Tag Archives: #Road Trip

2022 Road Trip-Part 18B

22 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 18 Continued (6/2/2022)

Leaving Wildwood, I headed south 20 miles on I-75 to look for the Fort Armstrong Historical Monument located in Bushnell, FL.  This Florida monument describes the 1836 Battle of The Wahoo Swamp during the Second Seminole War (1835-1842).  General Richard Call lost his command because of the disastrous defeat his 2500 soldiers suffered during that battle.  It also tells that later that year, Fort Armstrong was built by Major Robert Armstrong and his men to protect against the Seminole attacks on the Fort King Trail.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was less than 10 miles south on I-75 to where I found the Richloam General Store & Post Office located near Webster, FL.  This former old 1921 Atlantic Coast Line (ACL) Depot was the first depot in Richloam and Postmaster, Lucius S. Brinson, moved the Riverland Post Office to this building in 1922.  Soon after that Brinson opened and began operating a general store in the building, and it remained in operation until 1936.  The building was used as a private home until the 1950s, after which it stayed vacant until 1973, when Brinson’s son, John, renovated the building, and reopened it as the Richloam General Store & Post Office.  This building is the last remaining structure from the Richloam Community.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed south five miles on SR-421 to Linden, FL where I turned east 10 miles on SR-50 looking for the Paradise Airsports field located in Groveland, FL.  This small grass field caters to Ultralight aircraft and has a flight school in one of the ‘open-ended’ hangers there at the field.  I stopped long enough to watch a couple of colorful Ultralights take off and fly around.  I had always wanted to own an Ultralight, but never had the money or time to spare to get into the sport.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was another 15 miles east on SR-50 to where I visited the Central Florida Railroad Museum located in downtown Winter Garden, FL.  This small museum is situated in the old restored 1913 Tavares & Gulf (T&G) Railway depot that replaced the original 1899 station there in Winter Garden.  This museum is filled with antique railroad artifacts, photos, and memorabilia relating to the history of the railroad’s influence on the city of Winter Garden and the surrounding Orange County area from the late 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Leaving Winter Garden, I continued another 15 miles east on SR-50 to visit the Orlando Science Center located in the Loch Haven Park area of Orlando, FL.  This large privately owned museum has four floors filled with exciting exhibits, giant screen movies, interactive programs, the Dr. Phillips ‘Cinedome’ and more.  The lobby was overrun with kids, so I opted not to go thru the museum today.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I looked for the Orlando Fire Museum reported to be located there in the Lock Haven Park, but neither Greta (My Garmin) or I could find it anywhere.  I circled the park twice and never saw it.  So, I continued east for the last 35 miles of this trip on SR-50, which took me back to my home in Titusville, FL from where I started 18 days ago.  Boy, was I glad to be home.  My lovely wife, DiVoran, had cooked a delicious meal for my homecoming, and we enjoyed it together, on our screened-in back porch, over lots of conversation about what we both had been doing for the last two weeks.  Tonight, I get to sleep in my own bed which I have sorely missed.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

This brings to a close my 2022 Road Trip.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my adventures as much as I have enjoyed remembering and writing about them.  Join me again next time as I explore new areas of our wonderful country and visit new historical places and museums.  Keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.

Photo Credit: https://www.clipartmax.com/cartoon-driver-waving/

—–The End—-

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2022 Road Trip Part 18 A

15 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 18 (6/2/2022)

Today after breakfast, I headed southeast 45 miles on SR-100 to check out the Gainesville Raceway located about 10 miles northeast of Gainesville, FL.  This raceway is the home of ‘Gatornats’ (The Baby Gators & NHRA Gatornationals drag racing).  There was nothing going on today, so I took a photo of their entrance sign and headed on down the road to visit the next museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I continued south 15 miles on SR-232 to visit the CADE Museum located in the Gainesville Depot area of Gainesville, FL.  This large museum is dedicated to inspiring and equipping young inventors and visionaries with the tools they may need to reach their potential.  This museum has two floors filled with educational improvement exhibits and interactive areas designed to guide the inquisitive mind forward.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed south 15 miles on SR-25 to visit the Micanopy Historical Museum located in the small town of Micanopy, FL.  The town of Micanopy (originally Wanton) has a history that dates from when Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto noted a Timucuan Indian village here in 1539.  The town’s slogan is “The Town that Time Forgot.”  The small museum can be found in the old original 1890 Thrasher warehouse building and displays local antique artifacts and memorabilia dating from the early 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Down the street I stopped to take a photo of the Old Evinston Post Office, which was originally built in 1882 for Simon Shettleworth for use as a warehouse.  It has been the Wood & Swink general store and Post Office since 1884.  The buildings in Micanopy/Evinston must have been constructed with loblolly or heart pine, because many of them, including the original Post Office building, are still standing and in use today after 130+ years of Florida weather.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

