Shooting the Illinois State Capitol

Whenever it's reasonably convenient, Linda and I snap a shot of the capital buildings in states we visit. Being in Springfield, Illinois, it was nearly mandatory. When visiting the Lincoln Presidential Library, you can almost see the dome; we had to take a shot or two.
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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-14

Visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum

While many states understandably claim Abraham Lincoln, Illinois is the Land of Lincoln and Springfield is home to his presidential library and museum. I visited the museum a couple of years ago and wanted Linda to have that experience as well.

I think that Linda would agree that it's not like many museums. Yes, there are a number of exhibits of collections of items like dresses from the time. On the other end of the display continuum is a theatre with state of the arts special effects. Throughout, the stories of Lincoln's life and presidency are told, often with complimentary visual and audio effects that immersed us in the story at hand. It really is an impressive tribute.
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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-14

Telling a tale I'd rather leave untold

Somewhere before Columbus, Indiana, Linda and I were getting a little hungry. It was lunch time and we were on the road, trying to put some miles behind us. We pulled off at a convenient exit to grab a bite. The sign said, if we went this way, we'd find some familiar fast food (I forget what brand name it was,) so we did. We drove a mile or so and still didn't see a sign of that brand but there was a Krystal Burger.

We'd never been to a Krystal Burger so it would be a new adventure. I pulled into one of the two drive through lines, paused at the menu board, and was asked what we'd like to eat. We had no idea. I saw an item "Lunch for two" and suggested it to Linda; she agreed and we placed our order. I pulled up to the window.

The lane I'd chosen made Linda the one who'd be receiving the food. Out came our drinks and a bag of fries... a good sized bag of fries. We positioned the bag of fries between us and nestled our drinks in the cup holders and prepared for the sandwiches. Right on time, the bag was ready to pass to Linda. Again, it was a good sized bag... actually, a surprisingly large bag... that looked pretty full. Linda took the bag and we headed back toward the exit.

Linda opened the sanwich bag and there were rows of boxes, each containing the standard waxed paper wrapped sandwich. There were a DOZEN boxes all neatly stacked in the bag. Granted, they looked a little smaller than most fast food burgers but not much. I've had White Castle before and these were larger than White Castle; these were three to four bites each. As we headed back toward the interstate, I was eating and Linda was unboxing and unwrapping. Surprisingly quickly, I'd eaten three or four and Linda was just getting to her first sandwich. She opted to start handing me the boxed burgers so now the issue was what to do with the empty boxes. Having been around pickup truck owners, the appropriate action is to toss 'em in the back... after all, it was a rented car. Linda suggested slowing down a little... the consumption, not the driving. I replied "You gotta stay on these or the cheese 'll set up." It was a memorable bit of our trip but, as you can see, one story that might have been just as well untold.
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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-14

Pausing at Columbus, Indiana

Columbus, Indiana, is located about forty miles south of Indianapolis along I-65. Linda suggested we stop to take in the sights of the community. One of her relatives lived in Columbus some years ago and Linda thought I'd like to see the town. On top of that, Columbus is now home town to the former Rushville Rocket, Tony Stewart. I didn't expect to see Mr. Stewart but figured it more likely to see him there than rolling down I-65.

Linda was right. Columbus was a surprisingly rich visual treat. Interesting architecture, public installation art, and a very cute community fundraising project were all on display. The two images at the left in the image a permanent pieces (as I understand) and the remaining four images show tree cozies installed after the first of the year for a couple of months. The cozies are built to raise funds for their identifies charities. The winner is pictured in the upper right.
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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-14

Stopping at the State Capitol of South Carolina

Linda and I found the capitol grounds in Columbia, South Carolina, richly decorated with markers commemorating various aspects of their history. The capitol building itself is a fine looking building. There's a very nice monument to the "Thin Blue Line," their law enforcement. The South Carolina State House also claims to be the only state capitol in the nation to have a monument dedicated to the contributions and history of African-Americans on its grounds.

There are no less than three markers reminding South Carolinians what the Union army under William Tecumseh Sherman did there; a statue of George Washington with a broken scabard bears a plaque identifying Sherman's men as those responsible. A marker shows the location of the old state house burned down by Sherman's men. There are six bronze stars on the unrepaired exterior of the current state house highlighting where cannon fire struck the building.

