At Wolf Creek

I had lived in New York State for 24 years and never ventured further west than Cooperstown. To be honest, when I visited Cooperstown I was no longer a resident. We spent last week between Rochester and Buffalo at a place recently voted the #1 state park in the country. Letchworth State Park encompasses 17 miles and 14,427 acres of pristine forest land that follows a gorge created by the Genesee River. There are 3 different waterfalls and the gorge’s rock walls rise to about 550 feet in some places. The Mount Morris Dam is another feature. This is a concrete gravity dam (a dry dam) located at the park’s north end and has been used for flood control. Unfortunately, this area of New York has been experiencing a severe drought and while the park usually boasts activities like white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing the river is so low that all of these areas are shut down.

The Mount Morris Dam

The Genesee River

This is a year round park that facilitates snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, sleigh rides and even hot air ballooning. It has numerous camping areas for RVs, tents and even rustic and luxury cabins. We arrived to enjoy another reunion of Don’s Navy buddies. In January we rented our primitive yet functional cabins. (Imagine living like Thoreau on Walden Pond in the cabin from Little House on the Prairie only not that romantic.) Our cabin had cold running water, a stove, fridge and microwave plus our own bathroom (sans shower/tub), a stone fireplace, 2 bedrooms, living room and a screen porch. Electrical outlets were in short supply but since we had absolutely no cell phone reception, wifi or TVs it didn’t really matter. Yup, we were pretty much off the grid for a week.

Kamp Kress

Cabin interior

Admiral Duffey’s Diggs

Wildlife was abundant. There were 4 woodchucks and a chipmunk living directly under my porch. One groundhog was so huge we named him “Stanley” and there was a large fox who would come unnervingly close to our campfire each night (and this from a girl who has bears crossing her own lawn on an almost daily basis). It was clear these animals were extremely comfortable around people. I prefer when the critters recognize that I am on top of the food chain. In fact, the Duffeys came eye to eye with a raccoon who decided to cool off by bathing in their camp sink which they had set up on the deck of the cabin. I took to slamming my screen porch door on each arrival and departure to ensure that the permanent residents knew their visitor was in camp.

Damian hanging around

There is a core group of 5 that anchor the R-Division reunions but we were shy a member this year as Dan Baker was unable to attend and he was missed by all. This left Don, John, Rick & Steve to hold down the tradition. The boys had a few excursions: they visited the Erie County Naval & Military Park in Buffalo and the National Warplane Museum in Geneseo. Damian described this outing as, “a lot of cursing and threatening”. It’s nice to see the lad indoctrinated in the old sailor’s club.

“Admiral” Steve Duffey, Don, John Kress & Rick Boyden

At “Casa de Kress”

The girls also had their bonding time. We toured a little of the local towns and did some shopping and lunch. We had some pool time and girl talk. (The sailors have nothing on us – just sayin’. We can swear and drink with the best of them.)

Me, Diane & Amy at the pool.

Here’s to the ladies who lunch.

Farmer’s market

The Depot – reclaimed train depot featuring local artisans.

On one day we all ventured out together to tour the park. We stopped at each of the falls, viewed the overlooks, visited the museum and saw the grand Glen Iris Inn where the Duffeys celebrated 10,000 days of wedded bliss. I made an important discovery on this day. A local ice cream manufacturer has a seasonal flavor called, ‘Lemon Chillo’. It tastes like lemon meringue pie that’s cold and melts on your tongue. It’s the best thing I’ve eaten all summer and trust me, I’ve eaten all summer. Simple pleasures are the best.

Train trestle above upper falls.

Perry’s Ice Cream – Lemon Chillo!!

Ice Cream!

The Middle Falls

Rick. our early riser, even took time to show Don, Damian and I the Wolf Creek section of the park. It was my favorite.

Wolf Creek

Stairs leading up from the creek bed.

Stone slab picnic benches at Wolf Creek.

On two occasions, I found myself up early and while out walking I found that there was a trail from our campsite to the lower falls. One night it rained heavily and that morning I awoke and took that path. The smell of the forest after the rain and the cool 60’s temperatures were exhilarating and when combined with being the only one at the falls it made for a totally Zen moment for me. I wanted to take a selfie of me at the falls that morning but the phone died so now I just have the memory. I think it’s better.