As I was leaving Micanopy, I stopped at the old 1881 Depot Café hoping to have an early lunch, but they were not open yet.  It looked like it would be a very interesting place to eat.  Lots of local history.    Oh well, maybe the next time I’m in this area they will be open, and I can give them a try.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was another 10 miles south on US-441 to check out the Florida State Fire College located just east of I-75 in Reddick, FL.  This Fire College was founded in 1939 and is a training facility that trains fire fighters in the use of various types of firefighting methods and equipment.  I did not opt for a tour, but continued in search of my next museum.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Another 10 miles south on Old Gainesville Road took me to downtown Ocala, FL where I stopped long enough to take a photo of the city square with its inlayed tile patio, a gazebo, and many beautiful floral arrangements.  Ocala is another Florida city that can trace its roots back to 1539 when Hernando De Soto found another Timucua Indian village at this site.  The city of Ocala, which was founded in 1849, is named after that Timucua Chief, Ocali.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now it was another 25 miles south on I-75 to where I visited the Old Baker House Museum located in Wildwood, FL.  I have to say at this point, the traffic jam at the intersection of I-75, SR-44, and SR-91 was, by far, the worst I have encountered during this whole trip.  Miles of traffic backups in both directions of all three roads.  The Baker House Museum is situated in the old restored two-story 1890 home, built by Senator David H. Baker (1841-1917), and is filled with many of the family’s original late 1800s furnishings and other artifacts.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2022 Road Trip-Part 17B

9 Mar

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 17 Continued (6/1/2022) 

I was intrigued by the name ‘The Graveyard Mud Bog’ so, on my way out of Jasper, I stopped just south of town, off US-41, to see what it was all about.  Turns out I passed a dirt road, with a sign, to an old graveyard on the way to Mud Bog Park.  I guess that’s where they got that crazy name.  There was nothing going on at the Mud Bog today, so I continued south, looking for my next museum. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

After some 20 miles south on US-41 I visited the Steven Foster Museum located within the Steven Foster Folk Culture Center Park which is located on the banks of the Suwannee River in White Springs, FL.  I discovered that besides the museum, this 800-acre park includes a bell tower that chimes ‘Old Folks at Home’ and other Foster melodies throughout the day, a campground, hiking trails, bicycle trails, wildlife viewing areas, canoeing, and more.  The museum contains eight model dioramas depicting Steven Foster songs, and a collection of 18th century pianos and harpsichords.   

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

Now it was only 15 miles southeast on US-41 to visit the Columbia County Historical Museum located in downtown Lake City, FL.  This museum is situated in the old restored 1870s home of the John Vinzant Jr. family and has a large collection of photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia related to the history of Lake City and the surrounding Columbia County dating from the early 1800s. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

While I was in downtown Lake City, I walked over to get a photo of the Columbia County Courthouse which is located across the street from the Olustee Park.  The building was built in 1905 and was designed in the Classical Revival style.  It was renovated in 2003 for continued use by the Columbia County residents for what has now been 117 years of continuous service. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

I took the time to try and find the ‘Lake City Historic Railroad Crossing’ but couldn’t find a sign or Historical Marker for the site.  Not sure what the historical significance of the crossing could have been, other than Lake City having been the northern most point of the Southern Florida Railway beginning in the late 1800s.   

Photo Credit: Bill Lites 

So, I gave Greta (My Garmin) the address of tonight’s motel, there in Lake City, and she took me right to it.  While checking in, I asked the desk clerk about good places to eat, and he said if I liked seafood, I might try Zebo’s Crab Shack there in town.  I ordered their steamed Snow Crab & Crawfish Plate which included fresh-water muscles, corn-on-the-cob, and hush puppies.  I enjoyed every bite of that delicious meal. 

Photo Credit: zebo’s crab shack lake city – Search (bing.com)

After that delicious meal, I headed back to the motel and recorded the day’s activities.  I tried to find something on TV but had to settle for the last part of an action movie I had seen before.  It was lights out for me after that.

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2022 Road Trip-Part 13 A

4 Jan

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 13 (5/28/2022)

After a quick breakfast this morning, I headed southwest 30 miles on I-75 skirting Cincinnati, OH, where I picked up I-71.  I had wanted to visit the Creation Museum, but it was too far out of my travel route so, I just continued south another 30 miles on I-75/I-71 to where I visited the Ark Encounter located in Williamstown, KY.  I had hoped to beat the crowd, if possible, but there were lots of people already waiting in line to buy tickets by the time I arrived at the attraction. 

