Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

World of the Giant Redwoods

Magnificent! On my first trip to Northern California’s Redwood National Forest, could find no words to describe this magical world of  towering redwood trees. Their size and power created a state of awe and silence.  This is the place to find most of the giant redwood trees remaining in the United States, including trees that are several stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. Located along the Pacific Coast, this mist-laden forest produces the tallest trees in the world.

Just to demonstrate their massive size, they have three redwoods that you can actually drive your car through.  This was a great experience, and hopped out to take a picture of my car inside Shrine Tree near Myers Flat in the Humboldt  Redwoods State Park. A small fee is charged for driving through the tree as it was privately owned, but it was worth it. For safety sake, the tree is anchored with steel cables even though no movement has been noted. These drive thru trees were an early way to draw attention to the giant redwoods and attract tourists their way.  Today the practice of cutting tunnels through new trees is basically frowned upon by environmentalists so the present tunnels are being cared for tenaciously. There is also a great little gift shop  inside another redwood tree. Many gifts were handcarved items using the available redwood, which is very hard to carve as it splits easily. Purchased a six inch tall redwood bear while stopping there. 

Nearby there was a fallen log that was wide enough to drive your car over. This log was cut in 1900 and weighed approximately a hundred tons with length of 40′ and width of 8 1/2′.  Have to try all these things because the size of the trees is just so amazing. Another surprising thing is the beautiful scent of the forest. Again, you have to be there to fully understand. “Seeing is believing.”

Back to the Avenue of the Giants, stopped by Founders Grove with a 350′ tree. You look up and up , but never see the sky it seems. These redwoods grow upwards straight as an arrow and their bark at ground level is also exceptional. The road is hilly and windy but you really don’t mind as you have spectacular views on all sides and upward.  The Dyerville Giant was 370′ when it fell, 200 feet taller than Niagara Falls. This Giant weighed over a million pounds.  Overwhelming!

Without a doubt, in my travels this is the most breathtaking work of Mother Nature in the United States as words can not describe, nor can pictures show, the feeling of standing amongst these giants.  Return visit? Definitely!

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California, National Parks, Uncategorized

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Yellowstone Park Erupts

Old Faithful is the biggest, regular geyser at Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park.  It erupts every 70-120 minutes for 1-5 minutes. This cone geyser can throw up to 8,400 gallons of boiling water into the air 90-180 feet high in a single eruption. The benches around the geyser are 300 feet away but you can still feel the spray and even get wet if the wind happens to be blowing your direction. The platform here is constructed from approximately three million recycled plastic milk jugs.  Another great viewing point is Geyser Hill.

An elevated boardwalk, the Geyser Hill Loop Trail, is a splendid way to view many smaller geysers and hydrothermal pools as well.  It is an easy walk, just over a mile, and you can enjoy feeling part of a volcanic field as you journey through this unusual landscape. This is a strange, new exciting world. Some places there is a railing along the plastic boardwalk, but other times you walk carefully over the bubbling pools.

The Old Faithful Indicator of when the next eruption will occur is best based on the size of the crowd around the geyser.  As soon as it erupts, everyone leaves.  As the predicted eruption time gets closer, the crowd gathers sometimes making it impossible to even find an empty bench.  But still it erupts when it is ready!

For about twenty minutes before it erupts, Old Faithful will bubble and shoot up small streams of water.  Just teasing the crowd it would seem. But the crowd is patient with cameras ready for action.  Old Faithful was given its name by the Washburn Expedition in 1870 as they were amazed at the regularity of its spewing boiling water and steam to such great heights. So you can see it has been a crowd pleaser for many years. 

The park is filled with volcanic activity.  Makes you wonder if this sleeping giant of a volcano, named Yellowstone Park, could possibly be in major upheaval someday soon. You feel like you are walking on dangerous territory.  Things here are constantly changing so repeat trips can be as interesting as the first. You can be sure that Old Faithful will still be quite the attraction.

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National Parks, Uncategorized, Wyoming

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Utah the Honey Bee State

Deseret was the name of the first Mormon settlement in Utah.  Its name is from the Book of Mormon, meaning ‘land of the honey bee’.  This territory extended between the Sierra Nevadas and the Rocky Mountains, covering a vast area in Utah. The Mormons were on a mission from God, attempting to create a model society in this new wilderness.

