Sorry to have left you all hanging once we returned from our “Hilton Head” trip the end of October.  We were sooooo happy to be ‘home’ in our NEW home in Scottsdale – the blog took a back seat.  We purchased the home in the early part of the year – moved in, unpacked, hung pictures – and after TWO weeks we were off on our five month adventure in Magic.  We had spent so little time in the new place, when we returned we had no idea where we put anything!!  It didn’t take long to reacquaint ourselves and to prepare for company!!

Thanksgiving brought daughter Heather and granddaughter Haley for a visit.  There was the Phoenix Zoo, parks – and cousins Haley and Deme got to enjoy each other – 

Christmas followed very quickly and we had the family for both Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner for our first year in our new home.

We also made a quick trip to Lemoore, CA for an early Christmas with Heather, Shannon and Haley – including a day trip to Sequoia NP.

This is a VERY belated Happy New Year to all from our new home in the desert –

They provided a great afternoon – as did their parents.  But, as soon as we said good bye to them we were headed West.  It took 6 weeks to get to Hilton Head and only 5 days to get home to Scottsdale.  Of course, along the way we had some more of those ‘interesting’ parking places for the night – a police station, oil fields and a casino –

We arrived home safe and sound ready to spend at least a few days in our new Scottsdale townhome – which we were very impressed with when we got here (didn’t remember what all we had done to it – and were very pleased!!!).  Magic, too, performed well and provided a VERY nice home from May – October.

Shall now see what the Holidays provide.

Happy Happies to you all – Our Love and Hugs – Elizabeth & Gary

The Fort was begun in 1829 as one of a series of coastal fortifications built by the US after the War of 1812.  The Fort was still unfinished almost 30 years later when Union Maj. Robert Anderson moved his 85-man garrison into it the day after Christmas 1860 in order to ‘beat’ a possible occupation by the Confederates.  This action was viewed as a great act of hostility by the Confederates and caused the opening shots of the Civil War fired by the Confederates at the Federal/Union forces in the Fort on April 12, 1861.  The Confederates held the Fort until Gen. William Sherman’s troops caused them to evacuate it on February 17, 1865.  On April 14, 1865 (4 years later with 100,000’s of US men killed), Charleston was again in Union hands and the US flag that was lowered when the Fort was surrendered in 1861 was once again raised above Sumter’s battered ramparts.

Good thing we played the Osprey Point course on Saturday, as Gary’s back decided to act up again and we had to forgo the Ocean Course at Kiawah;-(  So, no additional ‘adds’ to our stats for the top 10 courses – BUT, something else to look forward to when we return.  Instead – shopping and eating had to entertain us, and we did just fine in that arena.  Dinner at Slightly North Of Broad (S.N.O.B.), drinks at the Sanctuary Lobby Bar, and dinner at Jasmine’s Porch satisfied the bill;-)

Next stop – Hilton Head and a gathering of old friends!! 

The next four days were filled with the four couples visiting, golfing, reminiscing, eating, golfing, reminiscing, eating, visiting, eating, boat cruises, reminiscing, croquet, bike riding, walking, eating, reminiscing, and more eating!!  A good time was had by all and our generous hosts – Sue and Jack Robinson – really out did themselves in planning, cooking, tour guiding and making us all feel at home in their beautiful Palmetto Bluff surroundings;-)!!  A BIG THANK YOU TO THEM!!

The last week has been MUCH BETTER – Better ‘parking’ spots, better golf and lots of fun visiting!!

MUCH BETTER for now – E & G

Pine Needles, in adjacent Southern Pines, was the next stop.  This course was number two in the state, but not in the USA Top 10.  Still wanted to give it a try.  A little lower key – but, another fun day.

The weather was VERY kind to us both days.  Cloud cover kept the temperature tolerable and the rain Gods held off until we finished for the day.

Leaving NC we are now 7 for 10 and 6 for 10 according to Golf Magazine and Zagat respectively!!  (Pinehurst No. 2 was in the top 10 – Pine Needles was not.)

Bookin’ to SC to add to our stats – E&G

We left you enjoying two of four of 1,000 Places To See Before You Die – in Virginia.  Time to give you a glimpse of the other two of the 1,000 Places – and in this case, 1,000 Places and the National Parks collide!!  At Shenandoah –

Third – The Shenandoah Valley (as seen from the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains). It is said that Herbert Hoover, riding horseback along the crest of the Blue Ridge, remarked, “These mountains are made for a road”.  This came to pass in 1939 with the completion of the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which sets high above the Shenandoah Valley.  Fall is a particularly busy time on the Drive as it provides great views of the fall colors – 

The Skyland Resort, Shenandoah’s oldest resort (founded in 1894), sits at the Drive’s highest point.  It houses an unfussy restaurant serving “mountain cooking” and the BEST apple pie to date!!!  The roads in and out of the Park provide some interesting sights also.  Doesn’t this sign look a little oxymoron-ish?? 

