Jiggety Jig

The title of my return home post after my last trip was "Home Again, Home Again", so I thought this was an appropriate title for this one.
I meant to post this a couple of days ago, but kept getting distracted. Now, life has already gotten in the way, soI've forgotten everything I wanted to say. Let me just say that I had an amazing trip. It was so much fun, so challenging, so refreshing and even life changing! I want to go back to all the places I visited, but I want to see new places even more. Hopefully, there will be another trip soon and I can take you all along via this blog.
Happy Travels!!

California Here I Come

I woke up this morning in Winamucca NV and went right back to sleep! Just kidding, but there isn't much there. As we pulled into Reno, the conductor came over the loudspeaker and reminded people that it was only a 10 minute stop. He said almost every week someone misses the train because they run upstairs to try and win some money. He gave this whole speech about resisting temptation. It was hilarious. Today at lunch, I got to dine with the Amish family. They are such nice people and I really connected with them. The young man's name is Melvin and I'll ask you again to pray for him and his family. That God will give the strength and courage, comfort and peace, everything they need for this horrible journey ahead. Also, pray for wisdom for the doctor in Mexico that they are going to see. The tumor in Melvin's head is the size of an orange. Because of where it is located, the doctor was amazed he is still able to function. They asked for my phone number and promised to call me with an update, so I can keep you posted too.
They were really enjoying the train. This is the first trip any of them has taken out of Pennsylvania. They were amazed at the beauty of the landscape. They went to the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago and the little boy was amazed!. It was really fun to view things through their eyes.
I learned a lot about the Amish people that I didn't know. I didn't think they used telephones, but they do. They use cell phones too. I thought they wore only homemade clothes, but they buy them and a couple of them were wearing Crocs today. I didn't think they drank soda, but they were slurping it down.
My cousin Karen, the van babysitter :) picked me up at the train station this afternoon and it was back to Citrus Heights /Roseville for more visiting. We went to dinner at the Macaroni Grill and it was really good...another one to add to my list of favorites! This area has all my favorite chains... Jamba Juice, Cheesecake Factory, Claim Jumper, Outback Steakhouse, Chipotle, Baja Fresh, Chevy's, Olive Garden and now Macaroni Grill. They also have Elephant Bar. If I lived here, I would probably weigh an additional 100 pounds!
It has been over 3 weeks since I had a truly good nights sleep, so I have high hopes tonight!

Rocky Mountain Headache

Yesterday when we boarded the train for California, there was this really cute Amish family of 9 that also boarded. I don't know where they are headed, but they are still on the train. I thought I was going to have another gloomy trip all the way back to Cali, but the sun broke through in Iowa. It rained pretty hard during the night for a while, but we awoke to beautiful weather in Denver.
So, I finally caught up...I'm posting in real time now. Forget Rocky Mountain High, I have a Rocky Mountain Headache (and I can feel another nosebleed coming on). Oh we'll, it's worth to experience the incredible scenery! It snowed since I was last here, so it is even "more better". We are following the Colorado River now and it is surrounded by snow. We reach Utah later this afternoon and then, thankfully, Nevada in the middle of the night. Sorry, but ain't nothin' to see in Eastern Nevada!
If you ever have time and you are NOT in a hurry, take the California Zephyr from Sacramento to at least Denver, if not all the way to Chicago. Although, keep in mind that Chicago is not only the Windy City, but the stinking cold city too! I tried to go out and see what the city had to offer, but after 2 blocks I was so frozen, I had to return to the station. I didn't bring any winter clothes on this trip.

Here is a late night update...
I found out the Amish group are on their way to Mexico. The son, a young married guy with 3 small children has a brain tumor and the doctors here said there is nothing more they can do. So sad! Please pray for this family, they have a long road ahead.
The other thing I wanted to mention is the way fishermen in Utah and Colorado greet those of us on the train. In Utah, they flip us off every time we go by. In Colorado, the bare their butt's. I have a friend who says the Amtrak employees refer to it as "Moon River".  I find both of these to be a rather odd greeting. You have to wonder what goes through people's minds.

