We spent last night in Green Bay and decided to go to a couple of sports bars to watch the Vikings-Saints game. The crowd around here was absolutely pro-Saints, or should I say anti-Favre. There were a few Viking fans wearing their purple and gold number four, but this town has apparently lost their love for Brett.
Found a great store here yesterday called "Cooks Corner." Gary and I both love to cook, so it was a fun place to visit. Not sure where we're heading today. We plan to be back home this Wednesday.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Dog Sledding 101
So, it was actually my idea to go dog sledding. We were in Ely, Minnesota, which is apparently the dog sledding capitol of the world. I envisioned riding in a cozy compartment, wrapped in blankets and maybe even sipping hot chocolate while our well-trained driver stood behind us and expertly guided the dogs over smooth, level and wide trails covered in soft snow. Something like you would see with Dudley Do-right or in an old movie.
No. As our guide put it later, this was “interactive” dog sledding.
We drove the sled. Yes, I’ll say that again. We, two people who had never even been close to a dog sled before, one from Alabama and one from California, stood on that platform and drove the sled. They give you a quick lesson, which is a 10-minute talk with the visual aid of a toy sled. Then, they assume you’re ready to ride.
We were on a ride with another couple and a guide who led us on cross-country skis. The other couple had the team of sedate dogs who seemed as if they were ready for the retirement home. We had the NASCAR team, with the lead dog named Heinzy. The guide said Heinzy was psychotic.
And those smooth, level and wide trails? You start out that way, on the frozen lake. Then you hit a trail which is exactly the width of the sled. I mean, it’s EXACTLY. And you go over logs and rocks and a beaver dam. And it’s curvy and branches hit you in the face. And you have to watch out for the huge tree limbs hanging over the path that will decapitate you if you don’t duck.
We did this for three hours. I only fell off twice, but I screamed a lot more than that. At the very end of the ride, the guide stopped us and said, “Now, this last part is going to be tricky.” (What? The first two hours and 50 minutes weren’t tricky?) “The beaver dam broke and flooded the old trails, so we had to cut a new trail YESTERDAY. It’s very bumpy and all downhill and there’s a lot of ice.”
Well, it was very bumpy and all downhill and there was certainly ice.
Those of you who know me well realize this is not the kind of thing I typically do. I’m more of a spectator, not a participant. Athletic is not really how anyone would describe me.
But, we made it. Nobody died (although my arm does fell separated from my shoulder). And it was fun, really fun. The dogs were great. They were extremely friendly and absolutely gorgeous. If you ever get to Ely, head for Wintergreen Dog Sledding and ask for the guide named Steve. I promise, if I could do this, anybody could.
Maybe when we get back home, I’ll open my own dog sledding business. The only problem is, where will I get the snow?
No. As our guide put it later, this was “interactive” dog sledding.
We drove the sled. Yes, I’ll say that again. We, two people who had never even been close to a dog sled before, one from Alabama and one from California, stood on that platform and drove the sled. They give you a quick lesson, which is a 10-minute talk with the visual aid of a toy sled. Then, they assume you’re ready to ride.
We were on a ride with another couple and a guide who led us on cross-country skis. The other couple had the team of sedate dogs who seemed as if they were ready for the retirement home. We had the NASCAR team, with the lead dog named Heinzy. The guide said Heinzy was psychotic.
And those smooth, level and wide trails? You start out that way, on the frozen lake. Then you hit a trail which is exactly the width of the sled. I mean, it’s EXACTLY. And you go over logs and rocks and a beaver dam. And it’s curvy and branches hit you in the face. And you have to watch out for the huge tree limbs hanging over the path that will decapitate you if you don’t duck.
We did this for three hours. I only fell off twice, but I screamed a lot more than that. At the very end of the ride, the guide stopped us and said, “Now, this last part is going to be tricky.” (What? The first two hours and 50 minutes weren’t tricky?) “The beaver dam broke and flooded the old trails, so we had to cut a new trail YESTERDAY. It’s very bumpy and all downhill and there’s a lot of ice.”
