Tag Archives: travel

Photo of the Week #11 – The Mysterious White Van

You remember the White Bronco, don’t you?  You know – O.J. Simpson’s getaway car? Nineteen years ago this week, the White Bronco entered into infamy as OJ tried to flee. He didn’t escape his fate. Not then, anyway. He actually did escape his fate later, though, during the ensuing trial. By being found not guilty of the murder of his wife and her boyfriend. Now, in 2013, OJ has a sad little life. In jail, awaiting a judgement on whether he can have a new trial for a mess he got into in 2008 when he was found guilty of breaking and entering.

Enough about OJ. He’s not really worth any more words. But, our Photo of the Week #11 is!

Day 176 of the Voyage of the Tramper 03/05/2013

Trailhead – Zion National Park, Utah

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Another notable white vehicle. Not a white Ford Bronco. A white Ford minivan. And, not infamous, just interesting.

A Google search of  “White Minivans Against Oppression” turns up nothing at all. So, we think it’s a just a bit of wordplay that doesn’t mean anything. A gently sardonic phrase meant only to adorn the side of said white minivan. Painted on there by an artist with absolutely no respect for the sanctity of the American minivan!

Here’s a couple of shots of more good art on the van:

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Thanks, minivan artist, for some interesting pics!

– Jane

Photo of the Week #10

Day 10 of the Voyage of the Tramper 09/24/2012

Trailhead – Kingdom Trails; East Burke, Vermont

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We were only 10 days into a 170-day journey. Yet, it didn’t feel like we just left home but rather like we had been enjoying a luxury of days already. And so we had, for who goes on a vacation for more than 10 days? It’s not usual among our set. A precious week is all the time we usually allow ourselves, all at once.

That’s the magic of the Voyage: time. Time to explore and travel and just breathe!

– Jane

Virginia Mountain Bike Weekend!

The Tramper, though we love her dearly, is taking up way too much space in our driveway. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMore importantly, David’s workshop is totally blocked with the Tramper in the driveway. No projects or cars can go in or out for servicing. Horrors!

The Tramper will never be sold and will never be retired. Just…. out of our hair! Some friends made a lovely offer so we’ll relocate the Tramper soon. But first, one more trip!

It was just a long weekend. A tiny speck of time compared to the Voyage. But big fun!

Ready to go!

Ready to go!

We attended the Virginia Mountain Bike Festival held each year near the Shenandoah in George Washington National Forest.

We love this bike fest! The attendance is small but the trails are huge. They even un-complicate the camping a bit by feeding us a few meals.

Our rides varied from 2 hours to 6 hours and we had loads of fun! To get to the gorgeous singletrack trails, an hour of road riding was required. Road riding is not our favorite (danger from cars, exhaust fumes, blazing sun, etc.) but we were richly rewarded for our efforts by views from the spine of the mountain.

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Knowing that you climbed the mountain by bicycle power makes it all the sweeter! Did I mention the trails can be quite rocky?

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This segment of trail is tame compared to some of the others. But, I was fighting for my life on the truly rocky bits. No time for photos!

Seen in the woods, on the ridge top: Pink Ladies Slipper! It’s the first time I’ve photographed them in the woods. Enchanting!

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Here’s a bouncy bridge over the poetically named North River. I had fun jumping on it! I don’t think the friends who were with me had as much fun on the swaying, leaping bridge as I did, though.

The Tramper was a cozy haven when the weather turned chilly.

He, Rich! Refuse to smile for the camera at your own risk!

Hey, Rich! Refuse to smile for the camera at your own risk!

Another great weekend with the Tramper!

– Jane

Memorial Day 2013

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Seen in Cherokee, North Carolina, on Day 64 of the Voyage of the Tramper. 11/17/2012.

Some cities decorate cows, others crabs (like Baltimore). Cherokee invoked the great spirit of the Bear. This one seemed especially apt to commemorate Memorial Day, when we remember and thank all those who  made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

Jane & David

Photo of the Week #9

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The open road, leading far off into the distance.

A beautiful day.

“Everything you think you’ll ever need, sitting in the seat next to you.” – Butterfly Boucher

In February, 2013, we cross the Mojave Desert on Day 170 of The Voyage of the Tramper.

– Jane