Sunrise Travelers May 2015

Posted by Rich Randolph

on May 11, 2015

Travel is Fatal to ~~~

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness….. Mark Twain

Not that this suggests Sunriser’s sojourning are in need of any such enlightenment, getting “out of Dodge” does have remarkable restorative re-visioning.

Most recently three very diverse itineraries have filled members photo albums and emptied a couple of bucket list destinations.

Case in point, members Tamanaha, Lockner, Aita and Davis explored The Portuguese Azores on a sailing ship they had a role in crewing. The series of Islands have early names derived from non-human inhabitants: Pico~ pigeons, Conigi~ rabbits, Madiera~ wood. Azores itself is a likely transliteration of Zorzo, or Sao Jorge, St. George.

The Randolph’s gained heritage and girth on their odyssey to America’s Dairyland, Betsy’s home state. With a native population of just 6 million, 20^th rank in the US, (California is #1) with nearly 39 million. While Californian’s contend with a prolonged drought, their population has just 5% of the state’s area covered with water. Wisconsinites in contrast claim 17% of their surface area aquatic. The current abundance of water attracts fishing enthusiasts, kayackers, water skiers and other water sports by the thousands during summer and snow mobilers in winter. Traffic signs guiding these winter wayfarers are permanent parts of shared traffic paths. Bordered on the northeast by Lake Superior, the nearby towns of Superior, Washburn, Bayfield and Ashland have become major shipping and tourism hubs. With access to the Atlantic, the lake services freighters destined for Europe, often transporting US heartland grown grains.

During the early 20^th Century, DuPont Corporation operated the Barksdale Explosive Plant, manufacturing dynamite and other explosives for the US wartime and industrial demands. The plant was largely a secret, shrouded behind barbed wire and tight lips.

Couples Jones and Bridges have been enjoying relative privacy in their Elbe cruise between Hungary and Germany. Sketchy Internet can be a welcome disconnect, and we look forward to hearing more of this foursome’s favorite highlights.

A combined program from all these land and water adventurers is on the horizon!

Auf Wiedersehen, Adios, For Sure!!