Well, it was very bumpy and all downhill and there was certainly ice.
Those of you who know me well realize this is not the kind of thing I typically do. I’m more of a spectator, not a participant. Athletic is not really how anyone would describe me.
But, we made it. Nobody died (although my arm does fell separated from my shoulder). And it was fun, really fun. The dogs were great. They were extremely friendly and absolutely gorgeous. If you ever get to Ely, head for Wintergreen Dog Sledding and ask for the guide named Steve. I promise, if I could do this, anybody could.
Maybe when we get back home, I’ll open my own dog sledding business. The only problem is, where will I get the snow?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Moose Factory
We drove up to Cochrane, Ontario, Canada and took the train, called the Polar Bear Express, 200 miles further north to Moose Factory. That's the actual name of the town, which is on James Bay. Now, James Bay -- when it's not frozen -- empties into the Arctic Ocean. The key word here is Arctic. There was snow and snow and more snow. And they keep saying they're having a mild winter!
We rode in a taxi across the "ice bridge" which is pretty much all of James Bay. The car just drives right across the ice. I don't know who gets to test the "bridge" each year to make sure the ice will hold a car. But it must be pretty hard because we made it.
We rode in a taxi across the "ice bridge" which is pretty much all of James Bay. The car just drives right across the ice. I don't know who gets to test the "bridge" each year to make sure the ice will hold a car. But it must be pretty hard because we made it.
Gary Trying to be Cute
Gary can be very cute and flirtatious when he wants to -- and most of the time it works. But it didn't at the Canadian border. You're not supposed to pull up to the customs person until the car ahead of you is "released." The sign very clearly tells you this is what you're supposed to do. But Gary didn't notice the sign and pulled right up behind the car in front of us. The customs officer, a very blonde, very beautiful young woman stuck her head out of the booth and yelled for us to back up, which we did. When we finally got up to the booth, Gary smiled sweetly and said, "I'm sorry; I really wasn't trying to storm your border."
You would think she would say something like, "that's okay."
No. With a scowl that would freeze Phenix City in August, the very blonde and very beautiful guard said, "You need to be careful." Then she carefully questioned us about where we were from and how long we were planning to be in Canada. When she finally let us go, she said, "Now be careful and PAY ATTENTION!"
You would think she would say something like, "that's okay."
No. With a scowl that would freeze Phenix City in August, the very blonde and very beautiful guard said, "You need to be careful." Then she carefully questioned us about where we were from and how long we were planning to be in Canada. When she finally let us go, she said, "Now be careful and PAY ATTENTION!"
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wal-Mart-astoria
Our stays in Wal-Mart parking lots have been great. Or, as we're calling it, Wal-Mart-astoria. (And did you realize they have a huge gift shop?) I feel like a real wimp tonight, staying in a hotel with hot water and a real bed. We went over to Canada for a couple of hours and couldn't resist stopping at the Wal-Mart there. It's actually a little different than the U.S. ones, with some brands we'd never heard of.
They're saying we are heading into a warming trend here. I guess that means the low will be in the teens, instead of one digit. I don't think my feet and hands will ever be warm again.
They're saying we are heading into a warming trend here. I guess that means the low will be in the teens, instead of one digit. I don't think my feet and hands will ever be warm again.
Keeping An Eye on Canada
We're at the Great Lakes Maritime Center in Port Huron, Michigan. The little coffee shop we're sitting in is right on Lake Huron, where you can look across to Canada. If those Canadians are up to anything, we'll see it first. Rest easy! The Bayers are on watch (at least from 3:30 to 4:30).
It's actually up to 37 degrees this afternoon. A couple of days ago, it was 12 -- and windy. These people up here act like this is perfectly normal. I'm going to have to buy some more hot hands and toastie toes.
We spent two days in Detroit. They are trying to revitalize downtown, but it's not looking so good. Lots of busted streetlights and boarded up buildings. We got lost when we were looking for the house where Barry Gordy started Motown, and I was glad I was in a locked car.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Henry Ford Museum, do it. We spent hours there, and they had to throw us out at closing time. It's not just cars in the museum; it's almost a smaller version of the American History Museum in the Smithsonian. We also toured the factory where they make the F-150 trucks. It is very well done. There is a walkway above the factory floor, with videos and volunteers explaining everything to you. There's also a great film presentation on several screens.
