Carmageddon

Ship To Shore

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Susan Russo

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The rains had ended and it was a windy but pretty day at the beach. We checked out of The Sand Dunes and headed down to spend a few last hours with our toes in the sand. Don had heard that there’s a storm brewing off the coast and sure enough the red flags were out and the lifeguards were keeping everyone only thigh high in the surf.

The old battleship standing in front of the USS North Carolina.

So after a few hours on the beach and a picnic lunch we loaded up and headed off to Wilmington. A pretty port city on the Cape Fear River, it is home port of the USS North Carolina.

A view of Wilmington.

This battleship was commissioned during WWII and got hit by a torpedo in the Pacific Ocean. It was brought to Pearl Harbor and repaired then sent back into action. It was decommissioned at the end of the war and was to be sold for scrap. The people of North Carolina weren’t going to let that happen to their namesake and an effort ensued to bring the ship to Wilmington. School kids were donating their pennies and the whole state seemed very committed to the project. They purchased it in the 1960s and through the efforts of many different groups it has been restored.

Kids and their toys!

There is an extensive tour that takes you down below decks and up into the superstructure giving you a glimpse of what it must have been like living on this floating target.

The JFK it’s not. Only one plane.

Being a little claustrophobic, I had a harder time enjoying being 4 decks below the main deck particularly when there were several people trying to occupy “my” space. Don & Damian had no such issues and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Tight spaces!

Stowaway?

The ex-firefighter finds the firefighting equipment.

Once back above decks I was a little more comfortable. That is until we saw the multiple alligators circling the ship. Honestly, I am the only person who had no idea there were alligators in North Carolina??

Those stupid video games are good for something. Damian actually knew a lot about WWII ships.

When our tour was over we headed north and after about 3 hours in the car we were hungry, tired and stiff. We sought out a hotel with a hot tub & eased our tired old bones into it. Damian, of course, hit the pool. Sometimes the best adventures are totally unplanned. Now home I go to do a mountain of laundry.

Categories: Beach, Boats, Military | 1 Comment

Everything We Packed Is Now Wet

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Susan Russo

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These shots were taken in Carolina Beach while in search of food. We attempted on several occasions to enter a tiny but well recommended hole in the wall of an oyster joint but each time the place had no space. We toyed with eating at the place that had the giant, gaudy sea life figures plastered all over it (’cause how can I resist a huge octopus over the door?) but thought better and moved onward. We did have a pretty decent seafood lunch at a place called Big Daddy’s. It was the best fish taco I’ve ever had in a restaurant setting & believe me I eat a lot of them. Since dinner had been unsuccessful the night before we noticed that there were grills out by the pool at the Sand Dunes so Don decided to grill up some fresh corn on the cob, a few burgers and some tuna steak for me. After our simple but satisfying meal we headed down to the beach for a night time ghost crab hunt. We didn’t see many of the little critters so when we felt a few raindrops we headed back & all had a pretty decent night’s sleep.

Yellow caution flags are out today.

The National Weather Service was not encouraging today but we did see some sun early this morning so we ventured down to the beach. The surf was definitely rougher as we could see lots of whitecaps while walking down the beach access walkway. Of course Damian plunged right into the ocean and was promptly picked up and deposited about 50 ft south. Being young and naïve, he grabbed his boogey board and again headed off to sea.

The moment before the crest of this large wave trashes them.

The wave you saw in the picture that was bearing down on them sent them both flying onto the shore. It was not long after that the dark clouds started rolling in from the ocean.

Artsy beach shot

Anglers at the pier.

Sand castle construction commences.

We had one of our little pocket kites flying pretty well in the winds that were whipping in so we decided it was probably prudent to take down our canopy and start packing up. The sky was now really dark and we decided to head for shelter and as we stepped into the alley that leads to our room the sky opens up.
So what does one do when it’s pouring down rain at Kure Beach? Well, if Damian has a say you head to the North Carolina Aquarium.

Tanks a lot Nana & Pop for taking me to the Aquarium!

It seems many other folks had the same idea as the aquarium was pretty full. Still, it passed a few hours and Damian seemed to enjoy it.

Damian petting a
Bamboo Shark. (Neither Cheech nor Chong anywhere around)

Hanging out with the fish.

