Welsh
Grumpy Mutt
Mr Zog said:You are concerned about a birdie on your avatar, I have the word SEX blazoned all over mineeepwall: :imaposer:
I liked the eagle... :thumleft:
I got a Dwagon
eepwall: :succubus1:
Nasty Austrian🇦🇹 Conquers da 🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦
- Thread starter big oil
- Start date
I got a Dwagon
eepwall: :succubus1:
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 1 - Outlaw Rides Again
Star Date - 18 May 2018
Distance - 217 miles / 350 kilometers
Where do I begin? I needed a vacation. As I said previously, my brain was liquified. I love Michigan winters, there's nothing more fun than riding a snowmobile through deep powda (powdery snow), hard to fathom a small engine sport more fun than dirt-biking, but in my opinion, snowmobiling is a magical experience. Only one problem, I had sold my Ski-doo and I don't ski anymore. Why don't I ski? My friends nicknamed me bullet train. I can ski..........straight........I just can't turn or stop. My friends get scared I'm going to kill several people skiing at 70mph down the mountain.
I mean, I have the face, charm, and physique of Italian legend, Alberto Tomba, however friends fear comes from the fact I stand about 6'8" 275lbs on ski's and look like the abominable snowman or a Russian Yeti! They are correct, I could kill or paralyze people hitting them at 70 or 80 per on skis.
I begin to hate old man winter when he lingers into March, April, sometimes May. Take this past winter, for example, many parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan nearly broke the annual snowfall record.
Imagine waking up in the morning, opening your door to this-
Do we Michiganders cry and whine when this happens? No, it's our way of life. We make the best of it. By drinking copious amounts of alcohol.
There's something eerily beautiful about snow to me, how it blankets and cleanses the earth!
Move snow until you can escape your home.
Or building, here a window on the 3rd story of a building at Michigan Tech University.
Hopefully you own a big bakkie or tractor with a large plow or snowblower.
Otherwise, you are screwed until you can dig your car out!
Typically, when leaving for a multiple week motorbike trip, I only sleep a few hours the night before. With this trip hopefully lasting multiple months, I didn't sleep for a second worrying I'd packed everything I'd need. Finally, after lying in bed all night with mind racing, I decided to roll out of bed at the butt crack of dawn and start strapping bags to my bike and get every last minute thing I thought I'd need. Finally, a little after noon, and after breakfast, a visit with mom to say my goodbyes, I was off.
First stop, just a short ride to Brembo North America MFG and Foundry, near Homer, Michigan. Brembo bought out the original brake manufacturer and has been growing every year since. The factory and foundry are enormous, and they can't hire fast enough. They've begun hiring directly off the street and offering incentives trying to hire enough staff. I had some more pics of the foundry, they were lost however. I'll have to shoot some more when I return to Michigan and add them to the report. No, this factory does not mfg the calipers, master cylinders, or any of the braking components on your bike. The components this location manufacturers, feeds the Big 3 and some other automotive companies building cars here in N.A.
I could tell in the first mile of riding, I had way too much stuff packed, the weight needed to be adjusted and rearranged.
I dedicated this ride to my hometown, its citizens, school I attended from kindergarten until graduation, our athletic teams, of which our baseball team holds the national record for consecutive wins, 75-0 before losing, the superintendent of my local school invited me for a photo-op. I try my best to show kids in my hometown there's a whole world out there to explore instead of getting fat playing video games. Here's a link providing the story of the record breaking streak. https://michiganbaseballhall.org/members/homer.html Recently, we just won our 3rd Michigan State Championship in baseball. I attended the championship game, exciting for your hometown team to be considered the best team in the entire state. BTW, major league pitcher of Arizona Diamondback fame, Josh Collmenter, was a member of the record breaking Homer team.
Here's my bike in front of the north entrance of the school I attended.
Photo-op with Superintendent and Michigan Hall of Fame coach and friend, Scott Salow. A genius baseball coach, Scott was the coach during the record setting years, including a 4 year stretch when Homer played 149 games, winning 143 of them. Scott is still the head coach presently. I don't post many pics of myself. I don't have time to answer calls from modeling and acting agents.
I didn't even leave the school without dropping my bike. I had a lot of weight on my rear rack and the 2 Ortleib bags filled with a bunch of stuff I probably didn't need. I tried to swing my right leg over the bike and didn't quite make it, started to fall, didn't let go of the left hand grip, and brought the bike over as I fell on the ground. Lol, luckily I had my helmet on as my head hit the cement!!! Coach Salow and a schoolteacher came out to assist!! The 3 of us were able to right the bike. They wished me well, and I was on my way.
Shortly after leaving Homer, Michigan, it started to rain just across the border in Fremont, Indiana. It rained, and rained, and rained some more. I decided to just dead head on the Interstate as I've already ridden most of the great routes in Northern Indiana. I just wanted to get south as fast as I could on day 1. After riding in frigid rain for hours, I decided I was done for the day in South Indianapolis. I had my waterproof Rukka jacket on, which kept my upper body dry. Because I was still carrying my winter hibernation weight I typically gain every winter, I could not fit in my Rukka pant, so had to wear my BMW City Pant, which are very comfortable, but in no way waterproof.
I didn't take many pics on day 1 because of the rain and I didn't want to get my new camera wet as I had just read on the internet a few days previously my new camera is fragile to water.
I stopped at a rest area about 1.5 hours north of Indianapolis, Indiana. I was mentally fatigued not getting a wink of sleep. I booked a room at a Super 8. Friendly staff, but cleanliness was terrible. The carpet needed changed years ago, stains everywhere. I hadn't even got in my room before a meth head girl came up to me to ask me if I had a lighter she could use. What was really strange, after I entered my room, removed my jacket, I went back outside to retrieve a duffel bag off my bike, reentered the motel hallway. Not 3 minutes had passed since the girl had asked me for a light, when the same girl came up to me again, asking me if I had a lighter she could use. I felt sorry for her, she was obviously quite strung out and frustrated she couldn't find a light. I would avoid the Super 8 in South Indy if I was you. Turned out to be the most expensive hotel room from Michigan to Texas and was by far the worst experience I've had in years. I don't need a fancy hotel by any means, but this place was a disaster.
The only good part about the stay was I cooked my own meal on my JetBoil stove. Unfortunately, it started pouring rain before I was done cooking. Oh well, that's part of the adventure and a little water adds to the adventure.
