Category: Cross Country

Restful day! I puttered in the morning before exploring Muskegon’s 132 year old Farmers Market. Oh, I appreciate the fresh produce! After returning to my campsite, I roamed around Muskegon State Park. Although the temperature remained comfortable, the skies burst with rain – right when I approached a covered table – phew!
Needing reliable internet for some trip planning and writing, Addie and I moved into town where we’re hanging out in a parking lot. I can’t believe today is the last day of August and time to post my monthly reflections! 🙂
P.S. Added tonight’s sunset.
Fresh produce – and salsa!

 

That’s the lighthouse I climbed yesterday!

 

A larger view of the Muskegon Lighthouse from across the channel.

 

Muskegon Channel which connects Lake Michigan and Lake Muskegon.

 

Covered table – perfect place to wait out the cloudburst.

 

Scenery on my ramble.

 

Mural on the side of a beach building.

 

Driftwood.

 

🙂

 

I love the pattern the raindrops made in the sand.

You know how printed material often publishes a disclaimer that information may have changed so check with the organization to verify details? Yep, that…
The local magazine stated there would be a weekly Farmers Market in Holland, about 25 miles south of me, from 5-8pm. The Muskegon lighthouse gives tours on Mondays, 1-5pm. I decided, therefore, to head up north to explore and then meander southward stopping at the lighthouse on my way to Farmers Market. Whitehall and Montague, separated by a bridge, are cute coastal towns located a little bit north of me.
The lighthouse – really, light TOWER since no house is attached – was quite interesting. There are *102* lighthouses on Lake Michigan to protect boats from the shore. Linking yesterday’s Victorian home tour to my lighthouse visit, rebuilding after the 1871 Chicago fire spurred the rapid expansion of the lumber industry and Hackley’s fortune. Moving lumber from Muskegon to Chicago necessitated safe water travel and the many lighthouses.
Next on today’s itinerary: Holland Farmers Market. Oops! It’s now on Wednesdays rather than Mondays! Pivot to grocery shopping where I bought a Beyond Burger and eggplant to grill for dinner. 🙂
Weathervane in Whitehall

 

Montague and Whitehall

 

Addie hanging out while I explore

 

I was surprised that the gull didn’t move when I took this pic

 

Muskegon light TOWER

 

Solar-powered “lantern” – operated remotely now rather than with a keeper. In the 1800s. Muskegon lighthouse had the first female keeper.

 

My camp, shown behind me, is across the channel from the lighthouse…one must drive all of the way around the channel to get from one to the other.

After wetting my feet in the warm waters of Lake Michigan, I drove to downtown Muskegon’s revitalized Heritage District. I saw renovated factories, fascinating public art, and delightful architecture.

Warm lake water.

 

Rotary Park provides musical play equipment for children.

 

A part of the twelve blocks of the Heritage District.

 

The Monet Garden.

 

Synagogue founded in 1888 – closed today.

 

Hackley & Hume Historic Site: In the late 1800s, Hackley became a “lumber baron” and built this house; his younger partner Hume constructed a home next door. I toured both of these Victorian homes.

 

The woodwork in Hackley’s home: exquisite.

 

Hackley installed many stained glass windows. Note how the ceiling contains the same colors as the windows.

 

Although Hackley had heating, nearly every room also had a fireplace.

 

The library in Hume’s home. Hume had seven children, all of whom loved reading. Hackley adopted two children. The inside of Hackley’s home is ornate and elegant; the inside of Hume’s home is relaxed and comfortable.

Reflective day… First, I went to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Not only did this informational and insightful museum thoroughly and compellingly document slavery itself, but it also discussed the fight for freedom, the consequences of wars and politics, and the current state of slavery amd oppression. Please note that I only have a few photos as I fully immersed myself at the museum.
Following the Freedom Center and lunch, I strolled along the River Walk – pleased to find a labyrinth at the start of the trail. What a powerful means of reflecting on what I learned at the museum and transitioning to my consideration of the Ohio River and Cincinnati’s cityscape. This promenade provided a visualization of the role of this river, which separates Kentucky, a slave state, from Ohio, a free state.
One of many murals

 

The RagGonNon, a textile work of artist Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson.

