This is a copy of my old Deck Log (Online Journal). I am now using an online blog at my "Have Web Sites Will Travel" web site. I use it to chronolog my travels around North America (my American Odyssey).

This "Old" Deck Log is now only an archive of past postings. It tell's the reader where I have visited and what adventures I have had up til the time I started my blog on Have Web Sites Will Travel. This archive was written primarily from the perspective of a tourist. Not necessarily my work log though I may do some of that too, especially in those early days when I built the sites resouces. Initially I used it to detail my efforts in getting prepared for the adventure. Then I chronicled the adventure itself.

To read my current Blog, Deck Log, Journal or Captains Log go here.

Date:     19 January 2004    1:16 PM

Location:     City: Phoenix     State: Arizona

Log Entry Title:     Summary of 4 January 2004 to 18 January 2004

Log Entry:     9 January 2004

I slowed down the tourist mode (compared to Las Vegas, Nevada) over the holidays, but I am ready to start it up again. My first visit will be to the Superstition Mountains near the Goldfield Ghost Town just north of Apache Junction, this weekend.

I have done some tweaking to my schedule to reflect what I have learned and the realities of my travels. I have added Flagstaff, Arizona to my southerly leg this fall after I leave Boise, Idaho around October 2004. Then It will be much easier for me to visit the Barringer Crater or Meteor Crater which was highlighted by the Movie Starman. I will also be able to more easily visit the Grand Canyon and to visit it more thouroughly. This is a high priority place to visit for me.

11 January 2004

Spent the day in the vicinity of the Superstition Mountains. Had lunch in Apache Juction, Arizona. Then went up to the Goldfield Ghost Town.

Though a small ghost town the Goldfield Miners Ghost town did seem rather authentic. Goldfield had the usual amount of commercialism but was not too over powering like Virginia City, Nevada was. Highlight here was a gunfight show that was done by some volounteer reenactors (read for tips). I enjoyed it.

As I headed into the Superstition Mountains area I entered Tonto National Park. This was of particular interest to me as I am an OTR (Old Time Radio) and Classic Television enthusiast. Those of us who grew up in the 40's and 50's will remember fondly the character Tonto in the Lone Ranger program. Probably the Tonto that was most famous was the Tonto from the Classic Television Program of the Lone Ranger played by Jay Silverheels.

Then went on up to Tortilla Flats, Arizona also near the Superstion Mountains. It was a very winding road to get up there plus a couple of one way bridges (lake crossings). Tortilla Flats is nothing more than a saloon and eatery. They boast a population of 6.

While I was there they had a country western band playing in an outdoor patio. They were playing classic country western music like the kind of music the Man in Black, Johnny Cash, would play. The band was pretty good. Like a dummy I forgot to get their name. If anyone out there knows their name, please contact me.

Both coming and going to Tortilla Flats were numerous motor cycle (read Harley) riders. I noticed with some interest, that most of them were my age (late 40's to late 50's). I guess in their own way they are enjoying the fruits of their long lives, just like me.

Overall had a nice day. May go back up that way again one day.

17 January 2004

Spent the day traveling to and from, with a short stay at, the Winslow (Barringer) Meteor Crater.

Over looking the Winslow (Barringer) Meteor Crater from the North Rim.

Largest meteor piece remaining of the orignial meoteor to create the Winslow (Barringer) Meteor Crater.

Me (Ray Plumlee) at the Winslow (Barringer) Meteor Crater rim (lower platform).

The Have Web Sites Will Travel Truck on the approach to the Winslow (Barringer) Meteor Crater. You can see the tourist information center and the meteor rim in the background.

I had to stop and take this picture to illustrate the diversity in climate in Arizona. Phoenix's weather has been in the low to mid 70's while both going to (I-17) and returning from Winslow (Arizona 87) I went through snow covered forests.

Ray Plumlee