Sharing some of the experiences encountered moving to and living in London … and then moving to Amsterdam! And then, moving to Austin, Texas where Adventure Cow has taken over this blog!
AC takes a good look at the river before climbing higher up the mountain.
Time to take a well-earned break as AC has just finished walking over a mile on the Black Rock Sands Beach. Note it is the rock, which is not visible in this picture, that is black, not the sand. But, the sand is so firm on this beach that you can drive your car to your favorite spot. https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/black-rock-sands
You don’t see something like this on most walks. This Royal Mail box was Yarn Bombed with the cutest nautical scene. AC had to join in.
AC did not want to hike to the top of the highest peak in Wales, Mt. Snowden, so he took a cog train (which only went 3/4 of the way up – he did not see the top of the mountain) where he met some very friendly folks.
AC is still on the run. He has a few more hikes to complete and a few places in London he would like to see.
It was still the Lunar New Year, year of the cat in Vietnam, when we arrived in Hanoi. Here, AC poses with handmade, wire, money trees. Sure to bring good fortune in the coming year. While the water buffalo is a symbol of prosperity, we did not see any displayed with the money trees.
While in Hanoi, AC quietly watched the Water Puppet show, before jumping up on stage for a quick photo.
You can watch a part of the show too in this promotional video: https://youtu.be/XZy3q5-x03c?t=52 Did he see water buffalo here? Watch the sample video to see for yourself.
After the water puppet show, AC knows it is time to eat. A beautiful restaurant had been spotted during the food tour – back we went for dinner.
AC thinks this is a taco – but it is not. It is a crunchy, folded, rice paper filled with vegetables and meats. On the side there is a spicy sauce for dipping. Maybe it is a taco.
On a tour at the Ha Long Whisper Nature Bungalow in the Viet Hai Village of Cat Ba National Park, AC is brave: with only a little help from our guide, Tra, he completed the “Monkey’s Bridge” over the small river. He does not see any water buffalo here.
The water buffalo are taking a break, right across the road from these fields.
AC is brave. He leads our small tour boat to the Cua Van Floating Village Museum as we take in the sites of this section of Ha Long Bay. This water is too deep for cows or buffalos.
Nose-2-nose with a souvenir water buffalo from the Cave on Hang Sung Sot in Ha Long Bay.
As our tour group travels from Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia; we are welcomed to the country with tasty drinks and Apsara dancers.
You can learn more about this restaurant/theater and the folk dance we watched by clicking this link: https://apsaratheatre.asia/
During the Apsara show, a dancing monkey came to our table to see what exactly an Adventure Cow might be about – is this a water buffalo? The picture is not clear because AC is being banged on the table. But, AC is sturdy and was not hurt by this attention.
Our next day in Siem Reap brought the Vespa Tour with a chance to see the Cambodian countryside and meet local families.
The Vespa Tour took us to a family that makes baskets. We were all encouraged to try our hand at this ancient skill. You cannot tell from this picture, but AC is laughing, turns out basket weaving is a little tricky for some of us.
Another day, AC was able to join the group for lunch. It was his job to collect the rice cones that came with our lunch.
Good job AC!
Our tour took us to several historical and religious sites. Neither Adventure Cows or Water Buffalo are allowed in most of these locations. Below, is a picture of AC on the causeway (entryway) to Angkor Thom, one of the significant religious areas in Cambodia. This bridge was the only place he could compare himself with the carvings.
The next morning, we got up very early to join hundreds of other folks who come from all over to see the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is the largest religious site in the world and dates back to the 1100’s. More information: https://helloangkor.com/attractions/angkor-wat/
At 5:30 in the morning, it was still very dark.
Another outing took us to Tonle Sap. The largest fresh water lake in Cambodia. It is in the middle of the lake that alligators are raised for export to China. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonl%C3%A9_Sap
AC is brave when he meets the alligator.
This is a short video from our Tuk Tuk ride in Phnom Penh
AC is smart to be wedged in tight as he joins in the fun of the Tuk, Tuk ride too. Again, there are no water buffaloes in sight.
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, during the day – a visit to the Royal Palace.
While there were many other interesting sights to see in Cambodia, they were not appropriate for Adventure Cow. He learned nothing of the Khmer Rouge with it’s schools turned into prisons and cemeteries turned into killing fields. It is time for the river cruise ship and sights along the Mekong River. https://www.britannica.com/event/Cambodian-Genocide
One stop along the Mekong River was the weaving community of Long Khanh in the Dong Thap province. This village is a weaving center, turning out thousands of scarves for sale on the streets and towns of Vietnam – and to tourists who visit from cruise ships.
AC starts his day by looking out the cabin’s window
Later, he joins others for a tour of the ship’s kitchen. He sees fresh herbs drying under heat lamps.
After touring the kitchen, he goes to the front of the ship to help the Captain locate Saigon.
Look Captain! Go this way.
We finally reach Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Once there, AC joins local tours to get a bit of Vietnamese (war) history.
He joins the tour of the Cu Chi tunnels. He is waiting for Andy to return after he disappeared into the earth. During the Vietnamese war, these tunnels served as hiding and living spaces for the Viet Cong. You can read more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%E1%BB%A7_Chi_tunnels
Leaving the Tunnels entrance area, AC is surprised to see Water Buffaloes as part of a depiction of more ordinary life and times.
