A Trip of a Lifetime
“3177” miles – TO BE EXACT: from my driveway Wednesday, June 30th, 2021 and back Saturday, July 10th, 2021. It was actually Sunday morning the 11th by 14 minutes! The journey was one for the ages. And, quite possibly the last time for such an excursion.
Louie, Louie……….Oh man, what a way to travel. All Anna could say the whole way home after dropping off Nancy and Louie in Forked River was: “Nancy is a Saint”……and, “She deserves a medal!”
In all honesty, Louie wasn’t nearly as bad as all that; and, he was the one who kept me up and going most of the really difficult hours of driving.
Some Wedding Highlights
There were so many highlights including a great time in Kansas, playing games and eating “smoked” everything. A wedding that was especially heartfelt and emotionally charged with exceptional toasts, filled with longing remembrances and beautiful sentiments, finished off by Megan’s tear evoking last exhortation. Great food, an even better band, and a hopping dance floor rocked the night away. Grandma, in her ringside seat, was totally engaged and captivated. It truly was a night she will never forget.
Wedding guests included, Francis from Minnesota, and cousins, Kyle from Colorado and Dennis and Mark from New Jersey. Not to mention, Nila’s step siblings, from everywhere, USA. My nephew, Gray, introduced us to his latest flame Amy.
The scene was rocking, all were digging the sounds, Kyle and Morgan at the bar for yet another round………Dennis and Julia didn’t miss a beat and Markie, well, Markie, was just happy to be attending. The only one staggering at the end of the night, believe it or not, was Rachel…………, Yes Rachel, she was a wee bit tight!
Initial Accommodations
A very accommodating stay at Fonso’s Bed & Breakfast in Olathe was the perfect way to begin our vacation, and somehow get refueled for the exhilarating and memorable trip back to New Jersey. As we arrived in Olathe it was approaching dinner time and we began looking for a restaurant Mom said we should eat at. Somehow Nancy, knowing where to go, got us lost. However, we managed to find a beauty salon, where Anna got out and booked a visit for the next morning for a comb out and styling.
We eventually found the restaurant and our host, Fonso himself, met us there at Jose Peppers, a fine Mexican establishment just10 minutes from his home. Anna wanted one more Pepper’s house special “RockStar” margarita before calling it a night and then promptly passed out shortly after arriving at Fonso’s B & B.
Breakfast was all you could make and eat and coffee was whatever Louie left behind. We borrowed a blender from brother Ralph’s, next door, and Anna was able to make her special blend coffee creating peaceful and uneventful mornings. I showed Fonse a trick to ripen bananas quickly and, of course, Louie ate most of them as well.
Rehearsal…….., Nah, Just a Pre-Wedding Gathering
The Friday night gathering was tremendous and the location in Kansas City was a very popular hangout for many young followers. They rented the basement of this rocking joint, and had bartenders eager to serve. O-N-E very potent highball kept me light on my feet, until, of course, the crashing “Jenga”blocks came tumbling down. A concrete floor, the classic wooden Jenga blocks being stacked high upon a table, and tipsy block-removers trying oh so hard not to be the crashee! It was jolting each and every time the blocks came crashing down, and somehow, don’t ask me how, was repeatedly unexpected. There was lots of finger food and nice sunken couches to chill out upon.
Kansas City night life was young and intensely visible. However, all the activities going on seemed to be somehow controlled and far less threatening than walking down an avenue in Manhattan.
A Wedding Like no Other
Give it to Gabrielle and Patrick to find and book this outstanding venue which was all white, gold, silver and black, mirrored, glassed, shining and inviting. I guess after being married a year earlier and all the pressures and concerns about the big day long gone, finding the right place to have a rocking good time was very easy and it truly amplified just that!
Lots of dancing made the night quite exhausting; but, it surely helped to work off some of the overeating. Of course, my favorite food station was the dessert table at the end of the night. At least there, none of the cookies or cakes were “smoked”!
I stayed sober as I, of course, was one of the designated drivers. Watching the July 3rd fireworks package that Ralph had set up, mid evening, was pretty impressive. Of course, the youngsters helped make them more thrilling by passing me their “vape” on the way outside. Yes, it’s a young person’s world, and being the favorite uncle helps keep me young and part of the scene.