We headed outside during a brief period of no rain to walk to the outdoor exhibits. Damian & I were enjoying some really good ice cream when it once again started to pour. My cup of ice cream turned to mush really quickly with the rain overcoming it. We hot footed it back to the car & once again headed back to our little apartment.

Damian would like to be a marine biologist. I would like to be a pirate.

Categories: Beach, Camping | Leave a comment

Civil War Surfside

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Susan Russo

Old & Rusty (you figure out which is which)

If there’s a Civil War site within 100 miles of where we are Don will find it. This was one actually pretty easy. Fort Fisher is located where the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River meet. It was built by the Confederacy to protect the blockade runners and allow them to get to the port of Wilmington which was the last major southern port that remained open and able to supply the Confederate army. A major land-sea battle occurred and the Union captured it pretty much sealing the fate of the Confederacy.

The Visitors Center has a short film, an electric map (Don loves those) and displays of artifacts that were brought up from the numerous shipwrecks that occurred in the area. There was an interesting kiosk that told about the commanding officer’s wife. She had written a collection of letters to her mother in Providence, RI and it gave such a personal insight into her life. She was expecting a child when she moved here and her youngest daughter had been sick and finally died at the age of 1 year. When she had the baby, she sent him to live with her mother and it was heartbreaking to hear her write of how much she missed him and treasured the photographs her mother sent to her.

Gnarly, wind swept trees.

Along the walking tour.
(Cape Fear River behind us)

Standing guard at
Fort Fisher

Damian found the wildlife fascinating. We saw all these little crabs. . . on the trees! I’ve never seen crabs in trees.

Creepy tree crab which Damian loved.

There was a walking tour that took you all around what was the fort. You were able to see the earthworks that protected the cannons because they still exist! A wooden walkway took you around the river side.

Ocean side of the fort area.

Today there is an Air Force recreation area a little further upriver. There was a free concert there last night. This was definitely one Civil War site I didn’t mind be dragged to see. There is also the North Carolina State Aquarium located there. Luckily, we were able to complete the tour before the rains came. I bet it’s wet at the campgrounds. My room is dry. 😉

“Artsy” shot of the trees.

Categories: Beach, Military | 2 Comments

My Camp Runneth Over

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Susan Russo

Damian at Kure Beach

As we were heading out of the Carolina Beach State Park in search of breakfast and beach we decided to stop in the Visitors Center. We love Visitors Centers because they are usually chock full of locals who enjoy telling you cool stuff about their home area. I decided to ask the rangers my standard question, “If you were us, where would you go?” There are 2 well known beaches in the area: Carolina Beach & Kure Beach.

Damian & Pop in search of waves.

The rangers didn’t disappoint us as they lead us to a great beach experience that is relatively unknown. We spent a wonderful day there and I have no intention of divulging the location. I won’t even post pictures of it. (If you really want to know & I think I might be able to stand you & your family next to me at the beach for 6 hours send me a message. If I respond, you’ve passed my test. If not, it’s off to the Outer Banks for you!)

At “Pleasure Island”

Carolina Beach is more commercial and definitely has more of a “party” vibe. There are loads of bars and amusements including a carnival area called “Pleasure Island”.

Remember Pinocchio?

Not quite our speed although Damian was enthralled & we did find the best donuts I’ve ever eaten: Britt’s Donuts.

These are so good that Don’s mafia name is now
“Donnie Bag of Donuts”.

Kure Beach seemed a little more suited to our tastes.

There are some really nice beach houses in hues I’ve only seen in the Bahamas.

Purple is my favorite color.

More pretty rentals

Even more pretty rentals.

It didn’t take long for me to decide that I wasn’t spending another night in the campgrounds. Unfortunately for Don, that meant he had to enter “real estate mode” and find us a place to stay on the eve of July 4th week on the beach. Of course I have total confidence in his abilities to weasel us into someplace. He doesn’t disappoint me and we get a fair rate at a place called The Sand Dunes.

The Sand Dunes at Kure Beach

The manager is an adorable young woman named Jessie who recently relocated along with her husband from Tennessee. This girl is gorgeous and has a million dollar personality. What she’s doing here I can’t imagine except she gets to live at the beach. We come to an agreement about a 2 bedroom suite with a kitchenette and then we head to the campgrounds to break camp and relocate. We spend a restful night with no thought of elements or impending wildlife and after breakfast head out to the beach once again.

