Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Day 32 - Lynchburg to DC

Visited the battlefields at Chancellorsville and Spotsylvania, VA (the photo was taken at Bloody Angle, Spotsylvania). The Battle was in May of 1863. Hand to hand, rifles as clubs (and spears), knives, blood and mud - brother against brother...and of course, it rained.

Tomorrow little ones (K and 1st graders) at Stanton Elementary School in DC get to experience the TPCruiser.

See what the Lynchburg paper had to say about the Great American Sea Star Trek:
http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/news/local/article/undersea_creatures_visit_linkhorne_kids/15532/

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Day 31 - Linkhorne Elementary School - Lynchburg


I love my job. Here a girl catches sight of the TidePool Cruiser's latest addition: a flying fish! Unfortunately it flew the coop and the kids in DC (our next stop) won't be seeing it. Too bad it was indeed a rare sight.

The students at Linkhorne (133 third and fourth graders) were exceptional. (In a good way.) I wish I could go back. One girl asked if we'd be back next year when she will be in fourth grade - she wanted to see it again.

Tomorrow it's on to our nation's capitol. Two more schools to visit before our last one in Connecticut.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Day 30 - Lynchburg, VA

Spent day preparing for Linkhorne Elementary School tomorrow. Got a chance to explore the Blackwater Creek Trail. We're staying at a great B&B called The Residence. It was the home of the first president of Randolph-Macon Woman's College (yes, Woman's not Women's). I'm in the room where Pearl S. Buck stayed (among others, including Liz Taylor...)

The wildflowers are blooming.

More tomorrow.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Day 29 - Virginia still


Had a GREAT day...I was carded at Luray Caverns. They didn't believe I was 62. But then again, compared to a 300 million year old stalactite, I guess I'm lookin' pretty good. Arrived in Lynchburg after a stop at Appomattox Court House where Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Grant. More Civil War site exploring tomorrow. We had dinner with an old friend, Cynthia, from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts days, and her husband, Walter, her daughter, Verity, her husband Jonathan and their friend, Craig. Delicious Yankee pot roast in Dixie. Couldn't have been better.

Met a student from Linkhorne Elementary today also. That's where the TidePool Cruiser stops next. Looking forward to it. Then DC, NJ and CT. Inching closer and closer to my new home and more teaching.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Day 28- Into Virginia




This was a day of gratitude - eastern West Virginia has some of the most beautiful scenery we had yet seen... but it was outdone by western Virginia. Beautiful farms with rolling hills, cattle grazing, silos and barns being reclaimed by the weeds and grasses overtaking their previous spots on the landscape...fields of wildflowers...bright sunshine with a few very white clouds scattered here and there...summer temperatures. I felt a wave of gratitude; thankful that I was able to see these wonderful things; grateful for the opportunity to travel these roads...exposing young people to the wonders of the Pacific and motivating them to act to preserve their local waters.

The day started with a visit to the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston, WV. They were celebrating Earth Day and several organizations had exhibits there. (The masked figure in the photo is part of a sculpture outside the Center.)

We then headed for Virginia. Even when we experienced a flat tire I had a chance to be grateful...Bob was there to change it. (I helped, a little.) See the photo - well, someone had to document the event. Even when we found out that the tire could not be repaired, I was grateful. (I'm still not over my credit limit and could afford to buy a new one.)

And finally, I'm grateful that VMI was having a reunion of the Class of '69 and there were no rooms available in Lexington, VA because we wound up in Staunton (pronounced Stanton), VA a beautiful little town with a Bistro with the best food I've had on this trip (except for the home made crab cakes that Maggie Dearnley cooked for me in Little Rock).

But even Staunton has graffiti...See top photo.

Peace.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Day 27 - Hurricane Town Elementary School

The kids in Hurricane learned how to help stop stormwater from getting into the Kanawha River, a popular body of water for fishing, swimming and boating here in Hurricane, WV. By the way Kanawha is pronounced kah-NAW. (The "ha" is silent!)

