It is a good feeling knowing I've made substantial progress on this tour. I am in week 13 as I write this and, knowing I have a couple of breaks coming, I am not a little more than a quarter of the way through.
The last couple of weeks have been a blur of activity. Seeking shelter, finding it, enjoying the company of some wonderful people along the way. While the first two months were virtually spent going from one hotel room to the next, the last few weeks I have been welcomed into peoples homes. I can't even begin to predict the next few weeks.
It was wonderful to reconnect with old family friends in the Providence, RI area. I was last there more than 30 years ago. same house, same room, same total hospitality. Anahid, you are more like my mother than you know and I was extremely appreciative of all the attention you paid to me.
I was welcomed into the homes of a couple CSL ministers, Rev. Joann in the Albany, NY area and Rev. Patrick and his wife Susan near New London, CT. One of my FB friends south of Boston has allowed me into his home south of Boston, close enough that I can easily reach all my intended targets in and around the city, and drove me to four previously uncharted (by me) memorials. Thank you John.
The weather has been incredible lately with yesterday (Aug, 24th) probably the best day of the trip...clear sky, light wind, mild temp, very blue water everywhere and a beautiful set of roads to trip on.
In the last week I have been informed of or have visited more than 20 memorials that I did not even know existed bringing my total now to more than 800. No big surprise as I expected to find more along the way, but not so much in bunches.
Interestingly, the last several states have all seemed very similar, rolling hills, huge, thickly wooded forests bordering almost every road. I'm talking North central NY, CT and MA. Surprisingly, the most wide open and easily visible landscape has been Rhode Island, the smallest state of all. Go Figure.
I have met some intensely interesting veterans lately and scored some great interviews with them. Everyone has been extremely helpful to me. I continue to be more blessed along the way than I probably deserve...but then again???
Please See our new Website where this article has been moved:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/25-complete/
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Sunday, August 25, 2013
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
The Other New York
Today is my last day in New York State for a while. Tomorrow I venture in to Connecticut and start moseying into New England, but wanted to share a few thoughts about everything I've seen since Manhattan and the rest of NYC.
I left the city for a few days on Long Island. Never got as far as the Hamptons but got a taste of most of it. Life slows to a crawl the moment you leave NYC proper...or maybe that is just what it feels like after the whirlwind that is Manhattan. The predominant feeling is freedom. The preeminent color is Green and the flavor of the air is fresh and salty.
Outside of a couple major freeways (stress the word FREE here) most of the roads are small and very lightly traveled and take you through some very picturesque country. From Queens to Huntington, Massapequa to Northport it was a joy to travel those roads. And the home in which I stayed in Centerport was fun...an intentional kind of community built of about 8 long, short and medium stay occupants that all got along really well, interacted at a very high level and were big on sharing. It was, in a word, fun. Now, if only my cell phones would have worked in the home it would have been perfect.
There were a couple of thrilling memorials on the Island which are posted on my Facebook page for your viewing pleasure. Unlike leaving Manhattan, I was a little sad to have to leave this place.
The rest of my days in new York have been pretty much like those days on Long Island. Rather than seeing a lot of industrialization and other signs of "progress" it has been more green, more rivers and lakes and canals, more small town quaintness and really nice people. West Point was a very special place to visit, Port Jervis was surprisingly warm and fuzzy, and the drive from there to Albany and vicinity was beautiful. My hosts in Port Jervis wouldn't let me go till I had seen the "Hawk's Nest," their local scenic road that parallels the Delaware River and was, truly, worth the trip. Thanks to you, Mark and Maryann, that part of the journey was very special.
Please see the New Website where this article is now posted:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/the-other-new-york/
I left the city for a few days on Long Island. Never got as far as the Hamptons but got a taste of most of it. Life slows to a crawl the moment you leave NYC proper...or maybe that is just what it feels like after the whirlwind that is Manhattan. The predominant feeling is freedom. The preeminent color is Green and the flavor of the air is fresh and salty.
Outside of a couple major freeways (stress the word FREE here) most of the roads are small and very lightly traveled and take you through some very picturesque country. From Queens to Huntington, Massapequa to Northport it was a joy to travel those roads. And the home in which I stayed in Centerport was fun...an intentional kind of community built of about 8 long, short and medium stay occupants that all got along really well, interacted at a very high level and were big on sharing. It was, in a word, fun. Now, if only my cell phones would have worked in the home it would have been perfect.
There were a couple of thrilling memorials on the Island which are posted on my Facebook page for your viewing pleasure. Unlike leaving Manhattan, I was a little sad to have to leave this place.