Teach a boy to fish . . .

Damian casts pretty well.

Categories: Beach, Camping | Leave a comment

Little Trip of Horrors: Cape Fear Edition

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Susan Russo

Venus Flytrap

I can’t help associating things with plays and movies I’ve seen in the past. Maybe it’s due to my being an only child for 15 years. My parents took me to a lot of theater productions & films. However, I digress. Let’s start at the beginning.
I had been pretty wrapped up at work with a project recently and when my part in it came to a close last week I looked at my upcoming schedule and noticed I had a string of days off prior to my working the July 4th holiday. Now that Don is once again gainfully employed I have lifted my self imposed restrictions on new travel plans. “Hey, how about we try to go camping for a few days?”
Bless his heart, Don is always up for an unplanned excursion so we hastily decided to throw some stuff in the car (OK, so “some stuff” pretty much involves us stopping just short of renting a U-Haul)
“Let’s try to find someplace near a beach!” A quick internet search ensues and we decide to head toward the Cape Fear River section of North Carolina to Carolina Beach State Park. A stone’s throw from the Wilmington area beaches and a new destination for us.

Bobby D in Cape Fear

I’ll admit that Cape Fear holds a different connotation for me. I start thinking about the Marty S. remake of the 1962 film. Bobby D. is a demented rapist set on getting some payback for the attorney that put him away. If you’ve never seen it, it’s some scary shit! Despite my gut feelings we venture on & arrive at the park after a pretty quick 6 hour drive (the qualifier here is that it’s pretty quick for a drive that is heading in the direction of any beach in the summer).

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Here’s Damian at the Marina of Carolina Beach State Park. (I don’t see any houseboats!). Looks pretty enough. We check in and locate our campsite. The park is heavily wooded and located on the Intracoastal Waterway.

Yes, there are gators in the NC intracoastal waterway.

Although humid as a sauna, there is plenty of shade and we start to unpack and set up camp. Did I mention that Carolina Beach State Park is also the home of carnivorous plants? Yup, the Venus Flytrap’s native environment is this park.

Feed me Seymour!

What self respecting theatre geek wouldn’t think of “Little Shop of Horrors”? C’mon people!

It’s late afternoon and we have lots of work to do before the sun sets. By the way, we have decided that any “vacation” that involves lots of work is no vacation. We set up Ranchette Russo, our huge tent and then I make the case for the car port sized canopy I insisted we bring with us. I have checked the weather forecasts and considering our history of never going camping without there being torrential rains I suggest that we set up the 20ft long x 7ft wide x 8ft high industrial car port to cover our tent and work area. Don pleads to do it in the morning since there isn’t a cloud in the sky but as usual I win and we start the tedious, sweat inducing task of hoisting this thing up.

Yes, I insisted we bring this with us.

Finally, with sweat pouring off of us in buckets we complete our tasks. Don now has to make a fire & cook while I slather Damian and myself in bug repellent. We eat, make s’mores and drink some of the prohibited wine that I have smuggled into the park. Damian succeeds in burning Don’s foot with his s’mores stick. The insect noise is deafening & the various dogs other campers just couldn’t imagine leaving at home are all barking at something in the surrounding woods. (I don’t even want to know)

Cujo

Finally, at about 11pm we decide to bed down so we can get an early start at the beach. It’s pretty hot but not unbearable and eventually Damian & I fall asleep. Don, however, can’t get comfortable on the slowly deflating air mattress. He wanders around for a while & decides to take a shower. He deems the men’s bath house “fit for a men’s restroom at a gas station”. He attempts to settle down again & finally dozes off when the thunder starts. A mad scramble ensues while Don tries to load the stuff we left outside into the car.

Fortunately, my relentless nagging has paid off and we remain snug and dry throughout the late night thunderstorm. We awake to a sunny morning & with our firewood now wet we decide to trek off to find some coffee, breakfast and the beach.

To be continued . . .

