Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II

Subject: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: katlaughing
Date: 30 May 00 - 02:03 PM

The other onewas getting kind of long.

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Vixen
Date: 30 May 00 - 02:29 PM

Blessings on thee, Kat.

Sounds like the guys are having a wonderful time. I'm having a blast following along, and can't wait for them to get here!!

V

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 30 May 00 - 02:43 PM

Allan...I will be taking a motorcycle trip to New Mexico June 1 til June 5. I expect to see you two on the 6th and 7th. If your schedule alters, please post here or send me a Personal Ms

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Peter T.
Date: 30 May 00 - 03:55 PM

Is anyone smart enough to post one of those maps (I was thinking John Glenn in space, or maybe those things they have in the movies when the line moves across country)? That would be fun, but I have no idea how to construct one that would take no real effort to update. Just a thought....
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 30 May 00 - 07:12 PM

Hi all! This is Allan's daughter, of course :) It's so wonderful reading all of the posts of dad and Bill's trip, along the way. I just got off the phone with the hotel here in N'awlins, and dad and Bill aren't there yet.. but then again, that was before I read dad's post saying they might not get here before sundown.

Of course, I've grown up listening to dad's music, and singing. Haven't heard as much of his folk music as many of you are getting the chance to.. but nothing can beat a girl hearing her daddy sing and strum "California Dreamin" on the living room, or "Puff the Magic Dragon" by a campfire.

I'm thrilled that I get to see dad in a few hours, and show him some of MY New Orleans. Haven't seen him in over a month now.

heh.. got so used to seeing him whenever I wanted, it'll be good to give him a hug again :)

As for Bill.. wow.. have heard so many stories. Sadly, didn't get the chance to meet him last time he was in the States, but am thrilled that I get to ammend that tonight!

Well, I'm off to wait nervously, reading posts and waiting for a phone call from them to knock me offline.

More to come later!

-Kelly

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: harpgirl
Date: 30 May 00 - 09:37 PM

...oh Kelida...Allan's daughter!!! How could I be so blind! Do the bottom-feeders know about the Yamaha guitar that Bill Sables is carrying? I think he said he bought it over here in a pawn shop and it is sanded on the back and bottom-feeders are signing their names and it will be auctioned off. It sounds pretty good, too! But Bill is not auctioning off the strap to go with it. I liked the strap! guess who????

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: bbelle
Date: 30 May 00 - 09:39 PM

Kelly ... Believe me when I tell you that what you just wrote about your "Dad" is the best present you could every give him. He loves you very much and wants for you the very best and was very excited about seeing you ... 'cause he told me so this morning!

moonchild

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 09:48 PM

Moon is not the only one touched by what you said Kelly. Just beautiful........To me, the greatest words I've ever heard are my sons saying, "I love you Dad." And I know he prizes you.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Mbo
Date: 30 May 00 - 09:54 PM

Um, not to be nitpicky, but...harp...Kelly, Allan's daughter, isn't the same person as Kelida. Thanks fer posting Kell! Your Dad is a great guy!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 30 May 00 - 10:03 PM

*smiles* Overly anxious! Hope they call soon :) *looks at the clock and counts seconds*

-Kelly

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:19 PM

Heh.. anyone know how long it takes to get from moonchild's to New Orleans?

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Bill D
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:24 PM

It would take 24 hours, at least, with few rest stops..36 is more reasonable

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:32 PM

Geeziz Bill....What are YOU driving? An Amish buggy or what?

Tallahassee to New Orleans is about 400 miles give or take. so I'd figure with gas and eats and at the speed limit, maybe 9 hours.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: bbelle
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:34 PM

Go to the source ... It's about a 6-hour drive from Tallahassee to New Orleans. This is my take on what they did today:

Bill was antsy to see some real alligators in natural habitat. I suggested they go to Wakulla Springs, which is about a 1/2 drive southwest of Tally.

If they took the tour, it would last about an hour.

I'm not sure what time they left my house, but I left at 8:30 AM and they still had not showered, eaten breakfast, or packed the car.

