End Times

Our last afternoon was spent somberly, at the 9-11 memorial. It was a most beautiful tribute to the thousands of lives lost that day. From the website:

THE 9/11 MEMORIAL is located at the site of the former World Trade Center complex, and occupies approximately half of the 16-acre site. The 9/11 Memorial features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the original twin towers. The Memorial Plaza is one of the most eco-friendly plazas ever constructed. More than 400 trees are planned for the plaza, surrounding the Memorial's two massive reflecting pools. Its design conveys a spirit of hope and renewal, and creates a contemplative space separate from the usual sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis.

Swamp white oak trees create a rustling canopy of leaves over the plaza. This grove of trees bring green rebirth in the spring, provide cooling shade in the summer and show seasonal color in fall. A small clearing in the grove, known as the Memorial Glade, designates a space for gatherings and special ceremonies.

I looked up the names of some people I knew indirectly that were on Flight 11 from Boston:

 Freedom Tower

 Only WTC tree that survived

Then.....on to Kinky Boots!!! One of THE BEST musicals I've ever seen! And for those of you that know me and my connection to musicals, this is saying something! Everything about it was FANFREAKINTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truly one of the best trips I've ever taken with the most wonderful man! Can't wait for our next adventure!

Final map and stats

We are back in Topsfield.  In 42 days we drove 11,314 miles, hitting 30 states and 2 provinces.

New York!

From New Orleans we had a very long 2 day drive to CT to have a brief visit with my mom, and again, I forgot to take a picture! Onward to New York on Tuesday to stay with Helen, another friend from college days and her husband Robert on Long Island. We went into the city yesterday to see the musical Newsies, and tonight we'll see Kinky Boots. Can't wait! We were able to squeeze a quick cup of coffee with my friend Patrick from the JMDL. Sadly, our journey ends tomorrow when we head back home. It was an AMAZING journey and each day I fell deeper in love with the most wonderful man in the world!

NEWSIES:   

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iKmHSgSHWc

KINKY BOOTS:

http://www.nytimes.com/video/2013/06/04/theater/theaterspecial/100000002260752/in-performance-kinky-boots.html

Texas, Mom, N'awlins and Jonifest/Pazfest

From Santa Fe we drove to Austin, TX where we stayed with Craig and Laura Jenkins who I know from the JMDL. (Joni Mitchell Discussion List) We had a great visit with them, but as always on this trip, all too brief. And....we forgot to take a picture!

From TX we drove to New Orleans to spend a few days with a bunch of Joni Mitchell fans, listening to some great music and walking around the French Quarter.

Terry was very excited to have (the possible) Hurricane Karen barreling down on us.  The wind picked up and the waves were crashing on the Mississippi.  The boat traffic slowed way down.  But then Karen weakened and veered off.  So sad!

Old Friends

We had the most WONDERFUL stay in Santa Fe with Mindy, my college roommate, and her husband Simon. They cleared their schedules for us and we had a great time catching up, hiking and reminiscing. They built a new home a few years ago complete with a separate "Casita" so we felt like we had our own space although they were just a little ways away and it was really beautiful!  Mindy and I have known each other for 39 years and when we see each other we just pick up as if it was just yesterday when we last saw each other.

A couple of years ago I came across an old address book (remember those?) and found the name of an old friend I knew in college days that I had long lost track of. Suzi and her then husband ran a record store called "Bach to Rock" and my shepherd, "Clipper" and I used to spend a lot of time hanging out there. Through facebook, I found her and recently found out that she and her husband Michael were going to be in Santa Fe the same weekend we were there. We got together after over 30 years and had a chance to catch up!

While perusing through the many shops of Santa Fe (no, I didn't buy anything!) I ran into the artist who made my "Sulis" necklace that I wear all the time. I bought this necklace in 1993 while on the same crop circle tour in England with him. Heyoka Merrifield is a very memorable guy and his work is AMAZING!!!!

Hiking Tent Rocks

A friend by Mindy and Simon's house (Yes, that is a tarantula!)

On our way out of town, We had breakfast with yet another old friend. Pat and I met at camp when we were 12 years old. I was playing guitar in the council ring, she came over to listen and we have been the best of friends since! It was SO great to see all my old pals!

More pictures of the National Parks

There were so many beautiful pictures in the parks, I just had to add more before posting about the last few days!

Grand Canyon

Sedona

Can you find Terry in the above picture??

Zion

Bryce Canyon

Karen

Yes all you blog followers, we are in New Orleans for PazFest, PAZ FEST III: An All-Star Musical Tribute to Joni Mitchell (ie. a party).  For those who know me well, as you may expect I am getting very excited about Karen, the tropical storm bearing down on Louisiana.  I am watching it carefully, but as of a few minutes ago it looks like it will stay a tropical storm.  Damn!

Yes this post is out of order, as we will post about Santa Fe and Austin later today (if the tide doesn't rise and the wind doesn't blow ... too hard)

Thursday night dinner at Rio Mar in New Orleans.  Our Last Supper?

Newest Route Map

So far we have been in 2 countries, 21 (US political) states, and 2 provinces.

National Parks of the Southwest

For a few days we visited some of the national parks of the southwest:  The Grand Canyon, Sedona, Zion, and Bryce.  Each one was very different from the others, but each were (in Ashara's more colorful language) Absolutely Freakin' Gorgeous.

The Grand Canyon from the south rim.

A couple Elk from a large herd.  The guy above was 

trying to hide his massive antlers behind the bushes.

Grand Canyon from Desert View.

A couple towers in Sedona

Mountain Goats in Zion

The Spires of Bryce 

And an interesting roadside attraction.

We debated, but didn't try any of their pies!

Someone else well have to try them and report back.