coronavirus fear

A goose on the lake

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If you have been following Roadtirement, you know we have been getting out of the house and going to some RV parks to get away from our COVID-19 “isolation”. We went back to the Thousand Trails Indian Lakes campground in Batesville.

Calm lake view

This park has great paved roads for bicycle riding, and there are no large hills that are hard to climb. The pretty scenery also is nice for walks. It is nice to get away in our motorhome and to know that we are in a safe environment. Having our own self contained “house on wheels” means we do not have to use public facilities at all.

It has been reported that RV sales are booming as many have discovered the having your own facilities is safest during the coronavirus pandemic. We talked (at a safe distance of course) to a fellow who had just bought an new motorhome so he and his wife could travel safely. They were on their first time out with their new rig.

Stay safe as you start to get back out, friends, stay safe!

Don’t monkey around

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Well, this fellow is following the Governor’s mask mandate. Unfortunately he needs a larger mask, as his mouth, nose and chin are not completely covered. At least he’s wearing one.  And… I would certainly social distance from him!

Remember to stay cautious and safe folks!

Yellow rose and blue petunia

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Both of these flowers are in our herb and flower garden that we planted during our COVID-10 isolation. The yellow rose, pictured in yesterday’s post, has opened up and, as promised, is shining. We wanted to also share an image of this blue petunia.

When craftsmen signed their work

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Back in the WPA days of the Depression, lots of streets and sidewalks were installed. The above images show imprints of a concrete company’s mark. These imprints used to be a very common sight around our town, however the years have taken their toll. Very few sections of original 1930’s sidewalks still exist, and fewer examples of the craftsman’s “signature”. I saw these on a walk today.

This somehow seemed to be a fitting post for Labor Day.  Sher and I wish you and yours a safe and healthy holiday, and remember to stay cautious.

Relaxing and enjoying

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We’re at another RV park for a few days. This one is in Ohio between Columbus and Cincinnati. This one is gated, with the code provided so the checkin was contactless.

There are lots of rigs, but few people. Probably real busy on the weekend.


The weather is very nice, great for windows open sleeping and comfortable during the day for walking or riding bikes. We’re still being very cautious and doing the “social distancing” things.

This year has been a wreck. Coronavirus, the economy, protests, fires, hurricanes and of course “Political Stuff “. Sher and I are grateful to be able to get back out on the road. Our spirits are raised and we’re feeling more optimistic about things…

Stay safe friends!

Lincoln Memorial Bridge over the Wabash

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The bridge carries U.S. 50 Business across the Wabash River from Vincennes, Indiana to Lawrence County, Illinois. The east end of the bridge is in the George Rogers Clark National Historic Park. At this entrance to the bridge you will find two large pylons made of granite, each with a raised sculpture depicting  a Native American Chief.

The bridge is of what is called a deck arch design, and has two traffic lanes and wide pedestrian walks on each side of the roadway.  It was opened to traffic in September, 1933.

View from the George Rogers Clark Monument

Wabash River walk, Clark monument to the left, bridge to the right

We drove across the bridge, not knowing that there was a sculpture/monument to Abraham Lincoln just on the other side of the river. Had we known, we would have walked across the bridge. We’ll cover that attraction in another post.

There were very few people out the day we were in Vincennes, thus we could easily maintain “social distance” and did feel safe. It was great getting out to see some things after our long COVID-19 isolation.

Historic 1837 college

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Behind the Catholic Basilica in Vincennes, Indiana is a small red brick building. The information plaque on the wall describes Saint Gabriel’s college that was started by the Eudist Fathers in 1837.

You can see a bit of our RV on the far right

Information plaque

Original stone wall visible

The Eudist Fathers were founded in the 1643 in France. and the group is still active today promoting missionary work and education. This old college was one of several historic places we found during our first real RV trip since February since we have been isolated due to that deadly virus. It is always fun to stand in front of an old historic structure and imagine what it was like back when it was built.

Stay safe while your travel, friends, but go ahead and travel safely!

Impressive monument

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Sher

While Sher and I were driving around Vincennes looking for interesting things, we spotted the steeple of a large church.  We parked, got out and went up to one of the historical information signs. Then we looked to the right and wow, there was a huge structure that looked like a monument you’d see in Washington, D.C.

What we were seeing was the George Rogers Clark Memorial. The monument honors the 1779 victory of General George Rogers Clark over the British at Fort Sackville, on the Wabash River in what is now Vincennes. This was a hugely successful campaign during the Revolutionary War and led to the United States claiming the Northwest Territory from Britain.

Detail of the monument inscription

Francis Vigo, with the Wabash River behind

 

 

 

 

The State of Indiana built the monument in 1933 and President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated it in 1936. The site was turned over the the National Park service in 1966, and the NPS runs it to this day, along with a Visitor’s Center and other parts of the historic park. There is a lovely “River Walk” paved path along the banks of the Wabash River, which is the boundary with Illinois.

It was a hot day, however in the shade it was comfortable. We saw a few people out, most without masks, but no problem keeping safe distances. We really enjoyed finding this impressive piece of Indiana and American history!

Stay safe while your travel, friends, but go ahead and travel!