Decoration Day

Memorial Day, as we know it now, is the first long weekend marking the beginning of summer and an opportunity to enjoy the beach, lake, river or local park.  It had a different purpose, altogether different, when General John Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic proclaimed on May 5th 1868:

"The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

We are organized, comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers, sailors, and marines who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes? Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.

If other eyes grow dull, other hands slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain to us.

Let us, then, at the time appointed gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of spring-time; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon a nation's gratitude, the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan. "

So I ask you today, please share the story of Decoration Day, now called Memorial Day, with your family and friends and remember the cost of a "free and undivided republic" and honor those "who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes".

God Bless America and those who sacrifice to keep us free......................

I think I'm catching up now.............

Well, I have served as the concierge of sorts on our trip - maps and tour books in my lap and the Garmin on the dash, barking out orders (the Garmin, not me).  Most of the time I am happy with the results, yesterday was not one of those times.  I seriously overlooked how far we would have to drive in "getaway Friday of a long weekend" traffic and the distance on the map had no relation to how far north of Dallas we actually ended up.  I have apologized to my dear husband who has unlimited patience and says "no problem".  After 284 miles traveled Thursday in 9.5 hours (Natchez Trace Parkway day) and 390 miles in 9 hours yesterday, he casually mentioned to me his left knee is killing him.  So today was a short day - 6 hours and 308 miles traveled, arriving before sunset (for a change) and a chance for him to stretch his legs out.  Obviously we won't be home as soon as we planned.  It has given me some time to catch up on my blog today though....
At the southern terminus of the Natchez trace lies the charming city of Natchez, an odd pairing of southern and french influences.  It has more of that amazing old architecture we love and a lively attitude.  Across the Mississippi lies Louisiana where, without a doubt, they have the worst roads.  They do however have the friendliest people and they will go out of their way to accommodate you.  We arrived late at Jimmy Davis State Park and found ourselves a camping spot, when we left yesterday morning and tried to pay they wouldn't take our money - the computer showed there were no spaces available that we could have stayed in.  "This one is a free one - ya'll come back though".

Choctaw House 1837

Natchez, Mississippi

If only this gas station had been open.............

The view didn't change...................

Natchez Trace

Chuck and I decided some years ago that we would like to visit all the National Parks, after all they became National Parks for a reason.  We've seen the amazing Grand Canyon at sunrise and beautiful Kings Canyon at sunset as well as many others.  Soon we found that it wasn't just the National Parks that held our interest, but also many of the other areas overseen by the National Park Service.  When we were planning our trip to the South in 2008 we talked then of traveling on part of the Natchez Trace Parkway, time constraints didn't allow it.  This time we vowed we would at least travel the section from Jackson, MS to Natchez, and we did.  We started at the Information Center in Clinton, MS and entered the parkway there.  You don't hurry when you're on the parkway and there are no concessions, not even gas. Your only stops are at the many historic sites along the way and each one shows you a piece of the history of the "Trace".  The Natchez Trace Parkway spans 444 miles from Nashville, TN to Natchez and roughly follows the 500 mile footpath used by seasonally migrating American Indians along with Ohio Valley farmers that floated their goods south and then journeyed back home again. 

We both hope that you have the opportunity to visit some of "America's Best"

Rocky Springs portion of the original trail

Mount Locust, a stop along the trail for weary travelers

More on Augusta........

I have either been lacking wi-fi, cell signal or energy to post to the blog - sorry.  I wanted to finish up with Augusta before I wander off on to the Natchez Trace.
One of our tours with Jen & Bill was to the Savannah Rapids/Augusta Canal area.  Bill runs almost daily there and it is certainly a beautiful place.  The Confederate Powderworks chimney is all that remains of the gunpowder factory that operated between 1862 and 1865, the only structure authorized and built by the Confederacy.  Nearby is the King Mill built in 1883, by 1900 it had 60,000 spindles and 1,800 looms producing cotton sheeting and shirting.  You see the influence of northern Italy in the beautiful towers and brickwork.  There is so much history in the south - we could spend weeks here and never see it all.