They do look quite a bit alike, you hardly notice AC between the two statues.
Hearing about the war, and the end of it at the Independence Palace, AC is confused. Such serious topics, but the gift shop had many fun toys. More about the Palace and the role it played: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Palace
The trip is almost over. He is happy to spend some of his time in Saigon, taking part in another Food and Drinks tour.
Adventure Cow has come to learn why he may be called a Water Buffalo while in Vietnam – he has been brave and he has brought happiness to many people.
As he leaves his last restaurant in Vietnam, he says goodbye to the Water Buffalo painted on a hallway wall. They are not so different afterall.
Hotdogs are the most popular fast food. AC does not like the traditional marrinated sharkTraditonal seafood soup though, is yummyAC had a great time on the Foodie Tour of ReyjkavikMmmmm. More soup – Traditional meat (lamb)The food hall has great bao and pot stickers. More yum.
AC is pointing out the particular geology of Iceland that makes the geothermal processes possible.
Fun Fact: The English word “geyser” comes from the first geyser documented by modern Europeans; the “Great Geysir” of Iceland. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geysir
AC watches as the hot water gushes up about 40 feet into the air.
One of the most visited locations in Reykjavik is The Pearl: Created out of hot water holding tanks, repurposed to a beautiful hill top attraction and museum. https://www.perlan.is/perlan
The National Museum gift shop has small cast replicas of the most famous buildings in Iceland. AC always stops to appreciate items of architectural interest.
AC wanted to bring books back from the museum store so he could learn more about Icelandic folktales and religions – but that did not happen.
The Skogar is a folk museum which has collections of so many items from Iceland’s rural and marine past. These textiles are from the 1800’s
Fun Fact: There are three examples of shoe inserts right under AC. And, a little harder to see, but on the bottom-left, with red triangles and streamers of different colors on a white background; is a single shoe insert. These date back to a time when shoes were made of fish skin. Knitted inserts protected your feet as the shoes wore out very quickly. https://www.nordatlantens.dk/en/events/lecture-on-icelandic-knitting-traditions/
If you turn away from the harbor toward the center of town, you will see a street with many restaurants and shops; it could be the Skolavordustigur. This street is also known as: Rainbow Street. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/skolavordustigur Starting in 1999, the pedestrian street is repainted every year just in time for the multi-day Gay Pride events.
It was a little snowy the day AC found the street.
Here AC views the Seljalandfoss waterfall. It is one of the most photographed in the country. During the summer, when it is not frozen, you can walk behind it. The waterfall, and the area around it have been the setting for many movie and music video scenes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seljalandsfoss
And, of course, AC had to see the Golden Falls known as Gullfoss; one of the most visited sights in Iceland. https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/gullfoss He just about froze his hoofs off, but it was worth it.
Fun Fact: New Year’s Eve is a very big deal in Iceland. It is celebrated both before and after the 31st.
Icelanders will meet up with family or friends to have dinner around 6 or 7 PM.
Following dinner, around 8 PM locals gather at their nearest bonfire to meet and greet friends and shoot some fireworks.
Following the bonfire, the streets empty as Icelanders go home to watch a comedy TV show that chronicles the year at 10:30 PM.
Just before midnight, people flock back to the streets to shoot more fireworks.
Adventure Cow has not left the state of Texas since the middle of October. But he has still had some adventures; not sure they have been Texas-sized, but he is still adventuring.
AC is a Baltimore Ravens fan (most of the time). We found Flock #512 down Lamar street in South Austin.
Here he watches the TV’s and people eating the best smashburger around.
He was in this picture – but, behind a small flag.
AC’s been to comedy shows: Ryan Hamilton at the Dallas Improv: https://youtu.be/Sn5VDdTUNyI, but of course, no pictures with the performers are allowed.
He watched the whole show, laughing so hard he almost fell off the table.
He saw Louis Black at the Dallas Majestic Theater: https://www.lewisblack.com/, but of course, no pictures with the performers are allowed.
He saw Sarah Millican at The State Theater in Austin. Sarah is a favorite of Linda and Andy from when they lived in London: https://sarahmillican.co.uk/, but of course, no pictures with the performers are allowed.
AC was very excited to be part of an audience while a comedy special was being taped. He saw Jimmy O. Yang perform his stand-up special at The Paramount Theater in Austin. https://www.jimmycomedy.com/jimmy-o-yang-videos/, but again, no pictures with the performers are allowed.
A good night to not have center seats – that’s where the cameras were.
Amazingly, the next night he saw another comedy special taped, right next door at The State. This one was Demetri Martin: https://demetrimartin.myshopify.com/, but of course, no pictures with the performers are allowed.
AC loves Demetri’s pictures of animals – you can’t see them here; again no pictures of performers.
There was actually some discussion of who would hold AC for the picture – but Alonzo won out.