On the Rail Again

Back on the train again and having lunch with a very couple from Coco Village Fl. They are big Disney fans too and he collects trading pins, so we had lots to talk about. They are also Christian, so it was nice to say grace together before our meal. We traveled all the way to NYC together on the Silver Meteor and I stuck with them until we found baggage claim for them and the Acela Lounge for me. I stored my bags at Acela and headed for the exit from Penn Station. Wow! The moment I stepped outside, I had that "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" reaction! NYC is amazing...I was a little overwhelmed, nervous, and excited all at the same time. I walked up 7th Ave. towards Time Square with the hundreds of other people headed the same direction. I have visited many large cities, but this was the first time I felt like a stupid hick. I was so out of my element! I was overcast and freezing cold, but there was an excitement and energy in the air that totally surrounded me. Time Square is really cool. I spent some time wondering around there. I saw a bunch of the theaters and would have loved to catch a matinee, but there were none available that day. On my way back to the station, I went shopping at Macy's. That place is huge...and a madhouse! My short time in NYC was very exciting and I can't wait to go back when I have more time! Now I know why love that city.

That afternoon found me on another train, the Lakeshore Limited, headed for Chicago. This train is really cool because it follows the Hudson River for a long time and goes around the lakes. I will wake up in the morning with just enough time to eat before arriving in Chicago. I have a 3 hour lay-over there, so we'll see what I accomplish in that city.

Back to Disneyworld

Before they booted us off the ship Sat. Morning, they gave us a nice breakfast and we got to say goodbye to Maria and Agus whom the kids had come to love.
An hour long bus ride ride found us back at the Disney World Resort, this time at the Dolphin Hotel. Our rooms were already prepared, so we dropped off our stuff and headed back to Epcot to see more of the "world". The park was packed, so rides weren't really an option. We had a quiet day of looking around and doing some pin trading.
I had a (short-lived) burst of energy that day, so after the others returned to the hotel, Matthew &I went to the Magic Kingdom.

The following day, we went back to Animal Kingdom because we had only spent half of a day there previously. I love this park, but it poured rain all day. I lasted 6 hours and called it quits. It was a disappointing end to our wonderful adventure. While we were there,  went to the Festival of the Lion King. It was a great show and I highly recommend it to anyone who finds themselves at Disney World. We went on the safari again and got to see all the animals we missed the first time around. It was pretty cool with the rain pouring down.
The Hurley's came back with me to the hotel, but after a change of clothes and getting their jackets, they headed back to the parks and didn't return until 1:30 a.m. I'm sure if I had been feeling 100 percent, I would have joined them.
We got our check out time extended, so we don't have to sit outside for hours. I don't leave until 11:40 and the Hurley's 1:00.
Goodbye Disney World Parks / Cruise...thanks for the "magical" time!

Disney Fantasy part II

Day 4:
This day didn't turn out at all as I had planned. Today was the day to visit the Mayan ruins in Costa Maya. I've been sick pretty much the entire trip and today it really caught up with me. I just didn't have it in me to do this excursion. So, I stayed behind to rest while the Hurley's did the ruins. I rested, read and napped while they explored. Turns out it was probably wise of me to bail. The heat and humidity were nearly unbearable for them and anyone who knows me, knows I can't handle heat and humidity at all.
That evening, I went to the amazing Walt Disney Theatre and watched Oz in 3D. I really enjoyed it!
I felt better after the day of much needed rest!

Day 5:
This was Cozumel and one of the most fun days of my life...I got to swim with dolphins! WOW!!
The dolphin kissed me, I kissed the dolphin, we held hands / fins,  and I held on tight as she swam about 50 yards with me. It was just as much fun to watch Parker, Jacob and Matthew do the same things. I highly recommend these experience to everyone!
When we returned to the ship, we watched another great, live show and then went to the pirate themed dinner. After dinner, there was lots of pirate fun on deck that ended with an amazing fireworks display. A very full and fun day indeed!

