Thousands of soldiers took part in this important charge and in addition to these participants, the mission employed a millenary of ships, airplanes and tanks.
As with the passage of time, most who lived to recall the events of this day have passed on…
Most of the mechanical craft that saw action have been retired, scrapped or gone to their grave. Incredibly, some have been restored and live on in museums, but there are few that are actively continuing their careers in a different capacity.
The USS LST-510 was designed to be a short-lived assault craft which was designed to allow the landing of both armored and unarmored vehicles on a beach. Appearing to be a basic cargo ship, it was able to deceive those surveilling the area. The LST, also known by its crews as a Large Slow Target, had a flat bottom and was able to sail directly up to or close to shore. It then opened the ramp hidden inside a door on its bow and allowed vehicles to exit and go to combat.
Having contributed to the success of and having survived D-Day, the USL LST-510 was destined to continue its career long into the next century. Now known as the M/V Cape Henlopen, this World War II survivor was sold into commercial hands and was converted into a car ferry. The ferry’s name and owners have changed over the years, but her new mission has remained constant.
Today, the M/V Cape Henlopen crosses the Long Island Sound between Orient Point, New York and New London, Connecticut.
When we had decided to take the ferry while making our way to Massachusetts, we had heard about this World War II survivor from a few locals. Never did we realize, however, that the ferry that we would be traveling on would be this historic seafaring vessel. In fact, as we sat in line, waiting for it to arrive, we were more concerned with the overcast skies and deteriorating weather conditions.
After driving on board, we exited our vehicles and made our way into the wind and drizzle, attempting to climb the stairs to the lounge area as quickly as possible. As I glanced over to the right, a blue sign caught my eye, perhaps the only clue to this ship’s wartime service.
This was the one we had heard of!
Excitedly, we entered the lounge area and took a look around. Sadly, there was nothing more to see which informed travelers of her historic and significant past.
Our ride was uneventful and a short hour and fifteen minutes later, we were arriving in New London.
Ordinarily, upon arriving at one’s destination, passengers are often in a rush to disembark and continue on their journey. As we sat in my friend’s Ford Expedition, we glanced around as we drove slowly from the hold and imagined what the soldiers who manned the vehicles in the hold on that pivotal day must have felt.
Fear and anticipation.
For us, there was only admiration.
This magnificent veteran played such an important part in history and continues to serve the citizens of our nation to this day.
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There are fifty states in the United States and I had visited 49.
Yes, I had traveled to every state in our country…except Alaska!
Of course, I have watched many shows which chronicle life in Alaska, gold prospecting in Alaska, fishing in Alaska, house hunting in Alaska, just to name a few! I am sure you have seen them all as well, however, as these shows have made me sometimes feel like I have been there, travel to this amazing state had somehow escaped me!
Until now.
With some luck, I found myself in the position to be able to assist in transporting some military troops to Alaska where they would continue their journey onward to an overseas base. Realizing that I would have a bit of time in Anchorage, I immediately made plans to rent a car and analyzed a map of the area, determined to figure out how much I could squeeze in. As the date of departure neared, however, I realized that the weather was not going to cooperate. High winds were moving in and heavy snow was in the forecast. The weather was definitely going to hinder my plans and I wasn’t optimistic about driving on icy roads.
Thinking about one of the items on my bucket list, dog sledding, I began some investigation on whether I might be able to schedule this activity despite the weather. A little legwork revealed a kennel, about ninety minutes away, that provided transportation. Being able to accomplish something that I had always wanted to do and not having to drive in conditions that were pretty foreign to me would be a win-win.
Our journey to the most northern part of our country was long but uneventful and we arrived at our hotel in the early part of the next morning. After speaking with my coworkers, I had found that most of them also sought to mark dog sledding off of their bucketlists. Discussing it at length and making a few phone calls, we found that when pooling our resources, we could rent a four-wheel drive vehicle which would make it safer for us all to travel together and make the trip to Big Lake, Alaska. The bonus plan was that there was one in our group more familiar with driving in the snow…so I did not have to navigate the treacherous roadways!
After much needed sleep, we picked up our Suburban, loaded everyone up and followed the GPS route to Big Lake, via Wasilla. The roads were somewhat treacherous and I was truly glad that it was not me behind the wheel. Following a quick lunch in Wasilla and some poses alongside a big wooden moose, we found ourselves driving down heavily snow covered roads through the woods, spotting a real moose emerging from the woods, along the way.