I plugged in the mini-fridge in my room, but couldn't hear the compressor cycling. Darn, I wanted to keep my drinks cold. Unplugged the mini-fridge, turned the unit around to look at the back, and noticed someone had done some questionable repairs on the fridge. Appeared the return line had been cut and was crimped with pliers, lol. I notified the front desk my fridge did not work. A repair man showed up a few minutes later. He couldn't fix the unit either. He said he'd be back in a few minutes with a new unit. He came back with a unit, but it was not new, it appeared to be several years old and had just been found in a salvage yard. I wasn't complaining though, it worked, aesthetics didn't matter at this point!!
I actually slept well, only awoke a few times during the night, most likely drug addicts in the hallway. Quite an experience, my first night away from home, not one I would've chosen, but that's life. Hopefully the next evening will be better.
Star Date - 18 May 2018
Distance - 217 miles / 350 kilometers
Where do I begin? I needed a vacation. As I said previously, my brain was liquified. I love Michigan winters, there's nothing more fun than riding a snowmobile through deep powda (powdery snow), hard to fathom a small engine sport more fun than dirt-biking, but in my opinion, snowmobiling is a magical experience. Only one problem, I had sold my Ski-doo and I don't ski anymore. Why don't I ski? My friends nicknamed me bullet train. I can ski..........straight........I just can't turn or stop. My friends get scared I'm going to kill several people skiing at 70mph down the mountain.
I mean, I have the face, charm, and physique of Italian legend, Alberto Tomba, however friends fear comes from the fact I stand about 6'8" 275lbs on ski's and look like the abominable snowman or a Russian Yeti! They are correct, I could kill or paralyze people hitting them at 70 or 80 per on skis.
I begin to hate old man winter when he lingers into March, April, sometimes May. Take this past winter, for example, many parts of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan nearly broke the annual snowfall record.
Imagine waking up in the morning, opening your door to this-
Do we Michiganders cry and whine when this happens? No, it's our way of life. We make the best of it. By drinking copious amounts of alcohol.
There's something eerily beautiful about snow to me, how it blankets and cleanses the earth!
Move snow until you can escape your home.
Or building, here a window on the 3rd story of a building at Michigan Tech University.
Hopefully you own a big bakkie or tractor with a large plow or snowblower.
Otherwise, you are screwed until you can dig your car out!
Typically, when leaving for a multiple week motorbike trip, I only sleep a few hours the night before. With this trip hopefully lasting multiple months, I didn't sleep for a second worrying I'd packed everything I'd need. Finally, after lying in bed all night with mind racing, I decided to roll out of bed at the butt crack of dawn and start strapping bags to my bike and get every last minute thing I thought I'd need. Finally, a little after noon, and after breakfast, a visit with mom to say my goodbyes, I was off.
First stop, just a short ride to Brembo North America MFG and Foundry, near Homer, Michigan. Brembo bought out the original brake manufacturer and has been growing every year since. The factory and foundry are enormous, and they can't hire fast enough. They've begun hiring directly off the street and offering incentives trying to hire enough staff. I had some more pics of the foundry, they were lost however. I'll have to shoot some more when I return to Michigan and add them to the report. No, this factory does not mfg the calipers, master cylinders, or any of the braking components on your bike. The components this location manufacturers, feeds the Big 3 and some other automotive companies building cars here in N.A.
I could tell in the first mile of riding, I had way too much stuff packed, the weight needed to be adjusted and rearranged.
I dedicated this ride to my hometown, its citizens, school I attended from kindergarten until graduation, our athletic teams, of which our baseball team holds the national record for consecutive wins, 75-0 before losing, the superintendent of my local school invited me for a photo-op. I try my best to show kids in my hometown there's a whole world out there to explore instead of getting fat playing video games. Here's a link providing the story of the record breaking streak. https://michiganbaseballhall.org/members/homer.html Recently, we just won our 3rd Michigan State Championship in baseball. I attended the championship game, exciting for your hometown team to be considered the best team in the entire state. BTW, major league pitcher of Arizona Diamondback fame, Josh Collmenter, was a member of the record breaking Homer team.
Here's my bike in front of the north entrance of the school I attended.
Photo-op with Superintendent and Michigan Hall of Fame coach and friend, Scott Salow. A genius baseball coach, Scott was the coach during the record setting years, including a 4 year stretch when Homer played 149 games, winning 143 of them. Scott is still the head coach presently. I don't post many pics of myself. I don't have time to answer calls from modeling and acting agents.
I didn't even leave the school without dropping my bike. I had a lot of weight on my rear rack and the 2 Ortleib bags filled with a bunch of stuff I probably didn't need. I tried to swing my right leg over the bike and didn't quite make it, started to fall, didn't let go of the left hand grip, and brought the bike over as I fell on the ground. Lol, luckily I had my helmet on as my head hit the cement!!! Coach Salow and a schoolteacher came out to assist!! The 3 of us were able to right the bike. They wished me well, and I was on my way.
Shortly after leaving Homer, Michigan, it started to rain just across the border in Fremont, Indiana. It rained, and rained, and rained some more. I decided to just dead head on the Interstate as I've already ridden most of the great routes in Northern Indiana. I just wanted to get south as fast as I could on day 1. After riding in frigid rain for hours, I decided I was done for the day in South Indianapolis. I had my waterproof Rukka jacket on, which kept my upper body dry. Because I was still carrying my winter hibernation weight I typically gain every winter, I could not fit in my Rukka pant, so had to wear my BMW City Pant, which are very comfortable, but in no way waterproof.
I didn't take many pics on day 1 because of the rain and I didn't want to get my new camera wet as I had just read on the internet a few days previously my new camera is fragile to water.
I stopped at a rest area about 1.5 hours north of Indianapolis, Indiana. I was mentally fatigued not getting a wink of sleep. I booked a room at a Super 8. Friendly staff, but cleanliness was terrible. The carpet needed changed years ago, stains everywhere. I hadn't even got in my room before a meth head girl came up to me to ask me if I had a lighter she could use. What was really strange, after I entered my room, removed my jacket, I went back outside to retrieve a duffel bag off my bike, reentered the motel hallway. Not 3 minutes had passed since the girl had asked me for a light, when the same girl came up to me again, asking me if I had a lighter she could use. I felt sorry for her, she was obviously quite strung out and frustrated she couldn't find a light. I would avoid the Super 8 in South Indy if I was you. Turned out to be the most expensive hotel room from Michigan to Texas and was by far the worst experience I've had in years. I don't need a fancy hotel by any means, but this place was a disaster.