Day 6:
This was another day at sea. I don't remember all the specifics, but I know enjoyed much of what the ship had to offer. One of the big things for this ship is the AquaDuck water coaster. It is a lot of fun, but if you suffer with neck problems, I don't recommend it...ouch!
Another live show, another great dinner and more great fun!

Day 7:
Our last day on the ship. We arrived at Disney's private island in the Bahamas called Castaway Cay. It is a really nice place. We didn't book anything specific here, just swam in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean and enjoyed more great food at their island BBQ. A relaxing, fun day, but I forgot my sunscreen. The others, who all used sunscreen got burnt, so you can imagine how I looked! We had more fun on board and made the most of our last day. Sad that it had to end so soon!

I highly recommend a Caribbean cruise to you all and I think (after talking to many people) that Disney does it best!

Disney Fantasy

We are back from the cruise...what a great time!
Day One:
Friends from Crescent City, Kevin &LaDonna Miller, were near the port and saw us off.  At dinner the first night, we met our server's, Agus and Maria who we really enjoyed and the boys fell in love with them.
After dinner, Disney threw a great deck party, Pirate' s in the Caribbean and concluded with fireworks. It was a wonderful first day.
Day Two:
This was a day at sea. That means we got to enjoy much of what the ship had to offer.  The boys went to their clubs which they really enjoyed. The adults explored the ship. Some of us used the pools and the AquaDuck (the on board water coaster).  We went to a live production of Alladin which was a lot of fun.
Day 3:
Day three we got to go on our first excursion. We went on a tour of Georgetown on Grand Cayman. We visited a turtle farm that was really interesting and we got to hold some turtles. That day for lunch we ate at Margaritaville. It was a ton of really good food, so we certainly weren't "wasting away".
Back on the ship, we had another great meal. After dinner each night, I would visit the Disney Vacation Club table to get my nightly free gift. Most nights they gave me enough for of entire group. Being a member does have its perks!

Okay, this is one sleepy guy, so the rest of the post will have to wait...

Last day at Kadani

This is our last day at Kidani...pretty sad! We have loved our time hear. But, the cruise starts tomorrow and that is very exciting!
I won't be able to post again until after we return from the cruise, but at that time, I should have all kinds of exciting things to share. Would love to share more, but I'm exhausted and have to get up early in the morning...oh wait, it's already morning. Ugh!!

Parker's Birthday

What a full day! We celebrated Parker's birthday by doing all kinds of cool stuff.
We started at Blizzard Beach which is a cool water park. Then back to the hotel for some rest and pool time and finished up at Animal Kingdom Park. That is my other favorite park and we had a great time. We had his birthday dinner at Rainforest Cafe and finished off with a volcano.
The point of this trip was to celebrate Parker's birthday, so it's nice to be accomplishing what we set out to do. Parker was so excited by everything that happened today, it was very cute to see!
We are all exhausted, so time for some much needed sleep!

Around the World in 80 Minutes

What a  fun day at Epcot! We took the ride that goes around the inside of the big "golf ball". Very cool ride. Most everyone went on a Mission to Mars and then we all went under the sea. Then we took a trip around the world. Contrary to the title, it was a bit more than 80 minutes. It is the World Showcase in Epcot and it is pretty amazing. We visited Mexico, Norway, China, Germany and other cool places. We also went Soarin' and went on the new Test Track...crazy fun.
The problem with blogging on this trip is that there's so little time, but when there is, I'm so tired. I promise I'm not complaining, just making an observation.
Completely exhausted, so I'll see you next time...

D.C. To Orlando

Wow, so much to report! I had dinner with 2 young men from China (via Utah) who were checking out universities. They came to the US for school because the average class size in China is 150. We get upset if ours goes over 35.  Again, I love the train because you meet people from all over the world.
Great trip all the way to Orlando. The only negative of the day...the cab driver who took me to Orlando International charged me $30 and took me to the wrong side of the airport. But, when I arrived at Kadoni Village, and saw this place, it was all worth it! I simply can't describe the beauty of this place. I've never experienced anything like it. There are all kinds of animals from Africa roaming just a few feet away in "my" backyard. Giraffes, zebras, antelope, impala, Kudu, Nyala, Ostrich, and several other exotic birds. The accommodations are the best I've ever seen...it is a mini mansion. I could go on and on, but that would just be obnoxious! I had this African salad dish that was really tasty. Looking forward to the Hurley's arriving soon and we will hit it hard tomorrow at the park.
I hope to add pics to these posts soon...

