You want CHANGE? I'll give you CHANGE!
With the rancor now on display in America during this election cycle, it's dawned on me that I haven't heard much if any talk about a historic factor at play in this election.
To go along with the first Afro - American candidate, and the second female candidate, we also have an election that for the first time in a generation (30 years) the sitting Vice President did not make a run at the Oval Office.
The point? Since historically the VP is a heartbeat or an election cycle away from being President, we need to look at the two VP candidates as if they are going to be a future President of our country.
As we know, Barack Obama has been running for President for the last 6 years which makes him just another politician. He has plotted his course along the way with his ultimate goal of becoming President. Is he in this for America or is he in it for himself?
Joe Biden and John McCain are both career politicians who do nothing but exemplify the reasons for gridlock and bitterness that has permeated our country for the last 10 plus years.
You want CHANGE? Then let's go all the way! Let us go out into the wilderness and find someone who HASN'T been seeking the job of President their entire career and tell them that OUR country is now seeking them.
Sarah Palin is the only one of the four candidates who isn't a professional politician. She embodies what it meant to have Mr. (Mrs.) Smith go to Washington.
America's window of opportunity for CHANGE is now open, it is time to turn our country around and put an end to the same ole, same ole politics that both republicans and democrats have used to wallow around in like pigs at a trough over the years.
So if you want CHANGE, ( hold your nose if you must ) and vote McCain - Palin. By doing so, you will say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and you will be telling 3 of the 4 candidates that "We The People" are taking our country back. It's time to tell Biden, McCain and Obama that being a career politician is no longer to be a career path of choice.
Let's bring back to life the words of John F. Kennedy and "Pass the torch on to a new generation of Americans."
How bout them Apples!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
TODAY
Today we are a country in the middle of a presidential election. An election in which for the first time in 20 years our next president will not be named Bush or Clinton.
Today we are a country in harmony and disarray. Joined together by the bond of freedom that is soul of America, while at the same time being torn apart by the differences that freedom allows one and all.
Today we are a country split between right and left, liberal and conservative, republican and democrat, rich and poor. We are split between the laws of GOD and the laws of man.
Today we are a country that can begin to see Martin Luther King's dream. We see our founding fathers were right when they wrote we are all created equal.
Today we are a country that cherishes our freedom of speech, I don't have to agree with you but I will fight till the death to defend your rights to say it.
Today, and if only for Today, let us put aside our difference and remember, We are all Americans.
Sept. 11, 2001
Never Forget
Today we are a country in harmony and disarray. Joined together by the bond of freedom that is soul of America, while at the same time being torn apart by the differences that freedom allows one and all.
Today we are a country split between right and left, liberal and conservative, republican and democrat, rich and poor. We are split between the laws of GOD and the laws of man.
Today we are a country that can begin to see Martin Luther King's dream. We see our founding fathers were right when they wrote we are all created equal.
Today we are a country that cherishes our freedom of speech, I don't have to agree with you but I will fight till the death to defend your rights to say it.
Today, and if only for Today, let us put aside our difference and remember, We are all Americans.
Sept. 11, 2001
Never Forget
Thursday, August 28, 2008
APPLES BRANCH OUT
Original Apple On The Move
Yes Lighting Can Strike Twice
LGIO
Nashville, TN
With just a few weeks of downtime remaining before they begin the rigorous off season training program leading up to the 2009 season, the Apples today have confirmed recent reports that an original Apple is on the move and prepared to prove that lighting does in fact strike twice.
Speaking from his off season home on Hilton Head Island, AGFHOF Don Bernitt confirmed to reporters that original Apple Mary Anderson has agreed to terms with the Birmingham, Al. based Adam's Smashers.
At his hastily arranged briefing on the beaches of HHI, Bernitt said that "truth be known, and for the record, it was Mary Anderson who helped in providing the original spark that led to the Apples taking the field over a decade ago." Bernitt added to the story of Anderson's history with the Apples when he pointed out that in their first season of play the club finished with a record of 0-11. "I'll never forget it" continued Bernitt as he described how following the win less season he was called into the front office and blasted by team ownership. "We used to call it getting Beazed, and boy was I Beazed" chuckled Bernitt as he looked back on the beginning of the storied Apple franchise that in time came to dominate the Nashville landscape like had never been done before nor will ever be again.
