Day 34 - DC to New Jersey

Greetings from the Jersey shore. We started the day with a brief look at the World War II Memorial and then left for Jersey. Stopped a bit in Baltimore and the National Aquarium. A wonderful place. Don't miss it if ever in Baltimore. A little rainy, but uneventful. I'm spending time with my cousin Kathy Schmidinger and her husband, Bob at their home in Brick, NJ. Introducing Bob McClurg to Bob Schmidinger and his son Bobby, was interesting. It went something like this: Bob, Bob. Bob, Bob. Bob, Bobby. Bobby, Bob. (and then another guy showed up who said his name was, "Not Bob.")

I used to summer in this area when a tiny tot and lived for a year in Manasquan, NJ when I was a much older 9 year-old. Will be presenting at Manasquan Elementary (my third grade alma mater) on Monday.

Day 33 - Stanton Elementary, Washington, DC

We saw 133 little ones (kindergarteners, first and second graders) that were among the most enthusiastic and appreciative we've seen to date. Our contact, the science teacher, Hardett Taylor-Brown was most gracious and provided a terrific spread for lunch. It refused to rain, so all six classes were able to participate. We've been incredibly lucky as far as the weather is concerned: No rainouts of the program. It has rained only a couple of timesw during the entire trip and then it was on travel days.

We got to see some of the sights in DC, including the remarkable FDR Memorial...DC at night is a special place and hopefully the children at Stanton Elementary will be able to enjoy the unique things their city has to offer.

Today DC, tomorrow the world. Well, New Jersey anyway.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Day 19 - Little Rock to Jackson, TN

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

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.

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

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!