The Happy Trails Kennel was nestled down a long and winding drive and we must have seemed like a bunch of crazy women, busting in, shaking snow from our boots, talking incessantly and eager to get the adventure started.
The owner, Martin Buser, an Alaska transplant, originally hailing from Switzerland, greeted us warmly. Little did we realize at that moment, that we were in the presence of Alaskan dog sledding royalty! Martin is currently the musher with the most consecutive Iditarod finishes and a four-time Iditarod champion, preparing at that time for the start of his next race a month later.
We were introduced to his wonderful wife, Kathy and another Iditerod musher, DeeDee Jonrowe, who had agreed to take part of our group out with her dog team. After finalizing our payments and outfitting all of us in our snow gear, we ushered outside to meet the dogs and learn a little about the sport of dog sledding.
Divided into two groups, four with Martin and three with Dee Dee, we headed out into the wilderness, following some previously plowed trails which headed out over the lake. I was with Dee Dee, perched precariously behind her on the rails of her dogsled, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape around us on my camera, while she told us about her family, how she found her way to Alaska and about her Iditarod career, which consists of sixteen top ten finishes and a second place finish that was the fastest Iditarod time ever recorded at that point. Its hard to describe how serene it is gliding through an all-white landscape with not a building or soul in sight for miles around! So hard to describe, in fact, that I had to facetime all three of my boys so that they could see what I was seeing while it was occurring!
Our journey lasted about forty-five minutes and my legs were burning from trying to balance on the sled. I will admit, however, I fell off once, so as much as I loved the outing, it was nice when it came to an end and were able to go out to the kennels to play with the puppies and the mature dogs!
Doffing our snow gear back inside the toasty building, we purchased some souvenirs, grabbed a coffee and watched a film, highlighting Martin’s illustrious career. It was fun to see that Mike Rowe of the television show Dirty Jobs had visited and filmed a segment at the kennels. Though we didn’t have to pick up dog poop like Mike, we could see that he enjoyed his visit as much as all of us!
As the sky was starting to darken and we began the journey back to our hotel, it was with excitement for what we had experienced and sadness for it to be over with too soon! Flipping on the radio, we almost expected to hear Roy Rogers singing the kennel’s theme song, Happy Trails, but alas, it was only the GPS, telling us to turn left, back to Wasila and Anchorage!
As our tires left markings in the snow all the way home, we indeed, left some happy trails!
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Address: 19391 West Lakes Blvd, Big Lake, Alaska USA 99652
Hours: Winter dog sled tours, 1000 and 1400. From May until September, kennel tours available at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, additional fee involved
Admission: $149 per person. Kennel tour, adults, $49, children under 12, $22.
Getting There: North on Hwy 1 (Glenn Highway). Hwy 1 turns into Hwy 3 (Parks Highway). Go through Wasilla, turn left on Big Lake road at mile 52. Go 3 ¼ miles on Big Lake road turn right on Beaver Lake Road. Go 1 mile, turn left onto West Lakes Boulevard (long name, short sign “W. Lks. Blvd”). Go 4 ½ miles to our driveway on right. Look for tripod with sign.
One of the best things about Charleston is that it is a great walking city. With so much history within its boundaries, there is a wealth of information at your fingertips…or rather footsteps…
From block to block, every building, signpost, gate and cobblestone has a story to tell.
Some are marked with signs stating their historical significance.
Some, you can find with a tour guide’s help.
Some, you just need to know.
And some you just stumble upon, along with historical events happening as you walk on by!
2020 Charleston Mayoral Inauguration
Take the time to explore…and learn.
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Situated on the eastern coast of the United States, Charleston has always been subject to natural disasters. Hurricane season still has the city shuttering up and evacuating when an imposing storm approaches.
In its long and tumultuous history, Charleston has also had to face earthquakes, tornadoes and epidemics, but there was one thing that had an even greater impact on the city.
Fire.
The Great Fire of 1698, swept through Charleston only 28 years after it was first settled, devastating the city. Despite the purchase of firefighting equipment, decrees requiring chimneys to be built from brick or stone and night watches, more fires ravaged the city again in 1700, 1740 and in the 1770’s.
