Journal of Special Military Active and Retired Travel (S*M*A*R*T) Summer 2008 Grand Frontier Caravan

July 16- September 2, 2008

This Journal was prepared through a collaborative effort of several members of the travel group and contains photos from many of the 28 individuals. The contents are solely for the entertainment and use of the 2008 S*M*A*R*T travel group and not to be used for any commercial purposes.

The type is large because some of our eyes are not as young as they used to be. Errors, omissions and misspellings are purely unintentional and solely our responsibility.

Introduction

This Journal captures only a few of the events and memories of the summer. Each family will have many more stories and photos to share with family and friends.

The Journal consists of two parts… a written portion with snapshots and photo clips to jog our memories of where we were and what we did and a Photo DVD with a small portion of the thousands of photos taken. Most of the photos on the DVD were graciously provided by Verna and Trevor Hughes who may have covered more places than most of us. Our group assembled more than 5000 photos from a variety of cameras. Unfortunately there isn’t sufficient disk space to share all the photos with everyone.

For most of us this was an unforgettable experience and one we will remember and talk about for many years. We love our country and this summer we experienced some of the best of it.

Our trip would not have been possible were it not for the absolutely superb planning and execution by our Wagon Master’s Cathy and Tony Korvas and Assistant Wagon Master’s Sharla and Jim Van Dyke. They began planning this experience more than a year in advance and even traveled the route the year before, selecting the campgrounds, listing the things to see and do in each area and even identifying RV friendly fueling stops. No one could have planned it or led it any better.

Doug Blaha

Where We Live (When Not Traveling)

Full Timers Kiper Hughes

Blaha Heath

Rush/Gatta Heyob

Mace Korvas Miller Sparrow Collins Steck Cox Perrin Rickard Van Dyke

Grand Frontier 2008 Overall Route

Grand Frontier Journal

Much like pioneers of times past, from six different states, we traveled across the plains to assemble in the foothills of the Rockies prior to our great adventure into the West. While we may travel considerably more comfortably than our ancestors, the country is still just as large. Assembling at the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO was an excellent choice. Nestled on the slopes of the mountains, the residence of several thousand cadets must be one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Peregrine Pines Famcamp nicely accommodated all of us with a nearby freight train system to remind us of civilization and early morning glider flights to remind us that there is a new generation, wearing shiny new cadet uniforms, just beginning their military experience.

Many of our group arrived early to enjoy the numerous areas of interest in the Colorado Springs area. Most of us visited the Garden of the Gods, Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek, Victor, the U.S. Air Force Academy Visitor Center and the Cadet Chapel. In general the weather was pleasant, warm to hot with occasional showers in the late afternoon.

Everyone assembled for a Mexican dinner on the first day so we could all get to know each other. We were issued our vests, hats and sheriff badges for our official photo.

The next day we boarded a bus and then a Cog Wheel train to the top of Pikes Peak, the central mountain on the skyline. At 14,110 feet, it is only the 14th highest mountain in Colorado; but, it is the most accessible and the most visited. It was cool (high 40’s) at the top and while some of us were a little short of breath because of the altitude, the view in all directions was 1 breath-taking. The Cog Wheel train, made in Switzerland, has been in operation more than 100 years. The day after our visit, the annual Hill Climb Race to the top featured cars that corner the hairpin curves (without guard rails) at 70 mph.

On day 3 we boarded a bus for a 90 minute trip south and west to Caňon City and the Royal Gorge. This spectacular geologic feature is a sight to behold. The Arkansas River flows at the

bottom of a 1200 foot canyon. We were able to cross the gorge via a narrow suspension bridge and/or a cable car. An inclined railway took us to the bottom. One brave soul took the ride of her life, flying over the gorge suspended by a few

cords. During the bus ride, we passed a number of state and federal prisons and 2 both NORAD’s Mountain and Fort Carson stretching more than 35 miles along the way. We were ever on the lookout for wildlife (a major theme for the entire caravan).

Head ‘em up and move ‘em out! Sunday, July 20th, time to get this Caravan on the trail. A short 100 mile trip North through a quiet Sunday in brought us to Loveland RV Park in Loveland, CO, gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The following morning we had a group pumpkin pancake breakfast prepared by our wagon-master and tail-gunner couples.

