Divine Wine in Cape Girardeau, MO

The Missouri Wine Passport motivates wine lovers to explore the wineries nestled in the rolling landscape of Missouri.  Since last summer, we had visited 32 wineries, earning bar towels and cork screws and wine carriers free of charge.  Well, free if you don’t count the investment in Missouri wines that now populate our “wine cellar”.

We’ve taken the bulk of our wine and riding excursions with  Bo and Allie.  Allie loves a good dry red, and Bo loves a Coke with extra ice.  But for this trip, Guy and I were on our own, relishing some alone time that -in this crazy economic climate – has become a treasured commodity in our daily life.  Still a bit cool for a weekend motorcycle trip, we took the convertible (top up!) and headed for the wineries near the Cape Girardeau area.

While in Cape Girardeau, don’t miss the painted Missouri Wall of Fame and the beautiful riverfront views.  Hard to believe that this peaceful riverfront was once a bustling center of transportation for the region.

Tower Rock nature area boasts an interesting formation in the middle of the river with some historical significance.  It is worth the short drive from the Tower Rock Vineyard and Winery; in fact, a small fire pit and rustic table overlooking the river provide a relaxing picnic site.

Although the wine is often good, our favorite part of winery running is the enthusiastic welcome of the owners and staff.  The bonus is a beautiful venue, a microbrewery, outside seating with an inspiring view, and delicious meals under 8 dollars.

Guy and Babe’s area favorites:

River Ridge:  *****    Favorite by Far! Jerry Smith – the owner, parking attendant, wine master, and resident comedian – greeted us.  Jerry gave us a winery tour, complete with Jokes of the Day, Jokes of Yesterday, and Jokes of …  well, he is sure to ask the “ladies” before offering the more colorful of his repertoire.  His personal journey from aspiring astronaut to wine maker in the Commerce, MO countryside is most intriguing.  The premises is lovely with indoor and outdoor seating including a beautiful new terraced area.  The gift shop in jam-packed with unique “stuff” that is functional, decorative, and humorous.  The wine is delicious, with several options to choose from – and a real treat for the dry wine lover.  Guy enjoyed the Cynthiana with Oak, and I particularly enjoyed the Chardonel with Oak.  We also purchased a unique Chambourcin desert wine – a subtle sweetness.

Thank you, Jerry.  Just like you thought…. when you do your thing right, people come back.  We certainly will!

Steele Crest:  **** The wine was good, and the service was outstanding!  Plenty of room inside for a few large parties or several smaller ones, Steele Crest is known for its wood-fire  pizzas.  Guy is determined to get back there  to try the pizza.  Our favorite wines?  With 13 or so wines to choose from, and a free wine tasting, Jackson, MO  could become a favorite stop in the bootheel.

Speaking of Jackson, MO, you won’t want to miss Tractors restaurant for a delicious, well-priced food – and great service to boot!  Guy first noticed the restaurant in a local electric co-op magazine, and pegged this place for our dinner:  Classic American Grill – delicious hamburgers, wings, and salads.

Rothbrick:  ***  If you are looking for a family friendly winery – this could be the place.  Playgrounds and Trail Rides and Log Cabins and Pond Paddle Boats – all available for your enjoyment.  The friendly young woman who poured our wine tasting was attentive and informative.  The Traminette is the best I’ve had at any Missouri winery, and by far my favorite.  Guy thoroughly enjoyed a glass of the Porter Vanilla beer that is made by a local microbrewery.  The barmaid assured us that the beer choices were bound to increase as the winery grows.  Rothbrick has been open since July 2011, and we believe it can be a strong contender for  an “area best” as it expands.

Congratulations to us.  We have achieved Level 5 rewards for the Missouri Passport:  A private food and wine pairing at a winery for 10.  We know Bo and Allie will go (after all, it is free!). Sure hope we can dig up…. um, find…. 6 more friends.

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Last Trip to Clarksville (Part 1)

Let’s go see if there are any eagles.

The bright sun belied the frosty temperatures in what had been an unusually mild winter.  Guy had the need to ride… though the cold prevented a comfortable ride on the bike.  The convertible – top up – would do just fine.