 

The Slave Pen, built in the early1800s and recovered from a farm in Mason County, Kentucky, was used as a holding pen to temporarily store enslaved people purchased by Capt. John W. Anderson before he sold them at auction in Natchez, Mississippi.

 

Labyrinth

 

The many bridges across the Ohio River reminded me of Budapest and Prague.

 

 

A riverboat

 

Worst maritime disaster – 200 more people died on this boat, built in Cincinnati in 1863, than on the Titanic.

Kentucky Horse Park: Two thumbs up!! My photos don’t do this gorgeous facility justice! The Horse Park, with its retired champions, variety of breeds, and spectacular grounds, surprised me! “A treasure to our state and a facility unlike any other in the world, since 1978 the Kentucky Horse Park’s mission has been to celebrate our relationship with the horse through education, exhibition, engagement and competition. Owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, each year we welcome over 500,000 visitors from around the world.”
Mary Todd Lincoln House: More engaging than the house itself, the self-guided tour signage and readings presented insight into this First Lady and her family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

China from Lincoln’s first term. Since I prefer to post no more than 10 pics and I loved my horse photos so much, this is the only photo I’m uploading from Mary Todd Lincoln’s home. 🙂

A surprising day! Gorgeous scenery with rolling hills, tall trees, and green lawns. Crazy thunderstorm while driving on the interstate! Lasted for only a few minutes – phew!
Needed a trim and found a Supercuts next to Trader Joe’s, and Hernando, the stylist, had just enough time to cut my hair.
While checking out at TJs, I complimented my cashier for his authentic friendliness, something I have found to be consistent at every TJs I’ve shopped at on my journey. He then gave me a souvenir from TJs – a Kentucky reusable bag!
Tonight, I’m camping at the Kentucky Horse Park – beautiful. I’m going to wander tomorrow morning and look at the horses.
Split ends: gone!

 

My Kentucky souvenir!

 

Miss Addie 🙂

The Smokies surpassed my expectations! Beautiful, green, scenic – and less traffic than I first imagined. After a slow morning (binge watched all available Season 2 episodes of Ted Lasso last night!), Addie and I headed over to Great Smoky Mountains.
We drove up to Clingmans Dome and, while Addie rested her tired bones, I hiked to Andrews Bald. There is something about hiking in a forest, my friends, that fills my soul and lifts my spirit.
After that five mile hike, I headed up to Clingmans Dome, a steep climb. Surprisingly, the only people to pass me on the climb were four twenty-somethings (and they hadn’t just finished the Andrews Bald hike!). Years ago, a wooden tower allowed visitors to partake of a 360 degree view. Now, a concrete tower looms over the highest point in the park.
Although I seriously considered a hike to a waterfall after Clingmans Dome, a sign on the road to the trailhead said narrow, single lane, no RVs…and it was already after 5pm…so I made the choice to come back to my campground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s explorations: Grand Ole Opry, Centennial Park/Parthenon, Vanderbilt University, and the Gulch District. 🙂
Grand Ole Opry: Intriguing to learn about the Opry and see the building. Although enlightening and fun, the building itself is nowhere near as magnificent as the Ryman!
Centennial Park/Parthenon: The full size model of Athens’ Parthenon grabs one’s attention. The museum with its artwork and stories failed to hold my interest, but the 42 foot tall gold plated statue of Athena mesmerized me. Out of many statues dotting the park’s lawns, I especially appreciated the tribute to Tennessean suffragettes.
Vanderbilt University: Across the street from Centennial Park lives Vanderbilt University with unique buildings and gorgeous grounds.
The Gulch District: A hipster area of Nashville called me for dinner. There’s something wonderful about a salmon salad that I don’t have to cook! Oh, and the Cucumber Collins cocktail – yum yum!
One of many dressing rooms at the Opry.

