The next morning (August 31) we were on our way to Deadwood, South Dakota. We stopped at the Wyoming Territorial Prison to see where they had kept Butch Cassidy for a time. There's an old west town there and they had some gunfights. Cynthia loved the stores and she was arrested in one of the shops by the local marshall. It cost me $5 to get her out. She got her mug shot and the warrant as a keepsake. Then after leaving the prison, I got a speeding ticket (87 in a 65 although I'm positive it was a 75 mph zone...$110).

     We arrived in Deadwood just before 9 p.m. (Aug. 31). We were shocked to see that gambling was legal in South Dakota and a couple of other states as well. No, not indian reservations, gambling like Nevada. We saw the saloon where Wild Bill Hickok was shot. We didn't go in.

     The next morning (September 1) we took off for Mount Rushmore. It was nice to see, but Custer State Park was even more interesting. A few miles south, the Park has herds of buffalo which come right up to the car. We also saw some mules which were offspring of the ones gold prospectors had abandoned during the Gold Rush. We also saw a Pronghorn, some Prarie Dogs, and a Ram before heading back to our campsite in Deadwood.

     In the morning (September 2), after our coffee and hot chocolate, it was off for Boston. We decided to drive straight through, taking turns driving. Boy, is South Dakota a wide state. Didn't think we would ever arrive in Iowa. On the way, still in South Dakota, we came across a stop that proved to be quite interesting. There was a large 15-sided barn and on the inside were tons of movie props and antiques. The movie props were used in filming Dances With Wolves. In back of the barn was a recreated western town complete with antiques and a bank robbery which resulted in a gunfight. Up behind the town, we found a buckskin horse. This was the horse which Kevin Costner rode in the movie. It was well worth the stop. On our way across Ohio, I got another speeding ticket (yep, 87 in a 65...$90). We missed a turn because of confusing signs and after stopping for some lunch, Cynthia took over the driving. She drove until we reached Massachusetts and I took over again as I knew the area and had driven there before.

     We wanted to reach Boston during daylight, but we didn't quite make it (September 4). I couldn't believe the number of changes in Boston's streets. But, we made it to Copley Square. We were scheduled to stay in Malden, but considering the lateness and how tired we were (it's hard to sleep in a moving car), we decided to stay at the Copley. Take my advice, it isn't worth the $200 a night. Service was terrible. We complained about it and when we got home we got a phone call about it. The manager at the Boston Fairmont (Copley Plaza Hotel) was supposed to send us a letter which we never received. Nuff said?

     The next day (September 5) we visited The Commons, got a map, had a lobster roll at MacDonald's, got lost and ended up in Roxbury, found our way out and headed for No Name restaurant which I used to frequent when stationed at the First Naval District Headquarters. We had a great lobster lunch. The restaurant is now bigger than it used to be, but just as popular as it used to be because the food is amidst the greatest in Boston. After lunch, it was down to North Quincy to show Cynthia where I used to live while stationed in Boston. I was amazed that many of the buildings still existed. It is now low income housing (it seemed like it when I lived there over 20 years ago). She got to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. We went downtown Quincy and saw the Unitarian Church where the Adams boys (John and John Quincy) are interned. We wanted to see Remick's (actress Lee Remick's parents' store), but it burned down several years ago. We went north on the Expressway and got off at the Boston Naval Shipyard and the USS CONSTITUTION. I had handled the public relations for the oldest ship in commission in the Navy and had written their brochure in 1975 before moving to California. They were all out of brochures, but the BM2 who took us on the tour was very good and was excited to meet the person who wrote the brochure. Sure wish I could get royalties...I'd be rich! we also toured the museum and I was glad to see the Victorian Admiral's house and the Marine Barracks still standing.

     Back on the expressway and headed for Malden. Cynthia was impressed with my defensive and offensive driving in Boston. She now appreciates my much calmer (and safer driving) in California. We arrived at the hotel in Malden only to find out they didn't take the discount we had. We found another, right on Highway 1, the Comfort Inn, right next to the Cattlemen's Restaurant (where I've always wanted to go, but never did....we didn't either) in Saugus. The service was wonderful. The desk clerk was most helpful.

     We were going to go to a Red Sox game (Cynthia has become quite the fan) and the clerk told us to drive to Wonderland and take the 'T' to Fenway. It was a bit of a walk from the station to the ballpark, but I'm sure it was a lot better than driving and then trying to find a place to park. We had great seats on the third base line. Everything was great...then the Red Sox lost (they won the next night though).

     In the morning (September 6), we left for NH. We drove through Salem where I was the first editor of the Salem Observer. It is still being published, but every place we stopped was out of them.

     We arrived at Mom and Dad's later that afternoon. Dad showed us the land and where my brother Stephen had made a camping area. It was great! Had a fire ring, table, and firewood all stacked.