Bernitt concluded the impromptu gathering by praising Anderson's past efforts on behalf of the Apples and said that he looked forward to keeping in touch with Anderson as she takes her masterful skills to another venue and joins the Adams team. "I'll say this much" said Bernitt " I'd rather play on her team then against her team, so look out all."
With her move to Adam's, Anderson also will now re-establish contact with former Apples Terry Mattingly and Jeff Hall who recently likewise took their skills first learned as part of the Apples to the friendly confines of the Adams Smashers.
As the summer grows long and a new season draws near do not be surprised when you soon again hear that now famous cheer.....................
How bout them Apples.
Yes Lighting Can Strike Twice
LGIO
Nashville, TN
With just a few weeks of downtime remaining before they begin the rigorous off season training program leading up to the 2009 season, the Apples today have confirmed recent reports that an original Apple is on the move and prepared to prove that lighting does in fact strike twice.
Speaking from his off season home on Hilton Head Island, AGFHOF Don Bernitt confirmed to reporters that original Apple Mary Anderson has agreed to terms with the Birmingham, Al. based Adam's Smashers.
At his hastily arranged briefing on the beaches of HHI, Bernitt said that "truth be known, and for the record, it was Mary Anderson who helped in providing the original spark that led to the Apples taking the field over a decade ago." Bernitt added to the story of Anderson's history with the Apples when he pointed out that in their first season of play the club finished with a record of 0-11. "I'll never forget it" continued Bernitt as he described how following the win less season he was called into the front office and blasted by team ownership. "We used to call it getting Beazed, and boy was I Beazed" chuckled Bernitt as he looked back on the beginning of the storied Apple franchise that in time came to dominate the Nashville landscape like had never been done before nor will ever be again.
Bernitt concluded the impromptu gathering by praising Anderson's past efforts on behalf of the Apples and said that he looked forward to keeping in touch with Anderson as she takes her masterful skills to another venue and joins the Adams team. "I'll say this much" said Bernitt " I'd rather play on her team then against her team, so look out all."
With her move to Adam's, Anderson also will now re-establish contact with former Apples Terry Mattingly and Jeff Hall who recently likewise took their skills first learned as part of the Apples to the friendly confines of the Adams Smashers.
As the summer grows long and a new season draws near do not be surprised when you soon again hear that now famous cheer.....................
How bout them Apples.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
THE NEWEST APPLE
The Next Generation
Vivian Richardson In The House
Itsababy
Nashville,TN
The Apples 2008 Summer Tour stopped for a moment this week to celebrate the birth of the newest Apple, Vivian Rae Richardson. Ms Richardson, the 2nd daughter and 4th child of Scott and Natalie Richardson entered the world last Thursday August 14th in time to watch her first Tennessee Titans game on TV from the cozy confines of her mothers arms.
"We're tickled" said the proud father Scott Richardson in between his phone calls to local Nashville sports talk shows which is part of his regular routine. Richardson, who played shortstop for the Apples in their inaugural season of 1998 gleamed from ear to ear when asked to describe his feelings surrounding the birth of VR. "She's precious" added mom Natalie as she smiled at sons Sam, Henry and daughter Marin as they gazed in wonderment at their baby sister.
With Vivian now at home with her family, the obvious question to be asked of Scott and Natalie will they make a run at "one for the thumb" and add child number 5 to the team in the next few years.
Although far to early to answer that question, one thing that is known for sure.... How bout them Apples!
Vivian Richardson In The House
Itsababy
Nashville,TN
The Apples 2008 Summer Tour stopped for a moment this week to celebrate the birth of the newest Apple, Vivian Rae Richardson. Ms Richardson, the 2nd daughter and 4th child of Scott and Natalie Richardson entered the world last Thursday August 14th in time to watch her first Tennessee Titans game on TV from the cozy confines of her mothers arms.