The only good part about the stay was I cooked my own meal on my JetBoil stove. Unfortunately, it started pouring rain before I was done cooking. Oh well, that's part of the adventure and a little water adds to the adventure.
I plugged in the mini-fridge in my room, but couldn't hear the compressor cycling. Darn, I wanted to keep my drinks cold. Unplugged the mini-fridge, turned the unit around to look at the back, and noticed someone had done some questionable repairs on the fridge. Appeared the return line had been cut and was crimped with pliers, lol. I notified the front desk my fridge did not work. A repair man showed up a few minutes later. He couldn't fix the unit either. He said he'd be back in a few minutes with a new unit. He came back with a unit, but it was not new, it appeared to be several years old and had just been found in a salvage yard. I wasn't complaining though, it worked, aesthetics didn't matter at this point!!
I actually slept well, only awoke a few times during the night, most likely drug addicts in the hallway. Quite an experience, my first night away from home, not one I would've chosen, but that's life. Hopefully the next evening will be better.
Bikerboer1973
Race Dog
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2014
- Messages
- 2,585
- Reaction score
- 206
- Location
- Bronkhorstspruit
- Bike
- Honda XL1000V Varadero
Hey on that pic off you and the coach, what does it say on the poster, Homer Strong or Homer Strond? Hope it is StronG because StronD in Afrikaans means shit :laughing4: :imaposer:
BY the way like it so far.
Gooi Mielies! :thumleft:
BY the way like it so far.
Gooi Mielies! :thumleft:
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2008
- Messages
- 4,107
- Reaction score
- 194
- Location
- Port Elizabeth
- Bike
- KTM 1190 Adventure
Throw corn, LOLbig oil said:
Means "go for it" with passion and all that other stuff that makes life interesting.
I agree, keep on posting,
It's also one of the countries I'd love to just keep riding in.
Love your pics, you have a good eye on stuff that interests us.
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 2 - Larry Legend
Star Date - 19 May 2018
Distance - 216 miles / 348 kilometers
Awaking in the shit-hole of the century, I wanted to get the hell out asap. I quickly loaded my bags, which admittedly, I already knew I'd brought too much stuff. Better to have too much than not enough, I suppose. One can always send unneeded luggage back home, via UPS or USPS.
I made my way south on HWY 37 to Bloomington, before diverting east towards Lake Monroe on HWY 446, aka Knightsbridge road. I stopped near a public recreation area for a break and a picnic. It was a pretty area, I think the waterway was named Lake Monroe, not sure.
It appeared the area had received much rain and experienced areas of flooding.
A fella in a nice Ford F150 preparing his boat for launch.
My stomach started a fuss with a slow growl, it was time for protein. I found this lekker picnic spot, where I enjoyed a turkey sammich.
With a nice view.
From the picnic spot, I continued on Knightsbridge road towards Blue Springs Cavern, for a possible underground boat tour. What a beautiful building the Blue Springs Cavern Tour has to book the tour.
A lovely looking rose bush near where I parked my Katoom, with roses in full bloom, just after a nice long cold drink.
Inside the Visitor Center at Blue Springs Cavern, near Bedford, Indiana. I asked about the tour, it is an underground cave with river. There are some tight spots along the route, that is all I needed to hear, no thank you.
They had this delicious looking rock candy inside the visitor center, it must have been stale because I nearly chipped a tooth when I tried a bite.
I sat down for a few minutes to gather myself and warm up some. I was soaked from waist down to ankles. From Blue Springs Cavern, I continued south southwest on HWY 50, aka Indiana's Historic Pathways North Spur, to near Shoal, Indiana and found Jug Rock. Not a very good pic, as the foliage was taking over the sightline to the cool rock formation.
Not a very good pic due to all the foliage.
I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who'd grown up in the area. He suggested I visit and tour 'The Dome' when in West Baden Springs, Indiana. The man wasn't sure of the name of the site, but he told me to ride into town and ask anyone where 'The Dome' is and they'd know.
So, from Jug Rock, I rode HWY 150, which was motorbiking nirvana. High speed sweepers. It was wet, but the TKC 80's were glued to the wet pavement. I had quite a spirited ride from Tug Rock to West Baden Springs, Indiana. Luckily, 'The Dome' was easy to find. 'The Dome' is actually named West Baden Springs Hotel and is part of French Lick Resort. Take my word for it, if you ever find yourself nearby, do yourself a solid and stop by and tour the dome. When you walk in the hotel and reach the dome, your mouth will drop at the design and architecture.
Look up.
A little too fancy for my tastes, as rooms begin around the $250 mark and go skyward from there. However, I'd like to bring my elderly mother down here someday so she can enjoy herself in the lap of luxury, while I golf at the Donald Ross designed golf course nearby.
I found a little history about the place, Italicized with my pics in between.
In 1855 the Mile Lick Hotel was built to capitalize on the abundance of mineral springs in the area. The name was later changed to West Baden Springs Hotel as it was fashioned after the great mineral spa of Europe, Baden Baden. Lee W. Sinclair transformed West Baden into a sophisticated resort, adding an opera house, a casino, a two-deck pony and bicycle track and a full-size baseball field. Sadly, in June of 1901 a fire destroyed the entire lodging structure in less than two hours. Thankfully, all of the guests escaped harm.
Sinclair used this tragedy as his opportunity to build the hotel of his dreams. He envisioned a circular building topped with the world's largest dome, decorated like the grandest spas of Europe. Architect Harrison Albright of West Virginia, accepted Sinclair’s commission and agreed to complete the project within a year. The new hotel, complete with a 200-foot diameter atrium and fireplace that burned 14 foot logs opened for business in June of 1902.
After Sinclair died in 1916, his daughter, Lillian, and her husband took over the hotel's operation and completed a massive renovation effort that left their finances overextended. In 1923 Lillian sold the hotel to Ed Ballard for one million dollars.
When the stock market crashed in 1929 the hotel emptied of guests almost overnight. Eventually Ballard closed the hotel in June 1932 and in 1934 sold it to the Jesuits for one dollar. The Jesuits removed many of property’s elegant appointments and eventually dismantled the building's four Moorish towers. The seminary, known as West Baden College, operated until 1964 when declining enrollment led the Jesuits to close the facility. A Michigan couple purchased the property in 1966 and donated it to Northwood Institute, a private college, which operated in West Baden until 1983.
While the colleges did not maintain the West Baden property in the same lavish style it exhibited during the hotel era, it was relatively well cared for until 1985 when Northwood sold it to a real estate development firm. That firm soon declared bankruptcy and the property was tangled in years of litigation.
