Seeing the Ronald Reagan Library October 26, 2013

The Ronald Reagan Library is less than 35 miles from our campground and a few days ago, we visited it.

Our initial impression was good.  It was not hard to find, good roads into the facility and the parking was not far from the front entry.

The facility and front door area looked like a ranch hacienda type of area.  It was large and had lots of floors and I could image a few evening functions being catered out here.

When we entered the facility, we were greeted by a volunteer who told us about the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation.  We became members for $62.  Our admission to this presidential library was $32.  But as Presidential Foundation members, we get free entry into any of the others we see this year.  My guess is we have a shot at seeing four more this year.

But they are scattered around the country.

So far, we have seen the Presidential Libraries of:

• Gerald R. Ford – Grand Rapids, MI
• Herbert Hoover – West Branch, IA
• Harry S. Truman – Independence, MO
• George W. Bush – Dallas, TX
• Lyndon B. Johnson – Austin, TX
• Ronald Reagan – Simi Valley, CA

That means we have a few left to see:

• Richard Nixon – Yorba Linda, CA
• George H.W. Bush – College Station, TX
• Dwight D. Eisenhower – Abilene, KS
• William J. Clinton – Little Rock, AR
• Jimmy Carter – Atlanta, GA
• Franklin D. Roosevelt – Hyde Park, NY
• John F. Kennedy – Boston, MA

I think this, the Ronald Reagan may have been our favorite.  I liked the grounds, the setting and the layout of the facility.  I found this map online that gives a pretty good perspective.

I found a couple displays especially interesting.  One was the video and information surrounding his time (1964-1962) as the spokesman for General Electric  and the host of GE Theater.  I spent some time in there learning about his travels across the country, visiting many of the 140 GE plants nationwide.  

It provided him time to meet regular people and engage with them.  It was during these years, that he gave hundreds of speeches developed his political philosophy and ambitions.

I also saw a display of his personal collection of note cards.  Over the years, he kept his thoughts and ideas on 4″ x 6″ note cards that he carried in a re-purposed photo album book.  That really impressed me for some reason.  Every time he heard a quote, or a statistic or a joke he wanted to remember, he jotted it down on note cards for later use.

We spent a couple of hours wandering through the museum and saw his whole life story.  Some galleries included some great film footage of him and some scary moments during his presidency like the assassination attempt.

It was all very interesting.  I could have stayed longer.  Reading about his days as Governor, the accomplishments, the ‘agenda’.

One thing I believe at all presidential museums has been a replica of the Oval Office.  We spoke with the ladies there for a few minutes.  I always try to thank the volunteers.  Without them – it would be quite different.  Whether they are at the Information Center in downtown Napa or at this Presidential Library, I appreciate their contributions.  Their contribution makes a difference in my day.

Next, we headed over to the Air Force One display.  It was quite impressive.  We got a chance to walk through it although photographs were not allowed.

Then we went through another part of the museum

Around back, we saw a piece of the Berlin Wall.  

And his final resting place

It was a great afternoon.  Sometimes during the tour I got goosebumps and our time there was very uplifting.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time…

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Monterey Aquarium October 15, 2013

One of the great things about our stay in Monterey was being able to see the Monterey Bay Aquarium with some free passes from the campground.  We were running out of time and decided the best remaining day would be on Saturday.

Oops. It was crowded.  Not “I can’t move around here it is so crowded”,  more like, “Wow – there a lot of people here.  Kind of tricky to get some pictures of the fish.”

Monterey Aquarium is one of the leading tourist attractions in Monterey Bay.  It was founded in 1984 and is located in one of the old sardine cannery’s in the famous Cannery Row section of Monterey.  And right on the beach.

It has thousands of plants and animals/fish on display and is visited by over 1.8 million visitors each year.  And we could see why.  It is very well done and very interesting.  In some ways it reminded us of the Oregon State University Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport Oregon.    Monterey Bay Aquarium is significantly larger, and has a lot more to see, but both were worth the time and effort to visit.

The building itself is quite extraordinary.  Look at this tank.  It is three sided.  You can see people through the corner on the other side.

And it was huge.

And it was a bit mesmerizing just watching the fish.

The rays were keeping to themselves

And the penguins were entertaining the crowded.  By just being penguins.

And the sardines and mackerel go round and round…

And they were in a hurry!

The jellyfish on the other hand,  weren’t.  They just floated around.

And we liked the hammer head shark and the turtles

We felt like this is a place we’d like to spend more time in.  There was so much to see, we barely covered it.  And the better time to go back would be during the middle of the week.  We were glad we got to go, and will look forward to putting it on the “Go see again” list.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles.