After breakfast we boarded our bus with a very informative guide, Sandy, for a full day’s introduction to the Rocky Mountains. It began with a breath-taking trip through Big Thompson canyon and a description of a 1982 tragedy involving a flash flood and a 20 foot wall of water. Passing through Estes Park, we were surrounded by snow capped mountains. More than 100 peaks are over 10,000 feet.

We entered Rocky Mountain National Park and followed the Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in America. Eleven miles of it are above the tree line and the highest point is 12,183 feet. We experienced the sensitivity of the tundra and took photos straddling the Continental Divide.

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While we saw only one Mountain Sheep, we saw several herds of Elk (hundreds of elk) some very close to the road.

We stopped for short walks at several points and watched fat marmots, busy little hamster sized Pikas and numerous wild flowers on the tundra. On the way back to camp we stopped to shop at Estes Park.

Moving on to , we stopped first at Warren AFB at Cheyenne in the middle of Frontier Days, a world famous celebration of life for more than 100 years. Some attended activities. The next day we were treated to an Air Show presented by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. We had front row seats at a local community college. Lots of noise and lots of precision flying.

4 The clear blue sky overhead was a perfect background. Later in the day many explored downtown and other Frontier day activities.

The next day we were privileged to observe another Frontier Days event, a major

downtown parade featuring lots of horses, pretty girls, interesting floats and multiple patriotic and military units. Some observed it was the finest parade they had seen.

F.E. Warren Air Force Base was originally an old U.S. Army Fort D.A. Russell named for a Civil war General. Many of the buildings and facilities on base are the original red brick structures dating to the 1800’s. Numerous Prong Horn Antelope

graze on Post. We had a short base tour of many of the base housing quarters maintained as if they were new. The numerous very large brick stables, stabled up to twenty-thousand horses. Warren AFB is currently headquarters for the 20th Air Force and only one of three land based missile complexes in the U.S. with Minute Man III and Peacekeeper missiles. We got to visit a simulated launch control facility which gave us insight to the history and evolution of the intercontinental ballistic missile program.

5 Continuing north to Fort Laramie, we traveled through plains and prairie with wide open vistas of 50 miles or more. This is the area that was crossed by the “prairie schooners” on the California, Oregon, and Mormon trails leading to the Rockies.

Pony Soldier RV park was a nice surprise, full services, easy to get in and out and close to Historic Fort Laramie. We began our visit with a walking tour of the Fort with a very informative guide and others in period dress.

Fort Laramie was an active U.S. Army fort from 1849 until 1890 and had a role in the final Indian conflicts.

The fort was abandoned by the U.S. Army and buildings sold to the public. Now the State of Wyoming is restoring the site to preserve it’s historical significance. Next most visited other historic sites including Register Cliffs, where early travelers carved their names and dates into the limestone cliffs. Nearby the crest of a hill bears the wagon wheel tracks from the 1800’s when more than 500,000 people traveled west over the .

6 In the evening we watched a series of Native American dances performed by the Wind River Dancers of and descent.

Moving on to Casper, WY we had another 130 miles of wide open country with many buttes and rolling foothills. Fort Caspar campground is another historic area, next to the North Platte River and the southern skyline, a solid wall of high buttes. Next door to the campground is a marvelous museum. We enjoyed our first home- cooked Pot Luck dinner in a beautiful Lodge. We began our next day with a visit to National Historic Trails Center. It has a fascinating collection of multi-media presentations, interactive exhibits and life-sized dioramas depicting the life

and hardships of the pioneers. We took wagon rides, stage coach rides and tried to pull a Mormon hand cart.

Later in the afternoon we experienced one of the real highlights of the trip.

7 Boarding authentic Conestoga wagons pulled by teams of mules and horses, we experienced a rough wagon ride over portions of the Oregon Trail. Some of our

group rode horses alongside the wagons. Unfortunately, two of them had unscheduled departures from their horses. Thankfully there were no serious injuries since like the early pioneers, our group members are made of tough stuff!

Stopping briefly at the crest of a hill, our host, Morris, told us a riveting story about the Battle of Red Bluff and pointed out where it happened around us. Incidentally, he had previously used these wagons to travel the full lengths of both the California and Oregon Trails with his entire family as participants in official reenactments.

