Day 4-Saturday, July 9, 2011 It was another busy day in the life of a bum. We went to two local farmers markets. At the small one we bought fresh salmon for this evening. At the downtown market we picked up some gifts for family and friends. We washed our dirty clothes, checked on the camper we are picking up tomorrow morning and went to Mass. Sometimes you get really busy having fun. Bob was able to contact a friend that he worked with and now lives summers in the Kenai (Anchor Point). His friend’s brother has a fishing boat. When we get down by Homer, we will make definite plans for halibut fishing. Bob’s friend has also offered to have us park the motor home at his house. Many years ago, there was an old ... read more

Day 2 – Thursday, July 7, 2011 We took a nice ride up the Park Highway and got into using the guidebook “Alaska Milepost”. It basically tells you the attractions and some history for every mile on a road. All the roads have mile markers so it is easy to follow once you get use to the layout. We really enjoyed Talkeetna. This was the inspiration for the TV program “Northern Exposure” and sort of defines “off the grid”. We went through the Mat-Su Valley and the now famous town of Wasilla (Sarah Land). Wasilla is sort of a young upcoming town. In Talkeetna, we enjoyed a great Museum of the early days. Talkeetna is the jumping off spot for climbing trips on Mt. McKinley, which is the highest point in North America at +20,000’. On ... read more

Bali-Java 2010 Exchange “Snatching Adventure from the Jaws of Disaster” We missed the tsunami by a couple of days, but we were in Yogyakarta for the earthquake and the eruption of Mt. Merapi. In the 1880s they had a very large eruption of Mt. Merapi, the Indonesians took it as a sign that it was time for the Dutch to leave. The Dutch agreed, and left rather quickly. Our hearty band of Friendship Force Ambassadors saw the Mt. Merapi eruption as another opportunity for adventure traveling. Between Oct. 26 and November 1, a mixed crew of American Ambassadors gathered in Ubud, Bali, to start our adventure. The travel agent informed our ED that she forgot to make hotel reservations on Oct. 20th. Fortunately, our Bali Guide, Made, flew into action and found us the perfect accommodations ... read more

Day 23 Nov. 21 Just rested up and I think I have this bug or cold under control. Made picked me up and we stopped at a village on top of the mountain for lunch, truly stunning views. I purchased a painted egg in Made’s village. Made gave me a wood carving he designed. He designs them and the wood carvers make a limited # of copies. I will treasure it for it’s beauty and the fact that it came from Made. It is raining in Ubud, I think several inches an hour. More R & R is in order. I have certainly come to love Ubud for it’s beauty, it’s art and her gentle, spiritual people. ... read more

Day 19 – Nov. 17 What a great day. No more responsibilities. Andrea, Gloria, Made and I went exploring: 1. First we went to the archeological museum here in Bali. It is called Museum Archaeology Gedong Arca and features artifacts from the 8th century. (www.purbakalabali.com) 2. Then Klungkung, the ancient capital of Bali 3. Then to Pelangi village in the highlands (traditional weaving village). 4. Then we went to a little village in the valley (much protected and a great find -- the bee keeper and the village temple. 5. Then to Jimbaran for seafood. ... read more