After volunteer fire companies were organized during the first half of the 19th century, over 1600 volunteers were available to protect property owners, however, when the Great Fire of 1861 devastated the city, it was the motivation that the city needed to establish a permanent firefighting organization.
As I walked down Meeting Street and perused the dinner menu for Jestine’s Kitchen posted in the window, I noticed in the reflection, the Firehouse across the street. What really caught my eye, actually, was the the cute Dalmatian statue gracing the front of the station!
This central fire house, along with two others, was built under the orders of Mayor William A. Courtenay and in 1882, the city’s first paid fire department was established.
Walking across the street for a closer look, I discovered a small park on the corner of Meeting and Wentworth streets, adjacent to the fire station. Constructed to honor Mayor Courtenay it houses a cast iron pavilion and a commemorative cast iron bell honoring the mayor’s achievements. There is also a fountain that was originally fed by an artesian well, one of several installed around the city to provide the residents with clean water in the 19th century.
After I visited the garden, I took a peek into the firehouse. In addition, to a modern, shiny fire engine parked in one of the Meeting Street bays, there was also two antiques parked in the bays on Wentworth.
A cool diversion for a hot topic!
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There was one thing that I wanted to do while in Charleston but it can sometimes be tricky during the winter.
Fort Sumter.
Less frequent boat schedules and colder weather are sometimes off-putting, so, when I noticed that temperatures were going to be unseasonably warm while I would be in Charleston, I decided that my plan would be a “go”.
Armed with a few layers and an umbrella (just in case), I headed over to the Liberty Square with an intent to catch the afternoon boat. Though it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance during the busier months, I found no problem in purchasing one at the last minute at the National Park Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center offers information about the Fort and its history to browse before boarding the boat and I read through the information while awaiting our boarding time.
The boat, a pseudo paddle wheeler, soon pulled adjacent to the pier. Taking a spot in the front of the boat, I enjoyed the breezy thirty minute ride to the island.
Once we arrived, we were given sixty minutes to tour the fort and the island. National Parks rangers greeted us at the pier and instructed those wanting to take part in the close-of-the-day flag ceremony to follow them to the upper part of the fort. Interesting as that sounded, I was more interested in taking unobstructed photographs, so I used this time, while others were occupied, to walk around the fort.
Construction began on the fort in 1829 and was named for Revolutionary War general and South Carolina native, Thomas Sumter. The fort was one of fifty built as part of a coastal defense program implemented by Congress in 1817 and was erected on a man-made island entirely formed from thousands of tons of granite. It was the site of the Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861, where a thirty-four hour exchange of artillery fire…the first shots of the Civil War…let to a surrender and the occupation by Confederate troops. After the Civil War, the fort was restored by the U.S. military and occupied during the Spanish-American War (1898), World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). In 1948, the fort was decommissioned as a military post and turned over to the National Park Service as a National Historic Site.
Although the fort is built on an 2.4 acre island, there is much to discover including the Powder magazine (where Fort Sumter’s powder was stored) the Gorge Wall (the lightly-armed rear wall facing inland) the Battery Huger (named for War hero, Isaac Huger) and a small museum highlighting the fort’s history and items from its occupation. There are a large number and variety of cannons throughout the property and on the top level, a beautiful view of the bay and Fort Johnson, the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired from.
An hour goes by pretty quickly and after I had captured my last photograph, the rangers were ushering us out to the waiting boat prepared to take us back to Liberty Square. As the sun was going down, so was the temperature and it was nice to take a seat inside, especially since they were now serving adult beverages!
Nothing like a good adult beverage on a sunset cruise!
That’s what is so great about a visit to Fort Sumter…it’s a two-for-one tour! You not only get a lesson on Civil War history, you get a cruise of the harbor, complete with after-hour beverages. You can even step it up and add to the theme! Have a “shot”!!!
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There are approximately sixty-five churches in Charleston’s downtown area and as I stood at my hotel window, so many majestic steeples and spires dotted the landscape, I almost lost count!
I was intrigued! I always seek out churches in Europe, but I was curious to see what these churches, some very historic, would offer. As I stood before the window, I decided that this would be my mission that day. I would try to see and photograph as many of these historic places of worship as I could!
The French Huguenot Church was first on my list, not only because it was in the area that I was headed, but I was captivated by pictures I had seen. Dating back to 1845, this was the third church to stand on the site and it is the only remaining independent Huguenot Church in America. Although I didn’t get the opportunity to venture inside, I was able to admire its Gothic styled windows, buttresses and decorative details.