Patrick’s family was really hip and rocked the night away. His parents seemed so very young. All through the resounding night, Gabrielle and Patrick expressed deeply radiant love. Anyone could see the vivacious love between them and would agree, this marriage was a perfect bond of two people totally committed to one another.
Mom looked really beautiful and oh so happy. Sitting with her a while to enjoy a late evening cup of coffee, I could derive the feeling she hoped for, to be around a little longer to take in as many more of these precious moments as she possibly can.
The Day After
A visit to Gabrielle and Patrick’s home the next day for a Missourian brunch was really great. They served a lot of southwest food and beverages, including mimosas. Unfortunately for me and my large appetite, a second helping of biscuits smothered in a warm creamy chopped sausage gravy sent me searching for a bathroom and plenty of air freshener.
Being able to talk face to face with Patrick’s family was fun as the night before the noise and excitement made conversations less extended. Gabrielle is truly blessed to gain in-laws like Bill and Carla Hull.
I never saw a more expansive collection of mirrors anywhere than the dozens hanging, leaning, and staring back at you at Gabrielle’s. Really quite an outstanding collection. Their home has all the cutouts and special moldings to display their collection distinctly.
Mom’s Steinway piano graced the living room and prompted Photographer, Nancy to take a few pictures of a reenacted pose of a 57 year old painting created back on Raymond Street in Hasbrouck Heights, N. J., in 1964. The day flew by quickly and the ride back to Kansas seemed to take much less time than the morning version.
A brief rest at Fonso’s and then a visit next door to Ralph and Nila’s for some “smoked” treats followed. The smoked jalapeno stuffed brats were unbelievably good! The company was outstanding and included some of Nila’s gang.
After stuffing ourselves, we sat on Ralph’s back yard patio playing some games. There was even a small wagered event which, once again, proved that betting against the T*pster is never a good idea. And, even though it was slightly too warm and sticky, we definitely had a fun filled night.
Megan annihilating the neighbor’s netted golf balls tossing game didn’t put a damper on the evening; but, unfortunately sent Ralph in search of a replacement the next morning. Poor Ralphie, he never catches a break.
The Day After That
The next day Fonso took me shopping in search of some good leather sandals and sure enough, we found them at “Famous Footware”. The gals went to pick up some groceries. A stop to get margarita mix for Anna and then back to Al’s for a quick nap and shower. Cocktails started at Fonso’s but again ended up at Ralph and Nila’s. Tonight was a slightly different version of smoked eats and included some Chinese Lo Mein and Chicken and Brocolli. We ended up playing a crazy dice game that seemed to go on forever. More margaritas for Anna and she eventually crashed in a recliner while my guitar gently weeped.
The final day at Fonso’s Bed & Breakfast included Louie clogging the toilet and a near catastrophe, individual pizzas that were typical mid-west disasters and a host that looked like he had just won a 26 mile marathon. All kidding aside, Louie was lucky to escape alive and somehow enjoyed his pizza!
WEDNESDAY (7/7/21) – The Gateway Arch
The trip home started promptly after a filling breakfast and a long parade of hugs and kisses with the Olathe gang. Stop number one was the “Gateway Arch” to the west, in Saint Louis. Somehow this four hour trip was destined to be the longest and most grueling of them all. Almost from the start there were various detours and delays from road constructions.
Worse yet, after a couple of hours on the road we all fell into a weird trance like fantasy thinking we would see the great Arch around every bend and turn in the highway. This really was a hopeless imperative and the further we traveled without witnessing the Arch the more frustrating the ride became.
Almost without relief the impending Arch appeared and was no more than fifteen miles ahead. From this point forward fate took over and what happened next was extraordinary.
Being able to park on the street below the Arch was a monumental feat and getting Louie to the Arch entrance when we did, even more incredible. It was slightly after 4 pm and as I approached the ticket window to purchase four tickets I was told we could buy tickets for the final excursion to the top which would be at 7:10 pm. Nothing more was said to me; and, I told the girl at the counter I’d be back after confirming this would be OK with my party. There were only two other people on line behind me.