Categories: Camping | 2 Comments

Almost Heaven

Posted on June 12, 2014 by Susan Russo

MCMURRAN HALL
Shepherd University

I don’t know why we had never been to Shepherdstown, WV before yesterday. Located near the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley not far from a natural ford of the Potomac River it is a charming little town rife with history, education, arts, activities and architecture. Now known primarily as a college town, the home of Shepherd University, educational pursuit is kind of what brought us there.

The Little House on the campus of Shepherd University.

The beautiful campus of the U. S. Fish & Wildlife National Conservation Training Center

We had received a call from Admiral Steve Duffey, one of Don’s Navy buddies, that he was attending an educational program being held at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife National Training Center. It was decided that we would drive up to have dinner with Steve after he finished his class.

It didn’t take much convincing for Don to recruit me to accompany him and we decided we would spend the day exploring Shepherdstown and then meet up with Duffey for dinner. Our first stop was the Visitors Center where we met the lovely and extremely helpful director, Jan Hafer. Jan explored our interests with us and then equipped us with information and brochures.

Jan Hafer is the Director of the Visitors Center

We didn’t count on Shepherdstown having so many things of interest to us so we decided to limit ourselves to the historic district walking tour, shopping and lunch. An overnight excursion at the Bavarian Inn where we can then explore the history and hike the C & O Canal is in our future.

The War Memorial Building on the site of an old tannery.

Old Masonic Hall now houses an amazing local crafts store – Dickinson & Wait Gallery

The Yellow Brick Bank
now a restaurant

Old Odd Fellows Lodge now a public library (note it’s in the middle of the street).

Thomas Shepherd, the town founder, became wealthy as a businessman in New Orleans and there is definitely a Crescent City influence in the use of ornamental iron and leaded glass that some of the historic buildings and homes sport.

Old cast iron gate

Stained glass basement transit window with iron grill – LOVE THIS!

Ornate porch grill

There was a brickyard located in the town and from the late 1700s to the mid 1800s many of the earlier wooden structures were replaced by brick buildings. More than twenty natural springs converge to create the Town Run which used to provide the town with water, fish and powered the mill, tannery and other businesses. What’s amazing is that it runs through backyards, alleys and under streets guided by a stone canal that takes it to the Potomac River.

Don next to the Town Run

Site of the old Gristmill

Water pumps were maintained by homeowners and users paid a small fee.

The old buildings of the historic district now house many shops, restaurants and are venues for many local arts and entertainment events. We had a delicious lunch at The Blue Moon Café who’s staff was extremely friendly and the garden area behind the restaurant was an oasis.

Garden at The Blue Moon Cafe

My delicious vegetarian Tuscan Salad

Loved this at The Blue Moon Café.

The Blue Moon Cafe

Lots of cobalt blue pottery in and outside The Blue Moon Café.

Some of the other homes and gardens I just couldn’t resist. Don was fearful, as usual, that I would get arrested as I looked in peoples yards and windows.

Someone’s lovely garden.

I would never leave.

Periwinkle painted rockers with periwinkle colored flowers.

So, while we are browsing through the walking tour we get a phone call from our Besties, The Thieles, that they are returning from Baltimore. They want to know what we are up to so we tell them. Their response is, “OK, we’ll be there in half an hour!” Upon their arrival Becky and I began exploring the inside of all those cute little shops and needless to say we did not go home empty handed.

Victim of Yarn Bombing?

Becky and I were intrigued because on the main drag of the historic district all the trees and sign poles had some type of crocheted or knitted yarn adornment. When we inquired about it one of the shopkeepers told us he had heard it was a “yarn bombing”. We envisioned 50 grannies running through the town war whooping and wrapping everything in yarn. We of course assumed wine was involved but then decided it was probably the college kids and beer was involved. If anyone has any insight into just exactly what “yarn bombing” entails please leave a comment.

As evening approached it was time to meet the Admiral and head off to dinner. The Admiral’s wife, my friend Diane, had sent me a message earlier in the day to please bring her husband a plastic baggie when we met. It seems their daughter collects dirt from famous places and had requested that her Dad bring her something Civil War related. Of course for Don this meant he had license to drag us to yet another battlefield so after collecting Steve and a baggie from the historic district that was to be used to clean up after your doggie (Don thought Steve would appreciate it) we were off to Antietam.

