Escape from DC

 

South of the Border
South Carolina
June 13, 2025

We are on the road headed south. I made a point of getting away from the DC area before the Flag Day festivities get out of hand. 

Or is the 250th Anniversary of the US Army?

Or is it a birthday celebration?  

Who knows?

Tanks will be rolling through our nation’s capital. 

 Chris and I decided to escape before the roads become gridlocked.

We have been driving about 6 1/2 hours and are in South Carolina headed into our first rainstorm of the day. 

Travel days can be so much fun.

— Bob Doan, near Dillon, SC

We Made It!

81st Anniversary of D-Day 

Our two-day I-95 fun drive was a success and we arrived in Elkridge yesterday afternoon. I had correctly discerned the weather from the projections and we only had rain for about the first 45 minutes of yesterday's six-hour highway event. It was supposed to be only five hours of road fun, but as usual, traffic delays that began in Richmond and continued through D.C. and into Maryland. 

View of the Roads Ahead
I-95 near Fredericksburg, VA
June 5, 2025

 During the drive, I especially do not enjoy getting a message like the one at the left. A 41-minute traffic delay is no fun at all. This message was from Wednesday as we were trying to make our way to the hotel. The day began with the mapping program estimating a 2:33 PM arrival at the hotel, based upon the need for gas and rest stops I had estimated 3:30 PM, and we finally got to the hotel at 5:02 PM. Having departed home at 5:07 AM that made for a very long day. 

We are looking forward to visiting with friends and family and reconnecting, before reversing our route and returning to Florida.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Wait, That's a Torpedo

Torpedo
St Marys, GA
June 4, 2025

 It is not something that is expected to be seen when traveling north on I-95 and entering the state of Georgia--but there it was, a torpedo!

Amazing!

Well, we were in submarine country.

And I had forgotten how large actual torpedos are--but there it was, right in front of the restrooms. 

It was a reminder of naval warfare and the presence of the US Navy in the area. I love the display. Most people walked by and didn't even notice the weapon. Or, sadly, cared.

It was a more advanced version of the weapon that helped win the WW2 Battle of the Atlantic and also helped win the war in the Pacific. Many Japanese and German ships and subs succumbed to the predecessors of this weapon fired by the intrepid crews of U.S. submarines, many of whom never returned from their patrols, but who were instrumental in winning the naval war.

Wow. History in the raw!

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, N C

On The Road

 We are in Georgia having been on the road 5 hours already. It has been rainy at times as it will be all day.  Chris just took the wheel as we race through the state. I am taking a break. 

The program I use to forecast the trip weather was showing thunderstorms and rain all day, but the showers have been spotty so far.

We have just entered another storm area. Chris is doing well, she hates driving in the rain. 

After a stop tonight, we should arrive in Maryland tomorrow early afternoon. 

— Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA

Trip Preps

Readying the Truck
Tequesta, FL
June 2, 2025

 Chris and I are preparing to head north for a couple weeks. We have decided that while it takes longer, it is nice to have our own vehicle and not have to rent or borrow wheels when we arrive and so we are doing the two-day drive. 

We used to drive straight through, but determined that since we were so tired upon arriving that we effectively lost the next day the time investment is almost the same as spending a night on the road. We have also decided that the truck is more comfortable than the car for long trips and so it will be making the trip again.  

We took the truck over for the pre-trip cleaning. The wash center was really empty, I guess not a lot of people get their vehicles cleaned on a rainy day! Chris like to depart with a clean vehicle which is not a bad thing. I just wish I could remember to get it cleaned after we return, but before the next adventure. 

Gas prices are down! I paid $2.83/gallon yesterday. I only needed 5 gallons to top off the tank and I hope we can continue to find inexpensive gas along I-95 during our trek tomorrow. We shouldn't need our first fill-up until Georgia!

I will blog from the road tomorrow morning as the trip progresses. We have made the journey enough times that we have our favorite stopping places. 

See ya on the interstate!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Home Again

From the United Club
George Bush Intercontinental Airport 
Houston, TX
April 22, 2025

 The travel day was executed without incident. That is always great. The flight was onetime and the journey to the airport was without incident. 

Who can ask for more? 

Even Finnegan was at home and greeted us as we entered the house. He puts on an unrivaled display of excitement when we arrive after being away. 

We had left the car at the airport and it was great just walking into the garage, hopping into the vehicle and driving away after traveling. We do not do that too often, but the short nature of the trip meant that parking at the airport was less expensive than getting an Uber or a Lyft. 

