Sarah and Pedro Have a "Super" Time in Metropolis

            On November 20^th, as I slept contently in my usual place on Mrs. Stearns’ supply cart, dreaming about all of the recent adventures I had been on with the students in her class, I was plucked from my slumber by Mrs. Stearns herself as she handed me off for yet another expedition! I have to admit, at this point in the year I’ve been so many places that I was rather irritated about this disruption in my sleep. After all, a dog needs his beauty rest! However, I was slightly anxious to see what this student (I think her name was Sarah) had in store for me.

            To my disappointment, our adventure did not begin with a bang. After taking me into her possession for the upcoming Thanksgiving break,  Sarah shoved me into her book bag and toted me around like one of those Chihuahuas in Hollywood! Now this really sent me over the edge! I felt so degraded that I ignored Sarah for the rest of the day…even if she didn’t notice.

            After taking me back to her house, Sarah sat me on her bookshelf for three days! For three whole days I sat there…staring…praying that Sarah would pick me up. Every so often, her dog Harley would waddle into her room and stare at me sympathetically. I tried to communicate with him through dogepathy (telepathy for dogs), but he wasn’t catching on. On Friday night, Sarah FINALLY picked me up and dragged me to Drew’s house. She sat me on the kitchen table while Sarah and Drew debated over which movie they wanted to watch that evening. As I sat listening to the two weigh the pros and cons of each movie, I heard a faint whisper say, “Man of Steel.” When I heard this title, I nearly leaped to my feet and jumped off the table! Of course, the stuffing in my legs and lack of mobility prevented that from happening. You probably didn’t know this about me, but I am the most avid Superman dog fans that you will ever meet! As a pup, I used to dream of a life of bravery and recognition just like my favorite superhero! I listed intently waiting to see which movie Drew and Sarah would choose. Finally, after quite some deliberation, the choice was made. I closed my eyes and prayed that soon I would be swept away on a cinematic adventure full of action and intensity! It was a good thing that Sarah had faced me towards the living room so I was able to see the movie. When I heard the line, “Do you not understand? Krypton’s core is collapsing,” I knew my time with Sarah was taking a turn for the better.

            After the movie, I sat there for quite some time, awe-struck by the complexity of the film and the bravery of my hero! I wondered what it would be like to visit the home of Superman. I heard from a few friends that Superman’s home, Metropolis, isn’t too far from where I live! They told me tales of a gigantic Superman Statue and a cardboard cutout where you can put your head so your face is on Superman’s body! I dreamed of how great it would be to go there. Of course, I had no say in the adventure that Sarah took me on. I wondered if there was any way to convince her to take me. Just then, Sarah and Drew walked into the kitchen, discussing their plans for the next day. Sarah looked at me, and I looked at her, wishing that somehow I could communicate with her my wish to see the home of my hero. Folks, let me tell you…on that day, a miracle occurred. You see, when Sarah looked away from me, she turned her attention to Drew and said, “I think Metropolis would be a good place to take Pedro.”

            Alas, after three days of boredom, my time with Sarah reached its peak. In the early evening of November 23, Sarah, Drew, and I started our journey to Metropolis. Along the way, we listened to some fun music, and I had fun looking at all the other cars on the road. Once we reached Metropolis, we wandered around downtown for a bit, taking in the sights of this “super” town. We visited many stores and the biggest Superman statue I’ve ever seen! Did you know that in 1972 the Illinois House of Representatives officially proclaimed that Metropolis is the official home of Superman? Once, the people of Metropolis dreamed of building a Superman amusement park. That dream was crushed, however, and the town suffered economic hardship.

            On the drive home, I tried my hardest not to fall asleep, but I couldn’t resist. I rested my head in Sarah’s lap and thought about all the cool things I had seen during the day. I’m so happy that I finally got to see the home of Superman. Now I know who my favorite student in Mrs. Stearns’ class is ;-)

           

Miles Traveled: 125.82

Total Miles for Section Pedro (Section 003)- 2,623.62

Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 37^o 9'N/88^o 43'W

A

Hernando and the Miracle Worker.

It's Hernando here and I have a story to tell you! I had the best trip on October 17th I got to go home with Lindsey and we had a great weekend! I got to spend the weekend with a wonderful little boy named Harley! He was so happy to have me at his house that I got to sleep right beside him all weekend!

This is how I got to sleep it was so comfortable. :)
We left from wham and drove back to Benton, IL where we stayed the night. We then packed up and headed to Tennessee I had a lot of fun because I had lots of kids to play with because we had a birthday party to go to. In our car there were 4 kids riding so I got lots of time being petted and played with, then we had a second car traveling with us and there were 3 more kids in that car plus another dog!!! The other dog looked like me she is a dachshund just like me and her name is molly!
I had so much fun because the birthday was at a bouncy house!
After we left the party we packed all the kids up and headed south again but this time we went to Alabama! We went to visit some of Lindsey's family and it was very fun, while we were there we decided to visit a local historical site. We were in Muscle Shoals so we went a few towns over to Tuscumbia and visited the Birthplace of Helen Keller!