The rest of my days in new York have been pretty much like those days on Long Island. Rather than seeing a lot of industrialization and other signs of "progress" it has been more green, more rivers and lakes and canals, more small town quaintness and really nice people. West Point was a very special place to visit, Port Jervis was surprisingly warm and fuzzy, and the drive from there to Albany and vicinity was beautiful. My hosts in Port Jervis wouldn't let me go till I had seen the "Hawk's Nest," their local scenic road that parallels the Delaware River and was, truly, worth the trip. Thanks to you, Mark and Maryann, that part of the journey was very special.
Please see the New Website where this article is now posted:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/the-other-new-york/
My Kinda Town?? Maybe Not
New York has been a major eye-opening experience for me on a number of levels. Lesson one was just trying to get into the city.
After leaving a very gracious couple in Maple Shade, NJ (thank you very much for everything Ron and Carol) and heading north I got close to the city without incident. Then, in the last 20 miles, would up with three road tolls and two hefty bridge tolls. I spent $35.00 on tolls before I ever got into New York. I can go that far in Denver without seeing that many hands out on the side of the road hoping for a little spare change. Being on a relatively tight budget it sort of rocked me to the core and had me wondering just what four days in the city might ultimately cost me.
An hour in tight traffic waiting to access the Holland Tunnel passed fitfully, then it deposited me into lower downtown on Canal Street and, not knowing how to navigate successfully, got forced even further downtown before being able to make a couple turns and finally head uptown to my destination in Hell's Kitchen...in spite of it sounding like going from the frying pan into the fire, it turned out to be a great destination. Four nights at approximately 10th Ave and 51st St.
Had to play a few games with my car over the next few days but i was on the move a lot during the day anyway. Two things come to mind about driving in New York City: 1) I never saw a policeman writing a ticket for anything other than a parking offense, and 2) I can't believe I never saw an accident. hose people are MANIACS, but I guess defensive driving is lesson one in the city. I can guarantee one thing...after successive weeks in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City I will never complain about Denver traffic again.
All in all it wasn't as stressful or expensive as I initially feared. In spite of Mayor Bloomberg's best efforts there are still a few free bridges you can cross without tolls, and it never costs you to leave the City, only to get in. Just so you know, on most of the bridges and tunnels the tolls range from $7.50 to $15.00 with most pegged at $13.00.
But the city was pretty exciting, even for someone who was raised in Los Angeles. I did more walking during those four days than in the previous six months, and it felt good. Visited Central park...very good. Ate at the Papaya King...disappointing. Had some great Thai food and a couple bagels, and even some New York Style Pizza. Went to Church at the CSL in Manhattan and had a chance to speak a little (thank you Rev. Loretta). Visited the 9-11 Memorial in addition to the Vietnam Veterans memorials in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan. Saw Lady Liberty from a distance. And couldn't get out of town fast enough when the four days were up.
Next time, a story about the other New York.
Please See the new and improved VVMT Website and blog where this article has now been moved:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/my-kinda-town-maybe-not/
Please consider a donation to assist us in completing our mission:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/donate/
Join VVMT Socially:
After leaving a very gracious couple in Maple Shade, NJ (thank you very much for everything Ron and Carol) and heading north I got close to the city without incident. Then, in the last 20 miles, would up with three road tolls and two hefty bridge tolls. I spent $35.00 on tolls before I ever got into New York. I can go that far in Denver without seeing that many hands out on the side of the road hoping for a little spare change. Being on a relatively tight budget it sort of rocked me to the core and had me wondering just what four days in the city might ultimately cost me.
An hour in tight traffic waiting to access the Holland Tunnel passed fitfully, then it deposited me into lower downtown on Canal Street and, not knowing how to navigate successfully, got forced even further downtown before being able to make a couple turns and finally head uptown to my destination in Hell's Kitchen...in spite of it sounding like going from the frying pan into the fire, it turned out to be a great destination. Four nights at approximately 10th Ave and 51st St.
Had to play a few games with my car over the next few days but i was on the move a lot during the day anyway. Two things come to mind about driving in New York City: 1) I never saw a policeman writing a ticket for anything other than a parking offense, and 2) I can't believe I never saw an accident. hose people are MANIACS, but I guess defensive driving is lesson one in the city. I can guarantee one thing...after successive weeks in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City I will never complain about Denver traffic again.
All in all it wasn't as stressful or expensive as I initially feared. In spite of Mayor Bloomberg's best efforts there are still a few free bridges you can cross without tolls, and it never costs you to leave the City, only to get in. Just so you know, on most of the bridges and tunnels the tolls range from $7.50 to $15.00 with most pegged at $13.00.