"We're tickled" said the proud father Scott Richardson in between his phone calls to local Nashville sports talk shows which is part of his regular routine. Richardson, who played shortstop for the Apples in their inaugural season of 1998 gleamed from ear to ear when asked to describe his feelings surrounding the birth of VR. "She's precious" added mom Natalie as she smiled at sons Sam, Henry and daughter Marin as they gazed in wonderment at their baby sister.
With Vivian now at home with her family, the obvious question to be asked of Scott and Natalie will they make a run at "one for the thumb" and add child number 5 to the team in the next few years.
Although far to early to answer that question, one thing that is known for sure.... How bout them Apples!
Monday, August 4, 2008
AN APPLE SOARS HIGH
Oliver Earns Title of IP
Instructor Pilot At Age 18
Thisiscool
Nashville, TN
In breaking news from the United States Air Force Academy, it was today announced that future Apple Michael Oliver, nephew of AGFHOF Don Bernitt, has earned and been awarded the distinct honor of becoming an Instructor Pilot in the United States Air Force.
The title of an IP or Instructor Pilot is without question never given,it can only be earned. By virtue of his accomplishment Oliver has proven that he has mastered the skills of flying himself and is now trusted to teach others.
Although not yet confirmed, early reports are that at the age of 18 Oliver may well in fact be the youngest Instructor Pilot in the Air Force. As a Cadet 3rd class (sophomore) at the Air Force Academy, Oliver will take the yoke of his TG-10B glider and begin teaching his fellow cadets the art and skill and flying.
When contacted for comment Oliver said that he would like to thank his dad, Retired Air Force Pilot Kris Oliver, and mom Gail Romayne Oliver for the support and guidance they provided him during his early years of flying.
Oliver's early morning phone interview was then cut short when the power went off and all that could be heard were the shouts of "Emergency, Emergency, everybody get up."
Attempts to reach Oliver again were unsuccessful and it is most likely that he had headed off to soar "Into The Wild Blue Yonder"
As the Apples 2008 Summer Tour continues do not be surprised if one day soon you look into the sky as if you have just heard from above...... How bout them Apples
Instructor Pilot At Age 18
Thisiscool
Nashville, TN
In breaking news from the United States Air Force Academy, it was today announced that future Apple Michael Oliver, nephew of AGFHOF Don Bernitt, has earned and been awarded the distinct honor of becoming an Instructor Pilot in the United States Air Force.
The title of an IP or Instructor Pilot is without question never given,it can only be earned. By virtue of his accomplishment Oliver has proven that he has mastered the skills of flying himself and is now trusted to teach others.
Although not yet confirmed, early reports are that at the age of 18 Oliver may well in fact be the youngest Instructor Pilot in the Air Force. As a Cadet 3rd class (sophomore) at the Air Force Academy, Oliver will take the yoke of his TG-10B glider and begin teaching his fellow cadets the art and skill and flying.
When contacted for comment Oliver said that he would like to thank his dad, Retired Air Force Pilot Kris Oliver, and mom Gail Romayne Oliver for the support and guidance they provided him during his early years of flying.
Oliver's early morning phone interview was then cut short when the power went off and all that could be heard were the shouts of "Emergency, Emergency, everybody get up."
Attempts to reach Oliver again were unsuccessful and it is most likely that he had headed off to soar "Into The Wild Blue Yonder"
As the Apples 2008 Summer Tour continues do not be surprised if one day soon you look into the sky as if you have just heard from above...... How bout them Apples
Sunday, July 27, 2008
APPLE GREG SWAFFORD WILL BE OK !
Swafford Life Flighted To Hospital
Vows To Pitch Again
Timetorehab
Nashville, TN
The Apples 2008 off season summer tour was rocked to its foundation this weekend when it was learned the starting pitcher Greg Swafford was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in suburban Nashville.
