Today, my grandfather passed away.
William Leander Montgomery, 89, died on June 23, 2006, at Wesley Village Retirement Center in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he moved in 2002. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Alberta Lee Brickey Montgomery.
Born on February 3, 1917, William was the son of Leonard and Carrie Montgomery. He was a 1935 graduate of Sciotoville High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and tennis. He was the captain and quarterback of the 1934 Tartan football team, and was awarded the game ball after their 14-7 victory over Central Catholic. He also was known as “the scoring flash” of the 1935 Tartan basketball team, which won the Scioto County championship.
A veteran of World War II, he served in Military Intelligence Services in England and France, earning two battle stars and a good conduct medal. He remained in the Army Reserve after the war until age 60, reaching the rank of chief warrant officer.
William was employed by the Norfolk and Western Railway for 37 years, where he worked as a clerk and office manager. During his last ten years of employment, he held the position of Labor and Material Analyst for the Scioto Division. After retirement, he worked part-time as a bookkeeper for Tim Doyle Landscaping until 1999.
William had a desire to be used by God, and to share his faith with others. During his lifetime, he was an active member of several churches including Tabernacle Baptist Church of Chillicothe, Ohio; Christ’s Community Church of Portsmouth, Ohio; and Berean Baptist Church of Sciotoville, Ohio. His church activities included service as a deacon, trustee, youth leader, Sunday school teacher, and Sunday school superintendent. In 1955, he was named chairman of the building committee, overseeing the construction of a new sanctuary for Tabernacle Baptist Church and later a classroom addition in 1965. He was involved in the Gideon’s International Society for 50 years, serving several years as treasurer. He also was a member of the Kentucky Colonels, the Masons, and the Golden Bears of Shawnee State University.
An avid gardener, William maintained a vegetable garden up until his death.
William was preceded in death by brothers, Charles and Edmund, and a sister, Alene Booten, and survived by sisters, Lucille Deemer, and Gretchen Stanley. Also surviving him are a son and daughter-in-law, L. D. and Linda Montgomery of Nicholasville, KY; a daughter and son-in-law, Julia and Ellis Conley of Elkins, WV; and a son, John R. Montgomery of Columbus, OH, as well as five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday evening 6-9 pm with funeral services on Tuesday at 10 am at Brant Funeral Home in Sciotoville, Ohio. Burial will follow at the family cemetery at Lost Creek, Kentucky, overlooking the farm where William was born.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon’s International Society.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Monday, June 19, 2006
Gear Planning
We are trying to figure out what we need to get -- buy, borrow, or steal for our trip. As the good little planner I have a spreadsheet to cover the food to manage price, weight and caloric content. I also have a spreadsheet to list all of the individual, group, and optional gear based on whether it must be purchased or if I can borrow it from the other part-time adventurers that feel good with the idea that if they can't get away to the wild that their gear can still go.
The goal is to minimize weight while maximizing comfort. For example, last year I went with the very lowest (or should I say flattest) of the low sleeping pad. From a weight perspective I was doing well (I think I saved about 11 oz). However, as I never really got into a deep sleep, I think that the energy I saved was easily sucked out of me. I still have a pine root imprint on my left shoulder blade.
The first time that I went out backpacking, I really had no idea what I was doing. To put it in perspective, the first time I went out -- I wouldn't sit on the ground because I didn't want to get dirty. I brought a complete change of clothes (cotton) for each day. My pack, for a two-night outing, weighed 68 pounds.
I now work to get my backpack closer to 30-35 pounds tops for a week outing. Some of it is going minimal with the gear. In the backpacking world, the weight is inversely proportional to the dollars. For instance, my birthday present this year (August 20 for those wanting to send gifts) was a $320 10 degree sleeping bag that only weighs 1 pound 4 ounces and packs smaller than a bread loaf. By comparison, by last bag -- 20 degrees, $100, 3 1/2 pounds and the size of a large microwave.