Four days after arriving in Salt Lake City, building began on the magnificent Salt Lake Temple, which took forty years to build.  This Mormon Temple is the centerpiece of the city and an easy icon to spot as you walk the streets of the city.

Close by on Temple Square is the Mormon Tabernacle where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs at selected times during the year.  We have timed our stay to include a Sunday morning performance of the choir.  They give us a short introduction to the astounding acoustic construction that gives the organ and choir such a unique sound. They demonstrated that even dropping a pin in the pulpit could be heard throughout the auditorium due to the fantastic acoustics.  And it worked!

Adding to the sound and beauty of the choir is the 11,623- pipe Tabernacle organ, whose golden pipes are hand carved from Utah lumber. This is one of the most elaborate organs in the world.  The combination of organ and choir were magnificent entertainment.  Of course, you couldn’t leave without wanting to buy a CD for future listening.

Touring the Utah State Capitol building here, you are able to see the unique art, architecture, and history of the building.  The beautiful domed rotunda with bronze sculpture groups delights the eye inside, while outside the flower gardens are exquisite.

This city was laid out with the widest streets imaginable and shows a lot of foresight on the developers’ part back in the late 1800s.  From the steps of the Capitol building, you get a beautiful view of downtown Salt Lake City.

Eagle Gate, where a 4,000 pound Eagle is perched atop a beehive,  stretches across the wide street. Originally built in 1859, the gate has been moved as the city developed but was originally the gate leading to Brigham Young’s farmland.

Another historic spot downtown is the Bee Hive House, which was the Salt Lake City home of Brigham Young.  Built in 1854 with a beehive on top as a symbol of productivity and diligence. it is the older of Young’s two local residences.  Here you can see how Brigham Young and his family lived at that time. Young had numerous wives and children, being considered the most famous polygamist of the Latter Day Saints Church.  The Brigham Young Monument downtown Salt Lake City, at the corner of Temple and Main Streets, provides a beautiful picture with the famous Mormon Temple in the background. Most of the cities landmarks have a connection to the religious beliefs of the founding fathers.

The experience at the North Visitors Center was one of the highlights of the trip to Salt Lake City.  As you walked up a spiral staircase inside the building, you were greeted at the top by an 11 ft figure of Jesus with welcoming arms outstretched to greet you.  What a very breathtaking surprise!

Everywhere you can see the hand of the Mormon Church is still very active in this area with friendly faces at every stop along the way.  This is a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the tranquility.

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Uncategorized, Utah

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Mormon Settlement in Utah

Pioneer State Trail Park is located in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah.  Part of the park is designated as Old Deseret Village and it is here you will find the old Forest Farmhouse of Brigham Young where he had a dairy and experiment farm.  This old house is said to be haunted with the spirits of those who lived there long ago. Built in the late 1800s, this two story house with a wrap around porch, even had a ballroom on the second floor.

Often you will find people dressed in period costumes explaining and sharing the stories of those early days at the farm.  There is even a stagecoach ride pulled by a beautiful team of horses and driven by a real cowboy.

During the ride you will pass the bowery a thatched roofed, open-air structure.  This was a replica of the shelters used by the pioneers for protection of early Saints while attending church or other functions on Temple Square. This was the place to meet while they were building the tabernacle.

When the Spirits let by Brigham Young crossed the Wasatch Range of the Rockies through the mouth of Emigration Canyon, they gazed at the New Zion, soon to become Salt Lake City.  It is recorded that Young said, “This is the right place.”  One woman who walked barefoot from Illinois every step of the way, put on the slippers she had carried the entire trek so she could enter Zion with dignity. At this spot they built a This is the Place Monument, a white stone obelisk, honoring the 1847 settlement.

On the 100th anniversary, a new and large monument was erected just down the hill from the original spot. This new monument was designed by the grandson of Brigham Young, sculptor, Mahonri M Young. There are twenty four individuals on the new monument honoring the leaders who settled the Salt Lake Valley. The figures stop the central portion are Brigham Young in the center,  Heber Kimball, and Wilford Woodruff, all prominent leaders in the early days of the Mormon Church.

Utah is beautiful country with mountains and deserts to explore.  Utah is definitely the place to explore and enjoy the history of those early Mormons ,as well as the beautiful red rock structures throughout the state.