He’s been to San Antonio. Linda and Andy have been to SA several times before, and mostly found it underwhelming. The Alamo; with it’s fairly conflicted story, is small and the Main River Walk is all restaurants with high prices and long lines. But, the SA airport was offering speedy appointments for Global Entry passes, (which Linda did not have) so paperwork was filled out and off we went back to San Antonio. Aj told us to go up the river to the Pearl District. This is a converted industrial area that is a much better section of the river walk. Read more about it here: https://atpearl.com/ While in San Antonio, Aj also recommended at stop at the McNay Museum. https://www.mcnayart.org/ A lovely converted Spanish style home with beautiful gardens.
AC found a lovely pool and fountain in the sculpture garden of the McNay.
AC loves going to Dallas. He gets to do fun things like seeing Ryan Hamilton, but he also went to Octoberfest, encouraged Aj and Aaron as they ran the BMW half marathon, and he celebrated his first Hannukah.
See how well AC fits in?
AC pretends to run too!
Here he gives Aj a hoof bump at about mile 9
Presents, Chocolate, Candles; all fun, but it was a first to see a dancing Hannukah dog
Because Linda and Andy need multi-entry visas for an upcoming trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, AC has also been to Houston a couple times. It is a very large city, with a Texas-sized highway system (no doubt here) and in addition to the Vietnamese Consulate it also has Space Center Houston, https://spacecenter.org/ – so the trip is still very interesting.
He is a pretty small cow next to the Space Shuttle, but that is part of what makes it fun.
He is even smaller next to a Saturn V rocket
The Space Center has a special nighttime exhibition for the holidays – Galaxy Nights.
Not far from the Space Shuttle, a shooting star shines brilliantly
A beautiful garden, (actually at Bayou Bend in Houston as I did not understand all of Aj’s recommendations) dressed for the holidays.
AC has also been out and about in Austin too. Here he finds Netherland stroopwafels at a downtown coffee shop.
And, of course, sometimes he goes out beer tasting locally. Here he is in the Mueller District, Whichcraft. https://www.whichcraft.com/
AC hopes to travel out of Texas soon; but many details are still being worked out, that is the adventure part. We will end this post where we began; AC is ready for more adventures, and we have promised him that he can go on at least a few more; but when? to where?
First, rehearse your song by rote To each word a warbling note: Hand in hand, with fairy grace, Will we sing, and bless this place. ~William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, c.1595 [V, 1, Titania]
Kinsale, Ireland
Believe in Faeries? We hope you do… Make a wish, it might come true! – Debra Lee Baldwin
And all about, among the blossoms, fairies flew Or bounced themselves upon enormous drops of dew… ~Harry Behn (1898–1973), The House Beyond the Meadow, 1955
Every man is sociable until a cow invades his garden. – Traditional
AC is trying to get into the garden, but the hotel window is in the way. (Harrison Inn, Belfast)
May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours that stay with you all year long. – Irish blessing
The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune. – Traditional
Note: The YouTube video below was not filmed during our trip. I have included it here as an example of Irish Folk music, including the pipes which use a bellows under the arm to provide the air. (Instead of blowing into a bag as the Scottish do)
Our small group did get to have a private session with a four-piece band:
These are Irish pipes. AC was allowed to take a very close look at the instrument after our session.
May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going and the insight to know when you’re going too far. – Traditional
AC does not know where he is going – we know he is going to Dublin on the train from Belfast. The train has a catering trolley that he helped push down the aisle of the train. Do you need a snack? Fun! More about the train between Belfast and Dublin: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/offer/take-the-enterprise-service-to-belfast
You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was. – Traditional
AC pretends he is tall by looking out the window of the top floor of the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. Guinness Storehouse Tour information: https://www.guinness-storehouse.com/en
Any Kerryman will tell you that there are only two Kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Kerry – “One is not of this world and the other is out of this world.” – Irish sayings.
We stopped on our tour of the Ring of Kerry to explore the shore. AC is nibling on something that tastes like radishes – we all nibbled on something that tastes like radishes. For more information about Seaweed Walks, click here: https://www.atlanticirishseaweed.com/seaweed-discovery-walks
Two people shorten the road. – Traditional
The road was made very short for AC. Our guide, Trevor, carried him, or let him ride shotgun most every day we were together. AC did it all!
It is a good horse that draws his own cart – traditional
This is a good horse – he pulled 5 people, one Adventure Cow, and the cart through the Kilarney National Park. https://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/
May love and laughter light your days And warm your heart and home. May good and faithful friends by yours Wherever you may roam. May peace and plenty bless your world With joy that long endures. May all life’s passing seasons bring the best to you and yours.
AC is always willing to help Andy taste beer and listen to the music being played in the corner. More about the Porterhouse Brewery and Pub: https://porterhousebrewco.ie/temple-bar/
Admiring the Game of Thrones tapestry in the Ulster Museum, Belfast. This is a great museum and the tapestry is simply amazing – 295 feet long, it wraps within a whole room. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_of_Thrones_Tapestry
AC pretends to head a Hooker boat in Ennis. The linked YouTube video tells you the story of the previous Hooker boat that was restored in this garage. The Sea Scouts are now working on their second, which they allowed AC to play all over. https://youtu.be/t7pMFtBaA7E
This is the view of Kinsale harbor. Kinsale was a supply port in the 16 and 17 hundreds. It was the last stop for ships going to America. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinsale It’s possible our ancestors were in Kinsale too – a long time ago.
May the sound of happy music, And the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.