Individual Gear:
Midweight Hiking Boots - Sandals/Tivas - Sock Liners (3 Pair) - Hiking/Socks (3 Pair) - Pants (Convertible?) - Shorts - Underwear - Thermal (Midweight) Bottoms - Thermal (Midweight) Top - Non-Cotton Shirt (2) - Long Sleeve Shirt - Fleece Jacket - Rain Pants - Rain/Med Coat - Hat - Sleeping Hat - Light Gloves - Trekking Poles - Backpack - Sleeping Bag (20F or Lower) - Toiletries - Bags - Sleeping Pad - Knife - Headlamp/Flashlight - Whistle - Caribiner/Rope - Wristwatch - Nalgene Bottles (2) - Mug
Optional Items
Backpack Cover - Bladder/Platypus - Gaitors - Luxury Item - Sunglasses - Camera - Binoculars - Fishing Gear
Group Items
Two Man Tent (2) - Ground Cloth (2) - Stove - Gas Canisters (2) - Lighter (2) -
Water Filter (2) - First Aid Kit - Repair Kit - Map - Compass - Sunscreen - Toothpaste - Cooking Pot - Utensils - Emergency Blanket - Sanitizer - Dish Soap - Freezer Bags - Toilet Paper - Food - Energy Drinks - Tea
Q/A from the list (less than 24 hours later)
1. Shorts? Sleeping not so much as wandering around camp. The thermals really aren't all that water resistant -- and the only place to sit is the ground or a log, both of which are usually some kind of damp. Optional in ounce counting, recommended for comfort.
2. Hats? I burn easily, so I recommend a waterproof cowboy style hat to protect the neck and ears from burning. However, for the first 5-6years of hiking -- I just wore a baseball cap. My first trip to Yellowstone I had to tuck a bandana into a baseball cap because my neck and ears got so sunburned the blisters were peeling. This memorable lesson made me rate dorky hat over cool hat. (This, and the realization that everyone was looking at the scenery and not me. Besides the fact that the smell alone would drive anyone away from me.)http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=69&parent_category_rn=5227674&vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC For the night, 80% of your body heat goes out of your head, so sleeping in cold temps requires a good hat that will keep you warmer. This is like a toboggan or knit hat for winter. I have a lightweight black fleece hat that makes me feel like a rapper. Word.
3. Bags? You won't want to just throw your gear in your pack in a disorganized way-- so you will have a bag (compression) to smash your clothes in, a bag for your sleeping bag (if it didn't come with one) etc... I have a few extra.http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&query=*&cat=4500447&vcat=REI_SEARCH:C
4. Air mattress? You could I guess, but not recommended. Check weight and make sure that if it rips we can repair. Roll/Stuff into a gear bag will help. I have a great really lightweight flat one that you can borrow (see note above).
5. Knife? Any kind -- a multi-tool or swiss army is nice. But we won't need it for too much other than to clean all the fish we catch. (insert skeptical cough here)
6. LED Light? I like them. We aren't hiking at night, so enough to find the bathroom (read: nearby tree) or to enjoy a book in the tent is good. LED is good as it has limitedweight, long life.
7. Whistle? Scott (our expert friend and former wilderness guide) will make fun of this one -- but it is a safety thing if we get separated and lost. Actually -- everyone makes fun of this -- but please note that I didn't require bear bells, pepper spray or boat flares. Allow me my little piece of obsessive compulsive boy scout safety.
8. Shared rope? Nope, each of us have some. Given a thin rope (harder to pull significant weight) and larger group, individual food/clothing bags are easier to manage. I will have rope and caribiner for each, but may need to pick up some slight extra.
9. Nalgene Bottles? Nalgene Bottles are indestructible (mostly) and the water filter conveniently screws into the top. Not required, but you will need to carry about 64 oz ofwater in bottles separate from your bladder. I have a bunch and can loan -- but you see them everywhere in stores.http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?topStyles=664604%2C729143%2C720282%2C703207%2C719867%2C712330&noalias=1&brand=Nalgene&stat=7889&topStylesTitle=best+sellers+for+nalgene&langId=-1&orig=nalgene&storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH
10. Bladder? Like a Camelback without the backpack.
11. Share the Binoculars? I don't take them because either they are heavy or aren't powerful enough to justify themselves, but if someone wants to carry them they are more than welcome. Sharing is usually encouraged.