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

The wait to purchase a ticket was short, and the agent gave me a ‘Double’ discount for being a Veteran and over 65 years old.  I was pleased with that start of the day.  However, the wait for the bus to the Ark entrance was another story.  It was like being at Disney.  The lines went back and forth forever, it seemed.  Once we arrived at the Ark, I was blown away by the size of the thing.  At 510 feet long, 85 feet tall, and 51 feet wide; it is huge!  They told us it took 3.3 million board feet of lumber, 1000 workers, and six years to build.  This photo doesn’t begin to show the size of the Ark, as it is far behind me.  Just try to see the people down near the right end of the Ark.  You can hardly see them for how tiny they are by comparison!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

It was a pretty good walk from where this picture was taken, where the bus dropped us off, to where we actually entered the Ark.  There was a sloping ramp for wheelchairs on the outside, and elevators for those who needed them at the main entrance.  Then it was one long ramp after another to reach the first level.  

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

The Arc was divided into three levels.  The first, or lower level, was specifically designed for, and held, models of large caged animals.  I never did see where they would have kept the really big animals, like the elephants and giraffes.  The cages for these animals emitted very realistic sound effects of the various types of animals.  Food storage bags for these various animals were arranged, floor to ceiling, on the other side for easy access.  

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Tons of animal food storage bags gave the impression that it took a hugh amount of food to keep all those animals fed.  It was amazing at how organized the animal cages and food storage bags were.  I guess it needed to be that way in order to be able to take care of that many animals for a long period of time.

The second, or middle level, held the smaller animals, reptiles, and birds.  There were also sound effects of the many various types of birds.  Food storage containers for the many types of small animals and birds lined the walls from floor to ceiling on this level also.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

The top level was set aside for living quarters, food preparation area, and workshops for Noah and his family.  There was a large amount of food containers and clay oil jars lining the walls.  Many of these items were located close to the food preparation area for ease of access.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

I would have thought that food preparation for Noah and his family was the least of their problems.  My guess would be that feeding and caring for all those animals would have taken up most of their time every day.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

The Bible doesn’t mention that God told Noah how long he would be in the Ark.  Noah must have planned for a long voyage, or, he was used to a very comfortable living, as the family living quarters were quite luxurious for the ‘zoo boat’ they were in.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

And of course, Noah needed to preserve as much history as he could for future generations, so there was a library, or study, of sorts.  This room was filled with scrolls, charts and writing materials for Noah to record the past history, his experiences in the Ark, and the New World he and his family would find at the end of their voyage.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

And, of course, there would always be the need for a workshop, to make repairs to any part of the Ark as the need arose.  You know, like broken animal pens, leaks on the boat’s hull, and other such mundane  tasks.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

There was a lot to see and read on each level.  I didn’t read everything and only spent two hours going thru the Ark.  A person could easily spend the whole day in the Ark and the other things that are a part of the Ark Encounter attraction, such as the Ararat Ridge Zoo and even a camel ride if you dare. 

Photo Credit: https://arkencounter/ararat-ridge-zoo

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2022 Road Trip Part 11A

7 Dec

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 11 (5/26/2022)

This morning, after a good breakfast, I went looking for the Frasca Air Museum which is located adjacent to the Frasca Field there in Urbana, IL.  I found the hanger where the museum is, but it was closed.  So, I headed east 30 miles on I-74 to visit the Vermillion County War Museum located in Danville, IL.  This museum is situated in the old 1904 Carnegie Library building and contains over 25,000 military photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia dating from the Revolutionary War to the present.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now it was just a few miles north of Danville to where I wanted to visit the ILLINI Glider Club located at the Vermillion Regional Airport.  I had been given a wonderful glider ride with  a friend a few years ago, and since it was a good morning for glider flying, I thought I might get to see a few flying.  But there were no gliders on the field and none in the sky.  Bummer!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

So, I just headed east 50 miles on I-74, across the border, to visit the Linden Railroad Museum located in Linden, IN.  This small museum is situated in the original old restored 1852 Albany & Salem Railroad Depot that was move to this location in 1881.  The depot served the Nickle Plate Railroad and the CI&L Railroad until 1973.  The museum has a very nice display of antique railroad artifacts and memorabilia dating from the early 1800s.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

This museum also has several pieces of restored rolling stock, which includes a very old 1837 Norris 4-2-0 Steam Engine, coal car, and open passenger car.  In another building there are model railroad layouts.  A very impressive museum to visit!

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed north 15 miles on US-231 to visit the Tippecanoe County Courthouse located in Lafayette, IN.  This magnificent structure was the third Tippecanoe County Courthouse built in 1884 to replace the second 1845 courthouse which replaced the first 1829 courthouse.  It has served Tippecanoe County for going on 138 years and looks as though it could last for another 100 years at least.  There was no museum located in the courthouse, as I had expected to see, so, I took this photo and was on my way.

