tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24829144438539134022024-02-18T19:17:50.206-07:00A Simple CatholicCatholic Traveller is back on the road! We're visiting missions, shrines and more, hoping to motivate and encourage you to make pilgrimage part of your life. Come along as we roam the country in our travel trailer, by train and by plane. Buen camino!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-71709379695854059622015-04-13T19:59:00.002-07:002015-04-13T19:59:13.215-07:00This Blog Has Moved!We have combined the blog and website and it may now be found here: <a href="http://www.catholictraveller.com/">http://www.catholictraveller.com</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-10467807146262026632015-04-07T12:35:00.000-07:002015-04-07T12:35:47.351-07:00Travel by Train - Stop or Station?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gyfvnduNyOAcQOOKJXyx5x-zqSJoBU39cN6P0B6Vz8uj32-HID4h5H1DzAlka2cOSGtbb-IpE_PQVaEDlWq_SjXGAjwoBIqF_I5t613AmmK1S2fcWa1BribK2ux3ODVkk7oQaecShODf/s1600/SAM_0371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gyfvnduNyOAcQOOKJXyx5x-zqSJoBU39cN6P0B6Vz8uj32-HID4h5H1DzAlka2cOSGtbb-IpE_PQVaEDlWq_SjXGAjwoBIqF_I5t613AmmK1S2fcWa1BribK2ux3ODVkk7oQaecShODf/s1600/SAM_0371.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Union Station, Los Angeles, CA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Train travel is probably my favorite. I sometimes consider the logistics of ditching the truck and trailer and moving around exclusively by train. Of course, then there are Mr. Cuddles and Mrs. Susie; having to rent a place if there are no friends or relatives to stay with; cooking meals, etc. So for now, our primary means of living and traveling are the <a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-catholic-traveling.html" target="_blank">truck and trailer</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCNFEb5un7y4oP4A3r9BYhY8zQILdeNdIkppJ6MaU0fnwCV9hoQIaNHknS0HSYkyZfKbq0aVEbCGExAJ7nLwkvui_kUyMHXJJEWkVZgdMYdC_pSC2U536vN7GXMHtuxoCtL4u504NgGWx/s1600/SAM_0379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCNFEb5un7y4oP4A3r9BYhY8zQILdeNdIkppJ6MaU0fnwCV9hoQIaNHknS0HSYkyZfKbq0aVEbCGExAJ7nLwkvui_kUyMHXJJEWkVZgdMYdC_pSC2U536vN7GXMHtuxoCtL4u504NgGWx/s1600/SAM_0379.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the things I love about the train are: lots of legroom. Usually plugins at every seat (on long distance <a href="http://www.amtrak.com/home" target="_blank">Amtrak</a> trains). The observation car. Sleeping while moving. Not having to stop and use the restroom. Or eat. Working, reading, watching movies or just looking out the window without having to watch the road. Naturally, there are the occasional disadvantages: noisy children (or adults), sick travelers (get on healthy, get off sick after enduring hours of co-passengers' coughing and sneezing). Luckily, our experience with that has been rare, and since my son and I travel together, we are seatmates and don't have to worry about sitting next to strangers.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBwSZahGCnK2z1Psrdc447ZXdELKgzpgfY0vs9idMTyINeK5ZUFLsLavMshZw0C_0PWUppXlKAjMAQ-rgkNRZmtvCErWIAyD7HDXHQ74S_jwWgi3-6fGrPnUKJbze_ScPdsgQY1CGN0sb/s1600/SAM_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBwSZahGCnK2z1Psrdc447ZXdELKgzpgfY0vs9idMTyINeK5ZUFLsLavMshZw0C_0PWUppXlKAjMAQ-rgkNRZmtvCErWIAyD7HDXHQ74S_jwWgi3-6fGrPnUKJbze_ScPdsgQY1CGN0sb/s1600/SAM_0433.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamy, NM - a stop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Waiting for the train is not too bad either. At least at Union Station. There is decent seating, decent food choices and a newsstand. Down the tracks, however, can be a different story. Many stops do not feature the comforts of a station. Some stops are in the middle of town, almost just like a bus stop. Not too bad if the weather is okay. Not great in bad weather. Especially if the train is late, or you are very early. Other stops are quite a different story. For years, we took the train from <a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/10/spooky-skate-park.html" target="_blank">Williams, AZ</a>, "Gateway to the <a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2011/08/grand-canyon-pilgrimage-august-2011.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon</a>". Not only no station, but the stop is in the middle of nowhere. Outside of town. In the woods. On a dirt road! Exciting, huh? Having now spooked you, I will relieve your fears. Williams also hosts the <a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/05/national-train-day-in-williams-arizona.html" target="_blank">Grand Canyon Railway</a>, which owns a major hotel in town. Amtrak contracts with the hotel to pick up and drop off its passengers at the stop. So if you are getting on or off the train in Williams, never fear, your bus or van driver will get you to the train, or pick you up and take you to the hotel, from where you may retrieve your car or make other transportation arrangements (have someone pick you up) in comfort. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trinidad, CO - stop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So when you are making your train travel plans, keep in mind where you will be boarding or disembarking. Is it a stop or a station? A stop will be on the side of the tracks with no amenities except maybe a parking lot. Make sure you know whether you can walk to where you need to go, or somewhere you can wait indoors, or have someone waiting to pick you up. A station will have many amenities, including a waiting room, seating, bathrooms, ticket counter and maybe even food. At least you will be out of the elements if you have to wait and you may even be able to rent a car or take public transportation from there to wherever you're headed next.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDmqVVm_ZcQgmo3tnUviqxNrosXzWtd3msWSN7gpWxyr7Gp5187jYFhPNAKzzfxD3xj21e7reKK5P9c0AbKwfQMcsTVDDsfBXC0bd-ay4JXjEcXH2GGbESxJdut9wIjGmavZbYMu28PHm/s1600/SAM_0439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDmqVVm_ZcQgmo3tnUviqxNrosXzWtd3msWSN7gpWxyr7Gp5187jYFhPNAKzzfxD3xj21e7reKK5P9c0AbKwfQMcsTVDDsfBXC0bd-ay4JXjEcXH2GGbESxJdut9wIjGmavZbYMu28PHm/s1600/SAM_0439.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albuquerque, NM - station</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you've never taken the train, give it a try. Maybe we'll meet up with you on our next train adventure!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-27339236349454790012015-03-16T09:18:00.000-07:002015-03-16T09:18:52.491-07:00How To Find Mass on the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonvoZSrVH_HYDwv2XbO0kTRmmn6gUR92MOrUJr3ZyjPPbqKd9pVGMcLVjZbF0hmB6srysovZADGsAqGdvrY5MOteHmi8AwyLX0WBsJAEIggajZaCyKy90Cx76Rie6n3sADOL_7NfvRgPH/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonvoZSrVH_HYDwv2XbO0kTRmmn6gUR92MOrUJr3ZyjPPbqKd9pVGMcLVjZbF0hmB6srysovZADGsAqGdvrY5MOteHmi8AwyLX0WBsJAEIggajZaCyKy90Cx76Rie6n3sADOL_7NfvRgPH/s1600/IMG_0074.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Stella Maris, Goose Island, Texas<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I still am getting used to the idea of using my smartphone instead of paper maps, telephone books and a cell phone. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Everything evolves around here, especially with rving full-time and relying heavily on modern technology to navigate and assist in finding what we need during our slow travels. The travel tip I'll share today is from my smartphone, it sure makes simple work of finding Sunday Mass.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for yp app pics" border="0" src="data:image/png;base64,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" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="data:image/png;base64,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" target="_blank">yp on google play</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have previously used various websites to locate Catholic churches and Mass times while adventuring. Currently, with our smartphones, on this most recent road trip to parts previously unknown, we have made good use of the YP (yellow pages) app and the pre-loaded maps app on the iPhone4. Although, in a couple of instances we have been steered wrong, these two apps have helped us find churches, post offices, homes of friends and relatives, rv parks, campgrounds, grocery stores, and more.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.apple.com/ios/maps/images/icon.jpg" target="_blank">maps from apple</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I shudder to recall the days when Google maps always had to be backed up with a paper street map and a cell phone to call and get directions. I still laugh about my friend's couchsurfers, who never did find the Grand Canyon, because their smartphones sent them off on a more direct route - as the crow flies, rather than as the car drives. I now laugh at myself, when I get frustrated at the phone for leading me to an empty warehouse instead of the post office, but I am learning to pull over, re-calibrate and enter different info when that happens. It also helps to drive around a bit and have a young'un who's pretty good with reading maps and navigating. And smartphones.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk0NbXKGg6YdZk7sSDs9xhyB5IxmSV7hEhK0ef7QWXh9cJzOiuTkZhRdGw6Sy1RVOjOebLc_ALL9CD8jwuBo8XeMgcMb4FznIbbXT1Q-QGanGNFj2K4fCgR2zZl3zykhAs7OTCBa1wX2c/s1600/SAM_0490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggk0NbXKGg6YdZk7sSDs9xhyB5IxmSV7hEhK0ef7QWXh9cJzOiuTkZhRdGw6Sy1RVOjOebLc_ALL9CD8jwuBo8XeMgcMb4FznIbbXT1Q-QGanGNFj2K4fCgR2zZl3zykhAs7OTCBa1wX2c/s1600/SAM_0490.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We haven't gotten lost yet, but I can tell you, we have unintentionally taken some scenic drives and did arrive late for Mass once. We haven't missed Mass on Sunday, though. I usually check YP on Friday, map out the route to the church, then call the number provided to check Mass times. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC8qZjQvcpKeg7kY1_MA_Mg2CX6ks5AjVh-TWCscCeyIvVVRMhMhx0e6xcnAcJ7mf1pVf0IINCx2OG-SotGini0gLzCMFNNZ9xQSLXVvdiaz54t-QQ8PIEB4HteKyg3z1wxK7_KSVzm5p/s1600/SAM_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC8qZjQvcpKeg7kY1_MA_Mg2CX6ks5AjVh-TWCscCeyIvVVRMhMhx0e6xcnAcJ7mf1pVf0IINCx2OG-SotGini0gLzCMFNNZ9xQSLXVvdiaz54t-QQ8PIEB4HteKyg3z1wxK7_KSVzm5p/s1600/SAM_0127.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Lady of the Valley, La Jara, Colorado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I still carry a road atlas and some state maps for general route planning and reference, but to find local stuff along the way, the YP app and the maps app have been invaluable and saved an enormous amount of time and frustration. I highly recommend checking your smartphone or tablet and trying out similar apps which may be available to you, as you plan your next pilgrimage.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-59505887803414517302015-02-17T11:26:00.000-07:002015-02-17T11:26:00.276-07:00Big Church Little Church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3b6MxWhYG5wNi8ZIv4-RqRt0UYf5UY154VbJQ7CwwDyCbnRSFqGtgFsDL2pBmFVf7pIBF3Qi2xpevonvcpf7OTsx9OYHjRi64Dp92LjWMrfP5Gp7kCRXdNI6_4EtroHktEZNhlIjhXp0/s1600/stella+maris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit3b6MxWhYG5wNi8ZIv4-RqRt0UYf5UY154VbJQ7CwwDyCbnRSFqGtgFsDL2pBmFVf7pIBF3Qi2xpevonvcpf7OTsx9OYHjRi64Dp92LjWMrfP5Gp7kCRXdNI6_4EtroHktEZNhlIjhXp0/s1600/stella+maris.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have to admit, I am partial to little churches and missions. My "home" congregation consists of about 60 families. I like the intimacy, the colorful characters, even the feuding. To me, it is so much more like a family. Yes, we have our differences, we frequently do not get along, but we pull together in times of crisis and need. It is our Catholic life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In a big church, I feel lost. There seem to be so many people and so much to do. I lose focus. I get complacent. There are too many choices. The children are sent out during Mass, not taught to sit quietly, participate fully and honor the <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05584a.htm" target="_blank">Sacrament</a>. The music is modernized to entertain and attract an audience. Just my take on things.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVG0mug7Wm4I6KEKIEo7NM5jDao-PWNRJezvV8qrxUA_MGcSFIWYgdVXItKRMR0QqEAQfUAEIi3jWIeC2G4y7bnj-HHQ4-KdomqHpxrfwkaztNTig3OSncO1X1trg_-8x27RjI3WR1KvR/s1600/inside+stella+maris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVG0mug7Wm4I6KEKIEo7NM5jDao-PWNRJezvV8qrxUA_MGcSFIWYgdVXItKRMR0QqEAQfUAEIi3jWIeC2G4y7bnj-HHQ4-KdomqHpxrfwkaztNTig3OSncO1X1trg_-8x27RjI3WR1KvR/s1600/inside+stella+maris.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside tiny Stella Maris, Lamar, TX</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I walk in to a big, modern Catholic church and I can't find the<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07432a.htm" target="_blank"> holy water</a>. I want to bless myself with it when I walk in and when I walk out. It is a <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13292d.htm" target="_blank">sacramental </a>reminder of my devotion. Now, there is usually one large <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07433a.htm" target="_blank">font</a>, instead of the small ones at each door. I feel funny walking up to that big baptismal pond to use the holy water, then find my way out.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dg4eKxDJjmea3uDnH2u6IzkOSZ8k7RX63ufNZiewhiQoktHHynThG6uLO1ofAb17XjZWl_1ar1xC8Tvq8aRdfZnhAw8UfjCk-1r37anntoYfJcNYU9_ViHzmXcQhFW1G1GJikHNOStui/s1600/st+anne+deming+nm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Dg4eKxDJjmea3uDnH2u6IzkOSZ8k7RX63ufNZiewhiQoktHHynThG6uLO1ofAb17XjZWl_1ar1xC8Tvq8aRdfZnhAw8UfjCk-1r37anntoYfJcNYU9_ViHzmXcQhFW1G1GJikHNOStui/s1600/st+anne+deming+nm.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Anne's, Deming, NM</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I still want to <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06423a.htm" target="_blank">genuflect </a>when I enter the pew where I am going to sit. I am here for Mass and I want to honor my Host. I want to put the kneeler down and spend some quiet time in prayer and thanksgiving before and after Mass. Most often, now, the Blessed Sacrament is not even kept in the main part of the church, but in an attached adoration chapel. I guess that's okay for big churches.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbOEAH84C58lXQieY_zbjFe22D2MbSh5s24iFXpMsj9S1YRriO4T0qgDfucCZtJJQtc1AcKQDEMuGi4DtNuy1uAOJjY2AglJ2LPPy7F0OYm1OtP5JR6GJUYSY2ctrNknaYQrBHWYo0eQs/s1600/view+from+lake+lodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbOEAH84C58lXQieY_zbjFe22D2MbSh5s24iFXpMsj9S1YRriO4T0qgDfucCZtJJQtc1AcKQDEMuGi4DtNuy1uAOJjY2AglJ2LPPy7F0OYm1OtP5JR6GJUYSY2ctrNknaYQrBHWYo0eQs/s1600/view+from+lake+lodge.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Lake Lodge rec room, Yellowstone NP, Wyoming</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">On this pilgrimage of slow travel, I have attended Mass in churches in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas. It is always an adventure, come Saturday, to find out where we will be attending Mass on Sunday. The Holy Eucharist is always nourishing and enriching. Small churches just ensnare my heart. St. Anne's in Ash Fork and St. Francis in Seligman, Arizona, where I had the honor of leading the music for 15 years. The rec room of the Lake Lodge in Yellowstone NP, Wyoming, where we attended when we were there for my daughter's wedding. St. Anne's in Deming, NM, where we worshiped after a long night of trying to find a campsite in the dark. Stella Maris, outside of Goose Island SP, Texas, where we shivered on top of an AC vent, until someone realized it was cold outside and in and turned it off. The pastor there had recently been healed of stage 4 cancer and spoke confidently about God's merciful love and healing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This week of our full-time rving life, this awesome road trip, we will be celebrating <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01775b.htm" target="_blank">Ash Wednesday</a> in a big church in Texas and we will be grateful to have found another spiritual home on the road.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-19355896954831746652015-02-06T17:00:00.000-07:002015-02-06T17:00:47.095-07:00And One Last Word on Mobile Internet...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 2.0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Update:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-5P_nKW6U-pyMXhKMgToPJiYR4xaXEfkaWZbNxkZ1d3RVEUzplIfTMA1mec1T5TOquQzg8OV3dhfo7C2qyaKnVY_Vhged9mCmYmCtWRDixTRvWrPqV2sVgGuPgLWMlMvfwYS_WTs92c2/s1600/iphone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-5P_nKW6U-pyMXhKMgToPJiYR4xaXEfkaWZbNxkZ1d3RVEUzplIfTMA1mec1T5TOquQzg8OV3dhfo7C2qyaKnVY_Vhged9mCmYmCtWRDixTRvWrPqV2sVgGuPgLWMlMvfwYS_WTs92c2/s1600/iphone.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Things have changed since I wrote my first two mobile internet posts. My Straight Talk hotspot died again, and rather than continue to replace it every 6 months, I looked into <a href="http://www.verizonwireless.com/" target="_blank">Verizon</a> prepaid, as we had recently experienced using a smart phone as a hotspot with good results. I decided to go with the iPhone 4 to replace both phone and hotspot, as the unit was only $99 online. The monthly no-contract rate for unlimited talk and text and 500mb of data is $45, with extra 3gb for only $20. I also earned an extra 500mb a month by setting up auto pay. To my calculations, this beats $35/month for straight talk phone plus $40 for 4gb on the hotspot. Not by much, but close enough. So far the service seems at least comparable, and if it ends up being better, that’s a bonus. The customer service is waaay better. I was having problems with the hotspot, and walked into the Verizon store and walked out with problem solved. (I was putting in my password wrong, ugh!). Sadly for the boy, Verizon prepaid does not offer shared minutes for an extra line, so he gets to stick with Tracfone for now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For lots more detailed info on mobile internet, visit the <a href="http://www.technomadia.com/" target="_blank">Technomads</a>, they wrote the book on <a href="http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/book" target="_blank">Mobile Internet</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-5151187132794346372015-01-12T14:32:00.003-07:002015-01-12T14:32:54.044-07:00Public Wifi vs. Personal Hotspot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVBTsFaZe2Yt0RnLRwnJFM7hp0xXksDcOUqW0xtfOItQHAfBvo6MIDw61FYGw1WZnJbOwHJ_Bu3x-C5mhApexEtFsbW3ksZp5xUB8SBVsoB4-6rBEC2dHEq-dfrkTNVSg-rLk2t0IOO0o/s1600/hp+and+kindle+fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgVBTsFaZe2Yt0RnLRwnJFM7hp0xXksDcOUqW0xtfOItQHAfBvo6MIDw61FYGw1WZnJbOwHJ_Bu3x-C5mhApexEtFsbW3ksZp5xUB8SBVsoB4-6rBEC2dHEq-dfrkTNVSg-rLk2t0IOO0o/s1600/hp+and+kindle+fire.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some notes about public wifi. We have
relied on public wifi quite a bit. From libraries, to McDonald’s, Denny’s to
the hockey rink, public wifi is great for checking email, playing games like
Words With Friends, or keeping up with social media. But for things like
banking, updating the blogs and websites, or other activities that are better
done on a secure line, your own password protected hotspot is a wiser choice.
