During last month we took an extended trip with stopover points in Sacramento, Houston (Hempstead, actually), Sulphur, LA, Council Bluffs, IA, Ames, IA, and Benicia, CA. In Hempstead we stayed with Amelia's brother and wife, Ronnie and Faye. The next day we drove to Sulphur to visit Amelia's Dad and Stepmother, Jewel and Vera. We took a little trip down past Hackberry to take the nature hike in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. We saw lots of wildlife, including these two alligators, and then another. We stopped by the visitor center and I took the opportunity to get a shot of the Spanish Moss and other things. One day we drove to Columbia, and while there saw Amelia's cousin (once removed), Carl, and Cassandra.
We returned to Houston and flew to Omaha, staying overnight in Council Bluffs, IA. Next day we drove to Ames, IA, where we attended the wedding festivities for the son of Amelia's longtime friend, Joan. We got this picture of the three of us. The happy bride and groom were Ben Taylor and Anna Greta Caccia-Birch, first at the reception and dance, and here at brunch the next morning. Then, it was back to Council Bluffs, where we visited the Lewis and Clark monument. The Missouri River can be seen in the background, but barely.
Then, back to Sacramento, and the drive down to Benicia. Here are Ian, Grammy, Fiona, and Grandad enduring a little television. Home the next day.
Richard Franke
