Devils Tower: the first U.S. National Monument

November 21, 2017July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

Northeast Wyoming is home to one of the most remarkable landscape features in the United States. The towering mass of volcanic rock known as Devils Tower has long been the destination of curious travelers and is the source of several Native American legends describing the origin of the rock formation. We made a short detour on our way from Indiana to Seattle to see this striking and beautiful gift from Earth.

Seen from a distance, this “tower” is one of the most striking features in Wyoming

One of the legends of the origin of the tower tells the story of girls who were pursued by a huge bear. The girls prayers were answered when the Great Spirit caused the rock to raise from the ground with the girls safely on top. The bear attempted to climb the smooth sides of the rock, and his claws made the distinctive shapes we see today.

Geologists tell us that the tower was made when volcanic intrusions of lava pushed up into thick layers of sandstone, now eroded away after millions of years. The rock, an igneous basalt type, took on the shapes of columns when it cooled. Called a columnar formation, this shape is not uncommon and can be found in rocks all over the world.

Close up shot of the columnar structure. Each “column” is about 8 feet across!

The Devils Tower was the first designated US National Monument, so declared by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. The first Caucasians saw the tower in the 1850’s. It was the site of the famous finish of the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Fun at Virginia Beach beaches

July 23, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Sometimes the weather conditions can be a little rough for enjoying the boardwalk and beaches at Virginia Beach. However the city has added features to the beach scene that provide families the opportunity to use the beach even on cool and blustery days.

A unique beach park and playground

A imaginative park design

There have been many additions to the beach since our last visit. The Grommet Island park and playground has really nice playground equipment with some whimsical features. Our granddaughter enjoyed playing in this park when we went to the beach during a recent trip to visit our family.

A blustery day

A few folks enjoying the boardwalk

We liked seeing the pelicans flying overhead

“The Lost Colony” brings history to the outdoor stage

July 13, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

1st contact between Indians and English

The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island has been the subject of study by historians for centuries. For the past 79 years the Roanoke Island Historical Association has put on a play that gives the history of the lost settlement and one version of what happened to the missing settlers.

This production is a wonderful play. The costumes and sets are fantastic and the actors are professionals who give great performances. The outdoor theatre is very comfortable and all seats provide good views of the stage. The show has all the elements of a top notch production including a seamless narration given by a “National Park Ranger”.

The story line traces the history of the early English explorations in the New World. The interaction between the Indians and the English is portrayed with drama and in a couple of cases violence. The scenes shift back and forth between Roanoke Island and Queen Elizabeth and the English Royal Court and the docks in London.

Lavish costume for “Queen Elizabeth” (Emily Asbury)

Actor Christian Muller

We were able to chat with one of the cast members prior to the show. Christian Durand Muller was a delight to talk with and, as part of the Choir, added greatly to the production.

The Waterside Theatre is located within the grounds of the Fort Raleigh National historic Site. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular travel destination. When you visit be sure to get tickets for “The Lost Colony”. Here is the website.

Old Tom (Robert Hooghkirk)

Sure looks like a ship sailing off to the New World!

Don Bridge portrays NPS Historian (narrator)

Travel to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show

April 10, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 1 Comment

Be sure you get there at least an hour before starting time to see all the outside displays!

We had such a good time on our recent to the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville area of Tennessee that I wanted to share more photos.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus Ohio

April 7, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 2 Comments

One of the beautiful butterflies

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, Ohio is a most remarkable facility. Nestled in the beauty of the Franklin Park, the Conservatory houses a wide varitey of fauna from all over the world. Different ecosystems are represented in different “rooms” within the massive structure.

Himalayan Mountain fauna is found in one of the rooms. You can move from the Himalayan Mountains through a door and enjoy desert plants in yet another room, Man made stone outcroppings set the foundation for all of the plants on display. Waterfalls and other water features add to the ambience of the displays.

Of special interest is the tropical rain forest room that also serves as a home to hundreds of butterflies. Bred on site, the different species of butterflies are released several times during the week by staff members. During these informative release shows the staff discusses the life cycles and traits of each butterfly.

