Yup, it’s now confirmed, I really don’t know how to read a calendar.  Yes, yesterday was really Saturday, not Friday.  And unless I’ve messed up again today is really Sunday.  There it felt good to get that off my chest.  As they say confession is good for the soul!

Not much happening today.  Barbara and her sister Carol are still trying to figure out what needs to be done when and by whom in regards to their cousin’s funeral.  It’s obvious now, though, that things are going to unfold rather slowly since there are so many details that still need to be straightened out and so many questions yet to be answered.  Just have to take it day by day.

Let’s get caught up on yesterday’s visit to the Cape Cod Canal.  Yesterday, I shared with you the story of the Canal, today it’s what we learned regarding the U.S. Army Cops of Engineers.

Some facts regarding the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers:

• The Corps began in 1775 with the appointment by General George Washington of Boston native Richard Gridley as the first Chief Engineer of the Continental Army.  His first task was to build an earthen fortification near Boston at Breed’s Hill

• In 1794, Congress authorized and President Thomas Jefferson signed into law the raising of a Corps of Artillerists and Engineers (now the United States Army Corps of Engineers) to be educated and stationed at the newly created United States Military Academy. The U.S. Military Academy was the first school of engineering in America to offer formal instruction in civil engineering.

• headquartered in Washington DC, the Corps is comprised of about 37,000 civilian and military employees organized into 8 divisions in the US

• the Corps official insignia is a turreted castle, a symbol of strength, pride, prestige, and honor.  It is believed to symbolize some of the earliest important works of the Corps, namely castle like fortifications along the Atlantic Coast to protect our young nations

• the Corps official motto is the French word essayons.  When confronted with an engineering problem that someone may declare as impossible to accomplish, the Corps always responded with essayons meaning let us try.

• the Corps primary military mission is to provide our armed forces with modern facilities both home and abroad, to strengthen the nation’s defensive capability, and ensure combat readiness

• the Corps primary civilian mission is to develop and manage the country’s water resources; and, serve as manager for major construction projects undertaken by other federal agencies

• since 1928 the Corps of Engineers has been operating and maintaining the Cape Cod Canal to provide a safe passage for mariners and a source of recreation for visitors

• in 1986 the Cape Cod Canal won the Chief of Engineers Award of Excellence.  It was selected from among the nations 456 Corps of Engineers operated water resource projects for exceptional project managerial achievements and enhancement of public perception of the Corps objectives

Well, that brings us up to date on yesterdays visit.  We enjoyed our time at the Canal and once again we learned a great deal about our country.  It’s always exciting to learn something new regarding the history of our country.

As for today, the morning was overcast and the afternoon was rainy.  Each of us still managed to take care of some things that needed to be done.  Barbara went shopping for needed supplies.  On the other hand, I was busy with the normal list of things that needed to be done around Graybeard, such as:  cleaning the bugs off the windshield, washing the side windows and mirrors, cleaning the vent screens, and repairing a broken latch on one of the kitchen drawers.  All in all a productive day for both of us.

Day is now done, night has come.  The rain continues to fall as does the temperature once again.  It is a damp, chilly night but that’s what they make blankets and electric heaters for.  We’ll keep warm no matter what.  Once again, we’ve had a great day, a day spent together, a day ironing out some differences, a day remembering that we’re a partnership in which both of us has a voice.  In closing, a thought for each of us to ponder:

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

Today, yes, began on a very sad note.  It’s the kind of call no one likes to receive but, unfortunately, they too are a part of life.  Barbara and I had just finished breakfast, dressed, and were ready to leave to do some sight-seeing in the immediate area.  That’s when the call came from Barbara’s sister, Carol, informing her that their cousin Walter had passed away during the night.  Walter was who we stopped to see while in St. Mary’s

Georgia.  We are so thankful we had this opportunity to visit him this one last time.  Let us never forget time with family is so very precious and should never be taken for granted.