8 After a couple of jolting hours, we arrived at a river side camp for a grilled steak dinner under the cottonwood trees. A marvelous evening.

Departing slightly from the actual Oregon Trail route, our next stop was Riverton, WY and the Wind River Reservation. This is the largest reservation in the country (more than 1 Million acres). The Northern Arapaho and Shoshone Tribes share this area in spite of their historical differences. Shortly after arrival we had a wonderful presentation by members of the 1838 Mountain Man Rendezvous organization including a 94 year-old trapper. We kept them busy for more than 1 ½ hours with questions. Many also visited Trapper Jake’s museum.

Our Wind River Campground host, Joe Pepper, USN (ret) went out of his way to make our stay enjoyable. He provided continental breakfasts, cold lemonade, free cookies and good local advice and directions every day. He even accompanied us on our bus tour as we traveled around portions of the reservation visiting two missions and several trading posts.

We all found items of interest at St Steven’s mission and chapel and local crafts at the trading posts. 9 We visited the grave sites of both Chief Washakie and Sacajawea. Chief Washakie was the only Indian Chief to be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army.

Some of our group enjoyed the food and entertainment at the local . Most traveled to Thermopolis on a free day to enjoy the scenic beauty of Wind River canyon and the multiple hot Springs at Thermopolis. A few went to Landers to visit the Eagle Valley foundry, makers of the wonderful bronze statues we see throughout the west.

Continuing our trek west, we drove across the high desert country across South Pass (elevation 7550 feet) where pioneers crossed the continental divide. One of the best vistas of the summer was from an overlook at Red Canyon. Much of the country is totally open and flat with only sage brush and sand for miles in all directions.

On the way to Rock Springs, many of our group made a side trip to visit two quaint old gold mining towns…Atlantic City and South Pass City. Both have been through many boom to bust cycles, but have many interesting old buildings that are being restored and maintained.

South Pass city is the second oldest town in Wyoming.

After a brief stop at Rock Springs, WY we ventured outside of Wyoming to visit . The drive into Utah was one of the most varied and very interesting. The area around Rock Springs is surrounded by cliffs and buttes, gorges and canyons. Soon the country side looked like monument valley 10 in the desert SW. Then open country with nothing but sage and sand and 50 mile vistas. We drove past a very large “Wind farm” with hundreds of 200 foot tall wind mills. Due to the stillness of the air almost none were turning. Soon we entered foothills covered in green grass and brush. As we descended into the valley surrounding Salt Lake City it is easy to see why the Mormons chose this spectacular area. It is a beautiful city. We spent two full days and three nights here and only saw a fraction of the attractions.

We visited Temple Square in the center of the city, The Great Salt Lake just 15 miles from our campground and absorbed the Mormon story from a variety of sources. Some visited the Kennecott Copper mine, the largest man-made excavation, which is 2 ½ miles wide and ¾ mile deep.

A few miles up the foothills are monuments and a re- constructed Deseret Town called “This Is The Place” where determined their long journey west was complete.

Our campground (KOA) lined with trees and green grass was one of the nicest we’ve found. The shade and late afternoon breezes were welcome as the temperature exceeded 100 degrees the 11 first two days. Everyone seemed to enjoy the Salt lake City area and its many attractions. A few even took time to have maintenance accomplished on their rigs and took advantage of an on-site power washer to wash their rigs. Our leadership team also provided us with a broasted chicken dinner to wrap up our visit.

Moving on, we traveled up the lush valley past the Great Salt Lake and the mountain range to the East and across the SE corner of Idaho to Jackson, WY. Many of us considered this one of the most interesting and beautiful drives of the summer. From a lush populated, productive valley, through mountain passes, high open range areas, 100 miles from anywhere, we drove to high mountain tree country with snow capped peaks in the background.

Arriving at Jackson, WY is like arriving at a new world. This winter and summer playground is surrounded by majestic mountains and bustling activities. As soon as we were parked, we scattered to enjoy the attractions. Teton National Park is just a few miles up the road. Back roads yielded sightings of bison, moose and other animals. Members of our group went rafting and on back country jeep roads and lake boats trips. Most stopped every few moments to photograph breath taking mountains and views. A few ventured to the other side of the mountains to attend a Blue Grass Music festival. It was interesting and very enjoyable even though much of it was observed from under an umbrella.