12. GPS Unit? I have never taken one, but it should be interesting. I think that you can download the park and we can chart progress.
The goal is to minimize weight while maximizing comfort. For example, last year I went with the very lowest (or should I say flattest) of the low sleeping pad. From a weight perspective I was doing well (I think I saved about 11 oz). However, as I never really got into a deep sleep, I think that the energy I saved was easily sucked out of me. I still have a pine root imprint on my left shoulder blade.
The first time that I went out backpacking, I really had no idea what I was doing. To put it in perspective, the first time I went out -- I wouldn't sit on the ground because I didn't want to get dirty. I brought a complete change of clothes (cotton) for each day. My pack, for a two-night outing, weighed 68 pounds.
I now work to get my backpack closer to 30-35 pounds tops for a week outing. Some of it is going minimal with the gear. In the backpacking world, the weight is inversely proportional to the dollars. For instance, my birthday present this year (August 20 for those wanting to send gifts) was a $320 10 degree sleeping bag that only weighs 1 pound 4 ounces and packs smaller than a bread loaf. By comparison, by last bag -- 20 degrees, $100, 3 1/2 pounds and the size of a large microwave.
Individual Gear:
Midweight Hiking Boots - Sandals/Tivas - Sock Liners (3 Pair) - Hiking/Socks (3 Pair) - Pants (Convertible?) - Shorts - Underwear - Thermal (Midweight) Bottoms - Thermal (Midweight) Top - Non-Cotton Shirt (2) - Long Sleeve Shirt - Fleece Jacket - Rain Pants - Rain/Med Coat - Hat - Sleeping Hat - Light Gloves - Trekking Poles - Backpack - Sleeping Bag (20F or Lower) - Toiletries - Bags - Sleeping Pad - Knife - Headlamp/Flashlight - Whistle - Caribiner/Rope - Wristwatch - Nalgene Bottles (2) - Mug
Optional Items
Backpack Cover - Bladder/Platypus - Gaitors - Luxury Item - Sunglasses - Camera - Binoculars - Fishing Gear
Group Items
Two Man Tent (2) - Ground Cloth (2) - Stove - Gas Canisters (2) - Lighter (2) -
Water Filter (2) - First Aid Kit - Repair Kit - Map - Compass - Sunscreen - Toothpaste - Cooking Pot - Utensils - Emergency Blanket - Sanitizer - Dish Soap - Freezer Bags - Toilet Paper - Food - Energy Drinks - Tea
Q/A from the list (less than 24 hours later)
1. Shorts? Sleeping not so much as wandering around camp. The thermals really aren't all that water resistant -- and the only place to sit is the ground or a log, both of which are usually some kind of damp. Optional in ounce counting, recommended for comfort.
2. Hats? I burn easily, so I recommend a waterproof cowboy style hat to protect the neck and ears from burning. However, for the first 5-6years of hiking -- I just wore a baseball cap. My first trip to Yellowstone I had to tuck a bandana into a baseball cap because my neck and ears got so sunburned the blisters were peeling. This memorable lesson made me rate dorky hat over cool hat. (This, and the realization that everyone was looking at the scenery and not me. Besides the fact that the smell alone would drive anyone away from me.)http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=69&parent_category_rn=5227674&vcat=REI_SSHP_MENS_CLOTHING_TOC For the night, 80% of your body heat goes out of your head, so sleeping in cold temps requires a good hat that will keep you warmer. This is like a toboggan or knit hat for winter. I have a lightweight black fleece hat that makes me feel like a rapper. Word.
3. Bags? You won't want to just throw your gear in your pack in a disorganized way-- so you will have a bag (compression) to smash your clothes in, a bag for your sleeping bag (if it didn't come with one) etc... I have a few extra.http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?storeId=8000&query=*&cat=4500447&vcat=REI_SEARCH:C
4. Air mattress? You could I guess, but not recommended. Check weight and make sure that if it rips we can repair. Roll/Stuff into a gear bag will help. I have a great really lightweight flat one that you can borrow (see note above).
5. Knife? Any kind -- a multi-tool or swiss army is nice. But we won't need it for too much other than to clean all the fish we catch. (insert skeptical cough here)
6. LED Light? I like them. We aren't hiking at night, so enough to find the bathroom (read: nearby tree) or to enjoy a book in the tent is good. LED is good as it has limitedweight, long life.
