September 1995 -- Knoxville, Orlando & States In--between

Bev and Marguerite’s next trip took them to Tennessee and the southern states. Marguerite’s sister Althea had a close friend (Nina) from Sterling that was living in Knoxville with her family. Bev, Marguerite and Althea boarded the flight in Denver and had a layover in Chicago. Althea, being older, agreed that wheelchair transportation at the airport was the way to go when transferring planes. Airline personnel took them to the designated location; but then it was changed and they needed to change terminals. This time, although she did not agree she needed one, a wheelchair was ordered for Marguerite. (She told everyone that it was necessary because of Bev’s large carryon.) Personnel took them through the underground tunnel to the other terminal. Then they continued their flight into Knoxville.

While visiting with Nina and her family, it was decided that the next day everyone would use their car and tour the area. The first drive was through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is the most visited National Park in America. It is part of the Appalachian Mountains Chain, the oldest mountains in America; being four times older than the Rockies. Along with 900 miles of numerous trails, the park also has 70 preserved pioneer structures and homesteads. Needless to stay, today’s journey would only touch a few of these.

The first area they visited was Cades Cove. For over 100 years, this was a thriving community; reaching 685 people by 1850. Many of the historic structures in the park are located in this area. There is an 11-mile-one-way loop road that takes you around the cove. The cove was originally named after one of the first settler’s wife, Kate, but the name evolved into Cades Cove instead. There were five churches in the Cove in the 1920’s and three of them still stand today. While walking through some of the graveyards, one finds interesting grave markers. One dating back to the Civil War era simply states, “Bas Shaw – killed by Rebels.” Other buildings in the area include preserved homesteads, blacksmith shop, and a working corn mill. Bev brought home a bag of corn flour as a souvenir.

Bev had originally wanted to visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, but the group opted to see Gatlinburg instead. The first stop in Gatlinburg was the Aerial Tramway. This is America’s largest aerial tramway; with 120-passenger trams departing every 20 minutes for a ride up to Ober Gatlinburg. Once arriving at the top, one has an awe-inspiring view of the Smokies. Because of predicted rain, it was cloudy that day; but, the view was still breathtaking.

The next stop was the Christus Gardens. The area is designed to present highlights from the life of Christ through dioramas. In addition to dioramas is the Place of the Parables. A parable is a short narrative or story which makes a moral or religious point by identifying the elements of its message with things or situations that are natural and familiar to those listening. The display takes nine of Jesus’ 39 parables and interprets them through paintings. The focal point of the Gardens is the face of Jesus carved in Carrara marble. The 6-ton-concave structure is “magic” and seems to follow the movements of the viewer.

As the day progressed the day got cloudy and colder. When they started back to Knoxville, the rain had begun to fall. Everyone was glad to get back home; especially Althea, who throughout the day had been sitting on the center console of the car.

The next morning Althea remained in Knoxville for a visit, and Bev and Marguerite headed for Atlanta, GA. On the way there they made a stop at Chattanooga, TN. Here is a museum to the infamous Chattanooga Choo Choo. The trail depot, which originally opened in 1909, is now on the National Historic Register.

After they crossed the border into Georgia, there next decision was what to visit while in Atlanta. They had reservations in Orlando, FL that night, so their time in Atlanta was limited. Bev had wanted to see the Martin Luther King museum; whereas, Marguerite wanted to visit the Jimmy Carter museum. They agreed that whichever exit came first off of the highway that would be the one they would choose.

President Jimmy Carter Library and Museum was a wonderful choice. The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library includes photographs and historical memorabilia from the Carter presidency (1976 - 1981). An exact replica of the Oval Office and gifts received by the Carters are also featured. A permanent exhibit of significant events occurring during Jimmy Carter's life and political career includes photographs with interpretative text. Although the significance of the museum was due to his being President, the museum gave a full understanding of the man both before the presidency and after. It outlined the work he had accomplished since the presidency and his receipt of the Nobel Prize.

One of the goals for this trip was for Marguerite to get a chance to visit the Epcot Center at DisneyWorld. So after leaving Atlanta, they entered the state of Florida and headed to Orlando. Here they would become ‘young adults’ again and enjoy the adventures of DisneyWorld.