Only they would find an aircraft carrier on a battlefield.

The evening ended with a nice dinner and after bidding the Admiral adieu we drove home in one of the worst downpours I have ever seen. As the radio station issued immediate flash flood warnings for the exact location we were in and I silently made peace with my Maker, we crossed the state line back into our beloved Old Dominion and the rain subsided. We made it home safely and are planning our return to Shepherdstown for this Fall.

Categories: Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Bridges

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Susan Russo

“Does this elephant make me look fat?”

The morning after we left Pittsburgh the sun was shining brightly. We had already decided to embark on a driving tour of the covered bridges of Bedford County. Don and I both share a soft spot for covered bridges and there aren’t too many things we both like. We decided that they appeal to Don’s sense of history and my love of design and old crap. These bridges were built over 100 years ago by craftsmen and several have been preserved and are still in use.

Claycomb Covered Bridge

A pleasant loop through the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside allowed us to enjoy both the bucolic scenery and many pretty farms and homes.

Detailed old barn

Don & I decided to get creative with our photography and employ the self timing mechanism on my camera. Mainly because Don doesn’t like being in every photo and I don’t trust him to get the shot I want.

The two of us running like idiots trying to get in position before the timer goes off.

Sometimes I was too ambitious with my set up and we couldn’t get our old, fat, slow selves into position before the shutter caught our blunder.

Snooks Covered Bridge
(A more successful attempt)

Other times we were able to make it in time. We had a lot of laughs as one or the other of us would try setting the camera and then making the mad 10 second dash.

Kniseley Covered Bridge

Some of the bridges were practically on private property and we wondered if the residents were looking out the windows and shaking their heads at our antics. Particularly as I had Don pulling out suitcases or coolers or repositioning the car all to allow me to try and get the height and angle I wanted sans tripod.

Ryot Covered Bridge

Cuppett Covered Bridge

I will avoid the obvious tag line here.

We encountered very few human visitors while we rolled along. We did meet a cat, some buffalo, cows and a dog who probably would have chased us off if he could’ve escaped his enclosure.

A barn with a nice horse painted on it’s side.

Colvin Covered Barn

By far the most interesting was probably also the one in the greatest state of disrepair. The Turner Covered Barn is so far off the beaten path you think you’re actually lost. Obviously a popular hangout for the local youth, it has a fair amount of graffiti but what I loved were these two small folk art paintings that I noticed on it.

A couple dancing – folk art painting

Another painting of a couple dancing.

I thought these were the sweetest things!

The Turner Covered Bridge

Finally, at the last bridge we ran into a couple of fisherman who were anxious to trade photographic skills with us. By this time, our bridge itch was sufficiently scratched and we departed beautiful Bedford County to complete our drive home.

The Herline Bridge – longest one in Bedford County

I couldn’t resist capturing the absolute relaxation these two women were enjoying just floating still on the river.

Categories: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

A Service For Our Servicemen & Women

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Susan Russo

The Gateway Travel Plaza
A Veteran’s Landmark

Some of the patches on display.

Along the Lincoln Highway in Bedford County, Pennsylvania sits a pretty unassuming little truck stop. The Gateway Travel Plaza was originally opened in 1940 by Merle & Marian Snyder. The current site was built across the street from the original in 1994 as more room was needed for the expanding operation. The Gateway was a pivotal travel point for soldiers & sailors who were headed from the Midwest to stations east during World War II. A barter system developed as the Snyders would often trade food or fuel for a military patch. After a while, servicemen would stop by and often give a patch as a tribute to the service The Gateway provided for our armed forces.

The 480 or so patches are on display inside cases and represents most of the major conflicts and service branches. The cases are located in the coffee shop area and a side corridor. The main dining area displays flags.

When I approached the staff to ask if they would mind my taking some photos so I could do a blog post about their history of service to our military men and women they brought manager, Carma Smith, out to meet with me. Ms. Smith was most accommodating and stated that The Gateway “takes care of our Vets.” She was certainly telling the truth. Don was able to strike up a conversation with a nearby table of Viet Nam era Veterans and shared information about the JFK project.

