Road Trip Days 9 and 10 - The Long Road Home

Well, that's all folks.  Our big adventure is over.  We spent all of Saturday and Sunday in the car, driving home. It's approximately a 16 hour drive from Vicksburg to Petoskey.  Ugh.  That's a lot of driving.  So we broke it up into two days.  Saturday we drove from Vicksburg to Mattoon, Illinois and Sunday we drove from Mattoon to home.  It was a fairly uneventful drive.  I do have a couple pictures for you.  We also made a list of all the states we either visited or passed through on this trip.  Michigan (of course), Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee (just barely).  8 states!  And we ended up crossing the Mississippi 10 times!  Well, Madison and I crossed 10 times, Carl crossed 8 times.  For an explanation of that, please check out Road Trip Day 2.  The most exciting thing that happened on the way home is when we passed by a cotton field being burned.  Apparently this is done to kill off boll weevils and prepare for the next planting of cotton.

Road Trip Day 8 - Vicksburg

Vicksburg appears to be such a cute little town.  As I said before, we stopped here for lunch on our way to New Orleans.  We ate in downtown Vicksburg which is an adorable, old-fashioned downtown with sidewalks covered by balconies and shops lining both side of the street.  When we came in to the town last night, we came via the interstate straight to our hotel, never passing through downtown.  I realized that someone who is only passing through, who doesn't take the time to look around a bit, would never even know that the quaint little downtown is even there.  And they'd be missing out!

Today was a day full of history.  We started bright and early with a guided tour of the Vicksburg National Military Park.  It turns out Vicksburg was the location of a pivotal battle in the Civil War.

 General John Pemberton was the confederate leader at the Vicksburg fort.  General Ulysses Grant attempted several attacks on the fort, and failed due to the rough terrain.  He finally decided that the only way to win was to lay siege.  What's that mean, you ask?  Well, it means that the Union army cut off all supply sources to the Confederates, and then just waited.  There was some fighting during most of the 43 day siege, but when Pemberton surrendered, it was due to the disease and starvation plaguing his fort.  Our guide was a bottomless well of information.  There were memorials for every of soldiers who were involved in this battle.  The cool thing is that this park was built while the Civil War veterans were still alive.  They came back and told the park "This is where my regiment was stationed" or "This is as far as we got during an attack before we had to retreat" and that was where the memorial was built.  Right there in what appear to be totally random locations.  The biggest thing I took away from this tour was this:  the front lines for the Confederate and Union armies were so close in places that the soldiers could and did talk to each other between skirmishes.  Some of them were friends, family, neighbors.  And when Pemberton and Grant agreed on the terms of surrender, one of the first things that happened was the Union soldiers sharing their food and supplies with the starving and sick Confederate soldiers.  I also learned

that there are several known woman-disguised-as-men serving in the Civil War - and probably many more unknown - as well as boys as young as 8 years old who served in, and were injured in, the Civil War.  We also got to walk around the USS Cairo, the last of the ironclad warships from the Civil War.  It was torpedoed and sunk in 1862 and raised 102 years later.  It sunk in 12 minutes.  No lives were lost but the crew didn't have time to pack up their belongings before abandoning ship.  The museum is full of the things they left behind.  The medicine bottles you see in one picture are exactly how they were left.  The cork kept the water out and the medicines in.

After our tour was done, we did a tour of our own around town at some of the historical homes that were built as far back as the 1820's.  We also walked through the Old Courthouse Museum and walked through the soda shop where Coca-Cola was first bottled - not BY Coca-Cola, but by the owner of the shop.  You see, Coca-Cola would just

send their syrup to the shop.  If you wanted a Coke, you had to go to the soda shop where they would mix the syrup with carbonated water in the soda fountain.  The owner realized that people who couldn't make it to his shop would probably enjoy some too, so he put it in some bottles and traveled around town with them.  And tada!  Bottled Coca-Cola was invented.  