The College of William & Mary (named for the King and Queen in England who provided the Charter to establish the college) sits adjacent to the Colonial town of Williamsburg in a wonderful setting.  It, too, contains much history as the college of Thomas Jefferson, a barracks and a hospital for the Confederate military and today a college for 7,500 students.

Now it was time to enjoy the 5^th of 1,000 Things to See in Virginia – THE DODGE BIAETT FAMILY!! 

A great time was had by all and we look forward to the next visit – wherever it may be!!

Our next stop is Pinehurst, NC and GOLF – “fore-ward” with Elizabeth & Gary

In Virginia we have worked our way through “1,000 Places” – The Homestead, Monticello, Shenandoah Valley and Colonial WilliamsburgJ!!

First – The Homestead in Hot Springs.  Built in 1766 for the likes of Thomas Jefferson to come and “take the waters” by soaking in the mineral-rich 98-degree waters.  It is a grand ole Georgian belle redolent of European spas like Baden-Baden, which now also includes three championship golf courses that have hosted seven USGA championships.  The Old Course (which we played) started as 6 holes in 1892 and was expanded to 18 holes in 1902.  It boasts the nation’s oldest 1^sttee in continuous use and views of the grand old hotel from almost all the holes!!

Second – Monticello, or Little Mountain – the dream house and final resting place of Thomas Jefferson, statesman, visionary, principal author of the Declaration of Independence and America’s only architect-president.  Jefferson designed every aspect of Monticello – in the Italian Palladian-style, although he was never to travel to Italy.  The interior was heavily influenced by his time in France as U.S. minister from 1785-1789 and decorated by many pieces he brought back from there (like 86 crates of goods!!).  He began the structure in 1769 when he was just twenty-six and worked on it for 20 years.  The back view may be familiar as it rests on our nickel – 

Jefferson was not only proud of his home – but also of his garden.  In 1807 he planted one of the earliest crops of European grapevines in the New World.  His love for wine also came from France!!  He was also a man who loved books and education.  As a result, he founded the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, designing the buildings in the ‘academic village’.  The centerpiece is the Pantheon-inspired rotunda – which sadly was covered in scaffolding during our visit.   

But, as is almost always true of our various visits – things always end with a little ray of sunshine or a rainbow – 

Following in the theme of the President’s, we deviated from 1,000 Places to see two other homes – James Monroe’s and James Madison’s.

Monroe was our fifth President (1817-1825) – elected to a second term without opposition!!  Needless to say, his term in office is referred to as “The Era of Good Feelings”.  Monroe was a good friend of Jefferson’s – so much so that Jefferson selected the Monroe house site within sight of his and sent his gardeners from Monticello to start orchards.  Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth, moved into the house in 1799 and expected to retire there after his Presidency.  But, in 1826 finances and poor health forced the sale of the home.  Subsequent owners expanded the original Monroe home (the original home is the white portion and the expansion is the yellow portion).  Through good fortune, the home was bequeathed to Monroe’s alma mater, the College of William and Mary, in 1974, which has allowed us to now see this portion of history.  Subsequent efforts have been made to restore the ‘Monroe portion’ and to acquire original furniture.

Montpelier – the lifelong home of James Madison.  This was his parent’s home, which he inherited.  Therefore, he was raised here, carried out his research and writing here, retired here after his Presidency and died here.  The last expansion of the house was made when he brought his new wife, Dolley, to the house.  Madison faced the home to the west – the new frontier.  The study where he wrote our Constitution was on the second floor of the home (above the front door) with wonderful windows looking toward that ‘new world’ and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  He, too, lived within a days ride of Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas Jefferson – Was a theorist of the American Revolution, drafted the Declaration of Independence with the immortal words “all men are created equal”, served as delegate to the Virginia General Assembly and to Congress, the Governor of Virginia, minister to France, secretary of State, Vice President, and our third President.  The Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition were just two of his accomplishments during his term as President.  He died heavily in debt on July 4, 1826 – the 50^th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

James Madison – His leadership brought about the U.S. Constitution, which he structured after much research on self governments.  His innovative ideas on ‘publicity’ made it a success by inspiring American citizens to support and ratify it.  As a leader in the first Congress, he helped shape the new government, introduced the Bill of Rights and ensured its passage.  As president, he guided the new nation through the War of 1812, proving that the new nation/government could endure through trials and tribulations.  Madison also died deeply in debt requiring his widow to sell their home.