Just down the street, I was drawn to St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, one of the most photographed landmarks in Charleston. In 1681, a small wooden building on the site of the current St. Michael’s Episcopal church, housed the congregation until a new church was built on this location in the 1700’s. This church, however, was destroyed by fire in 1835. The current church was completed in 1838 and it’s lofty steeple added a decade later. Again, neither the church nor its graveyard were open as I strolled by, but it should be noted that there are many prominent people buried in this location, including several colonial Governors, five Episcopal bishops and a former United States Vice President.
The Circular Church was organized in 1681 by English Congregationalists, Scots Presbyterians and French Huguenots who were seeking religious freedom. Located on Meeting Street, it was their first church, known as the White Meeting House, that gave the street its name. The second structure was completed in 1806 until it was damaged by the Great Charleston Fire in 1861 and then completely demolished by the Charleston earthquake of 1886. The current circular Romanesque church was completed in 1892, using material from the previous structure. Though, once again, the church was not open to visitors, the graveyard offered some interesting grave sites and tombstones, one dating back to 1695.
So, I was batting zero as far as seeing interiors of these significant sanctuaries and my average didn’t get any better as I arrived at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Out front, a sign was posted stating that the interior was closed while it was receiving a fresh coat of paint! Standing outside, I had to imagine what its notable stained glass windows looked like from the inside while gazing up at the relatively new spire. The cathedral dates back to its completion in 1854, only to see its destruction by the Great Charleston Fire in seven years later. The current construction was completed in 1907, with it spire added 103 years later. Disappointed that I was unable to see the interior of the cathedral, I was invited into the basement chapel by the church’s secretary, for a small respite from the unseasonably warm temperatures.
A little further down the block, I found St. Michael’s, and finally, a church that was open! Built between 1752 and 1761, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church is one of the oldest churches in Charleston, surviving hurricanes, wars, fires and earthquakes. It has hosted some very famous guests including George Washington in 1791 and Robert E. Lee in 1861. As I wandered through the historic structure, I noted the beautiful stained glass window in the apse, a brass chandelier, carved wooden pulpit, cedar box-pews, the three-sided second story gallery and its grand organ.
Despite my disappointment in my mission with most churches being closed, this beautiful church restored my vigor!
Heading in the opposite direction, I made my way over to the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, often referred to as Mother Emanuel. A Gothic Revival style church built in 1891, it is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in the south. Though I was unaware at the time, I discovered later that this was the church that was the site of a mass shooting in 2015 when a man entered the church and opened fire on a Bible study group.
The Second Presbyterian Church was located a couple of blocks away on Wragg Square. Founded in 1809, the church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed in the Classic Revival style, the brick building features two tiers of windows, a square tower with an octagonal belfry and a Tuscan portico.
Moving on, I spied the New Tabernacle Fourth Baptist Church down the street. After later spotting photographs of this Gothic Revival’s interior, I do wish I could have taken a look inside as it appeared to be quite lovely. This church dates back to 1875 and is the fourth church of the Baptist denomination to be founded in Charleston.
On King Street, named for King Charles II and known for its outstanding shopping, I found St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. Built in 1872, its 297-foot steeple once made it the tallest building in South Carolina. Today, it is the tallest spire and one that I had seen from my hotel window. After only being able to see most of the churches that I had sought out only from the outside, I was thrilled to find St. Matthew’s open to visitors. The caretaker gave me a detailed history of the church, including the fire that destroyed much of the interior and the steeple, which crashed into King Street. Its original features include the carved pulpit and the stained glass windows in the apse and under the balcony.
Citadel Square Baptist, established in 1854, was the fourth Baptist church built in Charleston and is named after the church’s location across from Marion Square, the location of the Citadel at the time. It makes a beautiful site from the square with its flaxen hued exterior and lanky spire.
Redeemer Presbyterian Church is a relatively new church, started in 2005 on James Island. After deciding to relocate to the downtown area, this church assumed ownership of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, which dates back to 1853. Again, it was not open to the public, but I thought that it was a stately building created in the classical Greek revival style.
