TravelStream™ news feed for member tmarooch on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/tmarooch en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:53:04 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/10/1250369586/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/10/1250369586/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/10/1250369586/tpod.html Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:53:04 -0400 Lovin' Summer... Had me a blast.

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Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, United States


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246606320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246606320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246606320/tpod.html Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:00:02 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, United States

Nice, easy day today. Woke up slowly. Took my time getting going. Drove up to the summit trailhead to check it out: completely snowed over at the start. Then I worked my way down to Bumpass Hell Trail head past Lake Helen, which was still frozen but starting to thaw in places and a crazy, crystal blue. The Bumpass trail head was also snowed over, and while there were many people still doing it, despite the snow, I didn't like being one of them. I decided to save Bumpass for when I come back to do the summit. Instead, I headed back over the top and returned to the Summit Lake area.

The campground at Summit Lake is the one I'd hoped to hit, but which isn't open until Friday. There was, however, a parking area at the trailhead. I pulled in there and took a look at the trail map. The loop I really wanted to do turned out to be 11 miles. While I didn't rule out the possibility, I wasn't feeling particularly hopeful about making the journey. It was already after noon, you see, and the projected trip time was 6-7 hours. While I certainly could do that within daylight, it certainly didn't leave much time for enjoying the journey. I decided to simply take my chances, and see how the day went.

The trail hedged around Summit Lake and climbed a fairly steep 500 feet before even reaching the start of the loop. From there I could go to Echo Lake in .8 of a mile, and Upper Twin Lake in 2.4 miles. I decided to shoot for Upper Twin, and if I made it that far, maybe I could make the full loop.

The trip to Echo was in itself fairly strenuous, as I soon discovered. Either that or I'm just pooping out after a week of hiking every day. Echo was awesome, however. Probably the prettiest lake I've seen so far. Nestled into the side of a mountain, it still had snow showing on the far bank. It glistened and sparkled in the bright summer sun. I determined that this would be the perfect spot for a refreshing dip on the way back. I guess I had already subconsciously decided I would not be making the entire loop.

Moving on past Echo, I knew I had about another mile and a half to get to Upper Twin Lake. I crested a ridge and found myself next to a puddle. "That can't be the upper lake," I thought to myself. "I haven't gone nearly far enough." Just around the bend I hit a snow drift that pretty much obscured the trail as far as I could see. This is where I decided to 180 and head back to the lovely Echo Lake. Last thing I needed was to get lost in the woods by myself.

Back at Echo I was surprised to have the lake to myself. It was just so inviting, I had to take a quick dip. Also had a snack and a little hang out before heading back to the car.

At Summit Lake, I scouted out an area that would be perfect for hanging. I went back to the car, grabbed my lawn chair and bathing suit, and walked back out to the lake. There was a little area just perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the sparkle of sunlight on the lake. Too bad the mosquitoes also found this place inviting. Sun bathing is less enticing when covered with mosquito repellant. Still, I enjoyed my swim and my sunbath while reading a book.

After reading and sunning, I headed back to the car, packed up my gear, and worked my way back to the campground where I grabbed some dinner, chatted with Jeremiah a bit about our days, read from my book, and tucked into bed early. I fell asleep planning my next trip to Lassen, hopefully in the fall when the snow is melted, so I can do some more of the higher hikes.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246251455/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246251455/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246251455/tpod.html Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:31:43 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, United States

Something about being out in the wilderness gives me incredibly vivid, memorable dreams. These are the dreams that when you wake up, you go on believing they actually happened for quite some time afterwords. A few days ago it was that two Molalla students had died in a violent car crash. Took me a couple days to shake that one. I don't remember last night's clearly, but I remember waking up stunned a couple times by whatever it was I dreamed about.

It's afternoon now. I've spent a lazy morning enjoying the sunshine. After learning that the campground at the other end of the park is not yet open (not for another 3 days!), I decided to keep my site at Manzanita Lake for another 2 nights. I'll head north again from here anyway, and it's a really nice spot.  This afternoon I'll explore the lake and surrounding areas.