In total, Andy and I spent right at three weeks in Ireland; some of that time we were on our own, some of it we were on a train tour with a small group of people. The map below shows our general route: Belfast, Galway, Ennis, Aran Islands, Kilarney, Kinsale, and Dublin.
We kept AC with us all the time, but we also try to be respectful of the people and places we visit. There are no pictures of AC at the Peace Wall in Belfast, AC never gets to come out in a church, and if it’s really windy, sometimes he has to stay in the backpack so he does not blow away!
May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.
Up the road we went again, this time to Prince Edward Island (PEI) in eastern Canada. I am not sure exactly when we got the bug to go to PEI, but once decided, we determined that this is too interesting of a place to go it alone. Who could take us around and educate us in the geology, history and culture of this island? Road Scholar came to the top of the list. https://www.roadscholar.org/ We signed up for the Best of Prince Edward Island, a seven day tour – perfect.
Adventure Cow (AC) is ready. He is hanging out in the back pack so he won’t be forgotten.
AC loved looking around Cow’s Ice Cream store in Banff; but here in Charlottetown, PEI, he is at the home of Cow’s. A Canadian ice cream chain founded in PEI in 1983. More about Cows? https://cows.ca/
Cow visited the Lt. Governor’s House in Charlottetown where he saw the garden dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. Learn more about this historical, yet still in use house: https://www.lgpei.ca/history/government-house
Walking around Charlottetown is thirsty work. AC helps Andy locate a brewery with many tasty choices. To learn more about Gahan House click here: https://charlottetown.gahan.ca/about-us/
The next day, we all officially became Road Scholars. We had a lecture and a walking tour by a local expert: Cameron Macdonald (Cameron was as entertaining as he was informative) who then dropped us off for a private tour of The Beaconsfield House. Learn more by clicking here: https://www.peimuseum.ca/visit/beaconsfield-historic-house
Stanhope Beach. Cow thinks this is the ocean there is so much sand and water, but actually he is looking at the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To learn more about Stanhope Beach, click here: https://welcomepei.com/beaches/stanhope-beach/
Oops! AC has fallen in the flowers again. He did not hurt them.
Here AC is at Cavendish beach. This section is not a sandy beach, the edges are cliffs that all folks in the area are told to be wary of, as they may crumble into the sea as you stand on them. To learn more about Cavendish click here: https://welcomepei.com/beaches/cavendish-beach/
The island tour, of course, includes a trip to Green Gables; the house made famous by the stories of Lucy Maud Montgomery. To learn more about this site, click here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/pe/greengables
The grounds of the Green Gables Heritage Place include a hike on Anne’s Lovers Lane.
And, a walk through the Haunted Woods. The fearless, Adventure Cow was not afraid. To read the stories about Anne, you might want to check out Amazon. The books remain in print after more than one hundred years. Click here: https://www.amazon.com/Anne-Green-Gables-Complete-8-Book/dp/0553609416
A representation of an indigenous peoples camp greets visitors to the Greenwich Dunes Trail in PEI National Park. AC tried to be respectful of the artifacts, but just had to try on a new set of horns. For an introduction to the First Nation people of PEI, click here: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/reserves-on-prince-edward-island
AC looks out over Bowley Pond as he begins the walk over the pond’s boardwalk toward the dunes.
Later AC joins with the other Road Scholars to climb the East Point Lighthouse. Here is gets a different view of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To learn more about the lighthouse click here: https://eastpointlighthouse.ca/
AC also liked playing in the Lighthouse’s fog horns.
One of the great things about the Road Scholar program, was going places and hearing presentations that we just would not have found on our own. It is unlikely that we would have stopped at Basin Head Fisheries Museum, but with RS we did. The friendly tour guide was very accommodating of AC’s inspection of this 1800’s mail boat. https://www.peimuseum.ca/visit/basin-head-fisheries-museum
Another excursion was to The Robinson Family Potato Farm and warehouse. They farm 2,200 acres of crops rotated between potatoes, soy and barley. In addition to the fields, we also toured one of the warehouses. AC is standing in a section of the warehouse that will hold 1.5 million potatoes after the harvest. http://www.robinsons.pe.ca/companies/robinson/
Cow was able to participate in the Acadian Villages’ festival celebration. Acadians are French Canadians living in the south-eastern section of the island. Please click this link to visit the webpage and then watch the short video. It will give a small taste of the music we enjoyed that day. https://www.villagemusical.ca/
AC views the special lunch – it is ok, no beef here.
The Acadian dessert looks yummy; and it was, pastry filled with apples, raisins, and cranberries which we all made for ourselves with some excellent help from the friendly staff. The sauce is made from brown sugar, butter and vanilla. For recipes and more information about the Acadian people, click here: https://www.lacademie.com/acadian-foods/
The group had moved from Charlottetown to Summerside. Here the hotel was very close to a beautiful boardwalk.
AC does not understand what he sees here; is it a toy? No. Is it alive? No. It is part of a hands-on display at the International Fox Museum. Again, another place and another presentation we most likely would not have found on our own. Yet, the history of the fur trade is quite an interesting story. To learn more about the Fox Museum, click here: http://culturesummerside.ca/international-fox-museum/
In the distance is the Confederation Bridge. The longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water; it is an eight mile lifeline between PEI and New Brunswick and a marvel of the twentieth century. Click here for the Bridge’s website: https://www.confederationbridge.com/site/about
During our time on Prince Edward Island Andy and I enjoyed our adventures with AC, but somethings were not appropriate for small cows.
