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The West was never
like this!
A travel poem about cruising the old west by Carlene Petty
"Hurry up and pack your bags!
We need an early start! There are lots of miles to cover. It will
be a trip with lots of heart.
"Kay and John promised us a surprise in Las Cruces, but we didn't
suspect it would include a gun! Exit the coach for the cowboys and
deputies; we were all game for the fun!
"San Diego is a beautiful city, but we discovered Seal Beach
a 'no-no'. So, we headed for Old Town and shopped and ate before a
show.
"And, oh, that USS Ronald Reagan! It was all we expected and
more! Everything was really first class. We felt patriotic to the core!
"Let's give three cheers for Lt. Commander Jen; what a wonder
tour we had. So magnificent, so full of pride! We're proud
Americans; that makes us glad!
"The Carnival Paradise lived up to its name! Everything
was simply tip top! Great food, wonderful entertainment, we didn't want
it to stop!"
"Santa Catalina Isle was such a charming place. It was so
unique, quaint and cute. We tried to do and see everything; it was
certainly a big hoot!
"Our final port was Ensenada and everyone enjoyed Mexico! We
shopped, toured and shopped some more. No one seemed eager to go.
"Thanks to Nick for driving us. We really appreciate your
skill. Miles and miles of highway seemed so short with your determined
will!
"A great big 'thank you' to John and Kay for helping our
dreams come true! we've had a great adventure and it's all because of
you!
"Sadly, it's time to say farewell. It has really been a
blast. we've made many new friends and enjoy other friends from the
past!
Carlene Petty,
November 2004
My Heart is Full
of Pride
A travel poem about Yellowstone and the American West by Carlene Petty
"My heart is full of pride because America is my home, And,
Rockport Tours helps me enjoy it, as we roam and roam!
"I'm with another group of friends, heading for the
American West . Cowboys, mountains, rivers and streams, we're looking for
he very best!
"One of our fist sights was the Gardens of the Gods. It
gives new meaning to the word red; deep canyons, statuette
spires, and tight turns really put visions into our heads.
"Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park was a
winner! The views gave us quite a thrill! Our driver, Nick,
handled those curves with finesse, even though some of them gave us a
chill!
"At Jackson Hole we had a dinner show at the Bar T-5;
it really was a treat! A covered wagon ride through the woods,
then a great show and lots to eat!
"We only had a short glimpse of the jagged Tetons,
clouds and rain blocked them out. We were all so disappointed, so for a
little while we had to pout.
"Yellowstone is such a majestic place; it's the
National Park's shining star! With its geysers, waterfalls and amazing
animals, we didn't mind coming so far!
"Other people have the sun and stars, but we also had the
MOON! It embellished all of Yellowstone's sights and invited us to
come back real soon!
"We even had a Yankee on our trip, but soon trained him
in our ways! All the howdys, ya'lls and western lore, kept his New
York head in a constant daze!
"Patsy became our wildlife hero when she spotted moose and a bear. We suddenly became happy campers without a worry or a
care!
"Thee are no adequate words to describe the Beartooth
Highway. There were sky high miles of incredible beauty and lots of snow to make
our day!
"The Little Big Horn, Devil's tower and Crazy Horse
were all wonders to our eyes. Their stories will still be with us long
after we've said our good-byes.
"Our Indian guide debunked Custer theories and told us
things we hand heard. then we came across a herd of wild horses. Oh, my
word!
"Seeing Mount Rushmore seemed an impossible dream. It's
such a national treasure! It's so inspiring in its magnificence;
we were all filled with pleasure!
"The Badlands and Wall Drug Store both had their distinctive
style. We love the variety on this trip; everyone seems to have a smile.
"Nebraska's Archway Monument was a wonderful surprise.
It told the Pioneer story so well. There were wonderful displays,
good narration. We thought it was absolutely swell.
"Those Prairie Rose Chuckwagon folks was really a hoot.
Delicious food and then a great show! Their Hoppy Museum was
delightful; we're really glad we got to go!
"The Oklahoma City National Memorial touched us all and
brought tears to our eyes. The atmosphere solemn; such a waste of
humanity were our sighs.
"Think of Fort Worth and you think of Stockyards. They
certainly formed this town! We were served a wonderful meal there, and
boy, did we chow down!
"Our final stop was the Dr. Pepper Museum, we all
remember "10-2-and 4" After the tour, we had a sample that left us
wanting more!
"We want to thank Nick for his skillful driving, the
coach was always under his command. Around corners and sharp curves,
taking us across this beautiful land!
"Our journey is nearly over, but I hope that you're not
sad. We have had so many wonderful memories to call up to make us
glad!"
Carlene Petty,
September 2004
Branson on My Mind!
A travel poem by Carlene Petty
"I really love the Branson Ozarks, and today we're
headed that way! Beautiful scenery, beautiful music! Oh, what a
wonderful place to stay!
"There must be a verse about the singing sisters; they serve
the most marvelous catfish. Imagine, coming to Arkansas and finding such
an incredible dish!
"And, after our delicious meal we thought we were on our way.
But a traffic accident up ahead caused us an awful delay.
"We all tried to be patient; we didn't want to become
frantic. And, just when we thought that might happen, we started moving
and avoided a panic.
"Everyone needs a password now and then, and we soon found
one to share. Kay started it and we picked it up; how about "We're
almost there!"