Opting to see what they could of the area, they purchased a 4-day pass that would allow them to travel between the different parks. The first park visited was Epcot. This park is divided into two primary areas – Future World and World Showcase. Although still an amusement park, the area focuses on learning. Spaceship Earth focused on the history of communication. World of Motion was a humorous tour through the history of transportation. The Living Sea and The Land focused on the world. Journey of Imagination provided a 3D presentation of “Honey I Shrunk the Audience. Body Wars was a thrill ride that took the rider on a miniturized ride through the human body.

World Showcase was represented by 11 countries. Each area provided various types of entertainment, food, shopping and cultural awareness. Mexico had a replica of Chichen Itza; Norway had a lifesize troll and a replica of the Stave Church. China provided a Circle-Vision-360 degree tour of their country. This was also a stopping point for lunch. Germany and Italy had replicas of cities and buildings; Italy providing a look at Venice without the canals. The United States was represented with an Audio-Animatronics show of American history. One was greeted by characters (Benjamin Franklin) in vintage costumes. Morocco and Japan architecture was also represented; Japan having a life-size pagoda. France and Canada each had a 360 degree tour of their countries; and United Kingdom had a representative pub. The day ended with a World Festival of Kites. Kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors were flown over the lake. Then a monorail ride back to the entrance; and, a shuttle ride back to the motel.

The layout of Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is very similar to that of Disneyland. However, that does not mean that one cannot enjoy the adventure awaiting them as they pass through the gates. A walk down Main Street gives the home-town, family atmosphere that Disney strives to project. Bev and Marguerite’s first adventure brought them up close and personal with the 4-D presentation of ExtraTerroestrial Alien Encounter in Tomorrowland. They were disappointed that Space Mountain was not operational. All the parks had various outdoor performances going on throughout the day. This included a performance with Mickey and the other Disney characters on the stage in Mickey’s Starland.

The train ride then took Bev and Marguerite to Frontierland. The notable ride in this area of the park was the one on Splash Mountain. Country Bear Jamboree was entertaining. One also should not miss the Hall of Presidents in Liberty Square or the “tropical serenade” at the Tiki Room in Adventureland. From here it was off to MGM Studios. The monorail made it convenient to travel between the parks.


MGM Studios is designed to give one the feeling of being on a backstage lot while filming the next blockbuster is taking place. Areas such as ‘Sunset Boulevard’ recreate Hollywood’s golden age of the 1930s and 40s. The Grahman Theatre replica did the “Ride the Greatest Movie Scenes of All Time” deplicting scenes from many famous movies. Ariel (Little Mermaid), R2D2 (Star Wars), Kermit the Frog and other characters were performing at their own theaters. There was an Indiana Jones stunt performance. Seeing the Brown Derby brought back memories for Marguerite of her time spent in California during World War II.

Outside the Disney World grounds near the hotel, Bev and Marguerite discovered Orlando’s newest theme park – Spendid China. Before leaving the Orlando area, they decided to take a day and explore. The park did not disappoint them. Although in minature, everything at Splendid China had been re-created in authentic detail to surround one with the true essence of the Orient. The one reproduction is that of Leshan Buddha, which stands 4-stories high. The original Buddha in China actually stands over 235 feet tall and than 10 adults can stand on each toe. There are over 70 exhibits, several restaurants and dazzling stage performances that included Asian music, dance, gymnastics and a kaleidoscope of vivid costumes.

From here Bev and Marguerite headed northeast along the coastline of Florida. They made a quick stop to put their feet into the Atlantic Ocean at Daytona Beach before heading for St Augustine.

The vicinity of St. Augustine was first explored in 1513 by Spanish explorer and governor of Puerto Rico, Ponce de Leon, who claimed the region for the Spanish crown. Several earlier attempts at European colonization in what is now Florida were made by both Spain and France, but all failed. St Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer and admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles, making it the oldest permanent European settlement in North America. Spanish St. Augustine was the first of only three walled cities ever constructed in North America; the other two are (English) Charleston, South Carolina and (French) Quebec City, Canada.

Though its construction started in 1672 the Castillo de San Marcos’ history embodies the struggle and contest of the entire colonial era as well as the foundations of American identity. A bastion of the largest empire ever created, the Castillo was built to protect and defend Spain’s claims in the New World. Though caught in the whirlwinds of colonial warfare and intrigue, it was never defeated in battle. Its scarred walls still stand witness to over 300 years of history and culture. The 300 years of the colonial era (c. 1500-1800) were ones of constant warfare. As European countries vied with each other for the economic wealth in the “New Worlds” they increasingly came into military conflict as well. Encounters starting in Europe, Africa, Asia or the Americas quickly escalated into international global warfare. The Castillo de San Marcos, though a remote outpost, weathered many attacks during these almost incessant colonial wars.