We also found two other cemeteries to check out.  First we drove around the Anshe Chesed Cemetery which is an all-jewish cemetery.  Then over to Beulah Cemetery - which is an all-african-american cemetery. Unfortunately, this one is currently closed to the public so we couldn't explore.  But it looks like they're working on making it more accessible.  We also accidentally found what appeared to be an old hospital that was most definitely not in use anymore.  The whole building was fenced off, weeds were taking over the yard and driveway, and kudzu was covering parts of the building. We drove all the way around it and found a sign that said "Marian Hill" - according to the internet this is a rehab center, currently still in use.  But it sure doesn't look like it.  

We did find a bunch of "No Trespassing" signs though, so we didn't get too close. It was cool and creepy at the same time.  Got some pictures of it here.

Tomorrow we start the long trip back home.  It's about 16 hours from Vicksburg to Petoskey.  We're breaking up the drive with an overnight stay in Mattoon, IL.  Why Mattoon?  Well, it's about halfway, it's along our route, and Carl has fun saying the town name LOL  

Road Trip Day 7 - New Orleans to Vicksburg

Today was a travel day.  We drove from New Orleans to Vicksburg.  Thankfully, it was one of our shorter drives.....only about 5 hours.  Before we even got out of New Orleans, we saw that a cruise ship had arrived at the docks of the French Quarter.  I've seen pictures of these cruise ships but they just don't do them justice.  This thing was HUGE.  Seriously.  It was taller than the bridge over the Mississippi River!  There was too much traffic for me to get a good picture of it though - boo :(

Anyhoooo, we didn't just take the GPS-designated route from New Orleans to Vicksburg.  We took a more scenic route.  It started with the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.  There's a reason we went this way.  There's a story.  When I was younger, I used to dream about being on a long, long road in the middle of water, water as far as the eye can see.  It was a recurring dream kind of thing.  

Then one day, I saw a picture of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway and thought oh my god!  It exists!  I must visit it!   So, this trip, we did!  It was pretty cool.  24 miles of nothing but water.  

Then, In Mississippi we stopped at the Windsor Ruins.  These enormous pillars are all that's left of a pre-civil war mansion that was accidentally burned down soon after the Civil War ended, by cigarette ashes being dropped in an

area that was being renovated.  Stay away from cigarettes, people! They're bad for you and your house!  We also found a crater...no, more like a canyon, totally covered in Kudzu.  It was so covered in Kudzu (an invasive vining plant) that I couldn't tell if there was anything at the bottom of it.  River?  Train track?  Sandpit?  Secret entry to hell?  Who knows?

When we arrived in Vicksburg, we had some time before eating dinner.....all the museums were closed so we visited the city cemetery.  It's a pretty big cemetery.  In addition to over a hundred years of Vicksburg residents, it also contains the graves of 5,000 confederate soldiers.  In my opinion, they should have been buried in the national cemetery inside the civil war park in Vicksburg BUT I'm guessing they were seen as traitors to the country, and so were not allowed to be buried there.

Speaking of the civil war park, it's HUGE and tomorrow we're going on a 2 hour guided tour.  I can't wait!  I love history!

Road Trip Day 6 - New Orleans

Today was our day to explore New Orleans.  We started bright and early with the 3 1/2 hour "Isle of Orleans" tour by Grayline.  Our tour guide was great.  He grew up in New Orleans and was very funny and informative.  We went through several areas of New Orleans.  The architecture in New Orleans is gorgeous! Balconies, intricate iron work railings, pillars across the front porch.......and the yards!  Beautifully landscaped yards with such a variety of plant life!  We saw metal, concrete and earthen levees, designed to keep out the waters of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico when Mother Nature gets a little worked up.  We took a walk through St. Louis Cemetery #3. Our tour guide explained how burial is handled in Nola, since most of the city is below sea level. 

So basically, you get your spot for a year and a day.  Then they take what's left of you, put it a plastic baggy and the next person in your family to die takes your spot.  There's one grave that has over a hundred nuns contained within!!  We only had about 15 minutes to look around.  I wish we could have spent more time here. I guess I'm a bit morbid - I love exploring cemeteries.  As it was, we were the last ones to get back on the bus because I wanted to get a picture of "one last one" haha.  