This morning we spent a couple of hours at the Arab-American Museum. I did not think that would be interesting at all, but it was great. We visited an Arab bakery and had the best chocolate mousse ever. They guy who runs it has a Master's degree in electrical engineering, but he said the family bakery business was in his blood. The pastries were incredibly gorgeous. My mousse was in a chocolate teacup.
Ever had a loose burger? Gary ate one for lunch. It's chili on a hot dog bun, with no hot dog. (If you have a hot dog, it's a coney -- what I've always called a scrambled dog.)
Even in this very cold climate, we have been warm sleeping at night. I kid you not. However, we're going to a hotel tonight so we can take a hot shower!
It's actually up to 37 degrees this afternoon. A couple of days ago, it was 12 -- and windy. These people up here act like this is perfectly normal. I'm going to have to buy some more hot hands and toastie toes.
We spent two days in Detroit. They are trying to revitalize downtown, but it's not looking so good. Lots of busted streetlights and boarded up buildings. We got lost when we were looking for the house where Barry Gordy started Motown, and I was glad I was in a locked car.
If you ever get a chance to visit the Henry Ford Museum, do it. We spent hours there, and they had to throw us out at closing time. It's not just cars in the museum; it's almost a smaller version of the American History Museum in the Smithsonian. We also toured the factory where they make the F-150 trucks. It is very well done. There is a walkway above the factory floor, with videos and volunteers explaining everything to you. There's also a great film presentation on several screens.
This morning we spent a couple of hours at the Arab-American Museum. I did not think that would be interesting at all, but it was great. We visited an Arab bakery and had the best chocolate mousse ever. They guy who runs it has a Master's degree in electrical engineering, but he said the family bakery business was in his blood. The pastries were incredibly gorgeous. My mousse was in a chocolate teacup.
Ever had a loose burger? Gary ate one for lunch. It's chili on a hot dog bun, with no hot dog. (If you have a hot dog, it's a coney -- what I've always called a scrambled dog.)
Even in this very cold climate, we have been warm sleeping at night. I kid you not. However, we're going to a hotel tonight so we can take a hot shower!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
We are now, at this very moment, sitting in Joe's Gizzard City in Potterville, Michigan. This dive -- and it's definitely a dive -- was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network. The menu promises deep-fried everything.
We've just ordered the Triple D, a deep-fried burger with onion rings, and the gizzard sampler platter, which Gary will eat and I will not eat. The sampler platter include Cajun, herbs and garlic and more.The dessert menu is like no other: the Frinkie, a deep-fried twinkie, deep-fried oreos, deep-fried nutter butters, deep-fried ice cream sandwich and last, but certainly not least, deep-fried cheesecake. Cheesecake is so incredibly rich just by itself; I cannot begin to imagine what it's like fried! Our friend, Mike Venable, has lately inspired me to eat healthy, which is difficult here in deep-fried heaven.
Tomorrow, we're going to Battle Creek to learn about cereal and to some other small town that manufactures Jiffy mix. I love Jiffy cornbread. We've just spent a great two days in Ft. Wayne, Indiana,with Gary's childhood friend, Rita, who he regards as family, and her mother, Aunt Mildred. Sadly, Aunt Mildred is not doing well because of a stroke. But she did seem to remember Gary, and she stroked his face, which was so very sweet and special. It was so touching.
It's cold here, really cold, and snowing. My thin Southern blood is suffering! We're sitting here listening to a conversation between several guys that drive snow plows. One said he had to push 13 inches of snow, and couldn't find a place to put that much snow.