As one walks through town they can visit the oldest remaining Spanish Colonial house, the oldest store, the oldest wooden schoolhouse and other representations of the earliest era. Henry Flagler,a partner with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil arrived in St. Augustine in the 1880s and was the driving force behind turning the city into a winter resort for the wealthy northern elite. Flagler bought a number of local railroads which were incorporated into the Florida East Coast Railway, which built its headquarters in St. Augustine. Flagler contracted the New York architectural firm of Carrère and Hastings to design a number of extravagant buildings in St. Augustine, among them the Ponce de Leon Hotel and the Alcazar Hotel built on land purchased from Flaglers' friend and associate Dr. Andrew Anderson as well as the Memorial Presbyterian Church. These buildings can also been seen as one strolls through St Augustine; however, Flagler College now occupies the original Ponde de Leon Hotel & Resort built by Flagler in 1888. Bev and Marguerite stayed at the Bayfront Inn and had a seafood dinner at Barnacle Bill’s restaurant.

(Other tidbits of St Augustine history -- the first recorded birth of a black child in the continental United States is in the Cathedral Parish Archives. Augustin was recorded as born in the year 1606, thirteen years before enslaved Africans were first brought to the English colony at Jamestown in 1619. Another tidbit -- Flagler had Albert Spalding design a baseball park in St. Augustine, and the waiters at his hotels, under the leadership of Frank P. Thompson, formed one of America's pioneer professional black baseball teams, the Ponce de Leon Giants. It later became the Cuban Giants, and one of the team members, Frank Grant, has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.)

Naval Station Mayport is located near the Port of Jacksonville on the St. Johns River in northeast Florida. The station's harbor can accommodate up to 34 fleet units, including two aircraft carriers. More than 23 ships call Mayport home. On 24 June 1994, the Navy's oldest active duty aircraft carrier, USS SARATOGA, completed her final voyage, returning to Mayport from a 6-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. Presently, the USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CV 67) is homeported in Mayport. Bev had seen notices that the USS Kennedy would be arriving in port the day they headed north to South Carolina. It was quite a thrill to see the families united with the returning servicemen.

Bev and Marguerite continued to follow the coastline north until they reached Charleston, SC. Here resides Fort Sumter National Monument. This is where the Civil War began on April 12, 1861. After South Carolina had seceded from the Union, they asked that the Northern troops vacate the fort. Confederacy troops fired on the fort, and the Civil War began. Fort Sumter National Monument encompasses three sites in Charleston: the original Fort Sumter, the Fort Sumter Visitor Education Center, and the Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. Fort Moultrie is the name of a series of citadels on Sullivan's Island, South Carolina, built to protect the city of Charleston, South Carolina.

Also in Charleston is Patriots Point. The Yorktown, the famous “fighting lady” of World War II, is the flagship of the point’s fleet. Commissioned April 15, 1943, she fought in many historic battles during the war; her planes inflicted heavy damage on the Japanese at Truk and the Marianas, and she supported American group tropps in the Phillipines, at Iwo Jima, and at Okinawa. Yorktown also patrolled the western Pacific during the Cold War and Vietnam; as well as, recovering the crew of Apollo 8 in December, 1968. The Yorktown is now open as a museum at Patriots Point.

The other museum at the Point is the World War II submarine Clamagore. Commissioned June 28, 1945, she operated in the Atlantic and Mediterranean throughout her entire career. She was present during the tense Cuban waters during 1962. The Navy’s last diesel-powered submarine was decommissioned in 1975.

From here Bev and Marguerite headed northwest to Asheville, NC. This added North Carolina to their list of states that they had visited. Between this trip and the one they took together in 1993 to Washington, DC they have now visited 11 of the eastern states together.

Asheville, NC is home to the Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore House remains the largest private residence in America. It was the home of George Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and is now a national historic landmark. This 250-room French Renaissance chateau has four acres of floor space and is filled with the original collection of furnishings and art, allowing guests a glimpse at an era of opulence. Each year, the estate gardeners plant and tend to over 50,000 builts of tulips and dutch iris imported from Holland. The Estate Winery produces 40,000 cases of fine wines per year.