Next verse, same as the first....................

We're really back on the road again today, 349.5 miles and 6 hours of travel.  We left Calhoun after having a visit with more of Chuck's cousins - Rayford Gilbert, CJ Dodd (named after Grandfather Charles Jackson Dodd), Carol Dodd Puckett and Bill Dodd.  Since Calhoun is about 70 miles NE of Interstate 20 (our return trip choice) we spent a bit of time on back roads getting situated back onto the highway around Gadsden, Alabama.  What pretty back roads they were - there are some beautiful sights in the country.
On the Natchez Trace tomorrow, not sure where we'll end up.................

Bill, CJ & Chuck

Weiss Lake (say "Wice")

An Alabama Power 30,200 acre Hydroelectric benefit -

Crappie or Bass for dinner?

Lest I digress..............

It seems I got so caught up in leaving Jen & Bill and finding Chuck's ancestors I completely skipped over some of the highlights of our stay in Augusta (technically we were camping in Hepzibah).  One day the four of us went to the Summerville District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Since Augusta is on the Savannah River and also has surrounding marshland, prosperous Augusta merchants built summer homes on the hill west of town  to escape the heat below.  Some of the area is now part of the Augusta State University campus.  It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed seeing the different architectural styles, from an Italianate Villa to a Danish Colonial.  My favorites though are what I call "Southern Charming".

I loved these hydrangeas overgrowing the walk

Can't you see yourself on the porch in a white rocker sipping a Mint Julep?

I could so live here........

Family Ties.....

Today was an exciting day for Chuck, he got to meet his cousin Frances Gilbert Greeson of Resaca, GA.  Quite a milestone since he only remembers meeting one other cousin (CJ) years ago.  Frances and her husband Ervin invited us into their home and served us a delicious dinner.  We spent most of it catching up on the family history.  Tomorrow we will meet at the local library to do some research, but in the morning we're off to find the Dodd family cemetery in Rome, GA.  This is his mother's side of the family that we're trying to get information on for the family tree.  Have you ever watched "Who Do You Think You Are" on ABC?  Well, I started researching my family in 1973 with the help of Joanne Heacock Craig and after a trip to Oregon in 2007 I started back up again (sporadically).  We couldn't pass up the chance to see his Mother's birthplace and where her family lived.
We are camping at Salacoa Creek Park, it is a little off the beaten path but well worth the drive as you can see by our campsite deck overlooking the "fishin' hole".  I could so live here!

Chuck & Frances

I could get used to this...................

Chance of Flooding.......

Well, we're leaving Augusta now and it was so hard to say goodbye last night.  Jen and I tried to stay strong but in the end we lost it.  This morning is no better.  I'm sure we'll both help with the drought.  I keep telling myself that we will see them when they fly out for the weekend (Brendan & Ashton's Wedding) in August but that is still no consolation.  We had a wonderful time and miss them already.  Okay - off we go to Calhoun to see Chuck's Cousin Frances and any other Dodd family relatives we can locate.  More later.

Taken at Jen's Dart League Banquet Saturday

Clarks Hill Lake (Lake Strom Thurmond)

Ask anyone around here how best to spend a Saturday and it is unanimous - The Lake.  So we did...........and saw some beautiful sights along the way.

Friendly face at Wisteria Hill Plantation

Who dat'?

From our picnic spot

Beautiful Lake - Beautiful Day

Southern thoughts.....

When someone talks about the weather "80,85" does not refer to an estimate of temperature, rather the temperature and humidity.
Cotton is soft and breathable and is your best friend.
Mint juleps are meant to be sipped, very slowly.......do you know what's in those things?
Polite and firendly are the norm, they truly mean it too.
Yard signs are plentiful - all with the Ten Commandments.
Roadside stands sell everything - boiled peanuts, homemade jams & jellies, fresh local honey, shrimp and catfish.
There are trees, trees and more trees.
Everyone knows everything about all y'all's business (and are more than happy to pass it on).
You're not here long before you start talkin' "southern" and askin' for "sweet" tea.
As I say to Chuck everywhere we travel "I could so live here"........