One afternoon we spent quite a bit of time on Lennox Island. This YouTube will give you some introduction to the Mi’Kmaq people: https://youtu.’be/6BVgUVdZaOM During our visit we were given tours and traditional foods of mussels, oysters, and bannock cooked over an open flame. While the food was prepared, volunteers gave all a tour of their museum and shared their personal, heartfelt, stories.
The bread is cooked under the coals of the fire in a cushion of extra flour which then must be removed.
Andy and I went to the Confederation Center for the Arts Museum during our free time. It has some interesting displays, this is the evolution of an artist; but no place for AC to play or pose. https://confederationcentre.com/artgallery/
It was a great eight days with great folks and excellent tours and presentations. We are very happy that we chose Road Scholar for this adventure and may choose to take another of their trips in the future. As for Adventure Cow, he loved it too. The Road Scholars were very welcoming to his brand of mischief and he was happy to make many new friends.
Like Canada, Colorado is also home to the Rocky Mountains. There are trails to explore, waterfalls to hunt, and lovely cool evenings to enjoy being outside. Unlike Canada, it is close enough to Austin to make it a road trip. Away we go.
Adventure Cow is ready.
If I’m in the car, they can’t leave without me
Our first stop: Lubbock, Texas. Home to Buddy Holly and The Crickets. Visiting the museum includes a tour of the house next door. It is Buddy’s friend’s parents house that has been preserved and relocated to this site. The people said the house is a time capsule of the early 1950’s. This is where “That will be the day” and “Peggy Sue”, in addition to many other songs, were written. Click link to go to the Buddy Holly Center. https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/buddy-holly-center
Down the road from Lubbock is the Capulin Volcano National Monument. Here Adventure Cow is looking up from a pile of cinders at the bottom of the crater. Click this link to go to the Volcano’s website. https://www.nps.gov/cavo/index.htm
AC (Adventure Cow) makes it to the top of the Volcano
From here he can see for miles and miles. What he sees is the Santa Fe Trail. Click this link for more information on the Santa Fe Trail. https://www.nps.gov/safe/index.htm
Just south of Amarillo is the Panhandle-Plains Museum. Since the Dustbowl of the 1930’s did reach this far south, Linda, who is still thinking about what we saw at the Woody Guthrie Center in Tulsa (https://woodyguthriecenter.org/), thought the museum would be about that – it is not. It covers geology, archeology and sociology of this area. We really could have spent quite a bit of time there. We never made it to the second floor. Adventure Cows are not allowed to pose with the oil derrick, the dinosaurs, the fossils, or the salvaged, restored, and recreated Pioneer Town. He did sneak into this vintage child’s car when no one was watching. https://www.panhandleplains.org/
Adventure Cow found another waterfall on the Thomas Trail.
We then went down the trail to this end’s trail head. From here, it is down Hondo Avenue back to the town center. This trail requires big steps. AC is glad to hike in a backpack. Click this link for more information on the town: https://greenmountainfalls.colorado.gov/
A few days later, we went in the car to Denver where Aj and Aaron had been spending a few days. We brought them back with us to Green Mountain Falls.
On our way back to Green Mountain Falls we got to look at the social areas Aj designed for an apartment building in Castle Rock. (The Venue at the Promenade) It is hard to take a picture of a small Adventure Cow in a large recreation area – but we tried. AC is on the double-sided fireplace separating activity areas.
More adventure! With Aj and Aaron we all went up the Cog Railway to the top of Pikes Peak. The train is slow – it takes an hour and 10 minutes to get to the top, but the view out the window is great. Click this link for more information about the Cog Railway. https://www.cograilway.com/?utm_source=google-gbp&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp
To celebrate Aj’s birthday, we did two days worth of hikes in The Garden of the Gods. This is very easy hiking and the views are amazing. Click this link for more information about The Garden of the Gods. https://gardenofgods.com/ FYI: We did the Geo-Trekker movie – it is not too much of an adventure.
One day we went to downtown Colorado Springs. They have lined their sidewalks with large baskets of flowers, each containing small sculptures sponsored by local artists/companies. These were great places for AC to play. Learn more about downtown Colorado Springs by clicking here: https://downtowncs.com/
Oops, Adventure Cow fell in the flowers. He did not hurt them.
One morning we all had breakfast at The Pantry. This local restaurant is over 60 years old. They let Adventure Cow, and kids, play on the truck while they wait for a table. Click this link for more information about The Pantry: http://www.thepantryingreenmtnfallsco.com/
The Pantry also has a Little Free Library. Perfect size for hiding Adventure Cows.
Adventure Cow climbed the ledge outside the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center
This was our second day at the park. AC loves looking at the stone shapes.
Adventure Cow could not do all the things that people can do in Colorado; he did not get to play at the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum (https://usopm.org/) . He had to stay in the backpack while we all went to the Turrell’s Skyspace (https://greenboxarts.org/) . Nor did he like outlet shopping in Castle Rock, or having drinks at The Tavern in Green Mountain Falls – but we did.