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

A Fantastic Day in San Francisco! September 25, 2013

We were in the Bay Area over the weekend and spent Sunday in San Francisco with Kelly and Jon.  They flew out for Matt and Sierra’s wedding on Saturday.  More on that on another post…

If you had only one day in San Francisco and had never been there, what would you see?  We have visited a few times and decided to take the Alcatraz Cruise over to the island.  We bought tickets online a few weeks ago.  We got the 10:30 ferry.

First was finding parking (A).  We found a lot near Pier 33, paid our $40 for all-day parking and walked over to the ferry.

We arrived right on time and had very little wait.  It was a pretty short ride on the ferry.

And it was a beautiful day to be out in the bay.

The spectacular Golden Gate Bridge poking through the fog

And to the east – the Oakland Bay Bridge

Once on Alcatraz, we heard a Park Ranger give a short overview of the history of the island and then walked up to the top to begin our individual audio tour.

The audio tour was fantastic.  Once you have the headsets, you can move along as directed from point to point on the grounds, or you can pause and take your time.  It was very well done.  Full of stories, history and anecdotes about the people who ran the place and those that lived there.

Originally the island had a lighthouse, then in 1868 became a military prison.  In 1933 it became a federal penitentiary and was closed as one in 1963 by then-Attorney General Bobby Kennedy. Over the years, infamous characters such as Al Capone, Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz), Machine Gun Kelly and Doc Barker were housed there.  Today it is a National Recreation Park and run by the National Park Service.  

The return trip on the ferry I may never forget!  We had to wait because they were running the last race of the day for the America’s Cup.  Yes – THE America’s Cup.  The ferry got underway after the last race between the Oracle (USA) and the New Zealand boat.  We learned what was going on and Kelly started following the events on Twitter to get a moment by moment update.  Sure enough, the USA boat won both races of the day and were finishing up. 

Meanwhile, we got some good photos –

And front row seats!  All the support and official boats were nearby after the race.  And as far as I could tell, we may have been the closest spectators.  We were stunned!  People pay big bucks and hope to see this up close and personal.  And it happened on our return ferry ride!

We made our way down the wharf and stopped for some lunch.  Mine was a chicken club sandwich on sourdough bread.  

Then we walked along the wharf and down Embarcadero Street to see what we could see.

After a while, we made our way back down to our car which was only a couple of blocks from the area where the America’s Cup was set up.

It was getting late, so we made our way out of the city by way of Lombard Street and Chinatown.  Then we got into the traffic and made our way out to Redwood City.  We found a great Chinese Restaurant there – The Crouching Tiger.  I don’t know if I have every had better Chinese food.

It was a beautiful day in San Francisco and one we will remember for a long time.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  And thanks for your comments ~ we always enjoy them.  Until next time.

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Along the Columbia River – near The Dalles August 14, 2013

While at the John Day Campground at the Le Page COE Park we were only about about 20 miles from The Dalles.

We drove into the Dalles and tried to get a ‘feel’ of the area.  Clearly, it was a historical town with lots of different draws to the area.  The biggest identity is the fact that it is on the major waterway – The Columbia.  We saw barge after barge go up and down the river.

We decided to go over to the other side of the Columbia River and into Washington to see some things.  One thing that caught our eye was ‘Stonehedge’.  Really?  I thought that was in England somewhere. Turns out there is a replica right here in Washington.

The plaque says that Samuel Hill, erected a replica of Stonehedge to honor the war dead in the region from World War I.  He saw the real Stonehedge when he was in England 1914-1918 and found that the it was a place of sacrifice.  Hill said, ‘Men are still being sacrificed to the gods of war.’

The replica is precise and the same measurements as the original.

I am not one to get into astrological phenomenon but this was pretty interesting.

It is on the side of the river and it was a pretty view.  That is Mt Hood in the distance.

Next we went down the road to the Maryhill Winery.  It apparently has won some awards the last few years.  We thought – why not?  We are not big wine connoisseurs but who knows what we will find?

The estate is more than a winery.  It has a number of summer concerts there including some big names: Hall and Oates and Willie Nelson.  That would be fun to be there for one of those events.

Inside their store, they had lots of wine.

And a nice outdoor patio overlooking the Columbia River.

It was a couple of interesting places to see while we began our time along the Columbia River in Oregon.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner!  Until next time…

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Nebraska State Capitol – Lincoln August 1, 2013

The first surprise for Pam and me was that we were going downtown to Omaha to see the State Capitol, only to be reminded that it was not in Omaha.  Yike!  Mrs. Sizemore, my fifth grade teacher at Silver Elementary School, would not be happy…

Having overcome that change of plans, we drove to Lincoln on a day trip and toured the capitol.

Nebraska became a territory in 1854 with the signing of the Nebraska-Kansas Act by President Franklin Pierce.  Nebraska became a state in 1867.