Since nothing more could be done at the immediate time we decided to go ahead with our plans for the day.   Today we went to something that I was much interested in which was the Cape Cod Canal and Visitor Center.  Inside at the front desk we met two of God’s

beautiful people who were Jan and Elisa.  They were super-friendly and had loads of information to share with us regarding the canal, volunteering for the COE, and the immediate area.  Thank you both for answering our endless questions and making us feel like long-lost friends.  We will remember both of you no matter where we go.

Regarding the canal itself a few pictures before some history.  This is a map of the canal on display at the visitor’s center.

This is a 3-D model of the canal also on display.

This is an aerial view of the canal today.

Now for some quick history facts regarding the canal.

• the idea of a canal connecting Cape Cod and Buzzards bay dates back to the 1620’s and Miles Standish of Plymouth Colony
• subsequent feasibility studies continued to be conducted during the next three centuries and several attempts were actually made to construct the canal but all failed for one reason or another
• in 1905 a wealthy financier named August Belmont purchased the Boston, Cape Cod and New York Canal Company with the intent of finally completing the canal and using it to turn a profit.
• from the beginning Belmont’s project met with bad weather, clay, monstrous 10 ton boulders all of which slowed the completion of the canal
• the canal finally opened to vessel traffic as a toll waterway on July 29, 1914 but was never actually completed to 1916
• Belmont’s Canal, however, never achieved the level of traffic or revenue its investors envisioned.  Why?  Take a look at the following picture

• This shows that the original canal was too shallow and too narrow for ships to safely transit the canal.  Other factors that led to its disuse were the frequent shoaling that occurred, narrow bridge openings, tricky currents, high tolls and sharp turns on the approach channels.  In the end, Belmont’s Canal was a financial failure
• enter the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who undertook a massive reconstruction of the Canal throughout the 1930’s.  It was the time of the Great Depression and many men found much-needed work.
• to provide a safer, more viable intercostal waterway, the Corps replaced the original bridges, widened and deepened the channel to 480 and 32 feet respectively, straightened and lengthened the approach channels, and lined the banks of the Canal with rocks to limit erosion.
• by 1940 the reconstruction of the Canal was complete, however, the work continues as needed to maintain not only the Canal but the facilities and structures along the Canal

Now for some quick facts regarding the operation of the Canal today

• an average of 14,000 vessels of all types transit the Canal annually from pleasure craft to commercial shipping

• following this fully loaded petroleum barge, I next noticed a tug following close astern of it which prompted my curiosity.  Elisa had the answer for me.

• Elisa stated that Massachusetts law requires all fully loaded petroleum barges to be accompanied by an escort tug.  Should anything happen to the tug pushing the barge help is thus immediately available.
• the Canal is open toll-free, 24 hours a day.  Foreign flagged vessels, for instance, yesterday a Scandinavian cruise ship went through the canal and they are required to have a certified Canal pilot on board.
• today the Army Corps of Engineers ensures safe movement of vessels through the Canal using a sophisticated, centralized marine traffic control system located in
  Buzzards Bay
• marine personnel also utilize patrol boats and rapid response boats similar to

• yes this is an actual retired patrol boat, minus only 5 feet of the stern

• the wheel house as it was when it was in operation

• a bit of history about the Renier

Moving on, I was told I must post this picture, don’t laugh too hard.  Me and my baggy shorts!  Proof positive that I actually do come along on these excursions.

OK, one more thing before I wrap this all up.  After we left the visitor’s center we discovered this gentleman.  Let’s just say some like to catch their fresh fish the old-fashioned way, with a hook and line.  This gentleman, however, likes to see first hand what he is about to catch, he goes diving with a spear gun to find his dinner!

Yup, that’s him out there looking for his dinner for the evening.  I believe I’ll just go to Red Lobster.

So our day has now come to an end.  We’ve enjoyed it because once again we traveled along, side by side, doing our thing together.  I ask that you remember Barbara, Carol, and their brother Harry as they together begin to plan for their cousin Walter’s funeral.  He was a submariner for 20 years of active service and it was his wish that he be given a military funeral with full honors.