Sure enough, if this was the last trip up to the top today we were all willing to hang out three hours to make this journey. So, I went back to the ticket window where I was, behind just a single person, and heard that he had to purchase tickets for the next day as the party he was purchasing for was too large.
Now it was my turn and I said: “OK, we’ll take the last trip; the 7:10 excursion today, four tickets, please.” She hit the computer screen and said there were only 2 remaining tickets for that final run to the top today! I immediately asked why didn’t you let me know that this might happen to us when I spoke with you less than 10 minutes ago? There was another young lady behind her who at that moment intervened and said that she would have to check the purchases for this last trip to see if there was any chance we could be accommodated.
You see there are a limited number of participants based upon the number of capsules headed to the top with each excursion. I made clear to the young lady that I was to have the last two seats if we all couldn’t go.
The next ten minutes seemed like an eternity! Finally, she returned from behind the door, she had disappeared earlier, and as unbelievable as it seemed she said that we would be the last four participants for the last run of the day. This miracle became much clearer to me when they did the boarding of the capsules at 7:10 pm.
Having three hours until lift-off we visited the “Gateway Arch” museum, watched a video showing the construction of this world wonder and ate at the “Gateway Arch Cafe” after buying various souvenirs from the “Arch Store” gift shop. After our fast-food dinner, Anna visited the women’s room and changed into her new St Louis T-Shirt and I hit the men’s room where the awful meal I had, went through me.
Needless to say, the excursion to the top of the Arch was something well worth waiting for and didn’t disappoint. From the windows at the top you could see the sphere of the earth on the horizon. Only a look straight down gave you that sinking feeling in your gut.
A bit hair-raising on the way up in the capsule with a glass door that made the inner works of the Arch TOO VISIBLE! However, the ride down seemed much shorter and far less threatening.
Now, shortly after 8pm and still daylight, a series of “Gateway Arch” photos and a trip back down the cliff to the street below. God bless Louie, his cane being heavily leaned upon, he didn’t complain at all. Some ice cream before leaving and off to the next destination.
*Unforeseen and Unforgivable*
We rolled into a Red Roof Inn in Paducah, Kentucky around 11:30 pm. This was “the”, or as others would later say, “my” only mistake during our journey home; but, one that continued to crucify me long after. And, quite possibly still today.
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The Invisible Motel
Unfortunately, it was quite dark on the highway, and even worse after getting off. I was extremely tired driving all of the miles for the entire day. We saw a motel sign and simply got off at that exit.
Suddenly, a funny phenomenon occurred for at this point everyone witnessed another motel across the road from where we stayed. However, no one mentioned that at all until I paid for the unfortunately disappointing rooms at the Red Roof Inn. Most of this peculiar uproar came the next morning when this invisible second motel was clearly visible. And, of course, the Red Roof rooms were undeniably unbefitting!
I took a late night stroll after absorbing Anna’s barking at me, as if I was solely responsible for the poor quality of this highway Inn. The honest truth, I endured both Anna and a bed that resembled sleeping on a raft in a very unsettled sea.
On my evening escape I met Candice, James and their son Eunice at a large wooden gazebo behind the Inn. We shared adventures while taking in what seemed to be the most perfect star filled summer night’s sky. These folks were moving from Los Angeles, California to Kentucky and had to stay in this Red Roof Inn for an apparent week or so while their new home was being completed.
Good Breakfasts
On this journey home, we mostly enjoyed outstanding breakfasts. However, this particular morning after a miserable sleepless night, Anna and I didn’t rise early enough to join Nancy and Louie across the street at the “Waffle Hut”. They were up at the crack of dawn. These Waffle Huts are unbelievably small establishments that seem to be at every exit throughout the journey home. That is until we reached New Jersey, where the IHOP’s began to surface.
Nancy sent me a picture of the Hut’s menu so they could bring Anna and I some breakfast. This turned out to be another of those wacky moments as she snapped her picture of the laminated menu and sent it to us. I called her after witnessing the menu to ask her how could a place called the “Waffle Hut” not have a single egg, pancake or waffle on its menu? She immediately replied: “What are you talking about?” I responded that I was reading the menu she sent me that had hamburgers and hot dogs and chili! ! ! She then realized that this laminated menu had a breakfast side and on the flip side lunch and dinner choices. We laughed and proceeded to get the correct menu only to order food that made it clear why New Jersey would never be a place a Waffle Hut would survive. IHOP had no worries or competition here.