Well, I'm very sad. I composed a nice, long update yesterday and when I tried to post it, it disappeared. I honestly don't remember everything I discussed. The main points were gray skies and late train. I made it to Chicago with 2 minutes to spare, so thanks for your prayers! I didn't see sun from Sacramento until we reached Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. So, the next time you get sick of the rain in CC and say 'I'm gonna drive this weekend until I find some sun', be prepared...you may have to drive all the way across the country! Beautiful day today! As I said, we found the sun in Harpers Ferry...what a nice place that is. My 7 hours ( which turned into 8) in D.C. Was awesome! I went to the American History Museum and the National Art Gallery and both were wonderful. On my way back to Union Station, the police had sealed off the area around the Capitol with yellow police tape. I don't know what was going on, but there were at least 2 dozen cops there. The National Mall and all things Smithsonian were absolutely packed today. Then to make a great day even better, I found a Jamba Juice IN Union Station...so exciting! Yes, all the other things I experienced were more exciting, but it was nice to get an unexpected Jamba. Okay, this bar keeps popping up saying my post can't be saved, so I'm afraid I won't be able to post again. I'll share the rest of today's happenings tomorrow (if I can get this stupid thing working).

So, the train was actually delayed 4 1/2 hours. I'm hoping I make my connecting train in Chicago. I've met some interesting people on the train. Tonight at dinner, I got to share my faith with the 3 people I was sitting with. A same-sex couple who believe in being spiritual, not Christian and a woman who didn't have any faith at all. I had them all laughing so hard and they asked me what made me so happy... So, I told them. It went really well and they hope we share a meal again! I posted on FB how beautiful Denver was as we came down the mountain tonight...wow! One thing I just discovered...last time, I remembered everything I wanted to write about. This time, I'm sitting here trying to remember all the things that happened today...I'm getting old! Although I am concerned about getting my connecting train, I've seen many reasons why it was a good thing we are running late. God knows what he is doing, and I really want to catch my train in Chicago. Okay, I have to stop for now because we are about to leave so, I will lose my wifi. No pics yet because all our stops have been shortened to try and make up time. Yes please!!! By the way, the train, sleepers and coach, is at capacity...I love it!!

well, my train has been delayed about 2 hours. The nice thing is, I'll get to visit with family a little more! I experienced several delays last time around due to fire, earthquake, flood and hurricane. No word yet as to the cause of this delay, but it wouldn't surprise me if there was a blizzard in the Rockies. I'll keep you "posted". Let the adventure begin!!

I'M BAAAACK...

Happy Easter! After a 4 1/2 year break, I'm finally taking another trip! This week I board Amtrak in Sacramento Ca. and start the 4 day trip to Orlando Fl. On day 3, I'll have 7 hours in Washington D.C. and plan on checking out one of the Smithsonian's. I will meet the Hurley's in Orlando again and we will spend 4 days exploring Disney World. We are staying at the Kadani Village in the Animal Kingdom Resort which looks really cool. Then, we will board Disney's new ship, the Fantasy for a 7 night cruise of the Caribbean. We will stop in the Grand Caymans where we will tour Georgetown. Next stop, Costa Maya where we will visit some Mayan ruins. Then, on to Cozumel where we will get to swim with dolphins. The last day of the cruise, we will be in the Bahamas and visiting Disney's island, Castaway Cay. After we return to port, we will enjoy 2 more days at the Disney World Resort. The Hurley's will fly home and I will board the train again for more adventures. My next stop will be in New York City where I plan to have lunch in Times Square with an old friend from high school. I won't have my laptop with me on this trip, but I'm taking my iPad, so I should be able to post to my blog. I look forward to sharing my adventures again and hope you enjoy these posts as much as you did the last trip! "See" you soon...