Memorial to the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Many of the enhancements of the park like the overlooks, trails and bridges were the result of the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. This was a part of FDR’s New Deal and it provided employment for unmarried men from families that were receiving federal relief. These were jobs that were largely unskilled, manual labor that helped develop the natural resources in government owned land tracts. The weekend we were there was CCC Recognition weekend and there were tours of the original camps (I suspected that my cabin was one of them), lectures, photos and a ceremony for the families of CCC workers at the statue in the above picture. It was followed by a car show that had a live band. The boys made an appearance. Upon their return they undertook the big project of the weekend. An axe (firefighting equipment I assume) that was on the John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier had been “procured” by one of the boys. They were planning to burn the name of the ship into the wood handle then etch their names into the axe blade. Arts and crafts of the adult sort. The girls had adult coloring, bookmark making and pine cone painting sessions. Damian painted a rock to look like a turtle. As night time drew on we noticed that one of our neighbors, a family from Long Island that we interacted with, were using a hula hoop that illuminated. It made for quite a visual experience.

Our neighbor’s daughter doing cool tricks with an illuminated hula hoop.

More hula hoop hi-jinx.

At each reunion we also hold a flag burning ceremony in honor of the shipmates who have sailed over the river Styx. It’s another night time highlight. It is mesmerizing sitting around a campfire and just sharing, laughing or making s’mores, which was Damian’s job. Many of the cabins had strung lights to add a festive touch to their screen porches. I wish I would’ve received that memo because I would have ours lit up like a bordello.

The boys and their axe.

While these reunions are an opportunity for the boys to relive their youth and reconnect it has been an added bonus that the girls have forged friendships that transcend the connection to the spouses. Amy and I have attended every reunion together. Through many conversations (and drinks) I have developed a love for her and was so honored to get to meet the rest of her family this year. Diane shares so many interests with me that it is uncanny. She came to visit me one year and had tickets to the the exact show I had just seen and she also had reservations to eat in the exact same restaurant I had eaten in after the show. When you consider that these events took place in Washington D. C. that’s no coincidence. So while I enjoyed the break from technology and immersing myself in nature the clincher for me was the communion I had with my womenfolk. My life is male-centric and sometimes I lose sight of how important it is for my soul to connect with my sisters. Love to you all until we meet again.

John & Julia – his always adorable daughter who rocks my world every time I meet her.

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The fog lifting.

Our journey this past weekend is what I’d describe as a labor of love. It seems that lots of folks are on the road as many out of state license plates are interspersed among the big rigs that traverse my home state of Virginia. We pass through the New River Valley, home to the towns that encompass Virginia Tech and Radford University. This area is part of the Great Appalachian Valley and was the gateway for western expansion of the United States. Exploration of this area dates back to 1671. Today our destination is Fancy Gap. The Native Americans originally called it “Foggy Camp”. You will notice the many roadway signs cautioning about fog areas. It seems a phenomenon occurs when the cool air from the Blue Ridge crest, on the Virginia side, snuggles up to the warm, moist air seeping over from the North Carolina side. This is the birthplace of fog.

Suspected of being in a fog.

We head for the hills to celebrate the wedding of our beloved Becky’s oldest son. We have known Kurt (KT to us) since he was 10 years old and played baseball with our son, Eric. It has been our privilege to witness his metamorphosis from child to man. His bride, Ginny has been a gift not only to himself but to everyone who loves KT. He looks so peaceful and happy. Ginny’s family has been busy planning a wedding that could be featured in Southern Living Magazine. Their homestead provides the perfect canvas to which has been added adorably rustic accents. The effect is connubial country.

Crossing over – from before to happily ever after.

The altar.

Remembrance table.

A nearby town, appropriately named Cana, conveniently allows the preacher to open the ceremony with a reference to my favorite Gospel story. He metaphorically speaks about, ‘saving the good wine’. The story of the wedding at Cana was where Jesus accomplished his first public miracle. (Believe me, if someone changes water into wine at a wedding I’m attending he has an instant disciple. Jesus knew how to win over a crowd!) The ceremony is lovely and I wish I would’ve taken one of the adorable little embroidered hankies that were offered up in a basket on the front porch. Upon completion of the nuptials we cross a little wooden bridge (such symbolism!) and enter into the reception area.

The bar – no need for miracles here.

Later in the evening a storm blew through but we all weathered it, together. A good lesson for the newlyweds. Not ones to let a little rain dampen our spirits, we continued the party after the rain came.