7. Whistle? Scott (our expert friend and former wilderness guide) will make fun of this one -- but it is a safety thing if we get separated and lost. Actually -- everyone makes fun of this -- but please note that I didn't require bear bells, pepper spray or boat flares. Allow me my little piece of obsessive compulsive boy scout safety.
8. Shared rope? Nope, each of us have some. Given a thin rope (harder to pull significant weight) and larger group, individual food/clothing bags are easier to manage. I will have rope and caribiner for each, but may need to pick up some slight extra.
9. Nalgene Bottles? Nalgene Bottles are indestructible (mostly) and the water filter conveniently screws into the top. Not required, but you will need to carry about 64 oz ofwater in bottles separate from your bladder. I have a bunch and can loan -- but you see them everywhere in stores.http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?topStyles=664604%2C729143%2C720282%2C703207%2C719867%2C712330&noalias=1&brand=Nalgene&stat=7889&topStylesTitle=best+sellers+for+nalgene&langId=-1&orig=nalgene&storeId=8000&vcat=REI_SEARCH
10. Bladder? Like a Camelback without the backpack.
11. Share the Binoculars? I don't take them because either they are heavy or aren't powerful enough to justify themselves, but if someone wants to carry them they are more than welcome. Sharing is usually encouraged.
12. GPS Unit? I have never taken one, but it should be interesting. I think that you can download the park and we can chart progress.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Glacier Hiking
Last year, Day 4 -- Helen Lake aka "My Happy Place"
In less than twenty four hours the National Park Service responded that our trip was approved. They really are efficient and helpful there. In the last three years, I have never had a complaint. This is really is one of the best parks in the nation.
Our trip is from the southwest up over the Continental Divide to the southeast of the park. We don't really have enough time for a full extended backpack, so we are going to cover some decent mileage and elevation change over a shorter window. My preference is to spend a couple of days prior to the backcounty to get acclimated, check gear, etc... I then like to have a day to do the touristy things at the end of the trip to get all the stiffness out of the legs prior to flying home. Instead, we go out on day one and come out the afternoon prior to flying home. I am working on getting Nicole to come out with me a few days early, so I will be in good shape, but I do worry a little bit about the other guys. However, my fitness level will even out the pace to compensate for the altitude, I am sure.
http://www.nps.gov/glac/whatsnew/bcres/bcmap.htm
Day 1: Fly in most likely to Kalispell (or Great Falls) Night One will be in the Many Glacier Hotel (http://www.glacierparkinc.com/ManyGlacierHotel.htm) where they have the best breakfast buffet in Montana. I will take the guys to a couple of local holes-in-the-wall (Park City Cafe http://www.we8there.com/rest_detail.php?busid=1090 and Two Sister's Cafe) for a calorie overload with a joyous ending of good pie. I alreay know that I will get the strawberry rhubarb or banana cream or the razzleberry or the...
Day 2: Drive around to the southwest side of the park and check in with the Rangers and watch a fun little video on why you don't want to look appetizing to the folks ahead of you on the food chain (black bears, grizzly bears and mountain lions). This video is much better than the one at Yellowstone (my first big trip back in 1999) where they show someone being carried out in a body bag after Yogi got a little carried away. The first hike is an easy 7.2 miles to the Lower Park Creek campsite (PAR). We use this part of the trip to ensure that everybody's pack is comfortable and no one is having too much difficulty adjusting to the altitude. The view will not be too spectacular today, but we will be really isolated.
Day 3: We get up this morning and hike a leisurely 7.5 miles to the Upper Park Creek campsite (UPP). Our goal is to cover more distance than see the sites, but we have an excellent chance of seeing a good number of black bear.
Day 4: Today is the shorter day with a 2.3 mile steep 1,000 ft. climb to Lake Isabel (ISA) which is rated "Very Good" for catching Rainbow Trout. I will bring stuff to cook all the fish the guys will catch -- but in all honesty I have had to carry out every single fish-cooking-ingredient as no one I have ever hiked with has ever caught anything. We should have some free time today (Nicole stop reading) to climb/scramble up some cliffs beyond (Nicole start again) just fishing.
