The Beginning...

Wow! The journey had been incredible so far and extremely busy. I just thought I could blog every evening! We've start with breakfasts at 6:30 and have not reached our hotel rooms until after 10 each night. Today is our first rest day, so I want to share some highlights. We are so filled up with memories already that we could stop now and be content.

It took the initial convoy over an hour to reach the Ellipse on Saturday for our ceremonial dedication at Mile Marker Zero in front of the White House. All the vehicles were lined up down Constitution Avenue, and the General who spoke at the ceremony "reviewed" the vehicles prior to our start. We made quite an impression and Mall visitors got a bonus on their sightseeing tours Saturday. Den and Jezebel are the last vehicle in the convoy and he deals with any breakdowns or problems. On Saturday, 6 vehicles had problems, but the vehicles were repaired and all made it to our first stop in Chambersburg, PA although they were 2 1/2 hours behind the main body. If a breakdown does occur, Den is responsible for overseeing repairs if they can be done and then leading to the next destination.

I led the support vehicle convoy after lunch, starting on Saturday, and we went through the battlefield in Gettysburg on our way to Chambersburg. The townspeople turned out in big numbers to view the vehicles and treated the convoy to supper in a beautifully restored barn in their community park.

On Sunday, we started through the beautiful western mountains of PA. They asked me to again lead the support vehicles so we went ahead this time with the climb ahead. Remember, we are traveling on the historic highway, not interstates. Folks were camping out, picnicking and waiting for the convoy with flags posted. The support group became goodwill ambassadors, waving and shouting out that "They're coming!" One church congregation was on the front lawn to greet the convoy as they came through with bells ringing. It was like the 4th of July as we wound our way to Greensburg. We stopped to pay our respects at the Flight 93 memorial. Groundbreaking will take place in July for the permanent site. We arrived at our rally point, a mall, and folks were lining the highway, watching and waiting. When we parked the support vehicles, folks immediately surrounded us, asking questions so we are brushing up on our public affairs skills as we are talking to elected officials and the media, as well as the public.

On Monday, the convoy headed for Pittsburgh only to be re-routed by the Penguin Stanley Cup Parade. Den had one minor breakdown, but the convoys reconnected prior to our lunch stop in East Palestine, Ohio. We stopped in the park that Den's family used to frequent many times for swimming and picnicking when he was a boy. The turnout was unbelievable. They had a band, flyby of old biplanes, a cookout complimented by potluck dishes from the townspeople. There was more food than even those hungry drivers could eat. They passed out cases of water to each driver. The bonus for us was a visit with some of Den's family members who came over from western PA to cheer Den on. It was a short but sweet visit, and Den so appreciated them turning out for this special event.

We traveled on to Wooster, Ohio for a 2-night stay. Our hosts are the Marlboro Volunteers MVPA chapter and they have even provided our meals in an actual field kitchen and mess tent. The Volunteers are changing out an engine in a 3/4 ton truck today and through the night and will have it ready to run tomorrow. That's the kind of spirit and teamwork we are experiencing on this adventure. Again, so many people have come out to see the vehicles on static display each night and express their support.

We are a bit tired, not so much from the driving, but from the work required to make the convoy a success. There are only a handful of women along so I have been working on registration packets and helping a bit with the sales of souveniers, which is really big. So much for all the reading and crafting I thought I would do!

Take heart - patriotism is alive and well! We are experiencing it firsthand. Den saw a farmer get off his tractor and stand by the side of the road to honor the convoy as they passed. So, things can't be all that bad. It's another early morning tomorrow as we will be moving by 7. Keep us in your prayers and know that we miss you and hope all is well at home.