 When we pulled up I couldn't wait I ran straight up to the gates to look at the house where a miracle happened.

We got pictures at the signs that tell the name of the house and then we went in to have a look around.

I forgot to have Lindsey take pictures of the inside because I was so thrilled to be seeing a peice of history. I found out that the house was built in 1820 only one year after Alabama became the 22nd State of the Union. So this house was in great shape for being almost 200 years old! It was very interesting they even tried to teach me how to read braille! Well after our visit at the birthplace of Helen Keller we were on the road again and headed for home. We dropped the other kids off at their home in Harrisburg and headed back to Benton to get ready for a relaxing night before school the next day on October 22nd. 

Miles Traveled: 688 miles round trip

Transportation Mode:  Car

Latitude and Longitude Coordinates:  34.737998 N and -87.706393 W

Ponce and Leah Find Some Inspiration

Ruff! Hello all. It's Ponce again. Boy oh boy do I have a lot to tell you! This past Saturday, November 16, Leah took me on an exciting adventure in nature. We made a journey to Inspiration Point near Aldridge, IL and Grand Tower, IL.

Inspiration Point is located on a large rock formation.  When you get to the top of it, you can see the Mississippi River, the Big Muddy bottom lands, farm land, and all sorts of animals! It is in the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

Here we are approaching Inspiration Point on the road below it.

Here Leah and I are getting closer to the trail.... I was getting really excited!

.... and I'm finally on the trail! I was getting so anxious. Look at all the beautiful fall colors.

We made it! We made it! Look at our view.  I have never seen anything like it. We could see the road below us as a simple white line.  It was like we were taking pictures for Google maps!

Leah wanted to sneak in one of the pictures, so I decided to be nice... Ruff!

I cannot believe I was able to experience something like this. If you have a fear of heights, I would advise you to take a seat immediately when you climb on top of Inspiration Point like I did. 

That's all for now! I can't wait to see what adventure I go on next.

Ruff! 

Inspiration Point (near Aldridge, IL and Grand Tower, IL)

Coordinates: 37° 35' 7.07" N , 89° 26' 22.30" W

Round Trip Distance: 67 miles

Hernando @ Piasa Park

Stevie took me to see the Piasa bird in Alton, IL! 11/17/13

This is me standing at the stone that tells the story of the Piasa bird. The story goes like this:

"Many moons ago, there existed a birdlike creature of such great size, he could easily carry off a full grown deer in his talons. His taste, however, was for human flesh. Hundreds of warriors attempted to destroy the Piasa, but failed. Whole villages were destroyed and fear spread throughout the Illini tribe. Ouatoga, a chief whose fame extended even beyond the Great Lakes, separated himself from his tribe, fasted in solitude for the space of a whole moon, and prayed to the Great Spirit to protect his people from the Piasa.

On the last night of his fast, the Great Spirit appeared to Ouatoga in a dream and directed him to select 20 warriors, arm them each with a bow and poisoned arrow, and conceal them in a designated spot. Another warrior was to stand in an open view, as a victim for the Piasa.

When the chief awoke in the morning, he told the tribe of his dream. The warriors were quickly selected and placed in ambush. Ouatoga offered himself as the victim. Placing himself in open view, he soon saw the Piasa perched on the bluff eyeing his prey. Ouatoga began to chant the death song of a warrior. The Piasa took to the air and swooped down upon the chief. The Piasa had just reached his victim when every bow was sprung and every arrow sent sailing into the body of the beast. The Piasa uttered a fearful scream that echoed down the river, and died. Ouatoga was safe, and the tribe saved." Isn't he HUGE?  Looking up at the painting made me realize how how brave Ouatoga was because those talons are as big as I am! Jacques Marquette wrote about the Piasa bird in his journal in 1637 while traveling along the Mississippi River. When Stevie and I left Piasa park the weather began to take a turn for the worst. We headed back home on I-64 but the weather didn't subside. We had to pull over at a gas station and wait for the hail to stop. Then we got stuck in traffic for an hour and a half. It was a long day, but definitely worth it.  Miles Traveled: 300.1 miles round trip Total Miles Traveled by CI-424-02:  2,431 Transportation Mode:  Car Latitude and Longitude Coordinates:  53.847 N and 11.949 W

Sir Fances Becomes A Blues Fan

Look everyone!  Abby took me to my first Saint Louis Blues game at Scottrade Center!

 

On Saturday, November 9 Abby and I attended the Saint Louis Blues versus the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game!  It was very action-packed.  During the first three seconds of the game there was already a fight.  It was a great game and the Blues won 2-1.  I think I have become a Blues fan after that evening of excitement.

