Buba and Boca logged almost 22,000 miles in the car...and more miles flying and ferrying. How would you do inches away from your spouse 24/7 for several months? It was dicey at times but we did it contrary to the betting pool predictions. Buba did the driving and I did...? He prepared our on the road meals and I did..? He gassed us up and packed us up and I did...? He figured out and plotted the routes and I did...? He made sure the car was clean, oil was changed and tires were rotated and I did...? He made sure we had clean clothes and I did...? He was the consummate guest and I was...? Oh yes, I Blogged! So thank you blog readers for riding along with us. Thank you family and friends for taking us in and offering up such loving hospitality and fun. It was a trip of a lifetime. I hope you enjoyed a taste of it and perhaps were inspired to do your own road trip in this beautiful country of ours. Happy Trails and God Bless America and you!
OCMC
What a wonderful experience traveling from Orthodox Church to Orthodox Church as OCMC Ambassadors while on the road. We met so many wonderful new friends. We learned there are many ways and customs to worship as an Orthodox. I noticed that our friends at the Orthodox Church of America-where they do their service in English- really draws young people and converts. So a big thank you to all of the church folks we met. And the pinnacle of the trip was our Mission up in Tyonek, Alaska. It truly was a transformational experience. We hope in some way that we not only brought some strong shoulders to work on the Church bell tower but also the love of God. We loved working with our OCMC Mission Team. They were relentless in their hard work and sharing their love of the Church. I am grateful for being part of such a fabulous Team. I am also thankful to my new brothers and sisters in Tyonek who welcomed us to their village. My new Athabascan friends are warm and kind and showed me the Native American way of life in this day and age. Alaska truly is a special place and they showed us just how special. Thank you Brothers and Sisters of Tyonek. Native Pride!
And a big thank you to the Orthodox Christian Mission Center for allowing us to participate in this mission. We loved being a part of a Pan Orthodox team and mission. God Bless!
http://www.ocmc.org/
FISHER HOUSES
We visited 17 of the 33 Fisher House locations (44 houses). This unique private-public partnership that supports America's military families in their time of need and recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform humbled us. In one Fisher House after another they were warm, welcoming, filled with love and hope. The House Mangers were committed people. We are in awe of-their dedication to the soldiers, vets and their families. Everyone of the people we met will remain an inspiration forever. Good job Fisher House Managers. We look forward to visiting the remainder of the 33 Fisher House Comfort Homes. As a matter of fact, we will set up a separate blog for the rest of the Fisher Fun Journey. It was a pleasure to spread the good word about the Fisher Foundation and all the terrific work they do. So many who are not connected with the Military did not know about this phenomenal organization and of course the opportunity to participate by donation or anyway they see fit. We salute the Fisher Houses and the Foundation for all that you do for our Military Families!
http://www.fisherhouse.org/
NATIONAL PARKS
Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land. People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama. The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others. There are 58 National Parks and we have visited 50 of them....8 to go...Samoa here we come! While each park was a unique experience Buba's favorite was Wrangle St. Elias/Alaska and mine was Bryce/Utah-just loved all that psychedelic orange. Pleep was very partial to Lake Clark/Alaska and the bears. As a matter of fact there was an increase in visitors over last year for all of the National Parks. You bet- not only exquisite nature and geology to see you could also be proud of this great country and its care of the land. We are enjoying the special series on PBS showcasing the National Parks. What's your favorite park?
http://www.nps.gov/Pleep has been working hard on his memoirs of the trip. Right now he's concentrating on the video version. He's used his favorite people & places pics. Then he used two of his favorite songs from the trip: Willie Nelson's On the Road Again and Jimmy Buffet's Take Another Road. Buba will be happy when Pleep stops singing them around the house. LuLu likes to watch the video so she can get caught up on all the details. Once he gets all the pics from the "real camera" organized, he's planning a DVD. We'll let you know when it opens in a theater near you.
AND A BIG HUGE THANK YOU TO PEGGY HEIDKAMP BLOGMEISTER EXTRAORDINAIRE. Peg was with us every day fixing all of the pictures I deleted by accident and keeping me on track and task...even while she was in Italy on holiday. And her crowning glory was putting together a hardcopy of the blog- the size of War and Peace. We love you Peg and can't wait for the next one!!!