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Uncategorized, Utah

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Fall in Love with the Cambridge Lions Club

Hear Those Lions Roar!  The 38th Annual Music and Comedy Show will be held at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Cambridge, OH on March 24, 25, and 26.  This is a fun filled show for the entire family to enjoy. Show time is 7:30 but you will probably need to get your tickets in advance as some evenings do get sold out.

The theme this year is “Fall in Love with the Cambridge Lions ” and the show is filled with love songs.  The background chorus is filled with local Lions Club members as well as others in the community who just enjoy singing and having fun. They are joined by a talented Lions Music & Comedy Show Band, who add a great sound to the evening.

Not only is this a night of fun and laughter, but there are some beautiful solos and quartets that take you back to reminisce about that love of long ago.  It is amazing  how much talent exists in the small town of Cambridge.  From vocal to instrumental, there is definitely music in the air.

The club’s slogan is “We Are Knights for Sight.” One of the great things about the evening is that all the proceeds go to the  Cambridge Lions Club projects dealing with improving vision internationally.  Their Sight First Program focuses on fighting blindness around the world.

Locally, they provide eye exams and eye glasses to low-income families and school children of Guernsey County.  This last year they purchased over 100 pair of eyeglasses.  At their events, they have a barrel  where you can drop off old, no longer used eyeglasses.  The glasses are then recycled and used in regions all over the world.

Since diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, they support the South Eastern Ohio Regional Medical Center’s Diabetic Support Group.  The Lions Club assists in providing educational material and medical supplies to the area with help from this group.

Get your tickets for a night of fun entertainment with lots of comedy routines as well as great musical variety.  Tickets are reasonable at $8 for Thursday evening, which is usually Senior Citizen Night, and $10 for Friday and Saturday evenings.  All shows begin at 7:30.

Rest assured that the price of admission will bring you lots of enjoyment and will help many with vision problems in our area and around the world. Come on out and Hear Those Lions Roar!

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Cambridge, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Opole, Philharmonic of Poland

Always a delight to sit back and listen to the sounds of a fantastic orchestra.  Thanks to the Cambridge Concert Association’s reciprocity with the Zanesville Concert Association, this evening was possible for classical music enthusiasts.

Opole, Philharmonic of Poland filled the stage of Secrest Auditorium with ninety members.  All were talented musicians on their first transcontinental tour of the United States.  They arrived in three tour buses with a large semi to carry all their precious instruments.

This group traces their beginnings to 1947, shortly after WWII.  Opole is the permanent home for the Orchestra in Poland in this beautiful Performing Arts Center built in 1952. Opole was originally a Slavic settlement but passed to Poland in 1945.

They performed a Vienna Gala featuring light Viennese classics composed by Johann Strauss, Johann Strauss, Jr., and Fraz Lehar. There was an enjoyable mix of orchestral, vocal, and violin music that included waltzes, arias, and even polkas.  What a fantastic collection of outstanding musicians!

Soprano Izabela Matula is the star soloist and has so many prestigious awards that they would fill pages.  Her most recent first place award was at the International Vocal Competition at the Oper Schloss Laubach.  She was the sole performer chosen to represent Poland in the recent BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition.

Music Director and Conductor, Boguislaw Dawidow is internationally renowned for his musical knowledge and extraordinary stage presence.  He has conducted leading Orchestras all over the world.  Maestro Dawidow was resident conductor of the Polish Chamber Orchestra as well as Principal COnductor of teh Russian National Acadmic Symphony Orchestra.

In 2002, the American Biographical Institute in New York bestowed Maestro Dawison with the title “Man of the Year,” due to his musical accomplishments on both sides of the Atlantic and well-beyond.  He brought immense enthusiasm to the stage and even brought some laughter from the audience.

This was an enjoyable evening and the concert association should be commended for their excellent selection of music for the community to enjoy.

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Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Cambridge Concert Association Presents Michael Sonata

One of the best entertainment values for your dollar can be found in Cambridge, Ohio through the Cambridge Concert Association.  For Senior Citizens, it is a real bargain at $25 per year.  This includes four concerts at our home theater, Scottish Rite Auditorium, plus four reciprocating concerts at each of three other locations: Zanesville, Lancaster, and Alliance.  What a deal!

These concerts are varied and appeal to many types of music lovers varying from classical music to vocal and dance.  Usually at least once a year, an old favorite will appear such as recent appearances by the Osmonds and Tony Orlando.