The students were enthusiastic, intelligent, curious, excited, open and friendly. (So were the teachers and staff.) All in all a very pleasant experience for US. I hope the children enjoyed themselves as well.

Earth Day celebration tomorrow in Charleston, WV. Then it's on to Lynchburg, VA.

Thanks for following along.

Gary

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Day 26 - Louisville to Hurricane


We had an uneventful trip, except for a side ride to Berea, KY where I had performed in the outdoor drama Wilderness Road in 1974. Had lunch at the newly renovated Boone Tavern. Google Berea College; it's a unique institution. There is no tuition. The students are from Appalachia and are financially disadvantaged; must work for their education. Among other things, they make furniture and run a farm; the produce from which is used at Boone Tavern.

Two unrelated Kentucky quotes :
1. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln said. "I hope to have God on my side; but I must have Kentucky."

2. After a two week excursion in the back country, Daniel Boone returned home a little later than expected. People had been worried about him. One asked, "Daniel, were you lost out there?" A proud Boone replied, "Lost? No....but I was bewildered for a while."

Tomorrow we will be flexing our "mussels" for the kids at Hurricane Town Elementary School.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Day 25 - Earth Day in Louisville



Cane Run Elementary School was the scene of the WOOWEE TidePool Cruiser visit on Earth Day 2009. One hundred and eighty-four 3rd, 4th and 5th graders participated. The California mussels tickled some Kentucky fancies as you can see by the pics. This was our last stop in the Bluegrass State and tomorrow it's on to Hurricane, WV. The weather cleared today and warmed up a bit, too.

The kids have been excited about their contact with the City of Long Beach (CA) Stormwater Management Division. We are asking the students to send their ideas about how to reduce stormwater pollution to Mr. Tom Leary (Long Beach's stormwater manager) so he might use some of them to improve that City's stormwater runoff program (one of the best in the nation). In return the kids get tips on reducing the amount of contaminants reaching their receiving waters (lakes, streams, ponds and the Ohio River). Each of them also gets a magnet from the City to remind them of their responsibility and capability to have a cleaner aquatic ecosystem.

We expect to distribute this information to more than 1,500 children during the Great American Sea Star Trek as it inches its way to CT.

Also, the numbers are in for the Earth Day Festival in Jackson, TN last Saturday: Despite the less than terrific weather, the Tennessee Dept. of Transportation reports that more than 700 people showed up. Way to go Jackson!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Day 24 - Portland Elementary School








A cold day in Louisville (and a little rainy too). That didn't stop the kids from expressing their excitement. One girl said, "I've never seen a star fish before." THAT makes it all worthwhile...that, and teaching the kids that they have the power to help their environment become better for everyone and everything. The pictures tell it all...

Tomorrow: EARTH DAY at Cane Run Elementary - also in Louisville, KY

Monday, April 20, 2009

Day 23 - Taking a Brake

Forgot to mention yesterday that we had brake issues with the TidePool Cruiser which made the last 25 miles or so a little hairy. We took the Cruiser to a great trailer place: A&W Dukes (est. 1928) and Duke's great-grandson did a terrific job of fixing the brakes. The rest of the trip will be a bit more relaxing now. Although the job cost $321 - an unexpected, but extremely necessary expense.

While the brakes were being worked on, we got a chance to visit one of MANY attractions in Louisville. The above picture is of the ceiling of the Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory. We toured the plant and saw them making bats for Derek Jeter. The company was started in the late 19th century and made butter churns among other things. The first bat was made in 1884 I think. Today they make over a million bats a year. (1.8 million if you count the little souvenier bats.) They "grow their own" ash and maple trees in upstate New York and last year they grew more trees than they harvested.

Tomorrow the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Portland Elementary get to experience the WOOWEE Program.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Day 22 Arrival in Kentucky


Remembering...torrential downpours, nest-building starlings, geese and goslings, mud, wet clothes, near zero visibility on the highway, it's Spring in Kentucky. We drove nearly 300 miles and it never stopped raining. But we made it safe and sound. AND we've finally inched into the Eastern Time Zone. We've got two schools in Louisville (one on Earth Day - April 22) then it's on to Hurricane, WV.