Like your home service, you can leave your hotspot open, but other people are
guaranteed to piggy back off of it and slow everything down, if not hack right
into your accounts. As soon as I set up the Straight Talk account I gave it a
strong password. I have had to reset the account a couple of times in the past
year, such as when the first hotspot died and the company sent a replacement. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAycYC-WPEkNmS8fp2dToSqtUwdYZaBLztT868aW8WWvYo_o_Fc33gjhB2RtJCvd3jZ2dg5k1UE77yWyxxnWfI4ZGIXugIsxYF9GqrhqkYirHS_vfjjq9jXj5S9cz-1C_4Buzy9uU7dI-5/s1600/kindle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAycYC-WPEkNmS8fp2dToSqtUwdYZaBLztT868aW8WWvYo_o_Fc33gjhB2RtJCvd3jZ2dg5k1UE77yWyxxnWfI4ZGIXugIsxYF9GqrhqkYirHS_vfjjq9jXj5S9cz-1C_4Buzy9uU7dI-5/s1600/kindle.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Learning how to get the most out of
the hotspot is a real challenge. It is great for checking email, social
networking, banking, etc. Games and streaming videos run slow, usually.
Uploading pictures and videos can go fairly quickly or very slowly. We have
learned to keep an eye on how much data we’re using. Especially since photos
and videos use up a lot of data in uploading. When we get down to our last
500mb, everything tends to slow down. When we add a new data card, everything
goes more smoothly. We have also learned, that even keeping data cards in
reserve has its quirks. Straight Talk will automatically add a reserve card on
the service end date, but not when we use up all our data. Then we have to call
or go online and add one of our reserve cards or buy a new one and add it. If
we use all our data before we add the card, then we have to call to add the
reserve, since we can’t get online to go to our account and add it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In spite of all the frustrations
involved in the learning curve, I am happy with our current internet setup.
Yes, we are still working out the bugs. We had so much trouble with our former
rural internet providers that I wish I had known the mobile hotspot would work
nearly as well at the house. I would have cut them loose years ago. It is still
odd to walk into the house and not check the answer machine right away. But
since I can take my cell phone and internet service with me wherever I go,
without the added $100 monthly expense, I think I’ll stick with Straight Talk
for now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For lots more detailed info on mobile
internet, visit the <a href="http://www.technomadia.com/" target="_blank">Technomads</a>, they wrote the book on <a href="http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/book" target="_blank">Mobile Internet</a>.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-11090947441434913232014-12-11T17:15:00.004-07:002014-12-11T17:15:45.198-07:00Adventures With Mobile Internet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeIXNGZK3YQ-DKlo8g8Ph_YT8aooidUFf5xPoOgJJ_or6EbRUwpVWwdv1ta5EZ8ZLQHNImeZbENB1mlYmacn5APPsoqquAYZjP_q8ulWTvqLagvQx_i75s_JwYLt_onrpVckJYz17u7xA/s1600/hotspot+candle+acer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeIXNGZK3YQ-DKlo8g8Ph_YT8aooidUFf5xPoOgJJ_or6EbRUwpVWwdv1ta5EZ8ZLQHNImeZbENB1mlYmacn5APPsoqquAYZjP_q8ulWTvqLagvQx_i75s_JwYLt_onrpVckJYz17u7xA/s1600/hotspot+candle+acer.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's travel tip is all about our adventures with mobile internet. Internet service is a big issue when living and working on the road full-time in an RV. We are doing <a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/04/slow-travel-freedom-to-roam-or-not.html" target="_blank">slow travel</a>, usually staying in a location for several weeks at a time, before moving on. In addition to writing, I run a small craft business online. I am also promoting my first book, <a href="http://booklocker.com/books/7663.html" target="_blank">"</a><i><a href="http://booklocker.com/books/7663.html" target="_blank">The Working Parent's Guide To Homeschooling"</a>. </i>Reliable internet is critical. When we are staying at one of the grandpas' homes we use their DSL, which is usually pretty good. In between and at our home base, we use a <a href="http://www.straighttalk.com/wps/portal/home" target="_blank">Straight Talk</a> hotspot. I am still learning its quirks, but I will share what I've gleaned so far.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC4dHKukzjUjqkVGGzpxf2rmswOx7sMab5st0R2XDRtsCkm4TRPKQgHB1Cnh8aZWCJmo65suZPiuHQGxA4A36r9C5oZstcl36hskxw35NWd0Cm7Ol9cMc87ogFERE0PjwZvLtzYc1aXJj/s1600/landline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC4dHKukzjUjqkVGGzpxf2rmswOx7sMab5st0R2XDRtsCkm4TRPKQgHB1Cnh8aZWCJmo65suZPiuHQGxA4A36r9C5oZstcl36hskxw35NWd0Cm7Ol9cMc87ogFERE0PjwZvLtzYc1aXJj/s1600/landline.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When we decided to downsize and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, traveling and living in the truck and trailer, it didn't make sense to continue to pay $80 a month for landline and DSL that we would rarely use, in addition to cell phones and a mobile hotspot. Keep in mind that I do not have a smart phone or any other 3 or 4G gadget, I cannot advise on how any of that works on the road. I chose Straight Talk over Verizon or AT&T, because prior to hitting the road, our DSL usage was averaging 2-3GB monthly. So far this past year, we have only had 2 weeks at a time with only the hotspot for internet and with gaming, streaming and uploading photos, videos and files from the computer, our usage has easily gone up to 1-2GB a week. Still, even at 8GB a month, I think Straight Talk is more affordable than one of the others. Especially since there are months we don't use it at all. So for now, we stick with Straight Talk. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zGYmJj-cWxnsZdagXs4emB6mFh_t17TLOzqiOM0Yn8b4cm1QRbFJ-ZY4uHvie010IQICOeVm5fJ03zn8ztgOvT7WBiiC6ktKeER331CzKX8PB0TL7wQO4DVMFX8szFzGbj92sKi2hakp/s1600/hotspot+on.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zGYmJj-cWxnsZdagXs4emB6mFh_t17TLOzqiOM0Yn8b4cm1QRbFJ-ZY4uHvie010IQICOeVm5fJ03zn8ztgOvT7WBiiC6ktKeER331CzKX8PB0TL7wQO4DVMFX8szFzGbj92sKi2hakp/s1600/hotspot+on.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is what I am learning about the hotspot and data usage. Our hotspot is tied to Verizon, so if we are in an area served only by AT&T and its sub-sellers, we get no internet connection with our hotspot. One grandpa is in one of these areas, but fortunately, we are able to use his wifi. When that does not come in so well, we can drive about 10 miles and pick up a signal on our hotspot, or just go all the way to the next big town and use the library wifi. Our home base is out in the boonies. The hotspot picks up a signal, but uploading photos and streaming videos is a very slow process. Sometime this year, I plan to try a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KX8OL1S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=9MJ2AXUPK4JU&coliid=I1BC4O4UACWYXU&psc=1" target="_blank">wifi range extender</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Repeater-Booster-Amplifier-Antenna/dp/B00L0SKULK/ref=pd_sim_e_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0K7K7ZM13V4G27SQ7E5S" target="_blank">cell phone signal booster</a> there (our cell phone signal is pretty weak at "home", too). I am still investigating whether the range extender will amplify the signal coming in from outside to the hotspot or only the signal from the hotspot to our devices. If the latter is the case, it may not help.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFsl5cm2Ysh_Ir2qhVCPzlJWGEfhzDDXGtc0ZHm4TUTTRD0KPVzfupjvs7c_rF8zKu5PtAI0wY1edw5UIzCA7gNj0ffITnQJ40TYyqt6-w0ozJC832sJslR8V9l1feUbcrJyD0BpSZRtI/s1600/cell+phone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFsl5cm2Ysh_Ir2qhVCPzlJWGEfhzDDXGtc0ZHm4TUTTRD0KPVzfupjvs7c_rF8zKu5PtAI0wY1edw5UIzCA7gNj0ffITnQJ40TYyqt6-w0ozJC832sJslR8V9l1feUbcrJyD0BpSZRtI/s1600/cell+phone.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since this post is already getting a bit lengthy, I will save the rest for next time: Public Wifi vs. Personal Hotspot; Getting the Most out of Our Hotspot; Is it Worth it?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Until then, check out the <a href="http://www.technomadia.com/" target="_blank">Technomads</a>, they wrote the book on <a href="http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/book" target="_blank">Mobile Internet</a>!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-65589323711639091842014-11-22T17:34:00.000-07:002014-11-22T17:34:06.801-07:00The Miraculous Staircase of Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, New Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiwxhK9NZVoH3aFP_1IGjrCyBnZueuNHnd0phJmUknvOPaRpjrxmH3RkO65wdB9pg82DP-wEs2564Krie9DvUosQN_k1lPceCFh1gvFkUoJTtf81MePspYVRX83RtSDBSQN1wShy9e_hM/s1600/loretto+chap+profile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiwxhK9NZVoH3aFP_1IGjrCyBnZueuNHnd0phJmUknvOPaRpjrxmH3RkO65wdB9pg82DP-wEs2564Krie9DvUosQN_k1lPceCFh1gvFkUoJTtf81MePspYVRX83RtSDBSQN1wShy9e_hM/s1600/loretto+chap+profile.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Amid our walking tour of downtown </span><st1:city style="font-size: x-large;">Santa
Fe</st1:city><span style="font-size: large;">, we detoured to take in Loretto Chapel. The last
time we were here, I foolishly left my camera in the car. This time, I made
sure I had it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E5KGdKMah4V3NWkh4RvykHkXH1riwpnIswxQdoXMl7eZc6jRjvMNn1Amnf5VT80d-g0GxDMktiwVSIHXZ1jdbkSwfHIxlgjfK1M8Cf9ZJVYOsQMmuvhiKZrxVFf7CqAaaldT-hzG9Ypk/s1600/loretto+chap+sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E5KGdKMah4V3NWkh4RvykHkXH1riwpnIswxQdoXMl7eZc6jRjvMNn1Amnf5VT80d-g0GxDMktiwVSIHXZ1jdbkSwfHIxlgjfK1M8Cf9ZJVYOsQMmuvhiKZrxVFf7CqAaaldT-hzG9Ypk/s1600/loretto+chap+sign.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loretto Chapel is famous for its circular </span><a href="http://www.lorettochapel.com/staircase.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">stairway</a><span style="font-size: large;"> which is believed
by many to have been constructed by </span><st1:city style="font-size: x-large;">St. Joseph</st1:city><span style="font-size: large;">,
himself. Regardless of the validity of the claim, there is no disputing that
the stairway is a marvel, not only for its time, but even now.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqFLgVNSobK9RTxpigpKqMWFx5Qjhusn2LhTsoQNE0kVwinRy7NEG6B1tuQSQ6umPUUWKnAK-ssCxI8f6JkM3-FwB_2Ja6UDwF2KzM8XcRuSmY6Cy1cWH_3w_7Inz96DDZaGWOZ5u8WY1/s1600/loretto+chap+spire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqFLgVNSobK9RTxpigpKqMWFx5Qjhusn2LhTsoQNE0kVwinRy7NEG6B1tuQSQ6umPUUWKnAK-ssCxI8f6JkM3-FwB_2Ja6UDwF2KzM8XcRuSmY6Cy1cWH_3w_7Inz96DDZaGWOZ5u8WY1/s1600/loretto+chap+spire.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to legend, the architect and builder of the chapel
both overlooked the access to the choir loft until the chapel was nearly
complete. None of the options to correct this were acceptable to the nuns who
had commissioned the chapel, so they began a novena to <st1:city>St.
