The Dog Adventures

Dana and Blackbeard visit Historical Gravesites in Elkville, IL

2007-12-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

A trip to a Homesteader's Cemetery

On Tuesday, December 4th, Blackbeard and I traveled to the rural area outside of Elkville, IL. I live a few miles outside of town on land that was originally settled by homesteaders of the early 1800's. My family continues to farm this land which has allowed for much of the original setting to remain the same. Only a half mile down the road from my house is the location of one of the original homesteader family cemeteries. Much of the area has grown up with weeds and some of the stones have fallen over or become unreadable over the many years. However, there are still many stones in which the names of those who are buried there are can still be read, along with dates of the 1800's in which they lived. I have always been very interested in these gravestones, and think it is fascinating to think of what the homesteader's lives would have been like. Some of these original homesteaders are even my ancestors whom have passed our land down through generations. During our trip, Blackbeard and I traveled a total of 32 miles in my car. The latitude and longitude coordinates for our destination are 37.93 (37 degrees, 55 feet) and -89.22 (-89 degrees and 13 feet).

Blackbeard gets a good view of So. IL

2007-12-06T16:05:00.000-08:00

On November 9th Blackbeard took Lyndal to The Bald Knob Cross of Peace by the town of Alto Pass. Though it is falling apart now from lack of upkeep, the cross stands 111 ft tall on top of Bald Knob Mountain. Because Blackbeard had already visited the cross once this semester, he was able to tell Lyndal all sorts of information about the cross. The place where the cross stands was cleared by Wayman Presley, a postal worker, and his friends to host Easter sunrise service in 1937. The first wooden cross was built a year later. The cross that stands there today was completed in 1963. Blackbeard and Lyndal traveled the 42 miles to and from the cross in the morning and enjoyed the tree covered road on the way up and down the mountain. The town of Alto Pass is located at 37.57 degrees N. and 89.32 degrees W. The cross is 4 miles up the mountain from town. Blackbeard's total mileage is now 4,743.3 miles.

A tired little pirate

2007-12-05T10:20:00.000-08:00

As the semester draws to a close, Blackbeard is anxious to return to Mrs. Shafer's office and rest. He has travel 4, 659.3 miles with more miles to post before he can relax. It's been an exciting adventure this semester. He has escaped the authorities many times as he has successfully navigate the 'waters' of Southern Illinois.

Cody and Blackbeard travel to the Historic Sesser Opera House

2007-12-04T22:51:00.000-08:00

Blackbeard and I set out from Carbondale in search of a good show. We wanted more of a classic feel for our entertainment, so Blackbeard came up with the idea to go see an opera. I thought that was a great idea and I knew just the place. We traveled 70.6 miles total but it was well worth it. I drove and Blackbeard chose the music for the trip. We were both excited when we got there, but ended up disappointed. We arrived at 9:00 p.m. on December 4, 2007. We thought we'd be just in time for a show, but it turns out that the Opera House is only used on special occasions. However, that didn't stop us from taking some pictures to remember our experience and buying a little popcorn for the ride home. The Sesser Opera House is located on main street in Sesser and the current building was built in 1914. The previous Opera House was built in 1904 but was destroyed by fire. In 1982, it was listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The Opera House is located at 380530N and 0890301W. Blackbeard has now traveled 4,659.3 miles!

Megan and Blackbeard visit The Old Salt Mines

2007-12-03T10:27:00.001-08:00

Blackbeard and I set off for the little known town of Equality, Illinois. The Old Salt Works is located 374402N latitude and 0882036W longitude. We traveled a total of 114 miles; we were both ready for a Sunday afternoon nap by the time we arrived home. Many travelers bypass Equality on their way to the Garden of the Gods or Cave-in-Rock, but they are missing out on the history that exists in the little "village" of Equality. This brings Blackbeard's journey to
4,588.7 miles.

Brad and Blackbeard travel to Old Shawneetown

2007-11-29T02:52:00.000-08:00

On Monday November 26th, 2007, Brad and Blackbeard travled to Old Shawneetown IL. There are many historical sites in Old Shawneetown. Old Shawneetown is one of the oldest towns in Illinois. Blackbeard and I traveled by car a total 117.9 miles. In Old Shawneetown, we visited the historic Old Shawneetown State Bank. Old Shawneetown's latitude is 37. 70 and longitude is 88.14. Blackbeard's total mileage is now 4,474.7.

