Hi YA"LL!!
Boy are the people here in Texas just the friendliest...you feel as though you have known them all your life! We are in the town of Dalhart, Texas...cattle, grain and train country...and miles and miles of plains. The two lane highway is nice with a wide bike lane...lots of trucks moving cattle though. Somehow we have been missing the rain here...it was windy last night and Stan said they had the worst bicycle ride this morning fighting the wind.
Yesterday the guys met up with a young group of about 30 cyclist... doing what do you think? Cycling from Manhatten Beach to Boston in 50 days. Stan and Roy rode with them for 20 miles or so drafting a little and increasing their mph to 18+. Not bad for ol' guys!! This group averages about 75 miles per day and sleeps in hotels every night. Their SAG wagon follows behind providing food, drinks etc. Trip cost is about $8,ooo per person.
Stan and I toured this little town of 7,000 and wondered where everyone was. Only one fourth of the stores were open for business... the rest were empty. The streets in the old section were made of bricks. I talked with the lady at the fabric store and she said everyone drives south to the big city of Amarillo for business and shopping...that's over 100 miles!
Hope everyone is doing well.
LOVE YA', Helen
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
We're in "Norma" Country!
Yes, we crossed the New Mexico/Texas border this afternoon! Beautiful weather and the road was straight. The towns here are far and few.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Dear Class,
Good Morning to all of you. It is Tuesday morning, May 29 and we are in Tucumcari, New Mexico! This afternoon we will cross the border and be in the northwest corner of the state of Texas. Can you find where I am on the map?
Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Good Morning to all of you. It is Tuesday morning, May 29 and we are in Tucumcari, New Mexico! This afternoon we will cross the border and be in the northwest corner of the state of Texas. Can you find where I am on the map?
Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Sunday, May 27, 2007
1,150+ Miles And Still Pedaling!
*Finished Week # 4 and Day #28
* Visited 3 states / 12 different RV Parks / 2 National Parks/8 Indian Reservations
*Total of over 2,500 biking miles
*Chased by over 35 dogs
*14 Flat tires changed
*2 cases of Clif Bars devoured
*About 40 gallons of water consumed
*One pant size lost
*1/3 of destination completed
* Visited 3 states / 12 different RV Parks / 2 National Parks/8 Indian Reservations
*Total of over 2,500 biking miles
*Chased by over 35 dogs
*14 Flat tires changed
*2 cases of Clif Bars devoured
*About 40 gallons of water consumed
*One pant size lost
*1/3 of destination completed
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Well, we arrived in the BIG city of Albuquerque, New Mexico on Wednesday evening and we are still here! The wind in the late afternoons has been ghastly!! Especially in our Fifth Wheel....I really wanted to be in my solid rock home in Santa Maria!
We learned immediately that this city is truly "Biker Enthusiastic"! There are over 85 miles of biking trails. We received a very thorough "Metropolitan Albuquerque Bicycle Map" with color-coded bike lanes, bike trails and recreation trails. We all rode our bikes the past two days on our favorite trail, the Paseo del Bosque which goes along the Rio Grande River, past the zoo, Nature Center, and the Botanical garden...over 16 miles one way. It was great to see so many people of ALL ages using these trails either biking, rollerblading or walking ... a very cross section of the community.
Today was a wonderful day weather-wise...it only rained slightly, conveniently AFTER our ride and the wind didn't come up!!! We attended Saturday evening mass at John XXIII Catholic Community up on a hill overlooking the city...lovely view...very modern church architecturally - round with interesting ceiling beams. A wide red cloth was draped on the beams from the entrance to the altar. Behind a simple altar was a plain wall that served as a screen for the music to be sung by the congregation. I forgot my camera, DARN!
We will bike again tomorrow and rest Monday when we head east to Tucumcari, New Mexico....What a name!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you. Love Ya', Helen
We learned immediately that this city is truly "Biker Enthusiastic"! There are over 85 miles of biking trails. We received a very thorough "Metropolitan Albuquerque Bicycle Map" with color-coded bike lanes, bike trails and recreation trails. We all rode our bikes the past two days on our favorite trail, the Paseo del Bosque which goes along the Rio Grande River, past the zoo, Nature Center, and the Botanical garden...over 16 miles one way. It was great to see so many people of ALL ages using these trails either biking, rollerblading or walking ... a very cross section of the community.
