Getting Ready To Hit The Road

It’s about time.

 

After having the last three trips we planned canceled, we are finally getting ready to hit the road.

We had planned on going to Vancouver right as the virus hit.

Then we had planned a flight to Florida and a Panama Canal cruise. When those both went south, we scheduled a trip back to Hawaii, which we haven’t been to since we were stationed there in the early 1980’s. 

The 18 year-old sexy version of me in Hawaii in the early 1980's. 

All those trips would have included an airplane flight. So, since that is still a bit shaky, we are hitting the road in our shiny new Jeep. 

I don’t remember the last time we did a long road trip, but it might have been when Kenny and I drove across the entire country, which I reprinted the blog entries a couple of months ago.

Canon at Shiloh from my trip to Washington DC.

Now we are getting ready for a slightly shorter trip, we are only trekking a mere 345 miles to Zion National Park.

I’m looking forward to the trip, but as usual I may be over planning a little.

I know the main activity at Zion is hiking. I have been walking as much as I can, but mostly on level ground. I don’t think that will be the case in Utah.

The first thing I bought was a paracord bracelet, with a compass, emergency whistle, small cutting edge and fire starter. When unwoven it gives you about 6 feet of 550 cord.

I then found a new first-aid kit. I used to have one when I shot a lot of off-road races. You never know when you’ll need some bandages and medical supplies. Better to have a complete kit.

Also, I injured my right ankle about two years ago, and I’m still having issues with it. So, I did some research and bought a new ankle brace.

And then I got to thinking, we are going to be hiking, and there won’t be a ready supply of safe drinking water, so I bought us new backpacks with hydration systems.

Then, I thought, I need a way to mount a GoPro camera to my backpack, so I bought a new camera strap mount.

I knew that I would want to have at least one camera (cuz I am a photographer after all). But I realized that my current camera strap would bind in the straps for my backpack. So, I found a camera mount that attached to the straps on the backpack.

I already had the GoPro 8 Black and the enhanced audio mod. I thought, well, maybe I needed a lav mic. I did pick one up, but the test audio was better with the GoPro audio mod.

Me with the new hydration system, GoPro 8 with backpack mount and Canon camera with backpack mount.

I then did some reading about the hiking trails around Zion and checked with all my friends and family that have been there for recommendations. One of the things I learned is that using “trekking poles” can reduce the strain on your knees and ankles, as well as helping prevent falls. So I bought us both new trek poles.

Now, I figured that getting lunch might be an issue. After all, we planned to be hiking in the “wilderness” so the nearest fast-food offerings might not fit with our plans. For that reason, I included paper plates, silverware, solo cups, an ice chest, and some other culinary comfort items into the plan.

Did I mention that we are staying in a hotel? Well, I’m running out of time, but I think we may have to stop at the Bass Pro Shop in Las Vegas to pick up some last minute gear/supplies.

A Little History

Today I am in a pretty good mood, I have sent in the first draft of my book to the publisher.

I've been working on a book that is basically a pictorial history of the National Training Center and Fort Irwin.

Its not perfect, but I think it will be pretty popular, at least locally.

I don't know this guys name, but he was a cook at the US Army Armor and Desert Training Center in the 1950's. The AADTC is now the National Training Center

Epilogue

I never finished the entry for the final leg of my journey to Washington DC and back. So even though its been several years, I guess I’ll finish it now.

The route from Kingman to home is actually pretty familiar territory. I’ve driving this part of Route 66 many times.

One of my favorite spots along the Mother Road is The Hackberry General Store. The best part is the pretty eclectic collection of “stuff” laying around the outside of the store.

A little further along the road is Roy’s Motel and Café in Amboy. When I first saw Roy’s it was pretty run-down. The motel rooms were in bad shape, the doors missing, paint almost gone. I’m sure the only ones living there were desert creatures.

In 2003 the motel and café were purchased by Albert Okura who has been slowly restoring the site.

From Amboy it was a uneventful drive the rest of the way home.

I was glad to be back, but was disappointed that my trip was cut short.

Almost Home

With the entire world closed, it looks like it may be awhile before I can do any traveling. With that in mind, I’m re-posting from my original blog. This section follows me and my son's trip from California to Washington DC for a temporary assignment. 

Return Trip Day 5:

Today I was up and out of the hotel by about 8:30. Drove to old town Albuquerque and looked around. Seems like it would be a very interesting place, when the stores are open and the weather is nice.

Left and headed west along old Route 66. Drove for quite a while, stopped at several “trading posts” once I got near the Indian reservations.

I have noticed that if the billboard for an “Indian” shop advertises cheep tobacco, it is most likely run by actual Native Americans. If the store does not advertise tobacco, it is run by non-natives. The big deal here is at the non-native store, you are just a likely to find products made in China as made by real Native Americans. There are some exceptions, but they usually loudly proclaim their tribal affiliation on the signs. I, for one, like to buy my trinkets from the real deal.