Joseph</st1:city>, asking for a solution to this problem. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPKrhYuJmVvVWvbgUck21FH7HAOGlgd3OX7vYhUWGezdXpvx1Zx-w2H2mlfHPHsi045Bkjf9xVyab4r25Yc3BL4ILuts0NkxCYEh-hv3-ZV9AOhF6ABDZWdw9N6PVd07F8V-_qCfCDU9N/s1600/loretto+chap+close+up+stair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPKrhYuJmVvVWvbgUck21FH7HAOGlgd3OX7vYhUWGezdXpvx1Zx-w2H2mlfHPHsi045Bkjf9xVyab4r25Yc3BL4ILuts0NkxCYEh-hv3-ZV9AOhF6ABDZWdw9N6PVd07F8V-_qCfCDU9N/s1600/loretto+chap+close+up+stair.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the final day of the novena, a mysterious stranger
appeared out of the desert and built the beautiful staircase, then disappeared
without even collecting his pay.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dwzBPfG2RQbfaHtDya2y1yo4Wigc04pdrrzIbc-PI_ugJRhsik2-fQ3lruff8xuZS4F6fA2qUB5efoy9mco09pjipcUH_eryEv1znWU-AuGw-WOACfhKrLpQgRHx9mmy3A_RH1nSuddb/s1600/loretto+chap+loft+and+top+of+stair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dwzBPfG2RQbfaHtDya2y1yo4Wigc04pdrrzIbc-PI_ugJRhsik2-fQ3lruff8xuZS4F6fA2qUB5efoy9mco09pjipcUH_eryEv1znWU-AuGw-WOACfhKrLpQgRHx9mmy3A_RH1nSuddb/s1600/loretto+chap+loft+and+top+of+stair.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The 1998 movie, <a href="http://www.lorettochapel.com/gifts.html" target="_blank">"The Staircase"</a>, starring Barbara Hershey and William L. Peterson offers an entertaining version of this legend and is available through the chapel gift shop, as well as other retailers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wElZroTVy2d3MFTq5vSrY0yjmX4Usb-tKqN40UgrRhxr_pxTwdAbZGbabZzHMlMUJi3Ftd5Wo7HVXRLCRNIT8e2sNQIR4G8V3iMeet74b1uKv1u6PZxg7R8sq4W_3JjVE1waPIflV8Cj/s1600/loretto+chap+stair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wElZroTVy2d3MFTq5vSrY0yjmX4Usb-tKqN40UgrRhxr_pxTwdAbZGbabZzHMlMUJi3Ftd5Wo7HVXRLCRNIT8e2sNQIR4G8V3iMeet74b1uKv1u6PZxg7R8sq4W_3JjVE1waPIflV8Cj/s1600/loretto+chap+stair.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Miraculous Staircase, now over 130 years old, has been
closed off for many years. The wear and tear of so many tourists ascending and descending its steps would surely
destroy it if it wasn’t. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYQ_w5JRTPr61vLPLELabq5YTwS4gdP65-GAmVmyHmHEIOdK_De3DgSkmIa4JtEjOx_DbXORyyoEEy_mDFHyvUa1NbjxS-Fpw94i-jCxACPFeRLwSgxZv-9F0xqEiFWod_bda4cMVmi8c/s1600/loretto+chap+windmills1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYQ_w5JRTPr61vLPLELabq5YTwS4gdP65-GAmVmyHmHEIOdK_De3DgSkmIa4JtEjOx_DbXORyyoEEy_mDFHyvUa1NbjxS-Fpw94i-jCxACPFeRLwSgxZv-9F0xqEiFWod_bda4cMVmi8c/s1600/loretto+chap+windmills1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fanciful windmills grace the gardens of the chapel, while
the sandstone and volcanic rock of its construction allow the beautiful stained
glass windows to stand out. The interior of the chapel is simple and serene. Although the Blessed Sacrament is no longer housed here, it retains an atmosphere
of holiness. Voices are hushed and photographers are almost stealthy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdV3nYgQ_zeaOhSWWFeXn27vj98Jkad87tLxrGSuivbqceEJV05tadUJzCpHkTN3_T0sieccJSG7h39qWO75m-Pglo_GOnoKeD5Jf_YmP_eK3oQahztaMrtYXOS9peiaXGTFX-TDHUp-Z/s1600/loretto+chap+windmills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdV3nYgQ_zeaOhSWWFeXn27vj98Jkad87tLxrGSuivbqceEJV05tadUJzCpHkTN3_T0sieccJSG7h39qWO75m-Pglo_GOnoKeD5Jf_YmP_eK3oQahztaMrtYXOS9peiaXGTFX-TDHUp-Z/s1600/loretto+chap+windmills.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sitting still in the quiet of the chapel, I relax and
breathe in the prayers of those holy women who, less than 50 years ago, still
knelt here, received the sacraments and instructed the daughters of Santa Fe in
the joy of the Catholic faith. I wonder what it would have been like to be
privileged to climb that staircase and sing in the choir. I believe, whoever he
was, the hand of God worked through the hands of the man who built the
Staircase. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/09/mass-in-yellowstone-np-wyoming.html" target="_blank">Mass in Yellowstone NP, WY</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/09/santo-nino-de-atocha-chimayo-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">Santo Nino de Atocha, Chimayo, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/08/el-santuario-de-chimayo-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/10/downtown-santa-fe-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-41135405498674518422014-10-22T15:16:00.000-07:002014-10-22T15:16:38.811-07:00Downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKWjJOy6uxNw5fut1Hglls4ktatGpkBd6-Pd2Aj5wLVBs14Qiuj8GdZClJ4BxmDJFqZFXeDc1va45HPDu16MKXOkHSPIZNrjZRTuaroE4pIoHefh6j-7y2EJt_Ryc27zIhojJg1CmcpAq/s1600/SAM_3241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKWjJOy6uxNw5fut1Hglls4ktatGpkBd6-Pd2Aj5wLVBs14Qiuj8GdZClJ4BxmDJFqZFXeDc1va45HPDu16MKXOkHSPIZNrjZRTuaroE4pIoHefh6j-7y2EJt_Ryc27zIhojJg1CmcpAq/s1600/SAM_3241.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of our favorite day trips from our current location in Southern Colorado, is historic downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico. While we haven't yet partaken of the Opera, we have enjoyed ogling the classic southwestern adobe architecture. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGCGIVD4032vDpFMoQ0ym2945TYgJxqJK0YOMjGThOCyxBVfQ7HWcDon4MHo1dLC9lk4oL6umYat-giep3AZoL7vyuWwo_0j4Cpz4U5tqFl4Yihva5JdpBbW2VbwHBH4Soa_PTQxAqWXl/s1600/SAM_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGCGIVD4032vDpFMoQ0ym2945TYgJxqJK0YOMjGThOCyxBVfQ7HWcDon4MHo1dLC9lk4oL6umYat-giep3AZoL7vyuWwo_0j4Cpz4U5tqFl4Yihva5JdpBbW2VbwHBH4Soa_PTQxAqWXl/s1600/SAM_3179.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbCweJDAM9x8a1eOhyphenhyphenaWplSp_PVMB7xPXWRT9-emGEw3FWs1zRDeff76zEJkjyvVcf53JMBFPW2QnCB0RFULCrr5Lw_2TS7oO7xJXusHRGGkvx_mxM9gDjBKBioY47ltulYXPAjEwE7sS/s1600/SAM_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbCweJDAM9x8a1eOhyphenhyphenaWplSp_PVMB7xPXWRT9-emGEw3FWs1zRDeff76zEJkjyvVcf53JMBFPW2QnCB0RFULCrr5Lw_2TS7oO7xJXusHRGGkvx_mxM9gDjBKBioY47ltulYXPAjEwE7sS/s1600/SAM_3248.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUOFhdeCQgDvj8FHOnakgnCa13kC-pLYXLTPtWi_wvB31-TgyAl8Lhyfp0pX9c5ksSRH7zVeAW-T-81kT_ysYxBPEr89chorP9H7mTNQmXNDSZ6_cce8TYe8CLkJ5ZGPcdvq9D9yq8SvR/s1600/SAM_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpUOFhdeCQgDvj8FHOnakgnCa13kC-pLYXLTPtWi_wvB31-TgyAl8Lhyfp0pX9c5ksSRH7zVeAW-T-81kT_ysYxBPEr89chorP9H7mTNQmXNDSZ6_cce8TYe8CLkJ5ZGPcdvq9D9yq8SvR/s1600/SAM_3190.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCuy6qfviosqaDbfZ87uGdxYF8fir3ZpIy2K3XRIw-MInssPlToigUIAdwVugDX6EBlsiaLQUQk0hHSfABDoB7F1o0i8Uje42r4yV7pw9MM8-FW1oUndKjiHpOA0XJSan_SgYrY-q9O0t/s1600/SAM_3249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCuy6qfviosqaDbfZ87uGdxYF8fir3ZpIy2K3XRIw-MInssPlToigUIAdwVugDX6EBlsiaLQUQk0hHSfABDoB7F1o0i8Uje42r4yV7pw9MM8-FW1oUndKjiHpOA0XJSan_SgYrY-q9O0t/s1600/SAM_3249.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Browsing upscale boutiques, then crossing the street to explore quirky shops filled with folkart and local handcrafts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Loretto Chapel needs its own post, there are just too many pictures and details to include here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHf1NDFbcfancS1off03_UfkvIUFfBdPtUS7O6nHdFRpsKltOGE9vofg4SAN6LEzjJRzQvWCAiPlP46N3j3CtTPy1SlqDkvQQWI6X9MteD6Rz9K4ShFC3ZsKe4zV4EkWTmHrAC47Pyrqp/s1600/SAM_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHf1NDFbcfancS1off03_UfkvIUFfBdPtUS7O6nHdFRpsKltOGE9vofg4SAN6LEzjJRzQvWCAiPlP46N3j3CtTPy1SlqDkvQQWI6X9MteD6Rz9K4ShFC3ZsKe4zV4EkWTmHrAC47Pyrqp/s1600/SAM_3192.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q73WxinPlRLxPY2Z34JlTzLrTX__0R9s9bqGyokmJAyMJqJQjYRbY29cdexM8dxQ9AGgt95k3qyklhLj-PGB0hlJf6lYimvV-f0I3y-7vdAJBKcF81DPIeUZikti6so8OyTbjdmGYD0q/s1600/SAM_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Q73WxinPlRLxPY2Z34JlTzLrTX__0R9s9bqGyokmJAyMJqJQjYRbY29cdexM8dxQ9AGgt95k3qyklhLj-PGB0hlJf6lYimvV-f0I3y-7vdAJBKcF81DPIeUZikti6so8OyTbjdmGYD0q/s1600/SAM_3193.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A stroll past the park reveals a stone turtle and a checkerboard, ready to play.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjIzoxVXlT08KAlfb-nKppgLUMGvttw9x6rqhuAUjrjLZVMdv7eVt4nFc8GViwypL4uXfoAkF0-OdDELeE_TkYpder_EBrv2gG7OMG_EJRCax20ivDcxMJgFiRQcPjJsYHJcxCgMZLGj/s1600/SAM_3243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsjIzoxVXlT08KAlfb-nKppgLUMGvttw9x6rqhuAUjrjLZVMdv7eVt4nFc8GViwypL4uXfoAkF0-OdDELeE_TkYpder_EBrv2gG7OMG_EJRCax20ivDcxMJgFiRQcPjJsYHJcxCgMZLGj/s1600/SAM_3243.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Deck at 221 looked interesting, with sculpted horses, rearing with pride. Maybe next trip we'll sit up there under the umbrellas, sipping iced tea or espresso and watching the action below.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieeHHTb7U7ES83D5FQReaAEJwQ0Dk6hVB9FtSPTPpdnERiNs-5azlqPYu-kbeyg_uIKHy1CtAQ2Ey1A_RerUHW0sM35OPoF5ZIx1u_01tZH_l3_0AwT3cVV-2JZ8TfJF2cwAaWZS4E0DD/s1600/SAM_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiieeHHTb7U7ES83D5FQReaAEJwQ0Dk6hVB9FtSPTPpdnERiNs-5azlqPYu-kbeyg_uIKHy1CtAQ2Ey1A_RerUHW0sM35OPoF5ZIx1u_01tZH_l3_0AwT3cVV-2JZ8TfJF2cwAaWZS4E0DD/s1600/SAM_2204.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYbQkO2qhnNkzoe7VUvJ5TcERJna5znvnFXRBErWOspl3fqbUvrnFo6FkjQ2tcaXr1xpaBMA3kkeap4djbBcNy1eHgoC2RpC4HO68mVbvtkrJr4XGMGdqSCtKMeJS6B51u2_-5Ui3DlRe/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYbQkO2qhnNkzoe7VUvJ5TcERJna5znvnFXRBErWOspl3fqbUvrnFo6FkjQ2tcaXr1xpaBMA3kkeap4djbBcNy1eHgoC2RpC4HO68mVbvtkrJr4XGMGdqSCtKMeJS6B51u2_-5Ui3DlRe/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/08/el-santuario-de-chimayo-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/04/great-sand-dunes-national-park-and.html" target="_blank">Great Sand Dune National Park and Preserve, Colorado</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/06/colorado-gators-mosca-colorado.html" target="_blank">Colorado Gators, Mosca, Colorado</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-20610179607540481742014-10-14T14:59:00.002-07:002014-10-14T14:59:55.117-07:00It's Winter and our Coats are at Home!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXKreOGmKuT_sW26bIR4zSe6mrgJ90JM6XibZV5pvwsSIQZdF4vKdmktEg_wI1Gg1ORL9lrkOQkmrZK9mO8ylDs4STyBWkuH1cuevTkZVn164y6IFH7rs-Uy8E8kOlDl1r_hH5oJJ8on1/s1600/SAM_1469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXKreOGmKuT_sW26bIR4zSe6mrgJ90JM6XibZV5pvwsSIQZdF4vKdmktEg_wI1Gg1ORL9lrkOQkmrZK9mO8ylDs4STyBWkuH1cuevTkZVn164y6IFH7rs-Uy8E8kOlDl1r_hH5oJJ8on1/s1600/SAM_1469.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Winter has rolled in to Colorado and my winter clothes are all in Arizona. We have the heater on in the trailer day and night. We're not moving on for another few weeks - What to do? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RKQrDXt2MlxPqGwDv9fMR1nQ3nqFmpmZO59c_r7bNjF2ow7B0b4Ikr50MRJUWb0jsk9xJkex2XNtJYMpLb5mscf3Uts5Y4XDHtplP28_17a0ZsFg76_BtwS-kg0l2vUg-8VyjTPqAyPA/s1600/SAM_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9RKQrDXt2MlxPqGwDv9fMR1nQ3nqFmpmZO59c_r7bNjF2ow7B0b4Ikr50MRJUWb0jsk9xJkex2XNtJYMpLb5mscf3Uts5Y4XDHtplP28_17a0ZsFg76_BtwS-kg0l2vUg-8VyjTPqAyPA/s1600/SAM_1460.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To tell the truth, we did keep a few winter items with us "just in case". Not that I seriously thought we would need them. My problem this entire last year. I kept out 1 pair of long johns, my London Fog raincoat with liner and a fleece sweater. I have several summer scarves that can serve for neck warmers and one pair of glove-liner gloves. We also kept the boy's down jacket.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Kbm8fJjn-4w93MkyXWmwIahPBh_mqKsstihLGaJsNqg6MttW-BmWu-mua8NGRBd0SeZIov7ljGniR8qcTT2Y2j_z9K0M-XZo9kLuPUH8JEOt-zaD-nro_m6k36yJHULtmlt9D6MsbsN/s1600/SAM_3770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0Kbm8fJjn-4w93MkyXWmwIahPBh_mqKsstihLGaJsNqg6MttW-BmWu-mua8NGRBd0SeZIov7ljGniR8qcTT2Y2j_z9K0M-XZo9kLuPUH8JEOt-zaD-nro_m6k36yJHULtmlt9D6MsbsN/s1600/SAM_3770.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since we're living in the trailer, we have most of our clothes in the closet. We each keep one suitcase under the bed and that is wear we kept the coats - until 2 weeks ago. Now we are very glad to have them. Even though we will be spending most of the winter in warmer climes, we will be back for a few weeks. So next stop at the Arizona stix and brix, we'll be picking up some more long johns, a couple winter hats, gloves, scarves and snow boots! Where will we put them when we don't need them? In the suitcases, of course. If we decide to take air or rail transport and need our suitcases, we will just leave the extras in the trailer closet.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptMcuNblAlXtqKKPca8h_MaX5ELSMFt8rS02Ze6pmLSS0JPnLpjQFawf7MzK7VVeqt9xr3Z8U-OcgCh-fPf56TtDLt_crZz81ddu-2dsnUCTkSEBFEMp6hJJ5-w23nAzRLOQFEyDXHFt2/s1600/SAM_3774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptMcuNblAlXtqKKPca8h_MaX5ELSMFt8rS02Ze6pmLSS0JPnLpjQFawf7MzK7VVeqt9xr3Z8U-OcgCh-fPf56TtDLt_crZz81ddu-2dsnUCTkSEBFEMp6hJJ5-w23nAzRLOQFEyDXHFt2/s1600/SAM_3774.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And when we're in winter weather and don't need the summer clothes? You've got it - we'll keep the suitcases packed.</span><br />