And so it goes...

Day 21 Earth Festival - Jackson TN

It was a dark and stormy morning. The threat of rain hovered overall and a few sprinkles descended and graced our cheeks. It rained a little during the day and I'm sure the turnout (although pretty good) would have been better if it were a sunny day. The event was hosted by the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Girl Scouts Heart of the South. (I can't remember which Troop showed up. But the numbers 2 and 7 keep scrabbling around in my brain for some reason.)

There were many exhibitors including wildlife groups US Fish and Game, Jackson Stormwater among others. Smokey Bear was thear, er there. Ronald MacDonald was there, too.

The rains came around 1:30 so we all packed up a half hour early. There were grins all around and the sea stars were very popular in Tennessee. The weather also made an ideal teaching/learning opportunity regarding storm water pollution.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Day 20 - Alexander Elementary - Jackson, TN


Getting a great close-up look at a living bat star at Alexander Elementary School in Western Tennessee. We got to hold California mussels; we saw a sea squirt squirt; we touched a prickly sea urchin; and we learned how to help stop pollution from getting into the South Fork of the Forked Deer River. (NOTE: Forked is pronounced Fork-y). There's also Muse Lake, Beach Lake and Campbell Lake that we need to help keep clean.

State fish of Tennessee: the channel catfish.

Tomorrow we stay in Jackson to participate in the Earth Day Festival hosted by the Girl Scouts and the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Then it's on to Louisville, KY on Sunday.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Day 19 - Little Rock to Jackson, TN

Remembering dogwoods...daffodils...crocus...skunk cabbage...robins...renewal......
It's spring in Tennessee...

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Day 18 - Cathedral School - Little Rock


I just wrote a long post and deleted it by mistake. Arrrrgh! It was brilliant, too. To sum up:
Great kids...great enthusiasm...great welcome. About one hundred 3rd, 4th and 5th graders took part at The Cathedral School in Little Rock. Arkansas doesn't have an official fish. The catfish was chosen, but the legislature failed to vote on it. (I like to learn things, too.) Had a great time, kids. Thanks.
And thanks to the people at North Side Aquatics in Maumelle. They gave us a deal on a new light for the TidePool Cruiser's tank.

Tomorrow it's on to Jackson, TN. Getting closer, inch by inch.

Spring has sprung in Arkansas and I hope it's springing where you are.

I'll keep you "posted."

Day 17 - Yesterday - OKCity to Little Rock



An uneventful seven hour (with stops) trip. But the welcome in Little Rock was another exceptional experience. Our hosts Maggie and Dick D. opened their house and kitchen. Remarkable folk art collection and dinner was my favorite...homemade crab cakes, corn pudding and asparagus. Arkansas strawberries and ice cream for dessert. Throw in a fantastic view of the Arkansas River and it just doesn't get any better.

Thank you, Maggie and Dick.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Day 16 - Heritage Hall School

Probably the coldest day for a presentation ever. The students were real troopers and shivered their way through the TidePool Cruiser experience. The sea stars loved the cold water of course. The reception by the second and third graders of the Lower School was exceptional...resulting in an exceptional reception. I'm pretty sure they learned some things, too. I learned about Hefner Lake and its role as a source of drinking water for the region. And I learned that the "o-fish-ial fish of Oklahoma is the white bass. The picture shows some kids looking at the stomach of a living bat star direct from the Pacific Ocean.

We truly enjoyed our stay in Oklahoma City; especially the friendliness and hospitality of the "Sooners." I will be surprised if any other of our stays will be as pleasant, although I'm hoping they will be warmer.

Tomorrow - Little Rock, Arkansas.