The traffic on I-10, between Tally and New Orleans can be horrendous because of people driving to Gulfport and Biloxi, MS, to gamble.

Some place in Mississippi, Allan wanted to find a famous tree.

And who knows what else they found to do along the way.

They were about 10 hours late getting to my house.

Since this is a vacation, afterall, I wouldn't expect them to adhere to too much of a time schedule.

So ... I'm sure they will arrive eventually ...

moonchild

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:36 PM

According to Rand McNally..

Your trip's estimated travel time is 6 hours and 32 minutes for 387.3 miles of travel, total of 10 steps.

Thats Tallahassee to New Orleans. mc lives in Tallahassee right? heheh BOY are these guys gonna owe me a free drink at a Bourbon Street blues club once they get here *giggle*

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:36 PM

And Kelly.....Not to worry yet........That's a pleasant drive and there are some lovely places along the way. You'd have a hard time getting me out of Mobile. Hold the worry for awhile...........They'll be in.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:39 PM

Hehe. I know where that tree is. Its between N.O. and Shreveport. Its a special tree ;) Hehe.. mostly im just hungry!! I'm off to hunt down food and will keep yall posted! Thanks for the mileage/timespan info :)

love, Kel

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Big Mick
Date: 30 May 00 - 11:46 PM

Kelly, I met your Da in Virginia last fall at the FSGW Getaway where we shared a cabin. We spent a great deal of time talking about our daughters. He adores you, and brags on you a great deal. And from what I have read, it is well deserved. He also happens to be one of the nicest chaps I have met. When I pulled in, fresh from an allnight drive that had been laced with car troubles, he promptly carried about half my stuff to the cabin, including my Guild 12 string which will wear a big man down. I made a number of friends that weekend, none better than your Da. I am expecting them on the 16th of June. I am sure they will be fine, they are just meanderin'.

Big Mick

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 May 00 - 12:44 AM

...yeah...they were still in town at 9:30 am today and I hear they both move like turtles..."four o'clock!time for tea!"

how do you know this, Matthew????????????????tell us!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 31 May 00 - 05:19 AM

Hey y'all! Just got back from tucking dad and Bill into bed.

Poor things. They got turned around on the interstate because "Downtown" in New Orleans is spelled "Vieux Carre". hehe. Bet they didnt know they had to speak french to navigate around here. And then wound up at the wrong hotel and drove practicly everywhere in New Orleans, searching. Hahahahaha.

Well, they were dead tired and such, but I inspired them to experience New Orleans night life. so we went on a lovely walk through the French Quarter. Strolled Bourbon Street, listening to the many music-types pouring from the clubs and bars, window-shopped some amazing art galleries and such. And had 2am café au lait and beignets (french doughnuts) at Café du Monde.

Bill favored me with some beautiful tunes, including a terrific parody on a British Rail commercial. I got so inspired, that walking down Decatur Street, I burst into a rendition of an old torch song i love, called (i believe)"1922".

Tomorrow (erm.. or is that simply later today?) I've got many things in store for them :) I'll keep you all posted!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 31 May 00 - 05:38 AM

Attn BanjoMan_CO!!

A message from Bill and Allan. Check with LonesomeEJ about the dates of when y'all will be meeting up. Allan says you've got the dates wrong.

Message from the road:)

-Kelly

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Dani
Date: 31 May 00 - 08:16 AM

Speaking of packing up the car, have you all heard how LIGHT these guys travel? It's incredible! I couldn't believe it was their car when I saw how little was in it. Considering the space musical instruments take up, their clothes must be in the glove compartment, and their tea paraphernalia strapped to the engine mount. But one or the other kept lifting the hatchback up and pulling something else out, like a rabbit out of a hat!

Glad it's moving along. Keep the camera going!

Dani

PS - Got your message. Of course it's fine that you forged my signature. Sniff....

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 31 May 00 - 05:44 PM

Welp.. the boys are off to Shreveport. I ran them ragged today all over New Orleans.