Clarksville, MO is just an hour drive  down Hwy 79 from Hwy 70 near O’Fallon, MO.  The Lock and Dam No. 24 viewing area offers visitors an opportunity to observe the eagles that migrate to the area during the winter months.  Though we’ve seen dozens of eagles floating down the river on small ice floes during harsher winters, we only saw three on this trip.  Perched high in a tree  and later soaring across the water, these magnificent creatures still managed to put on a show.

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The tiny shops along the waterfront showcase local artisans.  We had a (delicious!) hot sandwich at Cool Beans Coffee House, and decided to stop at the Antique Mall just east of town.

And there, leaning against the wall in the back of the store, behind old furniture and bedding, Guy saw it.

Hey Babe.  Look at this. I think I found something.  

He had.  And we had to have it.  A real buried treasure.

Buyer Beware

You know that part of the wedding where the priest says, “And two shall become one?” I think I have it figured out.

In our 20′s the promise of marriage meant legal and unbridled oneness  without recourse from our parents or the church.   Kids, jobs, and years later, that promise of oneness sometimes lacked a bit of luster. Guy had obviously inhaled too much of the deck stain fumes. I was a little curious to find out what he was thinking.

Well,  he said, getting back to the job of staining, my knees are bad, your shoulder is weak, my back is sore, your neck bothers you.  Between us, we are only one fully functional person.  Good thing we still have a few spare parts between us.

Take note all of you soon-to-be-wed:  Two shall become one was never a promise.  It was a warning!

Backside Comfort

Babe:  Guy, I’m curious.  Do you find you need some comfort for your backside after a long ride?
Guy:  That’s why I take you along.

Oh yeah.  That’s my Guy!

http://www.beadrider.com/

And if your motorcycle seat isn’t comfy, and you don’t have your babe along on your ride, you might give the beads from Beadrider a try for your longer trips.  A cycle dude at Tail of the Dragon told us he doesn’t travel without them.   A notable tip from our extended Gang!

Rain Riders – How to Survive

Guy’s Best Advice for riding in the rain:  DON’T.

Great advice unless your 3000 mile road trip takes you everywhere the rain is.  The following tips keep the rain from putting a damper on your riding fun!

Rain Gear

FROGG TOGGS:  We always keep our Frogg Toggs in a saddlebag on the Goldwing.  We each have pants and matching  jacket that roll up easily into a matching small drawstring bag.  We only take the pants with us on our long trips and leave the jacket at home (Because we take the rain liner on our Viper jacket).  The long zippers at the ankles help to slip the pants easily over boots.  And while the draw string waist creates a bit of a “Bubble Butt Effect”, the roomy fit helps speed the change process.

OLYMPIA VIPER MESH TECH JACKET: The Viper Jacket offers breathable mesh – wearable in all weather, a waterproof liner, and an insulated liner.  The waterproof liner can be “smooshed” into any small space  on the bike, and zips easily into the mesh jacket when rain threatens.

SEALSKINZ:  Don’t get caught in the rain without these!  No matter how wet the shoes get, your feet stay dry and warm, without adding bulk.  Great for hiking, too.  SealSkinz offers gloves and hats, too. (Don’t tell Guy, but he just may find both in his Christmas stocking!).

CHEAP PLASTIC PONCHOS:  Pick up a couple of cheap ponchos at the dollar store.  You never know when they come in handy.  While your head stays relatively dry  under your helmet, you will need something to keep the rain off your head if you do any walking.  An umbrella could work, but we find that the ponchos take less space.

Windscreen and Face Mask

We haven’t found a way to wick the rain off the windscreen and helmet face masks.  Guy polished the windscreen before the trip, and  it didn’t make a difference.  During our ride he had to look over the top of the windscreen to improve his visibility.  Nothing helped with the face masks.  Ideas anyone?

Driving Strategy

Guy says, Keep 2 wheels upright on the road.  Brilliant.  Why didn’t I think of that?