Peace

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Day 15 - Easter in Oklahoma


Today was the first day that we encountered any rain since the GASST began. It did not matter. We started with a remarkable, moving and compelling visit to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial and Museum. On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh left a Ryder truck filled with 4,000 pounds of explosives in front of the Murrah Federal Building. At 9:02 am it exploded. When all was said and done, 168 innocent people (including 19 very young children) were murdered in an act of terrorism perpetrated by an American on Americans. When in Oklahoma City a trip to this Memorial is a must. We walked through the exhibits for two and a half hours and I left feeling emotionally drained, yet enlightened. The world changed that day for hundreds of thousands and was a forerunner to 9/11 when the world changed...period. The reflecting pool at the Memorial is "bookended" by two large archways. One with the time 9:01 and the other 9:03. 9:01 - the last minute of innocence. 9:03 - the first minute of healing.

After that we had Easter dinner with new friends: Abby and Wayne Boatman, their son Andy (the glassblower from Blue Sage Studios), his girlfriend, Mara, their niece, Maggie Darcey and her daughter, Sylvia and Bill Cullen, a family friend.

Tomorrow it's teaching the second and third graders at Heritage Hall about the power they have to help improve their environment. And remember: Everyone makes a difference...Make yours a positive one!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial 9:15 pm CDT






Day 14 - Oklahoma City


Great day! Beautiful weather...a most gracious host/guide who took us first to the Blue Sage Studio where we witnessed the ART of glass-blowing "performed" by Andrew B. (That's him in the picture.) Then it was on to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, just outside of Tulsa. Very cool experience; great exhibits; learned a lot about Oklahoma's aquatic world. All in all a terrific day.

To all you kids at Heritage Hall: SEE YOU MONDAY! Here's an assignment for you: If you don't know already, please find out what the state fish of Oklahoma is. I'll ask you for the answer on Monday.

P.S. Our most gracious host was...Heritage Hall's own Miss Darcey. Thank you so much. Thank you too, Sylvia.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Day 13 - Amarillo to Oklahoma City

My first time in Oklahoma. Went to a play tonight (Woody Sez) songs and stories by Woody Guthrie. Great music and insight into Guthrie's genius at the Lyric Theatre in OK City.

My only connection to OK is a story about my great grandfather, Joseph Green Poe, born in Bowling Green, KY and married to Missouri Ann Gerard. On his way back from a cattle drive on the Chisolm Trail he cut through Oklahoma. A little too SOON, apparently. He was arrested in Oklahoma for jumping the gun and was thrown in jail for two weeks until the Oklahoma Territory was officially opened to settlers. Joseph Green Poe - an accidental "Sooner." He pleaded his case (that he was just going home to KY and crossed the border by mistake) but the officials didn't buy it. So he spent time in the hoosegow.

No event tomorrow, so it's a visit to the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks (just outside of Tulsa). I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Day 12 - Carver Academy - Amarillo

I thought Chicago was the Windy City or maybe Hutchinson, KS, BUT Amarillo qualifies as well. Winds were around 50 mph (no pictures today - the wind ripped the camera out of my hands and I'm pretty sure Ill find it in Oklahoma City tomorrow). The third graders at Carver were very well-behaved and enthusiastic. I was surprised when I passed out the Seafood Watch cards for sushi and heard many kids say, "I love sushi." or "Sushi's really good!" I don't know about you (all), but to me it's counterintuitive to look for sushi in Texas. But I'm glad it's popular. Now the kids know the best choices to make when eating it - thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch Program.

The kids also promised to sign the Pledge to Save Our Waters and to send postcards to the City of Long Beach, CA explaining how they, the kids, help stop pollution from getting into their rivers, streams and lakes.

Leaving early tomorrow to beat the winds to Oklahoma City. Till then...Peace

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Day Eleven - The Road to Amarillo

The TidePool Cruiser cruised to the Lone Star State today (Wednesday). Now all the sea stars are lone "sea" stars. Batteries worked well and will continue to do so I am sure. Tomorrow it's 126 third grade Texans at Carver Academy Magnet School. Looking forward to it. More tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Day Ten - Albuquerque Aquarium


Well, several thousand people came to the Albuquerque Aquarium today. Among them some classes from Double Eagle Elementary School. (In the pic they are gathered around the Travelin' Tide Pool.)