Let them eat cake!

Nothing sweeter than friends.

We wish Mr. and Mrs. Thiele a very happy honeymoon and many years of happiness together.

The bride and groom.

The next day we met with Becky and the rest of the gang for breakfast and to say our goodbyes. Our plans included a stop at the New River State Park. They have a unique artifact there that was an example of early industrialization in Virginia.

Shot tower.

A shot tower was used to produce lead balls that were projectiles in firearms. Lead was melted and mixed with arsenic at the top of the tower. The molten lead was poured through a sieve at the top of the drop. It then free fell into a water filled basin at the bottom of the drop. The fall created partially cooled, rounded balls.

copper sieve for pouring shot.

Samples of the size of shot balls made in a shot tower.

We scaled the interior heights of the tower to view down the 150ft shot tunnel. After that we hit the New River Trail and headed down to Foster Falls. Not a true waterfall it is more of an area of small rapids found along the fall line. At this area you can rent boats or campsites. The extensive trails had a lot of bikers and some others who were hoofing it like us.

We came along a rodeo type ring.

Kayak fishing.

Along Foster Falls.

Getting consolation after forgetting my trail shoes and doing the 2.4 miles in “cute shoes”. Ouch!

Back to the road and the heavy traffic. It wasn’t long when we decided to stop for lunch. We exited I-81 in Salem for gas and stumbled upon a little roadside gem. As if a great handmade burger with home made potato chips wasn’t enough to please Don & Damian the place gives active duty, retired military and veterans a 25% discount!

Home of a great $5 burger with home made potato chips.

When we reached New Market we decided to bale off I-81 after hearing reports of an accident further north. Before crossing the mountain we stopped to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. We’re all about a good celebration. It was good to finally arrive home. A nice relaxing soak in the hot tub finished off the weekend.

The special was ‘ Black Raspberry ‘. It was very special.

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Boarding selfie!

The promise was it would be a typical day in central Florida in June. Hot, humid and a chance of showers. The first official day of Summer had arrived and we were ready. The severe restrictions to my carry-on luggage imposed by the airline made me leave our rain panchos home. I hoped I would not regret this move. This was our first flight on Frontier Airlines. I had set airfarewatchdog.com to alert me of cheap fares from Dulles, VA to Orlando back in the Spring. When I saw 3 round trips for $400 I bit the hook and Frontier reeled me in. For a short haul flight (2 hours-ish) it was a tolerable experience. This is a totally a la carte airline. If you want to bring a carry-on it’ll cost you $30, if you want to choose your seat they range from $5 -$75, a checked bag will run you $75, a soda is $2.50. Leg room is minimal and overhead bins are narrow. They do allow you to bring one personal item. Think purse, laptop bag or small backpack. No you cannot bring your purse and a small backpack. It’s either or. My ninja packing skills enabled me to fit enough outfits for 4 days with shoes, jewelry, makeup, toiletries and electronics.

Don’s and my ‘personal items’.

Our return trip was overbooked and Frontier was looking for takers to divert to Denver overnight then return at 5:00 a.m. No thanks! So they switched gates and brought in a bigger plane. Airport conversations with folks who’ve flown Frontier repeatedly said that they’ve experienced a fair amount of last minute gate changes and planes. As the gate was across the aisle from the previous gate it was no big deal. Would I fly them again, you ask? Yes. They will be my first look for a cheap ticket to Orlando. Don’s parents live there so that is a frequent destination for us. Wardrobe needs are limited in central Florida so the ‘personal item’ and my ninja packing skills allow me to keep within budget. We did pay $10 extra bucks for seats since Damian was with us and we wanted to keep together and he likes the window. I could probably even stretch my tolerance to a 3 hour flight, maybe, if the price and destination were right. Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Security dog

We were prepared for longer airport security lines and we were not disappointed. A new step we had not encountered before in the US was having the security dogs sweep by us while we waited for the scanners. We did luck out a little because the line was being treated like a TSA pre check so we didn’t have to remove electronics, liquids or our shoes.

The primary focus of our trip was to see how my in-laws were coping with Don’s Mom’s recovery from a broken hip. We wanted maximal family time with some time set aside to visit a theme park. This trip we decided to focus on Universal Studios. Don and I were there last when Matt was 16, Eric 8 and Darren 6 years old respectively. A lot has changed. Damian is not a big thrill ride fan but does very well with the virtual reality type rides that abound in Universal Studios. My entire family loves the Simpsons so the Springfield USA area of the park was thumbs up for all of us.