Lindsey and Blackbeard go the the WWII Memorial

2007-11-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, November 7, 2007, Blackbeard and I started our Journey to Jamaica, Il, 213.8 miles away from Carbondale, and there we celebrated Thanksgiving together and spent some time with the family. Then we traveled by car 17.3 miles to Danville, IL. There we visited the World War II Memorial. We we able to see the new part of the Memorial, built to remember the women who fought in the war. Blackbeard and I learned many interesting things about our veterans. Danville is located at 40.20 latitude and 87.60 longitude. Blackbeard's total mileage for this trip was 462.2 miles making his total mileage 4,356.8.

Matt and Blackbeard travel to Herrin

2007-11-14T13:18:00.001-08:00

Blackbeard has graduated from high schoo!!!!! I took Blackbeard to Herrin High School located at 700 n 10th st. in Herrin Illinois. We traveled a total of 33.6 miles. The coordinates for the High School is Latitude 37° 48' 34" Longitude -89° 1' 19 Total miles so far: 3,894.6

Sara and Blackbeard visit Veterans Memorial in Johnston City

2007-11-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

I took Blackbeard on a car ride to the Veterans Memorial in Johnston City,IL. We went to celebrate Veteran's Day. The memorial is located beside the fire station on East Broadway St. It contains the names of local fallen heros. My grandpa and my father in law are veterans, so this is an important day to me. We actually flagged down a passerby that happened to be a veteran, and asked him to take our picture. He laughed at the fact that I was taking my picture with Blackbeard, but was happy to help. We traveled 54.96 miles that day. The exact location of the memorial is 37.82 N 88.93 W. Total miles so far: 3,861

2007-11-11T13:42:00.000-08:00

On November 10th, 2007, Blackbeard and I traveled to Paducah, KY. We traveled 188.8 miles total. We went down by the river to the Wall to Wall. This is a collection of paintings painted directly on a mile or so long wall. Currently, there are 54 images on the floodwall. Robert Dafford and a team of muralists painted all of Paducah's history on this flood wall overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers. Scenes on the wall are in chronological order and some scenes date back all the way to the 1800's. This portion of the wall that I am posing with looks like a scrapbook. The headline reads, "Paducah's first home coming ends in blaze". The pictures on the left side of the wall are of some of Chief Paduke's tribe. He is who Paducah is named after. So far, Blackbeard has traveled 3806.04 miles!

Oh Where Have the little pirates gone!

2007-11-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

The hallway bulletin board captures the adventures of the little pirates!

Blackbeard visits Bald Knob Cross

2007-11-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 4th Blackbeard, my daughter (Taylor), my best friend Allie, her son (Garrett) and I visited Bald Knob Cross in Alto Pass, IL in my Hyundai Sonata. Bald Knob Cross is located on Bald Knob Mountain in Southern Illinois Ozarks, and is surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest. Bald Knob Cross was established by Wayman Presley and Rev. William H. Lirely. The Cross stands at 111 feet tall, and the base of the Cross is 1034 feet above sea level. It was a roundtrip of 44.4 miles. After Blackbeard's trip to Bald Knob, he has traveled a total of 3617.24 miles. Our trip to Bald Knob was very informational and enjoyable.

Sarah Kivett and Blackbeard Visit the Ohio River

2007-10-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 28, 2007, Blackbeard and I began our journey down to Golconda, IL to overlook the Ohio River in my Monte Carlo, and were accompanied by mom. While we were there Blackbeard and I learned that the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled along the Ohio River during their exploration from 1803 to 1806. The Ohio River in Golconda, IL, is located at 37.367 N Latitude and -88.486 W Longitude. The Ohio River is a very busy waterway, which hosts transportation for a vast number of barges daily, with coal being one of the main commodities that is transported along the Ohio River. It was a very beautiful afternoon and Blackbeard, my mom, and I all enjoyed our visit to Golconda, IL to overlook the Ohio River. Blackbeard's total mileage for his trip was 135.6 miles, which makes his total mileage 3572.84 miles.