Happy 2009

Have you made resolutions? Set goals? Does it matter? Do you care?
2008 was an amazing year for me! It was so good, I'm sorry to see it end. The swimming pool I manage started renovation in April. A very good thing! I experienced another fantastic Worship Conference at Saddleback Church in June. While there, I got to visit one of my very favorite places... Disneyland! Also went to Knott's Berry Farm, and spent a day at Manhattan Beach (another one of my very favorite places). I got to share this trip with some of my favorite people, which made it that much better.
In July, I was able to travel to Bend Or and meet an amazing little boy named Christian Ruwaldt. He is a miracle baby and a total blessing to everyone who meets him.
Sep. & Oct. brought my trip of a lifetime which was the reason for the creation of this blog.
In November, we celebrated my mom's 80th birthday. What a blessing!
In Nov. & Dec. I found many "old" friends on Facebook, and it has been a lot of fun catching up with them.
In '09, I hope to take another trip (I have the travel bug), and to attend the Saddleback Worship Conference again. I also hope to lose some weight, and focus on my health overall.
We are way beyond the Bahamian Beaches now, but I hope to report on future trips soon.
May you all have a wonderful, blessed new year.

Weekend Update

After looking over my blog, I noticed a few things I forgot to mention that I consider worthy of being included here.
First, I did add a few pics to some of the older posts to give a visual along with what I wrote.
Second, on the "I Don't Like Ike" post, I forgot to talk about the Mexico side of the tracks. The train runs right on the border at this point. I don't know the name of the town I saw, but it was sad to see how those folks have to live. Major poverty. Something very interesting occured while we were stopped in El Paso. I stepped out of my room, and almost ran into a guy walking down the hall carrying a very big gun. He was searching the whole car. Apparently, there were several armed guys on the train. Turns out, they are Border patrol, and they search the train every time it stops in El Paso.
Third, while sitting up on the mountain in Colorado, I visited with a retired couple named Irv & Kay. Irv was a Social Studies teacher in San Mateo for 36 years. Since I was a Social Studies major, we had lots to talk about. Irv taught from 1956 to 1992. He said that during those 5 decades, things didn't really change, kids are kids...always.
The next day, I had lunch with Irv & Kay while we were passing the Great Salt Lake. None of us could figure out what was so great about it. I also had the chance to share my faith with them. They are not Christians, but they were open and respectful, and I really hope I was able to plant some seeds, or maybe water some that were already there.

I think those are the only significant things that I left out. Thanks again for sharing this journey with me. It was nice to have you all along.
God Bless

Home Again, Home Again

Day 33:

I spent a couple of hours visiting with my aunt. That's a picture of her at the top. She shared several stories of my grandparents that I hadn't heard before (they both died when my dad was just a kid). My grandfather was in the Drum & Fife Corp, and he played at President McKinley's inaugaration. Hmmm, that's word I've never written before. I hope I spelled it correctly. I'm sure Travis will let me know, lol. Anyway, lots of stories that were very interesting to me.

I left about 9:30, and decided to have brunch at Granzella's. It's been rebuilt after the fire, and looks exactly the same. I included a picture of it also. The food is still great, so if you've never been to Ganzella's in Williams Ca. give it a try.

I grabbed a pic of Mt. Shasta as I passed. It is still one of the most spectacular views of the whole trip. I stopped in Medford for a couple hours, then began the final leg of my journey. What a journey it's been! I saw incredible sights, met interesting people, saw dear old friends, experienced a myriad of new things, several natural disasters, encountered God in a way I never have before, and had the time of my life! I've never been so blessed by an experience. I haven't been able here to put into words all this trip has been.

I'm back in THE most beautiful place in this country. It's my favorite kind of day, cold & sunny. I've included some pics I took this morning. The majority of the people who live here, take it totally for granted. They don't know how blessed and spoiled they are.

Many thanks to my aunt Ruth and cousins Karen & Jenny, John & Melody Bailey, Mark & Sierra Middlebrooks, and Travis & Eva Lynn Lund for their incredible hospitality. Thanks to my family and friends for the many prayers lifted on my behalf over the past several weeks.

