Several members have posted links to photos and videos from the Reunion:
Stewey's Pictures
Flamekiller's Pictures
Zeke's Pictures
I hope you enjoy them.
5 years ago
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Port Huron Michigan to Sudbury Ontario
We were both up by 5:00 AM and I spent some time checking the news on line. We skipped the breakfast nook and were on the road soon after 6:00. In my haste to get over the border, I forgot to fill the truck with (relatively) cheaper Michigan gas. The border crossing was quick and easy, one booth and no cars waiting. As we were welcomed back home by the CBSA agent, it occurred to me that no one all year has asked to look in the trailer either way across the border.
Once across the border, in Sarnia, we went looking for McDonald's for breakfast. The flavour of a Canadian Mickey D's in the morning was vastly different from the USA. It was hard to put a finger on the differences but the customers seemed quirkier and the staff was more casual.
There was another layer of fog this morning as we headed east on Highway 402. We stopped in London for fuel and then pushed on the Cambridge where we stopped at son-in-law Mike's work to drop off two boxes of cereal that Stewey had gotten for him. Booberry and Frankenberry had been discontinued but were being revived and sold in Walgreen's in the USA for the Halloween season.
I opted to stick to Highway 401 rather than take the expensive 407 Express Toll Route around Toronto. Traffic was slow moving on the 401 and the construction at the 401/400 interchange continued to be disruptive. Signs said this project would be complete by 2017. Going north, we stopped at the newly rebuilt service centre in King where Sandy got a bagel and I picked up a sandwich and coffee to fight the fatigue I was feeling.
Near Highway 88, I had to avoid an erratic lady driver who was too busy texting to pay attention to how she was driving. With all the safety messaging and laws, I have to wonder what it will take to get people to keep their minds on the road. Maybe the police should be able to seize the hands free devices if they are being operated in contravention of the law, just like they would if I was using a radar detector.
The Highway 400/11 interchange in Barrie was also under construction but, once we got past that, there was almost no traffic. I started to perk up and we enjoyed the beautiful colours of the trees that had started to change. We got home just after 3:00 and were unloaded and unpacked in short order.
It was a great trip. I expect that we will take more time to see even more things in our future travels.
Today's Route (411 Avalanche/trailer miles):
Once across the border, in Sarnia, we went looking for McDonald's for breakfast. The flavour of a Canadian Mickey D's in the morning was vastly different from the USA. It was hard to put a finger on the differences but the customers seemed quirkier and the staff was more casual.
There was another layer of fog this morning as we headed east on Highway 402. We stopped in London for fuel and then pushed on the Cambridge where we stopped at son-in-law Mike's work to drop off two boxes of cereal that Stewey had gotten for him. Booberry and Frankenberry had been discontinued but were being revived and sold in Walgreen's in the USA for the Halloween season.
Foggy haze on the 402
Into the sunrise again
A trailer trailer
Heather works here in Woodstock
I opted to stick to Highway 401 rather than take the expensive 407 Express Toll Route around Toronto. Traffic was slow moving on the 401 and the construction at the 401/400 interchange continued to be disruptive. Signs said this project would be complete by 2017. Going north, we stopped at the newly rebuilt service centre in King where Sandy got a bagel and I picked up a sandwich and coffee to fight the fatigue I was feeling.
Pearson Airport
Slow moving 401
Slow down for the ramp
Canada's Wonderland
Near Highway 88, I had to avoid an erratic lady driver who was too busy texting to pay attention to how she was driving. With all the safety messaging and laws, I have to wonder what it will take to get people to keep their minds on the road. Maybe the police should be able to seize the hands free devices if they are being operated in contravention of the law, just like they would if I was using a radar detector.
The Highway 400/11 interchange in Barrie was also under construction but, once we got past that, there was almost no traffic. I started to perk up and we enjoyed the beautiful colours of the trees that had started to change. We got home just after 3:00 and were unloaded and unpacked in short order.