AC is back on the shelf for now, but his rest is not going to last long; September is travel month. Whooo! Hooo! More Adventure Cow stories to follow!
Even a longhorn from Texas knows that Austin is setting records this summer for how many days it can string together that are over 100 degrees – time to hit the road again!
Cow is ready to learn about Western Canada. He wants to see trees, rocks, and water. He wants some fresh air that is not blooming hot.
(Click picture to access a Wiki page on Western Canada)
On the first day driving from Calgary to Banff, we stopped in Canmore. A beautiful village with trees, rocks, water and cute shops, restaurants and breweries. A river runs through it. (Click picture for website link with more information about Canmore)
During a tour of Banff and the surrounding area, Andy and Cow watch the Bow river go by. (Click picture for weblink to more information about Banff)
Cow wants closer to the Bow river waterfall – he climbs the rocks.
Later, the tour went to the Banff Gondola. From there you can climb to Sanson’s Peak, where the old weather station remains on Sulphur Mountain. (Click picture for Banff Gondola website)
Cow plays in the flowers of Banff’s Cascade of Time Garden (Click the picture to learn more about Banff’s gardens)
Later, Cow joins a boat ride of Minnewanka Lake (Click the picture to learn more about the lake)
In Banff’s town center, Cow is excited to find a whole store dedicated to cows – and ice cream! (Click picture for weblink to Cow Ice Cream, Banff)
Cow officially picks up a first name while hiking to see Stanley Glacier. He is now “Adventure Cow”. (Click the picture to learn more about this hike)
The next day, Adventure Cow was ready to hunt for waterfalls. This is lower Johnston Falls. (Click this picture for more information about hikes in Banff, including Johnston Falls)
As Adventure Cow kept hiking, he found Upper Johnston Falls.
Another day, another waterfall hunt, the next hike was Lake Louise. (Click the picture for weblink to more information about Lake Louise)
To get closer to the waterfalls, Adventure Cow jumps in for his first canoe ride at Moraine Lake (Click this picture to learn more about Moraine Lake)
After the canoe ride, AC (Adventure Cow’s nickname now) climbed the rock pile next to Moraine Lake. He loves the views of trees, rocks, and water.
AC waits to enter the cabin rented in Field, Canada. (Click this picture to learn more about Field and Yoho National Park)
Up the road from the cabin, is Takakkaw Falls. The second highest waterfall in Canada. (Click the picture for more information about Yoho National Park)
Going up river from Takakkaw Falls are the Laughing Falls. AC is happy to climb the rocks at the base of the falls. We are laughing.
Today a new adventure awaits: driving up the Icefield Parkway of Canada. Every exit is another hike, lake, or waterfall. This is Peyto Lake. Yes, it is the most beautiful color of blue, or is it green? (Click the link to go to a Wiki page dedicated to Peyto)
One stop on the parkway, is Athabasca Glacier. It is a steep climb to the base (or toe) of the glacier, but worth the effort. (Click the picture to find more information about Athabasca Glacier)
AC has found another waterfall off the parkway, it is Sunwapta Falls. (Click this picture to learn more about the falls)
Another Falls awaits – The Athabasca Falls. AC is amazed at the amount of rushing water generated by the melting glacier and the remaining snow. (Click this picture for a link to a Wiki page on Athabasca Falls)
The next day Adventure Cow learns that he gets to go rafting on the Athabasca River. He is assured that the ride will not take him over the Falls.
Oh boy! This is more fun than the boat ride on Minnewanka. Yes, this water is gray. It is saturated with glacial ‘flour’ or minute particles of rocks and minerals. (Click the picture for a link to Jasper Raft Tours)
Time for a breather – a visit to the JAG helps AC recover from his busy days. (Click the picture to visit the JAG website)
From Jasper we take the Canadian train to Vancouver. Adventure Cow is surprised to find a friend on the train. “Mousey” was traveling from Toronto to Vancouver and she too was surprised to find another animal whose adventures are documented and shared. (Mousey does not have a blog, just a list of close friends) (Click the picture to go to the Canada Rail website)
AC waits in the sleeper room of the train, he is ready to be outside again.
Cow finds himself on Granville Island, within the city of Vancouver. Most of the island is shops and restaurants, but he has found a nice spot for a break from shopping. (Click the picture to go to the Island’s webpage)
Adventure Cow is happy to see that Vancouver has breweries. This one is right in Stanley Park, a large park at the tip of the Vancouver peninsula. (Click the picture to learn more about Stanley Park Brewing)
We are talking adventure now. Cow takes his first seaplane ride from Vancouver to Victoria. This is fun! (Click the picture to learn more about Harbour Air)
AC can’t believe how much fun he gets to have. The next day he goes whale watching. He does not see any whales, but others do, so that’s ok. The boat goes very fast until it finds the whales – then it stops. (Click this picture to learn more about the whale watching company, Eagle Wing Tours)
Victoria is home to Butchart Gardens. AC takes in his first view of the sunken garden. (Note it is sunken because the garden was started to disguise a limestone mine) (Click picture for link to Butchart Gardens website)
Butchart Gardens has more than just flowers – The Dragon Fountain is a gift from China in recognition of a sister-city relationship between Victoria and the City of Suzhou.