Nashville Bound
Minor road construction cost us probably an hour as we rolled into Nashville just after 11:30 AM. This was great as by noon we were sitting in a cafe that served up some really outstanding grub and most of us had what you would call brunch. Louie did hit the biggest home-run with fruit filled French Toast that was almost too beautiful to devour. But, he did manage to do just that.
Next we took a journey through the many outstanding years of Johnny Cash in what was an incredible Sanctuary and Shrine to his lifelong accomplishments. This museum lacked in nothing and was truly the highlight of the day. Gift shops were the next order of business and T-Shirts the biggest items of purchase.
We did walk the streets covering nearly a mile or more as the day rolled on. There were street vendors using various Carriage or Bicycle port-a-stores, like pushcart vendors in New York city. Unfortunately, there were also homeless individuals lying on far too many streets.
Similar to Kansas City, the streets were vibrant and bustling with people and purpose. But here, the sounds of live music kept bellowing from pub after pub and was oh so very inviting. We stopped into a huge place and remarkably found a table for four where we had an afternoon cocktail and some finger food while listening to a young gal belt out Nashville standards.
The roof tops across this city had people hanging out soaking up the sun and everybody was drinking. That seemed to be the main purpose of the city of Nashville. Getting a real taste of Honkey Tonk was like being at a citywide New Year’s Eve party.
A long walk to a strongly recommended dinner spot somehow had us arrive there just before the rest of the Nashville faithful. This place, called Martin’s BBQ Joint, was about to be overwhelmed with hungry folk and amazingly we were just moments ahead of the masses.
Unfortunately, this was too many people jammed in too tight quarters with Louie’s cane being knocked off his chair with every passing patron. As for the “RIBS” this critic would say that they were very overrated. However, quite stuffed and looking for a place to rest and relax, we made several stops to Hotels seeking refuge. This turned out to be futile as all of the establishments refused anything less than three-night stays.
So, it was back on the road in the early evening trying to get close to our final destination before the last leg home!
FRIDAY 07/09/2021 – Dollywood Parks & Resorts
! ! ! W-O-W ! ! ! = Dolly Parton’s creation of a mega Theme Park, nestled in a mountain terrain hidden to the outside world. Simply breathtaking and unquestionably vivacious, like Dolly herself. All the wonder and excitement of a Disney World without the crowd. This refined, mesmerizing and appealing park was the highlight of our journey home.
Watch out……..watch out……..Watch out
It was actually a blessing that this park was spacious and moderately filled with guests as Louie became hell on wheels in a four wheeling electric motor cart. The best thing I can say about this is that no one was run over and nothing was crashed into. Hallelujah!
The entrance to the park had lots of shops and theaters. We investigated the Dolly Parton museum where it became obvious that her awards and accolades, such as “Gold Records & Albums”, far surpassed those that we witnessed at the Johnny Cash museum.
Outside the museum, we became privy to her custom motor home. The interior of this impressive vehicle was adorned in fine cherry-wood trimmings and luxurious appointments. I paused a moment when I saw the circular Jacuzzi Bath, imagining Dolly and I together in it with bubble bath everywhere! The rear quarters held a heart shaped bed with lots of pillows and frills.
The Lightning Rod
What came next I still cannot believe happened. Me being the oldest “KID” in the park, I was getting quite anxious about going on my first of many “RIDES”. We came around a bend and there it suddenly appeared what seemed to be a race track with Hot Rods. The confusion that followed was unmistakably unintentional.I convinced Anna to go on this ride with me and told her it would be fun and that I’d drive responsibly. But, what we were looking at and what ensued next is still a bit puzzling.
The entrance to the race track we were looking at seemed to be blocked; and, from this point forward all we could see was a staircase so we took it. Up, up, up we climbed and I began to think this was not the Hot Rod ride we were expecting to go on. My stomach started to churn as I thought Anna would kill me soon. However, as we approached the top the sign “Lightning Rod” appeared once again.