Barrie sign for Rick from Texas
Empty Highway 400 north of Barrie
Hydro-seeding to stabilize the bank near Moonstone
The trees they are a changin'
Just specks of colour on some
A bit more on others
Give it a couple of weeks
This tree can't make up its mind
Someone had a mishap a quarter mile from home
Sandy's MS carnations did well in our absence
Today's Route (411 Avalanche/trailer miles):
Monday, September 23, 2013
Murphysboro Illinois to Port Huron Michigan
We departed Murphysboro before 6:30 AM in a (what's new?) foggy haze. Many thanks to Willie and Carlene for putting us up, feeding us and introducing us to an amazing ice cream shop.
The route for today had been to drive to Dayton, Ohio and spend tomorrow visiting the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Then we would then have returned to Sudbury on Wednesday. However, we decided to head straight back to Sudbury instead.
We drove across the secondary roads of southern Illinois, straight roads that met at 90 degree angles as is common in the flatlands. I was cautious because there could be deer lurking in the morning haze, but all we saw was a family of raccoons crossing the road as they returned from a night of foraging. Sandy did get another very nice sunrise photo and I was reminded of why I don't like driving east into a sunrise. Eventually, we reached I-57 at Benson where we stopped at Mickey D's for another Happy Breakfast to go.
We followed a Tango truck north on I-57 to I-70 at Effingham and then headed east, but there were few trucks to draft on this stretch. We stopped at Greenup for fuel and then crossed into Indiana. Taking the south route around Indianapolis, we caught I-69 and followed it to Port Huron, Michigan. There were more wind turbine parts on the move today, underscoring just how wind farms, which have become prevalent, are continuing to grow.
Coming into Port Huron, we again encountered signs saying the roads had changed and our GPS was probably inaccurate. Still, we were able to find the Subway and get some food to take to the Comfort Inn with us. Then we found the hotel and settled in for the night.
Today's Route (643 Avalanche/trailer miles):
The route for today had been to drive to Dayton, Ohio and spend tomorrow visiting the USAF Museum at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Then we would then have returned to Sudbury on Wednesday. However, we decided to head straight back to Sudbury instead.
We drove across the secondary roads of southern Illinois, straight roads that met at 90 degree angles as is common in the flatlands. I was cautious because there could be deer lurking in the morning haze, but all we saw was a family of raccoons crossing the road as they returned from a night of foraging. Sandy did get another very nice sunrise photo and I was reminded of why I don't like driving east into a sunrise. Eventually, we reached I-57 at Benson where we stopped at Mickey D's for another Happy Breakfast to go.
Misty morning in Illinois
Sunrise in my eyes
Better when heading north
Another awesome sunrise shot by Sandy
We followed a Tango truck north on I-57 to I-70 at Effingham and then headed east, but there were few trucks to draft on this stretch. We stopped at Greenup for fuel and then crossed into Indiana. Taking the south route around Indianapolis, we caught I-69 and followed it to Port Huron, Michigan. There were more wind turbine parts on the move today, underscoring just how wind farms, which have become prevalent, are continuing to grow.
Our front door on I-57
A wind turbine head assembly
I-465 around Indianapolis
Another pretty truck
Welcome to Michigan
Leaves are starting to change
Wind turbine nose cones
And a turbine blade
Today's Route (643 Avalanche/trailer miles):
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Eureka Springs Arkansas to Murphysboro Illinois
The dreaded departure day had arrived. The Reunion was over and it was time to head for home. Sherm was up and rolling back to Arizona before 6:00 AM and we were out a short while later after maneuvering the truck and trailer out of the crowded parking lot with JR's help. The motel office was still closed so we had to forgo coffee for a bit.