In 1974 West Baden was listed as a National Historic Landmark but the elements took their toll on the neglected hotel and it was closed to the public in 1989 for safety reasons. In January 1991 a buildup of ice and water on the roof and in drainpipes caused the collapse of a portion of the exterior wall. Indiana Landmarks, the country’s largest state-wide historic preservation organization, led the charge to stabilize the hotel to preserve redevelopment potential, and attract a new owner capable of restoring the property for a new use. In 1992 Indiana Landmarks spent $140,000 to stabilize the hotel, matching a $70,000 contribution from an anonymous donor.
In May 1994 the hotel was sold to Minnesota Investment Partners [MIP] for $500,000. Grand Casinos, Inc., an investor in the purchase, optioned the hotel from MIP. The COOK Group, Inc., a global medical device manufacturing company, headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, stepped in to preserve both French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. Under the direction of Bill, Gayle and their son, Carl Cook, both hotels and their grounds received a multi-million dollar renovation returning them to the grandeur of the days of Sinclair and uniting them as one resort. In 2006, French Lick Springs Hotel reopened after an extensive renovation and new addition, French Lick Casino. The original 1917 “Hill Course” was reopened and restored as The Donald Ross Course. With the completion of the West Baden Springs Hotel restoration in 2007 French Lick Resort was born.
An incredible antique Rolls Royce is on display.
After leaving the dome, it actually stopped raining for the first time in quite awhile on my trip!! I then continued south through the neighboring town of French Lick, Indiana. French Lick holds a dear place in my heart as it's the hometown of Larry Joe Bird, aka Larry Legend, the famous Boston Celtic and Gold Medal winner, and whom I believe to be one of the best, if not thee greatest NBA (National Basketball Association) player of all time. Many will argue with me on that point and claim Michael Jordan, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, or Lebron James is the GOAT, but I still will say Larry Legend was the best. Larry at the same age, leads Lebron in several stats. Yes, MJ has the rings, but he was also the face of the NBA and anyone whom got near Jordan, got whistled for a foul. Not taking anything from MJ, Magic, or Lebron, they're incredible basketball players, but in my opinion, the NBA hasn't been the same since Larry, Magic, and Jordan played. I hope I get to meet Larry Legend someday, I'd like to have an autographed Celtic jersey.
A nice GMC Yukon with a suspension lift.
From French Lick, Indiana, I continued south to Patoka Lake. Beautiful area and lake. I'm not sure, but I think I heard someone say it is man-made.
Some folks enjoying some fishing.
From the Patoka Lake area, and after all of the rain I'd ridden through again, I decided I didn't want to setup a tent in the rain, so I booked a Motel 6 in Owensboro, Kentucky from Indiana. A few miles further, I crossed from Indiana to Kintuck.
Actually a very nice Motel 6, clean rooms, hot shower, and a nice flatscreen tv, and ice-cold air conditioning, I couldn't have been more satisfied.
I decided on a couple brats I had in my Pelican cooler.
And a real nice reduced price Ribeye steak I discovered at Wally (Walmart). Ate the brats while the thin cut ribeye sautéed in some olive oil for a couple of minutes on each side. I felt like a caveman.
I was starting to feel better and comfortable being on the road.
Star Date - 19 May 2018
Distance - 216 miles / 348 kilometers
Awaking in the shit-hole of the century, I wanted to get the hell out asap. I quickly loaded my bags, which admittedly, I already knew I'd brought too much stuff. Better to have too much than not enough, I suppose. One can always send unneeded luggage back home, via UPS or USPS.
I made my way south on HWY 37 to Bloomington, before diverting east towards Lake Monroe on HWY 446, aka Knightsbridge road. I stopped near a public recreation area for a break and a picnic. It was a pretty area, I think the waterway was named Lake Monroe, not sure.
It appeared the area had received much rain and experienced areas of flooding.
A fella in a nice Ford F150 preparing his boat for launch.
My stomach started a fuss with a slow growl, it was time for protein. I found this lekker picnic spot, where I enjoyed a turkey sammich.
With a nice view.
From the picnic spot, I continued on Knightsbridge road towards Blue Springs Cavern, for a possible underground boat tour. What a beautiful building the Blue Springs Cavern Tour has to book the tour.
A lovely looking rose bush near where I parked my Katoom, with roses in full bloom, just after a nice long cold drink.
Inside the Visitor Center at Blue Springs Cavern, near Bedford, Indiana. I asked about the tour, it is an underground cave with river. There are some tight spots along the route, that is all I needed to hear, no thank you.
They had this delicious looking rock candy inside the visitor center, it must have been stale because I nearly chipped a tooth when I tried a bite.
I sat down for a few minutes to gather myself and warm up some. I was soaked from waist down to ankles. From Blue Springs Cavern, I continued south southwest on HWY 50, aka Indiana's Historic Pathways North Spur, to near Shoal, Indiana and found Jug Rock. Not a very good pic, as the foliage was taking over the sightline to the cool rock formation.
Not a very good pic due to all the foliage.
I struck up a conversation with a gentleman who'd grown up in the area. He suggested I visit and tour 'The Dome' when in West Baden Springs, Indiana. The man wasn't sure of the name of the site, but he told me to ride into town and ask anyone where 'The Dome' is and they'd know.
So, from Jug Rock, I rode HWY 150, which was motorbiking nirvana. High speed sweepers. It was wet, but the TKC 80's were glued to the wet pavement. I had quite a spirited ride from Tug Rock to West Baden Springs, Indiana. Luckily, 'The Dome' was easy to find. 'The Dome' is actually named West Baden Springs Hotel and is part of French Lick Resort. Take my word for it, if you ever find yourself nearby, do yourself a solid and stop by and tour the dome. When you walk in the hotel and reach the dome, your mouth will drop at the design and architecture.
Look up.
A little too fancy for my tastes, as rooms begin around the $250 mark and go skyward from there. However, I'd like to bring my elderly mother down here someday so she can enjoy herself in the lap of luxury, while I golf at the Donald Ross designed golf course nearby.
I found a little history about the place, Italicized with my pics in between.
In 1855 the Mile Lick Hotel was built to capitalize on the abundance of mineral springs in the area. The name was later changed to West Baden Springs Hotel as it was fashioned after the great mineral spa of Europe, Baden Baden. Lee W. Sinclair transformed West Baden into a sophisticated resort, adding an opera house, a casino, a two-deck pony and bicycle track and a full-size baseball field. Sadly, in June of 1901 a fire destroyed the entire lodging structure in less than two hours. Thankfully, all of the guests escaped harm.