After the cemetery, we stopped at the City Park to check out the statue garden and have beignets and cafe au lait at "Morning Call".

I think I've found my new favorite fried food. Yum!  I need to find out how to make these at home.  Or.......maybe I don't - haha - they would NOT fit in with my new healthier lifestyle.  

We continued our tour around the city, through the ninth ward and made a stop at the new canal lighthouse.  There we got a walking tour through the new building along with a story about the old lighthouse (which was knocked over by Hurricane Katrina) as well as information about Lake Pontchartrain. On our way back to the French Quarter, we passed through the Garden District for more fantastic architecture and amazing landscaped yards. 

After that, we were on our own.  We found lunch at the Gumbo Pot, where Madison and I tried Jambalaya and Gumbo - sorry but neither of us were too impressed.  Maybe it was just the restaurant, or maybe it was our wimpy taste buds not able to take the heat.  We then took a walk over to Bourbon Street - we kept our stroll short since we had Madison -  and Bourbon Street is famous for everything that falls under the heading of "not suitable for children."  We did pop into the St Louis cathedral for a minute.  All I can say is "Wow!"  The inside is just breathtaking.

We decided to wrap up our day with a second helping of beignets (I told you they were yummy!), this time from the famed "Cafe du Monde."  These were served fresh out of the fryer and LIBERALLY doused in powdered sugar.  But oh so good!  And I'm not usually a coffee drinker, but I again enjoyed my beignets with a cup of cafe au lait.  

On our way back to the car, we did have a run-in with con-man who talked Carl out of a $20 for a shoe shine he didn't want, but got anyway.  He and his buddies then proceeded to follow us.  So we retreated into the Riverwalk mall for little bit but eventually, we made it back to the apartment, safe and sound.   Oh, by the way, that picture of the lit-up bridge?  That was the view from our apartment window.  That's the bridge over the Mississippi River, and our view from the apartment we stayed in.  Phew, alright.  I'm bushed.  Another day bites the dust.  Tomorrow, we're on the road again (don't lie - you sang that in Willie Nelson's voice).  Our final destination city is Vicksburg, Mississippi.  I'm really looking forward to it.  They have a huge Civil War park we're going to explore, as well as numerous museums!  Goodnight!

Road Trip Day 5 - Little Rock, AR to New Orleans, LA

Today we drove from Little Rock, Arkansas to New Orleans, Louisiana.  See that picture there on the left?  Farm land. Yep, we saw a LOT of farm land.  A lot.  However, I am happy because a good

portion of the farm land we drove by was.....cotton!  Two years ago, on our drive to Georgia, we passed by a cotton field.  I had never seen cotton on the plant before, and I didn't realize that's what it was.  I said "Oooh, look at the field of white flowers.  It's so pretty. I wonder what it is." Carl and Brandon were both quick to point out that it wasn't flowers, it was cotton.  I wanted to stop and get pictures but we were going very fast down a highway, with many other very fast cars around us, so Carl refused to stop.  This trip, I warned him that if we saw cotton, we WERE stopping for pictures. So, tada!

 

We did!  Ok, please forgive my ignorance as you read on from here.  I have never seen cotton on the plant up close, ok? I didn't expect it to just look like cotton balls.  Like, what you buy in the makeup section of Walmart.  Only dirty because, you know, it hasn't been all cleaned up yet.  I even grabbed a couple pieces.  No, I didn't steal it off the plant.  There were some loose bits here and there (and everywhere) on the ground, so I nabbed a few.

Our route took us through Vicksburg, Mississippi which is actually our NEXT destination after New Orleans.  So we got a little preview.  We stopped for lunch in downtown Vicksburg and let me just say I loved it, and I can't wait until we come back in a couple days to explore.  But for now - on to New Orleans!