Not Interstate 40

I had mentioned when I started this blog that we hadn't decided which of the three most direct routes we would return home on.  In light of the recent tornado activity in towns we passed through on our way East, I've asked Chuck to limit the choices to I-20 or I-10 for the drive back.  It would make sense to take I-20 from here, then up to visit Calhoun, GA where Chuck's mother's family lived and then pick up I-20 again and continue West.  That said, we'd hate to miss the opportunity to travel on the Natchez Trace Parkway.  Even though we would only take the section from Tupelo or Jackson to Natchez, Mississippi we shouldn't miss the chance.  More on that later.........
We've been having a great time with Bill & Jen, she is working but Bill has taken leave time until May 24th.  Chuck and I are working too, remotely - hard to get used to the fact that ya'll are still asleep when we're ready to start making phone calls. 
I'll start posting again when we start our journey Westward - maybe some photos before then.  We plan on seeing some sights around here on the weekends (and weekday mornings) and to work in a visit to my nephew Joel and his family in Florence, SC.

Change of Command Photos

Passing of the Guidon

Phyllis & Richard (Bill's Mom & Step-Dad), Bill & Jennifer

Chuck & Vicki, Bill & Jennifer

A little more information

From Bill's Change of Command Ceremony Program -

"C CO. 297th Military Intelligence Battalion
7 May 2010
Fort Gordon, Georgia


Captain William C. Mattern (Outgoing Commander)


CPT Mattern is a native of Terre Haute, IN, and a 2001 graduate of Indiana State University.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and was commissioned as a 2LT into the United States Army as an Intelligence Officer, Branch Detailed Armor.
In 2001 CPT Mattern attended the Armor Officer Basic Course at Fort Knox, KY, after which, he attended Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA.  His first duty station was Ft. Irwin, CA, where he was assigned as a tank platoon leader in the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment.  His other assignments at Ft. Irwin included: National Training Center Protocol Officer, 11th ACR Battlefield Intelligence Officer/Tactical Intelligence Officer, and Assistant S-2.  After attending the Military Intelligence Officers Transition Course at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, he served as Assistant Regimental Operations Officer before deploying to Iraq in 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As a part of Task Force Blackhorse, CPT Mattern served as the Division Liaison Officer at Multi National Corps - Iraq.  Upon Redeployment he then served as the 11th ACR Regimental S-2.  CPT. Mattern attended the Military Intelligence Captains Career Course and Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Course at Fort Huachuca, AZ.  In 2007, CPT Mattern was assigned to the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon, GA, where he served as the Assistant Brigade Operation Center Officer in Charge.  He then moved to the Theater Ground Intelligence Center and served as the Iraq Tactical Overwatch Support Team Officer in Charge, and Theater Ground Intelligence Center Operations Officer.
His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one Oakleaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and the Army Parachutist Badge.  CPT Mattern is married to Jennifer F. Mattern of California."
Chuck & I are so proud of Bill & Jen, his Colonel had great things to say about them both.  I'll post photos later  - we're changed and off to dinner.

I'm Awake Now

I realized early this morning (5:00 AM PST) when we were talking about what road songs we'd be singing today, that I completely forgot Mississippi as another wine-find stop.  You know what I mean - like Get Your Kicks on Route 66, Roll on Down The Highway, Long & Winding Road, On the Road Again, Take it Easy (Winslow, AZ) and then Tupelo, as in Mississippi ..... Glad you're not in the truck with us aren't you :-)  Anyway, I also need to clarify Bill's Change of Command Ceremony, this is his outgoing C "Charlie" Company Commander ceremony.  They have a nice gathering to honor a Commander and his wife for a job well done.  He has had his command for a year now and just learned he will pin on Major this Fall.  Where they go from here will be up to the Army, like Jennifer says "Home is Where The Army Sends You".  Do you think if I wrote a letter they might send them closer to So Cal?  More tonight the "bus is ready to roll".