This has been an excellent Reunion, a first rate example of what VROC is all about. I need to thank Condi, JR and Brandon for once again doing a superb job of finding us a place to gather and looking after the myriad details. We look forward to doing it again next year and I heard the ground floor of the motel was already reserved, a sure sign that everyone else enjoyed it as much as we did. I'd also like to thank Hot Sauce, Margot, Mitch and all the folks who helped prepare the Friday and Saturday suppers. Awesome food. Further, I need to thank all the VROCers who attended because you are why we come. This is the family we have chosen and it feels so good when we get together. Lastly, a special thanks to our regular room and soul mate, Sherm. We have been doing this for a long time and I hope we do it for a long time to come.
Today, we were going to visit Willie Wonka and The Lovely Carlene in Murphysboro, Illinois. It was foggy as we headed east on US 62 to Berryville (BURRvull to the locals). A couple of Harleys followed me through the haze and then passed as we came to a clear spot. We stopped at the Murphy (WalMart) gas pumps in Berryville where I topped up at $3.229 (would have been $3.199 if I had paid cash). I am sure going to miss these prices, although they would have horrified me a few years ago, Then we picked up coffee and breakfast to go at McDonald's next door.
We drove north on US 65 into Missouri and through Branson. In Ozark, we stopped at a WalMart to use the bathroom. When I came out, Sandy pointed out that I had my golf shirt on inside out. I told her that I realized in the Men's Room that my fly had also been unzipped. This is a hazard of early morning departures.
In Springfield, we caught I-44 and headed northeast. I looked for a suitable semi to follow and found one before long. We stopped at the same McDonald's in Rolla that we found on the way through in July and remarked that the staff there were just as efficient and polite as before, a sign of good management. I topped up the fuel tank and then sought out a new truck to draft.
The truck strategy was doing well. As we approached St. Louis and the big hills on the highway, we were pushing into a middling headwind. Despite that, the computer told me we were averaging 15.7 miles per US gallon. That was absolutely amazing and, even though the overall averages aren't that good for numerous reasons, they are so much better then we got with the big trailer.
We left I-44 for I-255 on the outskirts of St. Louis and crossed the mighty Mississippi into Illinois at noon. From there, the GPS led us on a path of secondary highways south into a part of the state we were not familiar with before now. We stopped at a McDonald's in Chester, known as the home of Popeye, to grab some lunch. The new counter worker accidentally took my order for one small fry and made it eleven, but we got that straightened out. As much as I like their fries, eleven orders would have been too much.
There is a real feeling here of simple, strong America. Ordinary folks who live in a beautiful rural countryside. I will have to draw on this image the next time I go through Detroit to remember what the country can be.
We arrived at the Wonka residence on Ava Road just after 2:00 PM. I missed it the first time by because the mailbox numbers were on the opposite side of the box and there were a couple of houses close together in the open countryside. Apparently Willie was outside but we didn't see him in the shadow of a large tree. We were able to get turned around in a schoolyard a couple of miles down the road and get back to the right place without too much difficulty.
Willie and Carlene are a couple of our favourite people. For years, Willie was a regular attendee at many VROC gatherings but a change in employment resulted in a significant reduction in vacation time. Still, we saw them this spring in Maggie Valley and also rode to have lunch with them in the Soo when their GoldWing group was visiting Mackinaw City.
As we caught up on what had been going on lately and met their three very unusual cats, Willie and I watched the NASCAR race from Chicagoland Speedway. We are both in the VROC NASCAR Fantasy League, where I have some of the worst luck picking drivers. This day was no different. Supper consisted of salad, streaks on the grill, baked potatoes and cheese biscuits. Excellent.
After supper, we piled into Carlene's PT Cruiser and, with Willie at the helm, drove to the town of Du Quoin and Ye Olde Country Store Ice Cream & Fudge Shoppe, located downtown right next door to the old theater. While enjoying very nice ice cream (I had mine in an interesting pretzel cone), we met owner Bob Bytnar and heard his story.