We've just ordered the Triple D, a deep-fried burger with onion rings, and the gizzard sampler platter, which Gary will eat and I will not eat. The sampler platter include Cajun, herbs and garlic and more.The dessert menu is like no other: the Frinkie, a deep-fried twinkie, deep-fried oreos, deep-fried nutter butters, deep-fried ice cream sandwich and last, but certainly not least, deep-fried cheesecake. Cheesecake is so incredibly rich just by itself; I cannot begin to imagine what it's like fried! Our friend, Mike Venable, has lately inspired me to eat healthy, which is difficult here in deep-fried heaven.
Tomorrow, we're going to Battle Creek to learn about cereal and to some other small town that manufactures Jiffy mix. I love Jiffy cornbread. We've just spent a great two days in Ft. Wayne, Indiana,with Gary's childhood friend, Rita, who he regards as family, and her mother, Aunt Mildred. Sadly, Aunt Mildred is not doing well because of a stroke. But she did seem to remember Gary, and she stroked his face, which was so very sweet and special. It was so touching.
It's cold here, really cold, and snowing. My thin Southern blood is suffering! We're sitting here listening to a conversation between several guys that drive snow plows. One said he had to push 13 inches of snow, and couldn't find a place to put that much snow.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Leaving on Another Road Trip!
We're leaving again today. It's 29 degrees right now, and we're in Alabama! Gary wants to go somewhere to see just how cold it can get -- I want to go somewhere that I can see how hot it can get.
So we're headed for snow country. Our first stop is Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to visit Cousin Rita. Gary has not see her in about 35 years.
I'm just not so sure about this snow thing. I lived in Washington, D.C. for two years right after college and learned to hate snow. Two years ago we went skiing. Let me tell you, if you haven't learned to ski in your first 50 years, don't try it at the beginning of the second 50 years.
We took the beginners class. I knew there was trouble when I couldn't even lift my skis. The instructor had to carry them for me. Then we tried the first slope, a tiny, barely not level slope. I slid right into a class of four-year-olds, knocking little kids right and left, and their instructor yelled at me. I took off the skis and vowed to never put them back on again. Now Gary is mentioning words like cross-country skiing.
This is going to be an adventure, I'm afraid.
P.S. And for all of you who have told me you can't believe we're sleeping in Wal-Mart's parking lot, here's the whole story. We didn't actually plan to do that. We've camped all our married life and have all the equipment. We had originally planned to camp in state parks. What we didn't realize was, unlike around here, the parks in the north close their campgrounds in the winter. That's how we got to Plan B: Wal-Mart. I had read online about a lot of people doing that, so we decided to give it a try. There's apparently a whole underground of people sleeping in Wal-Mart parking lots across the country. It's great! No tent to put up, doesn't matter if it's raining. Just crawl in the back of the car and go to sleep. Whoever wakes up first starts driving.
Try it -- you'll like it!!!!!!
So we're headed for snow country. Our first stop is Ft. Wayne, Indiana, to visit Cousin Rita. Gary has not see her in about 35 years.
I'm just not so sure about this snow thing. I lived in Washington, D.C. for two years right after college and learned to hate snow. Two years ago we went skiing. Let me tell you, if you haven't learned to ski in your first 50 years, don't try it at the beginning of the second 50 years.
We took the beginners class. I knew there was trouble when I couldn't even lift my skis. The instructor had to carry them for me. Then we tried the first slope, a tiny, barely not level slope. I slid right into a class of four-year-olds, knocking little kids right and left, and their instructor yelled at me. I took off the skis and vowed to never put them back on again. Now Gary is mentioning words like cross-country skiing.
This is going to be an adventure, I'm afraid.
P.S. And for all of you who have told me you can't believe we're sleeping in Wal-Mart's parking lot, here's the whole story. We didn't actually plan to do that. We've camped all our married life and have all the equipment. We had originally planned to camp in state parks. What we didn't realize was, unlike around here, the parks in the north close their campgrounds in the winter. That's how we got to Plan B: Wal-Mart. I had read online about a lot of people doing that, so we decided to give it a try. There's apparently a whole underground of people sleeping in Wal-Mart parking lots across the country. It's great! No tent to put up, doesn't matter if it's raining. Just crawl in the back of the car and go to sleep. Whoever wakes up first starts driving.
Try it -- you'll like it!!!!!!
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