Strange cacti in the desert hall

Brilliant color and striking bloom

Parts of the facility was under renovation when we visitied with our granddaughter, however the construction did not interfere with our enjoyment of the many plants and ecosystems represented.

Make sure to plan a visit to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus. All pertainent information is on their website here.

Indy’s Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents “Guys and Dolls”

April 3, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 4 Comments

Nathan and Adelaide Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

The musical comedy Guys and Dolls is now running at Beef & Boads Dinner Theatre on the northwest side of Indianapolis. This intimate venue, beloved by Indy theater goers for decades, provides a perfect setting for this sometimes madcap story of two couples attempting to sort out their feelings.

The cast is filled with Beef and Boards favorties. Eddie Curry has the role of pro gambler Nathan Detroit. Nathan is in a race to procure a location for the biggest craps game ever seen. Adding to the frivolity is the local cop, played by Daniel Scharbrough, who is constantly breathing down Nathan’s neck in an effort to bust the game. Enter Sky Masterson who will bet on anything. Nathan sees this as a chance to make a sure bet with Masterson in order to get the cash to rent the place for the craps game.

The bet brings in a sweet, innocent Mission worker named Sarah Brown, played by Betsy Norton. The bet is that Masterson can get Sarah to go to Havana, Cuba with him for dinner. Meanwhile Nathan is still wooing Miss Adelaide, played by Deb Wims. Nahan and Adelaide have been “engaged” for 14 years. Both men have different ideas of romance. Both women also have different ideas about their perfect man.

Things get crazy quickly. The floating craps game ends up in a couple of unlikely places. Sky and Sarah go to Havana and return. Nathan and Adelaide plan more than one wedding time. Other gamblers join in the search for the perfect game. The cop keeps trying to bust the game. Laced throughout the cast sings, dances, laughs and just carries on!

This favorite won a Tony for Best Musical when on Broadway. The Beef and Boards version features all of the famous songs including “Luck Be A Lady Tonight” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat”.

Guys and Dolls runs through May15 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. You will really love the buffet that Chef Odell Ward prepares for this production.

Call for reservations at the Beef & Boards box office at 317-872-9664 or visit the Beef & Boards website here.

“The Guys” Photo courtesy Beef & Boards Media

River Plantation RV Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee is an RVC destination

March 15, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Office/Lodge and store

The River Plantation RV Resort is one facility that truly lives up to the use of “resort” in its name. As part of the RVC Outdoor Destination group of campgrounds it provides a nearly perfect place to stay when visiting the attractions of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville as well as nearby Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The first thing you will notice about this park is the friendliness and sincerity of the staff. From manager Mike Hale to the rest of his staff you will be greeted and taken care of with respect. River Plantation offers a genuine, real concierge service. You will feel appreciated and safe in this RV destination.

The park is located in the valley and is bordered by the Little Pigeon River. Even though it is on the Parkway the sounds of the traffic do not reach your campsite. The park is remarkably quiet for being so close to the main drag. All of the sites are level and on paved or good gravel roads. You will love how deep and wide the sites are. The smallest spots are a full 60′ deep and range up to the big 120′ spaces for the big rigs and trailers. All are full hookup with 30 and 50 amp service. Site amenities include a concrete patio, picnic table and fire ring. Free WiFi and cable tv is also included. Two sizes of cabins are also available.

Large well spaced sites

The Conference Center

Other site features include two new pools and hot tub, a large arcade room, open air pavillion for get togethers and picnics, propane filing station and an on site RV and truck wash. The bath houses are immaculate and the laundry rooms are fitted with new industrial size machines.

There is a large conference center on site that is home to many RV rallies. There are usually over a dozen rallies held in the park and conference center each year. Many of the motor coach and RV clubs use this great facility each year for their meetings.