Theresa Gray and Blackbeard search for leaves at Giant City State Park

2007-10-23T16:20:00.001-07:00

Tuesday after the rain paused, Blackbeard, my two sons, Sean and Brad and I went for a drive to Giant City State Park. Giant City is located in Makanda Illinois. We traveled through parts of the park searching for leaves as part of my sons Leaf Project. We got wet and muddy as the collection went on. When we got home Blackbeard enjoyed some Hot Cocoa and Chili while being yellow as we played a game of Sorry(R). Latutude 37.36'18" and Longitude -89.11'18" at Giant City State Park gave Blackbeard 23.6 miles with me for a total of 3437.24 miles In 1927, the State of Illinois acquired more than 1,100 acres of land in Union and Jackson counties and dedicated the area as Giant City State Park. In 1936, the Civilian Conservation Corps completed construction of a lodge and 12 overnight cabins on the highest point in the park. Today, the park has grown to encompass 4,000 acres of spectacular countryside and the 110-acre Fern Rocks Nature Preserve.Camping, Hiking Picknicking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding are a few of the things that can be done at Giant City State Park, don't forget leaf searching. The Visitors Center were we took our pictures was erected in 1999 but there is plenty of fun places for blackbeard to run, play and jump in any kind of weather.

Lisa Adams and Blackbeard visit Wickliffe Mounds

2007-10-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning, October 19, 2007, Blackbeard, my mother, my uncle, and I drove down to Kentucky to visit Wickliffe Mounds located just north of the town of Wickliffe. We took the Grand Marquis because it has more room and none of us can go anywhere without bringing several bags and lots of drinks and food.

Wickliffe Mounds is an archaeological site and museum of a prehistoric Native American village of the Mississippian culture. The Mississippian Native Americans occupied the site from 1100-1350 C.E. (A.D.). They built platform style mounds used for ceremonies and permanent villages with houses made of mud and thatch. Other mounds were used as burial sites. They relied heavily on corn as the staple of their diet, but also utilized the resources from the nearby Missouri River for fishing, fertile soil, hunting, and travel. They participated in a vast trade network and had a rather complex society for this period. The site was first excavated in the 1930's by Colonel Fain King, a prominent Paducah businessman, and his wife Blanche Busey King. The site exchanged hands several times over the years before being donated to Murray State University. Additional excavations continued from 1984 through 2004 by the university to promote a better understanding of the culture. Excavations are no longer conducted to preserve the mounds intact, but visitors to the site can still see the mounds and numerous artifacts that help to explain the Mississippian culture. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Kentucky Archaeological Landmark.

We all had a great time and Blackbeard loved the historical self-guided tour. We could only get one picture because the batteries gave out in the camera, but the day was a wonderful and much needed change of pace for everyone. Wickliffe Mounds is located at 36.97100 N latitude and 89.0928 W longitude. Blackbeard traveled 154.04 miles on his trip to Wickliffe this weekend which brings his total miles to 3413.64.

Kelly and Blackbeard Visit Southern Illinois Airport

2007-10-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, Blackbeard and I visited to Carbondale Airport. We traveled to the airport in my Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Carbondale airport, also known as Southern Illinois Airport, opened in 1950 and was originally known as Murdale Airport. It is operated by its own government authority with members appointed by Carbondale, Murphysboro and Jackson County. The airport is currently the eighth busiest airport in Illinois. The majority of the traffic at SI Airport is from the Aviation Flight Department from SIU (which does not own the airport but simply leases space). A few types of planes that are based at SI Airport are different types of Cessna brand aircraft as you can see in the picture. A few businesses also store a few jets at the airport, and the Illinois National Guard is currently building a facility at the airport for its new base here in Carbondale. The latitude and longitude was 37-46-41.1450 N and 89-15-07.3120 W. We traveled 18.8 miles total for the trip. This trips brings Blackbeard's miles up to 3259.6 miles total.