The boys run into Chief Wiggum in Springfield.

There is a semi-recreation of the town including a Krustyburger establishment, Moe’s Tavern, Duff Brewery and my favorite, the Lard Lad Donut shop.

Don having a Duff beer with Barney at Moe’s Tavern.

Damian trying the Love Tester at Moe’s.

Krusty Burger

Duff beer for me, Duff beer for you . . .

If you are a donut lover like I am you must have one of these.

Delicious!

The ride that anchors the Springfield section is a virtual reality gem. Although some reviews mentioned issues with motion sickness we did not encounter any problems. (In the interest of fairness Don, Damian and I never experience any motion sickness issues and we travel on planes, small boats, cars, whatever.) The day we were there the lines were miserably long and the videos they show while you are waiting in line are great. It’s typical Simpsons humor, ragging on the theme park experience in general.

In retrospect, we should have purchased the ‘fast pass’ option upgrade. We spent an inordinate amount of time waiting in lines. The heat and sun weren’t too bad but the standing in place for hours and hours definitely takes a toll on the old bones. More importantly, it limited the amount of time we were able to spend in Diagon Alley!

Looking down Diagon Alley to Gringott’s Bank with the dragon on top.

When our sons, Eric & Darren were young I started reading the Harry Potter series of books to them. We became huge fans and of course we own all the movies. Don never got into it and Damian is only about 1/4 way through book #4. While I was extremely excited to spend the all too brief amount of time I had in Harry Potter world it would have been so much more enjoyable to be with another Harry Potter geek. Universal gets a big thumbs up for this attraction. The attention to detail is phenomenal and the cast members go the extra mile to really make the experience come alive.

The Weasley Brothers Joke Shop with fireworks exploding overhead!

The Puking Pastille display in the sweet shop really pukes!

Even Don was impressed when he was standing next to a small girl who was being assisted by a cast member to cast a spell with her enchanted wand. (Yes, they do have them. $50. Yes, you can cast spells that make things happen throughout Diagon & Nocturn Alleys!)

In Ollivander’s wand shop.

Damian trying out a wand.

Our next trip to Orlando will involve us spending a lot more time exploring the Wizarding Worlds! The Escape From Gringott’s ride was also very well done. Damian loved it! We hit this ride first thing when the park opened and the wait wasn’t too bad at that time. However, by the time we made it over to The Minions ride that line was an 80 minute wait! (The ride was great and Don was laughing all through it. The only one that elicited that        response from him.)

Fun ride and the sequences you pass though leading up to it are great.

We hit all the big rides and also caught 2 enjoyable shows. Damian wanted to check out the animal actors performance which gave some behind the scenes information about how they train animals to perform for films. They bring some kids down from the audience to assist and all I can say is you should never work with kids and animals. They’ll upstage you every time. At one point they were going to have a vulture fly down and land on this little boy’s arm. The kid was standing with his arm out and when they released the bird the kid took off running back to his seat!

OK little boy, just stick out your arm . . .

The second show that we saw was about horror special effects that showed how certain special effects are done. This was for the blood and guts lovers and the Hollywood make up artist that hosted it was very funny and again utilized audience (dis)members.

Hollywood Horror Make Up Show

The Transformers Ride had the best pre-ride experience because in each waiting area there were lots of props, videos and diversions. Men In Black and the Terminator Live Action show also had engaging pre-ride stuff.

Optimus Prime photobombing Damian.

Pre-ride at Revenge of the Mummy

There was one ride that did not excite nor delight my guys. The Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster allows you the ability to personalize your ride by choosing the song you get to listen to while defying gravity. Damian insisted that he wanted no part of this ride but of course that is an unacceptable Russo response. Don was the most eager to ride this thing.

The vertical ascent portion has you literally lying on your back.

This was our last ride of the night and the sun was setting so the views as you’re climbing were pretty cool. You have to go through a metal detector before they let you in because if anything escapes from your pockets during this ride it could kill someone down below. The first drop is the money maker for this ride as you are lifted straight up 167 feet before flying down at 65 mph. Don & Damian were not fans of the G-force you feel and they both emerged from the ride complaining of headaches. Fortunately, we had planned to take a break and eat dinner (at 9:30 p.m. after being on the go since 8:30 a.m.) once we exited the coaster. The final time remaining we spent back at Diagon Alley slurping down a delicious butter beer ice cream. Not a bad way to end the day.