As we got closer and closer to New Orleans, there was less land and more water.  In fact, there was a very long portion of the highway that was built on pillars because there was so much marsh and just enough land for people to build the occasional collection of houses.  I can only assume they access these houses by boat.

After dealing with some crazy traffic, and driving through some sketchy neighborhoods, we arrived at the house we're renting for a couple days.  The house is located about at close to the River as possible but we can't see the water from the window, thanks to the earthen levee across the road.  Although the house itself is also located in a neighborhood that, to me, seems a bit sketchy, the house is nice and the apartment we're staying in has sturdy doors and locks.  Tomorrow we explore!  For now, check out some more pics below:

Road Trip Day 4 - Little Rock, AR

Today we explored Little Rock. We started in the morning, and didn't stop until the sun went down.  I am exhausted but it was a good day! Our first stop was Little Rock Central High School.  I remember, in high school, learning about the desegregation of schools, particularly this school.  The first african-american students to attend are now known and the "little rock nine".  Today, we joined a National Parks tour of the school. and got a thorough re-education about desegregation.  The park ranger who lead the tour was the daughter of a national guardsman who was called in to help maintain peace during this time period, and included personal experience and insight in her tour. For me, it was a really emotional tour as I imagined how these children must have been feeling as mobs attacked them and flung insults at them simply for trying to get a better education for themselves.  If you are unfamiliar with the story, please check out the Little Rock Nine.

Our next stop was the capital building, It as built over 100 years ago and was modeled after the U.S. capital building.  We peeled into the state's supreme court, as well as where the house and senate convene.

After lunch, we hit a couple museums.  First was the Historic Arkansas Museum where we took a tour of some of the original homes ever built in the city - which are still standing on their original locations, right in the center of the city.  Standing next to a house built around 1827, and seeing the skyscraper right behind it, was quite the experience. Then we roamed the William J Clinton Presidential Library.  Turns out it's not a library at all.  It's a museum comprised of everything that happened - good and bad - during the 8 years of Bill Clinton's presidency.  They even have a life-size replica Oval Office in the museum.  Madison got to sit in the President's chair at the Resolute Desk.  It was pretty cool.  Right now, they also have a special exhibit on the Beatles.  Bill must have been a fan.  The downside to this museum?  It has signs explicitly forbidding the publication of ANY photos taken inside the museum. *sad face* So I have no pics for you.  

Check out this last one from the museum:  it's a picture of coins from way back when.  On the left, you'll see a $1 coin.  According to our tour guide, it was the only coin travelers carried.  If they needed to pay something less than $1, they simply cut the coin in pieces.  So from left to right we have 1)the $1 coin.  2)then cut in half the pieces become 1/2 dollars.  3)cut into halves again and you have 4 quarters of a dollar (quarters......get it? Yep, that's how we got quarters).  3) One last set of cuts gets you.....nope, not dimes, nickels or pennies.  You get "bits". Each bit is worth 12 /2 cents.

Our last stop of the day was to the Little Rock National Cemetery. and it's neighbor, the Oakland Fraternal Cemetery.  These two cemeteries are both VERY large.  Side by side, they make up one ENORMOUS cemetery, with tombstones as old as the Civil War!  

Phew.  Now you can see why I'm exhausted!  Check out the pictures below and then stay tuned for Day 5!

Road Trip Day 3 - St. Louis, MO to Little Rock, AR

I'm writing to you from a new city tonight.  We spent 6 hours on the road today, traveling about 350 miles from St. Louis, Missouri to Little Rock, Arkansas.  We drove through some small mountains in the Mark Twain National Forest, but other than that, it was an exceedingly uneventful (and by uneventful, I really mean boring) drive.  There was so much flat, wide-open farmland.  And most of it looked dead or dusty.  We passed a little bit of cotton at one point, but there wasn't much, and there were too many cars around us to stop and check it out.  After we found our hotel and scrounged up dinner, we drove into town to check out Little Rock's "Bid Dam Bridge" - a bike and pedestrian bridge over the Arkansas River.  Tomorrow there will be much more exploration happening.  But for now.....here are some pictures to check out!