Bob and his wife moved to Du Quoin in 2007 from Arkansas and he took a job at a local munitions factory. He told me they had an ice cream shop in Arkansas and his wife wanted to start a new one here. Soon after they opened, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Around 2009, Bob won $100,000 in a lottery and used the proceeds to pay a portion of the medical bills. Mrs. Bytnar passed away three years ago after a valiant fight and Bob and his daughter kept the shop going to honour her memory. This involved working nights at the plant and days at the shop, a rigorous undertaking. It all changed Labour Day Weekend when he bought an instant lottery ticket and found himself the winner of $4 million dollars. The newspaper said he retired from his night job although Willie claims he "phoned in rich".
Bob said folks had approached him about selling the Shoppe. He said they didn't understand him very well because, after all the effort to keep the business open in his wife's memory when times were tough, he had no intention of giving it up now that he was flush. I use the word business when that doesn't convey the atmosphere of the place. Bob greets and serves everyone. One lady came in looking for an ATM because she didn't have cash with her and Bob said she could pay him next time because this was "just a country store". He recently received an award acknowledging his Christian principles in business. All I can say is that the detour to Du Quoin is a few miles off our usual route but I can see us stopping by again in our travels.
Back at Chez Wonka, I was checking Facebook and found that Wrong Turn and KT were spending the night in Chester (home of Popeye) a mere 30 miles away, but it was too late to go and hunt them down. It wasn't long before we all turned in for the night.
Today's Route (389 Avalanche/trailer miles):
This has been an excellent Reunion, a first rate example of what VROC is all about. I need to thank Condi, JR and Brandon for once again doing a superb job of finding us a place to gather and looking after the myriad details. We look forward to doing it again next year and I heard the ground floor of the motel was already reserved, a sure sign that everyone else enjoyed it as much as we did. I'd also like to thank Hot Sauce, Margot, Mitch and all the folks who helped prepare the Friday and Saturday suppers. Awesome food. Further, I need to thank all the VROCers who attended because you are why we come. This is the family we have chosen and it feels so good when we get together. Lastly, a special thanks to our regular room and soul mate, Sherm. We have been doing this for a long time and I hope we do it for a long time to come.
Today, we were going to visit Willie Wonka and The Lovely Carlene in Murphysboro, Illinois. It was foggy as we headed east on US 62 to Berryville (BURRvull to the locals). A couple of Harleys followed me through the haze and then passed as we came to a clear spot. We stopped at the Murphy (WalMart) gas pumps in Berryville where I topped up at $3.229 (would have been $3.199 if I had paid cash). I am sure going to miss these prices, although they would have horrified me a few years ago, Then we picked up coffee and breakfast to go at McDonald's next door.
Sandy ready to roll in Berryville
I had decided to go north to I-44 and then cut back down into Illinois near St. Louis. It looked a bit circuitous but was only a few miles longer than the more direct route, which would have followed secondary roads through a lot of small communities and taken longer. And, rather than go north from Berryville on our usual route to US 65 North, I opted to follow US 62 to Harrison and connect there. It was a good thing because Sandy got what was probably her best photo ever along this route, much better than anything I have ever done.
As we went through Green Forest on 62, I noted the Cattleman's Restaurant adjacent to the stockyards. This looks like an interesting local establishment that will bear checking out the next time we are in the area.
Likker is quicker.....
Sunrise on US 62 - an awesome photograph
We drove north on US 65 into Missouri and through Branson. In Ozark, we stopped at a WalMart to use the bathroom. When I came out, Sandy pointed out that I had my golf shirt on inside out. I told her that I realized in the Men's Room that my fly had also been unzipped. This is a hazard of early morning departures.
I-65 through Branson
Inside out golf shirt
In Springfield, we caught I-44 and headed northeast. I looked for a suitable semi to follow and found one before long. We stopped at the same McDonald's in Rolla that we found on the way through in July and remarked that the staff there were just as efficient and polite as before, a sign of good management. I topped up the fuel tank and then sought out a new truck to draft.