In closing, I share this with you and ask that you take it to heart:

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

 

 

 

On the Road Again, Just Can’t Wait to Get on the Road Again!  Maryland is now a distant memory.  Last night was spent at a Wal-Mart parking lot in Fishkill, NY.  It was really noisy since we were at the end of the lot closest to the highway.  We discovered only after we got up this morning that we were in the wrong part of the lot.  In other words, at the other end of the lot, as we discovered when we were leaving in the morning, were numerous RV’s.  This part of the lot was, oh so quiet since it was adjacent to a residential neighborhood.  Lesson 101 always take a ride through the whole lot before settling in for the night.

The ride yesterday was a good 7 hours, the roads were rough, and there were more than enough mountains to climb.  At one point, we got sort of silly and began singing that old song the bear went over the mountain, and what do you think he discovered, he saw another mountain.  So it went hour after hour.

Today was similar just not as long.  All total we probably spent about 5 hours on the road, yes more mountains to go over and more rough roads.  Things got much better, however, once we got into Massachusetts.  We had smooth roads and no mountains.

The GPS went sort of silly again.  It told us a particular exit to take for the RV Resort we were going to.  It forgot though to tell us that the exit was actually on an extension of the road we were currently on.  Once that got all sorted out it was easy enough to get to

our new home for the next 4 days.  This is a really nice RV resort from what we have observed so far.  This is a picture of the main entrance into the resort from the highway.

And this is our new home for the time being.  A nice level gravel site with utilities right where you would want them.  We are level, turtle and pin wheels are out, we are home.

We already have some sightseeing planned for tomorrow.  After that, time will tell.  There is really enough in this area to take up a whole month but a month we do not have.  Wish we did.

Come this afternoon I sat down and asked myself again so what new lessons have you learned so far as a full-time RVer?

• stay in Florida until at least the middle or end of April.  Nothing really opens up in most areas until May or June.  So why go north before it warms up
• trust your rig to get you there.   Let it do its thing up and down hills and remember it was designed to do what it is doing
• plan on spending a minimum of at least one week, maybe two, if possible a month in one area.  Gives more time to get to know the area, allows time to decompress, and sure saves on the cost of gas
• 7 hours of driving is really a bit too much when you’re on the road of  retirement.  The goal is to go slow and plan to stop after no more than 3 hours of driving, at the least be off the road no later than 3 pm in the afternoon.  Time, after all, is needed for the afternoon glass of wine

Enough of my musings for today.  Day is done and night is upon us.  The temperature is beginning to drop once again and the forecast for tomorrow and the next day is only so- so.  We’ll take what comes and make the most of it.  Once again we are so grateful that together we are able to do what we are doing.  Side by side, traveling along, singing our song.  We hope you had a great day.  If not, then grab hold of tomorrow and make it the best day that you can.  In closing, here is a thought for each of us to ponder:

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before

Despite rumors to the contrary, we are still full-time RVers.  It’s just that we’ve been a bit busy lately.  I’ll try to catch everyone up in this blog.

So Tuesday.  Barbara had a cardiologist appointment in NJ and we were going to have dinner with some  friends, Alan and Peggy, who we hadn’t seen since we left last December.  Barbara received a clean bill of health from the doctor and he asked her to make an appointment for next year.  That may be hard to keep since we will probably not be back in this area again.  Before we met our friends for supper, we were able to do a number of other things on our list.  Our old NJ plates were dropped off at Motor Vehicle.  We met with my case worker for VA benefits who let me know we are going to push forward with filing a claim toward the end of the year.  Barbara had a number of items she had to drop off at Centrastate Hospital.  Then it was time for dinner.  It was great seeing Alan and Peggy again.  Alan and I spent a lot of time together running around the Eastern seaboard on motorcycles.  He still has his, mine has morphed into a motor home.  Yes, times have changed and there is no going back now.  The long and short of it is, in one day we traveled close to 600 miles and spent approximately 7 hours on the road going from Maryland to New Jersey and back.

What happened to Marti you ask?  Marti was with our daughter,Amanda, for the day and she spoiled him rotten.  She gave him a much-needed bath, and treated him like royalty.

Thank you Amanda for taking such good care of our four footed friend.