P.S. Momma Rose is slowly progressing in her recovery and rehabilitation. We were able to assist her with her return to swimming for the first time post surgery. We are currently preparing for our beach trek with the family where we’ll be celebrating Independence Day. There’s plenty of local fireworks displays at the Outer Banks and individuals with fireworks are strictly forbidden. Let’s hope the Russo males take this to heart so that July 4th doesn’t end this way:

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View from Woodstock Tower

A breezy day with temperatures in the 70s is not typical weather for a summer day in Virginia. Low humidity and crystal blue skies made for a delightful morning coffee in the hot tub. We discussed several options for taking advantage of the outdoors and decided to visit the Woodstock Tower and hike in the George Washington National Forest. Woodstock is the county seat for Shenandoah County and is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Rancho Russo is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains which forms one border of the Valley and is not a far drive up I-81 from Woodstock. The town is famous as the site where Peter Muhlenberg, a Virginia House of Burgesses member and Lutheran minister, issued a famous call to arms for the Revolutionary War from the pulpit of his church. The story says that after he read from Ecclesiastes’ third chapter (the “To everything there is a season” one) he came to the verse that states, “a time of war and a time of peace” he announced that “this is a time of war” then removed his clerical robe to reveal his uniform as a Colonel in the 8th Virginia Regiment. He had been recruited by George Washington. The men of the congregation walked down the aisle and enlisted on the spot. The next day he led 300 men from the county headed to defend the South Carolina coast. A cool Revolutionary moment.

Don’t tread on me!

Today we were heading to the outskirts of town. We planned to visit the Civil War site of the action at Toms Brook, hit a local thrift shop I’ve been looking to visit, grab a little lunch, climb the Woodstock Tower to see the 7 bends of the Shenandoah River and hike a little on the mountain. We arrived at Shenandoah County Park, famous for it’s 18 hole Frisbee Golf Course. The course was empty and we trekked across it to reach the lame Civil War Marker.

Although the Civil War marker was a let down, there was a really cool pond there which was the home to an inordinate amount of little turtles. Damian loved it and we had to stop counting how many little heads we saw poking up from the water’s surface.

We left the park and drove through town in search of lunch. An old sign hanging in front of a small building with a lot of cars in front caught my eye. The Sunrise Cafe had been a full service diner for 30 years. Our server is the son of the owners whose picture hangs on the wall. This is the epitome of a ‘Mom & Pop’ establishment.

The Sunrise Cafe’s awesome old sign

He tells us that they now only serve breakfast (available all day) and lunch because it’s just too much for his elderly parents. The place is full of locals and has a counter in front where they showcase their homemade cookies which are for sale 50 cents each. The place has yellow walls, dark wainscoting and suns galore! Pictures, pottery, signs, all different types of suns. I love the place.

The cookie counter

The menu is simple. Sandwiches are served with our local and amazing Route 11 Potato Chips, pickle and a Hershey’s kiss! They have gourmet coffees which seem to be a big hit with the locals. As we are paying our check I order 4 cookies but then notice they have a separate case which houses some extra special cookies. They have a grasshopper cookie which is a mint cookie half-dipped into dark chocolate. This is Damian’s absolute favorite. I try to amend my order but Don informs me that he has already paid for the 4 I selected and the grasshopper cookie costs extra. Our server simply puts the grasshopper cookie into my order. Total Class Act! If you are in Woodstock check out the Sunrise Cafe.

Seal of approval for the Club Sandwich

Now here’s where the story becomes amazing. We are heading up to find the Woodstock Tower. This is a structure that was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corp, part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, as a fire watch tower (I believe) but now provides a view of the 7 bends in the Shenandoah River. We drive the impressively steep, hairpin turn laden road and end up in a parking area that Google Maps assures me is where the tower resides. We don’t see any tower but there are trail markers for a 2 mile trail and an 8 mile trail that ascends up the mountain. I seem to recall reading a Yelp review of the tower that mentions a 2 mile trail so we opt to head in this direction. It’s about a 33 degree incline full of rocks and still no visible tower. We do hear voices up ahead. We advance to a clearing and stumble upon a group of men who are setting up their hang gliders in preparation to jump off the mountain and fly down the valley.

