Rob's Travel-log

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Welcome to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

Yes, I hiked up the dune to get a close up look.

Note in the picture below of the steep slope of the sand how many more steps were required on the way up (right) compared to down (left).

Ripley didn't get to climb the dune, but he had a lot of fun in the woods.

Then we walked through the upper dune trail...

And out to the steep slope and a view of Lake Michigan.

We also enjoyed some close up views...

Including this freshly unfolding fern.

That first one was a crowded ant hill... amazing!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A Break from Baseball

After 3 games in a row in Cinci, I decided to turn attention to other activities.
We played the back nine at the club.

And Dave's game was a pitchers nightmare.

The domestic chores were fun.

And Dave enjoyed the smores!

We had a great time at John's place.

Then I headed North from Cincinnati into Michigan. I stopped in Holland for a night, just missed the tulip festival. But I didn't miss the tulips. They were gorgeous!

All different colors...

In full bloom...

Absolutely spectacular!

Continuing in Michigan to circumnavigate Lake Michigan. Next stop Sleepy Bear Dunes National Lake Shore.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Cooking breakfast with Dave!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Enjoying a campfire with Dave at the Tango!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Fireworks Friday in Cinci

Reds 6 Cards 4

We're a big crowd tonight to see the Reds pound the Cards 5 zip in the 4th.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

It doesn't get any better than this. A visit by my best friend while traveling across the country and fabulous Spring views of the Mississippi River. I picked up Sharon in KC and we drove across the Show Me state.

We stopped in Columbia to explore Stephens College where Patty Payne studied before she was Patty Payne. It was fun to roam around in the college town. The Uptown Cafe is the haps - don't miss it.

We drove and stopped. Camped and drove. Drank in the Springtime vistas of the woods and farmland. It was curious to see the early season wheat sprouting, but the cornfields awaiting.

The highlight was Paynesville. This big little town is typical of rural MO. We took a left to loop back, said howdy to Jimmy while he was working on his car and found ourselves on Main Street . The road was well groomed despite it's lack of pavement.

Yes, Paynesville is a small, Midwestern town.

It was all so much fun and excitement that I wore the poor girl from So. Cal. out by the end of the day. I tucked her in for a well-earned nap in the Tango.

I am so blessed to have friends all along the way on this adventure. But to add in a visit from my special girl, I am on top of the world.

Thanks for visiting Sharon, and thanks for the top notch babysitting Patty, Bob and Susan.

A Great Baseball Experience!

Rob snags a ball!

Shirt Night!!

Rob catches a shirt!

Great Seats... AGAIN!!!

Same seats!

Once again we sat in the 3rd row behind the visitors dugout.

Brewers 15, Reds 3

Welcome to Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati!
It had rained all day, but on the advice of a clearing weather report and tickets from John's dentist we headed to the game.

The rain kept crowds at bay and the tarp started coming off at 7:30.

It was quite a procedure to roll that thing up.

The Brewer's Parra warmed up in front of us with the long ball toss in left field.

And I danced with Mr. Redleggs to celebrate the start of the game! We snagged seats in the third row behind the visitors dugout. Nice!

Arroyo pitched one inning for the Reds and gave up nine runs! Four of them came on this slam by Ryan Braun. Braun is the man. He signed my ball after the game, but the pen was dry.

With such a big hole to climb out of, the Reds brought in a finesse pitcher. Herrera looked like he was still in Jr. High and he had the pitch speed to prove it.

The Big Red Machine popped a homer, fireworks went off and the game had to be delayed due to smoke.

To close things out, The Reds brought in Janish from shortstop to pitch the ninth. He struck out two, but gave up 5 runs to earn a 67.5 ERA.

It was a tough day for the Reds, but they get another shot at the Brewers tonight. It is supposed to rain, but that won't stop John and I.

See you at the game!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Brewers @ Reds in the 3rd row. Hard to beat!

Monday, May 4, 2009

May Flowers

Dateline: Dr. Edmund A Babler Memorial State Park (West of St. Louis, MO)

Rip and I headed out on the trail today to enjoy the lush Spring growth and bountiful wild flowers. In just the last few days, we have witnessed the trees pop and the woods fill in with the brilliant green you see in this photo. The trees are Oak, Elm, Maple, Black Locust and Dogwood among others. Please enjoy our presentation of 16 spring flowers.