From here there was a more direct route back to Knoxville, but Bev wanted to see more of Eastern Tennessee. Her main goal was to find the grave of Davy Crockett. Along the way they encountered covered bridges dating back to 1882. Davy Crockett was born in 1786; and, died at the Alamo in 1836. He was a famous frontiersman, Tennessee statesman, and defender of the Alamo. He was brought to Bev’s attention through the Disney television show depicting his life. He became a childhood icon.
The trip back to Knoxville took them through the town of Jonesborough, which is the oldest town in Tennessee. Next, they stopped in Greenville, TN at President Andrew Johnson’s National Park. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site honors the life of the 17th President. Andrew Johnson's presidency, 1865-1869, illustrates the United States Constitution at work following President Lincoln's assassination and during attempts to reunify a nation torn by civil war. His presidency shaped the future of the United States and his influences continue today. Along with a museum, his home is on the property; where he lived while working as a tailor and after his presidency.

They returned to Knoxville and spent the night with Nina’s family before heading back to Colorado. Nina’s great-nephew worked for the airlines and was able to get the return seats upgraded to first class. When seated, Althea and Marguerite were worried that the airline was going to get upset with them for sitting in the first class.

Hard Rock Addiction

As many of you will note when reading the other blogs, that Bev has a "fetish" about visiting any Hard Rock Cafe that is in the vicinity of where she is traveling.  There have been family, co-workers and friends that have had many a drink and/or dinner at these cafes around the world.  Along with the Hard Rock, there have been other restaurants that have come into notice by Ed and Bev on their travelers.  In fairness to these other venues, they are given worthy mention in this blog.


The original Hard Rock Cafe was opened in London, June 14, 1971, by two expatriate Americans who thought Europe should taste authentic, down-home American cooking flavored with a heavy dose of Rock & Roll.    What was once an American hang-out in London has become a gathering place for the global tribe of Rock & Roll.  The first display of music collectibles was introduced in the New York Hard Rock in 1984.

All the sites in this blog represent the desire for adventure that Bev and Ed share.  Although not a restaurant, this first photo shows their sense of adaptability and willingness to accept a situation as is.  This was their first van trip (Summer, 1991)  -- the week was bookended with concerts at Winter Park and Telluride and bicycling in Moab in-between.  One night, knowing they would arrive at their next destination later than expected, they pulled out their grill and had brats alongside the road between Craig and Rifle.

When Bev and Ed met, Bev was working for Continuing Education at CSU.  In the fall of 1991, they enrolled in a "Colorado History" course.  Ed had a Porsche at the time and suggested that instead of just reading about these places, they take a road trip.  One weekend they toured the area around Leadville, and had lunch at the Claredon Hotel; and then watched part of a Broncos football game at a bar in Aspen before heading home. 

The first Hard Rock that came to Bev's attention was the one in London.  She and her mother Marguerite were on tour and the bus driver called it to their attention.  Her first view to the inside of a Hard Rock Cafe came in Cancun.  Ed and Bev had taken their first visit to the Mexican Riviera in Spring, 1992.  This was Bev's first visit to Mexico.  Their hotel was located in Playa del Carmen.  In addition to beautiful beaches, they visited both Tulum and Xel-Ha.  Although Cozumel wasn't part of the packaged deal, they took a ferry ride to the island.  They reserved rooms in a quaint hotel around the plaza, so they could enjoy the nightlife at Carlos and Charlies.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

Another impromptu stop was lunch in Organ Pipe National Park in Arizona on the way to Puerto Penasco, Mexico in the Spring, 1993.  Bev and Ed had decided to drive the Porsche to Arizona to see Bev's parents (snowbirds).  While there they attended a Rockies training game with Bev's mom and then headed south to Mexico.  On the way back, they stopped to visit friends Bill & Ginny in Sierra Vista, AZ.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

After Bev's parents returned to Denver in Summer 1993, Bev & her mom took a trip to Washington, DC.  They travelled all around the various monuments and museum -- including the Air & Space Museum, US Naval Memorial, National Museum of American History, White House, Mt Vernon and Vietnam Memorial to name a few.  Before attending a play at the Ford Theater, they stopped for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  From here they rented a car and headed into the surrounding states to see other sites -- including Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Amish Country, Valley Forge, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel , Virginia Beach, Jamestown, Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg.  Their last stop before heading home was in Annapolis where they visited Bev's cousins Scott & Patsy who had just purchased a new sailboat.  Although in dry dock, Bev & Marguerite were their first visitors to stay on the boat.