Even though one can not get enough of the scenic beauty of the Jackson Hole area, its gets even more interesting as we continued north into Yellowstone. What a national treasure! We camped at Fishing Bridge RV, parked in tight spaces and scattered in all directions. One group was delayed in arriving by a herd of bison (buffalo) taking their own time getting across the same bridge leading to 12 the campground. Later during an afternoon’s touring adventure many were delayed an hour or more by several large herds of bison crossing the road. We even saw bison swimming across the Yellowstone River in order to cross ahead of us. A 2000 lb bull a few feet outside your car is quite impressive. Further down the road, herds of elk were sighted at several locations. Animal sightings tie up traffic, especially a bear sighting, but the hot springs, thermal areas, geysers and geological features are Yellowstone’s main attractions. Bear sightings were rare but a few of our group found one or two with their sharp eyes.

There are three current forest fires in the area. The closest just five miles away and we can smell the smoke. It has burned 5300 acres so far but is currently away from people and hoped to burn itself out as it heads toward a previously burned area. The other two are outside the park and not expected to cause us any problems. There are many areas in Yellowstone that have signs of old fires. The most destructive was in 1988 when large sections (63% or 500,000 acres) of the park burned. It is naturally re-seeding nicely but the evidence will be present for generations.

With everyone traveling in various directions each day, we exchanged our experiences at happy hour in the evenings.

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Leaving Yellowstone, we traveled east to Cody, WY through Shoshone National Forest and one of the most spectacular canyons. From more than 8000 feet elevation we descended to 5000 feet with the highway clinging to the side of the canyon wall.

Once safely parked at the Ponderosa RV Park in Cody, we began to soak up the

legend and lore of Cody. A very large Buffalo Bill Historical Center was just 3 blocks from our campground. At the end of our first day, we thoroughly enjoyed buffalo burgers grilled to perfection by our leadership team.

Everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the Cody area. A small town (Population 7897), Cody residents go out of their way to make visitors enjoy themselves.

Rodeos are held every night all summer. The museums and attractions are first rate and among the best we’ve visited. In the center of town is Hotel Irma, built by Bill Cody and named after his daughter, it has a classic Saloon and a great Prime Rib buffet. The cherry wood inside was a gift from Queen Victoria as a thank you for Cody’s Wild West show in England. Each night a local group

14 conducts a “shootout” outside the hotel with proceeds going to charity. Old Trail Town, at the edge of Cody, had authentic old cabins and artifacts collected from around the countryside. We walked into a saloon, previously frequented by and the with bullet holes in the door. Across the highway, a miniature village tells the Old West story in a fascinating way.

In the evening of the second day we went as a group to the Cody Rodeo to top off another perfect day.

15 Reluctantly leaving Cody, we travelled a picturesque route north, through country where the “deer and antelope play” to Hardin, MT.

Near the border between Wyoming and Montana is the Big Horn Mountain range and a spectacular Bear Tooth Pass. Some of our more adventuresome couples took the opportunities to investigate both. The majority of us enjoyed the wide open country route as we passed through Billings, MT and settled in a nice campground just outside the Crow Indian reservation and the Little Big Horn. The area around the famous (Custer’s last stand) battlefield is much the same as it was in the summer of 1876, but now it is also a National Cemetery. We toured the area and learned about the numerous engagements from park rangers and Indian guides. It is a fascinating story, discussed in more than 5000 books and the second most studied U.S. Army battle. (Second only to

16 Gettysburg). Small white stone markers mark the locations of fallen soldiers on many of the surrounding hills. We all left this area with a much better understanding of what happened here 132 years ago.

Next to the battlefield area, was the Annual Crow Fair, a large (1400 Teepees) Native American Pow wow. It had a spectacular parade and hundreds of native dancers in beautiful ceremonial dress.

Many of our group thoroughly enjoyed the pageantry and the very patriotic themes presented as veterans were at the head of the opening ceremonies.

One of our group made a point of instructing a typical teenager seated nearby that he should stand when the U.S. Flag is paraded by.