We do not have any travel planned for the month of May. It will be good to be home and enjoying the South Florida lifestyle of boating, golfing, and biking for a while. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Finalizing the Visit

Saltgrass Steakhouse
Fulshear, TX
April 21, 2025

 Yesterday was our final full day in the Houston area. We spent time with Dad at his residence while also enjoying lunch with some of the family. 

By the end of the day the weather was spectacular--blue clear sky and low humidity. 

Today is another travel day. We are making our way back to Florida and hopefully will be arrive by mid-afternoon. 

Lunch at Saltgrass Steakhouse was very nice and seemed to be authentically Texan. The weather was so perfect that we sat outside and enjoyed good company and weather. 

Following that, we headed off to see Dad at his residence. I was able to fix a broken wheel on his adjustable tray and we chatted about the state of the world for a few hours before Chris and I said our final goodbye and headed back to Scott and Pennie's for the evening. 

It has been a busy and enjoyable trip, but going home is always a positive thought especially knowing Finnegan will be home in time to greet us as we arrive. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Good Friday Celebration

Dad
Grand Marshall of the Easter Egg Hunt
Weston Lakes, TX
April 18, 2025

Good Friday is not normally a celebratory day. It is more usually a day of remorse and reflection.

Yesterday, however, we celebrated and enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt while spending time with my Dad, whom I have not seen in over a year. He was in good spirits when we retrieved him from his residence and we spent the day interacting with some of our Texas family. 

Preston and Eva
After the Egg Hunt
Weston Lakes, TX
April 18, 2025

We spent a long day enjoying the sounds of children and watching them play. I even got to play catch with a football. Since I didn't bring my baseball glove, and there aren't any other lefties in the family, we couldn't play catch with a baseball--my preferred sports ball. 

It was relaxing and enjoyable to watch the kids play while catching up with the adults. 

It was also nice to focus on family and take some respite from the news of the day. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Arriving Houston

Passenger Pick-up Terminal C
George Bush Intercontinental, Houston, TX
April 17, 2025

 When Chris and I journey to Houston, we mostly fly into Houston Hobby, not George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). It was quite an experience landing at IAH last evening. I have to confess, I have never been as confused about where to go trying to leave an airport before and that includes some really complicated airports like Rome. As we headed to baggage to meet our ride we were confronted with a myriad of avenues through which to exit. There was the taxi stand door, the limo and paid rider pick-up door and later we were advised of the passenger pick-up door, which was a bit hidden. Weren't we all passengers? 

I picked the wrong exit first. We wound up where the Lift and Uber drivers along with limos pick up passengers. Walking around the corner we happened upon the taxi stand. But finding where normal people get rides from family was nowhere in sight. Calling Pennie, my sister who was trying to find us as we were trying to find her, she told me to head back inside and exit through the portal marked Passenger Pick-up. 

We found it. 

They found us!

It was a miracle and then after slogging through grid-locked airport traffic for another what seemed like 20 minutes we were on the road. 

And so the Easter holiday begins. I believe today will be devoted to an egg hunt. We will retrieve Dad from his residence so he can enjoy the fun with most of his Texas great-grandchildren. 

-- Bob Doan, Weston Lakes, TX

Traveling for Easter

 Chris and I are off to the Houston area for the Easter holiday this afternoon. 

It will be good to see my sister and her family and my Dad. It had been a while since we made the trek to Texas. 

We are flying on United, since they have a direct flight from PBI (Palm Beach International) to IAH (Houston -  George Bush Intercontinental). All of the other airlines had layovers and flight changes that, as we all know, can become a problem. It has been a while since we flew United, but the direct flight from PBI is worth the few extra dollars to not have to drive to Fort Lauderdale (FLL).

Finn is not traveling with us. He is spending the weekend with another family and will enjoy himself getting reacquainted with their cats and meeting their new puppy. 

It should be an exciting few days for all of us.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Another Beautiful Florida Day

Crossing the Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
April 9, 2025

 It was a cool 63 degrees as I headed off on my bike yesterday morning. Having been away, it always feels good to get back out on my bike. Yesterday was no different. The wind was cold even with a sweatshirt, when I started the ride. I finally warmed about 4 miles into the 14-mile ride I had planned.

It was great to be out on the bike after driving over 2500 miles during the previous 9 days. What a trip! Tequesta to Elkridge to Ithaca to Elkridge and then back to Tequesta! Whew. And that does not include the travel around Maryland.

We are off to Tampa tomorrow for boating, a ballgame, and an overnight. I am excited to boat Tampa Bay for the first time. I hope the weather holds. It is supposed to be pleasant and sunny!