Today was a wonderful day weather-wise...it only rained slightly, conveniently AFTER our ride and the wind didn't come up!!! We attended Saturday evening mass at John XXIII Catholic Community up on a hill overlooking the city...lovely view...very modern church architecturally - round with interesting ceiling beams. A wide red cloth was draped on the beams from the entrance to the altar. Behind a simple altar was a plain wall that served as a screen for the music to be sung by the congregation. I forgot my camera, DARN!
We will bike again tomorrow and rest Monday when we head east to Tucumcari, New Mexico....What a name!
Take care and I look forward to hearing from you. Love Ya', Helen
Milan to Mesita on Ol' #66
Hello All -
We rode Ol' #66 here through the Acoma/Laguna Indian Reservation. Most of the road runs parallel to I-40. ..tree-like shrubs cover hills and mesas. Roy and Stan are getting good at dodging dogs. Stan has decided that every Indian here owns at least 4-5 dogs! He accidentally ran over a rattlesnake...didn't see it in time to swerve or stop but when he went back , he found it had scurried off in the brush, probably not affected by the little skinny bike tire. The trucks on I-40 really rip...glad we weren't biking on that highway...we would have been blown away.
Cris and I decided to visit a little village and drove up to a little Catholic church on the side of a hill. The church was quaint...so I whipped out my camera and took some fotos. Soon after a gentleman in a pick-up truck drove up to where we were...he said no pictures were allowed of the church or village and asked me to erase them. I obligingly did so and apologized and told him we hadn't noticed any signs ( we looked on our way out and never did see any), but we didn't want to cause any trouble! The village of Mesita had a big sign that said no pictures etc.
After the ride, we packed up and headed east to the BIG city of Albuquerque.
We rode Ol' #66 here through the Acoma/Laguna Indian Reservation. Most of the road runs parallel to I-40. ..tree-like shrubs cover hills and mesas. Roy and Stan are getting good at dodging dogs. Stan has decided that every Indian here owns at least 4-5 dogs! He accidentally ran over a rattlesnake...didn't see it in time to swerve or stop but when he went back , he found it had scurried off in the brush, probably not affected by the little skinny bike tire. The trucks on I-40 really rip...glad we weren't biking on that highway...we would have been blown away.
Cris and I decided to visit a little village and drove up to a little Catholic church on the side of a hill. The church was quaint...so I whipped out my camera and took some fotos. Soon after a gentleman in a pick-up truck drove up to where we were...he said no pictures were allowed of the church or village and asked me to erase them. I obligingly did so and apologized and told him we hadn't noticed any signs ( we looked on our way out and never did see any), but we didn't want to cause any trouble! The village of Mesita had a big sign that said no pictures etc.
After the ride, we packed up and headed east to the BIG city of Albuquerque.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Rock Climbing
Dear Class,
How is everyone? I am fine and having fun. Yesterday we went rock climbing. We climbed a BIG rock called "Inscription Rock". A long time ago when people passed this rock they carved messages in the rock. We saw a lot of writings. We climbed up 200 feet! We had a such beautiful view at the top.
Hope everyone is learning lots!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
How is everyone? I am fine and having fun. Yesterday we went rock climbing. We climbed a BIG rock called "Inscription Rock". A long time ago when people passed this rock they carved messages in the rock. We saw a lot of writings. We climbed up 200 feet! We had a such beautiful view at the top.
Hope everyone is learning lots!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Back In The Saddle Again! - Week # 4
Hard to believe the guys are starting their 4th week of cycling. Monday they headed down Route #66 and out behind Red Rock State Park. Some of the rock formations can be seen for miles...you can't get lost around here. In the afternoon we packed up and drove south and then east to El Morro National Monument. We found MY kind of campground...kind of rustic....lots of trees, nestled next to a mountain and GRASS. The owner, a woman about late 60ish, came running out of her little cafe as soon as we came through the gate! Come to find out she's a cyclist TOO! Finished 60 miles in the "Tour de Tucson ". Did we have lots to talk about!