Here are a couple of pictures of my car ride to Saint Louis.  The first picture is me looking at the Arch and the second picture is me looking at the Scottrade Center.

    

 

Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Scottrade Center is one of the finest sports and entertainment complexes in the country, with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment and an unprecedented commitment to quality and service. Scottrade Center officially opened on Saturday, October 8, 1994.

Scottrade Center is a contemporary, 12-story glass and concrete structure located in the heart of downtown St. Louis. The home of the St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, Scottrade Center also features a full range of arena programming, including concerts, ice shows, family shows and other sporting events. Scottrade Center plays host to approximately 175 events per year, bringing nearly 2 million guests to downtown St. Louis annually and ranking it among the top arenas in the country.

 

Above are a couple more pictures of me.  I am sitting on the statue's hockey stick in the one on the left.  There's also a picture of Abby and I in front of the same statue.

 

Miles Traveled: 268 round trip

Total Miles Traveled by CI-424-02:  2,130.9

Transportation Mode:  Car

Latitude and Longitude Coordinates:  38.6297 N and 90.2025 W

Ponce and Lauren visit Springfield

Hello all!  Ponce here again to tell you all about my trip to Springfield, Illinois.

Lauren decided to take me on a tour of Lincoln’s home in the heart of Illinois' capital.  We had such a great time! We spent the day thrift shopping and walking along downtown and ended it with a guided tour through the home.  The weather was so nice that we spent the day strolling and taking lots of pictures that I have shared with you here! 

Here I am at the entrance of the visitor center of Lincoln’s Home.  We went inside to sign up for a tour and find out more about Abraham Lincoln! It was such a nice sunny day that we decided to take my picture right outside!

After we signed up for a tour of Lincoln’s home (which is FREE!), we decided to check out the visitor center because there were many interesting displays.  The one I am pictured with here was made from a cast of Lincoln’s head and hands.  Along with painting and sculptures, the visitor center had an interactive model Springfield as it was during his stay there.  Pushing certain buttons would light up different houses so we got to see where Lincoln lived compared to his wife’s relatives.  The center also offered souvenirs like magnets and coffee mugs but Lauren said that since she grew up near Springfield, she had plenty of Abraham Lincoln mementos.  However we enjoyed flipping through the large selection of literature on Lincoln that the center offered.  

We stopped at each sign to read more information about the area surrounding Lincoln’s home.  This sign told us that the grounds are kept much like they were when Lincoln was here.  So, we had to be careful when walking (or riding) along.  Luckily, Lauren kept me nice and secure on her shoulder!

Here we are outside the home of Abraham Lincoln when he lived in Springfield as a lawyer and eventually a politician.  We hope you enjoyed our pictures and will visit sometime soon (I would LOVE to go back!).

Total Distance: 369 miles

Latitude: 39.798132

Longitude: -89.645139

Pedro does Nashville Part 2

Hello Friends!

I just spent a great weekend in Nashville with Nick and Kellyn! This is my 2^nd trip to Nashville with these two and I think I may love it as much as they do.  You can always find something to do there. First we went to the Earnest Tubb record shop, which I loved! We went downtown our first night there to the famous Broadway and we heard a lot of great country music. The next day was my favorite we got to go to the Grand Ole Opry and take a tour and that night we went to the famous Ryman auditorium to see the Grand Ole Opry live.

 Total distance : 466 mi
Total distance traveled: 2,276 miles

Address:2812 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

Latitude:36.203179°

Longitude:-86.695046°

Sir Francis and Tabitha travel to Troy, IL

Tabitha took me on an exciting adventure to Troy, IL! Before I got to go see Troy City Cemetery, I had to go to a conference with a bunch of Jr. High kids! We rode on a church bus! It was a new experience for me! All of the children wanted to hold me, which I kind of liked.

When it was finally time for the real adventure, we pulled into Troy City Cemetery! It was really neat here, because everything was so old! I was unable to read many of the markers, and others were broken and had missing parts. I found out that there are no records for this cemetery, so any database online has had to be copied from the cemetery and entered manually! Wow that must have taken a lot of work! People buried in this cemetery were from Troy, Jarvis Township, and Madison County. Many of the original settlers are buried in this cemetery, and many Troy city streets are named after cemetery residents.

I learned so much at Troy City Cemetery! Tabitha even helped me do a cemetery scavenger hunt! I learned a lot during this. I learned that Robert Schultze was born on Tabitha's birthday, September 28, in 1981. Walter Schultze had an epitaph that read "Gone but not forgotten, Rest in peace." I couldn't help but wonder if they were brothers, since Walter was born in 1986?!

I'm so thankful that Tabitha took me on this adventure to Troy City Cemetery! I would love to go on another adventure soon!

Destination: Troy City Cemetery
Miles Traveled: 275.9
Total Miles for Sir Francis: 1862.9
Latitude: 38.725370 degrees
Longitude: -89.883634 degrees