The last church I came upon was St. Johannes Lutheran Church. To be quite frank, it looked so much like the previous one. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, however, this church was established in 1842 by a constituency of 52 Lutherans who wanted to retain the German language in their services. In fact, German was spoken until 1910. I understand that the interior is quite beautiful, so I will have to do further investigation to find when the church might be open to visitors.
As the afternoon was coming to a close, I did a quick count…twelve churches. Wow! But wait, how many are there in the downtown area?
I read somewhere that there are over 400 places of worship of different denominations throughout the city. If this is the case, it truly is a Holy City.
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When I visit a cool city, I am always looking to find a souvenir that’s equally as cool as the city it comes from, that will bring to mind the great time that I had or add to one of my existing collections.
In Charleston, the place to go and find those mementos is the City Market, a historic market complex in the downtown area. Covering four city blocks, the market, established in the early 1800’s, is one of the oldest public markets in the nation and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Since this awesome shopping arcade was located across the street from my hotel, I spent quite a bit of time wandering through the sheds and the Great Hall. There was no shortage of things to buy or eat and sometimes the whole experience was one of entertainment, watching the painters paint and jewelry makers craft their pieces. The basket weavers were of special interest to me as their pieces reminded me of the ones I have seen in Africa. This particular style, however, was originally made to winnow rice in the plantations. The sweetgrass basket tradition was passed down over time and now highly sought after as a piece of art from Charleston.
And if entertainment is what you seek, between the months of March and December, you can visit the Night Market on Friday and Saturday evenings where more than a hundred talented artists and craftsmen exhibit their wares amidst live entertainment.
City Market is home to more than 300 industrialists and is open every day of the year except December 25th. Keep in mind, however, that weekends are busier than weekdays and summer livelier than winter, where you might find a larger number of empty tables.
So if you find yourself in Charleston, enjoy being outdoors, love shopping for locally made items and appreciate meeting locals, this is your place! And when you are done with your shopping, take a climb to the top floor of the front of the market for a visit to the Confederate museum!
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Many years have passed since I last visited Charleston, South Carolina.
My memories of the southern city were vague, recollecting only that it had reminded me of New Orleans and my home state of Louisiana and that we had stayed in a hotel that was reported to be haunted!
When I had the opportunity to visit with my husband, who was in town for business, I decided that I would use every waking moment to re-discover everything that makes Charleston…Charleston!
Having already marked off the tourist-worthy points of interest on my map, I had planned to start my explorations bright and early the next morning. Being that it was already the later part of the afternoon, I headed out into the unseasonably warm temperatures intending to only take a walk before dinner.
Walking through the City Market, browsing a bit of the artistic fare displayed for sale, I made my way to the waterfront. Stopping to take in the tranquil view of the Charleston Harbor, I continued my stroll through Waterfront Park admiring the fountains and the old oaks towering above. Heading up to East Bay Street, I found myself at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon.
The Charleston landmark was completed in 1771 and is the site of some of the most important events in South Carolina’s history. Used as a Commercial Exchange, a Customs House, a Post Office, City Hall, Military Headquarters, it now operates as a museum. Once the property of both the British and United States governments, the Confederacy and the Charleston City government, it is now owned by the state of South Carolina and the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is operated by the City of Charleston.
As it was the later part of the afternoon, with less than an hour available until closing, I made the quick decision to squeeze in one landmark. After paying my admission, I was instructed to head down to the bottom floor to catch the final tour of the day before squeezing in a visit to the remainder of the museum.
Our tour guide, dressed in Confederate period attire, escorted us through the bottom floor of the Exchange which was converted into a military prison known as the Provost or “dungeon”. Here, American prisoners of war, British soldiers, private citizens and enslaved people were kept here to endure the harsh conditions.
Though the dungeon no longer seems like such a scary place, with its full scale dioramas depicting life in the bowels of the building, I can only imagine the vast number of prisoners (and rats) crammed in this small space with its darkened interior and inhumane conditions. It was no wonder that the survival rate was scant.
With the tour completed, I headed upstairs to investigate the remainder of the institution admiring the Georgian-Palladian design of the building which was constructed from the finest materials and was once a symbol of the city’s worth.