Today was a nice day...looked warmer then it was though... a cool wind creeped in. Stan and Roy headed out a little later then usual ...about 7:30 a.m. and crossed over the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE! It was over 7,oo0 feet. We stopped and had a picnic breakfast in a tiny little town called San Rafael. Not much there but an old shut down Catholic Church with a little park across the street. We were blessed I am sure.
In the afternoon, Stan and I decided to visit the EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT. We ended up hiking up to the top of this MASSIVE mountain named "Inscription Rock". It was a 2 mile hike and the pathway was well paved in parts, some stone steps and then over rocks. From the top of the rock you could see the valley below forever. Stan was a bit tired after biking 50 miles and then hiking 2 miles ( it took us almost 2 hours as there was so much to see). I called him a "BI-ATHLETE" - a biker and a hiker! It was a great site to see.
We packed up and moved down to a little town called Milan. Here we are at Route #66 again and the trains are passing here and whistling every 15 minutes...it feels like the tracks are two feet away. Sweet Dreams!!!
Today was a nice day...looked warmer then it was though... a cool wind creeped in. Stan and Roy headed out a little later then usual ...about 7:30 a.m. and crossed over the CONTINENTAL DIVIDE! It was over 7,oo0 feet. We stopped and had a picnic breakfast in a tiny little town called San Rafael. Not much there but an old shut down Catholic Church with a little park across the street. We were blessed I am sure.
In the afternoon, Stan and I decided to visit the EL MORRO NATIONAL MONUMENT. We ended up hiking up to the top of this MASSIVE mountain named "Inscription Rock". It was a 2 mile hike and the pathway was well paved in parts, some stone steps and then over rocks. From the top of the rock you could see the valley below forever. Stan was a bit tired after biking 50 miles and then hiking 2 miles ( it took us almost 2 hours as there was so much to see). I called him a "BI-ATHLETE" - a biker and a hiker! It was a great site to see.
We packed up and moved down to a little town called Milan. Here we are at Route #66 again and the trains are passing here and whistling every 15 minutes...it feels like the tracks are two feet away. Sweet Dreams!!!
SUNDAY - A Day of Rest!
Hi All!
Sunday we attended mass at Gallup's beautiful all red brick Catholic Cathedral. We then viewed the murals on downtown buildings designed by local artists. They were bold and colorful and rich with history. The town was relatively quiet as shops are closed on Sunday .....no alcohol sales on Sunday either!!! We meandered out to Red Rock State Park thinking maybe we would hike around some of this 640 acre park framed on 3 sides with SPECTACULAR red sandstone formations. I loved the way the architects made the huge outdoor arena blend into the landscape. As we were looking around we noticed large black clouds heading in our direction...sure thing.....thunder, lightening and rain were upon us. Were they trying to tell us something? We took the cue and decided it was time to go back to our campground and REST!
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Hello Gallup, New Mexico!
Hi Everyone,
Stan and Roy had a beautiful ride through some rural agricultural area this morning. It is interesting how the cows and horses graze along the highway outside their pasture and no one seems to worry. They biked south and east toward Lupton...rolling hills, somewhat grassy, and these beautiful green whispy trees with a blacklike trunk. It was time to move camp this afternoon so we headed over to Gallup with black clouds, thunder and lightening following us. Yipes!! It is amazing how the weather changes within the day!
Stan and Roy had a beautiful ride through some rural agricultural area this morning. It is interesting how the cows and horses graze along the highway outside their pasture and no one seems to worry. They biked south and east toward Lupton...rolling hills, somewhat grassy, and these beautiful green whispy trees with a blacklike trunk. It was time to move camp this afternoon so we headed over to Gallup with black clouds, thunder and lightening following us. Yipes!! It is amazing how the weather changes within the day!