Monroe – Served as a U.S. Senator, Minister to France, England and Spain, Governor of Virginia and Secretary of State and of War.  As President Jefferson’s special envoy, Monroe negotiated the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.  Put forth “The Monroe Doctrine” in his 1823 message to Congress, which formed the cornerstone of America’s foreign policy.  Monroe died deeply in debt also requiring his widow to sell their home.  AND, he died on July 4.

These men SERVED their country because they had a deep faith and desire in this new country and the freedoms it held.  Not because they had a BIG pension to look forward to, or a BIG jet to jet around in or a potential multi-million book deal at the end of their terms.  They died deeply in debt because they were not around to care for their land and its operations.  As they were serving their country this was left to others who did not always do the best for their employers.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our current representatives felt this same sense of duty and really wanted to SERVE this country!!  We happen to be in Virginia at a time in this election when our current candidates are here visiting because this is a current ‘swing’ state.  The ads that Obama is running at EVERY ad break (seriously – it is one of the ads at EVERY break, which means he is spending a TON of money) really make me sick.  (I can’t say the same about Romney as have not seen any of his ads?!?!?!)  OK – my tirade is over.  It is also interesting that three of our first five Presidents died on the 4th of July – Jefferson and Adams on the same day! 

We have enjoyed our current history lessons, which were particularly pertinent as we are in the middle of this election.

More from 1,000 places in a day or two – E & G

BUT – we wanted to see these up and coming ‘stars’ up close and personal in their plush surroundings.   So, we were off on the ‘Unique Farm Tour’.  The first stop was the Katierich Farm where the ‘stars’ were truly the horses – the mares and their current colts.  These were not just your run of the mill colts – we saw one of the many grandcolts of Seattle Slew, value $2 million – among others.   And these poor things had to make due with a meager stable costing about $2.6!!

Next stop was the Shadwell Farm owned by Sheikh Hamdan where the grounds and stables were the stars (the multimillion dollar studs were literally – out to pasture!!)!!  The ‘Stud’ stable was a $24 million structure!!  AND – that was only one of several.  This Farm has like stables for the brood mares, the mares and the yearlings.  At the yearling sale (discussed in the last blog posting), Sheikh Hamdan was the biggest spender paying $3.8 million for four colts!!  He bought the most expensive at $1.65 million.  I guess when you spend that much for your horses they need a pretty nice place to reside?!?!?

The Kentucky Bluegrass area is truly beautiful and fascinating – AND GREEN!!  We did hate to leave our beautiful spot here but there is still much on our agenda.  So off we go – 

More very green scenic byways on our way from Lexington, Kentucky to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia and the Greenbrier.

The Greenbrier is another of those grand old hotels (with 3 golf courses) that has been on the bucket list to experience;-)  So, when we drove up to the front of the Grand Old Dame it did take the breath away. 

The Greenbrier had its beginnings in 1778 when its sulfur-rich hot springs were found and began the draw of thousands of health-seeking individuals throughout the next 100 years.  The Hotel has been through many iterations and lives – from the original cottages to a Hotel opened in 1858 known as “The Old White” to a Confederate hospital.  After the Civil War the railroads came to the rescue of the historic resort.  The Chesapeake and Ohio RR restored the property and made the Greenbrier Hotel one of the great railroad resorts in America.  The new Hotel now had a Spa offering the latest in European spa techniques AND an 18-hole golf course known today as The Old White Course designed by Charles Blair Macdonald – where Sam Snead launched his career in 1936.  The Hotel was also used as an internment center by the State Department during WWII for German, Japanese and Italian diplomats until they were exchanged for American diplomats interned overseas.  It was then a 2,000-bed hospital until after the end of the War when it was returned to the C&O RR, redecorated and evolved to the Hotel of today. 

There was one other minor construction project.  In the late 1950’s, construction began on a major new wing with rumors of a secret government bomb shelter.  These rumors were vigorously denied until May 31, 1992 when the Washington Post ran a story about the massive underground US Capitol under the Greenbrier!!  Now there are tours of “The Bunker”, which we shall take tomorrow and give a report.

Today we took the challenge of the TPC Old White golf course, which was used the end of July for a FedEx PGA tour event.   We survived and even had a really fun round of golf;-)

An unexpected surprise was waiting for us after we finished our round of golf.  John McEnroe and Pete Sampras were playing an exhibition tennis match for charity on the tennis courts just outside the golf pro shop.  It’s all a matter of timing with what one gets to see –

Green, green and more green.  Just beautiful!!  And now, some of that green is beginning to turn red as we enter the first days of fall;-)  I am sure we shall have lots of pictures of that to show you in the next several weeks.