Today we have a few house projects that need attention and so I will be skipping my bike ride., It is amazing how things seem to go awry when we are gone. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Out the Hotel Window - Brunswick, GA

Out the Hotel Window
Brunswick, GA
April 7, 2025

 Staying the night in Brunswick, GA, may become our stop of choice for our journey south from Maryland. It just seems like a good stop and it leaves only a few miles in Georgia before we pass into Florida. And it just seems as if the trip is almost over when we cross the Florida-Georgia line even though there are still four hours of driving ahead of us.

We have experimented with stopping near Savannah and even a bit further north in South Carolina--but the second day trip from there just seems too long. Also, given that we generally leave about 4 AM from Maryland, we arrive too early for our hotel room to be ready. Brunswick seems perfect and when we arrived at 2:30 PM our room was ready. An additional factor is the ready availability of gas and food options. The downside to stopping in South Carolina is that we will need a gas stop before making it home. Brunswick is comfortably within a tank of gas for the truck. 

Out the window last evening was a restaurant, which apparently is closed on Mondays. In the distance is I-95; the highway home. 

We experienced some severe weather last evening. When Chris and I took Finn out for his evening walk we were confronted with gale force winds and driving rain! Ugh. Needless to say, Finn found refuge under a large bush to take care of his bio needs. Hopefully today's travels will be rain free, although we are expecting showers as we get closer to home. 

Looking forward to getting home!

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA

Chewing up the Miles

 

On the Road Headed South
Near Smithfield, NC
April 7, 2025

Chris and I headed south today towards Florida. We started the day at about 4 AM in Elkridge, MD, in a drenching downpour, but by about Richmond the rain had stopped and the road dried. We made South Carolina by about 1015, leaving us just over three hours to our nighttime hotel. 

The race to end the drive and arrive at the hotel for a much needed nap ended about 2:30 PM in Brunswick, GA. Brunswick is about 2/3 the distance to Tequesta. I like short second days because in my mind I'm always thinking: "Are we there yet?"

All-in-all it was a good day on I-95. Even the South Carolina roadways were not clogged and we proceeded smoothly. We were also blessed in that the two major traffic tie-ups we spied were on the northbound side.

Hopefully, we arrive in Tequesta tomorrow about 1 PM. 

-- Bob Doan, Brunswick, GA

Enjoying the Drive

 

Rest Area off Route 15
Tioga, PA
April 4, 2025

The drive out of Ithaca and back to Maryland is full of beautiful vistas. It being early spring, Chris and I were able to watch the progression of springtime from just starting to show signs of leaves on the trees into full spring with the flowering trees and bushes adorning yards and roadways. 

I-81
Shrewsbury, PA
April 4, 2025

We made our obligatory stop at a Route 15 mountaintop rest area near Tioga, PA. The views are stunning of the valley below and yesterday the first signs of spring's rebirth could be clearly seen.

As our drive continued south, especially as we drove along the Susquehanna River, we saw many more signs of the deepening season. South of Harrisburg, springtime blossomed. Grasses became green shaking off the brown of winter. The reds and greens of budding leaves added an almost autumn-like hue to the trees along the highway. 

Upon arriving back in Maryland where springtime is fully underway, my allergies kicked in. There always seems to be a downside.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Saying Good-bye

Cayuga Lake from Glenwood Pines
Ithaca, NY
April 3, 2025

 Chris and I are in Ithaca, NY, for what likely will be our last visit. The last member of our families is preparing to depart Ithaca and move south away from the snow. I still have family in the region, but not Ithaca.

We enjoyed a nice early Spring day yesterday with temperatures into the 70s--which was a relief from the cold we experienced in Maryland. 

There are many memories here and the final departure will be difficult, I am sure. 

Last evening we enjoyed dinner on the east shore of Cayuga Lake at Glenwood Pines.  The clouds above the lake were threatening and made for definitely early-Spring scene considering the trees are only beginning to bud for new leaves. 

Today we head back to Maryland for the weekend. 

-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY

Blue Sky Day

 

Blue Spring Sky
Odenton, MD
April 1, 2025

I appreciate a blue sky. 

Blue skies without a cloud, or with few clouds, seem to be rare. Chris and I drove from Florida to Maryland under overcast skies and so yesterday's blue sky was appreciated. 

We have been enjoying the early Springtime flowering trees and bushes. There seems to be color everywhere. The white trees and bushes adorning the hills and alongside the roads almost seem like snowballs being prepared for a fight. And then the reds and greens of the budding trees coupled with the yellow of the forsythia add to the texture of the scene. 