While working for Cont Ed, Bev became project manager for the RMITS grant for police training and safety programs.  During her time on this project, she was required to travel throughout the state and meet with various sheriffs, officers, marshals, and deputies in the various towns.  One of the training trips in 1993 took her to Aspen.  After the meetings were over, the group had drinks at the Hard Rock and then ventured next door to Planet Hollywood for dinner.

In 1994, Bev moved from Cont Ed to Cost Accounting at CSU.  Two of her responsibilities were: 1) to count cows (which allowed her to travel to Saratoga, Wyo, and Akron & Hesperus, CO to do inventory) and, 2) indirect cost study (which included a visit to Chicago with her boss Barb).  While staying there, between meetings, they were able to visit some of the sites.  Next door to the Hard Rock Cafe was the Al Capone Theatre.

In 1994, Barb and Bev attended another Indirect Cost Seminar in Washington, DC.  Prior to the meeting, they agreed to take some extra annual leave; which gave them additional time to tour the city.  Although Bev had been here with her mother previously, seeing the nation's treasures was always enjoyable.  This adventure also included new sites like the Smithsonian Art Museum.

CSU won the WAC Title for the 1994 season; which meant they would be playing in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.  Being a CSU alumni, Bev wasn't going to miss seeing this particular game.  So she and Ed headed out for San Diego.  On the way they met Bev's parents in LasBev & spent New Years at the Hard Rock in Tijuana, and then joined Bev's mom at the CU/Notre Dame Orange Bowl game in Phoenix.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

By the time it was decided that Bev should attend the Cost Accounting Workshop in Seattle in 1995, the reserved rooms had been sold out.  For the same price, Bev was able to book a hotel room near the University and a rental car.  Knowing that she had the car available, she took additional annual leave and headed north.  There was an electrical problem with the airplane, and the passengers were asked to depart\reboard 3 times before the plane was fixed.  So, having set her alarm clock wrong and getting to her seat as they were closing the doors, when boarding the plane for home everyone accused Bev of waiting until the last minute.

Part of the conference entertainment was to take the participants to the Tillicum Village.  The boat ride, although chilly, gave everyone a different view of the city.  This is the first time Bev had been back to Seattle since her family had visited during the World Fair.  http://www.tillicumvillage.com/   Part of the visit included a delicious salmon dinner.

After the conference ended, Bev decided to explore the area.  After catching the monorail and riding to the top of the Space Needle and visiting shops around the Pacific Science Center, she stopped at Ivars for a scrumptious meal of fried oysters.  Then it was a car ride to north.  The tour would begin at Deception Pass, then follow Highway 20 south across Whidbey Island; traveling near the Air Station, through historic Oak Harbor and Coupeville, stopping at Fort Casey State Park and seeing the Admiralty Head Lighthouse.  She then boarded a ferry to historic Port Townsend where she encountered a street parade.  She traveled across the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, which brought her to the USS Missouri museum in Bremerton.  She stopped for fried oysters (you can't have too many) in Gig Harbor, before crossing the infamous bridge between to Tacoma.  Back towards Seattle with a sunset view on Mount Rainier.  Then an early flight home. 

Marguerite had always wanted to see Epcot Center at Disney World; so, in 1995, Bev & her mom were off on another adventure.  Bev's Aunt Althea was planning on visiting a friend in Knoxville, TN, so Bev arranged for them to fly to Knoxville and then rent a car for the journey south to Florida.  While in Tennessee, they visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg with Althea and her friends.  Chattanooga wasn't that far off the beaten path, so they stopped to have their pictures on the Chattanooga Choo Choo before heading to Atlanta. 

When entering Atlanta they debated between which museum to see -- Martin Luther King & Jimmy Carter.  The exit to Jimmy Carter came first; and the museum was not a disappointment.  It covered the lifetime of the President and his wife; and outlined all of the humanitarian work they had performed.  Then they were off to Orlando. 

Being children-at-heart, they couldn't pass up the 3-park pass that Disney World offered.  Their next few days were filled with rides, exhibits, and dining.  Epcot was first priority, and it did not disappoint.  Along with the "educational" displays, they offered the World Showcase -- this represented food, history, displays, and shopping from 11 countries.  Rides at the Magic Kingdom included "ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounter" (which was presented in 4-D, you felt the Alien sitting in the chair with you), rides on Splash Mountain and the Runaway Train, as well as an historic moment at the Hall of Presidents.  The third pass took them to MGM Studios where they saw the Indiana Jones stunt show, had a drink at the Brown Derby, and a trip down Sunset Boulevard.

Across the street from the hotel was Splendid China.  This was a miniturized version of the country, showing over 60 exhibits and displays of well known places in China, including a full miniturized version of the Great Wall.  They were entertained with acrobats and dancers, and a sampling of Chinese cruisine.

Heading back to Tennessee, they decided to take the ocean route north.  They stopped in Daytona long enough to step foot into the Atlantic, and then on to St Augustine for the night.  Along with many historical reminders of the oldest city in the United States, they also found Barnacle Bills Restaurant.  Now who could pass up a seafood dinner at the place with that name. 

From here the journey took them through Mayport Florida where they encountered the arrival of the USS John Kennedy as it was returning to base.  They then arrived in Charleston, SC where a visit to Fort Sumter is a must.  Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum had the Yorktown in dry dock and on display, as well as the Submarine Clamagore.  Bev's Dad had served 20 years in the Navy, so these displays were sentimental for both Bev & her mom.  The journal continued to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC before heading back across Tennessee to Knoxville.  President Andrew Johnson's (17th) home could be found in Greeneville, TN.  Also, having grown up with Disney's tales of Davy Crockett, Bev took a detour so she could see his birthplace.  http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/DavyCrockettSHP/

In 1996, Bev & Ed took Ed's dad Gilbert to Florida to visit Ed's brother Bill and his family.  In the two weeks  they were gone, they travelled through 10 states.  Kansas provided a stop at the Eisenhower Center; Missouri had Branson and it's array of shows; Arkansas was a quick drive through the Ozarks (with a stop for green tomatoes and sweet potato french fries); on to Tennessee for a visit at Graceland; pass through Mississippi; arrival at Bill's Pensacola, FL home for a visit; across to Alabama via the Mobile Bay Ferry (with a Civil War enactment); New Orleans with the spring French Quarter Music Festival and Swamp Ride (can't forget about the Hard Rock and a visit to a friend at the Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street); onto Dallas for a visit to the JFK Museum, Cotton Bowl, Cowboy Stadium, and Gilbert's experience at the Hard Rock; then off to Taos and home

In 1997, Ed and Bev headed to Mazatlan, Mexico.  They stayed at the Costa de Oro.  The swimming area was raised, but the edge was aligned with the beach area.  There was a vendor selling oysters soaked in garlic right below -- between this and the flow of drinks, Bev and Ed were quite relaxed.  One of the locals using the pool area recommended that Bev & Ed try "Panchos" for dinner.  There is no formal advertising, but the food is very delicious.  The "sampler plate" included all sorts of seafood:  crab, oysters, shrimp, etc. fixed in various ways.  From dinner, there was always dancing and partying at Senior Frogs.

 Las Vegas Hard Rock 1997

In August, 1997 (shortly after the devastating flood in Ft Collins), Ed and Bev drove Lyndee and Greg to Las Vegas for Greg's 21st birthday. Stops were made in various National Parks in Utah along the way. One night while camping, there was lightning and a cloudburst -- there was water running between the kids' tent and the van. Needless to say, when they got to Las Vegas, they needed to air out the tent and sleeping bags. There was a rock slide at Zion National Park, so they had to detour and enter the park from a different route. Because of this, they were late arriving in Las Vegas; the underpass to their hotel had been flooded earlier in the day. Everyone was relived to be out of the van, and took in the casinos, shows, and amusement parks (including rides on the The Big Shot atop the Stratosphere Hotel, the roller coaster at New York, New York & the MGM Grand Adventure).

In 1998, Ed and Bev made a trip to Arizona to see Bev's mom and dad.  Although Bev's mom had visited the Hard Rock on other occasions, Bev talked them into going to the one in Phoenix that had just opened.  Bev's dad tho't it was a little too loud for his taste.  While in Arizona, Bev's mom joined them for the remainder of the trip, which included:  1) a visit to see friends Bill and Ginny in Sierra Vista, 2) a Rockies game in Tucson; and, then lunch at a restaurant in Nogales where Pancho Villa was known to dine. 

In 1998, Bev & Marguerite were given a chance in a lifetime to visit Europe again.  Their first stop was Helsinki, Finland where they joined a tour group that would take them to St Petersburg and Moscow.  Upon returning to Helsinki, they boarded an overnight ship to Stockholm, Sweden.  From here they were to fly to Oslo, Norway.  Due to an airline strike, they had to take a bus from the airport instead.  In Oslo, they were joined by Bev's Aunt Althea and Cousin Donna.  From here they did a fjord trip, and then back to Stockholm.  They rented a car, and headed out to the countryside to Linkoping and Vimmerby to explore their Swedish heritage.  Back to Stockholm, and then on the Copenhagen, Denmark before heading home.  Bev added two Hard Rock Cafes to her list -- Stockholm and Copenhagen.  (As a note -- the Hard Rock is Moscow did not open until several years later.) 

Sunset Dinner - St Petersburg

In January, 1999 the Denver Broncos made it to the Super Bowl for the third time.  During the season, based on the way the team was playing, they felt there was a good chance that the Broncos would be in the Bowl.  So Bev & Ed made reservations early to go to Florida.  They made plans to travel around the state, and had their hopes that they would get game tickets through the Bronco lottery (however, this is the one year that the family season tickets were not drawn from the lottery). 
They arrived in Orlando and took in Capone's Theater and a day at DisneyWorld and then headed southeast.  They spent the night in St Petersburg and then journeyed through the Everglades (including an airboat ride).  Knowing they would be in Miami                for the Super Bowl festivities, they headed on down to the Florida Keys.  They arrived at Key West in time to celebrate the sunset on the square.  They had a drink at the Hard Rock Key West.  While in the keys they did a fishing trip.  Throughout the trip, seafood was on the menu for all meals.  They stopped for a meal at the Hard Rock-Miami; attended the festivities at the NFL Experience at ProPlayer Stadium; and took part in a tailgate party with the Barrel Man & Bronco cheerleaders.  They watched the game on a big screen TV in the hotel courtyard (buckets of beer and a bathroom close by).  Congratulations to the Broncos for their win.

In June, 1999, while waiting for Ed's daughter Debbie to participate in the Mrs Colorado Pageant, Ed and Bev went to dinner at the Denver Hard Rock with Ed's daughter Jen and her husband Joe.  While in Denver that weekend, they were also able to watch some of the XGames events and attend a Rockies game.

In the fall of 1999, Bev & Ed decided to tale their first week-long motorcycle trip to Yellowstone.  The temperature was 35 degrees when they awoke, so decided to stay in Jackson one more night.  The Broncos were playing, so they went to the Cowboy Bar to watch the game.  The next day the weather turned sunny and made for a beautiful  motorcycle ride.  More on this trip under Motorcycle Trips Diary blog.

CSU won the Mountain West Conference football conference for 1999, so Bev and Ed followed them to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl.  The Hard Rock was the headquarters for the CSU Alumni functions.  Bev & Ed were also able to visit the town (including Sun Studios).  Hard Rock is located on Beale Street, so most of the festivities centered in this area (including Elvis' Restaurant).

In May 2000, Ed and Bev returned to Cozumel with their friends Mike and Barb.  It was a quick four-day adventure, which was shortened even more when the plane they were taking needed repairs in Denver.  With having their time cut short, they used their time in the sun to the maximum -- including snorkeling both by the hotel and at  Chankanaab snorkeling park.  In the evening they returned to Carlos and Charlie's and the new Hard Rock Cafe.

Bev & Ed also found that campsite eateries fit into their lifestyle.  Here Bev is celebrating her birthday at a campsite in Moab in Summer 2000.  This area was a popular spot for a quick getaway to ride both the mountain bike and the dirt motorcycle.  It also gave them the chance to bring along their golden retrievers Kodi and Bailey.

In April, 2001, Ed left from Denver with Bev's brother Danny & his wife Michele, while Bev flew to Phoenix to pick up her mom, and then on the Puerto Vallarta for a family vacation.  During the days, the family explored the area which include a ride on a sightseeing boat; Ed and Danny by jetskis; and, Marguerite via parasailing.  Bev and Michele also took a swim with dolphins; which included a ride across the pool hanging onto the dolphins' fins.  Meals were either at the hotel, or in the downtown area at such places as Hooters, Hard Rock or Carlos OBriens.

Ed called Bev on a Monday in August, 2001 and asked if she would like to go to Boston.  It seems that he had won a local radio contest for an all expense-paid vacation to the Sam Adams Summer Jam.  They were to leave the following Friday.  Never given an official schedule, and having arrived a day before the event was to begin, they left the hotel early for a day long hike following America's history on the Freedom Trail.    They stopped for lunch at the Ye Olde Union Oyster House (oldest restaurant established in 1826).  After reaching the end of the trail, they took the bus back to the hotel so they would be ready in time for a free concert with muscial groups Fuel and Train.  The next day they arrived at the Sam Adams Brewery for a day long event.  Along with the brewery tour, free beer, drinks and food, and music entertainment, they also had an oxygen bar and celebrity guests appearing throughout the day.  The remainder of the time in Boston was spent around the city -- Cheers was just a few blocks from the hotel; seafood dinner at Legal Seafood Restaurant; drinks at the Hard Rock; harbor cruise; and, a subway ride to see Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

The 2001 season brought another conference title for CSU, so Bev & Ed headed to New Orleans for the Bowl Game. They stayed right in the French Quarter this trip, and joined in all the celebratory activities (including a parade down Bourbon Street with the marching band and other fans).  The Voodoo Tour gave them a new perspective of the culture in this area. The Acme Oyster House was (and still is) one of Bev's favorite stops because of the delicious fried oysters; and she tried crawfish in one of the bars as they watched revelers on Bourbon Street. An evening stop was Pat O'Briens to watch the dueling pianos. The guest performer was a waiter making music with quarters on a metal tray. One wouldn't believe the sounds he created.

In March 2002, Ed & Bev drove to Laramie to pick up their friends Mike and Dee to head to Las Vegas for the Mountain West Basketball Tournament late Thursday night. Now, Mike being an avid Wyoming fan was not aware until the next day that he was riding in a green car with CSU license plates! Mike & Dee were going to the tournament to see the men; Bev & Ed were going to see the women. They stayed at the Excalibar, and in-between tournament games they were able to venture out along the strip to visit such places as the Venetian (gondola rides), ESPN Cafe, and see the Tournament of Kings show. They visited the Harley Cafe -- while as the Hard Rock displays music memorbilia, Harley Cafe shows motorcycle memorbilia, including full-size motorcycles on a moving display througout the cafe.

When traveling in Colorado, you only come across one Hard Rock Cafe (in Denver). Therefore, restaurants of other sorts provide the food and entertainment along the Colorado mountains and plains. While on their 2002 Motorcycle Trip with Tom and Trudi, everyone stopped at Floradora's restaurant in Telluride for a bite to eat. (You can find more on this trip by reading the Motorcycle Trips Diary blog.)

In 2002, Bev's Mom and brother Dan and his wife Michele joined Ed and Bev for a trip to eastern Mexico.  They stayed at the Occidental Hotel at the new Xcaret Resort.  Although the package was all inclusive, they did venture in to Playa del Carmen for some beach time and cervezas.

In 2003, Bev's boss suggested that Bev start attending the American Library Association (ALA) Conferences.  Her first trip was to Philadelphia.  Although being there previously with her mother, this trip she had more time to do the walking tour through this historical city. (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In the Summer 2003, the ALA Conference was to be held in Toronto, Canada.  Ed joined Bev on this trip -- so they arrived one week earlier so they could explore the countryside.  This added 3 more international Hard Rock Cafes to Bev's list (Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Toronto).  One cannot go without mentioning a good lobster dinner when traveling in Maine.  (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In January 2004, Bev headed to San Diego for her ALA conference.  Friends at the conference introduced her to other places, such as Dick's Last Resort.  And, you can't forgot about the fried oysters at Ivars.  (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In June 2004, the ALA Conference was in Orlando, Florida. Some of the restaurants visited were the Motown Cafe in the Universal City Walk and Dan Marino's Restaurant in the mall across from the hotel. 

(More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In November 2004, Bev & Ed joined Bev's family again, along with a friend Marge, to take a trip on the Mississippi Queen paddleboat.  The trip was 6 days and took them to places like St Francisville, Natchez (where they were bussed to see Vicksburg Battleground), and Baton Rouge (where they saw/held live alligators and heard music and stories of the cajun lifestyle).  There were two nights in New Orleans to explore (one being Laura's Planation where Br'er Rabbit was written).  Dinners were at places like Bubble Gumps and Margaritaville.  And, you can't forget the Acme Oyster House for fried oysters.