 

In 2010, torrential rain pounded Middle Tennessee and drowned the Grand Ole Opry in ten feet of water. The Cumberland River spilled over its banks, floodwaters engulfed the stage, the pews were ruined, and the floors were demolished. Rescued under the water: this mural and the circle on the stage.

 

I stand on the circle where many artists and performers have stood.

 

Centennial Park and the Parthenon.

 

Tribute to suffragettes.

 

Athena – the Nike she’s holding is six feet tall!

 

Vanderbilt University.

 

Framed view of the campus.

 

The Gulch’s pub.

 

Wings Mural by Kelsey Montague https://kelseymontagueart.com/nashville-whatliftsyou-wings/

OMG! What an amazing day! First, I went on a terrific hike in Percy Warner Park – green, lush, hills, meadows – perfect!
This evening, I hung out with Kristen and her singer-songwriters group. There is NOTHING like listening to musicians share their original songs – the vulnerability, the creativity, the power of music. Y’all know me. At one point when one person was singing and the others jumped in with their guitars and voices, I couldn’t help it. The connectedness of it all…I cried. So friggin’ fabulous!
Mossy Ridge Trail, Percy Warner Park

 

With Jeffrey and Kristen

 

Bear, their very sweet big doggie!

I know I should cull tonight’s photos more – I try not to post more than ten a day – but, oh well! 
I had so much fun exploring Nashville today! While Kristen worked, Jeffrey dropped me off in the heart of Nashville with a list of “must see” items in my pocket. I made it to four! 
First up, The Ryman Auditorium, where many famous artists have played (including Bruce Springsteen, Dolly Parton, and Paul Thorn!). 
Next, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Although I am not a super-big country music fan, there were MANY artists I recognized. And it was fun to hang out and create my album cover during a torrential thunderstorm! 
Then I went to a couple of honky tonks. My favorite, with great music, a veggie burger, and beer: Robert’s Western World. 
Cherry on the top of the day: happy hour and dinner with Kristen and Jeffrey! 
Cumberland River – started the day with a walk around town before venturing inside.

 

Cool old building

 

Church

 

Named for Rep John Lewis about a year ago

 

Country legends mural. Recognize anyone?

 

The Ryman Auditorium, managed by a woman for 50 years.

 

Ryman

 

Dolly Parton: not only an investor in Moderna but also a music star!

 

I’d say, “Don’t quit your day job,” but I don’t have a day job anymore!

 

Country Music Hall of Fame: a fun and interactive museum!

 

Thunderstorm out the window of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

 

🙂

 

🙂

 

Now to create the album to go with this album cover…

 

Haha!

 

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

 

Robert’s Western World

 

Nashville, we have a problem.

A day in three fabulous parts!
Part 1: I met my friend and colleague David at his house/farm so his kids could show me their animals. I had so much fun petting the dogs and feeding the goats and cows! Then, I followed David to Indiana State University for a tour of the College of Business building, which previously housed the federal courthouse (I saw the room where Timothy McVeigh was tried). We also toured some of the rest of the campus before having YES a zoom meeting for next year’s National Conference in Sales Management. Then, David took me and Ricky, another Sales professor friend and colleague, to lunch. What a nice visit! 
Part 2: Drove 4.5 hours from Indiana through Kentucky to Nashville. Uneventful – which is a good thing on a long drive. 
Part 2: In Nashville, Addie and I are staying at Kristen and Jeffrey’s house for a few days. I had a fantastic evening with Kristen and Jeffrey! Ate, drank, and talked for hours!
Goat #1

 

Cow #1

 

Cow #2 – this one was skittish but ultimately warmed up to me.

 

Goat #2

 

David and Sarah with their three sweet kids.

 

The Magna Carta room, now a classroom, previously the courtroom where Timothy McVeigh’s trial was held.

 

Indiana State University

 

Hanging with Ricky and David