In addition to my cousins, I met with an old school mate, Paul Flaherty and his wife Diane. His Mom was there, too. They live in a great place in the mountains outside of Albuquerque. Haven't seen Paul in thirty-five years. We both have gotten much handsomer since the last time we were together. He is anxiously awaiting his son's return from a second tour in Special Ops in Afghanistan. Thanks for your service Sean.

Tomorrow we leave for the wilds of Amarillo, TX. It should be a fun trip. The battery problem appears fixed for now and the critters should enjoy a cool five-hour trip.

Good bye Albuquerque. It was fun.

Gary

Monday, April 6, 2009

Day Nine - Albuquerque




Happy Birthday to me! (Happy Birthday to Rob W., too.) I was worried about not having a school to present at in Albuquerque (the only city in which this was the case...all others are booked) and we were not successful in booking one. However...we will be featured tomorrow (April 7-Happy Birthday Ronnie R.) at the Albuquerque Aquarium. We will be at the entrance to the Aquarium and should attract quite a crowd. A great opportunity - Thanks Catherine (Hubbard, the Director of the Aquarium) for hosting the TidePool Cruiser. It will be an honor. Today's picture was taken at the Albuquerque Zoo (boy I wish we were doing this in Hatch; much easier to type) .

DAY Eight - On the road to Albuquerque


April 5 - This pic was taken in Hatch, NM. Other interesting places encountered this day: Radium Springs, Truth or Consequences and Elephant Butte (or was it Butt?) Anyway...uneventful trip. Arrived around 2:20 pm and met up with my cousins, Lesley and Terry Poe. They both grew up in Albuquerque after starting out in Louisiana. Everyone should visit Albuquerque (at least once).

Later...

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Day Seven - Still in Las Cruces


Took part in "Keep Alameda Beautiful" event at Alameda Elementary School. The turnout was a little disappointing..so "Come on you Alameda Panthers...get it in gear and help keep your school and the environment cleaner and healthier, by participating once a month in this clean-up."

The rest of this day will be spent in trying to fix (did I tell you we're having a couple of problems with the battery power) the problems we're having with the battery power.

Beautiful, sunny, but very windy day in Las Cruces. Till tomorrow...Peace.

Day Six - Alameda Elementary

Two posts today because I fell asleep yesterday.

A real live bat star making its debut in southern New Mexico. The kids (141 of 'em) at Alameda Elementary School were cool. Dorothy Marshal (our contact at the school) treated us to dinner and we continued to try to fix our battery power problems. We're getting closer and I think a solution is right around the corner. Keep your collective fingers crossed.

Tomorrow (Sunday) it's on to Albuquerque for a day or so...staying with my "Poe" cousins, Terry and Lesley. Haven't seen them in a couple of years and I'm looking forward to it very much.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Day Five - Travel to Las Cruces

After a terrific breakfast at the Waffle House (or "a" Waffle House) in Tucson we headed out on a 271 mile voyage to...you guessed it (see above). Tomorrow we see seven classes of fourth and fifth graders at Alameda Elementary in Las Cruces. The TidePool Cruiser's first visit to the Land of Enchantment.

A little ways into NM we came to a sign that said Gary Exit 1 mile. We lost a LOT of time until we realized the sign was instructional and not a directive. Oh, well. We FINALLY got back on I-10 and made it to Las Cruces.

We are still having some glitches with the battery bank and charger but "there are no problems...only opportunities for innovation!" (Yeah, right.)

Until tomorrow...Best wishes and Peace.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Day Four - Tuscon, AZ



What a day! Instead of 140 kids we got to teach 254 very enthusiastic, eager to learn, intelligent elementary school kids at Brichta Elementary. The sea stars, sea urchins and kelp snails got a pretty thorough going over. They were "icky," "cool," "gross," slimy" and "really great!" according to the kids. Bob and I received Green Crusader certificates that proclaim: "We at Brichta strive to help raise globally responsible, environmentally aware citizens. Thank you for helping us open minds and raise consciousness!" We were honored. Thanks everybody. (Above left gooey seaweed comes to the desert.)

Tomorrow...Las Cruces, NM