Leaving the “Big Sky Country” of Montana, we slipped back into Wyoming briefly to enjoy a full moon in the shadow of Devil’s Tower. We stayed in a very nice KOA campground right at the base of the tower. Some of our group took an after dark, moonlight hike around the very large pillar. In the morning we enjoyed another group breakfast (biscuits and gravy) served by our stellar leaders. The Black Hills are another national treasure and vacation paradise.

17 A short drive from Devil’s Tower brought us to Rapid City in the center of Black Hills activity.

Anxious to see Mount Rushmore, many of us attended the lighting ceremony there on the first night. Again the patriotic themes and Veteran tributes warmed our hearts. Our first full day in this area is one we’ll remember for a long time. We boarded a bus and departed the campground early to visit Mount Rushmore in bright sunshine. Spectacular! Our bus driver Gary Scott was full of local information and kept us informed all day. After Mount Rushmore we travelled Iron Mountain Road, winding and twisting over “pigtail Bridges” and narrow tunnels to Custer State Park. We saw deer, bison, burros and one elk along the way. For added excitement we discovered the bus had an oil leak so during lunch at the State Game Lodge, we swapped busses. We were just thankful it was not brake fluid we were leaking. In the afternoon we drove the “Needles Highway” which had even more twists and even narrower tunnels. Our bus was precisely 8 feet wide and we went through three tunnels that were 8 feet 7 inches wide roughly chiseled out of solid rock. We even had a spectator crowd cheering us out of the last tunnel. We had numerous photo ops along the way as our group scattered like mountain

18 goats to get the best photo vantage point. The needles rock formations and quiet mountain lakes are a sight to behold.

Lastly we visited the Memorial. Under construction for more than 60 years, this colossal granite structure will be more than 563 feet high and be visible for miles. It was a long day but none of us would have missed a minute.

One needs more than a week in the Black Hills to take in the sights. Our group found Bear Country USA, downtown Rapid City (President’s statues), Fort Hays, 19 scenic drives and many others local activities. We all enjoyed breakfast and a wonderful afternoon and evening Chuck Wagon Dinner and Music show at Fort

Hays. A walking tour of Fort Hays took us through movie sets and photos from “Dances with Wolves”, a working “tin shop”, saw mill, “rope works” and several old cars. The dinner and show were great. To remember this day, each family received a commemorative aluminum plate made especially for our caravan. Our next adventure was a day-long bus trip to Spearfish, Lead and Deadwood. Wonderful historic towns exuding local lore and atmosphere. Many thought the Western Heritage museum in Spearfish was one of the best we’ve visited (and we have seen many). In Lead we stopped to gawk at the huge open pit Homestake

Gold mine in Lead. Gold was mined here until 2002 and also in deep pit mines down to 8300 feet below ground. We arrived in Deadwood in time for a “diet busting” buffet lunch at the Silverado. After an obligatory visit to Saloon No. 10 where was murdered while playing

poker, we traveled to “” to visit his grave. At her request, is buried next to him. We received quite a history lesson from a very enthusiastic “ Boot Hill” bus driver. 20 On our way back to camp we visited “Katanka”, a museum sponsored by Kevin Kostner to commemorate Native Americans and Bison. A larger than life, multi- figure, sculpture depicting a Buffalo Jump is truly impressive. Sculptures of fourteen bison and three attacking Indians on horses capture the dramatic action.

Our stay in the “Skunk Award” Black Hills was Early in our Caravan, we were introduced to the over far too soon, so-called “Skunk Award”…a dubious honor Al Qaeda aka Salty but it became bestowed on anyone who might have experienced a minor mishap or made an time to continue insignificant mistake, such as a wrong turn or east. Unfortunately, as we formed up failure to follow instructions. The “awardee” on Friday morning, the Mace’s received a cute little stuffed Skunk to wear at the next group gathering. Nominations for the award experienced a fuel pump problem and were introduced at evening Happy Hours. A were delayed until repairs could be certain domestic pet weighing less than 2 lbs was nominated several times for known terrorist made on Monday. activities. Unfortunately the owner was not permitted to house the Skunk award and terrorist We departed Rapid City and began a in the same abode as the stuffed skunk would leisurely trip across wide open prairie have met its demise. Many of the awards were loudly protested and many totally unjustified. of western South Dakota. We could have arrived at our next campground within a couple of hours if we had stayed on I-90. About half way we visited Wall, SD site of the world famous Wall Drug Store. What started as a one store “watering hole” about 70 years ago is now a major tourist attraction more than a block long, with endless shops and western products. Nearby is a very interesting “Grassland’s Visitor center. Instead of returning to the Interstate we selected the “Badlands Loop” through Badlands National Park. We could have been driving on a different planet. Generally unseen