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You might also like:<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/03/salvage-day-what-to-do-when-trip-does.html" target="_blank">Salvage The Day - What To Do When A Trip Does Not Go As Planned</a></td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvMAYwM5M543TXDC1mqa4aY5jap8fWoY8QL0m_6yLEYWYhlvYKX1WIRSf4UP8zXYBdwT1opxh9XlCIhyphenhyphenx55Hp81ACHfAbmug-8UUYYL3RgyGalP37_EfM5r_iOcLeM0N7ORDuY8XVCxT-/s1600/SAM_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvMAYwM5M543TXDC1mqa4aY5jap8fWoY8QL0m_6yLEYWYhlvYKX1WIRSf4UP8zXYBdwT1opxh9XlCIhyphenhyphenx55Hp81ACHfAbmug-8UUYYL3RgyGalP37_EfM5r_iOcLeM0N7ORDuY8XVCxT-/s1600/SAM_2627.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/06/surviving-slow-travel.html" target="_blank">Surviving Slow Travel</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/01/first-stop-ice-cubes.html" target="_blank">First Stop: Ice Cubes</a></td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/04/slow-travel-freedom-to-roam-or-not.html" target="_blank">Slow Travel: Freedom To Roam - Or Not</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-9883048567782019342014-10-09T15:28:00.000-07:002014-10-09T15:28:43.969-07:00It's A Book!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Working Parent's Guide To Homeschooling by Robyn Dolan" src="http://assets.booklocker.com/covers/7663cvr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://booklocker.com/books/7663.html" target="_blank">The Working Parent's Guide To Homeschooling</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It's finally in print and boy am I anxious to get this book
out to anyone who might benefit from it. Think you're too busy working to
homeschool your children? Think again! "The Working Parent's Guide To
Homeschooling" is packed with tips, tricks, suggestions and resources to
help working parents take charge of their children's education.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Get your free excerpt at the link above and get ready to
explore a whole new world of opportunities and freedom for yourselves and your
children. "The Working Parent’s Guide to Homeschooling" will inform
and empower you with tools and resources to homeschool. You'll explore time
management, child care arrangements while working, how to teach and more, with
real life working parents’ solutions to each of these issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Written specifically for working parents, my own experience
peppers every chapter and I also share several other families’ experiences to
illustrate solutions to succeed in working and homeschooling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This dream has been a long time coming, so I hope you will
celebrate with me. Now that I've given birth to my first book, I plan on doing
it again. Get your copy today and tell me what you think!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ebook formats coming soon.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out these other posts, too:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kt7CkMx9eBRCw24-bipgMQ5UPwBYS4O9gDFmWGV5zWBxusFGoQAhFIg0h2qOEjfb99G9a1niG1XEk_AMzQDFmxiXiZNJ45uXsWUzxpwvEOgKakSlEqfKzedAelyx7Cc3MKfM2TOLvrCe/s1600/SAM_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kt7CkMx9eBRCw24-bipgMQ5UPwBYS4O9gDFmWGV5zWBxusFGoQAhFIg0h2qOEjfb99G9a1niG1XEk_AMzQDFmxiXiZNJ45uXsWUzxpwvEOgKakSlEqfKzedAelyx7Cc3MKfM2TOLvrCe/s1600/SAM_0500.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/07/tic-tac-toe.html" target="_blank">Tic Tac Toe</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLED1RT0of3ys0ry2y9_9E1rIndpBMRDjYS7tizWCuxepjfBou7d8exMsH6clcpsnDdVAUNDFXE9o6gyRa3RvfHLpY66u2UA0mupytIw3FWmeNkxZRbkbOc13mHNnk3CbboNFBPFGWQIH/s1600/SNC15612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLED1RT0of3ys0ry2y9_9E1rIndpBMRDjYS7tizWCuxepjfBou7d8exMsH6clcpsnDdVAUNDFXE9o6gyRa3RvfHLpY66u2UA0mupytIw3FWmeNkxZRbkbOc13mHNnk3CbboNFBPFGWQIH/s1600/SNC15612.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2010/09/catholic-education-homeschool-or-parish.html" target="_blank">Catholic Education: Homeschool or the Parish School?</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-11343650053782094322014-09-26T15:51:00.001-07:002014-09-26T15:51:13.668-07:00Mesothelioma Awareness Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3xyQkKIgsj9O2i5qkSOa94RZ0yZkmKXHUPgiAafOwjcfD5wicPPjtq7VxMscVPH63dtzCnxs5OKAcxQ93Vpysev67kCnrgkQIACeIfckPt3XUF0Lu4dFCUS8Zf_u9a6neq1nsVixZ5KA/s1600/HeatherandLily2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3xyQkKIgsj9O2i5qkSOa94RZ0yZkmKXHUPgiAafOwjcfD5wicPPjtq7VxMscVPH63dtzCnxs5OKAcxQ93Vpysev67kCnrgkQIACeIfckPt3XUF0Lu4dFCUS8Zf_u9a6neq1nsVixZ5KA/s1600/HeatherandLily2.png" height="320" width="305" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And Now For A Little Something Different:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today is Mesothelioma Awareness Day. I was contacted by a
fellow blogger who is a Mesothelioma survivor and asked to spread the word
about this deadly disease. Since I also have another friend who is a
Mesothelioma survivor, I agreed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In looking for a few background facts to share, I was
astounded to find that the ban on asbestos-containing products was overturned
just a few years after it was put in effect. Asbestos exposure is the only
known cause of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I was also amazed that it can lay dormant for 20-50 years
after a person’s first exposure, and that family and friends can be exposed to
it second-hand. I am not an expert on this, so I will refer you to <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/" target="_blank">http://www.mesothelioma.com/ </a> for further info; you can also read Heather’s
story there (pictured above, with Lily).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">And here are some interesting facts about asbestos and
mesothelioma:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Asbestos
can be found in many homes, schools, commercial and industrial buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><st1:country-region>China</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region>Russia</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region>Canada</st1:country-region> use asbestos in consumer products.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mesothelioma
is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Many
women received second-hand exposure from parents or spouses who worked closely
with asbestos."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Info
taken from MAD Asbestos Facts, courtesy<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/">www.mesothelioma.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-10444550509340572182014-09-18T16:37:00.004-07:002014-09-18T16:37:46.291-07:00Mass In Yellowstone NP, Wyoming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlyfZ77UpBdVtLW5hDspwNag-Hg-8JPhxkSKkdlq79WFrkSVbOTw3L76LYoGqVzlAqCM-hHU5H6X_8fXlfrFhbT61OZw1Fsu0W_4EcsmdiH9AlRkVJ9HotCLul_imypA6Wt3CXCtE7C72/s1600/SAM_2889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlyfZ77UpBdVtLW5hDspwNag-Hg-8JPhxkSKkdlq79WFrkSVbOTw3L76LYoGqVzlAqCM-hHU5H6X_8fXlfrFhbT61OZw1Fsu0W_4EcsmdiH9AlRkVJ9HotCLul_imypA6Wt3CXCtE7C72/s1600/SAM_2889.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">From the windows of the rec room, there is a panoramic view of the mists still rising off of Yellowstone Lake. (Okay, not in this picture.) Mass is about to begin and the young celebrant is scurrying around, arranging the altar, consulting with the pianist and greeting tourists - some in their Sunday best, some in hiking apparel.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r7ABt0mX8v4iTFi_4TvKzebhgfFB7eEwrsQrJ6p5mN0OJuSp3WVZbR5BWOxSKSAYbL2T0saH5sY0Y37So9gxE1SWFkXxeo9XML4eAERxv8o1RJx9Q-LPAnguPy6nbJ9gv2vv5b2AnYo6/s1600/560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r7ABt0mX8v4iTFi_4TvKzebhgfFB7eEwrsQrJ6p5mN0OJuSp3WVZbR5BWOxSKSAYbL2T0saH5sY0Y37So9gxE1SWFkXxeo9XML4eAERxv8o1RJx9Q-LPAnguPy6nbJ9gv2vv5b2AnYo6/s1600/560.JPG" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is interesting to note that the murmur of voices is at a far lower level than in many Catholic churches these days. Is it because we naturally respect the sacred ground we are visiting? I know that my own awe and humility are greatly increased by the wonders of Yellowstone. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOAQmbHmju_6Lz4bzbPasNbeaphLXF5xmNhogJQKkUgnp4qwZPujvTQXupZwj2QRhB4kMCA3fYj2N7JYUO43yxwEjnvinEhQHClka95q9sW5bT7WDRx5Us1eURqoSz1s1Frket8my-hoh/s1600/659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOAQmbHmju_6Lz4bzbPasNbeaphLXF5xmNhogJQKkUgnp4qwZPujvTQXupZwj2QRhB4kMCA3fYj2N7JYUO43yxwEjnvinEhQHClka95q9sW5bT7WDRx5Us1eURqoSz1s1Frket8my-hoh/s1600/659.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The altar is a card table, the lectern a music stand, but somehow it feels as if we are in an ancient cathedral. We are. Sometimes it is difficult to find Mass while traveling. Many National Parks, through the diligent efforts of the local Catholic communities, and even sometimes through the efforts of the local diocese, will have Sunday Mass scheduled. This may not be posted in the guide books or newsletters, but a query at one of the lodges in the park is likely to turn up a schedule of Sunday services for several denominations. Even if a regularly scheduled Mass is not available, I have found that sometimes a visiting priest is kind enough to ask for a place to celebrate Mass and pass the word as to location and time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-wBqtfi2Ibg_O3IG-y8xX4XFuiSeTfeNObu-AYCTIrEHrofZRcwriYj2HXywzZfgHWejPp5cxBW8ZOcbxXdPzgI_naloPxDqWZ4dq6R1GEeAxLTMZGFE8R1_dY-EHHSKaoAume9cNXDY/s1600/SAM_2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-wBqtfi2Ibg_O3IG-y8xX4XFuiSeTfeNObu-AYCTIrEHrofZRcwriYj2HXywzZfgHWejPp5cxBW8ZOcbxXdPzgI_naloPxDqWZ4dq6R1GEeAxLTMZGFE8R1_dY-EHHSKaoAume9cNXDY/s1600/SAM_2830.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yellowstone Lake Lodge is such an ethereal setting for Mass. I have to wonder if this might not be a little taste of heaven.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-83283707313046372682014-09-02T19:25:00.000-07:002014-09-02T19:25:02.421-07:00Santo Nino de Atocha, Chimayo, New Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXma85TIwnUWUGqkp0WZDUsR62EzmTATslSA-Fpo41A10sx3CJo4flf07Gh7YP4kitL_sOz7kuyMXoTMEvbyPmFs011YxmKdBeh5PCYR3MZUY_c0E90dZcbYKrapV4_lJeaSXE4oCA2mSv/s1600/SAM_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXma85TIwnUWUGqkp0WZDUsR62EzmTATslSA-Fpo41A10sx3CJo4flf07Gh7YP4kitL_sOz7kuyMXoTMEvbyPmFs011YxmKdBeh5PCYR3MZUY_c0E90dZcbYKrapV4_lJeaSXE4oCA2mSv/s1600/SAM_2204.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the same road trip to El Santuario,
Chimayo, we discovered another chapel I hadn't seen before. Just a few hundred yards from El Santuario is the Chapel to <a href="http://holychimayo.us/Santuario/PilgrimChild.html" target="_blank">Santo Nino de Atocha</a>. According to legend, when loved ones were imprisoned, the Christ child would come and take food and water to them. When the families saw the worn out shoes on the statue of little Jesus, they would replace them with new ones, which would soon become worn out as well, as Santo Nino continued to bring provisions to their imprisoned loved ones.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaWRdlXMjfvZ4UHXASsMYGMbprw1OpKlkcFq_n9hjjnkFw5WuVfmuNJREvgphxM-XLjbo7CU78lBRWIPYIbS6kx8BjjfnublHNa9dBQXJeCjOTaM7xehxkmsXZtimeOP2H-ZJIT4cxHpv/s1600/SAM_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaWRdlXMjfvZ4UHXASsMYGMbprw1OpKlkcFq_n9hjjnkFw5WuVfmuNJREvgphxM-XLjbo7CU78lBRWIPYIbS6kx8BjjfnublHNa9dBQXJeCjOTaM7xehxkmsXZtimeOP2H-ZJIT4cxHpv/s1600/SAM_2213.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Santo Nino de Atocha Chapel is dedicated to children. Its
whimsical décor is reminiscent of childhood, with carved trees, birds, flowers
and fanciful sculptures. A nearby shrine holds hundreds of pairs of tiny shoes,
thank you tokens for miracles received. A Milagros chapel inside the shrine
holds hundreds of other tiny gifts, left in gratitude for healings received.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSl5NXKGC_p3poYnckJY8GvO8Jhp0iA1L3izoKGXHjLrRF0FwOHukHHh0ynxjllcYRIR3t5Xr3nZtjJ0KgPWqEqLe-VzI0ZxA-G7Lm5sUrpvPNovGlaiWVh5AxDRDtOlfTgaeIyJoqvzD/s1600/SAM_2219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSl5NXKGC_p3poYnckJY8GvO8Jhp0iA1L3izoKGXHjLrRF0FwOHukHHh0ynxjllcYRIR3t5Xr3nZtjJ0KgPWqEqLe-VzI0ZxA-G7Lm5sUrpvPNovGlaiWVh5AxDRDtOlfTgaeIyJoqvzD/s1600/SAM_2219.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During WWII, many National Guardsmen from this area of New Mexico died. Survivors attributed their lives to the intercession of Santo Nino de Atocha. Devotion to Jesus as Santo Nino had been encouraged by Severiano Medina, who built the chapel near El Santuario, in gratitude for healing from a severe illness. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne9GCqsPOpD2FtyIm8NISoMLx_hGwCCnrsazyXgweme8V0U-RGVJQTPNgNRetMcn7HmwO0OeDVQan7fnEfzaw79Q6OzMry0sNWlXYHUAPyOJSUicVK4rDC5klUzqV72ibLmaQCrrs6ea4/s1600/SAM_2206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhne9GCqsPOpD2FtyIm8NISoMLx_hGwCCnrsazyXgweme8V0U-RGVJQTPNgNRetMcn7HmwO0OeDVQan7fnEfzaw79Q6OzMry0sNWlXYHUAPyOJSUicVK4rDC5klUzqV72ibLmaQCrrs6ea4/s1600/SAM_2206.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today, the chapel is fully restored and a delightful dessert to the serious meal of El Santuario de Chimayo. One does not have to walk very far from either one for some distinctive New Mexico chile.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pWEFc-NaRMhONBqYt5d7e33-6CDxyjK8OG15H9prZQrw6njIGTmrB4P4-KBEORnSVzFPXocrwZyiM3Dq0sz710lE3BP_zjUzb8iOS_NMmcgGRdC2iA-ZEFgdNdfSHqeIdoZBivIaTeX_/s1600/SAM_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pWEFc-NaRMhONBqYt5d7e33-6CDxyjK8OG15H9prZQrw6njIGTmrB4P4-KBEORnSVzFPXocrwZyiM3Dq0sz710lE3BP_zjUzb8iOS_NMmcgGRdC2iA-ZEFgdNdfSHqeIdoZBivIaTeX_/s1600/SAM_2205.