One of the more moving monuments stands to the north of the capital and depicts a confederate soldier. The inscription reads

This monument perpetuates the memory of those who true to the instincts of their birth, faithful to the teachings of their fathers, constant in their love for the state, died in the performance of their duty; who having glorified a fallen cause by the simple manhood of their lives, the patient endurance of suffering, and the heroism of death, and who, in the dark hours of imprisonment, in the hopelessness of the hospital, in the short, sharp agony of the field, found support and consolation in the belief that at home they would not be forgotten.

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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-12

Getting a taste of Charleston, South Carolina

Because I'd visited to Fort Sumter a couple of years ago, I'd claimed to have been to Charleston; now I know that I'd not really begun to experience the city. Linda and I came into the city from the south, making our way through the narrow streets of the peninsula. The colorful homes and shops felt like they'd been there a long time. A horse drawn carriage carrying tourists edged over to let us pass as they talked about the significance of this building and that. We found our way to the shoreline where we could see historic Fort Sumter. I remembered the fort tour guide telling how outraged the people of the city had been to have a "foreign" fortress overlooking the channel to their harbor. Someone probably stood where I stood, watching the opening volleys of the War between the States.

We walked up into the city to see the old market area. On our way, we saw the pineapple fountain and the customs house. We strolled the through various stalls and buildings of the market. Between the long, slender buildings of the market, Gullah people were making beautiful baskets for sale.

After our stroll through the market, Linda and I headed out of the downtown to the Hominy Grill, one of our RoadFood.com finds. It was not the easiest place to find but well worth the effort.

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Actual date of these events: 2009-03-12

Checking out Folly Beach

Just south of Charleston, South Carolina, is the beach community Folly Beach. Linda and I took a spin around town but found it challenging to find public access to the beach. We DID find the path up to where we could see the Morris Island lighthouse. It took a walk of about a quarter mile to reach the point where we could see the lighthouse. The wind whipped over the ocean and dunes putting salt and sand in the air; nice experience for a lifelong Midwesterner.

Checking out the Harbour Town Lighthouse

Honestly, Linda and I both had expectations of a lighthouse more like we saw at Tybee; clearly, the two lighthouses will not be confused. The Harbour Town lighthouse is a much more modern structure finished in 1970. While a little disappointed, it was still pleasant to stroll around the harbor. The shops were closed but we peeked in a few. There was live music flowing out of somewhere. All in all, a nice stop even if the lighthouse was a bit newer than expected.

Strolling in Savannah

Linda and I drove into the historic district of central Savannah with its square parks surrounded by homes, businesses, and churches well over a century old. Each little park was named and often had a distinctive feature like a fountain or statue, many with azalea's in bloom. Designed so that traffic going parallel to the river passed cleanly along the sides of these squares, they were centered right in the line of street going to or from the river. This design made for a squared traffic circle.
When the squares run out, several blocks from the river, you find handsome Forsyth Park and it's fountain. Built in 1858, the fountain is a major feature of the park. That said, this park is much larger than the other small square parks dotting the streets on your way to the river. In the image you can see the broad shaded walkway leading up to the fountain. People were sitting on the benches along the walkway chatting and enjoying the spring weather.

Checking out Tybee Island

Just beyond the mouth of the Savannah River lies Tybee Island, Savannah's beach playground. When Linda and I stopped at the visitor center in Savannah, one of the workers there spoke about spending time relaxing on the broad beach like someone who'd done it and enjoyed it. We parked the car and headed out on the pier to catch a better view of the beach and some spring sea breeze. Pelicans were cruising over the waves, wheeling, and diving for their dinner. We paused for a while, soaking in the seaside experience before moving on to the Tybee Island Light Station.

"Ordered by General James Oglethorpe, Governor of the 13th colony, in 1732, the Tybee Island Light Station has been guiding mariners safe entrance into the Savannah River for over 270 years."

Stopping at Fort Pulaski

At the mouth of the Savannah River sits historic Fort Pulaski National Monument, one time guardian of Savannah. Today, it's a handsome, very well maintained example of fortress design, complete with moat, ammo bunkers, and several period piece cannon atop the walls. The defeat of this fort by new technology during the Civil War signalled the end of an era in fortress design.

"The Battle of Fort Pulaski in April 1862 marked a turning point in military history. It featured the first significant use of rifled cannons in combat. These accurate, long-range weapons shattered Fort Pulaski's walls from over a mile away. After thirty-hours of bombardment, the fort surrendered. The battle surprised military strategists worldwide, signaling the end of masonry fortifications."