Swafford was life flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital following the late Saturday afternoon accident where it was determined that he broke 5 ribs and came within millimeters of puncturing a lung. Swafford also sustained a partial dislocation and deep bruise to his pitching shoulder.
In addition to the serious injuries to his torso, Swafford suffered a mild concussion that resulted in the forming of blood pockets in his eye sockets. "Thank GOD he was wearing a helmet" said an unidentified nurse on duty at the Vanderbilt Emergency Room.
Showing the true grit that has always been his style, Swafford insisted on going home Sunday and told reporters while leaving the hospital that after a time to heal he would begin rehab and vowed to pitch for the Apples again next season. "I may be banged up right now but even in this condition I'm better then our second string pitcher AGFHOF Don Bernitt" said Swafford as he flipped the V for victory sign and climbed into a private ambulance sent by the Apples front office to take him home.
And so it goes, the beginning of a long off season of rehab for Swafford and the real reason behind the that cheer.......
How bout them Apples !!
Vows To Pitch Again
Timetorehab
Nashville, TN
The Apples 2008 off season summer tour was rocked to its foundation this weekend when it was learned the starting pitcher Greg Swafford was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in suburban Nashville.
Swafford was life flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital following the late Saturday afternoon accident where it was determined that he broke 5 ribs and came within millimeters of puncturing a lung. Swafford also sustained a partial dislocation and deep bruise to his pitching shoulder.
In addition to the serious injuries to his torso, Swafford suffered a mild concussion that resulted in the forming of blood pockets in his eye sockets. "Thank GOD he was wearing a helmet" said an unidentified nurse on duty at the Vanderbilt Emergency Room.
Showing the true grit that has always been his style, Swafford insisted on going home Sunday and told reporters while leaving the hospital that after a time to heal he would begin rehab and vowed to pitch for the Apples again next season. "I may be banged up right now but even in this condition I'm better then our second string pitcher AGFHOF Don Bernitt" said Swafford as he flipped the V for victory sign and climbed into a private ambulance sent by the Apples front office to take him home.
And so it goes, the beginning of a long off season of rehab for Swafford and the real reason behind the that cheer.......
How bout them Apples !!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
APPLES CHASE THE MORNING
Long Ride To Tennessee
West to East Makes For Long Night
Almosthome
Nashville,TN
"The 7 1/2 hour overnight flight comes with the territory" said Apple Patty Pender as she sat in a zombie like state at the Atlanta airport this morning following her long flight from Anchorage, Alaska in route back to Tennessee.
The flight was the beginning to the end of what turned out to be an amazing trip to Alaska as part of the Apples 2008 Summer Tour. The Apples boarded their flight at 8:00 p.m. local Alaska time ( 11:00 p.m. Nashville time )for the long flight east as they first headed towards the night skies of the western United States before finally chasing the rising sun over Atlanta and the eastern United States.
"That really sucked" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he waited in Atlanta for the Apples connector flight back to their familiar confines in Nashville. "But, it's pretty much been par for the course this last week" continued Bernitt as he tried to describe the feelings of constant daylight, lack of sleep and time zone jumping that were experienced during the 10 day Apple tour of Alaska.
The Apples trip can be best described as awesome. Along with visits to Eskimo villages over the Arctic Circle and hikes through the Grizzly Bear infested territory of Denali National Park, the Apples also had the very special pleasure to visit multiple glaciers while at Kenaji Fjords National Park as well as take a simply spectacular 4 plus hour train ride through the splendor of the Alaskan Mountain Range. In addition to the train trip, the Apples took several flightseeing trips including a flight that took them within a few hundred feet of the 20,000 ft summit of Mt. McKinley. "That was an amazing sight" said Bernitt when asked to describe the ride to the summit of North America's tallest mountain peak. Along with the flight to Denali, another highlight of the trip was without question a very rare visit to the Upper Falls of the Brooks River in the Aleutian Islands. It was at Brooks Camp that the Apples sat in awe as they watched Grizzly Bears sitting in the river as they waited on the King Salmon to swim up stream and jump into the falls in an effort to return to their breeding grounds. With 1.5 million salmon making the run each year, there were plenty of fish for the 15 Grizzlies that were in and along the shores of the river. "No words to describe this" said Pender as she watched the bears in the dance of life and death that they share each year with the salmon.