from the Interstate, we left the high plains area and descended into some of the most unusual geological features we’ve seen. Eons of sedimentation layers and half a million years of wind and water erosion have created an unbelievable landscape. Who could forget the multi-color layers and countless shapes, ravines, gullies and peaks? We stopped often and gaped at the landscape or “moonscape”.

21 The Visitors Center near the end of the loop furthered our education and understanding of this unique place. Leaving the Park, we climbed back up to a normal prairie countryside and soon visited an original Prairie homestead with sod and log structures. Of interest also were numerous white prairie dogs that live at the homestead, apparently the only place in the world.

Just prior to re-joining the Interstate, many visited a portion of a former

Minuteman Missile site now operated by the National Park service. To complete our day, an 1880’s town was located right next to our campground. Many found it very interesting and several had breakfast there in the following

morning.

“Mule Deer , Mule Deer…”

Having travelled the caravan route the previous year as part of their reconnaissance and pre- planning, the Wagon Masters made various predictions and promises as to what we should see and enjoy in our travels. Cathy promised we would see lots of Prong Horn Antelope and indeed we saw many in virtually every state. Everyone saw so many Antelope, we may have even stopped taking photos of them. Tony made similar promises about Mule Deer. In the east, most deer sightings are of White Tail deer, so we kept a sharp lookout for this major symbol of the west. Unfortunately, sightings were rare. They proved to be very elusive and difficult to spot. Only a few photographs were obtained to confirm sightings. The dichotomy was so great that whenever a minor disagreement appeared about travel directions, anticipated activities or similar…the words “Mule deer, Mule deer” could often be heard from the back row.

22 Our next day’s journal brought us back into the Central Time Zone and across the Missouri River. Overlooking the wide river is a very nice Rest Stop where Lewis and Clark stopped on their way west. Not only was the view spectacular the visitors center had lots of information about Lewis and Clark. Today we passed

several fields of sun flowers with their yellow heads as far as we could see. Our day’s travel ended in Mitchell, SD home of the world famous Corn Palace.

Mitchell, SD is a quiet little town put on the map more than 100 years ago by a corn covered building. There have been three such palaces with the most recent built in the 1920’s, modified in 1937 and redecorated every year with many varieties of locally grown colored corn. We arrived for the last two days of the annual

Corn Festival so the main street was blocked off and filled with vendors of great smelling food. We enjoyed roasted corn, Bar-B-Q ribs and much more. Many attended an evening performance by Lorrie Morgan inside the Corn Palace. What a beautiful place.

Mitchell is a very nice place and we enjoyed our visit.

23 Continuing east to Falls, the fields on both sides of the highway are green and productive. We no longer see vast open areas of prairie grasses but now it’s well cultivated farm lands and occasional dairy herds.

Sioux Falls is a bustling, progressive community that began in the mid 1800’s. Falls Park, in the center of the city, surrounds a very nice three-level falls, the

namesake of the city. Lewis and Clark cited these falls in their journey west. An evening laser light show tells the complete history of the area in a very interesting way. Happily for all, our missing couple, the Mace’s, rejoined us after weekend repairs in Rapid City.

We all visited Prairie Town, a re-assembled community of old buildings, about 40

miles NW of Sioux Falls. We rode an old train around a two mile track and walked back into history entering buildings that reminded us of our grand parent’s homes. A fun outing, even in strong prairie winds.

As experienced activity seekers, our group found lots to do in Sioux Falls. Some discovered a nearby casino that provided good food and plenty of excitement. Others found Porter Sculpture Park and especially the artist to be very interesting.