I start by taking off through the campground in hopes of running into the lake. I eventually end up at the boat launch, where I was last night. I bustled on by there and walked down the road to the visitor center. There a nice ranger explained how to get on the Reflection Lake trail, the Lilly Pond trail (which branched off the first), the Manzanita Lake loop, and the Crags Lake trail. At that point, I became very excited to explore these areas. I started with Reflection Lake and Lilly Pond. I quickly discovered that there actually is a lilly pond on the trail,   and there I met a family of Canadian geese including two fuzzy goslings!  Mother goose was quite alert at my approach, but not concerned enough to move her offspring.

Reflection Lake, while small, offered stunning views of Lassen,  but nothing compared with those from the south side of Manzanita Lake. Wow! [side note: as I write this I am sitting at my campsite picnic table and and the same little old feller in a silver Subaru has now driven past 3 times. I think he may be S.O.L. on finding a campsite here tonight.] Anyway, I was tempted on numerous occasions to doff clothing and give Manzanita a little test swim,  but it was pretty crowded with fishermen in float tubes and even more heavily populated with insects, so I held off.I finished my loop around the lake and landed back at camp where I had a quick snack, checked my maps, refilled my camelback with H2O, and hopped in the car to go find Crags Lake Trail head.

Chaos Crags Trail head turned out to be not too far away. Based on the map and the info gleaned from the park ranger earlier, they seemed to be one in the same. I could tell right away this was going to be another burly hike up a mountain, and with less shade today than yesterday.  

The hike through the woods was quite gorgeous. I love the smell the forest gives off on a hot day. I emerged from the trees onto an almost desert-like ridge where pale lava rock boulders abounded. Here I could look down into Crags Lake, and up to the Chaos Crags.  It seemed there were a couple other people on the trail going up the side of the Crag, so I decided to go down to the lake. Here I quickly DID doff clothing and took a little bath in the lake. The cool mountain water felt crisp and exhilarating after the thickly hot hike up here. [side note: the peaceful evening is being rudely disturbed by an obnoxiously loud generator attached to a camper in the next loop over. I hope I never become that person.] So I enjoyed my nakedness at Crags Lake for a while before thinking that if I wanted to go up higher, I should hurry up and do so before the afternoon got away from me. I redressed, rebooted, repacked, and worked my way back up to the plateau of lava rocks. 

Turning uphill, it wasn't long before I met the couple I thought I had spotted earlier. I think they were far enough away not to be offended by my nakedness. At least they didn't mention it. I asked whether it was worth it to continue on up to where there was outcropping of rock. They had done it, but were lukewarm about it. They had hoped for great views, but said it didn't get much better than where we were now. I continued on a little farther, then thought better of it. The last 100 yards or so was nothing but loose rock. Being alone, the last thing I needed was to turn an ankle and spend the night freezing on the side of a mountain. 

The journey back to the car was smooth and uneventful. Although, I'm definitely coming to realize that my climbing muscles are far more developed than my descending muscles. Man, do they smart! After my return to the car, I treated myself to a coin-operated shower, then a sandwich and some chocolate milk from the little store. I'm now relaxing and enjoying the warm evening, getting ready to plan tomorrow's adventure. 
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246247375/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246247375/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246247375/tpod.html Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:45:59 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, United States

Today's goal: tackle 3 short hikes at Burney Falls and camp there.

After a quick 1-mile warm-up walk around Indian Creek Nature Trail at Castle Crags Park, I drove into Shasta City for a latte and a mailbox. I found the latte, but failed on the mailbox. Undaunted, I hit the road for Burney State Park down Highway 89. Even though the last time I had been out here was literally half my life ago, it still felt familiar. This was a comforting feeling. Pulling into the park, however, I was not comforted as I read a sign stating quite definitively, "CAMPGROUND FULL." I chatted briefly with a ranger about other options in the area, then quickly disregarded them as I headed south to Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. This was to be my next stop anyway, so why not push it up a day?

I was elated to discover that there was plenty of camping available at Manzanita Lake. I received my National Park info flyer and was directed to loop D for tent camping only. This suited me just fine, as it is/was the end of the campground and plenty far from everything. I found a nice little spot and set up camp.