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYbQkO2qhnNkzoe7VUvJ5TcERJna5znvnFXRBErWOspl3fqbUvrnFo6FkjQ2tcaXr1xpaBMA3kkeap4djbBcNy1eHgoC2RpC4HO68mVbvtkrJr4XGMGdqSCtKMeJS6B51u2_-5Ui3DlRe/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYbQkO2qhnNkzoe7VUvJ5TcERJna5znvnFXRBErWOspl3fqbUvrnFo6FkjQ2tcaXr1xpaBMA3kkeap4djbBcNy1eHgoC2RpC4HO68mVbvtkrJr4XGMGdqSCtKMeJS6B51u2_-5Ui3DlRe/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/08/el-santuario-de-chimayo-new-mexico.html" target="_blank">El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kswS9FDW_HJt1OhsNJ6rmTWE4XYB_vSnPTIRq0ZlN9CVtwoWlFBWb3REiiweWm3H8pMrhKu0rtVBv40uzI5ZdgspHro7ldv41ZpH9R89b8Olmawnvc4F_3s2o4PCvXkADRsNxjnBFAXH/s1600/SNC14951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kswS9FDW_HJt1OhsNJ6rmTWE4XYB_vSnPTIRq0ZlN9CVtwoWlFBWb3REiiweWm3H8pMrhKu0rtVBv40uzI5ZdgspHro7ldv41ZpH9R89b8Olmawnvc4F_3s2o4PCvXkADRsNxjnBFAXH/s1600/SNC14951.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2011/04/sunday-there-was-no-mass.html" target="_blank">The Sunday There was no Mass</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-19858684305780559832014-08-09T16:50:00.000-07:002014-08-09T16:57:11.699-07:00El Santuario de Chimayo, New Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdnZH9KTVpDpMZBWL2MvWmVZZnRDdIShiTUPAZuUtHTe1khQydOC510eeQ-uoAcbMtE36St1vUGWAs8HLD9qhLFiutvLlXhKlxKBJWj6MrYa01eVTAyK5NVkk6oCmnsi1C73z8zTBhkm5/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdnZH9KTVpDpMZBWL2MvWmVZZnRDdIShiTUPAZuUtHTe1khQydOC510eeQ-uoAcbMtE36St1vUGWAs8HLD9qhLFiutvLlXhKlxKBJWj6MrYa01eVTAyK5NVkk6oCmnsi1C73z8zTBhkm5/s1600/SAM_2165.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nearly 10 years ago, when I came to <a href="http://holychimayo.us/Santuario/index.html" target="_blank">El Santuario Chimayo</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> on pilgrimage, it was undergoing major restoration, inside and out. When I returned this past spring, I was impressed with sweet smelling, flowering trees lining spacious courtyards.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Restored signage clearly indicates Mass times and Historic information.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVnx3_vzwduMCnPQimijgIAWep7-QQYskpiFKH_wKPF2C3HhafCnLq8tUWP5isrAS_KU7pb1BR2m9aO-KbDIQmeOZmth4EDz5h73zBm7E74Lv-Kq1s7jIPaQ3C7Ep9w3EwuQDTHrhNFta/s1600/SAM_2162a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVnx3_vzwduMCnPQimijgIAWep7-QQYskpiFKH_wKPF2C3HhafCnLq8tUWP5isrAS_KU7pb1BR2m9aO-KbDIQmeOZmth4EDz5h73zBm7E74Lv-Kq1s7jIPaQ3C7Ep9w3EwuQDTHrhNFta/s1600/SAM_2162a.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbFXRb2g3__YOdTd145qw7v5G7JQWoWqkKowDdE-QLe2Bk4aJ8G2EHu0Rs2Sr6VOyNwKGAGZUS72lTTcirPNBTyjB-BS8EN10ENiwFqIvY5-bKuJOFXRA2PG3tvw6Fpq1xB2sTgK0OMkp/s1600/SAM_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbFXRb2g3__YOdTd145qw7v5G7JQWoWqkKowDdE-QLe2Bk4aJ8G2EHu0Rs2Sr6VOyNwKGAGZUS72lTTcirPNBTyjB-BS8EN10ENiwFqIvY5-bKuJOFXRA2PG3tvw6Fpq1xB2sTgK0OMkp/s1600/SAM_2167.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Original window gratings and adobe bricks are left exposed in
areas, to show the original building style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DzlSybc0h9e0prTelg7DLFqHULkJ07zHIouYVS_jsQo5_vf7HGvY2jDsNf5pqDEDiSQcg7llFit0RQ_uWeGMJsX3NS4xUE2GwFvL2pxSxAlgxFMs0iSVNAeGjaq9G7vGT3pA-1jQ-cK5/s1600/scnm+window+grating.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DzlSybc0h9e0prTelg7DLFqHULkJ07zHIouYVS_jsQo5_vf7HGvY2jDsNf5pqDEDiSQcg7llFit0RQ_uWeGMJsX3NS4xUE2GwFvL2pxSxAlgxFMs0iSVNAeGjaq9G7vGT3pA-1jQ-cK5/s1600/scnm+window+grating.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">A walk through the visitor’s center tells the story of how the <a href="http://holychimayo.us/Santuario/Esquipulas.html" target="_blank">Santuario de Nuestro Senor de Esquipulas</a> came to be, the story of the penitente brotherhood and the early
church in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-size: 18pt;">New Mexico</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-size: 18pt;">. I reflect upon how much of that early spirituality still
pervades the local and surrounding areas, even into </span><st1:place><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Southern Colorado</span></st1:place><span style="font-size: 18pt;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMd5gRk7K-qXw1nMUHyTPQ9Z-Z6bvIKQIXe-rpBDt_Z20U100N19Ts5kLXo6F-x364LcZMwWzLm9X4NHG6D5mKqslpWosWoApEUnReTPu8sj5KB6-QzPiaJlONd-G73wUq47uzdTf5OQM/s1600/scnm+original+adobe+bricks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnMd5gRk7K-qXw1nMUHyTPQ9Z-Z6bvIKQIXe-rpBDt_Z20U100N19Ts5kLXo6F-x364LcZMwWzLm9X4NHG6D5mKqslpWosWoApEUnReTPu8sj5KB6-QzPiaJlONd-G73wUq47uzdTf5OQM/s1600/scnm+original+adobe+bricks.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Today we are just in time for </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Mass.</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> <a href="http://holychimayo.us/Santuario/roca.html" target="_blank">Father Casimiro Roca</a> who has spent so much
of his life devoted to the preservation of the Santuario is there with us. He
now walks across the uneven flagstones with the assistance of a cane and a
caregiver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeU_bx5Ow5gq-7aEkW95g3HSCghioIM7koG4F0bX3DcsXycU6EqfALHAn64jcUMqMfeVa7T8Q0Iy_pOqWkalRTJje5HuRG72rL8ppT0GRiwCawJE29QXw_QTJVl5_VGrKLJZOB-PjO4gp/s1600/scnm+view+from+upper+courtyard+to+grotto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTeU_bx5Ow5gq-7aEkW95g3HSCghioIM7koG4F0bX3DcsXycU6EqfALHAn64jcUMqMfeVa7T8Q0Iy_pOqWkalRTJje5HuRG72rL8ppT0GRiwCawJE29QXw_QTJVl5_VGrKLJZOB-PjO4gp/s1600/scnm+view+from+upper+courtyard+to+grotto.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Outside, cattle graze in the valley below. Their gentle lowing
makes me homesick for my little ranch. But I have given up my livestock for
this life on the road. I smile at sweet memories and new adventures. From the
upper courtyard, I can see the amphitheater below, in front of the shrine to
Our Lady. The Stations of the Cross still meander along the river bank.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC496ZG4NDHHmu3bIYzTnksD2o-u0V0fZPCXT1mA0lzSZG4m8tRJGnOcEOIetSgdj5w2lmYOW-jtPDKYw9V5wrBsZXmx2hRgt-V2mtVuT3AxrLnfIL28hPQB97CQA6zMphpiXg7h7U3NoE/s1600/scnm+leonas+closed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC496ZG4NDHHmu3bIYzTnksD2o-u0V0fZPCXT1mA0lzSZG4m8tRJGnOcEOIetSgdj5w2lmYOW-jtPDKYw9V5wrBsZXmx2hRgt-V2mtVuT3AxrLnfIL28hPQB97CQA6zMphpiXg7h7U3NoE/s1600/scnm+leonas+closed.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Today we are more inclined to check out the
surrounding area. Tamales and hot drinks are sounding good, but alas, Leona’s
concession stand is closed today. We continue up the road to see if we can
patronize some of the local businesses that thrive during the tourist season. Maybe
we’ll get some chile powder made from the famous New </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Mexico chiles, or blue
atole – blue cornmeal which is</span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 18pt;">cooked
into a delicious cereal or drink.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXgPryvubV3eSCxEs0jeRdzFZUD8MhUOdRpiE1B6LfrxPs_AvXsyyCupa1s8eDwNr8gJGy1wVR6hw2Cq0e22KzvUmihR7mIt9tl8awBNVHOpF4YT6l6DXoNc12_rN5lT3065Z2gsZt5yZ/s1600/scnm+friar+wood+carvings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXgPryvubV3eSCxEs0jeRdzFZUD8MhUOdRpiE1B6LfrxPs_AvXsyyCupa1s8eDwNr8gJGy1wVR6hw2Cq0e22KzvUmihR7mIt9tl8awBNVHOpF4YT6l6DXoNc12_rN5lT3065Z2gsZt5yZ/s1600/scnm+friar+wood+carvings.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0El Santuario, 1445 New Mexico 503, Chimayo, NM 87522, USA36.001801 -105.9044840000000210.4797665 -147.21307800000002 61.523835500000004 -64.595890000000026tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-18011585165310554332014-06-13T17:29:00.002-07:002014-06-13T17:29:38.556-07:00Colorado Gators, Mosca, Colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY4mab7xgvymopZpbJCf8NC36IK_N7mMKuYhD7w40Pra6CNxiztSjXqBUARGEfkp7_0LBC2wg-eeZWJMEl8ee8PfVbOxWqUjeQnuHDlWYZTVw6GR9gqd9kAoyOA6JAdXmq-WTKQND8uze/s1600/SAM_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY4mab7xgvymopZpbJCf8NC36IK_N7mMKuYhD7w40Pra6CNxiztSjXqBUARGEfkp7_0LBC2wg-eeZWJMEl8ee8PfVbOxWqUjeQnuHDlWYZTVw6GR9gqd9kAoyOA6JAdXmq-WTKQND8uze/s1600/SAM_2021.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Almost halfway between <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm" target="_blank">Great Sand Dunes National Park</a> and Alamosa, <a href="http://www.coloradogators.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Gators</a> is a fun spot to stop and stretch your legs and gawk at something you don't expect to see in the Rocky Mountain state: alligators. Begun in 1977 as a fish (tilapia) farm, the gators were brought in to eat the dead fish. Within a few years, the farm became a tourist attraction, as people started stopping by to see the alligators.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkA_SM3l8cMAtTCbU8rgreGPI9dSYLNuD4u8MwXLPo0IawAiqiuQDZcDBHo6iTHPQHaBWxApKLIOyj2T3sqAf5Tj7ThFDYPSpUyFEmZLPFwrD4ez4w3mc7rgkt_-fKKcfmjcAsf0jg9qM/s1600/SAM_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZkA_SM3l8cMAtTCbU8rgreGPI9dSYLNuD4u8MwXLPo0IawAiqiuQDZcDBHo6iTHPQHaBWxApKLIOyj2T3sqAf5Tj7ThFDYPSpUyFEmZLPFwrD4ez4w3mc7rgkt_-fKKcfmjcAsf0jg9qM/s1600/SAM_2082.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The first part of the tour, holding the baby alligator, taking pictures and learning a little about the farm and gators, is held inside, in the dark reptile room. Very much like other reptile rooms we've visited (dark and smelly). I must admit, I was happy to move into the fish tank area. Substantially less smelly and brightly lit. I was fascinated with the hydroponic setup there. The fish-waste-to-plant-food-to-fish-habitat recycling system looked very efficient and all the plants I could see looked to be thriving.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyntxjGTGUbpavyFIht3OdweKAv9uWafBaMeqBE6pvqb5p2iaH3LTOUvayc_3NCUK8CFcvN-M2Gmr4D9KKC0xB3sCPXWB3Ml1clvDoxECesyiJMYcLzxdALfif32HhOjOA74gYkjcrYBzT/s1600/SAM_2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyntxjGTGUbpavyFIht3OdweKAv9uWafBaMeqBE6pvqb5p2iaH3LTOUvayc_3NCUK8CFcvN-M2Gmr4D9KKC0xB3sCPXWB3Ml1clvDoxECesyiJMYcLzxdALfif32HhOjOA74gYkjcrYBzT/s1600/SAM_2030.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">water returning to fish tanks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYMWTyregsH5OM5oPGKJ3IvpoWIGaLnmXnDpSAvFjXR5fnvcKhfHLVfE-h46v7cgDcThyphenhyphenlCP5z1mTluFQd8MMh5iEXQ2p4ulj2hdmBoVY-UbqKGAHCv_fVON7syJ94wrnm3fYe71S5O89/s1600/SAM_2035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEYMWTyregsH5OM5oPGKJ3IvpoWIGaLnmXnDpSAvFjXR5fnvcKhfHLVfE-h46v7cgDcThyphenhyphenlCP5z1mTluFQd8MMh5iEXQ2p4ulj2hdmBoVY-UbqKGAHCv_fVON7syJ94wrnm3fYe71S5O89/s1600/SAM_2035.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hydroponic sprouts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSzWv7bHbW6wRVOeBF9M5NuaRYnLwHbowMWXLGJOmVCHZAjm60GdXOMLgUuTnwy2htkzQfHeYiIfEJXCtpf9UdCPJ_J5YJuzQh9Amj5IKlUf94j2iEGVRIrepnd-fMVPT7V80ejQ60-26/s1600/SAM_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSzWv7bHbW6wRVOeBF9M5NuaRYnLwHbowMWXLGJOmVCHZAjm60GdXOMLgUuTnwy2htkzQfHeYiIfEJXCtpf9UdCPJ_J5YJuzQh9Amj5IKlUf94j2iEGVRIrepnd-fMVPT7V80ejQ60-26/s1600/SAM_2036.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fish tanks with hydroponic garden above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally outside in the fresh air we got to see dozens of alligators lazing in the sun. Even a movie star, Morris, of Happy Gilmore fame, as well as numerous other movie credits, including Dr. Doolittle, Jay Leno, and of course, Steve Irwin (the late, great "Crocodile Hunter").</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBeDSuyYgmaR0yMnBYOOP5RgKKBNaoER3xMDw90G5cSTutufyA19h_jVXwabfXeDPEVDLg329JXJs9YXi_q2-l53uOUdjFfH54mc0D1E6AjyXY1Q-3CKmNbCTieVPmYTrWz7hQJ_45Cdl/s1600/SAM_2020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBeDSuyYgmaR0yMnBYOOP5RgKKBNaoER3xMDw90G5cSTutufyA19h_jVXwabfXeDPEVDLg329JXJs9YXi_q2-l53uOUdjFfH54mc0D1E6AjyXY1Q-3CKmNbCTieVPmYTrWz7hQJ_45Cdl/s1600/SAM_2020.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Other critters on the property include a couple ostriches, emus, and geese. The farm also offers <a href="http://www.coloradogators.com/education/educational-program/" target="_blank">educational</a> programs for schools, churches and other groups. <a href="http://www.coloradogators.com/experience/gator-wrestling-class/" target="_blank">Alligator wrestling classes</a> are available for the <strike>crazy!</strike> more adventurous. Gatorfest, held this year on August 2nd and 3rd, features gator roping and wrestling, children's games and barrel races.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmusgkTCEOkR7Uy0mR_u6p8KDVInvzGKTRqex92ynDeTcIDQ97UzlvBCiSP3fADQFIw56tOTltIOn6osUsz4BbxRBUI-DgdYSezpq5-F0G-mfsBHA86Jr3V_ZevT-Jy27PGhEJ2I_e1ge/s1600/SAM_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmusgkTCEOkR7Uy0mR_u6p8KDVInvzGKTRqex92ynDeTcIDQ97UzlvBCiSP3fADQFIw56tOTltIOn6osUsz4BbxRBUI-DgdYSezpq5-F0G-mfsBHA86Jr3V_ZevT-Jy27PGhEJ2I_e1ge/s1600/SAM_2104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For more info, click on one of the links above, or contact Colorado Gators Reptile Park, 9162 CR 9 N, Mosca, CO 81146, 719-378-2612.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-organic-peddler-del-norte-colorado.html" target="_blank">The Organic Peddler, Del Norte, Colorado</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2012/09/clover-spring-trail-williams-az.html" target="_blank">Clover Spring Trail, Williams, Arizona</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-16141101007752447282014-06-02T16:55:00.000-07:002014-06-02T16:55:17.524-07:00Surviving Slow Travel <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF8DYespw5Kpo0vCgc21cwxSzzvqL88Puruei58n34uWJWo4HXSSfkhE74aW_VF8jSlE5e1xttYDKQVSw52rMYC063JYJdd6BpJeHHDnm_oGy8jOhqv74izZXurGmEJtf_Ifw_ZrhPafV/s1600/SAM_2291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF8DYespw5Kpo0vCgc21cwxSzzvqL88Puruei58n34uWJWo4HXSSfkhE74aW_VF8jSlE5e1xttYDKQVSw52rMYC063JYJdd6BpJeHHDnm_oGy8jOhqv74izZXurGmEJtf_Ifw_ZrhPafV/s1600/SAM_2291.