Hi Students!
Dear Students,
I heard you had an terrific time on your field trip and are doing really well in school. That makes me want to jump up and down!!! I am SOOOOOOOO happy! WOW!
I am now in the state of New Mexico. There is thunder and lightening and rain here! I will not be riding my bike until the sun is shining. How is the weather in Santa Maria? I LOVE hearing from you, so keep writing to me. Have a nice day!
*Hi Marco,
I am glad the field trip was good. I wish I could have seen that gorilla!
*Dear Dominique,
We are in the state of New Mexico. Find New Mexico on the map. Tell your mom I got her comment. It was nice to hear from her. Tell her hi from me.
*Dear Veronica,
It was great to hear from you. You saw some interesting animals at the zoo!
*Hi Elvis,
It sounded like you saw a lot of animals on your field trip. I am glad you had fun!
*Dear Leslie,
What train did you like the best....the big train or the little train? I'm glad you had a good time on the field trip.
*Dear German,
It sounds like you saw some really different animals at the zoo. What fun!
*Hi Marialy,
I am so happy you had lots of fun on your field trip. We have seen a lot of horses on the Indian Reservations.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
I heard you had an terrific time on your field trip and are doing really well in school. That makes me want to jump up and down!!! I am SOOOOOOOO happy! WOW!
I am now in the state of New Mexico. There is thunder and lightening and rain here! I will not be riding my bike until the sun is shining. How is the weather in Santa Maria? I LOVE hearing from you, so keep writing to me. Have a nice day!
*Hi Marco,
I am glad the field trip was good. I wish I could have seen that gorilla!
*Dear Dominique,
We are in the state of New Mexico. Find New Mexico on the map. Tell your mom I got her comment. It was nice to hear from her. Tell her hi from me.
*Dear Veronica,
It was great to hear from you. You saw some interesting animals at the zoo!
*Hi Elvis,
It sounded like you saw a lot of animals on your field trip. I am glad you had fun!
*Dear Leslie,
What train did you like the best....the big train or the little train? I'm glad you had a good time on the field trip.
*Dear German,
It sounds like you saw some really different animals at the zoo. What fun!
*Hi Marialy,
I am so happy you had lots of fun on your field trip. We have seen a lot of horses on the Indian Reservations.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Friday, May 18, 2007
One Mile From New Mexico!
We spent the night here in Window Rock, AZ. We came through some back country on Highway #264...towns like Polacca, Steamboat Canyon, and Ganado...very, very small communities. We stopped at Hubbell Trading Post, a National Historical Site. This Post was founded in 1876 by John Hubbell who made a great influence on the Navajo Indian...very interesting. Today we biked through some of this area where there seem to be many sheep. Tomorrow we head into New Mexico.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DISCONNECTED.......
Dear Family and Friends,
We were on the south side of the Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend and biked through it and along the south rim---what FANTASTIC views we saw---it is just awesome to have the time to take it all in. On Tuesday we woke up at 4:00 a.m. and moved camp traveling east to Tuba City on the Navajo Indian Reservation. We biked over some desolate desert (NOT A TRAIN OR TRAIN TRACK in sight)...just miles and miles of sandy desert with Navajo Indian Trading Posts scattered here and there. From the time of entering the Grand Canyon to now we have had no phone or internet access. We have felt DISCONNECTED from everyone back home. Stan could not even get his DISH T.V. to work...what a crisis!!!!! I am blogging here at a Quality Inn by our R.V. campsite. Today, 5/16/07, Stan and Roy biked some gorgeous dry country east of here on Rte.264. It was a beautiful two lane highway but no bike lane so we followed in the car letting the few vehicles we did see know there were bikers ahead. They biked in the Hopi Indian Reservation too. We met Brad, a native Hopi Indian and owner of the General Store in Hoteville. The Hopi Indians, in trying to maintain some of the old tribal traditions, do not believe in gambling...so no casinos here! Probably a good idea.... Barely any people here!! We will be moving to Window Rock, AZ tomorrow...it is near the New Mexico border. Probably won't get to post fotos until we are near Gallup. Take care all.
