Appalachian Folklife Center
Shelly,
Just wanted to share with you a sweet place in Pipestem, West Virginia if you are in that neck of the woods. It's called the Appalachian Folklife Center. The website for in-ticketing makes it look like a big venue, but it definitely is not. It's an incredibly sweet community activist site started by Hedy West's dad, Don West. My friend Ron and I got dropped off there once in a pouring rain while hitch hiking. Don took us (and a van full of other vagabonds) with him to the ML King March on WA in the 1980's. We visited Mennonite friends of his on the way and had similar experiences to yours with the Amish. Ron and I went back in subsequent years, and I still send them money when they write to me every few years. They have a deep appreciation for homemade music and common people pulling together. You can stay there for free, but you will have to do chores. The scenery is breathtaking. There's a muddy pond there Ron and I swam in with the tadpoles, frogs, snakes, and catfish. That pond is a place I go to in my mind where I see perfect happiness. Love from Carol
roadrunners Shelly and Jeff, just want you to know that I have been travelling with you vicariously by enjoying your blog. It's inspiring that you are spreading your good cheer and trust in friendship across our troubled country. THAT's patriotism !! Love from Carol
Ola from Porto, Portugal!! I'm still keeping up with your adventures from Portugal. I have been in Porto for a little over a week, taking an intensive language and culture course through Berkeley. It has been an incredible experience thus far and I'm considering doing a travel blog of my own once I get a digital camera. However, I'm afraid that I will come up short in comparison to your amazing stories and well-organized entries!
Reading your blog from the AT We are in Waynesboro, VA, at the home of a trail angel. We have showered, did laundry, ate a meal, and now have time on a computer that is easy and quick. Finally got to read the blog. Loved it! Continue to enjoy your trip. Love to you 'all.
Yay for Tybee Island Hey Guys,
Just thought I would check in and say hello. Tom and I have been enjoying the updates. I was so excited to see you made it to Tybee Island. My parents had a beach house there growing up a place that definitely brings back childhood memories! Enjoy.
greetings from Guemes! I didn't want your narrative and photo journal to end...I was so lost in sharing your adventures! Too much together time doesn't show in your healthy smiles, smirks and posturing with the locals. Connecting with people is so natural for your two I think your future will be rich!!! Looking forward to your next installment.
Susan
PS I loved the wine you gave me, as did my 3 neighbors who helped me drink it on my 63rd birthday earlier in the month. All is well.
In Shelly's defense, there were more kids than balloons because a few siblings of the second graders were at the picnic. Mrs. Pettit's class loved the balloons and have sent their thanks for all of Shelly's hard work.
solstice greeting 21 of june in the tropic of cancer, midday with hardly a shadow, but lovely temps and cool breeze.
And there you are working in Bay St Louis... We just got Email and it is the first time I have a chance to tune in. It's like being in touch again, I love it and send you hugs and wishes for continued wonderful adventures.
gitte
Sheer Envy! I recognize most of the places you’ve been, but, sadly none of the folks you’re visiting. I so look forward to the next batch of pictures even though they don’t mean anything to me, because you make me want to see my family. I’m thinking of taking a road trip myself.
Happy Trails,
Professor Numskull
Dog runs Your photo of the "double-pen" house reminded me that the dog run was a feature well-known to my Tennessee relatives in the 40's. They called it a "dog-trot" and incorporated it into even new houses. It could serve as a screened porch (you've noticed the insects?) or an outdoor workspace, or sometimes even as a covered entry to the house. Not a bad idea for a Northwest house either, for different reasons. Bainbridge musician/architect Ron Konzak built a house for himself in the 70's in which the covered outdoor space was equal to the enclosed space. Great for kid's play on rainy days, splitting firewood, weekend projects - even a place to go when the lawn party got rained out.
Finally had time to look through the blog and what laugh I am getting! You two have driven my favorite route through CA and even my home town, SLO Town. But where is Palm Springs? More wine tasting for Jeff, I see he enjoys it! If you want to see my latest go to viewit.com/HongKong/
Take care out there! Andree
Starting up... Dear Shelly and Jeff,
Your journal and photos continue to lure me away from Guemes and into past memories of cross country trips. Your beloved little Honda is fine but sometimes needs a jump-start to start its drive around island. Her starter is fine but the battery is losing umph....she sends her energy to Matilda in the SE.