One recent concert was given by Michael Sonata, who does a very life-like presentation of Frank Sinatra, “Ol’ Blue Eyes.”  He played to a full house and the crowd loved him.  Michael is from Canton, OH and graduated from University of Notre Dame as well as earning his masters degree from Kent State University.

Auditioning for a role in a local murder-mystery, The Contraltos,  Michael developed his entertaining  re-creation of Sinatra’s music and unique style of singing. He does such a meticulous job of matching his voice as well as his movements to those of Sinatra that several people said they couldn’t tell the difference, especially if they closed their eyes.

Over the years, he has expanded by including different Sinatra moods: young innocence of The Columbia years, swinging revival of The Capitol years, and confidence of the Chairman during the Reprise years.   He now uses over 90 songs that Sinatra has recorded and constantly adds new ones to his repertoire.

Backed up by a great 12 piece band, there was lots of variety along with some excellent instrumental solos by different sections of the band. Included were such hits as: “Stranger in the Night,” “My Way,” and “Night and Day.”

Cambridge was indeed fortunate to have the “Ol’ Blue Eyes” experience through the presence of Michael Sonata, one of the most sought after Frank Sinatra tribute artists in the country.

Join the Cambridge Concert Association at any of their programs as they are always enjoyable and filled with a variety of musical styles that are sure to satisfy music lovers in the area.  Concerts are sponsored in part by the Ohio Arts Council and Pennsylvania Arts on Tour.

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Cambridge, Music, Ohio, Uncategorized

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Sitka’s Russian Heritage

As you travel through the streets of Sitka, you will notice the Russian influence as it traveled to the shores of North America many years ago.  This was the Russian capital of Alaska in 1808 and the Cathedral of St Michaels, a Russian Orthodox church, was built there in 1848. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1966  but many of the religious relics were saved and can be seen, including gold crowns, chalices, books, and vestments.

Sitka was the site of the ceremony where the Russian flag was lowered and the US flag was raised after US purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. That purchase was called Seward’s Folly and was criticized at the time. At the price of two cents an acre, this acquisition turned out to be extremely rich in many natural resources including gas and oil.  The flag changing  ceremony is still held each year in Sitka on October 18, Alaska Day.

The Alaska Raptor Center is home for many injured bald eagles.  It is an education center that promotes understanding of the bald eagle as well as protecting the injured ones until they are ready for release back to the wild. Today they also had a large owl sitting in their office.  Good Morning America had filmed a segment here  regarding the injured raptors shortly before our visit.

Totem carvers were at work carefully putting finishing touches on their creations at Sitka National Historical Park, Alaska’s oldest national park.  Native Tlingit Haida Indian Tribes’ carvings began in the 1800s mainly as interior houseposts. Imagine these natives  carving beautiful pieces of history on a cold winter’s day.  Many of the poles here are replicas of totems that were first exhibited in the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair.  Some of the originals have been saved from deterioration and are exhibited in  Totem Hall at the park cener.

Russian Folk Dances performed by the New Archangel Dancers were another highlight of the visit.  Their mission is to promote the Russian heritage through sharing ethnic song and dance in traditional costume.  They have performed since the eighteenth century and are an all female dance troop performing both male and female roles.  In the early days, Sitka men didn’t find it appropriate to engage in dancing. Not a manly activity!  The audience thoroughly enjoy their performance.

After strolling through the streets of Sitka, it is time to head back to the ship.  Smaller local boats called tenders take passengers back to the cruise ship, which isn’t able to get close to shore at this point.   Along with souvenirs, many happy memories are carried aboard.

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Alaska, Museums, National Parks, Uncategorized

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Juneau, Alaska Adventures

What a beautiful sight as the cruise ship pulls into dock!  Juneau, Alaska sets at the foot of Mt. Juneau, which is about 3,500 feet high making for a beautiful backdrop for the city. This capital city is the only US capital that has international borders, as it edges up to the Canadian province of British Columbia.

In 1880, Joe Juneau and Richard Harris searched for gold with the help of Indian guides.  They found nuggets as “large as beans” and from their discovery came three of the largest gold mines in the world.  By the end of WWII, more than $150 milllion in gold had been mined.  Eventually the mines closed, but the town named for Joe Juneau in time became the capital of Alaska.