If you ever find yourself travelling along Rt. 30 in most of Pennsylvania remember that the Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental improved road for cars in the United States. It ran from Times Square in NYC to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. When you drive through Breezewood make sure to stop in and say “Hi” & “Thanks” to the gang at the Gateway Travel Plaza.

Categories: Military | Leave a comment

Convergence

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Susan Russo

When you are a Dallas Cowboys fan you have no pressing need to visit Pittsburgh. After all, the Steelers have more super bowl rings than Dallas and Steeler’s fans are a rabid bunch. Consequently, Don & I have never ventured into Steeler’s Country. This weekend our nephew, Adam Benson, married his long-time girlfriend, Allie in (of all places) Pittsburgh. OK, it was actually Butler Pennsylvania at the Succop Conservatory but it’s basically Pittsburgh.

The wedding was lovely. The ceremony was touching as Adam & Allie read their heartfelt vows that they wrote together. The bride walked down the isle to a Van Morrison song, which was way cool in my book. The setting was peaceful and evoked a woodland fairytale.

The reception started with a cocktail hour in the patio behind the main house and the dining & dancing was in an open pavilion. When Don’s family has an event you can be assured of good food, lots of drinks, non-stop dancing & a strange but traditional rendition of Paradise by the Dashboard Lights sung by all in attendance.

It was a blessing to be able to reconnect with family & friends as we celebrated adding another branch to the family tree.

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The next morning we headed into downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is known as both “the Steel City” for its more than 300 steel-related businesses and “the City of Bridges” for its 446 bridges. The city features 30 skyscrapers, 2 inclined railways, a pre-revolutionary fortification, and the source of the Ohio at the confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers. This vital link of the Atlantic coast and Midwest cuts through the mineral-rich Alleghenies which made the area coveted by the French and British Empires, Virginia, Whiskey Rebels, Civil War raiders and media networks.[straight out of Wikipedia folks]

Our day started in the Strip District. This area is reminiscent of the Italian Market section in Philadelphia. A dense open air market place, it’s filled with purveyors of all types. It was crowded early this Saturday morning as we ambled along sampling some wares.

Don can’t resist ‘street oysters’.

You won’t find this in Virginia.

Gives new meaning to the term, ‘sausage fest’.

Blue grass street musicians.

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Of course, no trip to Pittsburgh would be complete without a stop at Primanti Bros. This local legend began by serving food to the many delivery truck drivers that would come into the strip district in the wee hours of the night. They created a sandwich known as The Pittsburgh Sandwich. The sandwich was created in 1933 (same year the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich was created). Joe Primanti served a sandwich featuring grilled meat, coleslaw, tomato and French fries all between 2 slices of Italian bread. The sandwich to this day is served wrapped in wax paper and you get no utensils. All sandwiches on the extensive menu are served with tomato, coleslaw and French fries.

Attempting to tackle a Primanti Pittsburgh Sandwich.

When we were finished trying to commit suicide by sandwich, we needed to walk off the load. We decided to head to Point park. Our trail took us through the walking tour of the Cultural District. Who knew Pittsburgh had culture? Well they do, in spades! Architecture, gardens, parks, theaters, performing arts venues, symphony, street art, bridges, bridges & more bridges!

The fire escapes reminded me of my Bronx upbringing.

It was a beautiful day and Point Park was a spectacular place to enjoy. I was surprised that the city was so empty. Especially on such a glorious day down by the rivers. I would bet that Central Park was mobbed today.

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While at the park we visited the Fort Pitt Museum and Block House. Historically important around the time of the French & Indian War, Don’s history buffism would not allow him to pass by without checking it out.
After the Park, we headed over to the Duquesne Incline.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jb_8W3XaTPY/U4pe5i25LSI/AAAAAAAABLU/YLbcPaGojrk/s144-c-o/IMG_20140531_151836_879.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/ProfilePhotos#6019728194636688674″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140531_151836_879.jpg” ]

[pe2-image src=”http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ATty3vzZxRs/U4pewvgmRrI/AAAAAAAABLM/ecktwOOVfRA/s144-c-o/IMG_20140531_152754_236.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/ProfilePhotos#6019728043414013618″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140531_152754_236.jpg” ]