The Old Exchange entertained President George Washington in 1791, events that were attended by hundreds of members of the Charleston aristocracy. It was also a meeting place for local Patriots and hosted South Carolina leaders as they debated and approved the U.S. Constitution. It is one of only four structures remaining where the nation’s founding document was originally ratified. The room of the Daughters of the American Revolution, located on the lower level, also displays a copy of the Declaration of Independence given to the Chapter in 1912 by Brig. General George Gordon Greenough, great nephew of Ann Harrod Adams, sister-in-law of John Quincy Adams. Despite these remarkable events in the nation’s history, there was also many darker notes, including the fact that it was a location often used for slave trading.
There are many artifacts displayed throughout the museum including a setup depicting the Old Post Office once located in the Old Exchange in the 1880’s.
As I walked through the upper floor, I wandered through the Colonel Isaac Haynes Room, dedicated to the patriot who fought in the Seige of Charleston in March 1780. He was hanged in 1781 in Charleston by British troops for espionage and treason.
One of the displays that stood out was of two paintings crafted to commemorate Washington’s visit to Charleston by John Trumbull. The original painting depicted Washington in 1777 prior to the Second Battle of Trenton. When the leaders rejected the painting, citing that Washington should have been painted as he was during his Charleston visit, Trumbull agreed to a second painting which showed Washington standing in nearby Mount Pleasant with the Charleston skyline visible in the background. Originally, the painting was displayed there in the Great Hall of the Old Exchange until City Hall was moved to is present location.
Quite an interesting start to my Charleston discovery…
Guess what I would be going in search of the next day?
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Address: 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Hours: 0900-1700, daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Tour times, 0900-1700 every day on the half hour.
Admission: Adults, $10.00, Children (7-12 years), $5.00, Children (under 7 years), free. Discounts are available for Senior/AARP, Military, Teachers, Students, Children, and groups of six people or more. The Old Exchange also offers discounted combination tickets with the Old Slave Mart Museum that provide access to both sites. Adults, $15.00, Senior/AARP, $11.00, Children (7-12), $8.00, Children (0-6), free
If you slice open a human body, what does it look like on the inside?
If you are a medical student, you probably have had the opportunity during a anatomy class to see the inner workings of the human body. Most people, however, have not.
Years ago, my husband and I visited the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel and Casino. Thirteen preserved and dissected bodies and 260 organs gave us the opportunity to view the complexity of our own organs and systems. It was truly interesting to see our skeletal, muscular, respiratory and circulatory systems up close and this unique look at the human body had a lasting effect on how I viewed my health and well-being.
Recently, while staying at Bally’s, I noticed advertisements for REAL BODIES. What was the difference between this one and the exhibit still on display at the Luxor Hotel?
I found myself with a little time one afternoon and decided to check it out.
Real BODIES was much as I remembered the exhibit years earlier. This exhibit, however, is much larger, with twenty bodies and over 200 specimens. As I moved through the well-lit spaces, highlighting the fascinating specimens, I learned that this exhibit, also incorporates emotional and cultural narratives and artistic installations. The well-posed specimens were captivating, however, I was mesmerized by the variety of organs displayed and the faces detailing the circulatory systems.
Another favorite part of the display was the ossuary honoring the passage from life to death. The displays of bones and skulls brought back memories of visits to various ossuaries that I have visited over the years (Capuchin Crypt in Rome, Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan, Catacombs of Paris).
Though some might find it a bit disturbing, I also found the Beginnings part of the exhibit to be particularly intriguing with its look into the start of life. Embryos, placentas and vessels displaying specimens of unrealized pregnancies show fetal bone development as well as the development of the small bodies at various stages of propagation.
And if you think embryos are a little disturbing, you need to draw back the sheer curtain and take a look at the skin suit. Yes, one that Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs would absolutely kill for!
In the end, I compared the two exhibitions in my mind and decided that while they were both interesting, REAL BODIES offered more information and at the same time was also a bit cheaper.
If anyone is trying to make the decision of which to visit, location may be a large part of your choice, however, you won’t be disappointed by either. And for those, faint of heart, who may be deterred by the thought of looking into a human body, believe me, its like no other spectacle that you have ever seen!
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For many years, stories about alien sightings and the Extra Terrestrial Highway has captivated my interest and I have always wondered just what was out there, besides Area 51, the most secretive and famous military bases in the world.
Certainly no parking meters…or even parking meteors!
On this particular trip to Las Vegas, I decided that taking the northern route to where Highway 93 intersects with Route 375 was going to be an adventure that I was going to seek out.