“YIKES”, the actual “Lightning Rod” was suddenly coming in to this very high in the sky station we just climbed up to. It was a coaster with a Hot Rod as the front car. I turned to Anna quickly apologizing and said I’d go back down the Exiting staircase with her. To my shock, she said that she was tired from the climb up and would rather get on the ride to catch her breath. I was reading the wall in the station while the coaster was loading the next group of riders. We would be on the very next trip. I read that this double track coaster was recorded as the fastest in the United States reaching a record 83 mph! I kept this info to myself.
As the coaster approached the station the neon sign that read: Your trip clocked in at 70 mph changed its message simply by a digit, now reading 71 mph. It became obvious that each trip’s speed was being recorded. I thought to myself could I be about to get on a record setting ride in the sky? “YIKES!”
The loader at the chained entranceway said to Anna that he would put her bag in a locker and she could pick it back up at the end of the ride. To her credit, she removed her sunglasses and put them in her bag as well. I, on the other hand, kept my glasses on my face.
Now, we slowly proceeded out of the station and disappeared as did the previous rides we had witnessed. You see, this station was very enclosed and didn’t really reveal anything that was to follow. So, this act of disappearing to all those behind in the station was now eye opening to us as riders. Ahead was a very steep incline of tracks and below them a rocky mountainside. We were getting nearer and nearer and soon this coaster was going to be climbing. As we got to the very bottom of this rise the coaster came to a halt and I was kind of taken back wondering what was going on.
Shocking to say the least is what came next. Completely still the “Lightning Rod” began to rev its engine sounding like a Hot Rod just before launching from a starting point of a drag race. The sound was scary enough; but, what followed nearly gave me a heart attack. We began our upward climb like a cannonball shot from its cannon. This was not a “clink, clink, clink, clink clink as every other roller coaster ride you were ever on. No, it was like a rocket blasting off at Cape Canaveral.
As we approached the apex I quite brilliantly grabbed my glasses and closed my eyes. I couldn’t imagine, at this speed, that the coaster would remain on the track. Indeed it did, however, my glasses were not responding to my weak hold on them and miraculously found my crotch where with my luck they borrowed in for the trip. Thank you Jesus!
We twisted and turned quite incredibly smooth. The ride was outstanding and far surpassed anything I had ever ridden before. We came into the station and the board said our trip reached a top speed of 73 mph. No record today, except the one embedded in my memory banks forever.
Sure enough, on the way down the back staircase of the station everything was quite visible and even the race track that was “closed for repairs”, called “Jukebox Junction”, was right there. Obviously, this was the ride I had intended to take Anna on.
Getting a much needed chance to catch our breath
The sky became threatening as we came to the railroad station looking to take a long train ride around the park. Some thunder sounded and the rides were put on hold for the passing of an approaching storm. We grabbed a bite of lunch at a pizza parlor and proceeded to take cover at an outside theatre. As with the entire journey our amazing luck continued and nothing but a cooling 10 minute rainfall followed. A mere chance to rest a while was really perfect, as all of the rides and activities were very quickly resumed.
The coal burning train ride was a memorable way to capture the grandeur of this majestic mountainside park. After our round trip Anna and I were determined to get Nancy on some rides. We really spent the next hour doing just that at a thrilling and busier part of the park called “County Fair”. Some of the rides we went on were a bit hair raising as well. A memorable photo of Anna and I riding the Merry-Go-Round was taken by Nancy.
Climbing the scenic park trails
We purchased some leather goods from a handmade leather-works shop. This part of the park was called “Craftsman’s Valley”. There was a candle shop, and a blacksmith, a custom made tin sign store and artists doing caricatures, portraits and custom airbrush T-Shirts.
At the top of a long hill we climbed was a ride called “Blazing Fury” that we all went on. It was like a “Ghost House” and “Wild Mouse” ride combined……… but on steroids! After that, I was the only one daring enough to take the next two coasters. The first of which was called the “Tennessee Tornado”. It was a long and looping very sleek looking all steel roller coaster. It had more mountainside splendor to reveal; but, was lacking in scare along its journey. The latter, called the “Mystery Mine” was the roughest roller coaster I’ve ever been on. Nancy was laughing and snapping pictures as I came down the Exiting ramp from this ride!