But the city was pretty exciting, even for someone who was raised in Los Angeles. I did more walking during those four days than in the previous six months, and it felt good. Visited Central park...very good. Ate at the Papaya King...disappointing. Had some great Thai food and a couple bagels, and even some New York Style Pizza. Went to Church at the CSL in Manhattan and had a chance to speak a little (thank you Rev. Loretta). Visited the 9-11 Memorial in addition to the Vietnam Veterans memorials in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan. Saw Lady Liberty from a distance. And couldn't get out of town fast enough when the four days were up.
Next time, a story about the other New York.
Please See the new and improved VVMT Website and blog where this article has now been moved:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/my-kinda-town-maybe-not/
Please consider a donation to assist us in completing our mission:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/donate/
Join VVMT Socially:
Thursday, August 1, 2013
And Gratitude Toward All...
Seems like I've been telling people I meet lately how blessed I've been on this trip and it occurred to me that I'm probably not telling it to the right sets of ears. So here is a big thank you to all who have supported me over the last nine weeks:
To all the American Legion, VFW, VVA and Amvets posts who have ponied up money for a hotel room, and in some cases a small food allowance, thank you very much. I couldn't do this without that kind of support.
To the Hoteliers and staff who have, in some cases lowered the minimum charges for a room after hearing my story, or honoring the non-profit nature of the Tour by reducing or eliminating taxes (appropriately, I might add, in case the IRS is listening), thank you for your support however modest.
Now for the smaller but most important group...those who have opened their homes to a stranger for extended stays and allowing me to recoup and recover from the road, do my thing in their area, and allow me the privilege of getting to know them just a little.
First was Larry Jr. In Kansas City, part of my father's extended family before his passing. I hadn't seen Larry or had any contact with him for about 16 years yet was taken in on a moment's notice and allowed to stay open ended and unconditionally. Thank you Larry.
Next was Debbie in St Louis, a member of a CSL community in the city who graciously, on the request of her minister, gave me three days of shelter, a tour of the city, a Phillies game and a trip to the top of the great Arch. Thank you Debbie.
Don and Kay in South/Central Illinois were next. I wish I could have spent more time with them. Family friends from their and my time in Southern California about 20 years ago, it was the first time in all that time I had seen both of them together and was treated like the long lost cousin they never knew they had. It couldn't have been a better experience. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Norton.
In Chicago, I was invited into the home of a CSL minister for four nights while I visited about 10 memorials and museums in the area. Rev. Celeste, about as different a person from myself as imaginable, was nonetheless a gracious and willing host. The one night we shared a dinner out was the highlight of our short friendship. Thank you Rev. Celeste.
To Robert and Theresa just outside Cincinnati, beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood. I especially enjoyed the dinner in the Bavarian restaurant where, interestingly, Bavarian mustard was only available at an extra charge, and service more suited to New York than Munich. Thank you both very much.
Fast forward to Norfolk, VA, where I was stationed in the '60's, and a visit with Bruce and barbara. Bruce a former navy Commander and his gracious wife took me into their bayfront home, taught me a little about crabbing and made some very high octane coffee for me. What a couple. Thanks very much Bruce and Barbara.
Jan, in Falls Church, VA, is the executive director of the fiscal representative entity that holds and maintains my/their non-profit status. After nearly five years of conversations (during which I am convinced she thought of my brain as a sieve and having to answer my questions over and over, allowed me to stay as long as necessary with her and her S.O. Frank. After four days I'm not sure which I liked best or if there needs to be a best...lol. Met her mother and the rest of the staff at UCP, had lunch there with them, an Afghani dinner followed by a concert in a bicycle shop. A great stay with great people. But seriously, Jan I like you best...lol. Thank you for everything, and remember, I'm coming back next May again.
Scott, Angie and the kids in Baltimore. Hadn't seen you since the wedding 10 years and two more kids ago. You have no idea ho much I enjoyed your family, the help your kids were to me, your overall generosity and the fact you didn't ask me to change any diapers. Hope it won't be another 10 years. Thank you all.
Kate in Pittsburgh...are you kidding me?? Giving me the run of your B&B for four days and loving it. What an amazing time to have been there and enjoyed your hospitality. And additional thanks to my sister and the Powell's for forming the daisy chain that finally allowed me to be there and meet you and your wonderful family (and other guests). Thank God for you Katie.
Then there was John and Carol K. who, by a series of interesting coincidences took me into their home for several days near Philadelphia with an open invitation to return. John...realtor, biker, Viet vet, very nice guy with a wonderful and giving wife. I know you were Air Force John but Semper Fi anyway. Thanks for everything and hope you find my house in Denver without any fuss.
Finally, Ron and Carol in Maple Shade, NJ. Might as well be Mayberry. Small town in the middle of a host of other small towns, they have carved out a niche for themselves in every way possible to enjoy their lives in the way they want. I am currently in a suite of rooms upstairs through at least tomorrow. They will not allow me to lift a finger, clean a dish or do my own laundry. I could get used to this...lol. Thanks for all you have meant to me these last few days.