After reviewing my park info, I discovered that this area offers many hikes not listed in the hiking book I brought with me. As I had a good, solid afternoon yet ahead of me, I decided to hold off on the Manzanita Lake loop and instead tackle the Manzanita Creek hike, which was longer, more strenuous, and apparently less-traveled.  In fact, nary another human soul did I see during the entire 6.5-mile round trip. Thoughts of bears and mountain lions came and went, and after crossing quite a bit of snow, I reached the top of the trail where the creek went cascading down the mountain in a series glorious steps.  I abandoned the trail here for the opportunity to remove my shoes yet again and let the clear mountain water cleanse me of negative ions while I enjoyed what was left of the afternoon sun. 

After returning to camp, I was thankful yet again for avoiding broken legs and twisted ankles, especially since no one seemed to be interested in that trail today. I contemplated the journey around Manzanita Lake, but in the end, opted to save that for morning and instead went down to the little shop for an egg salad sandwich and some Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I know. Beer? In these little shops, choices are slim. 

Once back at camp, I realized I had nothing with which to open said beer. I met a guy named Jeremiah who was camping across from me, and far more equipped than I. He popped my cap with the back of a lighter and we shared conversation around his fire pit until dark. Turns out he's from Fairfax, right over the hill from where I grew up. After our conversation, I crawled into my tent to read for a while before enjoying the starscape. Through the mesh of my tent ceiling, I could see thousands of stars. There were pine trees somewhat blocking my full view, but in between the trees I had a perfectly framed dipper at which to gaze. I wish I could have photographed it; it was perfect.

Didn't meet today's goal, but as these things often happen, what happened, I believe was better than what was intended to be.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246142629/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246142629/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246142629/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:47:13 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Castella, California, United States

Woke up early this morning after a difficult night's sleep. I kept thinking I was going to get rained on, then I couldn't shut my thoughts off, then I had bad dreams. Nevertheless, I awoke feeling rather motivated. I ate a quick snack, took care of other biological needs, and abandoned camp for Vista Point. From here I should be able to take a "strenuous" hike to Castle Dome and then a not-so-strenuous stroll to Root Creek Falls.

I set off on the trail about 8:30 am. There were only two other vehicles in the parking lot at that time, so I didn't expect much company. In fact, I saw only one other lone hiker coming down while I was on my way up. At the top I kept thinking I was hearing someone calling out, but I never did see anybody. When I reached the top, it was very rewarding to see lady Shasta's crown peaking out through a bed of clouds. I had hoped to hang out at the top, have some lunch, read my book a little. But the "top" proved to be a rather precarious ledge. Add some gusty wind to that and I found myself clutching the rock wall for dear life. It was all I could do to work through the vertigo and tear one hand away long enough to snap a couple photos.

On the way down, I found a nice little sunny nook in which to feed the grumbling monster my stomach had become. Below that, I crossed paths with several travelers, one who wished me a happy Father's Day. Near the bottom, I turned off the trail back to Vista Point and headed out to Root Creek Falls. This trail was billed as an easy one-mile stroll out to the falls, but after my journey to the dome, even this shorty was causing me pain. My muscles were shot. When I reached the falls, however, it was all worth it. I was able to cross the creek and sit down in a patch of sunlight while I observed water skates dancing with each other and polliwogs flickering in shallow pools. I took off my hiking boots and dunked my weary feet in the cool mountain water. Bliss.

It wasn't long before my serenity was invaded by other curious travelers, so I gathered myself back together and conquered the return journey back to my vehicle. When I arrived, the lot was near full and I had to dodge others coming up the one-lane road as I went down. I stopped by my campsite for a quick check-in, only to find my tent up-ended by the wind. I set her straight before heading up the highway to Dunsmuir to find the grocery store that would fulfill my celery and peanut butter craving.

I still had some daylight left after my trip into town, so after stuffing myself with vegetable matter and some extra crunchy, I took a walk down to the Sacramento River. One of the part rangers had told me about a trail that went under the highway, under the train tracks, and up along the river. Despite my weary legs, I thought I'd give it a try.

The trail was easy enough to find, tucked neatly between two campsites on the lower loop of the campground. Once I found the main river trail, I followed that for a while until I came upon a riverside boulder, still receiving some afternoon sun. I hung out there for about 5 minutes, as the sun quickly hid itself behind some trees. I then continued on down the trail, promising myself I'd turn around by 5pm, no later. Shortly thereafter I rounded a bend and was met with a great stony outcropping receiving loads of sun that I could see would not dissipate so quickly as at my first perch. I clambered out onto the rocks and nestled in next to the cascading river. The boots came off, as did the socks, and I dunked my toes in that fabulously renewing cascade. Here I was able to hang out much longer. I hunkered in, read some of my book, and roasted in the late afternoon sun.