Blackbeard and Michelle Hudgens Visit Goddard Chapel

2007-10-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, October 13, 2007, Blackbeard and I visited Goddard Chapel in Rose Hill Cemetary, located in Marion, IL. We rode with my mom in her Jeep Liberty. Goddard Chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1918 by Leroy Goddard, the former city mayor and a Chicago banker from Marion, IL. The chapel is made from Bedford stone with art glass windows and seats 200 people. Goddard Chapel is no longer used for funeral services or religious purposes, but remains one of the most recognized historical structures in Southern Illinois. It is located at 37.730 N latitude and

-88.933 W longitude. Blackbeard traveled 33.9 miles on this trip, which brings his total to 3240.8 miles.

Nathan and Blackbeard visit the Miner's Memorial

2007-10-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

I took Blackbeard to West Frankfort, Illinois on Oct. 9th 2007. We were driving my car on the way back from school. We visited the Miner's Memorial on Main Street. West Frankfort use to be one of the coal capitals of Southern Illinois with a population over 20,000 people and 7 operating coal mines in or near the city limits. On December 21, 1951 a mine explosion occured in the New Orient mine that took 199 lives. Only one survivor made it out where the explosion happened. This explosion helped the government pass the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1952. There have been over 1500 people killed in the mines in Franklin County. This site is dedicated to those who lost their lives and those still mining. We traveled a total of 55.4 miles and the coordinates are 37.53'52.49"N and 88.55'38.93"W

P.S. I took Blackbeard to see my deer. He got his picture with Brooke!

If I did this right, after adding my trip, Blackbeard has traveled 32o6.69 miles.

Mary and Blackbeard travel to Canada!-1325 miles for a total of 3, 151.50

2007-10-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Just sit right back and you' ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip that started in Illinois and went to Canada. With Blackbeard stowed away five states they travel on a two day tour.
On the voyage through the five states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, Mary navigated as Brian piloted their vessel. They took port at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Sandwich First Baptist Church in Windsor Canada (and few smaller ports in between). While crossing the Ambassador Bridge into Canada Blackbeard was stowed under deck for he had no passport. I believe Blackbeard must have felt much like a slave traveling through the underground railroad to escape southern slave owners. Thankfully their cruise was kept light and festive by listening to the last book in the Harry Porter series. They finished the last CD while docking in DuBois. Home Sweet Home. The trip was 1325 miles long. The latitude was 42.314123, the longitude was -83.036762 at the First Baptist Church in Windsor. This church was built in 1851 to accommodate the growing number of Black refugee slaves fleeing the United States. posted by Mary Trentman Date traveled Oct. 5&6, 2007 (by car)

Julie's trip brings the total mileage to 1,826.50 miles!!!

2007-10-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard and Julie visit the Garden of the Gods

2007-10-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

On Monday, October 1, my boyfriend and I took Black beard to the Garden of the Gods. Black beard and I rode on the back of Jake’s motorcycle. We arrived right at dusk. Garden of the Gods is located in southern Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. The Wilderness area is over 320 million years old and covers over 3,300 acres of beautiful old growth forest. The sediment rock in this area is over 4 miles deep and the fractured bedrock has created some interesting rock formations that represent various objects. We traveled a total of 77.74 miles. The location is: Latitude: 37.73 N, Longitude: 88.55 W.

2007-10-02T15:34:00.001-07:00

Megan's trip brings total mileage to 1748.76 miles!

2007-10-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard Honors Veteran's Memorial

2007-09-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

On September 29, 2007, Blackbeard traveled to the Honeybee festival in Paris Illinois(lat 39.6 N, long 87.7 W). He watched the parade while enjoying a lemon shake-up. He and the kids really hit the jackpot on candy at the parade. While waiting for the parade to start, Blackbeard had the great idea to pay his respect to veteran's from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Iraq War at the Edgar County Veteran War Memorial. He walked around the square memorial reading names and paying honor to those who have lost their lives. He is tired from the long car ride there and back, which totaled 379.1 miles, and all of the sunshine at the parade. He enjoyed the weekend with Megan, Seth, and especially Layla Berry.

Blackbeard Traveled 1369.66 Miles

2007-09-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard Travels 100.78 Miles to Participate in Fall Festivities!