Riding Strategy

Keep an eye out for road debris, and vehicles entering the road from angles difficult for your driver to see.  Don’t scream when large trucks pass to your left or right.  Don’t scream when someone veers into your lane.   Don’t scream when… well, just don’t scream.  If you find that your fear and lack of control are getting the better of you, advise your driver calmly.

Example:  Honey, I have ridden in abject terror for over 3 hours.  If we don’t stop soon, I’m afraid I will rip off my helmet, jump off the bike, and run screaming like a maniac down the highway.

The above example works well if your driver is genuinely concerned about your mental health and comfort, or is equally terrified that your little tantrum will cost him time on the road.  Otherwise, you may need to devise a different strategy that works best on your man. Whatever your strategy, keep in mind that you must be fully prepared – or panicked enough – to act on your threat.

Songs

For some reason, Guy gets the urge to sing in the rain.  On the Goldwing.  Into the microphone.  It helps to keep me awake, and takes my mind off my terror… until he quits singing.  Here are his favorites:

Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head
Rain, Rain Go Away
I Wanna’ Know, Have You Ever Seen the Rain
I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone
And Babe’s Personal Favorite (from Captain Kangaroo):  There’s a Hole in the Bottom of the Sea

You can find more songs about Rain and their lyrics at http://www.lacarte.org/songs/rain/.

What are your favorites?

 

Long and Winding Road?

Guy, I see rain falling at 11:00 and at 1:00 just ahead. It looks like we might catch a break and scoot right between those two downpours. I’ve finally learned how to describe things to Guy in the engineering lingo he understands.

He didn’t reply.  We had been trying to dodge rain all day.  After all, we needed to cover 600 miles today – in just one day – to make it home in time.   And the rain was not helping.

Guy.  You okay? Did you hear me?

Yeah.  The way things have gone so far, I was just trying to figure out how this highway is going to wind around  so we manage to hit them both!

We Will Remember You – The Dedication of the Flight 93 Memorial Sept 10, 2011

Guy and I had the privilege of attending the Dedication of the Flight 93 Memorial on Sept 10, 2011 in Shanksville, PA.  The experience was overwhelming.  More about it on a future post.  For now, pictures of  just a few of the Americans with whom we shared this moving event.  Sadly, this memorial isn’t complete.  $10M is still  needed to build the visitor center on the site that tells the story of each of the people on Flight 93, and recounts the events of that day in 2001.

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In this sacred place, we also remember the more than 6000 in service to our country who have given their lives to ensure that these terrors remain far from American soil.  Support our troops.

2011 Road Trip – More Pics

OK…. here are a few more pictures.  Goodnight!

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Honoring Flight 93

The No-Plan works perfectly for us.  Somehow, through all of the heat and rain and travel delay, we ended up here in Carlisle, PA… just 100 miles or so east of Shanksville, PA, the site of the crash of Flight 93 on Sept 11, 2001.  As our No-Plan would have it, the dedication of the site is scheduled tomorrow – so we are going.

President Bush, President Clinton, and VP Biden are scheduled to speak at the dedication – we are proud to attend and be a part of this historic moment.

On our travels, we witness people of all races, nationalities, cultures, (and accents!) working together, laughing together, and caring for their families, friends, and neighbors.  We’ve experienced kindness and assistance from people who seem quite like us, and from people who barely speak the same language.  We are proud of this country, and pay special tribute to the everyday folks of Flight 93 who became extraordinary in a moment that doubtless saved countless lives in our country’s capital.

Be proud, America.  You are still the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.  God Bless America.

Support our troops.

2011 Road Trip – Just some views on the way home…

… because we are in New Jersey, and just saw the news that it is raining as far west as St. Louis.  Probably won’t be taking too many more pics!  Enjoy the slideshow.

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Rain is a REAL Beach!

Silly me!  To think that I could plan to get up and see a beautiful sunrise on the beach.

When the alarm went off, Guy made some sarcastic comment about the rain and went back to sleep.  We are thinking 350 miles or so today – in the rain… and the only thing that could make it better is – Lightening and Thunder.  Lucky us, looks like today we get it all.