It's amazing how quickly a nearly-full campground becomes deserted after the weekend. My second night at Castle Crags State Park was far more peaceful than the first, both in terms of noisy neighbors and crazy weather. I slept far more soundly and awoke feeling rested and ready to tackle new adventures.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246128980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246128980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246128980/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:43:34 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Yreka, California, United States

Got a late start this morning. Normally the sun will wake me up early and keep me from going back to sleep when I'm camping, but not at Tree of Heaven! I was able to lounge until 10am when I finally looked at the clock. At that point I quickly packed up my things and got back on the highway in search of Deadfall Lake.

The parking lot wasn't hard to find, but the trail head was. I ended up taking a logging road to a trail to another logging road before running into two people as confused as I was. Becky and her daughter Megan each had a white and sandy-colored dog with them, although the breeds were markedly different. Rocket was a mixed breed of some sort with some lab in him, and Madeline was an Abyssian? Something like that. She looked very long and thin and regal, and apparently Megan could not let her off the leash as she is a hunter and would quickly disappear after squirrels and never be found again. It's in her nature.

We three (5) decided to hike together and see where it took us. Eventually we found the actual trail leading off the logging road. That's when the hike got interesting.

We walked through beautiful forest where there were glow-in-the-dark green lichens everywhere. The trail was not very steep, which was nice for a first hike of the season. We found the creek described in my hiking book and "forded" it safely. The lake was just beyond the creek. There were some primitive campsites around the lake and a trail leading up and to the left. I said my goodbyes to the ladies and went towards Mt. Eddy. On my way to the summit, I discovered two more high mountain lakes. I stopped, however, before reaching the summit. It was getting very cold and windy up there, even when I donned sweatshirt. Plus, I could already feel the strain in my legs, and still had to do the return trip. I decided to save it for another time, a time when Shasta is not covered by clouds, a time when my legs are better prepared for the grueling climb.

I made my way down the hill and on the way met a gentleman retired from teaching 10 years now, living totally off the grid in a house he built with his wife. Great stuff. He also appeared just at the right time to show me the proper trail so as to avoid the logging road. I also passed an older gent who is hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail. He started in Mexico on April 15th! Nuts.

After a quick snack back at the car, I decided I better hustle over to kangaroo Lake if I wanted to get a camping spot. It being Friday, I imagine they would probably be busier than Tree of Heaven was last night.

The Kangaroo Lake campground is gorgeous. It's tiered and you can't see most sites from most other sites. My spot is in the middle of the loop road, so it's not ideal, but I'm just happy to have a spot. It was a long drive out here.

So I've found the lake, but I don't see the trail described in my hiking book. I think I'll do some more exploring tomorrow morning... If I get up in time.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246135601/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246135601/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246135601/tpod.html Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:42:36 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Dunsmuir, California, United States

Well, I got up earlier today. Still not quite early "enough," but I'm pretty happy. I awoke with a fair bit of soreness in the legs. And butt. And back. But I sought out the Kangaroo Lake hike anyway. Unfortunately, I could not find the trail head. The book says it ascends from the campground, but I couldn't find it. After packing up the car, I headed out to descend the mountain. As I pulled out of the lot, what did I see but the "Fen" Trail head. While it didn't say Fen in the book, I'm pretty sure that was it. I'll have to hit that one next time.

It was a lot chillier at Kangaroo Lake than it was at Tree of Heaven. I wore my long johns and sweat shirt to bed AND covered my bag with my extra blanket... and STILL I had chilly moments. I hope that's as cold as it will get on this trip, because any colder and I will be sleeping in the car.

The drive down the mountain was absolutely glorious. Shasta is out in all her glory this morning, and the halo of fluffy whites around her crown just adds to her majesty. I'm heading to Heart Lake this morning. If I'm really feeling ambitious, I'll try for Tamarack Lake in the afternoon. It's supposed to be brutal, but worth it.