Road Trip Day 2 - St. Louis, MO

Wow am I wiped out.  Today we explored St Louis.  We spent most of the day at the City Museum.  It was really cool!  There were 4 main floors  and then one section that went up to the tenth floor - and had a slide all the way back down!  Most of the museum is made up of tubes to crawl through, and slides,  and caves to explore, and holes to crawl into.  Madison spent a lot of time exploring.  I joined her a couple times and ended up winded and sweaty.  And now, at 10 pm as we sit in the apartment settling down and getting ready for bed, I am feeling sore muscles in places I didn't even know muscles existed!  Here's some pictures:

Then while Carl was still selling his stuff at the geocaching event, Madison and I went to see the main attraction in St Louis: The St. Louis Archway.  It's located right on the Mississippi River.  Did you know you can take a tram ride, inside the arch, all the way to the top?  There are viewing windows up there!  They're so small, they're hard to see from the ground, and don't really show up in pictures.  They pack 5 people like sardines into eight little space-like pods (the tram cars) and then it's a 4 minute ride up to the top,   Madison didn't like how high it was - 630 feet up there! - so we didn't stay very long.  And, as we were waiting for a tram for the return trip down, someone pointed out that you can feel the whole thing swaying.  That really didn't help!

And now for the funny story of the day.  We had left the arch, walked back to the car, and were making our way back to the City Museum to pick up Carl, because his event was over.  I thought I was in the lane of traffic that went straight (at the very confusing intersection) but it turned out I was in a right turn only lane.  By the time I realized it, it was too late.  There were cars next to me, so I couldn't change lanes.  So I followed the other cars in my lane.  Only to discover that this path I was on was heading across the Mississippi River, with no exit options.  So Madison and I accidentally ventured into Illinois, got off the highway, turned around, got back on the highway and crossed BACK over the Mississippi River, BACK into Missouri........That is why Carl drives when we're in the city. 

Tomorrow, we move on to Little Rock, Arkansas!  See ya then!

Time for a ROAD TRIP!!!

Hello, hello, hello!  I'm writing to you from St. Louis, Missouri!  And those of you who know me, know that St. Louis is far away from my home.....630 miles away, to be more precise.  This is the first day of a 10 day road trip for our family.  A long awaited road trip.  We started planning this in March!  I'm so excited today finally arrived!  So excited, in fact, that I wanted to share the trip with you.  So stay tuned....each day, I'll share with you some pictures and adventures we get ourselves into.

Day 1, Friday: It took us 11 hours to get here.  11 hours of radio stations fading in and out, semi trucks galore, construction, traffic, crazy drivers and at one point, a gross, chunky, slimy, disgusting looking spill on the road from a dump truck labeled "not for human consumption."  Blech,  But we made it!  Here are a few photos from today's trek:

"Get your kicks, on route 66"

Part of our drive today was along the historic route 66.  And you see the picture of the deer?  Ordinary deer right? Well, kind of.  These deer were munching just feet away from a walking trail, and were completely unperturbed by the people and cars going by so close to them.  That pretty little river was behind a rest area somewhere south of Chicago.  And - tada! - St. Louis!  The archway, of course, and the stadium home of the St. Louis Cardinals.  And finally, on the lower right, is the little apartment we are staying in for the weekend, just outside the city limits of St. Louis.  It's tiny, but cute, and unlike a hotel room, we have a sitting room and a kitchen.  Wanna know a secret?  It cost us less than any of the hotels we found in the city.  Next time you travel, you have GOT to check out the website www.airbnb.com - seriously! No, I'm not being paid to promote them.  Go check it out.  You can rent entire apartments or houses - sometimes with hot tubs or pools or other fun amenities - often for the same cost as a hotel, or less!  Ok, I'm done with my commercial.  Haha.  See you all tomorrow with a summary of our explorations of St. Louis!  Adios!