AC had his first afternoon tea at Butchart Gardens – he ate all the savories.
Cow finds flowers in the city of Victoria too. (Click this picture for access to a Wiki on Victoria, BC, Canada)
The time has come to leave Victoria, AC looks out the window while on his first ferry ride; Victoria to Seattle. (Click this picture to learn more about ferry service from Victoria)
Back in the USA! Adventure Cow takes in the Olympic Sculpture Park with a view of the Space Needle too. (Click the picture to link with Seattle Art Museum and learn more about the Sculpture Park)
Oh Boy! More rocks for AC to climb.
Adventure Cow is fearless! That’s what another visitor to the Space Needle said, anyway. AC is happy to push his nose to the glass so he can see all of Seattle below him. (Click the picture to go to the Space Needle’s website)
Below the Space Needle is the Chihuly Garden and Glass. AC want’s a better view of the art glass, but the workers at Chihuly will not let him play, not even in the plants or flowers. (Click the picture to link with Chihuly Garden and Glass website)
One more stop on this adventure – Tacoma. There are five main places to view Chihuly glass in Tacoma, his home town; The Glass Museum, the Tacoma Art Museum, The Glass Bridge, Union Station, and the Murano Hotel. (Click picture for weblink) Only the Glass Museum allowed AC a chance to join the artwork.
That is it for this adventure. AC (the fearless Adventure Cow) is back on his shelf right now, but that is not going to last for too long; Adventure Cow is always on the lookout for trees, rocks and water; planes, trains and automobiles too.
When we left Towson in 2018 we had no idea how long we would be gone or where we would come back to. We put many things in storage. As it turns out, we were gone over three years and we landed in Austin – which is not close to Towson, or Baltimore, at all. This summer the timing was right to deal with at least some of these items; back to Baltimore we went; another road trip.
These pictures show you some of the adventures Cow had while we were on this trip.
Cow is ready to go. He is waiting inside the snack bag we keep in the car – this way he is sure he will not be left at home. Plus, the bag has a cow on it.
First stop: Little Rock, Arkansas. We have been here before, so this was just an overnight stay. Cow learned that the summer theme for North Little Rock is it’s old name of Dogtown. Sculptures and art cover the streets.
Cow found more alien friends when we stopped for a cave tour at Crystal Onyx, Kentucky.
You can’t touch the walls or ceilings in the caves, but you are allowed to touch some broken stalactites and stalagmites that are edging the walkway.
One night in Baltimore Cow went with us to Union Brewing. Here he hides in the beer koozies.
Next door to Union Brewing, on part of the campus they have created out of the old Pepsi bottling plant, is the Wine Collective. We all liked this; the interior is new and shiny and the wine is good – even if it is from Maryland.
Cow did not help at all with cleaning out the storage unit but he did like meeting The Cow in Reisterstown and our old friend Leslie. We liked the root beer floats.
After the working part of the trip was over, and we had met up with as many old friends as possible in our short time, we were on our way back to Austin. We were not in a hurry. We spent four days in Brevard, NC (just south of Ashville) Cow takes in the view from the cabin’s back deck.
Transylvania county is home to over 250 waterfalls. Our goal was to see/hike to seven of them. Cow loves a good hike.
Linda takes Cow to his first waterfall in Brevard – Hooker Falls. (Hooker ran a gristmill in the late 1800’s)
Cow’s view of Hooker Falls
Andy warns Cow to not fall in the rushing water.
One waterfall, two waterfalls …
three waterfalls …fourfive waterfallssix
And, this one makes seven!
Can you find Cow? He is hiding in a hibiscus tree in downtown Brevard.
While Linda and Andy shop for lights at a Brevard store that truly has everything, Cow admires the bear family.
Brevard is home to Oskar Blues Brewing – Monday night is Jam session night. Real fiddle, guitar, banjo and bass music in North Carolina. (Funny side note: the leader asked if Cow was a recording device – no, but my phone is. 🙂
Cow is not in this picture. Andy took this picture on the campus of Brevard College; known for it’s teacher programs and being home to one of the few colonies in the US of White Squirrels.
After Brevard, we were off to Huntsville, Alabama; home to the Space Center. Cow poses with a prototype of the Lunar Landing module from 1969.
Astronaut Andy is ready to take Cow to the Moon.
Linda and Cow are ready for Mars.
From Huntsville, we were off to Hot Springs, Arkansas. Cow chose Mexican food for our first dinner.
Hot Springs is one of America’s first spa towns. It still has it’s old bath houses, although only two of them are still functioning as spas, and it has hiking trails through the forests which surround the area.
Cow wants to be healthy too.
It has a Mountain Tower with an elevator to the top – the view is for miles in all directions.
Another meal was taken at Granny’s Cafe. Granny has more toys than most kids and was happy to let Cow pose among her various collections.
We left Hot Springs, and headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma and the beautiful Tulsa Club hotel.
We particularly wanted to see the Woody Guthrie Museum in Tulsa. Very interesting and inspiring.
The Guthrie museum also had a special exhibit on Bruce Springsteen. Of course, Cow loves The Boss.