Made it to Heart Lake after much confusion. I parked at Castle Lake, where the trail starts. The sign posts mentioned two other lakes, but not Heart. I took it anyway. On the way up, I spoke to several hikers, most of whom were as confused as I. Either everyone here is an out-of-towner, or the locals are trying hard to keep Heart a secret.

On the way up, much of the time I couldn't tell whether I was following a trail or a dried-up creek bed. Possibly, it was both. At the top of the ridge, I scrambled around for a while, seeking the elusive Heart Lake, but to no avail. I found a little puddle, but did not believe that was Heart. Then I started thinking about whether it really mattered. I found a lovely alpine lake. Did it matter whether that was my original destination? Not really. I could certainly be happy with my accomplishments for the day and all the beauty I'd seen. I reminded myself to be less attached to the outcome, and to simply enjoy the journey.

After a bit of back-and-forthing on the ridge, I met a couple people that were definitive about the direction I needed to go to find Heart. Off I went. I climbed and climbed and eventually found myself at lovely Heart Lake. I discovered that if you walk around it to the other side, viewing it from above, its shape actually did resemble its namesake. I scurried up to the next ridge where I had awesome views of Lady Shasta... and the dark clouds looming nearby.

Just as I was getting ready to leave my perch, I heard the first thunderclaps in the distance. Looking over my shoulder, I send out a wish to the universe to keep the storm north. I hurried down the hill, jumping a bit as a snake hurtled across the path in front of me. My thoughts returned to an idea I had been exploring earlier about what I would do should I incur serious injury while on the trail. Normally I wouldn't think about it at all, but hiking alone changes things a bit. When with a friend, there's always someone to go get help if need be. But alone, one has to be more aware, more careful, more anticipatory. Most of the hikes I'm doing are fairly well-traveled, so I'm not too worried about it. Still, when I'm stumbling over loose rocks and I haven't seen another hiker for a while, I think again about potential calamity.

Not 10 minutes after that little snake slithered by, a larger one jumped out in front of me. This time my right foot would have landed right on it, so I quickly pulled it back. Unfortunately I had enough momentum going that delaying the connection between my right foot and the ground meant I had nothing to land on but my face, and down I went. Actually, I over dramatize. I think my face was saved by both palms, my left shoulder and my left knee, which I have not yet examined. I'm doubly thankful I chose jeans to wear today as opposed to the shorts I wore yesterday. I yelped when the snake jumped out, startling an older couple just down the lake in front of me, and my sunglasses sadly received a scratch right in the middle of the left lens. But overall, it could have been much worse. I was able to jump back up and keep moving swiftly along the trail, and although I now sit picking dirt and gravel out of my palms, I don't believe any blood was spilled. My first battle scars from this trip are realized!

I assured the older couple that the yelp they heard was me, nothing to worry about. They turned to head down the mountain as well, although they were not moving at my speed. The trail was much easier to see on the way down, and what took me about 2 hours to climb and explore, took about 20 minutes to descend. As I dropped back down next to Castle Lake, the rain started. By the time I reached the car, it was pouring in full force. My shoulder stung a little when the rain hit my scrape, and I thought about the couple stuck in the rain- she with her walking stick and he with the brace on his knee. I certainly hope those trails were trails, and not dry creek beds.

I now sit in a cafe in Shasta City, eating the most fabulous zucchini muffin and hoping the storm is done for the day. I have reservations at Castle Crags State Park this evening and would prefer not to get rained on while I camp.

Saturday night at Castle Crags is quite the event. There was a program that I was able to attend at 7pm at the amphitheater in which volunteers from the Shasta Wildlife Society brought some of their unreleasable charges to teach people about wildlife. Most of them were birds of prey. There was also a Western Grey Fox. Very cool stuff. I'll include some photos here of the educational animals.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246063656/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246063656/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/11/1246063656/tpod.html Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:12:16 -0400 Car Camping Conundrum

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Portland, Oregon, United States

Got a late start heading out. When a friend canceled our plans for hanging out this evening, I lost all motivation to hurry anywhere. Being on your own schedule will do that to a person. I took my time getting up, getting ready, getting packed, and getting out the door. I didn't leave until 3:30pm.

This late start worried me a little, as I would now be traveling farther south than I had originally intended. I would now be working my way into California to find a campground before nightfall. That could take a while.