Susan
Starter Blues Jeff and Shelly,
I was thinking I can't wait to hear your new song about your "Starter Blues" - reminds me of listening to Daubie sing his many verses of the "Officer Elmore Blues". I expect that you might add a few more verses (or let others create new ones as Daubie does) along the way.
Best of luck- looking forward to meeting Julie when you get home to Port Townsend!
Pete
Hooray for you! Just wanted to let you know that if you google "jeff shelly vanagon", your blog is the #1 link!
Hooray for you guys. Hooray so much so that Stacey and I are looking for a Vanagon of our own. Well, not so much "because" of you, but it sure reminded me to get off my butt and get back onto my plan of looking for one.
Hope you both are well. Travel safe and enjoy the ride. We miss you for sure.
Loving the stories Shelly, your mom and dad hooked us into your stories. We've visited Mesa Verde and the other sites, so love to read about them. Jeff, I like all your explorations of land use ideas.
Travertine bride Enjoyed reference to the world's largest travertine bride (4-3-06), Waltzing Matilda. Was there a large travertine groom to go with her? Cheers. Chuck
Nice Update As usual, we loved the newsy update and the great pictures. There must be a travel across America in Matilda book in the making here. The Indian ruins were especially interesting for us as we have yet to explore these areas. The people you are meeting along the way have to be one of the highlights of the journey. What fun. Oh, remember Bruce and Helen Glick as you enter Ohio and their association with the Mennoite Central Committee. They have been with them for most of their lives. Keep up the great fun. Love, Dad and Mom.
Sheff and Jelly's saga is inspiring! We continue to enjoy your wonderful photos. How special to see Sue and Dan. They look just the same as they did 34 years ago at their wedding, 2 months before ours. What great southwest vistas, bridges, and formations. Matilda's new brim seems perfect. Nice to be sunny and warm enough to need it. Bill has always wanted to see the Indian ruins and now he is seeing them through your lens.
Anxiously awaiting more.......love, Mom and Dad
Thawed yet? Hi Shelley and Jeff,
We truly enjoyed seeing you guys this weekend. It was great to catch up and hear of your adventures. Hope Matilda is behaving and you guys are enjoying your trek east. We'll stay tuned ...
Hugs!
to the traveling duo Shelly and Jeff,
Its great to "follow" you around on this blog. I'm living vicariously through you as I try to wrap up my dissertation draft (eeek!!). After I turn in my draft I'm actually going on a mini-walz myself up to Oregon to stay at a yurt on the beach with my sweetie. By the way, could you email me or post that pic you took of the two of us while you were here?
Lots of love and safe travels!!
We are a writer/photographer and a land-use planner from Port Townsend, Wash., who quit our jobs to take a year-long "sabbatical" for the 12 months of 2006.
Our travel vehicle was a Volkswagen Westfalia camper-van named Matilda, after the Australian phrase (and song) "Waltzing Matilda" -- meaning to hit the road with your possessions slung in a bag over your shoulder. We were glad not to be wandering on foot like those Aussie swagmen!
We had a memorable trip waltzing around the U.S. and Canada, learning as much as we could about this vast and diverse continent we call home. So glad we di... full info
Carol Sword
non-member comment
Appalachian Folklife Center
Shelly, Just wanted to share with you a sweet place in Pipestem, West Virginia if you are in that neck of the woods. It's called the Appalachian Folklife Center. The website for in-ticketing makes it look like a big venue, but it definitely is not. It's an incredibly sweet community activist site started by Hedy West's dad, Don West. My friend Ron and I got dropped off there once in a pouring rain while hitch hiking. Don took us (and a van full of other vagabonds) with him to the ML King March on WA in the 1980's. We visited Mennonite friends of his on the way and had similar experiences to yours with the Amish. Ron and I went back in subsequent years, and I still send them money when they write to me every few years. They have a deep appreciation for homemade music and common people pulling together. You can stay there for free, but you will have to do chores. The scenery is breathtaking. There's a muddy pond there Ron and I swam in with the tadpoles, frogs, snakes, and catfish. That pond is a place I go to in my mind where I see perfect happiness. Love from Carol