Well – enough of the history lessons.  Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as we enjoyed living them!  LOTS more to come.

Happily seeing green – Elizabeth & Gary

All of the above was within the surface area of Mammoth Cave NP, which encompasses about 80 square miles.  Below these Kentucky hills is a limestone labyrinth of more than 392 miles of cave passageways that makes Mammoth Cave the longest known cave in the world.  It became a NP in 1941, was designated a World Heritage Site in 1981 and became the core area of an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990.  While much of the ‘modern’ mapping/discovery was completed during the early to mid 1800’s, carbon dating has placed activity in the cave back 5,000 – 6,000 years ago!

‘Modern’ cave use became very active in the early 1800’s (this was in the easily accessible area near the entry as the more extensive areas had not yet been discovered).  The activity centered around the ‘mining’ of saltpetre (for ammunition) in the mineral rich soil of the cave dirt.  The saltpetre from this cave became very important during the War of 1812 as it provided much of the ingredient for most of the ammunition utilized in that War.  Saltpetre is ‘mined’ by putting the dirt through a series of water filters.  In Mammoth Cave the water was carried to the filtering areas through a pipe system, where the ‘pipes’ were made of hollowed poplar trees, many of which remain in a perfect state in the cave.  The entire operation was very interesting – as was the experience in the cave!!  And again we owe a BIG thank you to our NP Rangers for caring for our national treasures for our enjoyment.

Back above ground, Lexington, KY was the next adventure – after more Scenic Byways – 

Lexington is the center of Kentucky’s bluegrass country spread over fifteen counties and 4,000 square miles chockablock with Tara-style manor houses, classic white or black oak-plank fences and stables to die for!!  It is the undisputed international center of thoroughbred horse breeding. 

One of our travel reference books – “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” – writes “while Louisville’s Churchill Downs may be the site of the storied Kentucky Derby, the Keeneland Race Course in Lexingtonis actually the South’s most beautiful.”  So – off to check out the Keeneland Race Course.   

After walking through the grandstand to see the track, we were off to the Sales Pavilion to see what all the activity was over there.  AND – what a treat!!  The 2012 September Yearling Sale was in process.  The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the sales of almost 400 yearlings (this was just today and it appears there is a like amount sold in each of 11 days) and all the behind the scenes activities.  The largest sale we saw was a descendent of Seattle Slew for $200,000!!

In awe from the peaceful serenity of the Kentucky Horse Park – E & G

(Sorry about the pics.  Due to the rain – all shots were taken from inside the Bus while moving at 60 mph.  So – not very crisp shots;-(!!   And grey – VERY grey.)

AND – there is a correction that must be made from a prior post.  While this part of the country does need rain – I do not feel quite sooo bad about all the ‘dead looking’ corn that we have viewed along the way.  Janet’s cousin (last post) provided an education on corn crops.  The corn that you and I eat does get harvested early on when the stalks are nice and green – before the kernels get dry and tough.  (That was done long ago.)  HOWEVER – feed corn does not get harvested until it looks pretty DEAD because it needs to be good and dry so it does not mold during the storage process.  Therefore, all the fields that I was feeling so bad about – were just as they should be.

Columbia is a city of about 100,000 people with a plethora of educational opportunities.  It is the home of the University of Missouri (founded 1839), Stephens College (founded 1833) and the baby – Columbia College (founded 1851). 

The founding of the University of Missouri (MU) represented the birth of public higher education west of the Mississippi River.  The 1,250 acre campus is the state’s flagship university with approximately 33,000 students and is one of only five institutions in the country with law, medicine, veterinary medicine and a nuclear research reactor on a single campus!!

Francis Quadrangle captures the spirit and tradition of MU.  The quad includes 17 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the six Ionic columns from Missouri’s original Academic Hall, which was destroyed by fire in 1892 leaving only the columns.  The Academic Hall, known today as Jesse Hall, was rebuilt just behind the ‘saved’ columns – its Dome is a campus landmark.

Just by coincidence – Arizona State University was playing MU the Saturday/Game Day that we were in town.  AND, they were promoting breast cancer awareness.  So, off to the game we went at – where else – The Zou –

Day trips included Rocheport, an early trading post on the Missouri River, Jefferson City, the capitol located in the heart of Missouri on the Missouri River and only 30 miles from Columbia and Westphalia, location of Janet’s ancestral home. 

Enlightened, relaxed and happy from our visit – Elizabeth & Gary from Miz-zou-rah!!