These incline planes were built in the late 1800s to transport workers who lived up on Mt. Washington down to the plants along Pittsburgh’s rivers. They shut down briefly in the early 1960s but were saved by an organization that formed to restore them and keep them operational. Also called “funiculars”, they give you a fantastic view of the city and there’s a museum there with some really cool old photos of Pittsburgh during floods, snow storms and just other old historical shots. [pe2-image src=”http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmM20r_ZOAE/U4pf-sBUIYI/AAAAAAAABLg/pAUAepjO9KE/s144-c-o/IMG_20140531_151739_711.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/118152253666588425720/ProfilePhotos#6019729382507291010″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”IMG_20140531_151739_711.jpg” ]

After riding the incline we took a short drive to check out Station Square. Located where the old railroad depot was, it is now a shopping and dining mecca. We left Pittsburgh and headed home with a new respect for The Steel City and it’s inhabitants. Everyone we spoke with was super friendly, helpful and brought up either the Steelers or the Pirates (no mention of the Penguins). Did you know that Pittsburgh is the only city where the 3 major sports teams wear the same colors? I didn’t. Tomorrow we check out Bedford County because we are exhausted and decided not to drive all the way home tonight.

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Time & Tide

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Susan Russo

Today, in honor of Memorial Day, Carmageddon takes to the high seas! OK, so it was actually the Potomac River but it was still the perfect way to honor a sailor. The Don showed his usual enthusiasm for our proposed tribute (that would be none). Our wonderfully entertaining friends, Jamie & Kim Mills along with their 4 great kids and a few assorted friends invited us to spend a day on their super cool boat.

All hands on deck

The Workyn Remote III is a sleek speed boat with an amazing sound system that broadcast an endearing selection of patriotic country songs, hard rock and a little pop. Needless to say, the boating neighbors knew when we were nearby. After loading up with a ton of rafts, floaties, life vests and other paraphernalia for water related fun plus enough food to feed the Mongol Hoards and the entire marina crew (yes, Kim brings a full lunch for the crew at the marina) we were ready to set sail.

Lunch is served

The weather was perfect and as we discovered, the water was not too cold. OK, when I first jumped in it was cold but after a few minutes it was actually refreshing and pleasant. The Mills oldest son,JR, was following us out on the jet ski which I have knick named, “Where’s the remote?” It seems that when JR and his buddy were attempting to break the sound barrier on water we often couldn’t see them, hence “where’s the remote?”

J.R. & friend aboard “Where’ s the remote”.

The kids took turns either riding on the jet ski or attempting to be thrown from the jet ski when Jamie was driving and towing them on a raft. They also floated along side or behind the boat on the floaties. They seemed to be having such a good time that Kim & I decided to join them.

Life is good.

Don decided to stay on board as any water that isn’t bath temperature is unappealing to him. Matt seemed to enjoy himself as well while he was driving the jet ski in search of boats with all female passengers. After a few hours the kids were clamoring for food so Jame-O fired up the grill and the cooking commenced. Honestly, we had numerous appetizer choices to warm up with then the main course of hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage & peppers with macaroni salad, potato salad, coleslaw, fruit bowl and washed down with amazing brownies seemed to satisfy everyone. Jamie did seem somewhat perplexed when cooking my veggie burger, “Hey Susan, how do I know when this thing is ready?” I did get a perfectly grilled burger and not too many strange looks from the kids. Soon after supper it was time for another round of swimming.

He spent more time in the water than in the boat.

We then made a pit stop back at the marina to park the jet ski and then headed out to the open water to see just how fast this baby could go.

Preparing to tie Jason & Damian to the bow.

We skimmed the water as we were going full speed ahead and on a boat that size the cavitation wasn’t bad at all. Suddenly, we came upon a swath of what seemed to be flotsam but turned out to be a lot of timber, logs & branches that must have washed off the shore when we had our recent bout of flooding. Jamie deftly maneuvered his way through the mess & we were once again pedal to the metal (or is it fiberglass?). As we headed back to port Jamie tried to skirt around much of the debris and once back at the marina we were able to park & unload without a hitch. It is always a good time when the Russos and Mills have a get together. Thank you Jamie, Kim, JR, Jack, Karley & Jason for sharing a most memorable Memorial Day with us!

Categories: Boats | 1 Comment

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