Sinclair used this tragedy as his opportunity to build the hotel of his dreams. He envisioned a circular building topped with the world's largest dome, decorated like the grandest spas of Europe. Architect Harrison Albright of West Virginia, accepted Sinclair’s commission and agreed to complete the project within a year. The new hotel, complete with a 200-foot diameter atrium and fireplace that burned 14 foot logs opened for business in June of 1902.
After Sinclair died in 1916, his daughter, Lillian, and her husband took over the hotel's operation and completed a massive renovation effort that left their finances overextended. In 1923 Lillian sold the hotel to Ed Ballard for one million dollars.
When the stock market crashed in 1929 the hotel emptied of guests almost overnight. Eventually Ballard closed the hotel in June 1932 and in 1934 sold it to the Jesuits for one dollar. The Jesuits removed many of property’s elegant appointments and eventually dismantled the building's four Moorish towers. The seminary, known as West Baden College, operated until 1964 when declining enrollment led the Jesuits to close the facility. A Michigan couple purchased the property in 1966 and donated it to Northwood Institute, a private college, which operated in West Baden until 1983.
While the colleges did not maintain the West Baden property in the same lavish style it exhibited during the hotel era, it was relatively well cared for until 1985 when Northwood sold it to a real estate development firm. That firm soon declared bankruptcy and the property was tangled in years of litigation.
In 1974 West Baden was listed as a National Historic Landmark but the elements took their toll on the neglected hotel and it was closed to the public in 1989 for safety reasons. In January 1991 a buildup of ice and water on the roof and in drainpipes caused the collapse of a portion of the exterior wall. Indiana Landmarks, the country’s largest state-wide historic preservation organization, led the charge to stabilize the hotel to preserve redevelopment potential, and attract a new owner capable of restoring the property for a new use. In 1992 Indiana Landmarks spent $140,000 to stabilize the hotel, matching a $70,000 contribution from an anonymous donor.
In May 1994 the hotel was sold to Minnesota Investment Partners [MIP] for $500,000. Grand Casinos, Inc., an investor in the purchase, optioned the hotel from MIP. The COOK Group, Inc., a global medical device manufacturing company, headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, stepped in to preserve both French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. Under the direction of Bill, Gayle and their son, Carl Cook, both hotels and their grounds received a multi-million dollar renovation returning them to the grandeur of the days of Sinclair and uniting them as one resort. In 2006, French Lick Springs Hotel reopened after an extensive renovation and new addition, French Lick Casino. The original 1917 “Hill Course” was reopened and restored as The Donald Ross Course. With the completion of the West Baden Springs Hotel restoration in 2007 French Lick Resort was born.
An incredible antique Rolls Royce is on display.
After leaving the dome, it actually stopped raining for the first time in quite awhile on my trip!! I then continued south through the neighboring town of French Lick, Indiana. French Lick holds a dear place in my heart as it's the hometown of Larry Joe Bird, aka Larry Legend, the famous Boston Celtic and Gold Medal winner, and whom I believe to be one of the best, if not thee greatest NBA (National Basketball Association) player of all time. Many will argue with me on that point and claim Michael Jordan, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, or Lebron James is the GOAT, but I still will say Larry Legend was the best. Larry at the same age, leads Lebron in several stats. Yes, MJ has the rings, but he was also the face of the NBA and anyone whom got near Jordan, got whistled for a foul. Not taking anything from MJ, Magic, or Lebron, they're incredible basketball players, but in my opinion, the NBA hasn't been the same since Larry, Magic, and Jordan played. I hope I get to meet Larry Legend someday, I'd like to have an autographed Celtic jersey.
A nice GMC Yukon with a suspension lift.
From French Lick, Indiana, I continued south to Patoka Lake. Beautiful area and lake. I'm not sure, but I think I heard someone say it is man-made.
Some folks enjoying some fishing.
From the Patoka Lake area, and after all of the rain I'd ridden through again, I decided I didn't want to setup a tent in the rain, so I booked a Motel 6 in Owensboro, Kentucky from Indiana. A few miles further, I crossed from Indiana to Kintuck.
Actually a very nice Motel 6, clean rooms, hot shower, and a nice flatscreen tv, and ice-cold air conditioning, I couldn't have been more satisfied.
I decided on a couple brats I had in my Pelican cooler.
And a real nice reduced price Ribeye steak I discovered at Wally (Walmart). Ate the brats while the thin cut ribeye sautéed in some olive oil for a couple of minutes on each side. I felt like a caveman.
I was starting to feel better and comfortable being on the road.
![DSC00152[1].jpg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/wilddog/data/attach/554/554899-DSC00152-1-.jpg)
Great RR BO really enjoying the Trip & Pictures!!! :thumleft:
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 3 - New Spine Needed
Star Date - 20 May 2018
Distance - 0 miles / 0 kilometers
The comfort didn't last long. I awoke after a decent nights sleep, cheap mattress my only complaint, at the Motel 6 in Owensboro with a major problem. My spine wouldn't work. My back was locked up. Instead of taking mere seconds to walk to the bathroom to take my morning pee, it took minutes. I ended up having to tip-toe over to the shell station 150 yards across the street from my room to buy some extra strength Tylenol. It took me approximately 15 minutes to get there and back. I was in a lot of pain.
I took 5 Tylenol and went back to sleep. When I awoke, I could walk easier but was still in pain. I took a cold and hot shower and iced my back. Finally in the evening, my back loosened up to the point I could walk without difficulty and most pain had subsided. I went to bed and awoke refreshed and pain free, ready to hit the road early.
Spasms and tightness gone. Did some early morning stretching.
Star Date - 20 May 2018
Distance - 0 miles / 0 kilometers
The comfort didn't last long. I awoke after a decent nights sleep, cheap mattress my only complaint, at the Motel 6 in Owensboro with a major problem. My spine wouldn't work. My back was locked up. Instead of taking mere seconds to walk to the bathroom to take my morning pee, it took minutes. I ended up having to tip-toe over to the shell station 150 yards across the street from my room to buy some extra strength Tylenol. It took me approximately 15 minutes to get there and back. I was in a lot of pain.
I took 5 Tylenol and went back to sleep. When I awoke, I could walk easier but was still in pain. I took a cold and hot shower and iced my back. Finally in the evening, my back loosened up to the point I could walk without difficulty and most pain had subsided. I went to bed and awoke refreshed and pain free, ready to hit the road early.