Right down the street, and funded by the same foundation as The Guthrie, is the Bob Dylan Museum. Dylan and Guthrie did meet when Dylan was just beginning his career.
Tulsa is also home to The Gathering Place. The word ‘park’ is not adequate; there are trees, flowers, paths, and water. But, also small museums, eateries and venues.
Next stop: Oklahoma City. They too have a nice city park, but it is not comparable to Tulsa’s.
Oklahoma City has the triple A Dodgers minor league team. Cow got to go to a baseball game again – Twice actually; a fun place with reasonable ticket and souvenir prices – and Friday night was Fireworks night!
Cow learned that pictures of cows can be artwork. Here he is at OKC Museum of Art.
The OKC Museum of Art introduced Cow to Chihuly Glass artwork. They have a large, permanent, exhibit at the museum because Chihuly’s wife is from Oklahoma City. This is the Persian ceiling installation
Cow says goodbye to the OKC city park. It is time to head back to Austin.
The Baltimore Road trip comes to an end with a final overnight in Dallas. The four of us went to Alamo Draft House Cinema for lunch and to see the new Thor movie. Cow had to stay in the car.
But, Cow’s adventures will continue. Cow says Austin is too hot – he wants to go to Canada where the weather is cooler – so, off to Canada we go!
We found Cow in Amarillo, Texas. We decided to take him on our road trip, the horse was too big
First stop, The Cadillac Ranch outside Amarillo
Cow loved smiling for the pictures as he played in the spray-painted Cadillacs.
In Albuquerque’s Old Town he helped Linda shop for a bag to carry him in. This one had horses.
The metal work store has so many items. It was easy to hide for a little bit.
Shopping is hard work. Time to stop for a coffee and cookie.
Cow’s first hike, Sedona, AZ
Follow the cow; up the rocks.
Cow likes to hide in the bushes.Hiking is easy when you have friends
Let’s do another hike, this is fun!
We are at the top of the trail – where is Cow?
Cow is looking down, to see how far up he has come.
Cow is amazed! What is that? A hot air balloon? In Sedona? That would be perfect!
The balloon is almost ready. Soon they will let all 12 people, plus one cow, climb onboard
Wow! I am the luckiest cow in the world – I can see forever and it is beautiful.It’s another Park. Joshua Tree in Southern California
The rocks here are so different from Sedona; they are not red, and they are smooth, like granite.
Cow likes big rocks
The brochure says you can see Mexico from the top of this trail – Cow does not see Mexico
Cow’s first baseball game; he got to see the Dodgers play. They did not win but the hotdogs were good.
And then, the Cow went to the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland!
Cow loves this sign on Pixar Pier, Adventure is out There! Cow believes it is true – he is on quite the adventure.
Cow has to wait in line like everyone else in the new Galaxy’s Edge section. This is one view from the line for The Rise of the Resistance. All Benjamin’s recommend this ride
Cow waits his turn
After the ride he surprises Rey and Chewy; but even a Wookie cannot resist Cow
The Disneyland part of the road trip was over, time for other activities like visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Cow likes the museum – he imagines he too is on the yellow brick road
Cow enjoyed his trip to the Los Angeles Central Library.
Cow had fun at the new Broad Museum downtown too. The Murakami exhibit was so colorful.
Cow saw his first Broadway musical in Los Angeles: Hadestown at the Ahmanson.
While Aj looked at the design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Cow played in the garden
The garden has a delft pottery mosaic fountain dedicated to Mrs. Disney (she is the one who made the initial gift of 50 million dollars to help make the project happen)
Aj also showed us the new Apple store in downtown LA in the refurbished Tower Theater (easily the most beautiful and least crowded Apple Store in California)
Cow poses for a picture on the balcony of the Apple Store
Ah, the good life in Comstock’s backyard; Fullerton, California
As Aj and Aaron head back to Dallas, our road trip continues up the coast to Paso Robles and Cambria
Andy picked the perfect AirBnB. It had a swing right by the vineyard
Look at all the beautiful fieldsCow was right at home
Cow even met real cows!
Cambria had the most interesting shops
Paso Robles had interesting wine – but, mostly red wine, which Linda does not care for
Back on the road we go. This time we land in Las Vegas. Cow’s first time on The Strip
Cow poses for Andy at the Aquarium within the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace
Cow meets fish
At night, we went to the Neon Boneyard in downtown Las Vegas. Cow learned some of the history of the hotels including the Moulin Rouge which was the first integrated casino.
Cow looks on as the crowd of young people listen to loud music and drink many adult beverages on Fremont Street.
Cow takes in the sight of Vegas Vickie at the new Circa hotel and casino on Fremont Street.
Time to continue the road trip – goodbye Las Vegas
Cow’s road trip did not intentionally cover Route 66, but parts of it were down this famous highway
One thing anyone can do on Route 66? Meet Jackson Browne while Standin on the corner …
Cow met some interesting characters in Roswell, New Mexico
This friendly fellow was waiting at the Roswell Visitor Center
As we climb back into the car to return to Austin, an official Roswell greeter bids us goodbye.
Cow’s first road trip comes to an end. He is recovering from all this excitement by laying on a shelf in our Austin kitchen. He plans on taking another road trip adventure this summer – when he does, he will let you know.