     We set up camp and then visited late with Mom and Dad and then went over to the camp and slept well. Chet was there for a while. We met Kayla, Ashley, Corey, and their mom, Sharon, that evening. The next day, after my hot chocolate (always have that when camping) and Cynthia's coffee, we went over to Mom and Dad's for more visiting. On Saturday, there was a cookout and a bunch came over: Gloria, Ruthann, Peter, Pete, Pete's Mom, Stephen, Sharon, Kayla, Ashley, Chet, Laura, Carrie, Corey, Muria, Eric, Jessica, Jane, Erin, and Amanda....hope I didn't miss anybody. This was the first time I had seen most of my nieces and nephews (and grand niece). Until this trip, I had only met Muria twice before (when she wasa baby and when she moved to Clifornia) and Amanda when she came to California to visit Muria. I took some pictures as you can see, but some people hid out and I didn't get them on film.

     During our visit, we tried to see as much as we could. One day we went over to Maine and ended up in Boothbay Harbor. Cynthia wanted to see some lighthouses and eat seafood...not necessarily in that order. We didn't visit any lighthouses, but we sure had seafood. We stopped at the Lobster Dock restaurant (outdoor seating) and we each had a 3¼-lb. lobster. Cynthia had oysters and I had some steamers. We almost couldn't finish the lobster...so good...so much. They were so good, we bought a 2¼- and a 2½-lb lobster and took them home for Mom and Dad. They really enjoyed them. I guess they like seafood.

     Later, we went back to Maine and traveled south to Wells. We stopped at once place and walked on the beach and Cynthia got to touch the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. We saw a lighthouse down here (Nubble Light at Cape Neddick) and had some more seafood at a take-out diner. Cynthia had a seafood salad which she said really enjoyed. I hadn't had deep-fried clams for over 22 years, so that's what I ordered....just great! We went on down the coast into Portsmouth and then up to Dover. I needed a wide angle lens for my camera and Dad suggested his favorite camera shop in Dover (http://www.RiversCamera.com). We stopped in and got a great deal on a lens and I bought a polarizing filter which I've also needed for quite some time. Oh yeah, Cynthia bought things on all these trips as well....lots of T-shirts and magnets for the refrigerator (the different states we'd been in).

     We also went over to Wolfeboro (September 11). I wanted to show Cynthia Lake Winnepausaukee and Brewster Academy. We then went downtown to do some shopping and to mail postcards. While downtown was when we heard people talking about the World Tower tragedy. Most of the shops had their televisions tuned to reports. We went back to Mom and Dad's and watched more of it. We stopped at what used to be Moore's Golden Dairy Treat, my first real job when I was 16. I think it's now called PJ's. Cynthia had some deep-fried scallops which she stated were the best she had ever had. She also enjoyed the onion rings.

     We also went to North Conway...too many shops....Cynthia wanted to visit them all. At the other end of town, we spotted the Scottish Lion store. As one of my main clients (http://Scottish-Imports.com) also sells Scottish stuff, we went in to see what they had. We bought a Scottish Lion flag windsock for Mom. When we got back to California, we found out that my client sometimes buys stuff from the Scottish Lion if he can't find it elsewhere.

     We also went over to Pete and Gloria's for dinner one evening and got to know Erin a bit better. We had a great visit and I will probably be helping Pete do his web site. Looking forward to that. We also went to Jessica's birthday party at Ruthann's. Cynthia and I just loved all the dogs. A couple of them in particular.

     Kayla wanted to stay at the camp with us one night. Everyone said that she wouldn't last the night because she gets spooked, but the next morning she had a big smile on her face as we pulled up at Mom and Dad's. Mom was heard saying, "Here comes Kayla and she has a great big smile on her face!" Kayla was very proud of herself. Ashley wanted to stay over as well, so after Ruthann's party, she spent the night with us (September 16)...she even brought her own tent. We sure discovered that both of these girls are really smart and will, no doubt, go places. All of the kids were great, but we spent more time with these two and were impressed. Cynthia really noticed the difference between these kids and the ones out here. All of these kids should be held up as examples to those out here. That's also to say that my brothers and sisters should be proud of the job they have done. I know we are!

     We didn't get to do or see all we wanted and as you can see, we didn't take enough pictures even though I used up 12 rolls of film, nor spend enough time with everyone, but there are other times. Cynthia wanted to move back there, but Mom, Dad, and I convinced her that there is really only about 3 months out of the year that are great. She would especially hate May and the humidity of summer. So would I. So we decided that we would try to come back every year during August, September, and October. We're hoping to make it for two months next year (if I get a laptop so I can still do some work). This time we would fly in to Boston and make some kind of arrangements for a car while we're there. Cynthia has been looking at pre-fab log cabin homes. She found one that is two bedrooms and quite large for only $28,000. A lot of this depends on my business and how it grows over the next year.

