May 27, 2009
10:25 AM

The retired troop transport ship, the 522 ft Hoyt S. Vandenberg, is sunk 6.5 miles off my home town of Key West, Florida to form an artificial reef.

Michigan swan

Michigan chipmunk

Michigan squirrel

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Michigan scene #1

Bayshore Marathon
Traverse City, Michigan
Saturday, May 23, 2009

Traverse City, Michigan is known as the cherry capitol of the United States and the trees were full of blossoms as I race walked the Bayshore Marathon on Saturday, May 23, 2009. The out and back course was flat along the east shore of East Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. There was only a little breeze and the sky was overcast for most of the race. The temperature was between 54 and 62 degrees while the sky was overcast; however, the temperature shot up to 70 degrees when the sun came out for the last hour of the race making it seem hot. Water/Gatorade stations were located every 1.5 to 2 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. The course was mostly closed to traffic and there was a large shoulder in the 2.5 miles section that was open. There were volunteers and police controlling traffic at intersections. It was a very organized, well run event that was limited to 1500 marathoners and 1000 half marathoners. There was a pre-race spaghetti dinner sponsored by the local high school track and football teams that was a delicious buffet of homemade food. I enjoyed myself completely.

New Castle, Delaware #5

New Castle, Delaware #4

New Castle, Delaware #3

New Castle, Delaware #2

New Castle, Delaware #1

Wilmington, Delaware #7

Wilmington, Delaware #6

Wilmington, Delaware #5

Wilmington, Delaware #4

Wilmington, Delaware #3

Wilmington, Delaware #2

Wilmington, Delaware #1

President William McKinley Memorial in Wilmington, Delaware

Bicycle Races in Wilmington, Delaware #3

Bicycle Races in Wilmington, Delaware #2

Bicycle Races in Wilmington, Delaware #1

Christiana Delaware Marathon
Wilmington, Delaware
Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sunday, May 17, 2009 saw me race walk the Christiana Delaware Marathon in Wilmington, Delaware. The temperature was about 64 the whole race with very cloudy skies, wind, and of and on rain for most of the event. The course was a double loop figure eight that unfortunately feature some confusion at the start-finish area which also was the crossing point of the figure eight. Water/Vitalyte stations were located every 1.5 to 2 miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers that braved the miserable weather to aid the participants. The roads were for the most part closed to traffic and intersections were controlled by police and traffic enforcement aides who were not quite as enthusiastic as the other volunteers. The event was completely sold out as it was limited to 600 marathoners, 600 half marathoners, and 200 four person marathon relays. For the most part the event was very well organized and I enjoyed myself.
This was the second year for me to do the marathon and I went back because they added the half marathon. That allowed my wife, Gerda, to complete a half marathon in state number 40 in her quest to complete a half marathon in all 50 states.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin #7

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin #6

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin #5