Paul E. Tishen's Tours

Bonjour!

2009-03-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

This was my first view of Paris....can the cars get any closer to each other? Not any sightseeing done in Paris the first day. I had to get on a train to Clermont-Ferrand! The next day we went on a bus tour.

This is the interior of a church after taking several winding mountain roads.

Back in the US, I would call this an alley. Here, they call it a street. Crazy!

French chair? For most of the week, I hung out in Edwin's hotel room while he was "learning."

I don't think my electronics would work too well with this plug....

Everything here is smaller. I like it, much more Paul-sized.

Finally back in Paris. This was definitely not small.

Seems like I saw this in a movie once.... I think this is where Tom Hanks lives or something like this. Anyone got any ideas?

I do know what is in the back ground here: Arc de Triomphe.

I know that I have young readers so I felt the need to censor this one.

What up Lisa!

I looked for Quasimoto, but found no sign of him.

Can you believe that even next to this mobile phone tower I couldn't get service? Thanks for nothing Verizon.

Well that was France. Hope you enjoyed it.

I am still alive

2009-02-02T23:31:00.002-06:00

I am just taking a breather from all my 2008 travels. What does 2009 hold? Ever heard of a little place called France? I'll be there in March.

Stay tuned.

What next?

2008-10-27T21:34:00.002-05:00

After a great tour of the Western United States, I am enjoying being at home right now.

I would like to visit some more places. Anyone out there on the interwebs have any suggestions? Let me know in comments!

Fun on the farm

2008-10-21T16:08:00.014-05:00

Here are a few of the fun activities that I did during my last days on the farm when I wasn't busy writing this blog.

I heard it through the grapevine that there was a party going on.

I played football with some of my little friends.

I went to a rodeo with this cowgirl and cowboy.

There are lots of small vehicles that I could drive.........if I knew how. Awin used to have a red truck.

1912 and a 1935 cars

A 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

These are very old.

I did lots of farm work.

This is my pay for my hard work I did on the farm.

This ends my 2-month visit with Papa Ken and Mama Bev. What memories! I will be traveling back to Lawrence soon. I am planning to come back for a visit at Thanksgiving.

Dinner parties

2008-10-21T16:02:00.007-05:00

I attended the Sedan Business Women's Recognition Banquet.

I thought this looked good enough to eat, but was told it was only for decorations.

I attended the Pretty in Pink dinner in recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Brown Mansion in Coffeyville

2008-10-21T15:08:00.012-05:00

I was invited to attend a Red Hat luncheon at the Brown Mansion in Coffeyville so I had to go shopping for a suitable hat. Finally found one my size.

Here I am at the Brown Mansion which was completed in 1906 for W. P. Brown at the cost of $125,000. They tell me that was a lot of money in those days. It has 20-inch brick and concrete walls. Better get my hat on and go inside. http://www.kansastravel.org/brownmansion.htm

This is a scale model of the home. The three-story, 16-room home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sits atop a hill.

The ladies just loved having a man in attendance.

There were lots of beautiful ladies wearing purple clothes and red hats.

I couldn't decide which dessert to take, so I took one of each.

Trip to Sedan

2008-10-20T23:59:00.008-05:00

The St. Charles School was moved from the country to the Hollow Park, and it is now the home of the Chamber of Commerce and a museum. There is an album of former Chautauqua County teachers with their pictures and stories. This is the school that Awin's grandmother taught her first year of seven back in 1928. http://www.kansasphototour.com/sedan.htm

This big rock once was the top of a well.

This carved statue of Emmett Kelly Sr. was hewn from a tree stump

http://www.emmettkellymuseum.com/

Behind me is a water fall but it is dry now. This area used to be a trash dump and with hard work the community turned it into a beautiful park. Awin and his sister helped pick some of the trash as a 4-H community project back in the early 90s.

This is the mascot for the school where Awin and his sisters attended. I didn't know he was a devil.

Trip to Independence

2008-10-20T23:35:00.018-05:00

I toured Independence and saw all the great statues.

The Statue of Liberty is in front of Memorial Hall. Can you see me? I am in standing in front of the flowers.

Field of Blue designed by George Lundee.

This is in front of the Civic Center which is the lower level of Memorial Hall. I helped the Boy Scout hold the flag.

'Family Outing' designed by Lucy Gibson Thompson

'KI - AI' designed by Mark O. Taylor

'Bookworms'

I am stuck in the shoe.

'Wings' designed by Gary Lee Price

The Independence school mascot is a Bulldog. This was presented from 'The Class of Champions' Class of 1958.

'Secret Garden' designed by Mark Lundee

This statue is in front of the library.

Close up of 'Secret Garden'

Home again * Day Twenty-five 09-12-08

2008-10-20T16:31:00.020-05:00

We stopped to read the information board which is between Montezuma and Ensign. There are 170 towers that cover nearly 20 sq miles and is the first to be built in Kansas. Each tower is 207' high and weighs 147,000 lbs.

Papa Ken helped build these wind towers seven years ago. Each turbine consists of 3-blades, 77' each, 154' in diameter and each blade weighing 3,300 lbs.

We stopped in Greensburg to view what was left of the city after the terrible massive EF5 tornado on May 4, 2007 that was nearly 2 miles wide. The city was 95% destroyed, but they are rebuilding and life will go on.

The tornado destroyed the Big Well Museum & Gift shop and the water tower. A new water tower has been constructed and plans are for a new museum/gift shop. Notice the bent flag pole.

This has been constructed since the tornado.

This is the World's Largest Hand-Dug Well which was built in the 1880s. The Santa Fe and Rock Island Railroads were laying tracks across the plains of Kansas and needed a reliable water source. The cost was about $45,000 which was a hugh sum of money in those days. The well served as a source of water for the city until 1932. In 1888 the well was completed and it is 109' deep and 32' in diameter.

Since the tornado no one is permitted to walk down the steps to the bottom of the Big Well, but plans are to open it again soon.

This is the big Gem Stone Rock between Cedar Vale and Sedan. It was found in the ground when the new 169 highway was built. It was stood up and half is buried in the ground.

WE ARE HOME! We drove 408 miles today making a total of 5,425 miles by car plus the 4,100 traveled on our Alaska/Yukon trip making a grand total of 9,525 through 15 states, British Columbia and Yukon Territory in Canada. This is the most I have traveled on any trip. I will be spending some time on the farm before I go back to Lawrence next month to live with Awin again. I must go help him plan for his wedding next July. Wonder what else is in store for me.

Emily jumped into the car as soon as the door was opened. She was so happy to see me.

I hope you have enjoyed my trip and perhaps learned a few things about our wonderful world that we live in.

Continental Divide * Day Twenty-four 09-11-08

2008-10-20T15:20:00.020-05:00

We spent the night with Georgi and Pat.

We saw deer out the window as we ate breakfast. There were four in all.

Beautiful hot air balloon and San Juan Mountains as seen from their driveway.

I am standing on the Continental Divide.

This shows the continental divide line.

Explaining how they built this road.

The beautiful sky over the Colorado mountains.

We're back in Kansas again. This is the best state of all! This is the last time to changes our watches as we are back in to the Central Time Zone.

The Sunflower State ranks 13th in land area and 33rd in population. The largest city is Wichita and Topeka is the capital.

It is good to see my state flag.

We traveled 412 miles today and stopped in Garden City for the night.

Four Corners * Day Twenty-three 09-10-08

2008-10-20T12:53:00.020-05:00

Beside the Kayenta, Arizona hotel (in background) was a replica of an Indian village built out of mud.

This explains about the Sweat Lodge that was used in place of a bath because of the shortage of water. Doesn't sound like fun to me.

The Sweat Lodge. It is very short and you (not me) would have to crawl to get inside.

The Land of Enchantment ranks 5th in land area and 36th in population. Albuquerque is the largest city and Santa Fe is the capital.

The New Mexico license is pretty and bright.

We stopped here.

The New Mexico flag is yellow with red in the center (second from right.)

Sign explaining about The Four Corners.

Here I am standing on four states at once.

The wind was so strong that it blew me over. So I am taking a nap in four states.

Mama Bev and view of platform of the four states.

This is my second time to be in Colorado on this trip.

This is Chimney Rock east of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

We spent the night with friends who live in the mountains west of Pagosa Springs. These are the new friends that I met.

We only drove 225 miles today. Tomorrow we will head for Kansas.

Headed to Grand Canyon * Day Twenty-two 09-09-08

2008-10-19T23:07:00.022-05:00

The Beehive State ranks 12th in land area and 34th in population. Salt Lake City is the largest city and capital. We are now in the Mountain Time Zone.

The tattered Utah State Flag.

A Harley Man who drives this.

The Grand Canyon State ranks 6th in land area and 18th in population. Phoenix is the largest city and capital.

Arizona flag on a sunny day.

State license

After a lot of driving we made it to the Grand Canyon which is one of Earth's most powerful inspiring landscapes. The river is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and a mile deep.

The North Rim and South Rim are just 10 miles apart, as a raven flies, but 215 miles by road. The South Rim elevation is 7,000' and the North Rim 1,000' higher. Winter snow closes the North Rim, and often briefly blankets the South Rim which is open all year round.

Standing at Bright Angel Point looking in the Bright Angel Canyon. I hope I don't fall in.

What a beautiful place of rocks of many colors.

We saw the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in north central Arizona.

The Indians learned to live in this land of rocks and built onto the big rocks to make their houses.

We walked across the Colorado River on the Navajo Bridge south of Page. That is Papa Ken looking at the bridge for autos.

Hang on tight to me.

Mama Bev helped we walk across and held my hand so I wouldn't fall.

It's a long way to the bottom.

This tells how they held the bridge together.

This is the big toggle screw that holds the bridge together.

We drove 426 miles today and spent the night in Kayenta in the northeast corner of the state in the most modern hotel on the Navajo Reservation. Kayenta is in the heart of the Navajo Nation and surrounded by National Parks and Monuments and Gateway to Monument Valley.

Las Vegas, Nevada * Day Twenty-one 09-08-08

2008-10-16T22:56:00.026-05:00

It looks like it is raining ahead. Does this mean we will see a glacier today?

We made it to Vegas! I am so excited.

We stopped at the Mall and these friendly girls invited us in to win some money.

I didn't win anything on this machine.

Just lost some dimes in this so time to move on.

I won 35 cents. I am happy and ready to leave and spend my big winnings.

This gold prospector has some big winnings.

We said good-bye to the pretty gals and headed to Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam is located near Boulder City, Nevada.

We had a tour of the power plant. There are 17 commercial generating units.

I stopped to help this guy work.

I feel so little next to this.

These two guys also needed my help.

The arch gravity dam is 726.4' high, 1244' crest length, 45' crest width and 660'base width. The volume of concrete is 3.25 million cubic yards. This is a BIG dam.

This is the new bridge under construction across the Colorado River. The Arizona approach to left and Nevada approach on the right. The middle part will be built by the Hoover Dam Authority (if I remember correctly.) Presently the only way in this area to cross the river is over the dam, but semi trucks are not permitted.

This is a scale model of Hoover Dam. This shows the new road which is much higher. To the right is Lake Mead, America's largest man-made reservoir with 550 miles of shoreline and maximum depth of 498'.

We went to Las Vegas and drove down the famous strip. If we had been one day later we could have seen Donny and Marie.

It's five o'clock somewhere.

We drove a total of 375 miles today and spent the night in Mesquite, NV on the border next to Arizona. Tomorrow I get to see the Grand Canyon. I am so excited!

California, Nevada * Day Twenty 09-07-08

2008-10-16T21:17:00.024-05:00

We drove through the area where gold was discovered in California and The Gold Rush began. This is rough country with mountains and steep winding roads. The Gold Rush people didn't have it this good.

Lake Tahoe is in California and Nevada.

I didn't know Mama Bev had a lodge here.

Nevada is another state that I had never been in before.

From the looks of all the bullet holes I wonder if they really do welcome people here.

The Silver State ranks 7th in land area and 35th in population. Las Vegas is the largest city and Carson City is the capital.

This is my favorite license plate.

A beautiful sunset to finish a beautiful day.

After driving 474 miles we stopped at the Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada.

Don't laugh! It was the least expensive, but one of the best that we have stayed in. It was newly redecorated and there were different clowns on every outside door. I recommend it.

I had fun meeting all the clowns.

Can you find me?

This is a fun place to stay.

Redwood Forrest * Day Nineteen 09-06-08

2008-10-16T00:08:00.022-05:00

Today we headed south on 101 highway through the Redwood National Forest.

We watched the surfers in the ocean.

I waved at 50' Paul Bunyan and his 35' Babe the Blue Ox as we drove by. They live at Klamath. The 8/10th mile groomed interpretive rail takes you through the redwoods and allows you to learn the legend of Paul Bunyan.

I was told there are some really big trees here. World's tallest living tree ---monarch of the North Coast---living link to the Age of Dinosaurs. A redwood grows from a seed the size of a tomato seed, yet it may weigh 500 tons and stand taller than the Statue of Liberty. They may live over 2,000 years.

They are right. This one is soooooo big and I feel sooooo small. Can you find me?

There are lots of ferns in this forest.

Can you find me?

Our van looks so small next to these tall trees.

I met another bear friend.

My ranger girlfriend.

My first time to drive through a tree.

I helped Mama Bev drive through the tree.

This tree is 2400 years old. That is older than Papa Ken and Mama Bev combined.

The measurements on the tree opening.

We drove 323 miles to Williams in the Sacramento Valley and spent the night in a Motel 6. How about this BRIGHT bedspread that is 'screaming' Motel 6. It is so 'loud' that it might keep me awake tonight.

Oregon, California * Day Eighteen 09-05-08

2008-10-15T22:49:00.021-05:00

This morning we headed south on I-5 to California.

We found these delicious blackberries along the fence at a highway rest stop. Many people were picking them to eat. They are so delicious.

The Golden State ranks 3rd in land area and 1st in population. Los Angeles is the largest city and Sacramento is the capital.

State flag.

California license.

In Oregon we drove on the I-5 to Grants Pass and headed southwest through the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.

I am so excited because this is the first time I have seen an ocean. See the light house in the background?

The Crescent Lighthouse Museum is a visitor attraction that has served for more than a century to warn mariners of the rocky shoreline. The Cape Cod style lighthouse is located on a tiny islet that is connected to Battery Point by an isthmus at low tide.

Watch out Mambev, the tide is coming in.

We drove to Crescent, California which is on the famous 101 highway.

After riding in the van for 374 miles I am ready for my big bed.

Alaska, Washington * Day Seventeen 09-04-08

2008-10-15T21:36:00.022-05:00

We again woke up early and was at the airport to watch the sun rise. What a beautiful morning.

It is raining again, does this mean we are to see a glacier?

Good bye Alaska. We had a great 14 days with the http://www.countrytours.com/ group and met many new friends from many states. The tour director told us we had traveled 4,100 miles in Alaska and the Yukon.

Yes, we did get to see a glacier and this time from air. A glacier is a river of ice and snow.

I am frowning because it is cloudy and I can't see the ground anymore.

Hello Seattle. I can see the ground again. Time to change our watches back to Pacific Time.

We headed south from the airport and can once again see Mount Rainier which is the highest point in Washington at 14,411'

We went across this bridge over the Columbia river and into Oregon.

Oregon is another state that I have never been in before.

The Beaver State ranks 10th in land area and 27th in population. The largest city is Portland and the capital is Salem. We drove through both cities.

We drove 173 miles to Wilsonville to spend the night.

Kenai Fjords/Seward/Anchorage * Day Sxteen 09-03-08

2008-10-14T23:57:00.018-05:00

Donna, our World Wide Country Tours director, is standing up front giving us directions for the day.

Exit Glacier was near the Seward Windsong Lodge where we had spent the night. This is the only glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. Every day that we have been scheduled to see a glacier it has rained. On day seven we visited the Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau and it was cold and rainy. Looks like it is the same forecast for today.

Our schedule was to cruise Resurrection Bay out to the Gulf of Alaska and see whales and more glaciers. Since the weather didn't cooperate and the water was rough, we were not able to go that far out so we missed seeing those things. We were in the boat two hours and stopped on Fox Island for a delicious lunch of grilled salmon, then bounced around in the rough water for two more hours.

I didn't have a raincoat or umbrella so had to stay inside the boat.

Papa Ken went outside and took some pictures in the rain. He said he had to hold onto the railing as it was a bit rough.

I did see lots of birds.

I also saw lots of sea otters resting on the rocks in the rain.

Afterwards we headed back to Anchorage where we stayed in the wonderful Alaska Hilton.

Alaska has many beautiful flowers because of the many hours of sunlight each day in the summer.

This is the first time I have ever seen a telephone booth. Mamabev told me this is where Superman changes his clothes, but I didn't see him.

I wanted to call home, but didn't have a dime.

Unusual art work in front of the Visitor's Center. Note the sod roof on the log cabin.

Our bus driver recommended we eat at Humpy's (named after a type of salmon). The Republican Convention was on TV so everyone was watching Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin speak.

Tonight is our last night in Alaska as we get up early (again) and fly back to Seattle. This is a great state and I hope to return someday because there were a lot of things that I didn't get to do.

Kenai Peninsula * Day Fifteen 08-02-08

2008-10-13T23:23:00.020-05:00

We had a new driver and bus today as we headed off to the Kenai Peninsula near Seward.

The shadow of our bus as we cross over a long bridge.

The majestic Chugach Mountains are a site to see.

The Alaska Veterans Memorial.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Headquarters, Wasilla, Alaska. The Iditarod Trail, now a National Historic Trail, has its beginning as a mail and supply route from the coastal towns of Seward and Knik to the interior mining camps. The Iditarod Slid Dog Race is a commemoration of those yesterdays, a not-so-distant past that Alaskans honor and are proud of. On the first Saturday in March, mushers line out their dog teams in downtown Anchorage for their turn to start the Last Great Race on Earth, the Iditarod.

Bronzed sled dogs.

Beautiful bronze art work.

We stopped at Alaska Wild Berry Products restaurant for lunch.

A chocolate lovers dream.

I wanted to jump in and swim in the chocolate. There are 3,400 pounds of chocolate in this fountain.

I have never seen so much chocolate.

Each block weighs 10 pounds.

After eating a delicious lunch and some chocolate candy I had to rest between my new friends. I would be that big if I kept eating chocolate.

We passed by Cook Inlet and headed to Seward where we spent the night in the Windsong Lodge. Seward in 126 miles east of Anchorage.

Denali National Park * Day Fourteen 09-01-08

2008-10-13T21:26:00.017-05:00

We got up at 4 a.m. to eat breakfast at the Chalet and then load onto the bus for our 8-hour guided tour into Denali National Park, home of majestic Mt. McKinley, lush forest and crystal-clean waters. Seeing the beautiful sunset made it worth getting up so early.

They say there are five big things to see in the park and the first one we saw were the moose. It is early morning and the sun isn't up very high so the moose are hard to see. Look in the middle of the picture. Moose, the deer family's largest members, are not herd animals and usually travel alone.

Such beauty! The park is 6 million acres which is larger than Massachusetts.

The second big thing we saw were the grizzly mama bear and her cub. Grizzly bears are omnivores---digging roots as well as eating grasses and other forbs, berries, ground squirrels, moose or caribou calves.

Another spectacular scene.

The third big thing to see is the wolf. This is a young wolf that was sleeping in the ditch beside the road. The bus driver stopped, shut off the engine and we put the windows down and kept very quiet. After a while the wolf woke up and started howling about four different times. The driver could see in the rear view mirror that its mother was coming up the road. We could also see in the mirror and watched as the young wolf walked toward mama and laid down close by her. That was a special treat to hear the wolf howl. It is told that if you are lucky enough to see a wolf, consider it a rare and privileged experience. We not only saw a wolf, but herd it howl several times.

Number four is to be able to spot the Dall sheep. Dall sheep, relatives of the bighorn sheep, graze the alpine tundra for the young shoots of mountain avens.

The fifth and most important thing to see is the mountain. Denali, the "High One," is the name Athaascan native people gave the massive peak that crowns the 600-mile-long Alaska Range. Denali is also the name of an immense national park and preserve created from the former Mount McKinley National Park.

Denali is the highest mountain in the United States at 20,320'. We were told that 400,000 people visit Denali National Park yearly and only 30% get to see it because it is usually covered with clouds. We saw it three days in a row. Aren't we blessed.

There are no safety guard rails and it is a long way to the bottom if the you get too close to the edge of the road.

More than 650 species of flowering plants as well as many species of mosses, lichens, fungi, algae, and others grace the slopes and valley of Denali. Only the thinnest layer of topsoil thaws each summer to support plant life.

Denali, Alaska * Day Thirteen 08-31-08

2008-10-12T22:46:00.018-05:00

On Sunday morning everyone woke up early to get to the train station to board the McKinley Explorer for an enchanting railway journey to grand Denali National Park. This is the largest domed rail cars in North America, with impressive and unobstructed view of Alaska's breathtaking natural beauty.

Breakfast was furnished and we could order anything off the menu.

I ordered reindeer sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns, muffin, juice and coffee.

The McKinley Explorer is a glass-domed train with a great view.

I watched some people rafting down the river.

This is a long train and our car is about in the middle.

I spent most of my time looking out the window.

We spent two nights in the McKinley Chalet Resort. Across the street were many gift shops, restaurants and an ice cream parlor.

I met another friendly bear.

Fairbanks, Alaska * Day Twelve 08-30-08

2008-10-11T22:40:00.036-05:00

We took a 3 1/2 hour cruise on the beautiful Tanana and Chena rivers aboard The Discovery, an authentic stern wheeler. The Tanana is the largest glacier-fed stream in the world.

We are starting to move away from shore.

We saw bush planes taking off and landing from a 'bush' style runway right next to the boat.

This plane landed on a very small sandy place.

The boat stopped along shore of the Trail Breaker Kennel. This is a working kennel of husband & wife mushers Dave Monson & Susan Butcher. The late Susan Butcher won the 1,100 mile Iditarod Dog Sled Race from Anchorage to Nome four times (1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990.)

We learned about the importance of salmon to the Athabascan Culture.

This time of year the reindeer are shedding the velvet from the new grown antlers and it looks 'bloody.' I learned difference between reindeer and caribou is the reindeer are domesticated.

Hey, why am I here? I am not a salmon hung on this rack to dry. Get me off!!

This 'thing' brings the fish out of the water.

I am in love with this beautiful Athabascan Indian.

After the boat trip we ate lunch in The Pump House Restaurant overlooking the Chena River, then toured the Large Animal Research Center and learned about the Musk Ox and prehistoric animals that are preserved there. We then went to the University of Alaska Museum of the North which was built in 2005. This was my favorite place to see today.

I am ready to go.

This lady let me watch her do beautiful bead work.

Can you find me?

I am standing on a 3,550 pounds of jade.

It is cold here.

This is Otto, the 8' 9" brown bear that stands watch at the gallery entrance.

Someone spent lots of time carving this rock.

I feel short.

Wow, this is a big bone.

Them bones, them bones, them dry bones.

Beautiful art work.

Sun setting behind the University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks.

Map shows the Alaskan pipeline route.

The Visitor Center was closed, but we looked at the hugh pipeline.

The Alaskan Pipeline.

Pigs in the Pipeline! How did they get there?

So this is a pig!

Beaver Creek, Yukon * Day Ten 08-28-08

2008-10-11T12:21:00.020-05:00

Skeleton head of a moose who got tangled in telephone wire.

I saw this copper in the rock at the restaurant where we ate lunch.

After traveling all day on the Alaska Highway we stopped in Beaver Creek, Yukon. The highlight during our stay was the entertaining Rendezvous Dinner Show where songs and skits added to our dining pleasure.

We toasted smores over the open fire before dinner.

We were greeted by Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, a Royal Mounted Policeman.

The sergeant treated me to some Trapper Brew.

The sergeant's girlfriend sang to Papa Ken.

He was jealous and mad so he poured ice water on Papa Ken's head.

North to Alaska * Day Eleven 08-29-08

2008-10-11T11:54:00.018-05:00

We left Beaver Creek after a great breakfast at the Lodge and traveled over 300 miles on our comfortable motor coach (with extra-wide leather seats and plenty of leg room) to Fairbanks, Alaska where we will spend two nights.

Papa Ken is in Alaska and Mama Bev is in the Yukon.

At the International Boundary line they mow a strip every five years to mark the line.

Back in Alaska again and time to change our watches again to Alaska Time.

I saw a moose for the first time in this pond feeding.

We stopped at the North Pole.

It was nice to see Santa again and meet Mrs. Santa. I gave him my wish list.

White Pass Train & Yukon * Day Nine 08-27-08

2008-10-11T09:58:00.029-05:00

The White Pass & Yukon Route train was built in 1989 during the Klondike Gold Rush. This narrow gage railroad is an international Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

The White Pass & Yukon Route train climbs nearly 3,000 feet in just 20 miles and features steep grades of up to 3.9%, cliff hanging turns, tunnels, bridges and trestles.

We experienced the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls and historic sites from the comfort of a vintage parlor car.

This bridge was constructed in 1969 to replace the old one which at that time was the tallest cantilever bridge in the world.

The border has the flags of the United States, Alaska, ??, Yukon Territory, and Canada. We had to again show our passports to enter Canada. After climbing the White Pass Trail to the top, we boarded our motor coach and descended into Canada's Yukon Territory.

We will spend tonight in Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon, and tomorrow in Beaver Creek before heading back into Alaska. Yukon Territory is in the Pacific Time Zone. The entire state of Alaska is in Alaska Time Zone.

A snow fence in the Yukon.

The fireweed is Yukon's 'state' flower. This beautiful plant grows abundantly like dandelions.

I learned there is a desert in Carcross, Yukon. The Tagish people call this area Todezzane, 'blowing all the time' and the Tlingit call it Naataase Heen, 'water running through the narrows." In 1899 the community was officially named Caribou Crossing, but was too hard to say so it the name was shortened to Carcross in 1906.

Part of the desert.

We visited Uncommon Journeys and got a first hand encounter with sled dogs of the North. Some of the dogs they raise will race in the Iditarod Race held the first Saturday in March. Iditarod means clear water and was named by the Shageluck Indians for the Iditarod River.

The owner told us about the art of dog-mushing, the clothing required and the about the sleds.

Does this come in a smaller size?

They train the dogs not to be afraid of strangers by letting the tourist go inside the pens and pet them.

Should I buy this T-shirt?

Or should I get this one?

They use 4-wheelers to train the dogs when there is no snow.

Skagway, Alaska * Day Eight 08-26-08

2008-10-09T09:05:00.004-05:00

The cruise for our tour group ended at Skagway after three great days on the ship. The other passengers continued for a few more days. Boomtown Skagway grew by leaps and bounds during the Klondike Gold Rush in the mid 1890s. Skagway still has many of the historic Gold Rush buildings. Welcome to the land of the midnight sun!

They once served great meals in this saloon. The service is pretty 'dead' today.

They are having a stiff drink, or maybe it is these 'stiffs' are having a drink.

The Arctic Brotherhood Hall is covered with antlers. The tourist enjoy walking on th wooden sidewalks of this quaint frontier town.

This is the famous Red Onion Saloon in Skagway. Many women had night 'jobs' here back in the Gold Rush Days in the 1890s.

This nice lady let me sit in her carriage while she was letting her horses rest after taking tourists on city tours.

Papa Ken reached into the water and touched a salmon. He said the water was very cold.

Can you see the salmon in the water?

Cruise, Juneau, Alaska * Day Seven 08-25-08

2008-10-08T22:11:00.031-05:00

At noon we went to the Great Alaska Cookout at poolside. This is a big cobbler and smells great.

Does anyone have an opener?

I hope he won't eat me.

I can't decide what I want to eat.

Another beautiful watermelon carving.

I don't know if I want to eat the reindeer sausage. It is sad to think this is the way Rudolph ends.

Mama Bev met Santa Clause on the ship. I didn't know Santa belonged to a union.

We docked in Juneau, the capital, where we could shop and take shore excursions from 2 p.m. till 10 p.m. This city can only be reached by plane or water.

The Last Frontier State is 1st in land area and 47th in population. Anchorage is the largest city. We are now in Alaska Time Zone. All of Alaska is in the same time zone.

Alaska was admitted to the Union in 1959. They are making plans for their 50th birthday for next year.

The historic shopping district has most of its original gold rush architectural heritage.

While they shopped I visited with his old prospector.

We toured the Mendenhall Gardens Rain Forest and Mendenhall Glacier. I am standing at the base of the glacier in the scale model.

Mendenhall Glacier is in the background.

After returning to the ship we ate in the formal dinning room at 8 p.m. For an appetizer I ordered Roasted Duck with avocado wrap which is grilled Shitake mushrooms, strips of roast duck, avocado and sticky rice wrapped in a sheet of Norri seaweed presented with pickled ginger, soy sauce and wasabi. How can anything so pretty taste so nasty?

I then ordered a Thai vegetable spring roll and it was tasty.

Delicious cured Alaskan Salmon glazed with maple syrup. How do you cure a Salmon. Was it sick?

I ordered a special cake for Papa Ken's & Mama Bev's 40th Anniversary.

The waiters sang Happy Anniversary to them.

We ended the evening by attending the 11 p.m. Indonesian Crew Show where traditional and contemporary music, songs and dances from Indonesia were preformed by the ship's crew. Here are two of my favorite costumes.

We had front row center seats so we were able to get some great pictures.

Cruise Ship * Day Six 08-24-08

2008-10-07T22:13:00.014-05:00

The atrium in the cruise ship.

After lunch we attended the Champagne Art Auction. Pictures were too expensive for me.

The sea was a bit rough Sunday as we glided (bounced) through Alaska's Inside Passage.

Later Sunday afternoon we attended the Royal Dutch High Tea. FANCY!

I want one of each, please.

See the watermelon carved flower?

Formal dinner night

Another fancy towel folding.

Washington, Vancouver British Columbia * Day Five 08-23-08

2008-10-06T21:58:00.022-05:00

Our World Wide Country Tour group of forty one was bussed by motor coach from Seattle, WA. to Vancouver, British Columbia where we boarded our cruise ship and sailed at 5 p.m.

On our way we stopped at the Big Cedar Stump at Mount Vernon, Washington.

I feel so small beside this big cedar tree.

Going through Canadian customs. This is the Canadian flag. B.C. ranks 4th in land size and 3rd in population with Vancouver, Canada being the largest city.

Vancouver BC is a large city. They are getting ready for the Winter Olympics in 2010.

We left Vancouver, British Columbia on Holland America's luxury cruise ship, the ms Statendam.

There wasn't a life vest small enough for me so I hid in Papa Ken's pocket during the life boat drill.

Heading north on the Strait of Georgia to Alaska.

My pineapple Sundae was delicious.

This towel frog was on our bed. I gave the candy to Papa Ken and Mama Bev.

Look at my BIG bed! It has been a long day and I am ready to sleep. Good night.

Idaho and Washington * Day Four 08-22-08

2008-10-05T23:02:00.019-05:00

The Gem State ranks 1th in land area and 39th in population. Boise is the capital and largest city.

Idaho Flag

Washington, The Evergreen State, ranks 20th in land area in 15th in population. Seattle is the largest city and Olympia is the capital.

Crossing the Columbia River

Seattle Space Needle

Mt. Rainier is 14,441' high.

Are we there yet? We drove 737 miles today to Seattle WA and are now in the Pacific Time Zone. We met our tour group at an evening meeting and received instructions for our ventures tomorrow.

Grand Teton & Yellowstone * Day Three 08-21-08

2008-10-04T23:21:00.027-05:00

I rode a Jackalope in Wyoming.

The Grand Teton is 13,770'. It is the second highest mountain in Wyoming.

We drove around the west side of Yellowstone.

The old buffalo ambles down the road.

My first time to be west of the Continental Divide.

We arrived at Old Faithful just as she was about to blow.

What a site.

The Treasure State ranks 4th is land area and 44th in population. The largest city is Billings and Helena is the capital.

Montana license plate

This is the closest rainbow that I have ever seen and it was in Big Sky Country. I wonder if there is a pot of gold where it touches the ground.

We drove 384 miles today and spent the night in Livingston, Montana.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AWIN

2008-10-04T11:28:00.006-05:00

I hope you have the best birthday ever. Sorry I can't be there to help you celebrate. I think I will be traveling back to Lawrence in a few weeks. You will get your birthday gift from Alaska then.

Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming * Day Two 08-20-2008

2008-10-03T23:47:00.024-05:00

Mama Bev shared her breakfast in Colorado before heading north to Nebraska.

The Cornhusker State ranks 15th in land size and 38th in population. The largest city is Omaha...... Nicole's hometown.

Nebraska Flag waving in the breeze.

Go Nebraska Bulldogs. Hum, thought they were the Cornhuskers.

The rocks are pretty south of Scotts Bluff, NB.

The Equality State ranks 9th is land area and 50th in population. No wonder we drove for miles and didn't see anyone. Cheyenne is the largest city.

U. S. and Wyoming Flag

Wyoming continued

2008-10-03T23:01:00.024-05:00

The Wyoming license shows a cowboy and Devils Tower.

Scene from Wyoming and pictures below are what I saw for the first time.

I saw lots of big stacks of hay.

We saw lots of trains hauling coal.

My first time to see irrigation. They have lots of it in Wyoming.

I looked everywhere here but never did find Casper the Friendly Ghost.

My first McDonald ice cream cone and playing in the play yard. Mrs. G loves this kind of ice cream, but she never bought me one when I traveled with her.

My new friend is Ronald McDonald.

Papa Ken relaxes in the pool in Riverton, WY after he drove 581 miles today.

Texas Baby

2008-09-30T23:54:00.019-05:00

A politicians favorite job is kissing babies. I did a lot of that to Ashton. He is so lovable.

Once again I was able to play with Gladys. She has her own cell phone.

The old bridge over the Red River which divides Oklahoma and Texas.

The six flags over Texas are resting on a windless day. Can you name them? The Lone Star State is both 2nd in area and population.

The big star at the Visitor's Center.

Saw lots of these in the terrible traffic.

Are you sure we are on the correct level?

I am so confused.

There are stars on everything in Texas.

Big "D", and I do mean Dallas.

You know you are getting close to Houston when you see this tall statue of Sam Houston.

We didn't find a Welcome to Oklahoma sign, but did see this new license plate. The Sooner State ranks 19th in land size and 28th in population with Oklahoma City as the largest city. This was my first time to be in Oklahoma.

Back to my home state of Kansas, Home Sweet Home.

And here he is

2008-09-24T21:56:00.003-05:00

I never miss a photo op with a baby.

Ashton Grant

2008-09-22T09:49:00.002-05:00

Ashton Grant was born today at 8:43 a.m. weighing 8 lbs. 5.7 oz and 20 inches long. Pictures after we return to Kansas.

Houston

2008-09-22T08:20:00.008-05:00

I was going to spend today posting more of my western travels, but must postpone it for a week or so as I will be traveling to Houston as Papa Ken and Mama Bev's first grandson will soon be born. Awin's sister Rebecca went to the hospital at 2 a.m., and hopefully Ashton Grant will be born today on his grandparents 40th anniversary.

Here is a picture of the bassinet with cover that Mama Bev made for little Ashton.

HAPPY 40TH ANNIVERSARY

2008-09-22T07:52:00.004-05:00

Happy 40th anniversary to Papa Ken and Mama Bev.

Traveling west through Kansas * Day One 08-19-08

2008-09-19T21:40:00.042-05:00

This is the first time I have seen wind towers and these are located at Beaumont, KS. just east of Wichita.

Sign at St. Fidelis Church in Victoria, KS. http://www.stfidelischurch.com/

St. Fidelis was the largest church west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1911 with a seating capacity of 1,100.

The stone for this massive Romanesque structure was hauled in from a quarry seven miles south, and its granite pillars were shipped in from Vermont. The twin bell towers rise majestically above the plains and the church was named "Cathedral of the Plains."

The tower at Hays advertising the Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

We drove on K-247, which is Kansas’ shortest state highway running a little over 417 feet. After arriving in town we found a huge sunflower painted in the middle of every brick-street intersection.

Yes, these are in Kansas. These Monument Rocks are in Gove County just south of Oakley on I-70. These vertical rock sentinels appear suddenly on the broad, flat plains. "The Kansas Guidebook for explorers" written by Marci Penner, says they are A National Natural Landmark that stands along the old Butterfield Overland Despatch route (Smoky Hill Trail) and travelers once passed by here on their way to the Colorado gold fields.. These rock formations, buried for millions of years, are part of the amazing geological diversity of Kansas. They continue to gradually crumble and have a flaky texture. http://www.naturalkansas.org/castle.htm

These rocks are also known as the Chalk Pyramids. Is this where chalk rock comes from that became the famous ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK chant?

Bet you didn’t know Kansas had these! Do you see me?

I climbed on this one. See me?

This are on the west side of the road.

The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas.

We stopped in Oakley to see Buffalo Bill Cody shoot a buffalo. This Charlie Norton sculpture is a double-life sized bronze of this famous western scout, hunter, and showman. Legend has it that in 1886 Cody was hunting buffalo to feed the Kansas Pacific Railroad construction crew. Ironically, Fort Wallace soldiers had commissioned army scout Bill Comstock to do the same thing. A contest between the two men (both nicknamed "Buffalo Bill") was staged near today’s town of Monument to see who could shoot the most buffalo in one day. Cody won, 69 to 46. On that spring day in 1886 the legend of Buffalo Bill Cody was born! (Information from "The Kansas Guidebook for explorers." By Marci Penner.

Thought I would ride along with my friend Buffalo Bill.

I hope the buffalo doesn’t put his foot down.

Oh no! How did I get here?

Rotary sign telling about Van Gogh Painting in Goodland, KS. We are now in the Mountain Time Zone.

Canadian artist Cameron Cross painted an enlarged reproduction of one of Vincent Van Gogh’s seven sunflower paintings and has displayed them in seven countries. The 24 X 32-foot painting, completed in 2001, rest on an 80-foot-high easel and weighs 40,000 pounds. Canada, Australia, The Netherlands, Japan, South Africa, and Argentina are the other countries with the giant easels and paints. (Thanks Marci for the info.)

I had to get a closer look.

Eating picnic supper with Papa Ken. I am in heaven. Look at these delicious peanut butter cookies that Mama Bev made.

Leaving Kansas and it will be many, many days before we return.

Entering Colorado on I-70. Colorado is the Centennial State and ranks 8th in land area and 22nd in population with Denver being the capital and largest city.

The United State and Colorado flags.

A Colorado license plate.

Finally, after such an educational day I am ready for bed in my special bed that Mama Bev made just for me. We had driven 538 miles and stayed in Burlington, CO.

Our Western States Trip Begins 08-18-08

2008-09-18T23:54:00.010-05:00

This is the beginning of my western educational trip that I am taking with Papa Ken and Mama Bev.

Epic Voyage on the Horizon

2008-08-17T21:13:00.005-05:00

I made sure to get all my prayers in on Sunday as I will soon be heading on my biggest journey yet. I will be traveling with Edwin's parents on a full western exploration. This trip will start in SE Kansas and stretch all the way up to Alaska and then back again. I can't wait as it has been quite a while since I have done any traveling.

Westward Ho!

Wedding in Wichita

2008-08-17T21:11:00.002-05:00

Party Hard

Washington DC (again)

2008-07-12T13:43:00.001-05:00

I'm here alot...what would you expect?

I did get to see some more sights this time.

Chautauqua County Fair

2008-07-08T19:11:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago I was in Southeast Kansas.

I met some of the little folks that live on the Aiken farm.

Went to the Fair and played some Bingo with Chase.

After some heavy Bingoing, we played in the park.
How do you get this thing started?

WEeeeeee
WEeeeee (cont'd)
What a long day! I went to bed early. Thankfully I had softer sheets than Edwin had.

Presidential endorsement

2008-06-03T21:25:00.004-05:00

Finally someone who shares my views on things like beekeeping, bovine education, and soup.
Ladies and gentlemen, TIM CALHOUN!

Unfortunately, this race is now a two person contest. So I'll have to throw my vote towards Obama.

The Lou

2008-05-25T14:41:00.007-05:00

Greetings from St. Louis!

Riding up to the top of Gateway Arch. I had heard that these trams were small, but I found them very roomy.

What a view!

Onto the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour.

At the end of the tour, free beer. I drank Nicole under the table in no time.

Art Hill in Forest Park. Don't be fooled, it is actually much bigger than me in real life.

Go Royals

2008-05-07T22:48:00.007-05:00

Under construction -- The K looks like all concrete from the outside to me. The future K looks like it will be a bit more appealing.

Tailgating with some lady friends. Except they are technically 'backseating' rather than tailgating.

We had some sweet seats. Luckily we avoided any foul balls. Baseballs are HUGE and would surely kill me.

Picture of the night. Sluggerrrr almost ate me.

Omaha Stylee

2008-04-27T17:26:00.008-05:00

On the road again....

It was decided that this was a much safer place to ride in the car than on the dash. The view, however, left much to be desired.

This little guy was the reason for the trip. In this photo, Logan displays how his hands are already larger than mine. Showoff....
I was just hoping that were no "tummy rumbles" while we were posing. Luckily, I came away from the experience unharmed.

However, this little guy was not nearly as nice. Instead of posing for a picture with me, he treated me like food. It was a very hectic night. Omaha is a ruff town. Hardy Harr Harr.

Zach steals my thunder

2008-04-18T12:32:00.004-05:00

I Googled myself, and Zach is my number 1 result. So disappointing.

The Greatest Night

2008-04-09T17:15:00.008-05:00

I made it back just in time on Monday to watch the KU - Memphis title game. This was such a huge and exciting game. Edwin's friend Stacy even made a hat for me to show off my team spirit.

In case you haven't heard, KU won! Check out Kim's sweeeeeet shirt.

We headed to Mass. Street to celebrate with 40,000 of our closest friends. I had to get on Edwin's shoulder to see better.

We took a few laps up and down the street (yes right down the middle with everyone else) and high fived strangers. Yes, it sounds strange, but that's what you do when you win it all. Its in the handbook.

First Class All The Way

2008-04-05T10:28:00.003-05:00

Deb took me to the post office yesterday and bought me a first class stamp for my trip home to Edwin. I missed him so...Before I was placed in the mailer Deb cured me of all foot and crotch rot with a sharpie. I don't want to go into much detail but I contracted the rot in TX. The scientific word for my condition is feederroadintitus. It isn't fatal or contagious, just unsightly.

In the words of the 80's hair band, Motley Crue...

I'm on my way
Well I'm on my way
Home sweet home

Paul E. Tishen Goes To Washington!

2008-03-29T20:24:00.006-05:00

We took the metro today. The metro is lots of fun.

I work here!
Cherry blossoms are awesome, however it really triggered my allergies.
I tried this but was not successful...

Beer and Chop Sticks

2008-03-23T19:59:00.006-05:00

Watch where you put that thing!
Deb, Marcus and Sojung took me out for Japanese and Korean food. I was more intrigued with the plates.

Jim Giles said there was a 90% chance for rain. Better be prepared!

Bartender, bring me another!

Paul in Space!

2008-03-21T08:50:00.006-05:00

Check me out! I am on a space walk!

How do I look?

Rebecca wears it better, don't you think?

Caverns!!

2008-03-21T08:42:00.002-05:00

The caverns were awesome!
After being underground for so long the sun hurt my eyes. I had to buy some jazzy sunglasses at the gift shop.

My Day in San Antonio

2008-03-20T10:24:00.001-05:00

Remember the Alamo! I think this is the headquarters for the car rental company...We rode a trolley on the way back from the Alamo. I was making memories right and left!
Look Edwin! No hands!!

One of the many stars they put everywhere in TX.

I rode an escalator for the first time. It was big fun.

The stars at night are big and bright...

2008-03-17T22:39:00.010-05:00

I have arrived! I am so happy to be out of the envelope. This evening I spent exploring my new home for the next few days. Thank you for calling TJ Maxx. Yes, we just received our largest shipment ever of purple candles.

I like Gladys.

They have really big televisions in Texas!

I don't want to talk about his. Rebecca made me do this.

Played a little bit of this.
We made cookies. It was 11:00 PM. Rebecca said all the closets had been cleaned out so she needed to bake.

There are a lot these around the house.

Heading out on a big trip

2008-03-13T17:47:00.003-05:00

I've got a first class ticket (stamp) to Houston, TX. My seat (envelope) is padded and very roomy. I will be meeting Edwin's sisters, among other people. I am very excited. I can't wait to see the feeder roads, NASA and the Alamo! I will make sure that Deb takes plenty of pictures.

Sunday Drive

2008-03-09T17:37:00.002-05:00

Its only rock & roll, but I like it

2008-03-09T10:10:00.004-05:00

My trip to North Lawrence

I checked out Bertha, Chris's sweeet van.

Played some tunes.....

And then got put in a very uncomfortable pose.

One of these days, I'll get out of the state of Kansas...one of these days.

Rental

2008-03-08T10:32:00.003-06:00

This weekend is gonna be awesome!

I've already met a Spaniard

Who knows what fun awaits for the rest of the weekend.

First trip to Johnson County

2008-03-03T18:59:00.007-06:00

Today I got to go to where Edwin works. It was a great time! Just look at how fast he is working, and that's with his computer still locked. Wow!

I really admire the view from his office. We could see geese too but I was scared to go down and see them up close because they might mistake me for food.

Celebrity look alike

2008-03-03T16:13:00.004-06:00

What a handsome fella. I think he looks like a very nice man, almost grandpa-ish. Edwin claims he's the opposite.

My First 24 hours

2008-03-02T14:39:00.002-06:00

Hello, everyone. This is Paul E. Tishen here coming to you live from Edwin's Explorer. I recently emerged from my womb (package) after some of Edwin's friends delivered me (opened my packaging). They were taking part in an activity called Geocaching and found me in one of their trips. I'm still shaky on the details of what that is, but I do know it involved 4 people. I spent the night wedged in a seat in this position:
It was not very comfortable and I think I am to blame a "Zach" for doing this to me. I think Edwin will show me around to get me acquainted with all of my new settings and I will be sure to keep you all updated on my experiences. Here are some thing he showed me so far today.There are much roomier areas in the car other than jammed under a head rest.

I hope to discover other worlds just like this in the weeks and months to come. Please send me any idea you have for where I should go next! Thanks to Edwin for taking the pictures of me and for typing up my blog entry. Typing is very difficult for me since my hands are fused with my midsection.

--Paul