Breathtakingly beautiful glaciers are one of the big attractions as the ship docks early in the morning.  As soon as we have a quick breakfast, it is off to a bus which takes us to the TEMSCO Helicopter site.  First, we have to get weighed as the helicopter must be balanced for safe flight.  Then everyone is issued ice boots with cleats on the bottom for our walk on the glacier.

Ready to lift off and see some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable.  The helicopter flies low over the glacier and we get some awesome views.  We get an eagle’s eye view of ice spires, deep blue crevasses and meltwater pools.  This is just fantastic!

After about 15 minutes,  the helicopter lowers itself onto the ice and we are told to step out of the helicopter onto the Mendenhall Glacier. What a thrill to actually be setting foot on a real glacier.  Explicit instructions are given  to stay away from the crevices and to not venture far from the aircraft.  The pilot keeps a close eye on everyone.

Went perhaps a little far myself as just couldn’t resist looking down in one of those crevices.  The pilot shouted,” Get back from the edge.  If you fell in you would never be heard from again.  That goes down for thousands of feet.”  So did quickly move away from the deep, deep crevice and continued walking on the ice. One thing for sure, you never want to walk backwards on a glacier.   This walk on the glacier was perhaps the highlight of my Alaskan vacation.  Just to know you were on a massive, moving block of ice, that was created long before our existence, was a thrilling  experience.

Back in town  experienced a nice walking tour of parts of the city after an overall bus tour. The Alaska State House was built in 1931, originally called the Federal and Territorial Building.  When Alaska became a state in 1959, this then became the capitol building. The bronze bear in front of the capitol seems to be the perfect statue for this setting.

Along the way, stops are made at the World Famous Red Dog Saloon, the hangout of the goldminers.  Took time for a great hamburger and had to have some peanuts, as part of the ambience of the place is the fact that the floor is covered with peanut shells.

Wherever you have a saloon, you usually find a church in the area also.  Nearby is the beautiful St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, the oldest church in Alaska.  Since my family grew up in the Orthodox tradition, took time to light some candles in their memory.  The dome of this church is covered with gold leaves, a reminder of the gold rush years.

What a fun day in Juneau.  This town could have a repeat trip sometime in the future as there are many interesting places time did not permit visiting.  The air is filled with a light mist but that doesn’t dampen the spirits of visitor to this exciting city.

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Alaska, Uncategorized

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Alaska’s First City – Ketchikan

When traveling up the Inside Passage to Alaska, Ketchikan is the first major port that travelers visit. Ketchikan is located on a small island and was originally an Indian fishing camp. This is a popular destination due to its superb fishing, native culture, and outdoor heritage.

First we head for an excursion of salmon fishing.  Here we fish on the beautiful scenic waterway, catch the plentiful salmon, then head to shore where they have it prepared to be packaged to take back home.  Of course, there is also a campfire on shore waiting with delicious, fresh salmon cooked to perfection.  The only thing that could make this better would be the appearance of a bear hungry for a meal.  Everyone wants to see a bear while they are in Alaska, but not at close range.

Next we are fascinated to see the world’s oldest collection of totem poles at Totem Bight State Park, a former Indian campsite.  Each totem is carved to tell the family story. Often they have a fish being held to ensure that the family will have a good food supply.  The top of the totem frequently has an eagle or thunderbird to watch over the home and protect it from harm. There are carvers at work so you can see how totems are made and perhaps want to purchase one to have shipped back to your home.

The Tlingt Indian Clan House was an interesting meeting place for the Indian tribe. Now traditional Native dances are performed inside the clan house at designated times.   It has been kept in good repair and at the front has a Living Door, said to bring good luck to all who pass through it.  Had to have a picture taken going through the door.

At one end of town is Creek Street,the goldminers’ Red Light District.  Here you can tour a brothel or just walk the criss cross streets along the water’s edge.  It is intriguing to imagine the goldminers in the early 1900s coming back from the mountains and spending their evenings along these same streets you are walking.  Many of the buildings are original but perhaps slightly refurbished.

Living here would not be for the frail of body and spirit as there are steep steps everywhere leading up the mountainside to homes and businesses.  It is a beautiful town where kayaks and sea planes are the best way to travel.  No roads lead out of Ketchican!

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Alaska, Native Culture, Uncategorized

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