Love ya', Helen
We were on the south side of the Grand Canyon National Park over the weekend and biked through it and along the south rim---what FANTASTIC views we saw---it is just awesome to have the time to take it all in. On Tuesday we woke up at 4:00 a.m. and moved camp traveling east to Tuba City on the Navajo Indian Reservation. We biked over some desolate desert (NOT A TRAIN OR TRAIN TRACK in sight)...just miles and miles of sandy desert with Navajo Indian Trading Posts scattered here and there. From the time of entering the Grand Canyon to now we have had no phone or internet access. We have felt DISCONNECTED from everyone back home. Stan could not even get his DISH T.V. to work...what a crisis!!!!! I am blogging here at a Quality Inn by our R.V. campsite. Today, 5/16/07, Stan and Roy biked some gorgeous dry country east of here on Rte.264. It was a beautiful two lane highway but no bike lane so we followed in the car letting the few vehicles we did see know there were bikers ahead. They biked in the Hopi Indian Reservation too. We met Brad, a native Hopi Indian and owner of the General Store in Hoteville. The Hopi Indians, in trying to maintain some of the old tribal traditions, do not believe in gambling...so no casinos here! Probably a good idea.... Barely any people here!! We will be moving to Window Rock, AZ tomorrow...it is near the New Mexico border. Probably won't get to post fotos until we are near Gallup. Take care all.
Love ya', Helen
Arizona Navajo/Hopi Indian Reservations
Wednesday May 16, 2007
Dear Class,
I thought of you Tuesday morning when you were riding the train to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Please write and tell me about your day.
Phones and computers did not work where we have been this last week, so I have not been able to write to you. I am using a hotel computer to write to you now.
Today we are in Tuba City, northeast of the Grand Canyon. We rode through the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations. Find me on the map.
I will send pictures when we get to New Mexico this weekend.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Dear Class,
I thought of you Tuesday morning when you were riding the train to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Please write and tell me about your day.
Phones and computers did not work where we have been this last week, so I have not been able to write to you. I am using a hotel computer to write to you now.
Today we are in Tuba City, northeast of the Grand Canyon. We rode through the Navajo and Hopi Indian Reservations. Find me on the map.
I will send pictures when we get to New Mexico this weekend.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Friday, May 11, 2007
Heading to the GRAND CANYON!
Hi All,
We are now in Williams, Arizona, about 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon. We will be biking around this little town in the morning and then moving camp to the Grand Canyon National Park for three days. Stan has been changing so many flats that he is a pro. He said this is his 5th since he started the trip! If he gets one tomorrow, I'm timing him.
We are now in Williams, Arizona, about 60 miles south of the Grand Canyon. We will be biking around this little town in the morning and then moving camp to the Grand Canyon National Park for three days. Stan has been changing so many flats that he is a pro. He said this is his 5th since he started the trip! If he gets one tomorrow, I'm timing him.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Tough Ride
Wednesday was the longest and hardest ride so far...maybe the two day break put us out of shape! We were up at 4:30 a.m. and by 5:30 climbing. We did not finish riding until 4 p.m.. We took a little detour to the old gold town of Oatman...it was the highlight of our day...interesting people there, and we even ran into some wild donkeys!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
KINGMAN, ARIZONA or BUST!!
Hi All!
We are finally on our way in Arizona. We moved to Kingman, Arizona yesterday after doing some repairs on our "Home on Wheels". We scouted the area for safe riding roads in the afternoon and are back on our bicycles today after a two day break. We plan to make it to the Grand Canyon this weekend!
Bye for now!
We are finally on our way in Arizona. We moved to Kingman, Arizona yesterday after doing some repairs on our "Home on Wheels". We scouted the area for safe riding roads in the afternoon and are back on our bicycles today after a two day break. We plan to make it to the Grand Canyon this weekend!
Bye for now!
Letter to the Class
Dear Class,
We have crossed over the border and are in Kingman, Arizona. The weather is hot here. We hope to see the Grand Canyon this weekend. You will be on your field trip soon. Please write and tell me about your trip to the zoo.