Beyond Fort Pulaski sits the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. This view of the lighthouse is actually from one of the gun batteries that fired on Fort Pulaski, about a mile directly beyond the lighthouse. There's a trail we could have taken from the fort out near the lighthouse but, that day, we weren't really up to the hike.

"Tragedy struck again in 1854 when the structure was destroyed by a hurricane. The tower was rebuilt and enlarged on the same foundation the next year. At the start of the American Civil War, the light was temporarily extinguished. On April 10, 1862, Union forces in eleven batteries stretching along the beach at Tybee Island, started a long range bombardment of Fort Pulaski. Thirty-six guns participated in a thirty-hour siege of the fort with the Cockspur Lighthouse in direct line of fire."

"Following the surrender of Fort Pulaski on April 11, 1862, the little beacon miraculously only suffered minor damage. Theories abound as to why the tower escaped destruction. One theory suggests to effectively hit the Fort walls approximately 1,500 yards distant, Union artillerists had to fire shots at a high angle, thus passing over the tower. This strategy, coupled with the short duration of battle could explain why the tower was spared. Soon after war's end, April 25, 1866, the beacon was relit and painted white for use as a daymark."

Watching the sun come up

Linda and I got up early to see the sun rise over the ocean. When we first went out, there was very little light in the sky. I turned back from the ocean to get the shot of the moon over a couple of homes. As we waited, a rich red worked its way up the sky. The tide was coming in too so the beach before me kept shrinking as the waves rolled a little close. Before long, the waves had reached far enough to fill a small hollow in the beach. The sky was picking up more blue and, in the image at the lower left, made for a nice reflection as Linda walked down the shore, looking for shells as the surf washed over her feet.
Before long, the sun was over the horizon and I thought my photo opportunities were pretty well past. When we got back up to our room, the walkway outside had a palm tree positioned just so it would be well framed in a shot. After a shot or two, a flock of sea gulls came in to eat bread some people were tossing out for them from a room below. When the gulls left, it made for this image.

Exploring a little of Jeckyll Island

Linda and I pulled in at our stop for the evening at beautiful Jeckyll Island. No, the striking building with the tower and croquet on the lawn was not where we stayed. It looks like a beautiful place to spend some time but ... hmmm... there's gotta be a reason we didn't stay there. Ah! It lacks a view of the ocean.

Actually, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is the centerpiece of historic district of the island. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Jeckyll Island Club included Morgans, Rockefellers, and Vanderbilts.

As the sun sank in the west, Linda and I headed up to Driftwood Beach on the north end of the island. Of course, the opportunity to get a nice photo was also attractive. In the background of this shot, you can see the bridge back on the mainland. The route out to the island is actually a causeway making access by car as simple as driving to the store.

As usual, Linda did a nice job of mentioning a shot that would be striking. This is one of my favorite from Driftwood Beach.

We hung around and watched cruise boats ply the waters protected by the island. A few dolphins were playing a couple of hundred yards out. We watched them for a while as the sun set.

Recovering from hard disk failure.

I know, I should have had a better backup strategy for just such an occasion. It's taken me over a month to get everything back to where I feel I can resume fairly normal operation. Just this morning, I found the software that makes it easy for me to assemble the multipanel images I enjoy. Now, I have a lot of catching up to do!

Strolling St. Simon's

St. Simon's Island, along the southern coastline of Georgia, is a beautiful place to spend some time wandering. Linda and I started out near the handsome lighthouse and ended up having a bite to eat at one of the neat little eateries near the shore. My fried green tomato sandwich and sweet potato fries hit the spot. It was a nice place to pause and soak up a little coastal flavor.

Pausing at St. Mary's

St. Mary's, Georgia, sits about as far south along the Atlantic coastline of Georgia as you can get. As such, it's has wonderful docks filled with boats and seabirds. St. Mary's is also the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, a popular National Park Service destination that time didn't allow us to visit. Just getting to visit St. Mary's was a real treat and certainly a different place from home.

Admiring the Okefenokie

More then one person questioned why we were going to make it a point to stop at the Okefenokie Swamp on our trip to the southeast. After having spent a couple of hours roaming the grounds at the entrance and taking a little boat tour, Linda and I both felt that it had been time well spent. It wasn't in it's full summer glory and signs of last years fire were still evident but it was still a place with distinctive beauty... and a little hint of danger. The black bears were in an enclosure and more entertaining than threatening but the gators come in from the swamp and have complete access to the walkways and parking areas. I don't believe I've ever been aware that I was so close to major predators with no barrier between them and me; if we'd been careless or foolish around the gators, there could have been serious consequences. All in all, it was a very pretty and interesting, different place to be for a while.