Anthony’s glider

Glider of the guy from Norway who lived in Brooklyn

We were definitely intrigued but didn’t want to impose but I ask if I can take some photos of their rigs. They are most inviting and an older gentleman with a radio comes up to Don and introduces himself as a fellow veteran (7th Cav Airborne). This man has a lilting brogue from the Ould Sod and tells us he was born in Ireland. He recently returned to the homeland to bury his 96 yr old Da who as of age 94 was still climbing onto his roof to clean his gutters. There’s another older guy who is a certified instructor and has been flying these things since 1976. They are helping the 2 younger guys launch and keeping contact with the 2 who are already in the air. We ask them if they have any idea where the tower is and they point us to a rock filled deer trail and tell us it’s just over that ridge. They also tell us to go ahead and climb the tower but then come back because they will be ready to launch by then and we wouldn’t want to miss it. They are so right!

Don & our Irish friend standing in front of the launch site.

Deer trail that I can’t even see that’s supposed to get me to the tower.

We cautiously pick our way through the deer trail. OK, Don & I cautiously pick our way. Damian runs up it like a gazelle on the savanna. We arrive right at the base of the tower. Damian decides he definitely does NOT want to ascend the tower. We sandwich him between us and force him up. It’s an old, metal structure with narrow stairs so I am cautious. We arrive at the top but because of all the tree cover we cannot see the 7 bends of the river. I am pissed off. We actually had a better view down at the launch site.

Obstructed view of the 7 bends from the tower.

We spend some moments taking in the view then decide to descend so we can witness the flight of the gliders.

Ready to go!

While preparations are under way on the ground the guys are in contact with the gliders in the air. We are informed that Edinburg Gap is a tricky area for the gliders. If they get the proper draft they can continue over it but if not, they may descend. The gliders are equipped with a system that gives them an audible signal when they ascend or descend. The guys have some preferred landing areas and we witness one of the gliders land in an open field. However, a second glider starts to go down and looks like he’s heading for some trees. He is able to come down safely but he comes down on a road much to the surprise of the passing cars. This is not an ideal situation but he is able to retrieve and fold up his glider and come back to the mountain where we are located. (The gliders sort of fold in half and then they can be carried. They weigh about 80 lbs.)
I now know why none of their wives are here with them. I am holding my breath watching the guy I don’t even know go down unexpectedly. Don and Damian now inform me that when we go to the Outer Banks in July they want to try hang gliding and our new friends are enthusiastic supporters! The time is at hand for the launch. Don is recruited to assist.

It takes a while for the pilot to get the readings he needs on his equipment and determine that conditions are OK for launch. I film about 4 separate videos anticipating lift off only to find that it’s no go yet. Finally, the moment is right and we have lift off!

I am always amazed, humbled and grateful because we stumble upon these amazing opportunities to interact with our fellow humans when we are travelling through this life. I can’t tell you how exhilarating, exciting and amazing it was to witness these guys jump off a mountain and soar! Damian is so lucky to have been able to hear first hand from these amazing men about their passion. They were so kind, inviting and informative. Today was an amazing adventure that we were so blessed to share in and we were never expecting it! Oh, by the way, at the On Second Thought Thrift Store I scored a silk blouse with mother-of-pearl buttons and an adorable pair of J. Crew shorts with tropical drinks embroidered on them for $11.

My thrift store finds.

Damian got a Xbox game for $7.50 and Don scored some shorts and a polo. Shout out to my girl Jennnifer Cooke Katt, who many years ago introduced me to the joys of thrifting. Hope you are enjoying your summer. Stay tuned for our visit to Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Orlando (I can’t wait because I am such a geek!)

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The world is our oyster –
not so much.

It’s been a while since we’ve been anywhere fun. Next week is the end of school for Don & Damian. Baseball will finish in early June and then our summer travel season can begin! I’m already busy plotting some Fall and Winter adventures (don’t tell Don). It must seem like nothing is off limits in our travel adventures but just the other night Don & I were discussing destinations we just have no interest in visiting. This led to an expansion of the discussion to include things like modes of transportation and general travel related experiences that we’ll pass on. So here it is in a nutshell, places you won’t find us and things we won’t do:

Not my style

Anywhere that I am expected to dress like this will definitely not be a travel destination.