*Dear Elvis,
It was so nice to hear from you. I miss you too! I won't be coming back until August. It is a long way to Maine, especially on a bicycle!! :)
*Dear Dominique,
I hear you are reading and getting lots of points in Accelerated Reader. GOOD JOB! Maybe you will catch Leslie! :)
*Dear Marialy,
You sound excited to go to the zoo. Have fun! :)
*Hi Leslie,
You must be the TOP CAT with 528 points! SUPER! :)
*Hi German,
Let me know when you pass Elvis! :)
I am looking forward to hearing from everyone about your trip to the zoo!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
We have crossed over the border and are in Kingman, Arizona. The weather is hot here. We hope to see the Grand Canyon this weekend. You will be on your field trip soon. Please write and tell me about your trip to the zoo.
*Dear Elvis,
It was so nice to hear from you. I miss you too! I won't be coming back until August. It is a long way to Maine, especially on a bicycle!! :)
*Dear Dominique,
I hear you are reading and getting lots of points in Accelerated Reader. GOOD JOB! Maybe you will catch Leslie! :)
*Dear Marialy,
You sound excited to go to the zoo. Have fun! :)
*Hi Leslie,
You must be the TOP CAT with 528 points! SUPER! :)
*Hi German,
Let me know when you pass Elvis! :)
I am looking forward to hearing from everyone about your trip to the zoo!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Monday, May 7, 2007
California - Arizona Border
Dear Students,
We are in the town of Needles, California. It is close to the Arizona border. Wednesday we will visit this state. Find Arizona on the United States map. We saw lots of trains crossing the Mojave Desert. You will be riding on one soon when you go on your field trip. Hope you are having a GREAT day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
We are in the town of Needles, California. It is close to the Arizona border. Wednesday we will visit this state. Find Arizona on the United States map. We saw lots of trains crossing the Mojave Desert. You will be riding on one soon when you go on your field trip. Hope you are having a GREAT day!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
California done!
Sunday, May 6 finished 7 days of biking over 330 miles and most of it across the Mojave Desert. This last day of biking in California, 50 miles outside of the town of Needles, continued to fascinate us. Trains were snaking through miles and miles of colorless, barren land. The bikers' friendly waves to the graffitied covered trains brought cheery whistles in response. One engineer even stopped to chat to Stan and Roy. And could you blame her?... two spirited bikers on barely traveled roads! I told Stan to find me some desert flowers and sure enough he did. But the bikers are tired...time for a rest. We begin again on Wednesday. We will be heading into the state of Arizona.
Friday, May 4, 2007
I'm in Barstow!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Dear Class,
You had rain today, and we had a STRONG, STRONG wind that almost blew us off our bikes!!It was a whirlwind! In some places it was hard to see the road, so we stopped riding our bikes to be safe.
We are halfway across California in the town of Barstow in the Mojave Desert. We are near the once silver mining town of Calico which is now a ghost town. We visited it today.
I am SO proud of all of you for scoring 10 on your sight words!! WOW!! Congratulations too to Veronica for becoming our new Citizen of the Month. Keep up the hard work. You are all so terrific. I miss you all!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Dear Class,
You had rain today, and we had a STRONG, STRONG wind that almost blew us off our bikes!!It was a whirlwind! In some places it was hard to see the road, so we stopped riding our bikes to be safe.
We are halfway across California in the town of Barstow in the Mojave Desert. We are near the once silver mining town of Calico which is now a ghost town. We visited it today.
I am SO proud of all of you for scoring 10 on your sight words!! WOW!! Congratulations too to Veronica for becoming our new Citizen of the Month. Keep up the hard work. You are all so terrific. I miss you all!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Days #4 and#5
Hello all! The days slipped away! Thursday a.m. the guys biked highway #66 by Helendale over rolling hills which they said was like being on a roller-coaster...they said they could have done 100 miles just like that! But they only did 35 miles. We then moved our "Home on Wheels" down the road east to Barstow, the halfway point across California!!! The WIND was blowing fiercely. We set up camp, then jumped on our bikes to get in a few more miles...Stan has been averaging about 46 miles a day ...me only 10. What is wrong with this picture???? I am actually the "SAG" wagon most of the time. I support the guys and am on call if they need anything.
