Spoke 'n Revolutions Youth Cycling UGRR Tour 2011 ~ Visit the nation's National Parks. Let's Move Outside!
You may laugh, chortle or just agree because you know me so well. But, I'd have to say, I want the rest of the trip to be as enjoyable, entertaining and genuinely welcome as this first night. But I'll get to that in a moment.
As you may have read from the Youth Cyclist's entries, we didn't quite leave the out gate on time. We were scheduled to leave at the 3am hour but that was mainly a bluff (Sorry Ken and Holly) for the kids to moving and a very ambitious notion for Suepinda and I. Ken and Holly dropped by to see their son and the other Youth Cyclists off before this big trip and to offer a few more last minute, greatly appreciated suggestions. Before I went to bed I was tying up loose ends (more like extra rope there were so many) and I awoke doing the same. With that said, we finally got on the road at 7:30am. But we had to make one more stop. Our dear friend Nancy McD dropped by and invited Bob, Suepinda and I to coffee at Cup-a-Joes, 1/4 mile from the house. How could we refuse?
We watched the gas prices fluctuate up and down as we made our way to Atlanta. This was an impromptu stop on our way but well worth it. We took the time to meet part of the team that helped make the trip possible. Mrs. Priscilla Nalls, Regional Volunteers in Parks Program Manager and her wonderful intern Nancy. It is always a great thing to do in putting names to faces. I'm glad they were able to take a small amount of time out of their day to greet us.
Other major players ensuring support from the National Park Service on out tour were either out of town or in meetings. They are Dr. Turkiya L. Lowe, Interpretation & Education Division, Southeast Region, Brian D. Joyner, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director, and Don Wollenhaupt, Chief, Interpretation and Education Southeast Region.
Dragonfly Herb Farm, Blountsville, AL
Every conversation with Sara Rose was like talking to a long time friend, cousin or auntie. As we got closer to our destination Suepinda gave the responsibility of obtaining directions to Itza and Ibn. And with Sara's guidance Ibn navigated us to the expansive, multifamily acreage. Renovations are being done on the home of Sarah Rose and Daryl Bergquist. They've added an addition to their roof to accommodate more solar panels. While the home is not completely off the grid it most certainly can be.
Daryl gave Bob and I a grand tour of the immediate grounds and the battery collection that stores the power for evening use. He has a fantastic setup that would be the envy of any person that takes conservation seriously. And that means me and Sue.
We were instructed to hurry as everyone was headed to the 40 year old pond, by their accounts, for a cool dip. We were joined by Steve and Martha who live in a modified yurt just up the path. There was so much good will and hospitality surrounding us and the children we all felt as if we were home. We ended the night with a delicious home cooked vegetarian meal. It was good to see kids eat their vegetables.
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