When asked for additional details on the Apples trip, an exhausted Pender said, "let me get home and decompress and then I'll get back to you on it. Bernitt added, "I heard it put this way and it sums everything up for me; the United States isn't 500 hundred or a thousand years old. We don't have pyramids or castles to look at in our country but without doubt we do have amazing natural beauty. From the Colorado Rockies to the Grand Canyon, from Yellowstone and Alaska. It's all around us, I encourage all to go, do and see whenever and wherever possible.
With that the call was made and the Apples headed to gate B-17 and the last leg of their trip, a quick 1 hour flight from Atlanta to Nashville. If nothing else, you can be sure that after a period to adjust back to their normal day to day in Tennessee, that we will soon likely hear again that now famous cheer.....
How bout them Apples!
The Apples would like to extend a special thanks to Christi Copous, Anne Moses and the Todd family for their kind efforts of taking care of team dog Bella and team cats O & Q during their trip to Alaska
Photos Below
West to East Makes For Long Night
Almosthome
Nashville,TN
"The 7 1/2 hour overnight flight comes with the territory" said Apple Patty Pender as she sat in a zombie like state at the Atlanta airport this morning following her long flight from Anchorage, Alaska in route back to Tennessee.
The flight was the beginning to the end of what turned out to be an amazing trip to Alaska as part of the Apples 2008 Summer Tour. The Apples boarded their flight at 8:00 p.m. local Alaska time ( 11:00 p.m. Nashville time )for the long flight east as they first headed towards the night skies of the western United States before finally chasing the rising sun over Atlanta and the eastern United States.
"That really sucked" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt as he waited in Atlanta for the Apples connector flight back to their familiar confines in Nashville. "But, it's pretty much been par for the course this last week" continued Bernitt as he tried to describe the feelings of constant daylight, lack of sleep and time zone jumping that were experienced during the 10 day Apple tour of Alaska.
The Apples trip can be best described as awesome. Along with visits to Eskimo villages over the Arctic Circle and hikes through the Grizzly Bear infested territory of Denali National Park, the Apples also had the very special pleasure to visit multiple glaciers while at Kenaji Fjords National Park as well as take a simply spectacular 4 plus hour train ride through the splendor of the Alaskan Mountain Range. In addition to the train trip, the Apples took several flightseeing trips including a flight that took them within a few hundred feet of the 20,000 ft summit of Mt. McKinley. "That was an amazing sight" said Bernitt when asked to describe the ride to the summit of North America's tallest mountain peak. Along with the flight to Denali, another highlight of the trip was without question a very rare visit to the Upper Falls of the Brooks River in the Aleutian Islands. It was at Brooks Camp that the Apples sat in awe as they watched Grizzly Bears sitting in the river as they waited on the King Salmon to swim up stream and jump into the falls in an effort to return to their breeding grounds. With 1.5 million salmon making the run each year, there were plenty of fish for the 15 Grizzlies that were in and along the shores of the river. "No words to describe this" said Pender as she watched the bears in the dance of life and death that they share each year with the salmon.
When asked for additional details on the Apples trip, an exhausted Pender said, "let me get home and decompress and then I'll get back to you on it. Bernitt added, "I heard it put this way and it sums everything up for me; the United States isn't 500 hundred or a thousand years old. We don't have pyramids or castles to look at in our country but without doubt we do have amazing natural beauty. From the Colorado Rockies to the Grand Canyon, from Yellowstone and Alaska. It's all around us, I encourage all to go, do and see whenever and wherever possible.
With that the call was made and the Apples headed to gate B-17 and the last leg of their trip, a quick 1 hour flight from Atlanta to Nashville. If nothing else, you can be sure that after a period to adjust back to their normal day to day in Tennessee, that we will soon likely hear again that now famous cheer.....