No thanks.

Even if I were offered free tickets I don’t see me flying any airline headed to Egypt. I’m sure it’s a land of wonder and beauty but their track record lately has not been impressive.

Does this look like fun?

My claustrophobia and hatred for the cold preclude me from any possible enjoyment of this fishing experience.

No bueno

Columbia, South America. I’m sure it’s a lovely place but when your national sport involves cartels brutally killing clergy I have to pass.

Entomophagy? I think not.

Many cultures routinely eat insects. Central Africa leads the pack with 36 countries. Not a chance.

Strong resemblance to work.

“Adventure Travel” You know, the experiences where you get to do the work. If I wanted to work I would stay at my job…where they pay me for this shit.

I feel an episode of insomnia about to begin.

The ‘hostel’ experience. I lived through the 70’s and have had enough dirty hippie encounters to last a lifetime.

Did I mention my fear of heights?

Am I the only one who sees the problem here?

Romantic, right? Not so much when you are plummeting to earth engulfed in flames. The whole thing is flammable! And you use FIRE as an energy source!! No brainer here.

What, the ground is not good enough for you?

We actually saw these ‘cliff campers’ while hiking in Zion National Park. I like to camp. It allows me to feel connected to the earth. To what are they connected? A skinny piece of nylon?

Way too much crap to carry!

Backpacking. I love me a good day hike but when you begin to resemble a Galapagos tortoise I have to respectfully decline.

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Not how I picture us.

We have started to formulate the exit strategy. We euphemistically refer to it as, “The five year plan”. What are we referring to, is it when we plan to drink the kool-aid if either Hillary or Trump get elected? Nope. It is our road to retirement. Shall we be sitting on some idyllic beach somewhere? Probably not (O.K. maybe in Winter). It is how we plan to subsidize our lifestyle when we are working less. “How can they possibly work less?” I hear our bosses say. Will we be moving to some ‘adult community’ to play unlimited rounds of golf?

Nah, I like real world connections with both young and old but who knows what the future will bring? Is this an austerity plan full of deprivation and despair? I hope not. It just means we are choosing to focus our resources on more long term goals instead of short term pleasures. Consequently, we have decided to impose a moratorium on big travel trips.

Unfortunately, we are having a little difficulty defining “big travel trips”.

We both agree that the moon is definitely out.

For instance, our Summer itinerary includes our semi-annual family beach trip. This has gone on since our boys were little and now has become a tradition with our grandkids. Everyone looks forward to this laid back family time. Is this on the chopping block now? Of course not. I classify this as a small trip. I hear you saying, “Isn’t renting a beach house costly? Let alone the alcohol bill you people will run up!” That’s where the controversy ensues. Is a big trip defined by cost, distance, time or some intangible? We can’t seem to decide. The beach trip remains on the calendar in July.

Occassionally, a commitment comes up that requires us to travel. We always try to add a little diversion to a necessary trip. We plan to visit Don’s Mom down in the Orlando area. She broke her hip and has now returned home after completing her rehabilitation. Last year we spent time in Disney World while down there. Would it be considered a big trip to include a day at Universal Studios on this go around? Absolutely not! Universal Studios will see our shining faces in June.

Do we draw the line at Don’s Navy reunion? In August we are supposed to travel to Western New York and spend a week at Letchworth State Park. It’s called the “grand canyon of the east” and we will be roughing it in some pretty awesome looking cabins. I plan to take advantage of the opportunity to commune with nature and ‘the women who put up with the men from R division’, as our ladies auxiliary is known. These reservations were made before we even came up with the five year plan so this is pretty much untouchable.

Waterfalls at Letchworth State Park

A “feeler” was recently put out by one of our travel buddies from dear old China Bus #2. She is putting together a small group trip to Machu Pichu in September and wanted to know if any of us were interested in another adventure. It would be about a week long over the Labor Day holiday. I must admit that the thought of getting some of the old gang together again for an excursion was extremely appealing, however, Don will not have to worry about retiring if we jaunt away the first week in September. His boss will facilitate his permanent early retirement if he tries to weasel away from school as it’s just getting in gear.

Machu Pichu will have to wait, . . . sigh.

I think we have found our definition of “a big trip”! It is one that causes us to loose our jobs thereby eliminating the need for ‘the five year plan’.

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