Spasms and tightness gone. Did some early morning stretching.
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 4 - Jim's Pit Stop
Star Date - 21 May 2018
Distance - 280 miles / 451 kilometers
I was looking forward to leaving Owensboro, KY after spending 2 nights there, most of the time in a great deal of pain. I thought I'd take it easy and avoid any gravel and just stay on pavement, concerned about any jolts to my back.
It was a nice smooth ride to the Kentucky Illinois border.
I continued to ride towards Carbondale, IL and then went south. Crossed over the Illinois Missouri border a short time later.
I stopped at Wally World to look for some reduced priced steaks in Silkston, MO. I was fortunate to find an old ribeye marked down quite a bit. I love steak just before it starts to turn as that's when it seems to have the most flavor. Strange, I know, but that's what an old butcher told me when I was a young lad and it's stuck with me all of my life.
I continued riding towards Van Buren, MO as I was told Jim's Pit Stop was a nice cheap place to stay, with a bar within walking distance. It was steamy hot, especially for this polar bear Michigander. I stopped at a recreational area for a picnic, just a few miles before Van Buren, MO.
Made it to Jim's Pit Stop motel a short time later, ready for a cold cold beer after riding in hot weather for hours. It's a small motel, only $42 a night if you pay cash, $47 using a CC.
Had to get a pic of the KTM in front of the party bus.
The memory foam mattress provided me a dreamy nights sleep, although I found the memory foam mattress a little hot. Didn't matter, I had the A/C unit set on the Igloo setting to keep my polar bear skin cool.
And the best part, the bar is just a short walk across the parking lot filled with cheap ice cold beer.
I had planned on cooking the almost spoiled ribeye I purchased at Wally World, but the bar maid told me to come back for dinner at the bar. Homemade Cole slaw, baked beans, and pork steak that had been marinating for days, then lightly grilled at the bar, all you can eat for the lovely sum of 5 bucks, lmao. It wasn't worth getting my cooking gear out, cooking, and cleaning up for 5 bucks. The dinner they provided was a feast, I ate twice as much as I should have, but it was so so delicious. I was starting to feel that southern hospitality. I also drank too many beers, I waddled out of bar back to my room.
I highly recommend Jim's Pit Stop. You'll make Jim happy if you pay cash. You may get lucky like I did and get fed a delicious feast for chump change. Warning: Jim is very opinionated and set in his ways, just agree with him and nod for best results!
I was beginning to feel that groove of being on a road trip, which I love.
Star Date - 21 May 2018
Distance - 280 miles / 451 kilometers
I was looking forward to leaving Owensboro, KY after spending 2 nights there, most of the time in a great deal of pain. I thought I'd take it easy and avoid any gravel and just stay on pavement, concerned about any jolts to my back.
It was a nice smooth ride to the Kentucky Illinois border.
I continued to ride towards Carbondale, IL and then went south. Crossed over the Illinois Missouri border a short time later.
I stopped at Wally World to look for some reduced priced steaks in Silkston, MO. I was fortunate to find an old ribeye marked down quite a bit. I love steak just before it starts to turn as that's when it seems to have the most flavor. Strange, I know, but that's what an old butcher told me when I was a young lad and it's stuck with me all of my life.
I continued riding towards Van Buren, MO as I was told Jim's Pit Stop was a nice cheap place to stay, with a bar within walking distance. It was steamy hot, especially for this polar bear Michigander. I stopped at a recreational area for a picnic, just a few miles before Van Buren, MO.
Made it to Jim's Pit Stop motel a short time later, ready for a cold cold beer after riding in hot weather for hours. It's a small motel, only $42 a night if you pay cash, $47 using a CC.
Had to get a pic of the KTM in front of the party bus.
The memory foam mattress provided me a dreamy nights sleep, although I found the memory foam mattress a little hot. Didn't matter, I had the A/C unit set on the Igloo setting to keep my polar bear skin cool.
And the best part, the bar is just a short walk across the parking lot filled with cheap ice cold beer.
I had planned on cooking the almost spoiled ribeye I purchased at Wally World, but the bar maid told me to come back for dinner at the bar. Homemade Cole slaw, baked beans, and pork steak that had been marinating for days, then lightly grilled at the bar, all you can eat for the lovely sum of 5 bucks, lmao. It wasn't worth getting my cooking gear out, cooking, and cleaning up for 5 bucks. The dinner they provided was a feast, I ate twice as much as I should have, but it was so so delicious. I was starting to feel that southern hospitality. I also drank too many beers, I waddled out of bar back to my room.
I highly recommend Jim's Pit Stop. You'll make Jim happy if you pay cash. You may get lucky like I did and get fed a delicious feast for chump change. Warning: Jim is very opinionated and set in his ways, just agree with him and nod for best results!
I was beginning to feel that groove of being on a road trip, which I love.
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 5 - Mark Twain Forest to Branson
Star Date - 22 May 2018
Distance - 174 miles / 280 kilometers
I awoke after a nice nights sleep slightly tipsy from a few too many cold ones at Jim's Pit Stop the previous evening. Nothing a big mug of Gevalia dark roast French pressed with my JetBoil couldn't cure. I sat out on the porch of my room enjoying the large cup of mud, until my senses were ready for a shower. After a refreshing and invigorating shower, I tied down my luggage and suited up. It was time to roll. Westbound and down baby.
I rode west on HWY 60, but it was boring, so I ditched the highway and rode country roads to HWY 160. Wow, incredible riding on roller coaster roads with lots of sweeping high speed curves. I was loving it. I had video footage, unfortunately, all lost in a data transfer.
Soon thereafter though, I felt a number 2 brewing from all the pork steak, Cole slaw, and baked beans from the previous nights dinner. I crossed a bridge and saw a beautiful little turtle that was most likely going to be killed by a car or truck, so I did my good deed for the day and nudged him/her off the road. All the nudging with the turtle, had churned my stomach. If I didn't act quick, I'd have my own turtle head soon. It was time to lose some weight in the woods, I was most certainly not going to make it to the next town and with concerns about plugging a toilet, I decided I'd unload some pork n beans in the woods just like in the old days! Is that T.M.I.? Hey, it is part of the adventure.
So, I saved a turtle and took a humungous shat in da woods, eh. Good thing I hadn't waited for a toilet, it could've gotten ugly.
Soon thereafter, I discovered a really cool antique store just before Theodosia, MO. Had to stop for a look around and shoot a pic of new technology with old technology in the background.
Not long after the antique store, I discovered a waterway near Theodosia, with a lovely woman sunbathing with her chair in a few inches of water. The area was quite flooded and several picnic tables were completely submerged under water.
I didn't shoot a pic of the lovely woman sunbathing, though I admired the way she laid there on her lounge chair, in a few inches of water, without what appeared a worry or care in the world. A gentle breeze, the suns warmth, she could easily reach for a handful of water to cool herself off.
Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, I'm about to reenter the roadway, time to focus on riding, the sign at the entrance to the waterway.
From here, I continued to Branson with an uneventful ride. My first time to Branson, I was in awe of the Bass Pro Shops when I entered the city limits. What a place, wow.
I looked online for a hotel. Found the Dockers Inn was offering $37 per night. Upon arrival, the front desk person told me that was for 2nd floor rooms, no elevator, and a first floor room would be $5 more. Not worth arguing over 5 bucks, I booked the room. Upon entering the room, I couldn't believe the size of the room I'd just rented for only $42 per night. A huge room with huge beds, I was happy and comfortable. I planned to only stay 1 night in Branson but that changed to 4 nights. I'll tell you why in the next installment.
Thanks for following fellow adventurists.
Star Date - 22 May 2018
Distance - 174 miles / 280 kilometers
I awoke after a nice nights sleep slightly tipsy from a few too many cold ones at Jim's Pit Stop the previous evening. Nothing a big mug of Gevalia dark roast French pressed with my JetBoil couldn't cure. I sat out on the porch of my room enjoying the large cup of mud, until my senses were ready for a shower. After a refreshing and invigorating shower, I tied down my luggage and suited up. It was time to roll. Westbound and down baby.
I rode west on HWY 60, but it was boring, so I ditched the highway and rode country roads to HWY 160. Wow, incredible riding on roller coaster roads with lots of sweeping high speed curves. I was loving it. I had video footage, unfortunately, all lost in a data transfer.
Soon thereafter though, I felt a number 2 brewing from all the pork steak, Cole slaw, and baked beans from the previous nights dinner. I crossed a bridge and saw a beautiful little turtle that was most likely going to be killed by a car or truck, so I did my good deed for the day and nudged him/her off the road. All the nudging with the turtle, had churned my stomach. If I didn't act quick, I'd have my own turtle head soon. It was time to lose some weight in the woods, I was most certainly not going to make it to the next town and with concerns about plugging a toilet, I decided I'd unload some pork n beans in the woods just like in the old days! Is that T.M.I.? Hey, it is part of the adventure.
So, I saved a turtle and took a humungous shat in da woods, eh. Good thing I hadn't waited for a toilet, it could've gotten ugly.
Soon thereafter, I discovered a really cool antique store just before Theodosia, MO. Had to stop for a look around and shoot a pic of new technology with old technology in the background.
Not long after the antique store, I discovered a waterway near Theodosia, with a lovely woman sunbathing with her chair in a few inches of water. The area was quite flooded and several picnic tables were completely submerged under water.
I didn't shoot a pic of the lovely woman sunbathing, though I admired the way she laid there on her lounge chair, in a few inches of water, without what appeared a worry or care in the world. A gentle breeze, the suns warmth, she could easily reach for a handful of water to cool herself off.
Okay, where was I? Oh yeah, I'm about to reenter the roadway, time to focus on riding, the sign at the entrance to the waterway.
From here, I continued to Branson with an uneventful ride. My first time to Branson, I was in awe of the Bass Pro Shops when I entered the city limits. What a place, wow.
I looked online for a hotel. Found the Dockers Inn was offering $37 per night. Upon arrival, the front desk person told me that was for 2nd floor rooms, no elevator, and a first floor room would be $5 more. Not worth arguing over 5 bucks, I booked the room. Upon entering the room, I couldn't believe the size of the room I'd just rented for only $42 per night. A huge room with huge beds, I was happy and comfortable. I planned to only stay 1 night in Branson but that changed to 4 nights. I'll tell you why in the next installment.
Thanks for following fellow adventurists.
big oil
Race Dog
Entry 5 - Veterans Memorial Museum
Star Date - 23 May 2018
Distance - 10 miles / 6 kilometers
Upon entering my hotel room, the first thing I did was set the thermostat on Igloo, for my polar bear Michigander skin. That's the lowest setting on the thermostat for the rest of you, or 62 degrees Fahrenheit in this hotel room!!
After unloading luggage and donning some comfortable clothes, it was time to fire up the JetBoil and cook that almost rotten Ribeye. I cooked a couple of brats first and then seared the Ribeye and like any good caveman, ate the ribeye with my hunting knife. Oh, it was so so delicious.
My first night, I just relaxed in my room, on the lovely bed, watching tv, and talking with my mommy!!! I slept like a log the entire night, awaking refreshed and happy. Except my hands were swollen and sunburned, horribly. The first thing on my list was to book another night, there's no way I could ride. Then, I sourced some aloe vera gel and a bottle of I can't remember to help swelling. There was so much to do in Branson, I just had to stay in town for at least another night. I'd seen the Veterans Memorial Museum on my way to the hotel, so I decided the museum would be my first stop for the day.
Cost of admission was only around $18 with tax. I ended up spending about 4 hours at the museum. That's just me, you do not want to attend a museum with me if you're the type who walks through and leaves. I get my money's worth, lol. I typically read EVERYTHING!!
This will be a picture intense post. These artifacts are the ones that stood out to me during my time there. There were more things that caught my eye, though the pics may not have turned out so well so they will not be provided. I hope you enjoy going back in history as much as I do. I'm thankful for the men and women who followed orders, regardless of uniform, and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
As I arrived, I took the above pic, and all of a sudden I heard some rumbling V8's coming down the road, so I turned around and kept the shutter button down as these beauties rumbled past.
American cars of that era had style.
There's a jet and a Huey helicopter on museum grounds.
Star Date - 23 May 2018
Distance - 10 miles / 6 kilometers
Upon entering my hotel room, the first thing I did was set the thermostat on Igloo, for my polar bear Michigander skin. That's the lowest setting on the thermostat for the rest of you, or 62 degrees Fahrenheit in this hotel room!!
After unloading luggage and donning some comfortable clothes, it was time to fire up the JetBoil and cook that almost rotten Ribeye. I cooked a couple of brats first and then seared the Ribeye and like any good caveman, ate the ribeye with my hunting knife. Oh, it was so so delicious.