In the end, there was no need to worry. I picked out a campground called "Tree of Heaven" just across the border on the Klamath River. It's a lovely little spot with night noises and the tumbling of the river to lull me off to sleep. It's not crowded, and as soon as the kids across the way go to sleep, it will be rather peaceful. I arrived here at 8:45 pm- just enough light left to set up my tent and get comfortable before the deep blue of twilight set in. I'm all ready for my hike tomorrow. It's so warm, I doubt I'll even need jammies tonight!

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214260800/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214260800/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214260800/tpod.html Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:22:55 -0400 European Mosaic

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Paris, Île-de-France, France

After breakfast we grab a cab to head down to the EF office. When we arrive, Marci makes sure that everything is where it is supposed to be, and it is. This is good; no need to file a police report. The people at the office are a bit confused, because Matthias was told that I should come because someone there wanted to talk to us. But everyone there seemed out of the loop. Anyway, the property was returned and all was well. Marci and I hail a cab back to the hotel where we meet with the rest of the Oregon group to take the metro BACK into town.

We all decide that we would like to see Notre Dame, so that is our first stop. Chris and I are both interested in climbing up to the towers, so we get in line while the rest of the group goes inside downstairs. We make a meeting time and place and are off.

The line for the tower is looooong, unfortunately, but not unexpectedly. While waiting in line, Chris and I meet these two older Australian ladies who look almost like twins, but are actually non-twin sisters. They have been traveling for a month, so we share stories and traveling tips and such. They have already been to New York, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami and Orlando, London and now Paris. We love to watch them interact with each other, teasing each other and such. Jude and Sherri are really quite a hoot!

By the time we get up to the top, it is time to meet the others at the bottom. Figures. I try to call Amanda's cell phone, but the connection is not happening, so I wave and shout down at her. I'm sure the other tourists love that. I let them know what's up and say we'll meet back in half an hour. They are cool with that and go off to do some shopping.

Exploring the tower is really fun. The views are some of the best in Paris, aside from being on the Eiffel Tower. I take some of my best photos of the trip up here. I am particularly enamored by the gargoyles of Notre Dame.

The one-way only, check-point system in the tower is a bit annoying, but I understand why they have to do it that way. With a much traffic as they receive, it would be challenging if people were going every which way and they were not regulated by numbers. We descend the tower on the other side and meet the rest of our group just in time.

At this point people are starting to get hungry and they are interested in doing a bit of exploring and souvenir shopping. We head to the other side of the river to the restaurant quarter (my name for it). We stop at a little authentic creperie and try some real French crepes. Mine has cheese and ham and it is absolutely fantastic. I am thrilled! Shortly thereafter we stop at a gelato stand and have some rich, delicious gelato. We are all very satisfied.

After the fabulous food, we do not last much longer shopping, and decide head back to the hotel via Le Metro. We must gather our things from the Galaxy Room, where we left them in the morning in order to load the coach in preparation for our train transfer this evening to Germany. The coach takes us into town for our dinner at Les Balcons (The Balconies) which is decent, and then off to the train station go we.

More hurry up and wait as we gather for the train. We are early enough that our train is not even listed on the schedule boards yet. After it comes up, we head out to the platform and get organized into our wee little rooms. The cots are already made up and ready for us when we load, so there will be no sitting in our rooms. They are also 3-high, and I am in a room with Nora and Matthias. So, I climb up to the top bunk on the ladder and we try to get the bags situated so that people can actually move in the little chamber. Once my suitcase is aloft, I curl up for a minute to rest. Turns out I am pretty tired, and I end up falling asleepy sleep. When I awaken, it is pretty late, so I take off some clothing and decide to go back to sleep. I awaken a few times throughout the night, but for the most part I find the motion of the train beneath me quite hypnotic, and thus restful.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214158080/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214158080/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tmarooch/9/1214158080/tpod.html Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:27:04 -0400 European Mosaic

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Paris, Île-de-France, France

Up early this morning as we have a very long day ahead of us. At breakfast, Matthias tells me that Chris had left his credit card and some money or something on Eddy's coach. When I ask Chris and Marci about it, they have his passport and such. After a bit of pondering, we realize that their lap top computer was left on the coach last night. Eddy discovered it late in the evening and called Matthias. He was able to tell whose it was because Chris' credit card was in one of the pockets along with about $400. There is some brainstorming about how to get it back.