My son insisted that in the spirit of the trip, I download Joe Rogan’s podcast highlighting Bob Lazar’s recollections of his time working at Area 51. It was an interesting story to pass the monotony of the drive and before I realized it, I had reached the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful oasis that I wasn’t expecting amidst the arid topography. With a modern Visitor Center explaining the refuge’s history, large lakes, abundance of wildlife and a variety of hiking trails, I decided that it would be a fantastic destination…on another trip.
Time to focus and keep my eye on the prize.
I continued onward on Highway 93, passing the communities of Alamo and Ash Springs and finally, encountered the first of my alien sightings at the Jerky Shop. So, they were aliens of the painted and plastic kind, but it was exciting nonetheless!
As I turned my car onto Route 375, I immediately pulled over. This was the start of the E.T. Highway, marked with an official sign.
Taking a selfie to mark the occasion, I jumped back into my car and just a ways up the road, encountered Fred, the 35-foot tall metal alien standing guard at the Alien Research Center. The “research center”, the unofficial gateway to Area 51, is actually a gift shop, specializing in t-shirts, tequila and an abundance of alien-themed gifts.
After speaking with the the lady at the gift shop, I learned that the next destination on the E.T. Highway would be the town of Rachel, approximately forty miles away. I cranked up my music, enjoying the desert scenery, the occasional alien graffiti and my favorite, the “Low-Flying Aircraft” signs. I am sure they were warning of small planes that patrol and travel the area, however, knowing where I was, it was very amusing!
As I drove along, I found myself scanning not only the sky, but each side road that disappeared into the desert. Could that be the way to Area 51?
Finally, I arrived in Rachel, the home of the Little A’Le’Inn and their assortment of alien-themed souvenirs and foodstuffs. I had read that I should stop in at the diner and have a piece of pie, but I was more curious to listen in on other’s conversations or glean something interesting from one of the employees. Enjoying my tasty pastry, I tuned in to the guys sitting a few seats down at the bar. Interested only in chatting about their bike trip, I then glanced over at the table of four British tourists. Too far away to hear their discussion, I instead turned to my phone to occupy my time.
What could I find on the internet about Area 51?
Maybe directions on how to get there?
Yeah, right.
Well, wouldn’t you know…as I read another’s blog about their trip to the area, this person gave specific instructions as to how to find the road that leads to the back gate of Area 51…and I had just passed it.
Did I have the guts to not only turn down that road, but to follow it to see if the back gates were actually there? As I made my way around the Little A’Le’Inn’s building, checking out their flying saucer and their welcoming “little green man”, I alternately decided to go and then, not go.
Pulling out of the parking lot, I headed back the way I had come on Route 375 and just a short ways down, I spotted the road that I had just read about. Turning in, I was re-reading the instructions as a car pulled alongside, startling me. A young couple rolled down their window and asked if I was going to travel the distance.
Still apprehensive, I heard a little voice telling me to seize the moment. I told the couple that if they led the way, I would follow.
Oh, please…don’t let me get arrested!
We headed down the road, dust flying, for approximately seven miles. This is when I knew that we were on the correct course as I had read that the entire road was ten miles with only the last three being paved. When we hit the pavement at mile eight, the anxiety really kicked in. I followed the couple the remaining distance until, on the horizon, I noticed tall light posts, a guard shack and fence stretched across the pavement. Thankfully, we pulled over, me behind them, where I snapped a quick photo, hoping no trained eyes were watching. Feeling a bit relieved when we turned around and headed back to Route 375, I pulled over before continuing my drive back to Vegas.
Giving a glance behind and even a glance upward.
No armed guards. No flying saucers. No little green men.
There have always been lots of unanswered questions surrounding this mysterious area in the Nevada desert. Seeing what I was led to believe are the back gates to Area 51 was at the same time, thrilling, yet left me with lots of questions.
If the government really didn’t want anyone to know where Area 51 is, why would they allow someone to post instructions on how to get there on the internet? Maybe it is a fake gate. But who knows? Maybe it is real.
I will never know for sure what I saw out in the desert near Rachel, but I do know that my entire experience along the E.T. Highway was something that I will never forget.
If someone asked me whether the long drive was worth it. Absolutely! Despite its intriguing quirkiness, the desert, itself, it is a place of mystery and beauty.
Who knows…maybe you’ll be the one to see more lights in the sky there than you can in Vegas!
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