This day started out like all the others, wake up call, breakfast, to the bus. We first went to the Church of all Nations, so called because it was rebuilt with financial contributions from many countries. Each country has its national seal in the ceiling. This church is built over the rock on which Jesus prayed at the Garden Of Gethsemane. Outside, in the garden, are olive trees some of which date back 2-4 thousand years. Today was Sunday so a church service was in progress. Next, we headed to the Mount of Olives which is right across the Kidron Valley. It is where Jesus ascended and has been a Jewish Cemetary (since Biblical times). It is said that Jews buried pay thousands of dollars to be buried there so they will be first in line ... read more

Following a buffet breakfast and checking in luggage (for the bus driver), we boarded the bus for a trip to Mt. Nebo. This is where Moses viewed the promised land since he wasn't permitted to enter. It is believed he died on Mt. Nebo or nearby, though the exact place is not known. I was warned it would be cooler and windy on Mt. Nebo, but I wasn't prepared for the intensity of the wind. It felt like you were being blown over the hillside as you walked toward the sites. I will post a short video on my Facebook page for you to see just what I mean. As you walk up the hill there is a large stone like the one place over Jesus' tomb and a statue of Moses to commemorate his life ... read more

So as always for any trip I make a list of last-minute things I have to do...buy extra batteries, get snacks, make sure my family has what they need while I’m away, etc. Terry drove me to New Martinsville, was helping me out, and would also take my car home once I linked up with the rest of the group. While waiting at the plaza we learned Randy, Diane, and Debbie were in a fender bender at McDonald’s. It caused a lot of excitement and delayed our departure to Pittsburgh. Once they arrived, we loaded up and had an uneventful trip to the airport. We were later than we planned but we had plenty of time. Debbie and I were the first the check in with our bags. I dug through my purse...no passport. I dug ... read more

Typical routine...up, dressed, breakfast, and pack the car. We’re headed home to WEST VIRGINIA!! Now it is no secret that I love to travel but I really love going home!! We only had one thing planned fir the day. I saw a video on my Facebook about a giant ice cream cone. I studied the video over and over until I could see part of the name. I researched and discovered the place was on our way home....sort of!! It would take us about an hour out of our way but we were all game to try it!!! So off we went to Garfield, Arkansas and the ShortStop Grill. Garfield was about 3.5 hours away so that would be perfect fir a bathroom/lunch stop! When we hit there I told the gal st the counter that ... read more

Today was another driving day. We had an Airbnb reservation in Dodge City which was about 8 hours away. Karen always packed us sandwiches for our driving days so we didn’t have to take time to stop and eat. We also have a cooler if drinks and a huge bag of chips, snacks, and fruit. It not only saves tome but money. One issue we have had a few times is the distance we travel on state roads with no businesses in sight. This presents a problem going to the bathroom. We experienced that on this day. As I predicted, once we took care of communing with Mother Nature we came upon a rest area about 10 miles down the road!! Traveling after Labor Day is wonderful because schools are back in session and there are ... read more