On our way home

After breakfast with the Green's it was time for a parting of the ways. Monie drove us back to Boise where we we booked in to the AmeriTel Inn. After a tearful goodbye Monie left us and to Monie and Michael the words"thank you" will never be enough to express the way you accepted us into your home. All our love untill we meet again.

But we were not quite done yet. Lisa collected us an hour later and took us to her house where her Peruvian housemate Carlos cooked us a suberb meal before we went into downtown Boise for a final drink.

Tommorrow we fly home from Boise and will arrive home Friday at 5pm into Newcastle. So for now this is Dave Sadler saying thanks for everything. It has been a life changing experience and thank you to every single person who contributed in any way, especially my team who I came to love dearly. I will get round to contacting everybody individually in the coming days but until then good night and god bless.

Dave (Poppa Bear) Sadler

GSE Team Leader to Tennessee -April May 2008

Time to Cabin up

Early Monday morning the car was loaded and we headed off to McCall for a stay in Ted and Jenny's (Monies parents) cabin. It was a beautiful log cabin by a lake and guess who the wind blew in. None other than Martin and Alice and again brilliant to be joined again by Steve and Lisa. We all talked, laughed and drank beer into the wee small hours before having a relaxing day on Tuesday around the cabin and lakeside. It was fantastic to be all together. A wonderful day.

Walking on the Moon

Today was a ride into the mountains with Monie and Michael and en route we stopped at a huge site of volcanic emissions and lava rock. It was then on to Sun Valley Lodge where we had cocktails with our friends Lisa, Gwen and Steve. After some lunch we pressed on to the top of the world (or so it seemed) at Gelena Summit and wow what a view. Worth the trip on its own. Then it was home for dinner and bed. Compliments to our tour guides, especially Monie the driver. Thank you so much.

Old friends drop in

A beautiful day started with breakfast on the patio and a stunning view from Monie and Michael's farm across the plains of Idaho. A sightseeing tour of Shoshone Falls took up the morning before we returned home to a cook out attended by the entire Idaho GSE team. We talked, ate and drank until late and I had difficulty persuading them that they were, actually the SECOND BEST GSE Team ever. But seriously guys how fantastic to see you and it was a wonderful gesture to travel from far and wide to be with us. You guys and my team would have loved each other.

And boy did it snow

Our arrival in Yellowstone was in a blizzard. We crossed a mountain pass and I thought we were never going to make it with 3 to 4 inches of snow falling in about an hour. Make it we did though but on arrival at Yellowstone we found we were in a coomunications black hole. No mobile or laptop reception. Hence, no blog.

We spent a great 2 days in the park, during which the weather varied from sunny to blizzard in about 10 minutes, but the wild life was fabulous. Anyway enough about Anne, the animals were great also.

It was then onward to Idaho and old friends. It was fantastic to see Monie again and meet Michael (who actually interviewed John Wayne - can you believe that!!)

I have put a selection of photos on to catch up and now I will be able to keep you up to date.

The Black Hills of Dakota

Well, what a day. We started out at Wall Drug, a neat old west style complex selling all things western. Then we completed the Badlands Loop, before moving on to Mount Rushmore for lunch. After lunch we drove through the Black Hills to Deadwood for a pit stop. Onwards to Sundance (yes that Sundance from which he took his name) and then on to the Devil's Tower, a huge rock formation. A great drive followed through Big Bear Mountain country, the Cheyanne and Black Foot Reservations, Custer Forest and finally to Harbin, for some sleep after a long but enjoyable drive through South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. Tommorrow sees our trip to Yellowstone Park, and incidentally snow is forcast for that region.

To the Badlands

We continued northwards today through Iowa and into South Dakota. We stopped at the Corn Palce at Mitchell, then an authentic wild west town museum, Finally into the Badlands and a Best Western at Wall, Another long but exciting day. And Colin, got your text but yet again, can not send anything. Thanks though buddy, Miss you heaps.

Idaho Bound

It was a sad farewell to Dana & Mary Huston this morning as we set out on the first leg of our road trip across America. Dana & Mary Huston. The words thank you seem so inadequate after all you have done for Anne and me. It has been such a comfort to have had you there throughout this whole thing.
So away we we went, from Tennessee, through Kentucky into Illonois and finally (for today) Missouri. Along the way we crossed the Tennessee, Ohio, Missouri & Mississippi rivers. On arrival at St Louis, we went to the top of the Arch and then ate lunch on the banks of the ole Mississipi.
Then back on the road and onwards along the I70 to Kansas City, where we have cabin'ed up in a Travelodge just north of Kansas, at a place called Platte City. Night night God bless.

Last day in Tennessee

A quiet day was planned, ready for our cross country marathon in the morning. At lunch time Terry and Meridith dropped by for lunch and then in the evening we went to a resident's association street party. Then home to pack and an early night ready for an early start to the next phase of this American Adventure.

Nashville Revisited

It was back to the future for me today as Anne and I drove ourselves into Downtown Nashville. We faithfully visited the GSE hang outs such as The Wildhorse Saloon, Country Music Hall of Fame ( the guitarist remembered me - said it was due to my boyish looks and youthful exterior!) Broadway and many other places.