     On September 17, we said our goodbyes and left for Pennsylvania by way of Cape Cod. One of Cynthia's dreams was to see the sun rise on Cape Cod. So, that's what we did. We reached the lighthouse all the way out to where the Cape turns upward. It was a great sunrise! She also got to see a lighthouse working (Nauset Light). We then went on back down the Cape through Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York and into Pennsylvania. We drove straight through and arrived in the afternoon on the 18th.

     We had a great visit with Irene, James, Kimberly, and Jennifer, Matt, and Baby Hanna. I had never met any of them before. Jennifer and I used to talk a lot on the phone when she was younger (actually, I was younger, too). Cynthia was at home again with all the animals (especially Sissy). Jim came home the next day. Jim gave me a black Resistol hat which was nearly the same model/design as my ragged brown Resistol. The funny is that I bought a new hat before we left California, but it hadn't arrived before we left. I was going to buy a black one when I returned. Now I didn't have to. I had the Campbell Clan Crest on my hat and I gave that to Jim (I have a new one now). Cynthia and I went out and purchased all the fixings for my famous 5-Flavor beef and we cooked dinner that evening. That was one thing we didn't do at Mom and Dads....shoulda...but next year. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, except Vegetarian Kimberly. She wouldn't even taste it for her Uncle.

     We were going to leave early the next morning (September 20), but Jim and Irene wanted to take us to their favorite Chinese restaurant so we didn't leave until about noon. Before we left, Irene brought in the fox, squirrel, and racoon. Cynthia just loved it! We would have a houseful of animals if we didn't live in an apartment. She just loves them all.

     We made a trip plan change because Dan (Jean's husband) was in Washington as part of the investigation team at the Pentagon and we wanted to visit with him. We arrived a half-hour too late at his hotel. He had already gone on duty for 12 hours so we wouldn't get to see him. Because of this unscheduled excursion into Washington, we were now behind schedule.

     We drove down to Virginia to see Michael, Darlene, Danielle, and Marie Rose and we got there later than we wanted. The drive out of Washington took us even more time because of the traffic and some rain. When we arrived, Darlene sat us down and fed us a delicious meal. That was so nice of her. We got to see Marie Rose (sleeping), but missed seeing Danielle. We planned on staying longer, but we were behind schedule and I had to be back in California by the 28th which is when we arrived, a day later that the planned 27th. Anyway, we apologize for not staying longer, but the next time we'll make a point of staying closer to our schedule.

     Our next stop was Fort Campbell, Kentucky (September 21) to see Jean and the boys. Because of the September 11 thing, security was tight at the Army base, but we had no problems once I showed my retired Navy ID card. I had neglected to get her actual address before we left, so we went over to the Army hospital to call her. I had met Daniel before, but he didn't really remember me. Then I got to see Joseph for the first time. He's quite the card. Jean recently told me that they were driving behind a truck that had a dog in the back and suddenly Joeseph blurted out, "Puppy, you found me!". Cynthia was taken aback a bit when the boys started calling her Gramma! She really liked the boys and I think she enjoyed their calling her Gramma. When we got to Jerome, Arizona, she bought them some T-Shirts and books (her idea) and she doesn't do that for everybody. We took the gang out to the Outback (one of our favorite restaurants). We had a good time visiting and enjoying the savings at the Post Exchange. After staying two nights, we left the next morning following Jean's great directions for getting back on I-40.

     It was then a straight shot to New Mexico (more or less)(September 23). Cynthia wanted to visit Santa Fe so we went north of I-40 into Santa Fe. We camped at a KOA Kampground on the outskirts and the next morning we drove into Santa Fe. We parked the car near the famous square and then walked around. Cynthia especially wanted to visit the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum as she is her favorite artist. There is one painting that Cynthia really likes (the one on the wall at the entrance, in the picture) and I bought the poster for her. There's another one she saw in the museum that she likes, but they didn't have a poster of that one. I took some artistic shots in the area which we plan to add to our wall decor. Cynthia's been leaning to a southwestern theme and these will tie in very nicely.

     After reaching Sedona (September 25), we drove south towards Jerome (an old copper mining town that reminds us of Jamestown). We arrived kind of late in Cottonwood and proceeded to the Dead Horse State Park. We pitched camp and the next morning went up to Jerome and did some shopping. We went down to the Visitors Information in Cottonwood and got some information and looked at a couple of apartment complexes. One was just a regular apartment and was slightly more than we're paying now. We went over to another which was very nice. The office was closed so we couldn't see any of the apartments but the rent was about what we're paying now.

     The next day it was time to head home. Most of the day was spent visiting some of the scenic wonders around Sedona. Lots of photographic opportunities here as you can see. We also visited the Red Rock National Forest Ranger Station and viewed all of bone collections and other exhibits.