Are we there yet?

Well, another beautiful day today and we only logged 336 miles.  Can you tell we're getting tired?  Or maybe it was the detours to get Oklahoma and Arkansas wines.....  We started in 2005 visiting wineries in different states we traveled through and were charmed by all the little places we found.  Now we're hooked.  We have to find some in Tennessee and Alabama tomorrow, that will be fun.  We need to be in Georgia by Thursday afternoon to get a good nights sleep for son-in-law Bill's change of command ceremony Friday at 10:00 AM (that's 7:00 AM PST).  We decided to save driving through Little Rock for tomorrow morning, so we're staying at Lake Dardanelle tonight.  Another beautiful State Park, this one with 34,300 acres of water......  We sure do wish we were just goofing off!  We're lakeside and lovin' it.

Sooner or later.............

We were blessed with beautiful weather yesterday, just a little windy.  We made it about 400 miles through the last of New Mexico, across the corner of Texas and into the Sooner State before we decided the time changes were catching up with us.  We stopped at Red Rock Canyon State Park, near Hinton, about 7:30 PM.  What a surprising find in the plains of Oklahoma!  In the 1800's it was a respite from the cold winds for the Gold Rush travelers on the "California Road".  We picked a spot at the back of the campground next to a stream.  What a peaceful place!  We hated to leave this morning, but today we're on to Arkansas, where we stop tonight - who knows........

Santa Rosa Lake Campground Photos (Day 2)

Forecast = Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Rain

Right....We awoke on Day Two and found frosty conditions with a temperature of 32 degrees.  Once we hit the road the weather radio forecast seemed almost perfect.  A little drizzle and mostly cloudy, then things started to change.  The winds picked up, drizzle changed to rain, rain changed to sleet, sleet to heavy hail and then snow.  Blowing snow.  For the first time since we've owned the trailer, we had to put the F250 in 4X4 High to tow safely.  Fortunately Chuck has experience driving in snowy conditions but other drivers were not as savy or just chose to disregard the conditions.  We passed numerous accidents and lost 2 hours travel time but arrived safely at Santa Rosa Lake (Santa Rosa, NM) just after sunset.  We logged 479.8 miles but drove just under 11 hours.  Today is sunny and beautiful and we'll be staying somewhere in Oklahoma tonight.

Photos from Day One

Cataract Lake

Just a couple of hiccups.......

Well, we didn't make it all the way to Flagstaff - 10 hours and 448 miles on the road was enough.  We left Montebello at 5:45 am and made pretty good time most of the way.  After stopping in Hesperia (Smart & Final) and Barstow (Shell gas) we kept forgetting to stop at the bank and get some cash.  Finally, coming into Needles I remembered and we went to the bank there.  As I was walking past the trailer I noticed we had a right rear trailer tire going flat - what a blessing we found it then.  A Big-O Tire was across the street and in about an hour we had it fixed and were back on the road.  Chuck said we picked up a nail shortly before we stopped and if we had kept going we would have paid for more than a flat repair.  On into Arizona and our new destination of Cataract Lake County Park Campground in Williams, Arizona.  After finding the road washed out, a few snow flakes on our windshield and an interesting detour, we arrived - only to find, due to County shortfalls, the campground has closed.  On to plan B (really C) and we followed the road around to the other side of the lake where there is a Kaibab National Forest Campground.  We're at 6800', have a beautiful site right on the lake, no hookups (we're used to that) and no one else camping here.  Perfect!  We are so grateful to be able to travel this wonderful country we live in and see the amazing sights along the way.  Goodnight... (I'll post photos tomorrow)