Big thanks to Kevin Rider & Jim Goodman for installing my beautiful new flooring while I was gone. It was great to come home to it. I've included pics of that too.

My biggest thanks to my God, and Savior Jesus Christ for delivering me from any fear or anxious thoughts that might have spoiled my trip, and for giving me great peace and joy like I've never experienced before. God is great!

I pray the same peace & joy, comfort, grace and mercy for each of you that God has bestowed upon me.

Be Blessed!

The Adventure's Not Over Just Yet

Day 32:

12:01 am, we are pulling out of the Reno Amtrak Station. The plan is to stop in Truckee and Colfax before reaching Sac. I want to stay awake for this last part of the trip. I'm not sure why.

We stop in Truckee and let 2 people off the bus. It's the middle of the night, the 2 motels we saw are full, and there is no one around, and no one waiting for them. These 2 people did nothing but gripe and complain since we turned back to Denver. They were in the room next to me, and they complained very loudly. At one point, I started singing loudly to drown them out. They are very annoyed by me. I tried very hard to feel bad for them. I finally managed to feel sorry for them.:)

A bunch of people of off the bus in Colfax. Wow, who knew that was such a destination?

Now the real adventure begins. After a few more miles, the driver starts shaking his head back & forth. Then, he starts rubbing the back of his neck, and the top of his head. A while later, he begins slapping himself in the face over and over again.

I'm glad I stayed awake.

I'm in the third row, so I lean up to the folks in the first row, and suggest they start a conversation with the driver. They had seen the same thing as me, so they agreed. They kept him talking, and that helped a lot. We arrived in Sac at 3:20, and I walked the 3 blocks to the hotel. Walking in downtown Sac in the middle of the night with 3 pieces of luggage, is an experience in itself.

When I got to the hotel, they had labeled me a no-show, and charged my card. I had to wait while she reversed the charges, and reinstated my stay. She felt bad for me, so she upgraded my room, and gave me an extended stay (extra 3 hours) which I thought was nice.

I was able to sleep until 10, and then called my cousin to come pick me up. The original plan was that I would arrive at 3:45 the day before, and I'd stay at my aunt's house that night. I'm so glad my family is flexible. I still wanted to stay and visit, and they wanted that too, so I got to spend the whole day with them. We had a great dinner that my cousin Karen prepared, and a great dessert, that my cousin Jenny prepared. Karen has 3 great kids that you see at the top of this post. Karen kept my van for me, and they really enjoyed it. I think I'm lucky they gave it back (joking). They were really thankful to have had it for a few weeks.

The family retires early, and i thought I'd be sitting up alone for several hours, but I was in bed by 9:30. I hadn't realized how exhausted I was.

I can't believe this is my last night away from home. It sure doesn't feel like I've been gone over a month. It's been a great trip.

Praise god!

What Happens in Reno

Day 31:

I last left you in Glenwood Springs after being bussed there. Boy did they try to suck up to us. Our beds were ready with a mint on the pillow. Extra pillow, extra blanket, and extra friendly staff. They knew a lot of people were really upset. Like it was Amtraks fault that a Union Pacific train derailed.

I woke up to sunrise in Utah. The area just East of Provo was really beautiful with lots of Fall colors. I expected more from Salt Lake City. You hear so much about it. The Great Salt Lake... what's the big deal? I'd much rather see Lake Tahoe, now that's an awesome lake.
Anyway, at Salt Lake City, they announced that we would be booted off the train again in Reno, and bussed to our destinations in California. People were furious. Amtrak wanted to get their trains back on schedule, and the easiest way to do that was to boot us and turn the train around.
We arrived in Reno at 11:30, and it was another mad rush to get everyone and their luggage on the busses. The train goes right through downtown Reno, and it was night, so it was really cool looking. If our stop had been a little longer, I would have run into Circus Circus for the buffet.

We are still 12 hours behind schedule, so instead of arriving at 3:45 pm, I'll get to Sac at 3:30 am. I called ahead to reserve a room at the same hotel I started my trip at. This means another early morning walk in downtown Sacramento.