After a flight from San Francisco to Dulles Airport in Washington, DC and then another from Dulles to Dublin, we arrived on time. Our small group of Charlotte, Ed and Rose Ann Bush and Larry and me took a van taxi to our hotel. The driver was very cordial, whistling all the time and giving us a guided tour as we drove along. I was invited to ride shotgun and nearly got into the drivers' side. Getting used to driving on the left side of the road was challenging.
Shortly after storing our luggage in our rooms we headed down the street to the On and Off bus for a tour of Dublin. Our tickets were good for two days, so we took the opportunity to acquaint ourselves with what's available to visit.
Before dinner at our hotel we met as a group to meet everyone. Including Byron and Tom, our drivers, we are 16 strong! We know Sharon and Ginger from our Spain and Portugal trip six years ago.
Wednesday, August 8
We met Byron in the lobby around 9:35 for a short walk to Trinity College and a tour. Yes, we did indeed see "The Book of Kells" and visited the amazing library. The Book of Kells is one of the oldest and finest illustrated works of the four gospels anywhere (800's AD).
From there we walked to the National Bank of Ireland to see the original Parliament building and the House of Lords during the years of British rule.
After that we went to Temple Bar an area where there are many pub-type restaurants. Also a walk across Ha'Penny Bridge.
Larry was interested in seeing if he could trade a patch at the local police station, so off we went in search. Success!
The afternoon found us back on the On and Off buses. A tour of the Guinness Distillery was a must and they had an excellent self-guided tour that led us to the very top of the building with 360 degree views of Dublin - and our choice of beverages - Guinness for Larry and coke for me!
We ran into Garry and Barbara and Tom while up there and found they were planning to head for the gael (jail) and a tour. That sounded like a plan to us, too.
Our tour was a good one and we learned a lot of history, most of which I've forgotten except for the one prisoner who was married just hours before his execution. Most were political prisoners and it was not a pleasant place. Executions were usually public displays attended by many.
That evening we attended a Pub-type dinner show with Irish dancing, singing and entertainment. We were given the opportunity to request songs and the only one we could think of that they knew was Black Velvet Band - from our Newfoundland caravan days. They did a fine job and we were all singing along with the chorus before the song's end. We took a late evening walk back to our hotel and prepared for our next day of driving to - Waterford!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Heading Home
We left about 8:00 Thursday morning with the Leaches and Blanchards with Minden, Nebraska as our destination. It was hot (still) so we headed for the restaurant's lounge for drinks and Mexican appetizers and dinner selections. Since we were settled in for the night, all we had to do was visit.
Friday morning we all toured Harold Warp's Pioneer Village for a few hours. The night before a restaurant employee gave us a brief talk about the museum's ghosts that were being studied by paranormal experts for a TV show. Supposedly Building 13 was a hot spot, so Kathy Blanchard and I paid very close attention to every little creak and sound while we were there. Nothing! Our favorite exhibit was the old motorhome and for the ladies - the china collections.
About 10:00 we all had milkshakes and then finished our touring in the main building that was supposedly one of the cooler places.
For Larry and me, this had to be at least our third visit to the Village. We were a little disappointed in its maintenance upkeep. The quilts and needlework displays are stapled - a big NO NO, which greatly decreases any value the items may have.
At 11:00 we had to vacate the campground, so said a last good-bye to Carlos, Rosemary, Gene and Kathy. They're headed for Colorado, while we took off for Cabela's in Sidney.
After spending several hours looking for and trying on walking shoes, I found a pair. No one will miss me walking the road while I'm wearing them!
Saturday we drove from Sidney to Lyman, Wyoming, for the night. Sunday we drove to Winnemucca.
Our AC in the trailer is out, but the fan helps somewhat. At least it cools off at night.
Friday morning we all toured Harold Warp's Pioneer Village for a few hours. The night before a restaurant employee gave us a brief talk about the museum's ghosts that were being studied by paranormal experts for a TV show. Supposedly Building 13 was a hot spot, so Kathy Blanchard and I paid very close attention to every little creak and sound while we were there. Nothing! Our favorite exhibit was the old motorhome and for the ladies - the china collections.
About 10:00 we all had milkshakes and then finished our touring in the main building that was supposedly one of the cooler places.
For Larry and me, this had to be at least our third visit to the Village. We were a little disappointed in its maintenance upkeep. The quilts and needlework displays are stapled - a big NO NO, which greatly decreases any value the items may have.
At 11:00 we had to vacate the campground, so said a last good-bye to Carlos, Rosemary, Gene and Kathy. They're headed for Colorado, while we took off for Cabela's in Sidney.
After spending several hours looking for and trying on walking shoes, I found a pair. No one will miss me walking the road while I'm wearing them!