Day 5: The good news about Day 5 is that the higher you climb in altitude, the better the views become. Today is our longest, our highest, our most brutal. We backtrack the 2.3 miles and 1,000 ft. down from Isabel and head the 6.0 miles to Cobalt Lake (COB) which will include a 2,500 ft. climb over Two Medicine Pass and then down 1,000 ft. to the campsite. I am packing extra energy gel and Vitamin I for this fun day. (Vitamin I = Ibruprofen)
Day 6: We have about 6.5 miles and 2,500 ft. down to the boat docks to meet a ferry back to the nearest Ranger station. If we miss the boat, it changes to about 10 miles back to the station where we would park a car. We stay tonight in the East Glacier Lodge (http://www.glacierparkinc.com/GlacierParkLodge.htm) and pack our stinkiness in as airtight a manner as possible. It really is too bad that we don't have to pass through customs as all we would have to do to smuggle anything would be to leave our socks on top and they would wave us through from a distance.
Day 7: Fly home. I considered staying longer, but I have Reds tickets for the next day.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Next Trip - Glacier
We are now planning for the next trip backpacking in Glacier at the end of August. I am taking 3 guys who have never been (I have spent almost 5 weeks over the last two years). There lies my only advantage as it turns out all them have a very bad habit of exercising on a more regular basis than annual backpacking trips. One of them hikes and the other two, based on fitness level, could probably carry me in their packs if need be.
I am trying to work out with Nicole's schedule where she can meet us out there either before or after the guy trip as they each can only go for a week and I have 3 non-committed weeks of vacation to burn.
My first choice of trip is out due to the timeframe (we can only go 4 nights backcountry) and reservations. The trip planning is fun in that the number of campsites is limited and they only reserve 1/2 of them prior to your arrival. Therefore you always have a full trip that you plan -- but then you completely change it when you get there. Last year we did that only to have to settle for a bit more mileage/elevation change than I like... It resulted in a bunch of "I told you so" moments, but was a great time. The conversation generally will run "Well I can get you to that campsite, but you have to hike 12 miles uphill that day and then..."
This year, for the reserved trip, I am aiming for the southeast corner of the park that we were not able to make last year. To keep it interesting we are going to hike across the entire park which will include a climb over the Continental Divide. The main campsite I was hoping to use is closed for Grizzly activity, which is a bit scary, but now we have a short hike day at a great fishing location (which was a request from two of the guys.)
More to come soon...
I am trying to work out with Nicole's schedule where she can meet us out there either before or after the guy trip as they each can only go for a week and I have 3 non-committed weeks of vacation to burn.
My first choice of trip is out due to the timeframe (we can only go 4 nights backcountry) and reservations. The trip planning is fun in that the number of campsites is limited and they only reserve 1/2 of them prior to your arrival. Therefore you always have a full trip that you plan -- but then you completely change it when you get there. Last year we did that only to have to settle for a bit more mileage/elevation change than I like... It resulted in a bunch of "I told you so" moments, but was a great time. The conversation generally will run "Well I can get you to that campsite, but you have to hike 12 miles uphill that day and then..."
This year, for the reserved trip, I am aiming for the southeast corner of the park that we were not able to make last year. To keep it interesting we are going to hike across the entire park which will include a climb over the Continental Divide. The main campsite I was hoping to use is closed for Grizzly activity, which is a bit scary, but now we have a short hike day at a great fishing location (which was a request from two of the guys.)
More to come soon...
Only Time Will Tell...
International Music
The title of this blog came from my international musical experience through the Northwest Airlines (NWA to those in the know) "radio station". Yes, I listened to music from all over the world groups like "Asia" who lent us the title and Europe (Final Countdown from the "Rock Classics" station). I must say there is only one way to make a 24 hour day of flight better -- and it is simply by having 80's synthezizer choruses stuck in your brain.