They got a great arial view of the old cemetaries, heard some local street musicians, took a one our ride on a Mississippi Riverboat, perused the heck out of the old French Market, and Bill now has a new appreciation for the lyrics "Jaybalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo!" from the old Zydeco tune "Jambalaya." Why? Because we ate them all!! Along with some devilish Banana's Foster.

So they've gotten Louisiana style music, and good creole grub. Even topped it off with a street-performing group tooting out "When the Saints go Marching In". hehe Dad even got swindled on the Riverwalk! hehe. But I'm sure he'll have more to tell about that one:)

So off they go, via a very special tree for me and Dad (and hopefully soon for Bill), to Shreveport! I hand them off to the rest of you. Have fun!

*polishes her new Mudcatter pin and signs off for a bit of rest*

-Kelly

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Jed at Work
Date: 31 May 00 - 06:01 PM

If our travellers get to stop by the Celtic Crossings Cafe, (in Shreveport) they will almost certaily have a tale or two to add to tell! Sonny, Betty and Keith will show 'em how it's done in one of LA's finest little cities!

Great folks, great place - wish I was there!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: bbelle
Date: 31 May 00 - 06:13 PM

I met the folks from the Celtic Crossings Cafe and we had a great jam that evening after the NTIF ... I would highly recommend that as a "musical stop." Believe me when I say that Jed is true-blue regarding "suggestions." moonchild

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: bbelle
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 12:43 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: JedMarum
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 08:42 AM

I was hoping to hear before I went off to work, if our travelling duo made it to the Celtic Crossing.

At any rate, I have also pointed them toward the Sons of Hermann Hall Thursday night jam for tonight in Dallas ... and let my friends there know to expect them. This is one of Rene's favorite hang outs, so they may get to meet him. My wife and I are headed to Virginia, so we'll miss Bill and Allan, unfortunately.

Anyway - good luck travellers! I will bring my laptop on the VA trip, so I can stay in touch.

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: alison
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 09:14 AM

so what's the deal with this "special tree"?????

slainte

alison

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: catspaw49
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 09:25 AM

Yeah.....and I doubt we hear til Dallas.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: GUEST,Mrr-drooling
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 10:30 AM

You know, I anticipated missing the music going on around this trip, in the sense of "wushin I wuz there" - but I hadn't anticipated how much these delectable descriptions of delicious dinners would affect me! I can't decide which I'm more jealous of! Plus I am now STARVING and it's hours till lunch and I live hundreds of miles from any beach and I WANT SOME CRAWDADS RIGHT NOW!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 12:23 PM

Well Mrrz, we're 15 minutes from the beach, and our famous Fisheman's Wharf seafood restaurant on the waterfront cooks up catches from our local fisherman...no doubt they got some good NC crawdads!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 02:23 PM

I am sitting in a dreary, windowless warehouse in downtown Maspeth vicariously living every meal and every note.

It sounds like you are all having a wonderful time. thanks for sharing it.

But what is a Mudcat pin? Any pictures? or a description?

Enjoy!!!! SS

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: GUEST,Mbo_at_ECU
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 04:16 PM

Sins, it's got the Mudcat Cafe logo on it and yer name!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Áine
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 10:03 PM

Well, just talked to the "boys" a little while ago and they're doing just fine. They're heading off to the session at the Sons of Hermann Hall (full of warnings from me about "that part of town" *BG*). If they survive, they'll be calling me tomorrow and we'll be meeting up at The Quill on Friday night . . . even Dear Hubby OK'd this little get-together . . . mommies need a night off now and then, don't ya know!

If anyone has a message to send, let me know and I'll be glad to pass it on to our "Intrepid Travellers". I'm planning on taking the camera, so I can "catch" these 'Catters in action.

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Nathan in Texas
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 11:12 PM

Áine, Would you post details on where (and what?)"The Quill" is. Looks like that's the only chance for me to meet them before they leave Texas, but I'm not familiar with it. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Kelly
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 11:35 PM

The special tree.. "The Evangeline Oak".

Here's how the story goes.