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebird sitting atop beloved pet's grave marker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I believe I have endured enough road hazards to my work in my slow-travel, full-time-rv life during the last six weeks. I am ready for some smooth sailing for awhile. My son's other grandma died (my mom died 2 years ago) just before Easter. I posted on Facebook that I would be taking 2 weeks off to help the family with funeral arrangements and such. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jfCkzssg4v9zLzsG6yA3__sH8au3GmQ0c9qnQ4ekVuVgLvncmqt1tAE9Q1Iv-2a043idIOJTmodqNiujBmP6j5cGoJQIzn-31FSXWAa0b8VqeFfhNqDyKpghsdbIBZJED3LBcIkMuZ1e/s1600/SAM_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jfCkzssg4v9zLzsG6yA3__sH8au3GmQ0c9qnQ4ekVuVgLvncmqt1tAE9Q1Iv-2a043idIOJTmodqNiujBmP6j5cGoJQIzn-31FSXWAa0b8VqeFfhNqDyKpghsdbIBZJED3LBcIkMuZ1e/s1600/SAM_2355.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quirky quail now populate the old homestead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I geared up to get hard back to work, my computer crashed. So did my son's. Then, for 2 weeks at the Northern Arizona homestead, we had no internet or cell phone service. Luckily, the local library (7 miles away from the house, 20 minute drive each way) had their internet up and their computers working. This was good for quick email and Facebook checks, ordering new (used) computers from ebay, and having them sent to our next stop - my dad's. Not so good for keeping up with writing or posting blogs. Without a computer to get everything ready to post, it takes far longer than the librarians want a single patron to stay on the shared computers. Not to mention, I don't want my son playing computer games all that time...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3yIwRQdsaoS-AXtq6B_oyWs3KuOhocBIGwAB0RKt7nM1d11U7MhdsU3Umg8_3BdxaTBPs3uAo_xIbVAWfu-ou44MZha1OsA5s8TCEQFTSWV5zShUbL4IusaeCzhnSpENbgCPOpBXUF8V/s1600/SAM_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3yIwRQdsaoS-AXtq6B_oyWs3KuOhocBIGwAB0RKt7nM1d11U7MhdsU3Umg8_3BdxaTBPs3uAo_xIbVAWfu-ou44MZha1OsA5s8TCEQFTSWV5zShUbL4IusaeCzhnSpENbgCPOpBXUF8V/s1600/SAM_2372.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginormous jack-rabbits forage in front of the old chicken coop</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Out here in sunny, warm California (did I mention it is sooo nice to be out of the cold?) we spent our first week getting ready for my son John's wedding to his long-time sweetheart. Such a beautiful, wonderful time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-0BN87ohMLA0jIX2Vi1uEo5CNqqcDhBQkjb_m32JI6INMqPjAzl6GCNjH-vaDrZ9GlrGI6HBTGT731Mt2bqXsIz5rxsdewuqpun9iQVZZjDlAt4OgnyL2uIhNPMNIcfIAW0aUKCv37st/s1600/SAM_2448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-0BN87ohMLA0jIX2Vi1uEo5CNqqcDhBQkjb_m32JI6INMqPjAzl6GCNjH-vaDrZ9GlrGI6HBTGT731Mt2bqXsIz5rxsdewuqpun9iQVZZjDlAt4OgnyL2uIhNPMNIcfIAW0aUKCv37st/s1600/SAM_2448.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, having finished setting up, installing programs and testing our new computers, I can get back to work. I can't wait to tell all about the Alligator Farm in Colorado, finding community on the road, and our visit to some shrines in Chimayo, New Mexico. But first, some much needed California relaxation at the beach</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMplaqtbn7F4J6NCNFSUgqTF2qII_Gpj3C-arAvDt0saWhwh5aj723epTheh5J4A5am1B7t4ys3CFaMn8OAUnY6XaqpWdcDTdDfTVSCNcg4HWuFmbgCA2gRGwoqJZtgtxEJfR69wrQIIH/s1600/SAM_2627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMplaqtbn7F4J6NCNFSUgqTF2qII_Gpj3C-arAvDt0saWhwh5aj723epTheh5J4A5am1B7t4ys3CFaMn8OAUnY6XaqpWdcDTdDfTVSCNcg4HWuFmbgCA2gRGwoqJZtgtxEJfR69wrQIIH/s1600/SAM_2627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/04/slow-travel-freedom-to-roam-or-not.html" target="_blank">Slow Travel: Freedom to Roam - Or Not</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2012/05/many-details-of-death.html" target="_blank">The Many Details of Death</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2012/01/simple-plan.html" target="_blank">A Simple Plan</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL7eM5HnWVD0evEmtJW3dMi2w24p4RmxiUGGY3PBo2VeOqU8naszcbgf_8hnU_UNqrYUjkuZsAGn3lyibYzHG1d07Wp2mZbZrCdsAQ2sdBW1yfJXUIt8_eqnIKvsMK-LyUmj0SaB0zWCm/s1600/SAM_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCL7eM5HnWVD0evEmtJW3dMi2w24p4RmxiUGGY3PBo2VeOqU8naszcbgf_8hnU_UNqrYUjkuZsAGn3lyibYzHG1d07Wp2mZbZrCdsAQ2sdBW1yfJXUIt8_eqnIKvsMK-LyUmj0SaB0zWCm/s1600/SAM_1645.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/03/salvage-day-what-to-do-when-trip-does.html" target="_blank">Salvage the Day - What to Do When a Trip Does Not Go As Planned</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-27515900086470831862014-04-17T16:49:00.002-07:002014-04-17T16:52:07.354-07:00Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8VpZVxP2gHekwsuTii5f1oW3RJOBsKqW00DO_d5LPBM63yOH0wYZm70UP6j9V5p-_Hvok9_cpyCRHP8nrG5Dlx6ECLeQ7NY84dT-v7Rd4HL3MyCLMIPvUTZnBRdwsS6BVxYHHMNLNxUl/s1600/SAM_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8VpZVxP2gHekwsuTii5f1oW3RJOBsKqW00DO_d5LPBM63yOH0wYZm70UP6j9V5p-_Hvok9_cpyCRHP8nrG5Dlx6ECLeQ7NY84dT-v7Rd4HL3MyCLMIPvUTZnBRdwsS6BVxYHHMNLNxUl/s1600/SAM_2108.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Colorado. Rocky Mountains. Forests. Farms. Water. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm" target="_blank">The tallest sand dunes in North America.</a> What? No kidding! Sprawling over 330 square miles, sand and sediment from the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo Mountain ranges blew and washed into what was once a huge lake. As the lake filled in, the gusty, year round wind piled the sand into dunes and continues to feed and shift the dunes today. The park contains nearly half the Dunes, while most of the rest are part of a National Preserve in the<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r2/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5354205" target="_blank"> Sangre de Cristo Wilderness</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGF8z68zsKgj4sWGEL2UvpC300zarH1k57ZgTFyabiqroKu6LSRLXWd41lX9OKf8Ed7kLhmWZcyVCCBFjfTXE3yDNcPls86SrPOEolh1lFx0YS2HJdoQ1BrDL7RLtLex0rdnHeG3fTPvh/s1600/SAM_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGF8z68zsKgj4sWGEL2UvpC300zarH1k57ZgTFyabiqroKu6LSRLXWd41lX9OKf8Ed7kLhmWZcyVCCBFjfTXE3yDNcPls86SrPOEolh1lFx0YS2HJdoQ1BrDL7RLtLex0rdnHeG3fTPvh/s1600/SAM_2118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another anomaly of the park is that it contains <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/naturescience/naturalfeaturesandecosystems.htm" target="_blank">7 life zones</a> and the many animals and plants that inhabit them. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep can be found in Alpine Tundra; black bear roam Subalpine Forests; bobcats prowl among the pinon and juniper of Montane Forests; brightly colored tiger beetles liven up the Dunefields; elk wander the Grasslands; sandhill cranes patrol the Plains; finally, there are Streams and Wetlands, where beaver can sometimes be found. So this </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">is </i><span style="font-size: large;">Colorado after all.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ4Utapfa_TzjskhINjnO7k0kB78e_El4TrfUxRwGhma967vMbRzEMvkUL3D6ASwo1TvhjuCmGrEsjFQiDbQvnS1AtCg3s06J_MAVvJad2VvXploviA9kkkTxLoM2yaleH9cGyP8FhIR-/s1600/SAM_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJ4Utapfa_TzjskhINjnO7k0kB78e_El4TrfUxRwGhma967vMbRzEMvkUL3D6ASwo1TvhjuCmGrEsjFQiDbQvnS1AtCg3s06J_MAVvJad2VvXploviA9kkkTxLoM2yaleH9cGyP8FhIR-/s1600/SAM_2128.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I find the Dunes to be particularly striking during Lent. The stark barrenness of the dunefield summoned us into its emptiness. The mysterious undulations teased us into pursuing their secrets. Were there hidden spaces, or just endless drifts? Daddy couldn't resist removing his shoes to sink his feet into the soft, silky sand. I left my boots on. The wind was icy and the dunes were not reflecting the sun's warmth on this day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxsxNplO-nvOnJaCodJsttuofkTRM6TESVNEiObkKfBPljFVqc2RB9axve2Ne0-jLNWzZkgI21riBaZl6liUPuFuCKogDram6Tvgh45Fo3kQ4tHq1uz51TEqarImnqeXHG0Pd2bLAGams/s1600/SAM_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxsxNplO-nvOnJaCodJsttuofkTRM6TESVNEiObkKfBPljFVqc2RB9axve2Ne0-jLNWzZkgI21riBaZl6liUPuFuCKogDram6Tvgh45Fo3kQ4tHq1uz51TEqarImnqeXHG0Pd2bLAGams/s1600/SAM_2140.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As Yak crested a steep mound, the merciless wind stole his cowboy hat and deposited it playfully on the even steeper backside. Despite my dislike of vertical slopes, I judged that even if I rolled down to the bottom, the worst I would get would be sand in my hair, so I went after the headpiece. Halfway there I was creeping on all fours. Just as I was within reach of my goal, daddy clambered over the ridge and stopped right in front of the topper, laughing at me. Refusing to admit defeat, I pounced upon the hat and we all sat down on the backside of the dune, out of the sandstorm, for a much needed rest and a good laugh.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA4G8nk0tqY21G0aAAwG_GrO1zodbNRWD2eGJsYFZvDr7fTICctT2VW3ohP6l2emW6xQEhslgcdxp3VesmxiC-sbjdcpnAzjUdpKv1ZXQksZ6bMlm-fIg8BkATazWkYizUlXt_3FGpIUX/s1600/SAM_2142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhA4G8nk0tqY21G0aAAwG_GrO1zodbNRWD2eGJsYFZvDr7fTICctT2VW3ohP6l2emW6xQEhslgcdxp3VesmxiC-sbjdcpnAzjUdpKv1ZXQksZ6bMlm-fIg8BkATazWkYizUlXt_3FGpIUX/s1600/SAM_2142.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The wind was in our faces on the way back to the truck. I held securely to Yak's hat, not wishing to repeat my recent heroics. Any trace of our hike in was already blown away. The lenten journey is all here in the dunes. The emptying of myself. The overcoming of fear to serve another. Laughing at my shortcomings. Struggling uphill in the sand one way and against the wind the other. Reaching the truck never felt so good. Closing the door on the tempest. Turning on the heater. Making hot chocolate with the thermos of hot water I brought. The journey is difficult, we screw up along the way. The destination is worth it.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-63538700847817291132014-04-11T17:09:00.001-07:002014-04-11T17:09:43.387-07:00Virtual Pilgrimage: Our Lady of Czestochowa--The Black Madonna<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jvYeT92zdlw" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />
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This awesome homeschooling family is producing their first Virtual Pilgrimage! Check it out on You Tube.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-43113377419740432162014-04-01T16:19:00.001-07:002014-04-01T16:19:30.614-07:00Slow Travel: Freedom To Roam – Or Not<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqPftTjDpbcIJbzpfOMLD-V59igRs_4JIRzmMEgdEZIcj_7nottP8VcpEBdY8y2VjZYsCQMDHbYfPPJCahJImlM4eMdSH0NWvm_DKTKxZguE0_cuu3bSvTxvsD1iyr8VQ9SJCesN-hOYJ/s1600/SAM_2051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqPftTjDpbcIJbzpfOMLD-V59igRs_4JIRzmMEgdEZIcj_7nottP8VcpEBdY8y2VjZYsCQMDHbYfPPJCahJImlM4eMdSH0NWvm_DKTKxZguE0_cuu3bSvTxvsD1iyr8VQ9SJCesN-hOYJ/s1600/SAM_2051.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangre de Christo Mts. Colorado</td></tr>
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<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Change of plans. My son’s
grandma is dying. Quickly. We are finishing out the winter in Colorado, after
all. Minimizing our life into a 28 ft. RV and a 14 ft. vintage trailer has
given us the freedom to be able to be here with her and grandpa. Slow travel
means we can stay here as long as needed and postpone our planned trip to Texas
until fall or whenever. Our income does not depend on us being in a certain
place at a certain time.</span></h1>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcvM2uaBuxi08sDHLYBmgx1msEao6M_ZzM7mkOrVHFIVFUIW4YkaJKJgklsH2CNwYafq1uVLKWnruwURO2iE-ZLcj87dSc1wulLOSdhvvLpPOvQ94-3vJbufXWqBC1vHjuVFJa4dGtJ3L/s1600/SAM_1998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvcvM2uaBuxi08sDHLYBmgx1msEao6M_ZzM7mkOrVHFIVFUIW4YkaJKJgklsH2CNwYafq1uVLKWnruwURO2iE-ZLcj87dSc1wulLOSdhvvLpPOvQ94-3vJbufXWqBC1vHjuVFJa4dGtJ3L/s1600/SAM_1998.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yak and ma at Gator Farm<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Homeschooling/roadschooling
means Yak is not tied to someone else’s schedule or agenda. He does his
assignments when he chooses, as long as he gets them done. If he doesn’t, he
knows he will be doing them before anything else, the next day. This frees him
up to explore the grandparents’ homestead and visit with his aunts, uncles,
cousins and older brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, as they filter in
and out, paying their last visits to grandma. Now that the weather is warming
up, we are also able to explore more of the local area – field trips for Yak;
caregiver breaks for his dad. Who would ever look for sand dunes (<a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm" target="_blank">Great SandDunes National Park</a>) or an alligator farm (<a href="http://www.coloradogators.com/" target="_blank">Colorado Gators</a>) in the Rocky
Mountain State?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz7jpVekQUjyY-4FbThKQzH6h12qaYNvJZCam8D5snHgcrbyy2BrYei0IL6osDFREh4LZSrR1GXEPPJageeeXN5nAHLyu3ZFsfSB8-sBe5xDv8ojJlNC8yKDAqninAU7L8Ga6bikoPqwo/s1600/SAM_2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqz7jpVekQUjyY-4FbThKQzH6h12qaYNvJZCam8D5snHgcrbyy2BrYei0IL6osDFREh4LZSrR1GXEPPJageeeXN5nAHLyu3ZFsfSB8-sBe5xDv8ojJlNC8yKDAqninAU7L8Ga6bikoPqwo/s1600/SAM_2129.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yak and pa at Sand Dunes</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Slow travel allows us to
find community in the local Catholic Church. The ladies of the Catholic Mothers
Society come over to pray the rosary with the grands a couple of days a week.