Then, Brink delivered. We were taken for a never to be forgotten one hour ride in the Police Helicopter over Nashville and special thanks to pilot Johnny, a Police Officer for 38 years.

In the evening it was back to the Grand Ole Opry, with Anne, Dana and Mary Huston. Different acts but just as good.

Finally, thanks for your blog Harrison, look after Cleggy, she worked very hard here and she needs some rest. She is very special, but then I guess you already know that!

Thanks Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for looking after Claire she is very tired and needs a well earned rest here is a picture of us asleep. She is fine and loved every minute of it. Love Harry xxxxxxxxxxx

Home Time

A 7am presentation to Jackson breakfast club started the team's jouney home.It is now 2 hours since I left the team at Nashville Airport with lots of hugging and kissing. I am missing the team aleady. Will, hope the flight was not too horrendous for you, Kathryn, hope you are feeling much better, Colin, maybe I will ring YOU during the night now and Claire, I will keep my boyish looks and exterior intact just for you. !
Tonight we headed back to Franklin to Jim and Melodys for drinks and thentogether with Dana and Mary Huston we went to the Franklin Rotary Rodeo. Colin. You will be pleased to know that I replaced my lost hat. I felt it was the least I could do.
Keep watching the blog to see I am up to and remember to let me know when you are back, We really were the best GSE team ever weren,t we. I Love you all !!

Vocational day and Golf

Our penultimate day saw Claire and I visit first with Police Chief Rick, then Sheriff David , all arranged by my host Ed. A presentation toJackson Noon Rotary Club folowed and then a relaxing rounf of golf. It was then round to Margaret's for a bring a dish dinner. The team were then allowed an hour alone to reflect and say our own goodbyes. I must also say a very special thank you to the following people for different reasons. Glen what a star! You looked after us so well and gave us so much of your time and yourself. Margaret and my host Ed. Thank you from the heart for your support and company in a difficult situation. You have instantly become my brother and sister.

We were walking in Memphis

We had one shot at Memphis so we went for it. An early start saw us on the road at 8am and in Memphis by 10am. First stop a tour of Fed Ex which took us until lunch. It was then lunch at Gracelands, followed by a trip on the Mississippi Queen paddle boat on the famous old river. Cocktails in the Peabody Hotel, complete with its performing ducks preceded ribs at the famous Rendevous resturaunt. Next a tram ride of the city followed by a couple of beers in B B Kings Blues Club. Home around 12.30am. A long but fantastic day. Thanks Glenn. Like a military operation. You are a star.

We goin to Jackson

And onto our final club, Jackson where we arrived just in time to do our presentation, and then, after lunch a visit to the Star Centre and a tour of downtown Jackson, including a drive past the home of Carl Perkins. This was followed by beer and pizza at Barley's pub and then time with our hosts Mine are Ed ( a retired Police Officer)and Mary Helen Capparulo.

An Apology to our biggest Fan

Una. What can I say. A heady mix of Tennessee atmosphere, beer and being a silly old duffer caused me to ring Colin's home number instead of his mobile (which are side by side on my mobile)resulting in a number of early morning calls to you, our biggest blog fan.But be assured it was not some stalker, just me and you can see how sorry I am. So this blog is dedicated to you. Love you heaps. Dave

Jackson

A very warm welcome by the Rotary Club's of Jackson, Tennessee. Looking forward to our trip to Memphis tomorrow. I have feeling, judging from some of the photos I got today, that my fellow team-mates may be getting a little tired of my "official photographic duties". Well, a man has to do what a man has to do. And don't worry guy's! Only 2 more days of me sticking a camera in your face! ;-)

Mothers Day

Today is Mother's Day in the U.S.A. and Kathryn and I were kindly invited to join the family day, first at Church with Jack and Debbie, which both Kathryn and I found to be a very moving experience. All that prayer by me obviously paid off, the Boro won 8-1.
(8 bloody 1. And I missed it!!!)
Then it was on to Donna's (Debbies sister) for a wonderful 'family Sunday lunch' The afternoon was spent chilling and catching up with blog, web cam & e mail duties. Then it was a visit to Jimmy's a renown photographer's who had photographed ans videoed the stars, including oyr very own Ringo. A mexican meal followed and home to bed. Thanks Jack and Debbie you were incredible "brother".

NASA and a Monster Truck Pull

A great cook out last night was followed today by the team travelling out of state to Huntsville, Alabama this morning to the NASA space museum. A fantastic day was spent looking around at the displays of early rockets and craft used in the early space programme.
We then went to a monster truck pull, the main Lawrenceburg Rotary Club fund raising event for the year at which about 5,000 people attended. We were introduced to the crowd as guests of honour and were having a great time before the biggest thunder storm I have ever experienced brought a pre-mature end to a great night.

Back to Business.

It was back to business today (Friday) as the day started with a visit to the Armish Community. We were given the chance to speak to Daniel, who answered the team's questions with honesty and patience. We then went to lunch at Lawrenceburg Rotary where we gave our presentation.
The afternoon saw us visit the local Gospel Song Museum, give a live radio interview and visit Crockett Park, named after David Crockett (not Davy which was a Disney idea) who was born and raised in Lawrenceburg.
Tonight is a Cook Out at our host Jack and Debbie's at which many rotary members will attend so must be off to freshen up.