Saturday we drove from Sidney to Lyman, Wyoming, for the night. Sunday we drove to Winnemucca.
Our AC in the trailer is out, but the fan helps somewhat. At least it cools off at night.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Weekend in Sedalia
Not too much happened over the weekend. Sunday we attended the church service in the arena and both nights' entertainments were wonderful. The WBCCI band and choir performed Saturday night and Sunday was Canada Day and Canadian Scott Woods for the night's entertainment.
One night we went over to Carlos's and Rosemary's trailer after the entertainment for root beer floats and a pre pre Maple Leaf Caravan meeting for next year's caravan. We're going to have a wonderful time!
Another night Leaches and Blanchards and Helwigs met us at our site and we sang Newfoundland and American folk songs. More root beer floats as well.
Whenever possible I'd head over to the quilt building to work on projects and visit with the other quilting addicts. We understand each other!
The Hobby Show was yesterday and my "Les Fleurs du Jardin" quilt won a 2nd place red ribbon! More points for Nor Cal!
The committee chairmen's luncheon was yesterday as well. Our gift for the year was a cute little clock.
Today (July3) was our Region 12 Breakfast at the Best Western. And, this afternoon was our last Host to Host gathering. It was nice to reconnect once more and reflect on the friendships we've made. Frank and Joan Anderson still have one more entire day to spend with the Mayor (Elaine Horn) and her husband - visiting Doug Peterson's dachshunds, shopping at our flea market, lunch, dinner at Frank and Joan's and then fireworks.
Most of us take off for home or caravans on Thursday. We'll take with us many happy memories of Sedalia and her people.
One night we went over to Carlos's and Rosemary's trailer after the entertainment for root beer floats and a pre pre Maple Leaf Caravan meeting for next year's caravan. We're going to have a wonderful time!
Another night Leaches and Blanchards and Helwigs met us at our site and we sang Newfoundland and American folk songs. More root beer floats as well.
Whenever possible I'd head over to the quilt building to work on projects and visit with the other quilting addicts. We understand each other!
The Hobby Show was yesterday and my "Les Fleurs du Jardin" quilt won a 2nd place red ribbon! More points for Nor Cal!
The committee chairmen's luncheon was yesterday as well. Our gift for the year was a cute little clock.
Today (July3) was our Region 12 Breakfast at the Best Western. And, this afternoon was our last Host to Host gathering. It was nice to reconnect once more and reflect on the friendships we've made. Frank and Joan Anderson still have one more entire day to spend with the Mayor (Elaine Horn) and her husband - visiting Doug Peterson's dachshunds, shopping at our flea market, lunch, dinner at Frank and Joan's and then fireworks.
The Rally and Scenes of Sedalia
Wednesday, June 27, was our evening Courthouse tour given by Don Barnes. He was paired as a host with Bob and Cecelia Stansbury and offered to give the tour to all interested Airstreamers. Many attended and were treated to a history and art lesson of the many murals that adorned the walls of the large courtroom. He was assisted by his lovely wife, Carol.
After the tour we walked across the street and had dinner at the Ivory Grill in the Hotel Bothwell with Gene and Kathy Blanchard. We'd heard from many that the food was excellent and were very happy with our choices.
That afternoon Larry and I attended the food and wine pairing seminar. It was one of the best seminars ever! Nor Cal's Kimber Woods was the presenter and she paid very close attention to detail. After two hours of sampling Missouri wines and the food pairings of cheesy potatoes, beef brisket, butt ends pork and a finish of lemon cake we were all happy campers! If she does a repeat performance next year she may have to get a much larger room.
Thursday (June 28) was the Florida Treasure Coast Unit's luncheon at Colton's BBQ. We were given a special deal of 2 meals for $12.99 and were not disappointed in the food. Bob Vasser had now joined us for a few days' visit and we went with him.
I think Thursday night was our dinner at the Little Big Horn Cattle Company restaurant, owned by the mayor's husband, Tom Horn. It became our Nor Cal dinner since almost all our members who were at the rally were there. Missing were Jane and Mike Malone, who flew in from California since they are heading out on the Alaska Caravan and figured they'd be doing quite enough driving this summer.
So, Tom and Hedda, Sandy and Harold, Bob Vasser, Judith Ballard and Larry and I were the well-fed diners.
Region 3's lunch was Friday (29) in the MEC building. Excellent food and we won a table decoration.
We sat at Dan and Maxine McIntyre's table and they also won a table decoration.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Host to Host Gathering
Bob Vasser arrived this afternoon and will stay in the Fairgrounds campground for another day or so before moving on to Niagara Falls. His sons and grandsons will alternate seeing the East Coast with him in his trailer.
The Nor Cal people went to dinner tonight at Little Big Horn Cattle Company. All our meals were delicious. The place was full of Airstreamers as well.
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