How bout them Apples!
The Apples would like to extend a special thanks to Christi Copous, Anne Moses and the Todd family for their kind efforts of taking care of team dog Bella and team cats O & Q during their trip to Alaska
Photos Below
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
APPLES IN THE MIDNIGHT SUN
Summer Goodwill Tour Continues
Inapuik Eskimos Can Hit
Cantsleep
Nashville TN
The Apples 2008 Summer Tour is now in full stride with no sign of slowing down soon. As special guest of the Inapuik Eskimos, the Apples Alaskan summer tour began with a flight over the Arctic Circle to the Top of the World as they attempted to join the Polar Bear club by swimming in the Arctic Ocean. However, it must be reported that the Apples were denied their attempt as they were unable to make it to their planned final destination when their private plane, Apple 1, was forced by heavy fog to land short of the ocean.
"Yea, I was a little disappointed about that" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt when asked to comment about the day. "But then again" added Bernitt, "We made it over the Arctic Circle and were able to spend some time with the Inapuiks at Coldfoot Camp so it wasn't a total bust"
Following the return flight to Fairbanks, the Apples were all about play as they experienced the phenomena of what is known as 'The Land Of The Midnight Sun' "It really can't be explained" said Apple Patty Pender as she loaded her golf clubs into her golf cart as she began a round of golf at 10:30 p.m. "It's the middle of the night and you would think it was the middle of day. The sun is very high in the sky and their is no reason to believe it's actually near midnight"
"The experience of the Midnight Sun is awesome" added Bernitt as he pointed out that it is very hard to know when to go to sleep. "The brain is amazing, with no darkness and nothing but bright sunshine, it's very easy to get caught up in the surroundings around you and before you know it is 3 o'clock in the morning and you haven't slept for 22 or 23 hours." "Looking back" continued Bernitt, "this would have been a great place to grow up. Just think, your parents couldn't tell you to be home by dark because there is no such thing at this time of year"
Following a few days in the great north of Fairbanks and beyond, the Apples trip continued with a visit to Denali National Park which is home to the North American continents tallest mountain, Denali, also known as Mt. McKinley. At over 20,000 ft high, Denali simply must be seen to be described. "Some people say I have my head in the clouds, but this lady called Denali takes the cake on that line" said Bernitt as he gazed upon the mountains of the national park.
As is their way, the Apples then left the comfort of the highways as they packed their day packs a set off on a 4 hour hike through the tundra and across the river beds that snake through Denali. Not to be missed was that fact that as they hiked the Apples were fully aware that they were now out of the safety of their element and walking through the homeland of the American Grizzly Bear. "Yea, it's not for the faint of heart said Bernitt" as he and Pender were joined by his sister Diane and nieces Lisa and Lauren.
"This is the last time that I will ever go on vacation with Don and Patty" said the visibly shaken Diane Bernitt as she climbed her way up a steep hill and through the hip deep brush that led the Apples out of the riverbed and to the relative safety of the gravel road to wait on a bus to take them out of the wilderness and back to camp. "Can we do that again tomorrow chimed Lisa and Lauren" as they poured water out of their soaked shoes following the last river crossing of the day.
On the subject of rivers, it was then off to the raging Nenana River for a 2 hour whitewater rafting trip that saw the Apples joined by Penders parents Jo and Bob for the ride of a lifetime in the 38 degree waters of the glacier fed Nenana. "Oh my!" said Jo Pender when asked to describe the 12 mile journey through the canyons of Denali.
Next up for the Apples, weather permitting, will be a flightseeing trip that is scheduled to fly them near the summit of Mt McKinley for a tour of the Alaskan range and a glacier landing high in the mountains. Again, and however, it doesn't look good as heavy clouds have moved into the area and grounded most flights. "Lets just see what happens over the next few hours" said Bernitt as he sipped coffee and enjoyed the chilly morning in the small town of Talkeetna on the outskirts of Denali Park.