24 The USGS/EROS Center 10 miles away had interesting tours and displays. At least one couple thoroughly enjoyed a visit to De Smet, SD the heart of Laura Ingles Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie.” Our Sioux Falls KOA Campground was very accommodating, easy in and out and in spite of a nearby airport and Freeway traffic, very nice. We especially enjoyed meeting the owner as he stopped in to check on us at Happy hour. Leaving our campground, we saw another herd of Bison right alongside the Freeway. A nice reminder we’re still out west. The final leg of our Caravan took us south, along the Missouri River, into Iowa to Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE. We stopped at the Iowa Welcome Center that honors Sergeant Floyd, the first US Army soldier to die west of the Mississippi. He was a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition and died of appendicitis. The welcome center is a old river boat named in his honor.

During this final day’s travel one of our members celebrated his 89th Birthday.

Charlie Steck was on active duty in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Honolulu, HI on December 7th 1941. He was an eye witness to the events of that infamous day. As the most “seasoned citizen” of our group he has the most infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. He and his wife Peggy are usually the first to setup, unhook and get out and see and participate in the local sights. We are honored and blest to know both of them and hope our trails and travels coincide many more times.

Traveling south to Omaha, the roads are straight as an arrow and the river valley is lush with productive farm land. Our Wagon Master noted that while this area had significant flood damage last spring, the area seemed to have recovered well. As “Press Time” approached for this written Journal, our Caravan made the final stretch to the FAMCAMP at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. Regrettably the journal won’t include coverage of the final few days of our time together. Our activities include a bus trip for an Omaha Adventure with Lunch, an evening Dinner cruise on the Missouri River, a traditional Labor Day Picnic and marching in a Labor Day Parade with all of our military flags and patriotic colors.

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The Grand Frontier Caravan 2008 has been a wonderful learning experience. We have enjoyed it!!!

We have all come to better realize just how great a debt of gragratitudetitude we owe to those who came before us to open up and develop the Grand Frontier. We are truly blest to live in the present…not to have lived in the past…to have had to endure the hardships of pioneering, settling and protecting the vast wilderness that our fore fathers had to experience. We are also blest to have had exceptional leaders who could look to the future by reserving and preserving our nation’s historical growth in so many different ways for us to enjoy today.

Our caravan has taken us to glogloriousrious National Parks,Parks, Monuments and Sites; to Ghost Towns and modern cities; to native cultures and western traditions; to all sorts of animal life; to military, civilian as well as religious migratory pilgrimages and campaigns; and finally to the beautifubeautifull grandeur of our country in so many shapesshapes and forforms.ms.

We are also blest in the close company we have kept along the trail…fun, fellowship, caring and sharing with each other. We look forward to future reunions and gatherings along life’s way.

Thank you Cathy and Tony. Thank you Sharla and Jim.

Peace and joy to you all.

Ron and Kathryn Rickard

26 Wagon Masters

Doug and Lila Blaha grew up in Minnesota but now Tony and Cathy Korvas have lived in Florida for the consider Virginia as home. Doug served 31 years in past 9 years. Tony served in the U.S. Army Medical the US Navy, aboard six nuclear submarines and the Corps for 33 years, active and reserve. Cathy is a retired last four years in Norway. They have four children RN. Tony is a retired D.O. They have three children and (one daughter and three sons) living in four different three grandchildren. This is their fourth SMART states with nine grandchildren. Our lives mainly center caravan. around the children and grandchildren as we visit them as often as possible.

Bob ad Cathy Collins live in Melbourne, Florida and are Irma Cox has lived at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Fort the only non-military caravan-ers in the group. Bob is a Walton Beach, Fl for the past 2 ½ years. Her husband was a retired Elementary School Principal and Cathy is a B-52 gunner and served in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years. retired elementary teacher. They have three children and She has five children, 2 daughters, 3 sons and 8 one delightful five year-old grand daughter. In their grandchildren all living in either Texas or Louisiana. This is travels they enjoy visiting their son in Montgomery, AL, her first SMART caravan. their daughter in Tallahassee, FL and their daughter’s family in Pompano Beach, FL.

27 Les and Beverly Heath live in Webb City, Missouri Anne Heyob lives on a lake (Guntersville) about 40 miles (near Joplin). Les retired from the U.S. Navy after 32 from Huntsville, Alabama. She was an accountant for a years and Bev retired from the Missouri department of large construction company. Her husband was retired U.S. social services. Les has one son, three daughters, Air Force. She has two children, twin 5 year old grandsons eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. and two step daughters with three granddaughters. She Bev has two children and four grandchildren. They loves traveling , cards and crafts. enjoy traveling and seeing the USA.