I think I am ranting.  Maybe coffee will help.  Or hormones.

Anyway, we have found  that the beauty of the No-Plan Plan Road Trip is in the absence of a solid plan and related expectations: everything that happens is a perfect adventure.  OK.  I get it.  After seeing the pictures of the “Hidden Sunrise” this morning, I see the beauty.  And I enjoyed being the only one outside to experience the lightening, thunder, and water dripping onto my camera from the porch above.

BUT IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK TO SEE MY SHADOW JUST ONCE ON THE CAPE????

View from our room just before sunrise.

Sunrise over Cape Cod

Won't need the umbrella today.

A Fishy Story

Awhile back, Guy got home from work, sat down and began to change into his Harley shoes.

Guy:  Let’s eat.  Take our coupons to Bristol’s.

Sure.  Of course.  You don’t have to ask me twice.  Bristol’s is an upscale restaurant known for its fresh seafood and lump crab cakes.  Still in our dress clothes from work, we grabbed our helmets and sunglasses and rode the Goldwing to the O’Fallon, MO location.

Although we were a bit conspicuous with our helmets under our arms, the sweet little hostess greeted us, let us know it would be a moment,  invited us to wait in the bar, and walked away.  Soon, a Worker Gentleman walked by.

Worker Gentleman:  And how may I help you?

Guy:  Table for two, please.

Worker Gentleman glanced at our helmets, and said without missing a beat, And will your gang be joining you later?

How It All Stacks Up

Left Saddle Bag

Men and women both marvel that we can pack enough for 2 weeks without a trailer on the bike.  Last year we managed to pack everything we needed including tent, sleeping bags, towels, and air mattresses – but we also knew we were heading into warm weather in the south, which reduced the need for bulky sweaters.

This is how we packed for the 2011 road trip – and we still have room for souvenirs!

The left saddle bag includes Frogg Togg rain gear, Thinsulate liners for both jackets, small bag holding tennis shoes, toiletries for both of us, curling iron (I know – I’m wearing a helmet.  At least I like to start the day out feeling human). Included 1 microfiber towel and carry bag just-in-case.

The Goldwing Trunk

The trunk holds 2 jacket rain liners, a bag with 2 laptop computers, camera bag, medicine/vitamins in a ziploc, AAA travel books, and other “stuff”.  Room for more.

Right saddle bag.

Right saddle bag holds Guy’s hard-soled sandals, another pair of shoes, electronic cords bag, notebook, pens, and extra blue jeans.

The top of the trunk travel bag has all of our clothes, socks, unmentionables, swim suits, etc. to last 2 weeks.  We plan to do laundry once during the trip, but we still need clothes to plan for warm, cold, and wet weather.  We keep the load lighter by having a pair and a spare of blue jeans each.

In the end, we travel light.  (And Babe travels incognito.)

Road Trip 2011 Day 7 – Life’s a Beach!

The Atlantic Ocean on Cape Cod

Day 7:

Rain go AWAY!  After 3 days on the Goldwing riding in the rain and cold, we crossed the Bourne Bridge onto Cape Cod. Found a comfortable little hotel called the Surfcomber On the Ocean in Yarmouth.  Swam in the outdoor pool that was heated to 86 degrees (don’t forget to get your beach towels at the front desk!).  A tasty meal at Skippers a couple of blocks down the street… crab cakes, creamy clam chowder, and a pasta dish of lobster, shrimp, and scallops in a garlic tomato cream sauce.

Went down to the beach near our hotel, and enjoyed the sounds of the surf – the fog is so thick we couldn’t see farther than a few feet into the surf.  One little sandpiper sure enjoyed playing tag with the waves!

Tomorrow we head for home…. but only after rising early to watch the sunrise in the east over the water.

We hold these truths….

BG:  I keep waiting for a policeman to stop us and ask, “Are you stupid?”

BB:  Don’t you think that the fact we are the only motorcycle on the road – and from Missouri and a 1000 miles from home -  in the rain and cold is a little self-evident?

BG: Guess I won’t hold my breath.

It seems this trip we are going where ever the rain is...