As I approached Flagstaff, AZ, it started to snow, and it kept snowing. I got onto the highway and headed out of the area as fast as I safely could. They are expecting about 10 inches of snow today, 10-16 inches tomorrow and about 5 feet more by the end of the week.

Staying tonight on old 66 in Kingman, AZ. Tomorrow I head home. I can’t wait.

Birthday Tacos

With the entire world closed, it looks like it may be awhile before I can do any traveling. With that in mind, I’m re-posting from my original blog. This section follows me and my son's trip from California to Washington DC for a temporary assignment. 

Return Trip Day 4:


Not a bad day today. I got up early and had breakfast at the hotel. Departed before the sun came up and headed out along Route 66. The weather was nice, a little cold, but bearable.

Sunrise in Texas

Route 66 follows Interstate 40 thru most of New Mexico, but when you hit the Pecos River, it turns north and heads into Santa Fe. From there, it turns south and goes into Albuquerque.

Another Old Rusty Car

All in all, a pretty decent drive, however, many of the owners of the vintage buildings on old 66 don’t want you to take pictures or get out and look at the buildings (in fact I think you’re supposed to close your eyes as you pass). Lots of fences around interesting items, but what can you do.

Old Neon Sign on Route 66

I got into Albuquerque about 4 pm and checked into the hotel. Walked down the street to a little Mexican restaurant and had carne asada tacos and Dos XX for dinner. It was pretty good.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

With the entire world closed, it looks like it may be awhile before I can do any traveling. With that in mind, I’m re-posting from my original blog. This section follows me and my son's trip from California to Washington DC for a temporary assignment. 

Return Trip Day 3:

I left Arkansas about 9:30 am and headed toward Tulsa Oklahoma. The idea was to find Route 66 and photograph the sections of the Mother Road from Tulsa to Kingman Arizona.

I have already spent quite a bit of time shooting from Kingman to Santa Monica, California, and was hoping to be able to complete the highway from the Dust-bowl to the sea.

That would only leave from Chicago to Tulsa that I have not been able to travel. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. Most of the day was drizzle and rain. Oh well, maybe next time.

Tonight I had dinner at the Big Texan, home of the 72oz steak. Didn’t even think about ordering it. I had a nice meal. It’s been just over 25 years since I ate at the Big Texan; it’s as good as the memory.

In Search of Hiram

With the entire world closed, it looks like it may be awhile before I can do any traveling. With that in mind, I’m re-posting from my original blog. This section follows me and my son's trip from California to Washington DC for a temporary assignment. 

Return Trip Day 2:

Today was truly interesting.

As I was driving yesterday I saw a sign for the Shiloh National Battlefield Park. Once I got to the hotel, I looked on the map and realized it was only about one hour away.

Now I would guess that the battle of Pittsburg Landing means little to nothing to most people. I however have been fascinated with the battle ever since learning that I am a direct descendant of a man who may have been the oldest participant in the battle.

Hiram Holiday was 78 years old when he volunteered to take the place of his son, John Roger Holiday, in the Union Army. It was a common practice at the time, they really didn’t care who showed up, as long as someone did.

Hiram ended up with the 61st Illinois Volunteers, who were a part of the Army of Tennessee under General Ulysses Grant. The 61st was assigned to General Prentiss’ 6th division. The 6th took a beating on the first day of the battle, eventually defending a piece of ground known as the “Hornets Nest.” When the Confederates couldn’t take the ground by infantry assault, they formed an artillery barrage that was the largest in American history, and lay siege to the area. Over 60 canon concentrated fire on the defenders of the Hornets’ Nest who held out long enough for Grant to establish a defensive position.

In a letter to his wife, Lester B. Fillay, writes of the battle:

“Doubtless you will have read this account of the terrible Battle before this comes to you. I will not relate particulars til I come home I will mention a few items, David Culver is mortally wounded, Capt Haggard was wounded and can’t be found. Also Capt Mann. There were 18 killed, 30 missing and 43 wounded in our regiment. Old Man Holliday is among the missing.”

The Hornets Nest

Hiram was captured, along with General Prentiss; he was taken to Camp Oglethorpe in Georgia, where he died from disease.

I walked around the battlefield, trooped the line along the sunken road, searching for a placard to the 61st. Finally about 1pm I came across one. It was on the far right flank of Prentiss’ line at a place called the Peach Grove.

The Marker in the Peach Grove to the 61st Illinois Infantry

It was almost surreal to walk the fields, knowing Hiram took his last breath as a free man in those very fields. I am so glad I took the detour.