So Wednesday.  This was a day of all kinds of stuff.  Amanda was off so she brought Marti back home.  I think her 5 dogs done tuckered him out because once he got home he crashed on the couch and refused to move!  The three of us, Barbara, Amanda and I went to a local historic site that I had never been to before.  It was this park

which commemorates the American Civil War Battle of Antietam that occurred on September 17, 1862.  It is hard to believe that on this day some 23,000 individuals lost their lives during one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.  What’s even more gut wrenching is the fact that most of these men did not have to die.  Unfortunately, the commanders in charge of the Union forces were absolutely incompetent and time after time they ordered their men to march shoulder to shoulder, one abreast of the other into fortified Confederate forces.  In one battle alone 196 men of a unit of 200 were killed in the first 15 minutes of fighting.

In addition, the residents of the area, though none were immediately killed, lost homes, crops, and livestock.  In addition, many became sick following the battle from the diseases carried by many of the soldiers who fought that day and within a year or so many passed away.

Below are some of the picture we took of our visit.  This is a picture of the carnage that the residents of the area returned to after the battle was over.  Bodies strewn everywhere.

This is a painting of the Union charge across the creek in the area against superior Confederate forces.

This is a typical drum carried by a drummer boy during the battle.  The youngest person to be killed that day was a teenager carrying a drum who was only 13 years old.

These are some the monuments that have been erected on the battlefield by different states to honor those from their states who fought that day.  This is the state of New York.

This is the plaque at the base of this monument.  Oh, the little animal?  It’s called a buddy bison which Amanda bought for us and asked that we include in at least one picture of wherever we travel.  For Amanda, you bet I will!

This is from the state of Maryland.

These are the typical artillery pieces that were used in the battle that day.

There is so much, much, much more to be viewed.  One could literally spend days here viewing all the monuments, the various plaques, the displays in the museum.  We only had a couple of hours so we crammed in as much as we could.  Someday perhaps we will return for more.  As I left, I must say, I was overwhelmed with grief at the senseless loss of lives that day, as well as, the futility of waging war as a way of settling disputes.

Once we were done here Amanda treated us for lunch as a local pub that she had been to before.  What a wonderful place, great service and the food was out of this world!

It’s called Captain Benders after an old C & O canal boat captain who was the original owner.

And here is Captain Benders with a model of his barge and mules.

This is a picture of the inside of the pub

Day now over, we returned home to have a barbecue with my son Adam, his wife Alison and our grandchildren – Tori, Mikey, and Jarrett.

By the way, they double dogged dared me to post this picture that they took, Well, don’t ever double dog dare me because you just might get your wish!

So that brought Wednesday to a close.  We came here to spend time with family and that was a great success.  We are leaving with memories a plenty of good times had with all.  We miss them all already.

So Thursday.  Moving day.  Goodbye Maryland, hello New York.  We’re on our way to New England and the first stop is Cape Cod.  But to get there in one day was too long so we’re now stopped for the night at a Wal-Mart in Fishkill, NY.  What a rough day this was.  We spent 1 hour just sitting in stopped traffic on Interstate 81. The roads were abysmal; full of pot holes and small craters.    When we got here it was amazing what had either fallen down or already worked its way lose.  Ah well, plenty of projects when we finally stop in New England at the Escapees park for two weeks.  And mountains to climb, just when you thought you had gone over the last of them, another one popped up.  Graybeard handled them all singing its way up them in full voice at the typical Ford 4800 rpm!    Knowing this was coming I left my hearing aids out this morning.

So,that is what we have been up to for the last couple of days.  Together we’re on the road again, singing our song, going to states we’ve never visited before, boldly going where we’ve never been before.  We’re still having a great time enjoying each precious moment of each new day that God gives us.  In closing here is a thought for each of us:

As always,  if you are coming to the end of your day with concerns and worries let me suggest that you turn them over to God.  After all, He is going to be up all night so why not let him handle them for you.

Time now for our evening prayers and some shut-eye.  Till tomorrow.  Thanks again for sharing our day with us.

These are the voyages of  Graybeard and it’s occupants, four paws and two humans.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have not been before