A young, Acadian (French Canadian) girl, and her love, are both about to move, with their families, to Louisiana, having been kicked out of Canada. The girl.. Evangeline, vows to her lover.. "I will find you.. meet me under the biggest oak tree in our new home.. I will be there."

And then the two parted ways.

It was a tretcherous journey down the US, in those days.. Evangeline's family arrived in St. Martinville, Louisiana weeks before her lover.

She feared the worst.. but waited stedfastly, beneath the branches of the largest oak she could find. She wept.. watering its roots, and eventually.. died of a broken heart, her body fertilizing its soil. Causing the tree to grow even larger and more beautiful.

Her lover and his family finally arrived, unharmed, to St. Martinville. He went to the Oak.. heard of her death.. and brought his own life to an end, in the same spot, his body fertilizing the same soil.

The tree still stands today. And it is said, that the lovers blood mixed, and made the Oak even more beautiful, and made its branches even stronger, and more far-reaching, than any other oak in the land.

It is also said, by many locals, that if you listen closely.. you can see Evangelines visage in the bark of the Oak.. and here her happy laughter as the wind blows through the leaves.. proclaiming her joy at finally being one with her lover.

Longfellow was inspired by this story, and wrote a lengthy poem about it, named "Evangeline".

And there you have, the story of The Evangeline Oak.

-Kelly

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Jun 00 - 11:43 PM

Kelly, I love the name Evangeline. If I ever have a daughter one day, I'd love to name her Evangeline. Beautiful story!

--Mbo

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Áine
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:00 AM

Nathan,

That's "The Celtic Quill", it's a pub in the Westend of downtown Dallas. The address is 1000 Munger Ave. and the phone number is 214-720-0887 OR 214-720-1373. I'm sure they'd be happy to give you directions if you call.

I'll be talking to the fellas around 4:00 p.m. today to firm up our plans, and I'll post here what time we're planning to meet. I do hope that you can make it!

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From:
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 09:29 AM

Aine ... please tell Bill to think of me everytime he uses the Kayser capo (my contribution to the music) ... moonchild

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 02 Jun 00 - 01:33 PM

Mbo - just don't argue when she decides she wants to be called Eva, or Lina, or something shorter... and I will allow you to feed me seafood when we meet, assuming we get to.

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Áine
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 02:09 AM

Well, what can I say? Two of the best "folks" in the world! We ended up at my local pub here in Arlington and the fellas fit right in! We spent about three hours jawing and laughing and having a wonderful Mudcat time. These two guys now know more about me than anybody else 'cept Dear Hubby . . . oh dear, the stories they'll be able to tell on me now!

They're heading up to Ada, Oklahoma, tomorrow and then on to Oklahoma City. Jeez, if it weren't for the hubby and the kids, I'd love to hitch a ride with 'em. They seem to be having a great time, and Bill is promising to write a book about the road trip.

After plenty of hugs and directions, I've seen them on their way. What a Mudcat kinda a night . . .

-- Áine

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: folk1234
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 03:41 PM

Hi Folks!
Allan here. We have at last arrived at folk1234's place. I am so very glad that moonchild caught you guys up on some of what went on there. I am not sure I will have time to come near to the kind of detail she supplied. The same goes for Kelly and for Áine. But I will try to fill in some blanks.

Bill and I went to see the 'gators after we left moonchild's. We wandered about in a glass-bottomed boat and saw (for you sci-fi fans,) the hole through which the "Creature From the Black Lagoon" emerged in the movie and the river and surrounding "jungle" which appeared in at least three of Tarzan's films. We saw a few 'gators and quite a few unusual birds. It was all so very beautiful!

The drive to New Orleans was marked by a visit with a couple who had visited "The Jug" only a couple of weeks before. Bill was excited to see them again. They directed us to a terrific route to N.O. which led us along the Gulf Coast. Bill and I had to stop and wet our feet in the waves.

Kelly should consider being a professional guide! She crammed so very many wonderful things into our brief time in New Orleans! We were happily stuffed and exhausted by the time we left.