My first night, I just relaxed in my room, on the lovely bed, watching tv, and talking with my mommy!!! I slept like a log the entire night, awaking refreshed and happy. Except my hands were swollen and sunburned, horribly. The first thing on my list was to book another night, there's no way I could ride. Then, I sourced some aloe vera gel and a bottle of I can't remember to help swelling. There was so much to do in Branson, I just had to stay in town for at least another night. I'd seen the Veterans Memorial Museum on my way to the hotel, so I decided the museum would be my first stop for the day.
Cost of admission was only around $18 with tax. I ended up spending about 4 hours at the museum. That's just me, you do not want to attend a museum with me if you're the type who walks through and leaves. I get my money's worth, lol. I typically read EVERYTHING!!
This will be a picture intense post. These artifacts are the ones that stood out to me during my time there. There were more things that caught my eye, though the pics may not have turned out so well so they will not be provided. I hope you enjoy going back in history as much as I do. I'm thankful for the men and women who followed orders, regardless of uniform, and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
As I arrived, I took the above pic, and all of a sudden I heard some rumbling V8's coming down the road, so I turned around and kept the shutter button down as these beauties rumbled past.
American cars of that era had style.
There's a jet and a Huey helicopter on museum grounds.
big oil
Race Dog
USS Missouri
Class: Iowa-class battleship
Length: 887 feet
Height: 209 feet from keel to mast
Beam: 108 feet
Weight: 58,000 tons- full load; 45,000 tons- unloaded
Speed: In excess of 30 knots (35mph)
History
Iowa-class battleships were designed for speed and firepower. Four Iowa-class battleships were built during WWII including the USS Missouri, the keel of which was laid on 6 January 1941, at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Her armament included the main battery of nine 16 inch guns and twenty 5 inch anti-aircraft guns. There were 5 mounts on each side with two guns in each. When she was modernized in the 1980's four of the mounts were removed and were replaced by Tomahawk missile launchers, so there are only 12 of them now.
The Missouri was launched on 29 January 1944, and commissioned on 11 June 1944. She was assigned to the Pacific Third Fleet and steamed into Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1944.
The USS Missouri was part of the force that carried out bombing raids over Tokyo and provided firepower in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the war's final month, the "Mighty Mo" served as Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's flagship for the Pacific Third Fleet.
The Missouri secured its place in history as the site of Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces on 2 September 1945, ending WWII. The ceremony for the signing of the Formal Instrument of Surrender was conducted by Supreme Allied Commander, General Douglas A. MacArthur.
But her story does not end there. The Mighty Mo's main battery firepower became legend in Korea, with her nine 16 inch guns hurling 1,800 pound shells as heavy as Volkswagens over 23 miles in defense of U.S. land forces.
Interesting Facts
Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.
For comparison's sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic.
Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo's trademark feature. Each gun barrel is approximately 67 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds - with pinpoint accuracy.
The Missouri was the last U.S. battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned. She was also the most formidable. In addition to her massive firepower capabilities, she possessed thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).
Class: Iowa-class battleship
Length: 887 feet
Height: 209 feet from keel to mast
Beam: 108 feet
Weight: 58,000 tons- full load; 45,000 tons- unloaded
Speed: In excess of 30 knots (35mph)
History
Iowa-class battleships were designed for speed and firepower. Four Iowa-class battleships were built during WWII including the USS Missouri, the keel of which was laid on 6 January 1941, at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Her armament included the main battery of nine 16 inch guns and twenty 5 inch anti-aircraft guns. There were 5 mounts on each side with two guns in each. When she was modernized in the 1980's four of the mounts were removed and were replaced by Tomahawk missile launchers, so there are only 12 of them now.
The Missouri was launched on 29 January 1944, and commissioned on 11 June 1944. She was assigned to the Pacific Third Fleet and steamed into Pearl Harbor on Christmas Eve, 1944.
The USS Missouri was part of the force that carried out bombing raids over Tokyo and provided firepower in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. During the war's final month, the "Mighty Mo" served as Admiral William "Bull" Halsey's flagship for the Pacific Third Fleet.
The Missouri secured its place in history as the site of Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allied Forces on 2 September 1945, ending WWII. The ceremony for the signing of the Formal Instrument of Surrender was conducted by Supreme Allied Commander, General Douglas A. MacArthur.
But her story does not end there. The Mighty Mo's main battery firepower became legend in Korea, with her nine 16 inch guns hurling 1,800 pound shells as heavy as Volkswagens over 23 miles in defense of U.S. land forces.
Interesting Facts
Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.
For comparison's sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic.
Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo's trademark feature. Each gun barrel is approximately 67 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds - with pinpoint accuracy.
The Missouri was the last U.S. battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned. She was also the most formidable. In addition to her massive firepower capabilities, she possessed thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).
big oil
Race Dog
I found this knife interesting as I had not ever seen a knife with integrated brass knuckles.
Whistle technology hasn't changed much since the WW's.
Forgive me, I can't recall the backstory on this photo, anyone recognize the location?
U.S. Air Force Baby Life Raft
During the Cold War the U.S. Air Force would occasionally transport families of Air Force personnel over large bodies of water. After concerns about what would happen to a baby in the event of a water landing, these rare baby life rafts were installed in the aircraft. The raft is also equipped with a parachute attachment.
10th Mountain Division Soldier
Specially trained and equipped for operations in mountainous terrain, the 10th Mountain Division served with great distinction in Italy in WWII. After the war, veterans of the 10th Mountain did much to popularize skiing as a recreational sport in the U.S., and were some of the original founders of famous ski resorts, especially in Colorado near where the 10th Mountain trained.
The technology of my JetBoil stove has been around for quite some time!
Whistle technology hasn't changed much since the WW's.
Forgive me, I can't recall the backstory on this photo, anyone recognize the location?
U.S. Air Force Baby Life Raft
During the Cold War the U.S. Air Force would occasionally transport families of Air Force personnel over large bodies of water. After concerns about what would happen to a baby in the event of a water landing, these rare baby life rafts were installed in the aircraft. The raft is also equipped with a parachute attachment.
10th Mountain Division Soldier
Specially trained and equipped for operations in mountainous terrain, the 10th Mountain Division served with great distinction in Italy in WWII. After the war, veterans of the 10th Mountain did much to popularize skiing as a recreational sport in the U.S., and were some of the original founders of famous ski resorts, especially in Colorado near where the 10th Mountain trained.
The technology of my JetBoil stove has been around for quite some time!