The capitol in Lincoln was preceded by two territorial capitols and two other state capitol buildings.  The first state capitol was constructed in 1868.  Poor construction necessitated another one that was finished in 1881.  By 1915, it too was in need of major maintenance and plans began in 1915 for the present capitol.

New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue was selected to build his “tower on the plains”.  Construction began in 1922 and was completed with the fourth phase in 1932.

High atop the 400′ dome stands ‘The Sower’ – a 19′ bronze statute.

Inside, the entry to the main area and stairway made us think of tunnels and dungeons.

But hallways and work areas were well lighted on that floor.

We made our way to the elevator and took the climb to the 14th floor and the top of the tower.

A look inside the dome.

The rotunda has overhead sky lighting and beautiful murals.

The floor is granite floor art depicts ‘Rain’, ‘Fire’, ‘Water’ and ‘Soil.

The West Chamber is where the only Unicameral (single-body) Legislature in the U.S. meets. The body consists of 49 senators elected to four year terms.

Nebraska’s Hall of Fame includes a plaque honoring Medal of Honor winners as well as Father Flanagan, Buffalo Bill Cody and General John J. Pershing.

The Vestibule was another beautiful area with colorful murals representing Nebraska’s history and named, ‘The Homesteader’s Campfire’, ‘The First Furrow’ and ‘House Raising’.

So far this makes State Capitol number five that we have seen this year.  We have a lot more to go, but we are enjoying the journey and seeing these historic places.

Thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Wyoming State Capitol July 27, 2013

It is a short drive from F.E. Warren to downtown Cheyenne and the State Capitol.  It was on our list and we spent some time there earlier in the week.

The quest for statehood began in 1869 when Wyoming became a U. S. Territory and petitioned Congress to become a state.  It took another 11 years when in 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the bill for statehood, making Wyoming the 44th state.

The Territorial Legislature authorized construction on the building in 1886 and work began one year later. The building is classically designed resembling the Corinthian style architecture of the U.S. Capitol.

Near the entrance, a statute of Chief Washakie, the State seal, and a statue of Esther Hobart.

Wyoming is known as the “Equality State” because of it embraced women’s voting rights early in their state history.

In 1869, the territorial legislature enacted a woman’s right to vote and became the world’s first government to do so.  A few months later, Ester Hobart, became the first woman to serve as Justice of the peace. In 1925, Nellie Ross became the first woman governor elected in the United States.

Inside, there a number of inviting historical and historical displays throughout the hallways.  

The rotunda small, but the interior of the dome was beautiful!

The hallways and stairways were ornate and full of detail.

We made it a point to stop in the Governors Office, and were greeted by the friendly receptionist and intern.  We peeked into the governor’s ceremonial signing room.

Next, we went upstairs to the waiting area of the House of Representatives, looked at the Tiffany Skylight in the House Chambers and got a feel for the work areas/desks of the representatives.

Murals inside the four corners of the House Chambers depicting life in Territorial Wyoming

The murals were named: Stagecoach, Cattlemen, Trappers and Homesteaders and well done.

While we were there, Representative Sam Zwonitzer was getting some work done.  He told us about the $100 million renovation planned for the next 3 years and answered a lot of questions.

At 31 years old, he has been a Representative for four years and is in charge of the renovation.  One challenge is determining was gets done and another is moving all the people out of the building for two years during renovations.

On the other side of the capitol are the Senate Chambers

It has similar detail in the woodwork, murals and glass work in the skylight.  Both chambers were small but not crowded, as one might expect in a state with one of the lowest populations in the country.

Outside in the hallway, the arches and ceiling area where full of more beautiful detail.

A closer look at the colorful stained glass in the dome.

A view of the building from a distance.

The Wyoming State Capitol was a good stop!  It was a beautiful, lively building which was inviting and interesting.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

George W. Bush Presidential Center June 22, 2013

Before we left Fort Worth, we wanted to try and make it over the the GWB Museum and Library in Dallas adjacent to the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU).  We decided to stay and extra day to do it and it was worth it.  We have made it a high-interest item to see as many presidential homes, museum and libraries as we can.  We’ve also put State Capitols in the same category too.

Here is a photo of  GWB Presidential Center from the parking lot.

One thing I noticed right away is the grass.  The grounds are now mowed as you might expect.

Instead grass is left to grow long.  By design.  It looks like prairie grass.

Inside the building is like a large hall with displays along each side.  I liked the way the “Gifts to the American People” items were shown.

They probably have warehouses full of these kind of things.  This was only a few of the small stuff I’ll guess.  Necklaces, jewelry, gold carvings and my favorite:  gold stirrups from Africa.

After the initial gallery, tourists gather in a large open area and look up to a 4 sided presentation of Texas.

The seamless video somehow is display along 4 walls at the same time.  Very unique.