This made our drive to Shreveport a bit arduous. We were both tired and elated. By about midnight that night we were sound asleep and so we missed out on the club Jed had recommended.

The next morning we headed for Greenville, Texas where we joined my aunt and uncle as they played a short gig for a nursing home there. It was special for me to be given the opportunity to perform in front of them. I hadn't seen them since about 1962.

Our stay in Dallas was relaxing. It was much needed. Nonetheless, we zipped around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and took in some of the local countryside. (This is code for WE GOT LOST AGAIN!!) We had intended to stop by The Sons of Herman and were loaded up with our instruments and all. But we were just too tired to do it. Áine wasn't able to turn loose and join us until late last evening (about 9:30) so there wasn't really enough time to do justice to a visit to "The Quill". Instead, we opted to join her at a club near her home.

It was a very pleasant visit. I had the opportunity to introduce Bill to Texas-style nachos and then, when Áine arrived, the fun began. Áine is every bit as energetic and hilarious as she seems to be in her postings and her phone conversations on Mudcat Radio show.

There is so much more to share about the trip thus far - the great visit with the wonderfully talented harpgirl and a side trip in Ft. Worth. Perhaps another time. Right now, I want to go and play some music with folk1234.

Seeya!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: catspaw49
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 04:00 PM

Well guys............I wouldn't presume to speak for everyone, but as I go about the daily things, cut the grass, do the laundry, go shopping.......all the usual everyday stuff........I think of the two of you often. Most of us have wanted to make an expedition like yours and to do it as you are is really thrilling. I was anxious to get home today in the hopes that Aine or you fellas would have posted and I could vicariously travel along. Although I think the two of you could get lost in a one street town, I can only wish, as most others probably do too, that we were along for the ride.

Continue to keep us as posted as possible.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: bbelle
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 04:58 PM

Geez, spaw ... you know how doing laundry turns me on ... send it on down here to Tally and I'll do it up real nice like ... moonjen

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 08:36 PM

PeterT had wished for an animated map, marking their journey. I don't have the know-it-all for that, but for anyone who is interested, I have put a map of the US up on one of my walls, and used a thread of yarn to track their journey.

I took a picture of it, then *drew* a very *wavery* line over the yarn because it didn't show up very well. Anyhow, for somewhat of an idea of the awesome space these intrepid guys are covering, you can see my poor attempt at MyDocsonline, if you click here.

I cannot wait to see them! Spaw, load up Karen and the boys and come on out for a vacation!**BG**

kat

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: TheMuse
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 08:46 PM

kat, first thing that came to mind when I saw the outline of the trip on your map was a dove! Does that mean anything?? (A peaceful Mudcat mission?)

TheMuse (whomayhavetoomanyinkblotsinherpast)

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Jun 00 - 08:50 PM

LOL! It kind of looked like that to me, too! Simply an accident of my none too steady hand on the mouse, I am afraid! There are a couple of little jogs, near New Jersey and a couple of other spots which really aren't true representations of the way THEY drive!**BG**

But, ya know, Muse, I think you are on to something! Why not have Mudcatters bring Peace to the World?! I can't think of a better crew!

Viva La Mudcat!

katnotinkblotsjustagoodimaginationlikeMuse!

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 12:45 PM

It told me my session had expired... Should I just try again later?

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 01:43 PM

Hmmm...it appears I have to tell their program to allow people whose email addys I enter to actually see it; don't know why it allowed us to use the link I put in, last night. Maybe I will just put it up on a website or womething and post the addy here, again. In the meantime, I'll send a copy of it by email to you, 2L's.:-)

kat

Subject: RE: Bill & Allan's Excellent Adventure-II
From: Alice
Date: 04 Jun 00 - 08:53 PM

Kat, if you want to email the jpeg to me, I can put it on my website and add a link. That way, people would not have to sign in to anything.

Allan, I just talked on the phone with Wayne in Gardiner. He hopes you can get out of Casper early enough to make it through to Gardiner on schedule. I told him I would follow this thread of your progress and call and let him know where you are on specific dates.

Alice