Final Days
The rest of the work week was relatively predictable. Breakfast became less and less adventurous where in the beginning if I couldn't tell what it was -- I would try to eat it. Later in the trip, I was eating simply scrambled eggs, toast and papaya (with tea) -- and staring hard at the Cocoa Pebbles too afraid of the milk to make a move. I have made a note that my next trip to Asia will include powdered milk. I am sure you have the image of me smuggling contraband cocoa pebbles in my pocket, sneaking back to the room to enjoy the blissful hints of chocolate left in the safe to drink American milk...
Wednesday night we were a smaller group, just Jesse, Andy and I back to Roma's Bar & Restaurant Bar (no typo, that is how the window reads) for good Italian food. As it was a very traditional Italian place, I was conflicted as to whether to get the Tacos again or the Fajitas (I went with the latter). Very good and I must say that they were the best Italian Tacos I have ever had.
After dinner, if it was legal to do so, I would tell you about the DVD dealer on the corner on the way that had movies out that were very current. The way as I understood the story, here is how it works...
The title of this blog came from my international musical experience through the Northwest Airlines (NWA to those in the know) "radio station". Yes, I listened to music from all over the world groups like "Asia" who lent us the title and Europe (Final Countdown from the "Rock Classics" station). I must say there is only one way to make a 24 hour day of flight better -- and it is simply by having 80's synthezizer choruses stuck in your brain.
Final Days
The rest of the work week was relatively predictable. Breakfast became less and less adventurous where in the beginning if I couldn't tell what it was -- I would try to eat it. Later in the trip, I was eating simply scrambled eggs, toast and papaya (with tea) -- and staring hard at the Cocoa Pebbles too afraid of the milk to make a move. I have made a note that my next trip to Asia will include powdered milk. I am sure you have the image of me smuggling contraband cocoa pebbles in my pocket, sneaking back to the room to enjoy the blissful hints of chocolate left in the safe to drink American milk...
Wednesday night we were a smaller group, just Jesse, Andy and I back to Roma's Bar & Restaurant Bar (no typo, that is how the window reads) for good Italian food. As it was a very traditional Italian place, I was conflicted as to whether to get the Tacos again or the Fajitas (I went with the latter). Very good and I must say that they were the best Italian Tacos I have ever had.
After dinner, if it was legal to do so, I would tell you about the DVD dealer on the corner on the way that had movies out that were very current. The way as I understood the story, here is how it works...
- The day the movie comes out --- available on DVD by "Kramer Cam". Not that I got MI-3, but if someone had, in the first five minutes you actually see a guy get up, walk out of screen and come back with popcorn
- One week after movie is out --- someone has plugged into the sound board for better sound and has taken the time to setup the start of the DVD to allow for scene selections, etc..
- Two weeks after the movie is out -- someone has made a true copy for a complete DVD of the movie (no extra special features)
Nicole had threatened that if I did get any less than legal DVDs that her and her library-copyright-protection-posse would come down on me in a bad way. This does have me long for days when the worst thing you had to deal with from a librarian was a shush and a harsh look. Apparently now the MLS program includes some martial arts and counter-terrorism tactics.
By Thursday (note 2 business days left), the China team had warmed up enough to me to ask very detailed questions. So Thursday flew by. It was my pick for dinner Thursday night and we went to a Brazilian place (why not?) I had been to one in the US, and it was a similar deal -- gouchos (guys) come around with random meat on a stick that you can select for them to slice on your plate. In the US, it is beef, turkey, pork and usually the delicacy of chicken hearts (very good with lime). In China, it was beef, chicken, pork and camel. For the curious reader, while camels may store water in their humps, the moisture does not carry over to the meat. It was worth the taste but is not as flavorful as the soup from the foot of the hen.
Speaking of... My favorite Mandarin story was one day at lunch Andy was trying to call the waitress over (in Mandarin) only to have everyone look at him funny. Finally, one of the women at the table asked him "Why do you keep saying Chicken Feet?" This became my curse word of choice for the rest of the trip.
Friday we packed up to leave. After taking a bath in all of the bottled water I had hoarded over our two week stint, I packed everything up choosing to take pearls over tennis shoes. I almost choked on my $10,000 hotel bill -- until I realized it was for two weeks and you divide by 8 for USD. Our main trainee arranged for a special Korean meal for Jesse across town -- and it was really good. They brought out a very hot cast iron pot for each of us where the food was simmering in the bowl like a fajita. A fresh egg was simmering on top of it -- and you stirred it all up.