This gives them great joy. To see the smile on grandpa’s face with his family
and friends praying around him, the peace in grandma’s eyes and her joy at
having her friends come to see her is a great relief to the brothers and
sisters who are staying on to care for their parents. The parish priest sends
Holy Eucharist home for the grands with whichever son or daughter makes it to
8a.m. Mass; sometimes he brings it in person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ghfOd3RUU45mej_-jM9gXAzice5Jz9Ms7xwWg_V5jPksj7Vtroh7GYYMboduZCsrmvWwfmbYm3uNd3pFPK4vp4gzb8PG1AMU-TgY9ZYFEHbe-1VBr1QYOHJT5TD9XI_7FLPJl5ztJPK1/s1600/SAM_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ghfOd3RUU45mej_-jM9gXAzice5Jz9Ms7xwWg_V5jPksj7Vtroh7GYYMboduZCsrmvWwfmbYm3uNd3pFPK4vp4gzb8PG1AMU-TgY9ZYFEHbe-1VBr1QYOHJT5TD9XI_7FLPJl5ztJPK1/s1600/SAM_2160.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Ms. Susie, soaking up the sun</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Not having to confine our
travels to 2 or 3 weeks out of the year and the odd weekend, we don’t have the
stress of trying to see everything as fast as we can. Living tiny forces us to
reduce the clutter in our lives. Cooking and cleaning are done quickly. There
is more time to play music, walk the dogs, and laugh at the cat trying to catch
the laser pointer. With no set time for getting up or going to bed, we can stay
up late to stargaze and sleep in the next day. Or we can get up to enjoy the
sunrise and get back in our jammies right after supper.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">We are most blessed to be
able to be available to our families when they need us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-59117579798774545522014-03-14T16:40:00.000-07:002014-03-14T16:40:07.308-07:00Salvage The Day - What To Do When A Trip Does Not Go As Planned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpj8oRN2avcl0Eqks6V4DG5eo0EBLMMnXjEQ_QwiwTlmSJDRYu3gwCGRULmFltSSB3FaeD29aTbrQf48ALHojrF9hHLS3Df9W3lk6gqYz-Q3g5jzPvBq7LzpGGRYHtmCAs8RnwrDVzI7/s1600/SAM_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwpj8oRN2avcl0Eqks6V4DG5eo0EBLMMnXjEQ_QwiwTlmSJDRYu3gwCGRULmFltSSB3FaeD29aTbrQf48ALHojrF9hHLS3Df9W3lk6gqYz-Q3g5jzPvBq7LzpGGRYHtmCAs8RnwrDVzI7/s1600/SAM_1645.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It began with warm, Southern California sunshine, smoothly moving freeways and hopes of a day spent soaking up healing rays, listening to the soothing sounds of waves lapping the beach and strolling through a little bit of Old Scandinavia just a few hours up the coast. That's not quite the way it played out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYbvmq-iESVxx9qMvx8QTKncTja-abyrY-OTYXyinHYeNcqp9oJUfPIJopidbN3CEiMkDejtjEPaviy5w-JF1-j0QuR5EZyoKSPp29b8C5zbI-GZnVEwQNrGLYJ9J6WYxWHQb5lcQ3xJn/s1600/SAM_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYbvmq-iESVxx9qMvx8QTKncTja-abyrY-OTYXyinHYeNcqp9oJUfPIJopidbN3CEiMkDejtjEPaviy5w-JF1-j0QuR5EZyoKSPp29b8C5zbI-GZnVEwQNrGLYJ9J6WYxWHQb5lcQ3xJn/s1600/SAM_1640.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">First, we got started a bit later than planned. Normally, I try not to let this worry me, but I also misjudged the amount of time it would take to drive from Long Beach to Solvang. All was good, though, as the freeways were moving and we didn't have to sit in traffic. Still, by the time we got to Ventura, we were starving. Promenade Park looked like a nice place to stop for lunch on the beach. With the lunch-hour surfers competing for parking space, it became a matter of 'wait for someone to pull out and grab their spot quick'. This accomplished, I made sandwiches for the boy and his grandpa (and his mom) and we proceeded to enjoy watching the waves and sunning ourselves. A seagull, perched on a nearby rock, sensed an audience and spread his wings to demonstrate his take-off. Duly appreciated.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQLO0GXUhU4cg6u1uLsR4WYeR5yrVKYJnk5QJUzffMQMNS6EYUVcJ9XWc0-bATlaxd-tLtcmfjNbeU4hQplKqKutjIyAtuQtaR9MKEAINBGNCcZ83DDlrPRi2jDyaLdMl-imJzukwlHca/s1600/SAM_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQLO0GXUhU4cg6u1uLsR4WYeR5yrVKYJnk5QJUzffMQMNS6EYUVcJ9XWc0-bATlaxd-tLtcmfjNbeU4hQplKqKutjIyAtuQtaR9MKEAINBGNCcZ83DDlrPRi2jDyaLdMl-imJzukwlHca/s1600/SAM_1667.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Refreshed, we turned inland for Solvang. Second mistake. The once quaint Danish Village of Solvang, is now just another shopping mall. At least in the winter. The worst part was that I had a nagging suspicion that I should have remembered this from another, similar trip two years ago, with my daughter. Note to self: begin a small trip log, noting places not to revisit, and destinations to return to. I probably would have done better to update my pictures and info on Santa Ines and La Purissima Missions instead, but the day was fading. After stretching our legs from one end of Solvang to the other and back again, we decided there was enough time left to visit the Ostrich Farm on the way back to the coast road.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32X3ZDBZHc7tWPKJnQgirOC7VeZijhM71aGfsIkM-wkMNHlWCCICd7S1ol1_Mo-EFsIwNXvNKtArBa13ATxXYIPqnwF-FdztJeOeJr-RhBhir1tQYgIajrCNWE__dPu3YCiFJzYhN9CiA/s1600/SAM_1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32X3ZDBZHc7tWPKJnQgirOC7VeZijhM71aGfsIkM-wkMNHlWCCICd7S1ol1_Mo-EFsIwNXvNKtArBa13ATxXYIPqnwF-FdztJeOeJr-RhBhir1tQYgIajrCNWE__dPu3YCiFJzYhN9CiA/s1600/SAM_1692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Save! Our misadventures in Solvang were soon forgotten in the quirkiness of feeding the ostriches and emus at the Ostrich Farm. Watching their comical bird faces and gangly legs running around their pens provided us with some much needed belly laughs, though our stop there was less than an hour.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHKowLpVmefULCauuCg2RH6vRrm-Jgms5csp-fELyWZKWlPuJ75fSxEuY2KSY6dXy_fYtCYF2Qjc6tIQHR4GwzpnMK6a0-Z7P8rxU8wjOBlEUnbKwZwN2UqGnSYokRPtEcVAPkvYIbg8-/s1600/SAM_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAHKowLpVmefULCauuCg2RH6vRrm-Jgms5csp-fELyWZKWlPuJ75fSxEuY2KSY6dXy_fYtCYF2Qjc6tIQHR4GwzpnMK6a0-Z7P8rxU8wjOBlEUnbKwZwN2UqGnSYokRPtEcVAPkvYIbg8-/s1600/SAM_1713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our final destination before heading home had to be Anderson's Split Pea Soup Restaurant in Buellton. Not disappointing. Sure I could make a vat of split pea soup with ham bones and carrots and potatoes at home for about a buck, but the satisfaction of hearing my oldest son, when he called in the middle of our dinner, gasping "Anderson's Split Pea Soup in the bread bowl?! That is sooooo aaawesooome!!" was priceless. Day salvaged.</span><br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-44802287407523385852014-02-06T17:41:00.001-07:002014-02-06T17:41:33.019-07:00Metro! Riding the Rails in SoCal<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwSZ-Ujmp84rnrxSQJAXKiMicAyUEydHNQkKByEpLVCMFk2uolq9l4gIkg3kS0eHQMRSezZeJ7tAk206lz3WBjezRiK1TMj5cy53-4TA_UetDvN1XCl6HGPxWBxNITCuLF75VE8xucfX6/s1600/olvera+st+plaza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwSZ-Ujmp84rnrxSQJAXKiMicAyUEydHNQkKByEpLVCMFk2uolq9l4gIkg3kS0eHQMRSezZeJ7tAk206lz3WBjezRiK1TMj5cy53-4TA_UetDvN1XCl6HGPxWBxNITCuLF75VE8xucfX6/s1600/olvera+st+plaza.JPG" height="144" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olvera Street plaza, Los Angeles, CA</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Forsaking Colorado's sub-zero temps, we've made our way to Southern California. We're so happy to leave the snow boots behind, we'll even forgive the few hours of cloud cover, which blocks the sun for part of each day. It is the rainy season here, after all. Even a few drops of rain won't put a damper on a day of train riding and Los Angeles is developing a pretty good metrolink system.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlZTpKIblawVM_cXRpzh3bmAQdCYLYCN6TQ5BfibHxKk8hMqoIF5rqY1GI2eJbTpaeamlrRzK9UKfjktgCkTUigqI98Voo3_RlJrRyXmGeJoo-OKNcfIw2CBNKxMm84ebjE4_Y0J6QcE/s1600/SAM_1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSnlZTpKIblawVM_cXRpzh3bmAQdCYLYCN6TQ5BfibHxKk8hMqoIF5rqY1GI2eJbTpaeamlrRzK9UKfjktgCkTUigqI98Voo3_RlJrRyXmGeJoo-OKNcfIw2CBNKxMm84ebjE4_Y0J6QcE/s1600/SAM_1032.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yak and I love riding around on trains. L.A. county's Metrolink is now connecting with several other SoCal counties, all the way down to San Diego. We have long desired to take a day and ride the buses and trains. My first order of business was to visit the Metrolink website and print out a route map. We studied the best way to approach our adventure and decided to start at the nearest station, get a "TAP" card and load it with a day pass. That way we can reload and reuse the card whenever we are in town, which is several times a year. A day pass is the best deal for us, as it gives unlimited rides on all Metrolink rail and bus lines. Unfortunately, I didn't check the bus schedule. The car battery was dead and no one was home to help us jump start it, or drop us off at the train station, so we walked to the corner bus stop. The wait became too long and there was no bench, so we walked several blocks to the next bus stop. Here, we found, there were 2 buses to choose from. We took the first one - fortunately we chose well. It deposited us at our station and we purchased our "TAP" cards. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBEhDhyQQf6T13T5sJ9IZePZYXjW7444LhDMf7hyKUhf5a16RqaY-ZYjoBkYupgQbKg5wgDyf4Yk6dm2fImIcrssOBwcFGb8VNzxrrBENhujrHp0gh7pNhmhjdbBxEcEG0hm4CdBfeg2_/s1600/SAM_1034a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBEhDhyQQf6T13T5sJ9IZePZYXjW7444LhDMf7hyKUhf5a16RqaY-ZYjoBkYupgQbKg5wgDyf4Yk6dm2fImIcrssOBwcFGb8VNzxrrBENhujrHp0gh7pNhmhjdbBxEcEG0hm4CdBfeg2_/s1600/SAM_1034a.JPG" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Feeling very much like Harry Potter at the subway station with Mr. Weasley, we tapped our way onto the platform, where we joined several other folks waiting for the train. Once aboard, we decided to ride to the end of the line in Redondo Beach, but once there, found that the beach was farther than we wanted to walk. Since we hadn't studied or printed out any bus schedules, we chose to ride the train back to the airport and watch the planes for awhile. In theory, this was a great idea but in reality, tightened security makes it almost impossible to get a good view of the planes taking off and landing, unless you are a ticketed passenger.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkid7q2l41pP5YSDOdcNrF7eYU_eK_0q1iRUlr0ofVSobNz40XsnGOC-aSOYu9A0j5elKW2a2LgAEnS3aSmXdUeETyT50UBCNBspuMQzONtDOxFgRbypPpGk2DCO9XzLaj4Lp6spC-AK1/s1600/SAM_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkid7q2l41pP5YSDOdcNrF7eYU_eK_0q1iRUlr0ofVSobNz40XsnGOC-aSOYu9A0j5elKW2a2LgAEnS3aSmXdUeETyT50UBCNBspuMQzONtDOxFgRbypPpGk2DCO9XzLaj4Lp6spC-AK1/s1600/SAM_1029.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hand painted tiles, clay floor tiles, vintage lighting at Union Station</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We continued on the train and deciphered which stop would drop us closest to the bus for Union Station. Union Station is beautiful! Outside are several shady/sunny courtyards, with trees, flowers and seating. Inside are newsstands, restaurants, a bar and several other food vendors. Not to mention the vintage seating in the lobby, the colorful, painted tilework and clay tile floors. Very Angeleno. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjQwWyoQEr6nV80i9-7CdY7E6U8SZA8FKt5M1eFOcaJG-YANi7fWr8Cc0RUDHc-fbAC1vVb5i9dkSRbmFVmmGjv_b7_9uhj-uq53jmL0k8E7WHq4ssAj0uwP8xQg7ple6dETgzIjsu-M3/s1600/SAM_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjQwWyoQEr6nV80i9-7CdY7E6U8SZA8FKt5M1eFOcaJG-YANi7fWr8Cc0RUDHc-fbAC1vVb5i9dkSRbmFVmmGjv_b7_9uhj-uq53jmL0k8E7WHq4ssAj0uwP8xQg7ple6dETgzIjsu-M3/s1600/SAM_1039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calle Olvera</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had not taken Yak to Olvera Street, just across from Union Station, since he was a baby, so we had to go. He said it felt like we were in Old Mexico. Olvera Street is a story in itself, for another day, as I'm getting a bit long winded with the train adventure. This day, we enjoyed wandering through the market stalls, then stopping for a familiar Mexican ice cream from a vendor in the plaza. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAA3zbgmOVs0PlIgYg1oLi7859kLVpmMZJC9N9-1vK9HAcRDD1-BW4Y8vj0EmLEsUqyvWF29ICzcZLWGytRxHzK0SXmI2ZOoCYX_C97LryNZjQWXN9lBgCRrd8FiwR4TEpuU4EmmVIGOx/s1600/SAM_1040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqAA3zbgmOVs0PlIgYg1oLi7859kLVpmMZJC9N9-1vK9HAcRDD1-BW4Y8vj0EmLEsUqyvWF29ICzcZLWGytRxHzK0SXmI2ZOoCYX_C97LryNZjQWXN9lBgCRrd8FiwR4TEpuU4EmmVIGOx/s1600/SAM_1040.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was getting time to head back, so even though there are a number of interesting attractions within a short walk from Olvera Street, we made a beeline for Union Station, this time to take a real subway train back to our home station. We changed trains twice, as if we did it every day, before arriving at the station, where we waited for our bus to take us home. And waited. And waited. We finally walked the 2 miles to the house. At least it wasn't too cold or too dark. Or too far. We heartily agreed to check the bus schedule next time, or make sure the car was running so we could park it at the park & ride lot. Or bring our bikes and rent a bike locker.