This is fact, not fiction, this coaster had two complete loops in it. One loop above the ground and the second totally unexpected, in complete darkness underground. The cars were big enough to hold two riders and when I was getting on they put me with two youngsters, so we were three across. I asked how old they were and the little girl said she was 10 and her brother was 8. I asked where their parents were and she said they were afraid to go on this ride. Then the little boy said this was his favorite ride. I quickly asked, as the ride was about to begin, you’ve been on this before? He responded this is our second time because we loved it so much!
It’s good to be young.
Definitely drained and ready to say enough
About now I began wishing I had a motor cart like Louie had. Then suddenly, Louie had seen enough and rose from his cart to venture on what looked like the “Mother” of all rides called the “Wild Eagle”. Just imagine a single steel tubular rail on which a steel replica eagle soars while holding riders, four at a time, two completely separate from each other under each wing! For me, this will always be one of those rides worth watching moreso than partaking of. So I sat in the cart as Louie with cane in hand, made his way to the entrance of this marvel of a ride. It was quite a trek up many flights of stairs to the take off point of this coaster.
Nancy, Anna and I seemed prepared for what Louie never expected. As he returned with the saddest of looks on his face we consoled him, for they refused to let him on this wild ride.
Making our way down the backstretch of this mountainous park we were contemplating a fireworks show that was to begin at 9pm. We had witnessed the elaborate and extensive preparation for this show while on our train ride earlier in the afternoon. We decided to grab some Ice Cream and snap a few more pictures before heading out.
The complex was so vast that before we actually drove out of the entrance gate the fireworks had begun. I couldn’t believe this outstanding day was ending without a bereavement. In my heart, I frankly wished this day could start over again tomorrow.
My late night roller coaster driving
All I remember about this evening ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains was Nancy screaming “Clemmie slow down!” I knew that making a Saturday stop at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore was probably now not an option. Still, I needed to be certain that I gave it my best shot to make that happen.
The funny thing about traveling up a mountain with very winding roads is that you can really put your foot down on the gas peddle. This process becomes hair raising to say the least on the way down. All I know is that we were making incredible time. The ninety MPH I was focusing on going up the mountain became impossible to hold winding our way down. As the miles clicked off all I could think of was when would we finally be down. Nancy’s howling in my ears made this spiraling tough stretch of road even more challenging than it had to be.
The solitude of this very dark and helical ride was numbing in a way that seemed unconscious and peculiarly frightening. On and on, wildly changing lanes while braking, my grip on the steering wheel relentless and my heart pounding in my chest with anticipation for completion. Eventually we found the bottom; but, at what cost to my well being. My right foot began to throb with horrific pain in the heel.
Giving up and searching for a Comfort Inn
Now, it became clear to me that Saturday would be best if we drove directly home. All of us agreed as we were seeking asylum in a comfy resting place for the rest of the evening. Heck, it was nearly midnight and I never told anyone that my cramping leg and unfurling foot pain was crippling me.
Thankfully, a sign ahead said a Hilton/Comfort Inn was just five more miles further. This proved to be the best rooms we had on our entire trip. We all slept a little longer in the morning and enjoyed a breakfast bar where you could make your own waffles and a whole lot more.
SATURDAY 07/10/2021 – New Jersey or Bust
Finally heading for home and while there was certainly a bit of relief for me, there was also a whole lot of lamenting knowing this might very well be the last time we’d ever partake in such a journey.
Needless to say, we all were glad to see the “Welcome to New Jersey” sign hanging overhead. I did make good time on Saturday pushing the car all the way. It was unanimous, as we decided to conclude our time together, breaking bread one last time at The Captain’s Inn in Lacey. This restaurant was outstanding and definitely made me remember that sometimes the best of what you’re looking for can be found in your own neighborhood.
Yes, there’s no place like home. After dinner, dropping off Nancy and Louie meant less than 90 minutes to home and the comfort of my own bed. This last stretch was one I enjoyed driving the most. After arriving home, my cat Sage didn’t want to let me out of her sight. It was truly good to be home.
– DEDICATION –
This magnificent trip turned out to be a true blessing from our Lord as the unforeseen tragedy to follow would perpetuate it’s significance.
So, with unceasing LOVE and fond remembrances I dedicate this blog to my late brother, Louie, who passed away on January 20th, 2022.