I know many people enjoy the colors of the Autumn, but for me the rebirth after Winter with its explosion of colors is more appealing to me. And then to enjoy a blue clear sky tops off the entire experience. 

Tomorrow is another travel day. We are heading for Ithaca in what may be our last ever trek to the area where we both grew up. 

It is a busy trip.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Discovering History

Parker Seed and Feed Co.
Dunn, NC
March 30, 2025

 We stopped for the night in Dunn, NC, during our recent trip north. After about 11 hours on the road, we had departed at 4:45 AM from home, it was good to get into our hotel room and go out for a walk.

Dunn is not a big town, but we have stopped there a couple times before. This was the first stop after DST and so we headed out to explore around the hotel and give Finn a good walk before turning in for the night. 

We came across this abandoned building, Parker Seed and Feed. I could not help but think of the traffic and activity this building had seen in the past. It was likely a hub of activity, but now is fenced and standing alone in the storms. 

I am sure the building is not going to be around much longer as Dunn, NC, seems to be growing and there is a small storage company already encroaching at one end of the lot. 

The building sits right behind the Dunn Hampton Inn and Suites, which is where new stayed. Sadly, we likely will not stay there again because it seems Hilton has rebranded Hampton Inn down a level. Dunn, NC, is about two-thirds the way to Maryland from our Florida residence making it good stopping point for the northward trek. This was our third stay and I even know where to get the least expensive gas in the town!

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

        (Wow, I haven't written that location in a long time)

Travel Day

 

Aftermath of an Accident on I-95
Near Yemassee, South Carolina
March 30, 2025

The trip was supposed to be a surprise. Our departure from Florida headed for Maryland to celebrate a significant birthday was a closely held secret. Well, much like attack plans, our travel plans leaked.

Well, it wasn't national security and since even the Secretary of Defense can keep secrets, secret; I am not upset that the secret is out. In fact, it makes life easier. Our family is terrible at secrets, why? Because, from the time the kids were small Chris and I drove home the idea that families don't keep secrets. 

Chris and I are excited that we can celebrate a significant birthday with one of our kids. 

Traveling is always an adventure. Today we were slowed by an accident on the southbound side of I-95. It was a major "looky-loo" event on the northbound side. I have no idea how semi wound up traveling north on the southbound lanes. 

We should arrive in Maryland today. 

-- Bob Doan, Dunn, NC

South Africa - Reflections on the Trip

Mountains Adjoining Oldenburg Vineyard
Stellenbosch, ZA
February 13, 2025

 I am gonna bore everyone one last time as I reflect on the trip to South Africa. So much happened in the 17 days that I know I have not covered all of the highlights in what I have already written. So much was omitted in the interest of keeping the story interesting and of course I have so many more images to share. 

Ostrich
Cape of Good Hope, ZA
February 15, 2025

First off--I loved South Africa. The wine tour provided ma with a cross section of the Western Cape Province and then the safari provided some insight into the Gauteng (Johannesburg) and North West (Pilanesberg) Provinces.

What surprised me? 

Agriculture! Yes, in addition to the grape vines of the Western Cape Province, the fields of corn, wheat, and other crops in the northern provinces were really astounding. They reminded me of the expansive crop folds of the U.S. midwest. We even saw fields of sunflowers!

Waves Crashing on the Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope, ZA
February 15, 2025

Abject poverty. There is a dark side to South Africa. An over 40 percent unemployment rate and the large townships of metal shacks that go one for miles where the unemployed live and die. I was told that it is possible to be born and live an entire life without ever leaving the townships. The government provides services, but seeing the townships reminded me that there is still much to do in South Africa and they are still overcoming their past.

Ships in Harbor
Kalk Bay, ZA
February 15, 2025
Photo by Mark Cronin

Stunning natural beauty. The mountains of both Western Cape and North West provinces provide a natural beauty and setting that is breathtaking. And then there is the coastline. The towns and villages along the coastline are every bit as beautiful as those along the U.S. Atlantic coast. And so, I guess you could say I was impressed with the diversity of the natural beauty from the ocean to the mountains, there always seemed to be something new to see and just enjoy. 

Looking Back at Cape Town and Table Mountain 
‎⁨Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve⁩, ⁨Cape Town⁩, ⁨
Western Cape⁩, ⁨South Africa⁩
From the Bus
February 16, 2025

Diversity. I know that diversity has become a bad word here in the U.S., but in South Africa that is how I would describe the people. And they seem to embrace diversity. There are, for instance, 12 official languages. Yup, 12! And they seem to be very OK with that. They are diverse and from diverse backgrounds--that is the model we used to have for the U.S., strength from diversity! Everyone is not the same, celebrate it.

