. In 1895 the park was turned over to state control.

On this island of 492 year-round residents, motorized vehicles have been prohibited since 1898, with the exception of snowmobiles in the winter and emergency vehicles. Travel on the island is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage.

Many homes that we walked by have bicycle racks in the side yard. Tourists can rent bikes, drive a horse-drawn carriage or climb on a carriage, relax and get a tour of the island.

Aside from the numerous retail shops, galleries, restaurants, and candy shops, probably the most prominent structure on the island is the Grand Hotel. This stunning Victorian-style hotel opened in 1887 and gained national notoriety after the movie Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, was shot on location in 1979.

The porch at the Grand Hotel is said to be the world’s longest at 660 feet. With white rocking chairs along its length and its trademark red geraniums, it beckoned us to relax and enjoy lunch overlooking the golf course and the lake. The Cupola Bar is the highest point at the top of the hotel and features a stunning view of the Straits of Mackinac.

Condé Naste Traveler lists the Grand Hotel as one of the “Best Places to Stay in the Whole World” and Travel & Leisure Magazine lists it as among the “Top 100 Hotels in the World”. This amazing hotel has been visited by five U. S. Presidents, as well as Prime Ministers and inventors.

We had a wonderful day and an ideal end to our stay in Mackinaw. From here we are headed to Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to spend time with family. Please enjoy the gallery of photos below!

Saute Ste. Marie, MI

September 29, 2011April 8, 2012LuAnn

Terry had traveled across the Mackinac Bridge before but I never had. He does not necessarily embrace heights so he was wondering how it would feel to travel across the bridge pulling a 38 foot 5th-wheel. Just before we stopped to pay the toll to cross over, a large flashing sign announced heavy winds and the need for RV’s and buses to travel at speeds no greater than 20 mph across the bridge. Holy s@*t! We pay our toll and with some trepidation begin our journey. With me behind the wheel of our little Toyota truck, I watch Terry pull our “home” across a very long and tall bridge.

Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas. It is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the 3rd longest in the world. The bridge is about 5 miles in length, suspended over the straits of Mackinac. At mid-span the height of the roadway is about 200 feet above the water. Construction began on May 7, 1954 and she opened to traffic on November 1, 1957.

All suspension bridges are designed to move to accommodate wind, weight, and changes in temperature. It is possible that the deck at the center of the bridge could move as much as 35 feet (east or west) during high winds. I am thankful we had not heard this before our trek across.

Rainy days and Mondays… That could be our theme song for when we arrived at Mackinaw City Campground, our home for the next week. We are staying at a “no frills” campground, with water, electric, and 30-amp service, and fairly open spaces. What more do we really need? We agree that we have been spoiled given our stays over the past several weeks. But with an effective rate of $13.25 daily, we are comfortable laying our heads here and venturing out on day trips.

A little side note: For those of you who have noticed the two spellings, Mackinac and Mackinaw, here is the explanation I have read. “Blame the French. And the British. You can even blame the area’s Native Americans. When Europeans got here (the French first), they picked up on all these words spoken by the local people and tried to write them down in their own language.”

We got quite a thunderstorm during the night and awoke to overcast skies but temps in the 60’s so we decided to explore Mackinaw City and get an exercise walk in before the rains came. It is a touristy little town with a nice pier and a fun downtown area. This is where we will head later in the week to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island.

Wednesday morning was “soupy”, with fog weaving its way through the campground but reports that it was to burn off early so we headed back across the bridge to explore Saute Ste. Marie. I have never been to the locks before (I am beginning to see that I have lived a sheltered life) so I was excited.

Saute Ste. Marie is an old city, established in 1668. It is the oldest European settlement in the U.S. Midwest and has a twin city of the same name in Ontario, separated by the St. Mary’s River. The two cities are joined by the International Bridge. Shipping traffic in the Great Lakes area bypasses the rapids by way of the American Soo Locks, the world’s busiest canal in terms of tonnage passing through it. Smaller tour and recreational boats use the Canadian Saute Ste. Marie Canal.

The Soo Locks are operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and consist of two canals and four locks. More than 11,000 vessels, carrying up to 90 million tons of cargo pass through these locks annually. Most cargo is iron ore, coal, grain, or stone. Only two of the four locks are used at this time and The Corps has plans to replace two of the locks with one that is state-of-the-art, to handle the larger vessels of the Great Lakes fleet.

When we arrived at the locks, we went to the viewing deck and did not have long to wait for a ship to arrive. The MacArthur lock, first of four locks, is able to accommodate vessels up to 730 feet in length and 76 feet in width. The Algoma Spirit, loaded with taconite, a low-grade iron ore, was 729 feet long and 76 feet wide, a perfect fit.

A Tight Fit, with Two Feet of Wiggle Room on Each Side

Once the vessel is completely inside the lock, the gate closes behind it and the water level is dropped 21 feet, which is the drop in elevation between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

The Algoma Spirit as She is Lowered in the Lock

Once the water level in lowered, the forward gate is opened and the vessel continues her journey.

The Poe lock is the largest of the four; was rebuilt in 1968 to accommodate 1000 foot vessels, and took 6 years to build. We were told that last week a ship moving into this lock came in too fast and stopped only three feet short of hitting the sill, which is the underwater concrete abutment that keeps the gate open. If that had occurred, the ship would have sunk in the lock.

Saute Ste. Marie is a charming little town and the tour of the locks was fascinating. I am constantly surprised at just how much Michigan has to offer and we are not done yet!