We only found out after this lunch was scheduled that there was another restaurant a couple of blocks from the office where if you ordered chicken they brought out the live chicken to prove it's health and freshness -- and then took it back to get it ready (and then brought the whole chicken back out). Also, there were several other animals that you could choose from, Red Lobster style, and have similarly prepared. Sorry I missed it.
Friday had us taking a border car back to Hong Kong. Crossing a border seems to be a great equalizer as all types of cars were queued up for a good distance. We got behind a very nice Ferrari. We checked into our hotel at the airport and took the train back into Hong Kong (1/2 hour) to go to Stanley Market (1/2 hour bus ride). Stanley, for future reference closes at 7 p.m. Luckily the restaurants do not. We ate at Beaches again and had pizza.
Saturday Kathy flew home and Andy, Jesse and I met relatively early (10) to take the Hydroplane ferry to Macao. Here, in a crowning moment for OCD folks everywhere -- since I always had my passport with me, I was the only one who could go... (One forgot, One didn't know). So Andy went to his hotel to get (1 hour round trip) and we were to meet Jesse at the Macao lighthouse at 3 (Jesse had a 2 1/2 hour round trip to our hotel).
Macao, it should be noted, is known for the gambling, prostituion, opium, and very nice Portuguese architecture. While we had very limited time for the first three, we did manage to get a bunch of great pictures of the architecture. It was raining (wow, rain in monsoon season, go figure). We got a tourist map at the ferry station and got around the island by pointing at the picture since my Portuguese and Cantonese is equally as strong. We started with a Buddhist temple that was pretty and it was interesting to see folks toss paper money into the fountains instead of coins. We then thought we could walk to the next point of interest on foot (based on my top ten travel guide map) and got to see several other sides of Macao not generally covered in tourist information. Once we found a street that saw some vestige of sunlight, we were able to head to the Sky Needle for a rapid lunch. We caught a taxi to the lighthouse to meet our friend, who arrived breathless at 3:45. Apparently my idea that the lighthouse must be -- (1) close to the shore which logically would be near the ferry and (2) be easy to find/get to -- was a bit off. We then toured some ruins and went to a casino to let provide one of us a chance to donate money to the locals and two of us to sit at the bar (me included). I did sneak off for a Portuguese bakery to get a local custard thing which was excellent.
Saturday night was back to Hong Kong for Italian at the wonderful backstreet restaurant that we never would have found on our own. We made it back to the hotel around midnight and I need to finish packing to leave the room by 5:30 the next morning. All part of the plan so that I could sleep on the plane.
Rounding Third and Heading for home...
The plane ride home was uneventful. I only slept one hour which made the same movies from the flight over all that more exciting. King Kong does lose something on a 5x9 screen. We arrived joltingly back through US Customs and on home no worse for the wear. Nicole, as promised, took me directly to Ted's for some well deserved "home" cooking.
Creepy
The story of the trip would not be complete without a complete rendition of this piece of "art" that I had done while I was there. I had a B&W picture of Nicole that a friend (I won't say "ex") took of her at my little sister's bridal shower. I carried this picture 1/2 way around the world where I saw a local artist doing charcoal drawings of caricatures or portraits from a picture. Through my primitive communication (pointing and grunting) we reached an agreement of 200RMB to have this done. He gave me a receipt in Chinese and told me to meet him here in 2 days. I said 3 days as I was going to be out that night. I then picked it up -- and the picture was admired by all on the square (oddly, the policeman kept following me to look at it). I then took the unframed, uncovered art back to the hotel under cover of my small umbrella (I got wet) for safety. This art was carefully hand-held to work on Friday, placed in a special area so it would not rub the charcoal. It was hand-held through border crossings, three airline exchanges and customs and hung in a locker by itself on the international flights. It also required special tower and federal approval to be hung in the pilot's area on the small flight from Detroit to Lexington as I refused to place it in the overhead compartment. All this story, this quest, this challenge I tell you -- all this to be told by Nicole that the picture is "Creepy".
It is good to be home.
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