Next it was northeast 40 miles on SR-25 to check out the Dentzel Carousel located in Logansport, IN.  This is another of the beautiful Dentzel Carousels that grace our country and provide entertainment for young and old alike.  This particular carousel was built in the late 1800s by the famous carousel maker, Gustav A. Dentzel, and was brought to Logansport in 1949.  It is located adjacent to the Riverside Park there in Logansport and hosts many event days throughout the year, including Carousel Fun Day.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

Now I headed east 15 miles on US-24 to visit the Grissom Air Museum located in Peru, IN.  I visited this museum on one of my past road trips and it is one of my favorite aviation museums.  The museum has an impressive outdoor static display of 27 restored aircraft dating from WWII to the present. The indoor portion of the museum displays many artifacts and memorabilia covering the life and achievements of Gus Grissom.

Photo Credit: Bill Lites

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

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2022 Road Trip-Part 8A

26 Oct

A Slice of LIfe

Bill Lites

Day 8 (5/23/2022)

After breakfast this morning, I headed northwest 35 miles on US-68 to visit the old McCracken County Jail Museum located in Paducah, KY.  As it turned out, I forgot to add the word ‘Museum’ to my search, and I ended up at the ‘New’ McCracken County Jail.  No museum there!  I realized my mistake and drove just a few blocks to where I intended to visit the Paducah Railroad Museum, but it was closed.  So, as I was heading for the River Heritage Museum, I passed the old William Clark Farmers Market House entrance and stopped to take a photo.  This historic building, in the middle of Paducah was built around 1827, when the city was platted by William Clark, and was the city’s farmers market and gathering place for many years.

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

When I arrived at the River Heritage Museum, I discovered, it is a small museum located on the banks of the Ohio River that displays artifacts and memorabilia used to help educate and preserve the history of America’s river systems.  I have to admit that I have never been an avid American river history student, and really couldn’t tell you what rivers run thru what states. This museum was quite an education.

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

Just around the corner, I stopped to check out The National Quilt Museum there in Paducah.  This museum has three galleries which display some 600+ fiber art quilts from local artists as well as those from around the world.  The museum is also unique in that it provides workshop classes for fiber art students for all ages of children and adults.  Quite an interesting and beautiful display!

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

Leaving Paducah, I headed northwest, along the Ohio River for a while, on SR-306, picked up I-24, and crossed the Ohio River (border) into Illinois.  Then it was northwest another 70 miles on I-24 to visit the General John A. Logan Museum located in Murphysboro, IL.  This small museum is situated in the original house built by Tom Logan in 1885, and is filled with artifacts and memorabilia covering the life and times of General John A. Logan (1826-1886).  The General (at his wife Mary’s suggestion) was instrumental in the creation of our Memorial Day holiday (originally known as Decoration Day).  A mister Christopher C. Buller purchased the house in 1890, where he and his wife, Anna, raised 15 children.  In 1908 General Logan’s wife, Mary Logan, turned their ‘Calumet Place’ home in Washington, D.C. into a museum honoring the general, and later she donated the general’s furnishings to this museum.

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

Now I headed north 30 miles on SR-13 to visit the Old Perry County Jail Museum located in Pinckneyville, IL.  This museum is housed in the original 1871 Perry County Jail, which replaced the 1833 Perry County Jail, and served as the only correctional facility in Perry County until 1987 when it was replaced by a new jail facility.  The museum displays prison artifacts and memorabilia describing prison life as it was in the 19th and 20thcenturies in southern Illinois.

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

Next, I headed west 40 miles on SR-154 (a little out of my way) to visit the Spinach Can Collectables & Popeye Museum located on the banks of the Mississippi River in Chester, IL (birthplace of Elzie Segar, the creator of the ‘Popeye’ comic character).    This small store-front shop and museum sells and displays a large assortment of ‘Popeye the Sailor Man’ antique artifacts (some not for sale) and collectables.  The museum also hosts the annual ‘Popeye Festival’ held there in Chester each July.  Popeye was my hero as a youngster!

Photo Credit; Bill Lites

—–To Be Continued—–

Bill is a retired Mechanical engineer living with his wonderful artist/writer wife, DiVoran, of 65 years in Titusville, Florida. He was born and raised in the Southwest, did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy, attended Northrop University in Southern California and ended up working on America’s Manned Space Program for 35 years. He currently is retired and spends most of his time building and flying R/C model airplanes, traveling, writing blogs about his travels for Word Press and supporting his wife’s hobbies with framing, editing and marketing.  He also volunteers with a local church Car Care Ministry and as a tour guide at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum there in Titusville.  Bill has two wonderful children, two outstanding grandchildren, and a loving sister and her husband, all of whom also live in Central Florida, so he and DiVoran are rewarded by having family close to spend lots of quality time with.

One of Bill’s favorite Scriptures is:  John 10:10

Tags: , , , ,

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