Cabins and beautiful landscaping

Arcade/game room

This park is the perfect place for everyone from retirees to families with kids. It is a safe environment for the kids to ride their bikes and just be kids on vacation. Moms and Dads will appreciate sitting around a campfire. You’ll see folks walking their dogs or just walking. During our stay Sher and I enjoyed this relaxing place after days filled with activities and shows at Pigeon Forge which is just a few minutes away.

This is the best RV park in the Seviervile-Pigeon Forge area. It is clean, well managed, up to date, Good Sam approved and reasonably priced for a weekend stay or longer. Reservations are strongly recommended for this popular RV resort. Click River Plantation website for all the details.

Comfy firepit waiting for you!

We could visit Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone

February 26, 2016July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

After being disappointed with the town of Tombstone (see article here) I decided to see if we could park at the lot next to the Boothill Graveyard. Boothill is now on the National Register of Historic places. According to a plaque the graveyard was restored by Tombstone residents in the 1920’s.

The final resting place of some of Tombstone’s most colorful people is well maintained now. All of the graves look pretty much the same: a pile of rocks and simple wood markers. A few graves have fencing. The entrance to the graveyard is through a souvenir shop. They request a $3 “donation” for a flyer with the grave locations marked.

This was an interesting attraction. The graveyard is portrayed as being authentic, however you have to wonder about the spacing of the graves. The spacing is almost too perfect. The sayings on some of the graves are pretty humorous.

We were able to park in the lot, however any rig over 25′ will not be able to park here. I was able to find a spot and back in ok.

Beautiful waterfall and Nature Preserve

June 17, 2015July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / 1 Comment

Traveling in the Columbus and Dublin, Ohio area? There is a little gem of a nature park that you really should see. Nestled in a ravine running into the Scioto River in Dublin, Ohio you will find a stunning waterfall in a peaceful setting in the middle of the city. The Griggs Nature Preserve is part of the Columbus Parks system.

The small parking lot is located on the west side of the river on the south side of Hayden Run Road east of Dublin Road. There is a trail head that immediately turns into a new, well constructed boardwalk trail. The steep steps lead down the ravine bank to a wide boardwalk with railings on both sides. The boardwalk follows the stream which may give you the chance to see some ducks and their families. Songbirds add to the vista of the pretty trees, wildflowers and other foliage.

The waterfall itself is at the end of the 1/4 mile long boardwalk. What a beautiful waterfall and pool! The rock outcroppings are stunnning to see and you wonder how did this falls come to be. It is hard to believe that this serene natural setting is surrounded by the bustling cities of Dublin and Columbus!

Words of caution: The steps leading down to the stream trail are very steep and long. It is easy going down, but the climb back up can be difficult. Plan accordingly. In addition, the parking lot is small and will require the use of your towed vehicle. Only a Class B will fit into the small parking lot.

Cloudy and cool today at Florida Flywheel

January 15, 2015July 2, 2022 / Roadtirementvintage / Leave a comment

Tractor ready to start the pull

Today was cool and cloudy at the January Florida Flywheelers Antique Engine Club show. The lack of sunshine did not damper the activities. The crowds were moderate, at least those crowds that made it back to the aisle where we have our vendor spot. (We are set up in Row 70, spot 34, near to the tractor pull track.)

The digital reading in real time of the distanace the tractor has pulled. otice the sign on the sled: Antique, 5500 pound max tractor

The digital reading in real time of the distance the tractor has pulled. Notice the sign on the sled: Antique, 5500 pound max. tractor weight

Speaking of tractor pulls, I went over to the track this afternoon for the heavy weight antique tractor pull. Wow, was I impressed with the track and the way they operate the pulls. The track has digital readouts in realtime showing how far each tractor is pulling the sled. (The sled is a piece of machinery that the competition tractor pulls: the sled increases the weight as it is pulled along.)

The crowd watching the tractor pulls. There is another digital sign in the distance at the end of the track.

The track offers plenty of seating for spectators, and of course lots of folks simply park their golf carts next to the track to watch. The track itself was in excellent shape. The rainfall a couple of days ago seemed to have helped by keeping the dust down. It was pretty cool to see a line of the old antique tractors waiting their turn to compete in the pulling contest.