The truck strategy was doing well. As we approached St. Louis and the big hills on the highway, we were pushing into a middling headwind. Despite that, the computer told me we were averaging 15.7 miles per US gallon. That was absolutely amazing and, even though the overall averages aren't that good for numerous reasons, they are so much better then we got with the big trailer.
My view of much of Missouri
Even with the relatively high speed limits, the Highway Patrol stays busy
Rolla, a nice town
We left I-44 for I-255 on the outskirts of St. Louis and crossed the mighty Mississippi into Illinois at noon. From there, the GPS led us on a path of secondary highways south into a part of the state we were not familiar with before now. We stopped at a McDonald's in Chester, known as the home of Popeye, to grab some lunch. The new counter worker accidentally took my order for one small fry and made it eleven, but we got that straightened out. As much as I like their fries, eleven orders would have been too much.
There is a real feeling here of simple, strong America. Ordinary folks who live in a beautiful rural countryside. I will have to draw on this image the next time I go through Detroit to remember what the country can be.
The bridge(s) to Illinois
Dredging the Mississippi
Welcome to the Land of Lincoln
Lutheran church
Lovely rural land
Some structures have been here a while
Willie and Carlene are a couple of our favourite people. For years, Willie was a regular attendee at many VROC gatherings but a change in employment resulted in a significant reduction in vacation time. Still, we saw them this spring in Maggie Valley and also rode to have lunch with them in the Soo when their GoldWing group was visiting Mackinaw City.
As we caught up on what had been going on lately and met their three very unusual cats, Willie and I watched the NASCAR race from Chicagoland Speedway. We are both in the VROC NASCAR Fantasy League, where I have some of the worst luck picking drivers. This day was no different. Supper consisted of salad, streaks on the grill, baked potatoes and cheese biscuits. Excellent.
After supper, we piled into Carlene's PT Cruiser and, with Willie at the helm, drove to the town of Du Quoin and Ye Olde Country Store Ice Cream & Fudge Shoppe, located downtown right next door to the old theater. While enjoying very nice ice cream (I had mine in an interesting pretzel cone), we met owner Bob Bytnar and heard his story.
Bob and his wife moved to Du Quoin in 2007 from Arkansas and he took a job at a local munitions factory. He told me they had an ice cream shop in Arkansas and his wife wanted to start a new one here. Soon after they opened, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Around 2009, Bob won $100,000 in a lottery and used the proceeds to pay a portion of the medical bills. Mrs. Bytnar passed away three years ago after a valiant fight and Bob and his daughter kept the shop going to honour her memory. This involved working nights at the plant and days at the shop, a rigorous undertaking. It all changed Labour Day Weekend when he bought an instant lottery ticket and found himself the winner of $4 million dollars. The newspaper said he retired from his night job although Willie claims he "phoned in rich".
Bob said folks had approached him about selling the Shoppe. He said they didn't understand him very well because, after all the effort to keep the business open in his wife's memory when times were tough, he had no intention of giving it up now that he was flush. I use the word business when that doesn't convey the atmosphere of the place. Bob greets and serves everyone. One lady came in looking for an ATM because she didn't have cash with her and Bob said she could pay him next time because this was "just a country store". He recently received an award acknowledging his Christian principles in business. All I can say is that the detour to Du Quoin is a few miles off our usual route but I can see us stopping by again in our travels.
Ye Olde Country Store Ice Cream & Fudge Shoppe
Sandy with out Lovely hosts, Willie and Carlene
Bob Bytnar (right) and our intrepid crew
Back at Chez Wonka, I was checking Facebook and found that Wrong Turn and KT were spending the night in Chester (home of Popeye) a mere 30 miles away, but it was too late to go and hunt them down. It wasn't long before we all turned in for the night.
Today's Route (389 Avalanche/trailer miles):
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