2007-09-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard traveled 100.78 miles to Nashville, IL. He joined in the celebrating of the 27th annual Fall Festival held in Nashville. At the Fall Festival he enjoyed a bratwurst and soda sold by the Lions Club. He looked around at the numerous craft stands with beutiful decorations. On Sunday morning he participated in the annual 5k run. He took a picture in front of Nashville's beautiful courthouse because the festival is set up on the roads around the courthouse. Blackbeard enjoyed participating in an event that is fun for all ages and a big part of my community. The Longitude of Nashville is 38 degrees 20 minutes and the latitude is -89 degrees 23 minutes.

Blackbeard's travels surpass 1000 miles

2007-09-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard set sail with the students of CI 424 as his crew. His adventures have taken him traveling in the Mid West of the United States of America. He has accumulated 1268.88 miles. His friend, Mina, is a bucaneer from Captain Jack Calico's ship where she sails with Anne Bonny and Mary Read. However, she demonstrated true buccaneer spirit as she 'dons the togs of a pirate' to show the tars she sails with!

Blackbeard takes Historical Village

2007-09-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Blackbeard is weary from his travels as he looked for the lost village of Jefferson County. As Blackbeard explored the authentic historical village, he felt quite at home and refused to leave without a picture to commemorate his visit. Blackbeard traveled 118 miles to roam Puckett's General store, a blacksmith shop, the dentist, a one room church and school among other old haunts from his past. The coordinates from this location are:l Lat-38 degrees 19.1 minutes North by Long-88 degrees 54.1 minutes West.

Kristal takes Blackbeard to her family's Legacy

2007-09-12T07:39:00.002-07:00

Blackbeard took an 86.82 mile journey with Kristal Hodge. He visited the new building of the Waltonville Cafe. This restaurant has been in her family since 1940. Its name has changed three times, but it has stayed in the family nevertheless. Kristal's great aunt, Millie Kiselewski, bought the restaurant called the Knotty Pine in 1940. When the building became dilapidated, she moved the business across the street to another building in 1966 and changed the name to Millie's Cafe. Kristal's mother, Janice Laur, took over the business in 1991 and changed the name to the Waltonville Cafe. This building also became run-down so the business moved again in October, 2006. This is where Blackbeard is seen with Kristal's youngest son, Kody.
The Waltonville Cafe is located at 38.20889 degrees latitude and 89.03889 degrees longitude. So if you are out for a family drive Monday through Saturday, come visit the cafe from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm. Enjoy home cooking and delicious home made pie!

Sakou and Blackbeard travel to Fort Campbell

2007-09-12T07:39:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Blackbeard went on a heroic adventure with the 347th battalion out of Marion IL. He journeyed with the Army unit for their battle assembly and observed their field training. Blackbeard was questioned after the journey but was not able to answer any questions about the journey due to military intelligence. He went over 278 miles to reach Fort Campbell Kentucky and learned basic Army firing techniques. He ended his journey at the national guard armory in Carbondale, IL where he took a picture with Sakou Locke. Look for more adventures staring Blackbeard this week!

Tori and Blackbeard travel 508.06 miles!

2007-09-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

Tori and Blackbeard spend an exciting week-end touring Maryland Heights, Missouri. Blackbeard and Tori travel by car and visited Dave and Busters at 13857 Riverport Drive (Latitude 38' 42'47"; Longitude 96'25' 47"). Dave and Buster's is a full service restaurant (good dog chow!!!), a video arcade (Million Dollar Midway," and large screen tv's plus other sports opportunities. The Rock Band "Bowling for Soup" is sponsored by Dave and Buster's. Although it took a long time and a lot of miles to get there, both Tori and Blackbeard said they had a good time.

Every traveler needs a rest stop. Blackbeard takes time to enjoy the nice soft grass lawn.

Blackbeard sets sail!

2007-09-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

The pirate dog of CI 424, Blackbeard began his adventures on Wednesday, August 29th. The real Blackbeard was a buccaneer who sailed the Caribbean Sea. Our Blackbeard is a 'little dawg' who travels with students in the Elementary Social Studies classes at Southern Illinois University.

His first trip with the students was over Labor Day Week-end.