Dessert
Springfontein Estate, Hermanus, ZA
February 17, 2025 

People. We met the greatest people in every place we visited. They were friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and just fun to be around. Whether English was their first or third language, they were understandable and did not care that we didn't speak IsiZulu of Afrikaans, or one of the other 9 official languages. They accepted us and we enjoyed meeting them. 

Protea Flower
Stellenbosch, ZA
February 17, 2025

Food. Wow! So the 10 day wine tour was accompanied by gourmet food--and it was. I enjoyed a widely diverse assortment of foods including antelope, seafood, and almost anything else imaginable. It was all enjoyable and, with only a couple exceptions, expertly prepared. There was a lamb dish that was so tough it could have been being prepared to be shoe leather.

Grapes
Glenwood Estate, Stellenbosch, ZA
February 18, 2025

Wines. How could I not mention the wines? This was one of my biggest misconceptions about South Africa. I knew of Pinotage, but I was not aware of the diversity of the wine industry in the country. They have all of the major varietals but are most proud of Pinotage and Chenin Blanc. And they do these wines very well. But, as we drove around Western Cape Province, the diversity of the wines became apparent and as we tasted over 100 different wines, I am pretty sure we got a fairly good cross-section of the quality--and it is excellent.

Impalas
Pilanesberg National Park, ZA
February 24, 2024

Animals. And of course there are the animals. While wine dominated the tour, the animals became the stars once we mourned to Pilanesberg National Park for the safari. What is not to love about the animals. They were also present during the wine tour especially as we toured the Cape of Good Hope region and saw so many animals right from the start.

And so here are a few images of the trip to just enjoy.

Rhino in the Grass
Pilanesberg National Park
February 24, 2025

 

Zebras at Night
Pilanesberg National Park
February 24, 2025

Wildebeest at Night
Pilanesberg National Park
February 24, 2025

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Safari Day 3 - Morning Ride

Beginning our Last Safari Ride
Chris Riding Shotgun
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

 This was the last safari ride of our journey. The morning safari ride began the journey home which lasted 40 hours. Ugh. I knew it was long but I had not computed it until now. 

Giraffes in the Morning
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Our final ride was primarily devoted to giraffes and elephants. We had started out heading to find a lion pride, but we came across so many giraffes and elephants that we just enjoyed watching them instead. 

We came across a journey of giraffes fairly soon after heading out. We were concerned that it was going be hard to find animals because we did not see any right from the start like previous rides. Chris had the honor of riding shotgun with the ranger and she has a great time. 

As we were completing our ride and heading for the lodge, we came upon our last animal sighting of the safari. It was a giraffe in the road way. I took a video of it as we came upon it and it moved off the road. 

Baby Elephant
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Elephant Browsing
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

The exciting highlights of the day came when we happened into a herd of elephants. We had seen the herd earlier on the mountain but decided to they and find an elusive leopard. We spent some time listening to the baboons make warning calls presumably about the leopard, but never saw the leopard. We then book off the leopard search catch up with the elephants we had seen as they crossed the road.

Momma and Baby
Pilanesburg National Park, ZA
February 26, 2025

Chris had one female sniff her and then sneeze at her. It was pretty exciting. And then of course there were babies! The ranger noted that one of the small elephants we were watching was only about 3 months old. They were cure and there were many of them in this herd.

We spent probably half of our almost four-hour ride watching the elephants in this herd and then another grouping that we came upon as we were leaving the park. That is where the second exciting thing happened--we saw two bulls fight. It is somewhat scary when you realize how big they are and we are in a vehicle not too far away. 

The video is long, but I think worth watching. There are elephants doing all sorts of things including a fight between two bulls. 

And that was that. We had four safari rides into the park and we saw lots of animals. The rides were supposed to be three hours each, totaling 12 hours of animal watching, but our ranger was very generous and we had closer to 16 hours of safari animal watching over the three days! 

After the safari ride, we had to checkout of our room and begin the process of returning home. We were awakened at 4:15 AM South African time on Wednesday for the morning safari ride and did not finally make it home until the equivalent of 9 PM South African time on Thursday! Ugh! But more of that later. 

Oh, by the way, I have been up this morning since 2:30 AM, equivalent of 9:30 AM in South Africa! Adjusting to the 7-hour time change is going to be a process.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

#pilanesberg #safari