Hello Class of ’73,
Dave, I know you have been thanked numerous times for your dedication to maintaining this site, but thanks again. This is certainly a labor of love and I’m sure, a major PIA at times. At the same time keeping us informed on current class situations and up coming events is very important. Having this central location for these announcements is truly wards a big handshake from me and from other members of the class.
Julie and I recently returned from a long planned trip, America Bucket List Vacation. We had planned to do this last year, but for all the reasons we know, postponed until this summer. We left on July 4, the day after our 45 anniversary and returned six weeks later. Our trip was amazing.
Our first stop was the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. We spent a few day there visiting distilleries, playing golf and sampling the local fare. The weather was perfect and the people friendly. For those that may have an interest, 2-3 days is probably enough. Then headed west, stopping over night in Topeka to visit the grave site of my dad and grandparents.
Denver was our next major stop. We went to Red Rocks for a concert. It is supposed to be the best natural amphitheater. Turned out to be the first concert they help wit full capacity. So cool being up in the mountain looking over parts of the city. If ever you have a chance to go there for a concert, take advantage of it, well worth the experience. We stayed in Leadville a few days later, mostly so I could play golf at the course there. It is supposed to be the highest altitude course in the country, maybe the world. Heading south to national parks was on the menu now.
We spent time in 12 national parks, with each one being unique and indescribable. You could take a million pictures and still not see or experience the the views you see live. Some of the parks you could just sit and look for hours, turn your head and see something new and even more interesting . People have asked what was your favorite? From a pure visual point of view Bryce Canyon. The colors, the mountains, the canyons, you have to be there to fully appreciate the beauty. Yellowstone had the most to offer, but by far the most busy. The most historic being Mesa Verde, where the ancient Native Americas built and lived is homes in the side of the canyons, amazing and hard to imagine.
Some friends suggested we stop in Cody, Wy for a night. They have a cowboy buffet dinner and a show, followed by a rodeo. It was a fun night on our way to the Black Hills. For those that have never experienced South Dakota. Mt Rushmore and a few surrounding things, Badlands, Wall Drug and The Worlds only Corn Palace. On to Iowa City.
My family had a reunion. Only two people from the clan did not make it, both being sick and advised by the rest of the family not to show up. It will probably the last time since the California family and the Florida families are just too far apart for such and event.
In the end we had traveled over 9300 miles, visited 12 national parks, a number of state parks, over night stays in 20 locations, traveled through 20 states Stopped by 4 different casinos, basically broke even, Then home. An unforgettable trip with only minor inconveniences.
We have now visited 46 of the 50 states, with only Vermont and New Hampshire in the continent missing. We plan to got there in a couple of years for a fall trip. With the 50th coming soon, I hope to see you all then
Arnie and Julie Moore