Remembering Smokey

Seventeen years ago, my kids and I brought home a pair of kittens. One was a grey on grey tiger pattern with peachy undertones; we named her Smokey. She spent virtually her whole life in that same home; she did strike out on her own in the urban jungle for a full week once but never showed an interest in going back.

Several years ago, she was diagnosed as diabetic so we started a twice daily pill regimen; that established a new daily rhythm for the house. Every morning and every evening, at about 7:30, I'd snap my fingers to signal it was time for her pills. More often than not, she'd hop up onto "her" chair and wait for her pills. Then she'd wait for me to snap my fingers again to signal it was time to go downstairs for food. It was our way of dealing with her condition and it appears to have extended her active life a great deal.

She kept her inner kitten well into her later years. One of our morning games was to play chase with an old tie. As I would be getting dressed for work, she'd hop up on the bed and wait for me to flip this old tie out on the bed. She'd pounce on the tip and then let it go for me to do it again; we'd often play for a few minutes. Maybe she had trained me.

She always like to be around me. As a young cat, she liked to be able to lay on me or have a paw on me. Later, she'd lie down facing the same direction I and feel around for me with the tip of her tail. When I'd work at the computer, she'd sit on the back of a chair a few feet behind me or sit on the floor in my peripheral vision. Often, I'd hear a faint rumbling purr and know she was nearby, apparently happy.

The last week or so were a pretty steady decline. She may have had a stroke as her left legs didn't seem to respond as well as usual when she walked. That made hopping up on the couch or her chair more challenging; going up and down the stairs to food and litter became a major effort. I helped her into her chair and down the stairs; she'd have to make the climb back up... and she did a few days. When she wouldn't make the climb, I set up a little bed in the basement using one of her favorite blankets.

On her last day, I noticed it was a little cool in the basement. The sun was shining so I took her out to the back yard to get some sun; I wasn't worried about her dashing around. The birds in the neighborhood sure made a racket about this poor old cat coming out to get a little sun. She laid on her blanket in the sun as I worked on some weeds in a flowerbed; she appeared to like the feeling on her old, worn coat. When we came in, I took her back downstairs to be near food and water though I doubted she'd be interested.

Later that evening, I went down to see how she was doing. She was lying on her side, breathing about three shallow breaths and then one deeper gulp. I petted her and called Linda to let her know how Smokey was doing. As we talked, I continued to stroke Smokey's fur. Her legs looked uncomfortable so I tried to move them up closer to her body; there was resistance so I stopped. Slowly, her head started to arch back and her front legs stretched even further; then the front legs relaxed and the back legs stretched, then relaxed. After that, there was nothing more. No more breathing, no more resistance in her legs. She was gone. I was glad to have known her and to have been there, petting her, at the end. She was a sweet spirit.

Spending a day at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Linda and I went to Atlanta with only one real committed activity: attending the Kobalt 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. (Yes, we had other things in mind.) When I go to a race, it's pretty much an all day event. One of the activities that I enjoy is roaming around the various activities outside the tracks. Generally, I see at least some of the RaceDay television show live. I also wander the merchendise haulers to see what and who's available. Linda has developed a real knack for finding the haulers where drivers can be seen. Here are the drivers from Atlanta, the most I've ever seen at one race.

Of course, the main event is the race. These shots capture some of the images from the race. I don't know the guy in the lower left corner but he's clearly a character; not the norm for the crowd but certainly a fan. Bottom center is Greg Biffle's car going the wrong way up pit road after a pretty significant accident. In the lower right, a fan celebrates his souvenir: the rear panel from Greg Biffles wrecked car.

The blue car with the 2 on the side in the right center image was the winner and kept my streak alive: I've not yet seen any driver win twice. This time, Kurt Busch was at the wheel.

Answering "What'll ya have?"

"The World's Largest Drive-in Restaurant," The Varsity, has been asking that question for over eighty years and people have been stepping up to tell them. Linda and I stopped in to experience this Atlanta landmark. As you can see, we were not alone. As we drove in, all of the drive up slots were taken so we headed to the upper deck of their two story parking ramp. Inside, the counter is wide and the many lines move smoothly. Soon, we were enjoying our orders, happy to have stopped experienced another taste of Atlanta.