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe next time we'll take the special express bus to Disneyland...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-organic-peddler-del-norte-colorado.html" target="_blank">The Organic Peddler, Del Norte, Colorado</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2014/01/first-stop-ice-cubes.html" target="_blank">First Stop - Ice Cubes</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-82457923675574063772014-01-22T15:42:00.000-07:002014-01-22T15:42:56.929-07:00The Organic Peddler, Del Norte, Colorado<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbumGvnj3JfhdJdUM5yfYNt64gVDcm_98_vMaMpQ4eYXRfKneSpOw9AtPV_7BA-c1fQVpvxnBxjAT1G4AFqqINzWbNCJcjPfILYAP-AaVbBRjaJxbyF7la2RozchQY7ZtL51P0jw51hz/s1600/SAM_1482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbumGvnj3JfhdJdUM5yfYNt64gVDcm_98_vMaMpQ4eYXRfKneSpOw9AtPV_7BA-c1fQVpvxnBxjAT1G4AFqqINzWbNCJcjPfILYAP-AaVbBRjaJxbyF7la2RozchQY7ZtL51P0jw51hz/s1600/SAM_1482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Weeks of repairs, packing, repacking, driving, caregiving and settling in to a new routine will wear anyone down.. We decided it was time for a day trip. So we piggy-backed a little bit of fun onto a trip to pick up the central heating unit for the RV from the awesome repair lady, Debra at <a href="mailto:holidayrvsouth@amigo.net" target="_blank">Holiday RV in South Fork, Colorado</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">About 60 miles away from our current home base is the town of Del Norte, Colorado. It was early enough that we took the scenic route on the way, picking up State Highway 15 and winding through farms, ranches, homesteads, and the <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=65511" target="_blank">Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge</a>, nestled at the base of the Sangre de Christo and San Juan Mountains. The road turned to dirt for a few miles, but we traversed it with ease, as the lack of recent snow and the abundance of sun had dried it out nicely. Around Monte Vista, we picked up Highway 160 and took that the rest of the way to Del Norte. We passed some huge cattle ranches and one charming group of horses, sharing their feeder with a very fat little burro.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had several targets on our list. The first - a dairy farm where I hoped to get some raw milk, looked deserted, so we passed on. Our next stop made the whole trip worthwhile. Colorado, strangely, considering the amount of farms here, has a dearth of organic products in the grocery stores. Big cities like Denver, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins have their Sprouts and Whole foods markets, but the nearest to us is 120 miles away in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In spring, there might be local produce stands, but until then? I've been soaking and scrubbing the produce in a vinegar solution and eating oatmeal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So <a href="http://organicpeddler.com/" target="_blank">The Organic Peddler</a> was a great find! I was delighted with the large selection of organic coffees, teas, spices and fresh produce. I was hoping for more bulk grains, as I have not had my fresh, homemade bread for awhile. I'll call ahead, when I get ready to tackle baking in the RV or trailer oven, and make sure I can get enough flour for a couple months. The savory aromas wafting in from the attached cafe were so inviting that we had to go in and have a little lunch. Besides, it was a warm escape from the 20 degree temps outside. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.organicpeddler.com/peace-of-art/peace-of-art-cafe.html" target="_blank">Peace of Art Cafe</a>, built with cordwood and recycled bottles, serves a tasty portobello burger, homemade shakes and custom burritos, all made with organic, local ingredients when possible. Entrees range from $5.95 to $11.95 and an Espresso Bar and Juice and Smoothie Bar are also on site. There is so much more to The Organic Peddler that I have to recommend their website. Dine outdoors in the summer, then take a liesurely stroll along the dog walk/sanctuary by a small creek. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Divide_Mountain_Bike_Route" target="_blank">The Great Divide Bicycle Route </a>also passes by here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last on our list, was to check out the honey farm. <a href="http://haefelihoney.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Haefeli's Honey</a> has a large store right downtown in Del Norte. Run by 5th generation beekeepers, I found their prices to be quite competitive, the availability of raw honey, a definite plus. Bee pollen, which I take regularly for its "bee" vitamins, is also available for a decent price. I found the price of their beeswax to be fair, as it is already cleaned (I currently clean my own). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The result of our outing was a renewed sense of calm, a day of fun and found organic and raw honey resources. The change of scenery was pretty nice, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-30330178555358001932014-01-02T19:07:00.000-07:002014-01-02T19:07:47.005-07:00First Stop - Ice Cubes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2-t0eiokJBAcELmUnC3j5LV1WH9nEzPfAGvDdng9pe48LvxcixPor1of04ovx9Cn5E9yppMmsndojiKB9fzok_TegdpLjS5BWMQQtJbKQ0c6luFskoHPhvDwU_2kOxR3EGSH0d8y6G8_/s1600/SAM_1470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid2-t0eiokJBAcELmUnC3j5LV1WH9nEzPfAGvDdng9pe48LvxcixPor1of04ovx9Cn5E9yppMmsndojiKB9fzok_TegdpLjS5BWMQQtJbKQ0c6luFskoHPhvDwU_2kOxR3EGSH0d8y6G8_/s320/SAM_1470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our personal ice rink and ski trails</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We finally made it to our first stop on the road. We have been celebrating the holidays with the grandparents in Colorado. There have been challenges with the RV plumbing and heating since the man of the place arrived here over 2 months ago. The plumbing is now repaired and hooked up to the water line and sewer dump. The central heat remains out of order. Not to fear, 2 small electric heaters are keeping us nice and toasty.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7LwhPZiBY_T4yI8f91Eao2WoIk1iTPKAlKBh_j1x84-jWkvbfSM11u918QPUnkJlHtP8MCmtiv4vB9YSI5t6IroK_9JpZot3Z477J4d0AbSap3isSI91DnSMMGCiriAYZBpdnPVLqjwt/s1600/SAM_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7LwhPZiBY_T4yI8f91Eao2WoIk1iTPKAlKBh_j1x84-jWkvbfSM11u918QPUnkJlHtP8MCmtiv4vB9YSI5t6IroK_9JpZot3Z477J4d0AbSap3isSI91DnSMMGCiriAYZBpdnPVLqjwt/s320/SAM_1435.JPG" width="320" /> </a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">barn cat in training</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Now my trailer adventure begins. My propane heater is not working, so I intended to rely on electricity. However, with the RV already drawing quite a bit of electricity from the hookup, the addition of my plug blew the breaker. My trailer was frozen solid! As the man of the place worked to install a new breaker and an additional RV hookup, I was/am helping care for the grands, skiing and ice skating on the frozen river with Yak and organizing our stuff inside the trailer, as repairs took longer than expected and I didn't have time to do it before we left. God has mercy, though. We were all warm and cozy in the grands guest room over Christmas and by New Year's Eve, Yak and I were sleeping in the RV and coming in to help with the grands during the day. A small electric heater is keeping the trailer thawed and up to about 50 degrees - a bit too chilly for sleeping. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66YE-uQtTrLWFRCVvg9Dtaw-BjYXc9JkZ4FCjF9ipNd3W7vSiNp2uEt0IhKSoUDqYi1VK7iAJGXgU-zlXL9yDQRMYnpRKWYfD7ll7HOt6tn88V5iw3f-g-RoFh96bOizRCDvbp2v090WV/s1600/SAM_1463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66YE-uQtTrLWFRCVvg9Dtaw-BjYXc9JkZ4FCjF9ipNd3W7vSiNp2uEt0IhKSoUDqYi1VK7iAJGXgU-zlXL9yDQRMYnpRKWYfD7ll7HOt6tn88V5iw3f-g-RoFh96bOizRCDvbp2v090WV/s320/SAM_1463.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fortunately, the sun has warmed us up to the upper 30's the last few days, which, unfortunately, melted the snow too much for skiing and the ice too much for skating. Therefore, I don't have any cool skating or skiing pics to post right now. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxXubHgFVExNfJHIgDBrXNfxuSqOHnVWH9MU9pqBwMW8Ho0YsMWixsGFXVcSueHLjpDkBAcnr9C2Jkro7aTUah6Oke-KdjptkeXEDjHYdiBCpLEgcTIecprfbyWhpQ969R2SdYjPsLwdd/s1600/SAM_1454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxXubHgFVExNfJHIgDBrXNfxuSqOHnVWH9MU9pqBwMW8Ho0YsMWixsGFXVcSueHLjpDkBAcnr9C2Jkro7aTUah6Oke-KdjptkeXEDjHYdiBCpLEgcTIecprfbyWhpQ969R2SdYjPsLwdd/s320/SAM_1454.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welcome mat's out</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I am also looking forward to joining the local Catholic church choir, starting Sunday. Apparently, I will not be the only part-timer in the choir, so I will be in good company.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1Kx3dk8JbOEowyv3O3bdBGb9aAXpUStvrmW1JbqMaM-PoM-eMYsp46xCrnq5MmXMuJ1z-A-cttvKUy9o2QtTXtPLEpOjCcJ13-4VOwUiKdv7v4QC4u6TR1IAPyuYmc4T5Ymgipq8vX7N/s1600/SAM_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1Kx3dk8JbOEowyv3O3bdBGb9aAXpUStvrmW1JbqMaM-PoM-eMYsp46xCrnq5MmXMuJ1z-A-cttvKUy9o2QtTXtPLEpOjCcJ13-4VOwUiKdv7v4QC4u6TR1IAPyuYmc4T5Ymgipq8vX7N/s320/SAM_1442.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ranch dog enjoying life on the road</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope your holidays were wonderful. Our first ones in our new full-time RVing life sure were! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/12/countdown-to-launch.html" target="_blank">Countdown to Launch</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/11/judys-bracelets.html" target="_blank">Judy's Bracelets</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-catholic-traveling.html" target="_blank">A Catholic Traveling</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/09/wild-horses-of-route-66.html" target="_blank">Wild Horses of Route 66</a></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2482914443853913402.post-34961974302142731492013-12-13T14:25:00.002-07:002013-12-13T14:25:44.904-07:00Countdown To Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXwO032SrCLlHRGpa4K4-JiTLUPMNIsoSR7yCOhIxtR4GA9kO4KkCsxRM-sDP9h1K9gvOYr1jIgG_glM6Wyt4eARNEMPhSAQ36OgLZQnkM40es-NWf5BlpKawYzQry7clqNrzrW-GEcae/s1600/SAM_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXwO032SrCLlHRGpa4K4-JiTLUPMNIsoSR7yCOhIxtR4GA9kO4KkCsxRM-sDP9h1K9gvOYr1jIgG_glM6Wyt4eARNEMPhSAQ36OgLZQnkM40es-NWf5BlpKawYzQry7clqNrzrW-GEcae/s1600/SAM_1389.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're almost ready to hit the road. The horses are relocated and the trailer renovations are almost done. It will be a challenge to fit everything we think we need into a 14ft. trailer, but I imagine we don't need as much as we think we do.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC701MUlneqxVXP-pyawf-ezolqsG8k6pMm20taf7j1vtTVFl1iag14zYU76PlPuxDKo0u2SkOiqBe120Qz7jbOlOdmLfWl25OQELcD3WC-C3olgUvU8RJTJrWDlIzLRRpDJ7qnhRBrcyH/s1600/SAM_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC701MUlneqxVXP-pyawf-ezolqsG8k6pMm20taf7j1vtTVFl1iag14zYU76PlPuxDKo0u2SkOiqBe120Qz7jbOlOdmLfWl25OQELcD3WC-C3olgUvU8RJTJrWDlIzLRRpDJ7qnhRBrcyH/s1600/SAM_1399.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Our first few months will include extended stops in Colorado, California and Texas, with pass-throughs in Arizona and New Mexico. I'm looking forward to sharing the sights and our experiences and thoughts with you. Hope you'll enjoy following. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOyXGCE8liWZgdGorWL9VzkrLN81BnTJBN8WxpKNivAlVvoXecToGt5OD2qtKmHbkyGGK14LQVevkB6h1lQMX7WWJvoGDFCQKWWSi0cCm-lXCCbFkBkbM9jaKngzAZ7f7blbJJnBisV_2/s1600/SAM_1362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOyXGCE8liWZgdGorWL9VzkrLN81BnTJBN8WxpKNivAlVvoXecToGt5OD2qtKmHbkyGGK14LQVevkB6h1lQMX7WWJvoGDFCQKWWSi0cCm-lXCCbFkBkbM9jaKngzAZ7f7blbJJnBisV_2/s1600/SAM_1362.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For now, we're enjoying a visit with family in Northern Colorado, then will be heading back to Arizona to finish putting the trailer back together and packing up. I hope to have a couple more posts for you between now and New Year's, then be able to post more frequently, again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until then, Happy Trails!</span><br />
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If you enjoyed this post, you might also like:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/09/a-catholic-traveling.html%20Done" target="_blank">A Catholic Traveling</a><br />
<a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2013/09/wild-horses-of-route-66.html%20Done" target="_blank">Wild Horses of Route 66</a><br />
<a href="http://catholictraveller.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-believe-in-angels.html%20Done" target="_blank">I Believe in Angels</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13476577393876980954noreply@blogger.com0