Today the guys headed out from camp to Highway Route 66 again. The wind became EXTREME...it almost blew them over...and sometimes they seemed to be FLYING. Stan said it was his first nose "sandblasting" job. They called the wind "brutal"!! Later in the day we visited the historic silver mining town of Calico only 3 miles away. The town sits on a mountain to the north of the main highway. At one time 1200 people lived here mining silver. Today it is a ghost town. The valley looked like a dustbowl from the top of the mountain!
Today the guys headed out from camp to Highway Route 66 again. The wind became EXTREME...it almost blew them over...and sometimes they seemed to be FLYING. Stan said it was his first nose "sandblasting" job. They called the wind "brutal"!! Later in the day we visited the historic silver mining town of Calico only 3 miles away. The town sits on a mountain to the north of the main highway. At one time 1200 people lived here mining silver. Today it is a ghost town. The valley looked like a dustbowl from the top of the mountain!
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Responding to student mail
Dear Students,
It was so great to hear from you!
*Veronica - I miss you too! Tell Diana hello from me.
*Marialy - I'm so glad your mom is going on the train and to the zoo with you!
*Miguel L. - Wow! 88 points!! You have been reading lots! Keep up the good work!
*German - I am happy you are reading long books. What is your favorite book?
*Leslie - WOW! 502 points! Are you still the TOP CAT?
*Miguel E. - You will have so much fun and learn lots on the field trip.
*Dominique - What new book have you read?
*Santos - Yes Santos, I am having fun on the trip. What are you reading at school?
Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
It was so great to hear from you!
*Veronica - I miss you too! Tell Diana hello from me.
*Marialy - I'm so glad your mom is going on the train and to the zoo with you!
*Miguel L. - Wow! 88 points!! You have been reading lots! Keep up the good work!
*German - I am happy you are reading long books. What is your favorite book?
*Leslie - WOW! 502 points! Are you still the TOP CAT?
*Miguel E. - You will have so much fun and learn lots on the field trip.
*Dominique - What new book have you read?
*Santos - Yes Santos, I am having fun on the trip. What are you reading at school?
Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Desert
Dear Class,
We are now riding through the desert. The desert is very dry and so we see very little green grass. A vulture is an animal that lives here. It is a large bird.
Can you see the picture of the three vultures on the post in the desert?
We are now riding through the desert. The desert is very dry and so we see very little green grass. A vulture is an animal that lives here. It is a large bird.
Can you see the picture of the three vultures on the post in the desert?
Day #3
BIG trucks, whistling trains, speeding cars, freeways and road construction started our sunny morning as we headed toward Old Route 66. We have moved into the desert and away from the big cities, but definitely not away from the traffic congestion. The 50 miles a day of biking is proving challenging here. We met a "real" cyclist this morning...his name was Felix, like "Felix the Cat" he quipped smiling toothless. His bike was 35 years old, a high school graduation present. Pointing to his rough tire, he said, "They don't make these kind of tires for it anymore." He gave up driving a car 21 years ago, and this bike is his only means of transportation. He was friendly and advised us to "watch out" as people aren't too biker friendly.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Biking Day 1
We brought our bikes right on the Ventura beach ...it was a foggy morning....a little chilly but the guys were wearing their BEACHSIDE Produce biking shirts that read "From our Family Farms... to Your Family's Table" and the backside read EAT YOUR BROCCOLI. These guys are always promoting agriculture. Traffic was heavy here and we will be happy to move into some quieter areas to the east.
Hello Class,
We started riding our bikes Monday morning from the Pacific Ocean. It was a foggy morning and we were cold. I will try to send a picture. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
Hello Class,
We started riding our bikes Monday morning from the Pacific Ocean. It was a foggy morning and we were cold. I will try to send a picture. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Rose
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