Dick and Sophie Kiper have been full timers for the past Trevor and Verna Hughes have been full time Rv’ers for five years. Dick grew up in Texas and served in the U.S. the past six years. Trevor served in both the U.S. Navy Army for 20 years. He then flew 19 years as a corporate (Submarines) and U.S Coast Guard. They have five pilot and 5 years as a flight simulator instructor for Navy children and five grandchildren. Verna was a large account student pilots. Sophie was born in Hawaii as an Army brat commercial lines underwriter for Royal Insurance and is a then an Army wife. They have four kids and 7 CPCU- the highest professional underwriting designation. grandchildren. Sophie enjoys all crafts. Trevor was an engineer for Royal Insurance and is a member of ASME and ASSE. 28 Greg and Yoon Mace live in Green Valley, AZ and have Bev Miller has lived in Yuma, AZ for the past been married 21 years. Greg served in U.S. Army 26 years. She retired as Lead accounting Intelligence for 26 years followed by 12 years of Federal Technician at a military commissary. Her service. Yoon worked at the Defense Language Institute husband retired from the U.S. Navy. She has where they met. This is their third SMART caravan and three children, ten grandchildren and two great they look forward to more. granddaughters and a great grandson. She enjoys traveling and is a frequent SMART caravan participant.

Ev and Jackie Perrin live on Crescent Lake in Crescent Wayne “Ron” and Kathryn Rickard were RV Fulltimers for six years City, Florida. Ev served 23 years in the U.S. Army, until December 2007 when they purchased a home at Indian River military police including 7 years in Germany, Vietnam, Colony Club in Melbourne, FL, a retired military community, which and Saudi Arabia. During 20 years of retirement, Ev they love. Ron spent 25 years in the U.S. Army followed by 20 years served as prison warden in New Hampshire and Florida in the military defense industry building Command and Control including 6 years as warden of Florida State Prison systems for the Field Artillery. Kathryn has been a teacher, tutor, Raiford. Jackie is a retired Nurse and a homemaker (not journalist, manager of Child Care facilities and Seniors programs. She retired). They have five kids (2 daughters and 3 sons) and is an accomplished violinist…now in a Blue Grass band. They have six grandchildren. They enjoy golf, travel, boating, two sons and a daughter and five grandchildren living in three states. reading, gardening and playing cards.but of all these, They make an annual “round the country” trip to visit them all. They family comes first. love SMART caravans and have been to Alaska 03, Maritimes 04, Branson twice, Marti Gras 05, Grand Circle 05 and Balloon Festival.

29 Bob Rush lives in Amory, MS. He entered military service in 1946 and served 23 years in the U.S. Air Peggy and Charlie Steck have been married 14 years. Charlie Force with 11 ½ years overseas in England, Ireland, and has two sons and three grandchildren. Peggy was a district North Africa. He then served 15 years in Civil Service forecaster with Sprint in the Punta Gorda, Florida area. and 5 years on a U.S. Navy contract for TRACCOR Charlie retired from the U.S. Army Signal Corps after 23 Flight Systems. Bob and June Gatta have been traveling years then worked for IBM for another 15 years. For the first for the past 9 years with SMART caravans and many 5 years of his retirement, Charlie lived aboard a 31’ sailboat. other places. Peggy and Charlie sailed for the first five years of their marriage cruising the Bahamas and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Assistant Wagon Masters “Tail Gunners”

Earl Sparrow lives in Robert, LA which is about 60 Jim and Sharla Van Dyke live in Summerfield, Florida. Jim miles NW of New Orleans. Earl served 22 years in the served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and then another 14 U.S. Navy including three tours aboard aircraft carriers. years in the U. S. Postal Service. Sharla was an elementary After retiring from the navy, he was a manager for teacher for more than 30 years. They have two sons who live in Devoe Marine Castings Company. He has two children the Atlanta area. They enjoy traveling, playing cards, reading and and two beautiful granddaughters. Earl enjoys camping especially spending time with family. Jim also likes to play golf. and spending time with his grandchildren.

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