It is truly an honor to have been able to meet and get to know each and every one of you.
This article now resides on new VVMT website, and we hope you will follow and communicate with us there:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/and-gratitude-toward-all/
See Our Photo Gallery:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/photo-gallery/
To all the American Legion, VFW, VVA and Amvets posts who have ponied up money for a hotel room, and in some cases a small food allowance, thank you very much. I couldn't do this without that kind of support.
To the Hoteliers and staff who have, in some cases lowered the minimum charges for a room after hearing my story, or honoring the non-profit nature of the Tour by reducing or eliminating taxes (appropriately, I might add, in case the IRS is listening), thank you for your support however modest.
Now for the smaller but most important group...those who have opened their homes to a stranger for extended stays and allowing me to recoup and recover from the road, do my thing in their area, and allow me the privilege of getting to know them just a little.
First was Larry Jr. In Kansas City, part of my father's extended family before his passing. I hadn't seen Larry or had any contact with him for about 16 years yet was taken in on a moment's notice and allowed to stay open ended and unconditionally. Thank you Larry.
Next was Debbie in St Louis, a member of a CSL community in the city who graciously, on the request of her minister, gave me three days of shelter, a tour of the city, a Phillies game and a trip to the top of the great Arch. Thank you Debbie.
Don and Kay in South/Central Illinois were next. I wish I could have spent more time with them. Family friends from their and my time in Southern California about 20 years ago, it was the first time in all that time I had seen both of them together and was treated like the long lost cousin they never knew they had. It couldn't have been a better experience. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Norton.
In Chicago, I was invited into the home of a CSL minister for four nights while I visited about 10 memorials and museums in the area. Rev. Celeste, about as different a person from myself as imaginable, was nonetheless a gracious and willing host. The one night we shared a dinner out was the highlight of our short friendship. Thank you Rev. Celeste.
To Robert and Theresa just outside Cincinnati, beautiful home in a beautiful neighborhood. I especially enjoyed the dinner in the Bavarian restaurant where, interestingly, Bavarian mustard was only available at an extra charge, and service more suited to New York than Munich. Thank you both very much.
Fast forward to Norfolk, VA, where I was stationed in the '60's, and a visit with Bruce and barbara. Bruce a former navy Commander and his gracious wife took me into their bayfront home, taught me a little about crabbing and made some very high octane coffee for me. What a couple. Thanks very much Bruce and Barbara.
Jan, in Falls Church, VA, is the executive director of the fiscal representative entity that holds and maintains my/their non-profit status. After nearly five years of conversations (during which I am convinced she thought of my brain as a sieve and having to answer my questions over and over, allowed me to stay as long as necessary with her and her S.O. Frank. After four days I'm not sure which I liked best or if there needs to be a best...lol. Met her mother and the rest of the staff at UCP, had lunch there with them, an Afghani dinner followed by a concert in a bicycle shop. A great stay with great people. But seriously, Jan I like you best...lol. Thank you for everything, and remember, I'm coming back next May again.
Scott, Angie and the kids in Baltimore. Hadn't seen you since the wedding 10 years and two more kids ago. You have no idea ho much I enjoyed your family, the help your kids were to me, your overall generosity and the fact you didn't ask me to change any diapers. Hope it won't be another 10 years. Thank you all.
Kate in Pittsburgh...are you kidding me?? Giving me the run of your B&B for four days and loving it. What an amazing time to have been there and enjoyed your hospitality. And additional thanks to my sister and the Powell's for forming the daisy chain that finally allowed me to be there and meet you and your wonderful family (and other guests). Thank God for you Katie.
Then there was John and Carol K. who, by a series of interesting coincidences took me into their home for several days near Philadelphia with an open invitation to return. John...realtor, biker, Viet vet, very nice guy with a wonderful and giving wife. I know you were Air Force John but Semper Fi anyway. Thanks for everything and hope you find my house in Denver without any fuss.
Finally, Ron and Carol in Maple Shade, NJ. Might as well be Mayberry. Small town in the middle of a host of other small towns, they have carved out a niche for themselves in every way possible to enjoy their lives in the way they want. I am currently in a suite of rooms upstairs through at least tomorrow. They will not allow me to lift a finger, clean a dish or do my own laundry. I could get used to this...lol. Thanks for all you have meant to me these last few days.
It is truly an honor to have been able to meet and get to know each and every one of you.
This article now resides on new VVMT website, and we hope you will follow and communicate with us there:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/and-gratitude-toward-all/
See Our Photo Gallery:
http://vietnamveteransmemorialtour.org/photo-gallery/
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