We take the coach into town and to L'Arc de Triumphe where we pick up Karen, our local guide for the morning. She takes us on a coach tour of Paris, pointing out famous places and sharing history with us as we go. We make a stop at La Trocadero (The French simply call it La Troca) for photos of La Tour Eiffel. It is a new spot for me and it is perfect. I will have to research the actual purpose for this compound, but the photos are great!

Our next stop is at L'Hotel des Invalides, which is quite the stunning structure. I have to go back and double check my info on this as well, but I believe it was a palace for some king or emperor who then turned it into a hospital for the chronically ill and retarded. Nice of him...

We see many other sites, including the Egyptian Obelisk in the center of the square where Marie Antoinette and her husband were guillotined during the French Revolution. We pass the Louvre and several other museums that will unfortunately be closed tomorrow, our full free day in Paris. Our tour ends actually ends at the Louvre around noon, but our appointment there is not until 3:45, so we walk along the river to Pont Neuf where we will pick up the boat tour.

We decide there are not enough seats on the top of the boat for the noon ride, as they are all taken, so we plan to be back at 1:40 for the 2 o'clock ride. The Oregon group goes together to find a café for lunch. We find a little place with tables out on the sidewalk. The lady working there is having a cigarette at one of the tables when we walk up. I think she looks surprised that we are interested in lunch. She is very accommodating, however, and the gentleman working with her (who looks like he could be her son and is quite good looking) tend to our needs very well. I am thrilled to be able to eat a salad after the food we've been getting from the EF menus. I have what they call a "Cesar Salade," which is more like a Caprese back home, with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It's fantastic! Just what I need to get my upset body back on track.

We pass a leisurely lunch, then wander back to the boat dock slowly, looking at the booksellers' wares along the river. Unfortunately the 'hurry up and wait' game is in full effect here. We have to get back by 1:40 in order to wait in line for the boat to let us on. This does not bode well for my anxiety, but I manage. There's something about just standing still that I can not do. What is wrong with me? I have a physical reaction to being stationary. Anyway, we load onto the boat and find seats upstairs so we enjoy great views of the monuments along the Seine.

I see Matthias and Marci talking, but don't think much of it. Later I learn that the cab to get the lap top back is going to cost around $400 and then Eddy is asking for a finder's fee for the lap top of 10%, which is about $300. Marci is livid, which I understand. It is as if her property is being held ransom. I am not feeling well, so brainstorming solutions to the problem is not coming easily.

Matthias and I have a nice talk while on the boat ride about our histories and health and so on. We bond. That means missing most of what the guide says along the way, but I don't much care. I am way beyond, at this point. The anxiety is becoming overwhelming and I can not locate its source, so it just continues to build on itself. By the time the boat ride is over, I am feeling a bit better in my head, but not my gut.

We walk over to the Louvre. Tickets are distributed and small groups enter the Palace through a secret side entrance. I get downstairs and follow Marci and Chris and Jen into the History of the Louvre section. I do not get far before I turn around and head back out to the lobby. I call Matthias and let him know I am going back to the hotel. I will try to meet them at 9:30 for the Eiffel Tower. He is very understanding and wonderful and I feel relieved.

I ascend l'escalier and emerge from the glass pyramid. A guard points me in the direction of the metro, and I work my over there. The map I have is very helpful and the metro is easy to navigate. I find my way back to the hotel easily. It is such a relief to be in the hotel room. My head starts to clear and I realize that I have that emergency phone number for EF. I make a call to EF about the ransomed lap top before falling over in the bed and to sleep. I must have needed it desperately, as I wake up only to discover it is 9:30- the meeting time for the Eiffel Tower. Thankfully, I told Matthias not to wait for me, so I was not holding up the group by not being there. I am a bit bummed to be missing it, but I am thankful for the rest and time to myself.

I realize EF never called me back after my afternoon phone call, so I make another call. The woman I speak with is VERY helpful. She makes several calls and then calls me right back, letting me know that the lap top can be picked up in the morning. I will go in the cab with Marci and Matthias to the EF office in Paris to pick up. No more ransom. Whew... I take a nice luxurious bath and shower, and am ready for bed when Jen gets back to tell me about her adventures.
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