We watched the short video “A Charge to Keep”

Next we moved into the galleries and displays of his life and times.  I always like the family photos and ‘growing up’ pictures of famous people.  And some ones that show a different side.  Like the display of signed baseballs.

There are ones signed by Sandy Koufax, Stan Musial, Ted Williams and Ozzie Smith.

Of course the overshadowing time in his Presidency was 9/11.  There was a good amount of displays and video clips concerning that.

It was an emotional for me remembering all that again and how it has profoundly changed America.

Another feature was an interactive display with some big issues and then choices of how to handle the situation.  We got 4 minutes to hear four scenarios and opposing opinions on each.  Then we had to decided what to do.

Our choices were compared with what actually happened. Interesting way to make a point and learn that part of things.

Each president is confronted with strong but differing opinions yet, they have to make a decision.

There was a display with the pens used to sign (or in one case veto) legislation.

There were some other assorted displays viewed

I am glad we took the time to see that facility.  It is almost brand new and has some very interesting features.  It was well laid out but I got the feeling the 2/3 of the building were not being used.  We only saw the museum and it seemed to be a little crowded.  There were a lot of people there while we visited but they still seemed to pack a lot of information into a small space.

After seeing the large LBJ museum in Austin recently, this one is much smaller by comparison.  Nevertheless, I would still recommend it.  We are glad we saw it.

We posed for a photo between 41 and 43 before we left.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Friday Night in Red Bay June 5, 2013

Our last evening in Red Bay we decided to go to the Rattlesnake Saloon for dinner.  It is not in Red Bay.  In fact it is about 22 miles away in Tuscumbia, AL.

The Rattlesnake Saloon is a regular hangout of locals and RVers like ourselves that spend time in Red Bay.  It is definitely a unique and ‘one of a kind’ place.

The Rattlesnake Taxi was waiting for us when we pulled into the parking lot.  You can walk down to the bottom of the hill, but taking the taxi is more fun.

The drive down is a bit steep but that adds to the experience.

Most tables are set up outside under the opening of a large cave.  It is really a fascinating place.

The band sets up in the middle and there were about 15 tables and a area for dancing.  On one end of the cave is the entrance to the saloon and bar.  You can also eat inside.  But most don’t.

 It is very well done.  And off to one side is a porch/over flow area of folks to hang out with some great scenery and flowers.

Things were a bit slow on the dance floor until two couples got up and did the two-step.

 (I think it was the two-step but ?)
I didn’t get the name of the band, but they were pretty good.

It was fun to sit there and listen.  We had some pretty good bar food, too.  Pam and I had the hamburger which hit the spot.

After a couple of hours, we boarded the taxi for the return trip up the hill and stopped off at the gift shop.

We didn’t see anything we couldn’t do without, but it has a good supply of T-Shirts and hats and other stuff.

Fun night and a good way to spend our last night in Red Bay.

Thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time…

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Jekyll Island Club April 6, 2013

The Jekyll Island Club was an island retreat built in the late 1880’s for the wealthy who could afford the $600 / year membership and the means to get to the island resort.  With no roads or railroad to the reclusive island, the only way to get there was by boat.

The favorite past time of early members and their families was hunting.  A gamekeeper kept the island well stocked with pheasant, turkeys, wild boar and deer.

Among the members included William Rockefeller, Henry Hyde, Marshall Field, J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer and William Vanderbilt.  The accommodations began with the large hotel, then a ‘condominium’ was built, followed by some large homes on the property.

The hotel is still in use today and is quite magnificent.

The historical wharf has a little cafe and gift shop.

Tourists can view one of the homes on the property with a ticket on the tram tour, but we declined and just walked around the grounds.

Sans Souci (“Without Care”) was built by J.P. Morgan and was large enough for six families.

William Rockefeller lived here for a time, then built his own “cottage” which he named ‘Indian Mound’.

The grounds are well manicured and they have carriage rides which adds a nice touch.

Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Until next time…

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com

Jekyll Island – Driftwood Beach April 1, 2013

We went to see Jekyll Island and took a drive around the perimeter before we stopped at Driftwood Beach for lunch.  What an interesting place.  Of all the beaches we have been to, we’ve never seen driftwood like this.

After a quiet picnic we walked over the foot bridge to the beach.

It wasn’t a real big beach but it had lots of twisted, contorted trees and wood.

 It was a little coolish so we wore our coats.

 Fishing pier not far from the parking lot.

It is really worth the stop to see this.

After the Driftwood Beach, we drove through the Jekyll Island Campground.

 It has a canopy of trees through out the campground and is very convenient to everything on the island.

There is lots to see and do here.

Thanks for joining us on the Roadrunner Chronicles.  Feel free to leave a comment – we always love those!  Until next time…

Randy Warner has posted an update to
http://www.warnerrvnews.blogspot.com