And so it is, the Apples 2008 Summer Tour continues as they leave their mark on America's 50th state, Alaska. One thing to be said for sure is that whether it be night time or not, you more then likely will soon again hear that now famous cheer...
How bout them Apples!
Inapuik Eskimos Can Hit
Cantsleep
Nashville TN
The Apples 2008 Summer Tour is now in full stride with no sign of slowing down soon. As special guest of the Inapuik Eskimos, the Apples Alaskan summer tour began with a flight over the Arctic Circle to the Top of the World as they attempted to join the Polar Bear club by swimming in the Arctic Ocean. However, it must be reported that the Apples were denied their attempt as they were unable to make it to their planned final destination when their private plane, Apple 1, was forced by heavy fog to land short of the ocean.
"Yea, I was a little disappointed about that" said AGFHOF Don Bernitt when asked to comment about the day. "But then again" added Bernitt, "We made it over the Arctic Circle and were able to spend some time with the Inapuiks at Coldfoot Camp so it wasn't a total bust"
Following the return flight to Fairbanks, the Apples were all about play as they experienced the phenomena of what is known as 'The Land Of The Midnight Sun' "It really can't be explained" said Apple Patty Pender as she loaded her golf clubs into her golf cart as she began a round of golf at 10:30 p.m. "It's the middle of the night and you would think it was the middle of day. The sun is very high in the sky and their is no reason to believe it's actually near midnight"
"The experience of the Midnight Sun is awesome" added Bernitt as he pointed out that it is very hard to know when to go to sleep. "The brain is amazing, with no darkness and nothing but bright sunshine, it's very easy to get caught up in the surroundings around you and before you know it is 3 o'clock in the morning and you haven't slept for 22 or 23 hours." "Looking back" continued Bernitt, "this would have been a great place to grow up. Just think, your parents couldn't tell you to be home by dark because there is no such thing at this time of year"
Following a few days in the great north of Fairbanks and beyond, the Apples trip continued with a visit to Denali National Park which is home to the North American continents tallest mountain, Denali, also known as Mt. McKinley. At over 20,000 ft high, Denali simply must be seen to be described. "Some people say I have my head in the clouds, but this lady called Denali takes the cake on that line" said Bernitt as he gazed upon the mountains of the national park.
As is their way, the Apples then left the comfort of the highways as they packed their day packs a set off on a 4 hour hike through the tundra and across the river beds that snake through Denali. Not to be missed was that fact that as they hiked the Apples were fully aware that they were now out of the safety of their element and walking through the homeland of the American Grizzly Bear. "Yea, it's not for the faint of heart said Bernitt" as he and Pender were joined by his sister Diane and nieces Lisa and Lauren.
"This is the last time that I will ever go on vacation with Don and Patty" said the visibly shaken Diane Bernitt as she climbed her way up a steep hill and through the hip deep brush that led the Apples out of the riverbed and to the relative safety of the gravel road to wait on a bus to take them out of the wilderness and back to camp. "Can we do that again tomorrow chimed Lisa and Lauren" as they poured water out of their soaked shoes following the last river crossing of the day.
On the subject of rivers, it was then off to the raging Nenana River for a 2 hour whitewater rafting trip that saw the Apples joined by Penders parents Jo and Bob for the ride of a lifetime in the 38 degree waters of the glacier fed Nenana. "Oh my!" said Jo Pender when asked to describe the 12 mile journey through the canyons of Denali.
Next up for the Apples, weather permitting, will be a flightseeing trip that is scheduled to fly them near the summit of Mt McKinley for a tour of the Alaskan range and a glacier landing high in the mountains. Again, and however, it doesn't look good as heavy clouds have moved into the area and grounded most flights. "Lets just see what happens over the next few hours" said Bernitt as he sipped coffee and enjoyed the chilly morning in the small town of Talkeetna on the outskirts of Denali Park.
And so it is, the Apples 2008 Summer Tour continues as they leave their mark on America's 50th state, Alaska. One thing to be said for sure is that whether it be night time or not, you more then likely will soon again hear that now famous cheer...
How bout them Apples!
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