Meeting up with family

This was our first face-to-face visit with Bart and Lolly in 30 years. The day was spent catching up and listening to Jay and Bart reminisce about their childhood recollections. Lolly made all of my favorites for lunch, including crab cakes, freshly picked tomatoes, and corn. Definitely the most fantastic lunch.

We relaxed in the yard after our great lunch, surrounded by nature, listening to birds chirp and quietly watching Lolly’s hens. Because they are obviously targets for hawks and foxes, the hens are only permitted to roam the yard when someone is watching them. Charlie, of course, was on hand to ensure that we were all safe!

We parted ways after breakfast the next morning with a serious vow to see one other again and we hope Robin will be able to join us next time.

The travel from St. Louis, Missouri to Gatlinburg, Tennessee was breathtaking. I hadn’t seen gas prices begin with a “$3” in a long time, and I was definitely envious.

Driving through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, the scenery altered considerably. I was not expecting to see all the attractions that lined the streets with thousands of tourists fighting to get into them after hours of gorgeous green scenery and blue skies! I was relieved to get at our hotel, which was mercifully away from the main drag.

After a good night’s sleep, we boarded the town trolley in search of an activity that would take us far away from the crowds. We were fortunate to discover The SkyLift, an open-air chairlift ride to the top of a 1,800-foot overlook with vistas of the Smoky Mountains. We also traversed the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian cable bridge. The lady who drove the trolley was also a terrific tour guide. She talked about the area, where to go, and, most importantly, told us about her favorite restaurants.

We spent our second day in town touring the Smoky Mountains. We woke up early, ate breakfast, and headed to the park. The park was just as beautiful up close as it was from a distance. We found a parking spot immediately and hiked up to the Grotto Falls. I’m not sure how the miles on these paths are calculated, but this was not a 1.2 mile trip because my Fitbit registered 4 miles as we were returning! We got back in the car and drove to a flowing creek, where we sat and ate our lunch while listening to the stream flow and watching the butterflies fly around.

Next stop: Easton, MD

I am always asked what has been my favorite trip? That is really a hard question because each trip brings special memories from the people we meet to the events that occured during that trip………

Green tractors bring a smile to my face!

In the early morning of July 26th, we found ourselves heading to the airport to catch a flight to St. Louis, Missouri, the starting point of our road trip. After picking up our car, we headed to the Historic District of St. Charles.

The St. Charles National Historic District is the site of the first permanent European settlement on the Missouri River and of the embarkation of Lewis and Clark’s journey of exploration along the Missouri; it is also the first state capitol of Missouri. Today, you will find many old buildings with plaques that describe what the building was once used for along with many unique shops and restaurants.

Mary Beth and Bob were the main reason for visiting St. Charles. We met them during our river cruise on the Danube in 2022 and we promised we would stop by if we were ever in their neighborhood…well, we weren’t exactly in their neighborhood but we were close enough to our next stop! Lexi was quick to greet us and share her toys. Simba, the cat would remain in hiding the whole visit just as any good cat would do! We spent the afternoon catching up and enjoying a great visit with this wonderful couple.

After an afternoon of catching up, we enjoyed the best meal ever at their favorite restaurant, Paul Manno’s Cafe, and what a treat it was with great food and excellent company. As we ended our meal, we made our promises to see each other again one day.

On our way out of town, we made a little detour to check out The Gateway Arch National Park

Next stop: Gatlinburg, TN

….In Santa Rosa, CALIFORNIA

We parted ways after a full day at the Safari and a delicious lunch celebrating our birthdays (Rica and I share the same birthday). Jay and I stayed at Hotel La Rose in Santa Rosa, which was ironic because we had arranged to meet our friend Rose for breakfast the next day.

I haven’t seen Rose or her son Evan in 9 years. Evan would be the great, caring, and talented young man I remembered him to be. He is also a published short story writer. We had a wonderful day remembering about our dear friend Don and all the crazy things we did in our day!

My goal for the next few years is to catch up with friends I “talk and email to” but haven’t seen in years, as well as those who invited us and I promised to see one day…Watch out, Rochelle…we could be stopping by real soon to learn how to milk the cows!

Tod, You’re simply the best, Better than all the rest, You’re better than any TD I’ve ever met. It’s been an honor traveling with you. I hope we cross paths again one day.

Gabriele and your great crew, Marco, Kyle and the”Muscle Man” Mytnes (sp?) along with Nick and Julia who had the duty of pulling and carrying all the spare parts no matter where we went, I will never forget you. Congratulations Gabriele on your upcoming wedding!

Dario, the man who always got us where we needed to be safe and sound rain or shine

And of course, my favorite still photographer, Ula. It was a pleasure meeting you. Wishing you all the best in everything you do.

We even got to meet and share a meal with Ulla, Trafalgar’s Chief Operating Officer

Mia, Kelsey, Dee, Lottie and the entire marketing team, thank you for the experience of a lifetime. The trip was magnificent every step of the way and your wedding planning skills are just as perfect. It was an honor to meet all of you and I really hope to see you again one day.

The Cool Group

To new acquaintances & lasting friendships..

Tonight, we will board the bus as a group and watch a video one last time..

We will toast each other, sign souvenirs, enjoy one last meal together, have one last photo/video session and wish each other farewell as we dance the night away once more…

As we go our separate ways, fond memories will last a lifetime. I truly hope this is so long for now and not goodbye as I really hope to meet you again one day.

This morning, a Local Specialist lead us on an unforgettable walking tour at Plitvice’s multitude of lakes and waterfalls. The crystal-clear waters reflecting green, grey and blue against the lush landscape was spectacular. We also walked along wooden pathways, absorbing the irresistible beauty of as many as 16 upper and lower lakes and caves that are all magically connected by waterfalls. This exquisite beauty, a UNESCO-listed natural wonder is a must see.

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Meet Millie, the newest videographer !

After a short bus ride to the hidden gem, we found ourselves looking down at a magnificent village called Rastoke. This spectacular watermill town has cascading waterfalls running over it, around it and through it.

I could live here!

As we head back to the bus, we found the crew getting ready for one more photo opportunity before we left this wonderful setting

After dinner, we found them in the courtyard still working and still smiling!

What a way to end a beautiful day