"Each Branson show has its own brand of comedy, and each one
makes it funny. Jim Stafford is right up on top. He left us feeling
happy and sunny!
"Two new shows were a welcome addition. I'm talking about Roy
and Red. Their music and loveable characters had memories swimming in
our heads.
"Now listen, Ann-Margaret and Andy, we think it's time you
called it quits! Let us remember the way you were with all your
memorable hits.
"Then I dropped an earring in the theater. It seems trouble
was looking for me. But, a gracious lady found it and made me as happy
as can be!
"We really had a good bed and breakfast. The Dutton Family
was a gallant host. Their show was simply fantastic. Let's give them a
great big toast!
"Shoji is a masterful performer; his show is always the best!
He gives us Broadway, country and Cajun music for hours without taking a
seat.
"The rising table was a tremendous hit. Everyone thought it
was great! The six of us didn't notice a thing, until our chins were in
our plates!
"We were glad to have Nick drive us again; he can really
maneuver in tight places. He keeps us headed in the right direction with
smiles on all our faces.
"So, our journey has come to an end; we hate to say farewell.
Thanks, Kay, for another wonderful tour; this Branson Music Medley
really rang my bell!"
Carlene Petty,
May 2004
Our Southern Gardens' Odyssey
"Hey! Let's take a train ride, across this wonderful land. We're all
looking for adventure; we might even strike up the band!
"Before the day was over, it was the engineer we
wanted to strike! A jillion stops, long delays; we almost told him to
take a hike!
"We all settled down on our coach; the ride was
just like a dream. Nick drives with a master's touch. We're glad he's part
of the team!
"We're going first to Florida and then more
Southern stops. Food and scenery will abound, and we'll think it's just 'The
Tops'!
"Saint Augustine was really interesting, and our
guide Michelle gave us all the facts. The Fort, Museum, and Hotels; we heart
about it to the max.
"Savannah and Charleston were our favorites;
their charms really great. We want to return. Is it too early to set a date?
"Then came Callaway Gardens and Warm Springs.
What wonderful American treasures. Gorgeous flowers and historical sites,
all added to our pleasure.
"New Orleans offered lots of choices. The French
Quarter, shopping and good eats. Everyone went their separate way and all
enjoy the treats.
"The D-Day Museum stirred up memories of all our
heroic women and men, who served our country with ultimate pride, and made
us 'Remember When".
"This trip was really Southern Comfort, and
hospitality was the password. Beautiful plantations and lovely gardens,
fantastic was all we heard!
"Let's remember Barbara and Wendy, they work hard
while we play. They file, fax and phone. We say 'thanks' for making our day.
"I need a 'cool' way to say thanks to Kay and
John for their style. It's evident in everything they do . . . mile after
mile after mile!
"Now, it's time to say farewell, to my traveling
buddies old and new. It's really been a marvelous trip and now I bid you all
adieu!"
Carlene Petty,
April 2004
An Opryland Country Christmas
“Hello, Nashville! Hello Music City! We thrilled with your sights.
Beautiful, wonderful Christmas lights and music filled our nights.
"Opryland Hotel was a true Holiday wonder and Yuletide
scenes abound. Glittering trees, shining stars, made us shout out loud!
"Poinsettias were set out everywhere, they went for
miles and miles. Opryland's outside decorations were gorgeous! You can see
why we were all smiles.
"The Grand Ole Opry was great and the Ryman was such a
treat. Country legends and fond memories helped make our visit complete!
"Fantasy in Ice made us shiver; it was really a cold
cold place. The majesty of all those ice sculptures brought warm a smile to
my face.
"The Linda Davis show as special; her whole family had
a part. Their grace, charm and beauty: it all came straight from the heart.
"Our stars were Alpha and Harold when called up
on stage. They danced, sang, and giggled; they really didn't act their age!
"The General Jackson took us on a Christmas cruise and
just was we needed-more food! Tim Watson's show there was fantastic;
we laughed and sang so good, good, good!
"The Rockettes gave us a fabulous show; they really
could kick so high! Beautiful girls filled the stage all night; we didn't
want to say goodbye!
"The Country Music Hall of Fame was awesome. There were
tributes to those who have gone before. It held haunting songs, old guitars
and scenes of days of yore.
"Hank, Lefty, Roy, Patsy, Johnny and Marty-we loved
your music and miss you. While you were here, you gave us quite a party!
"Let's give a big cheer to Rockport Tours; our tour was
a dream come true! Holiday scenes and Christmas music, Kay and John we
owe it all to you!
Carlene Petty,
December 2003
Albuquerque Hot-Air Balloon Festival
“Our first night way out west was in Pecos. The Swiss Clock staff was
eager to greet us. Good food, good service, great rooms were waiting
for our bus.
“Next day we were off to Albuquerque, land of those balloons. We looked
forward to their ascension. Along the way we sang a merry tune.
“Now about that UFO stop in Roswell, I must approach
with tongue in cheek. Space ships landing, little green men. I believed,
well, for almost a week.
“In Albuquerque, awesome, fabulous and outrageous, were
some of the words, we heard to describe the wonderful sights soaring above
us like birds.
“The balloon's majesty overwhelmed us, filling the blue
blue sky. And, then there was the nighttime glow. Oh! My! Oh! My! Oh! My!
“Our guide Pam showed us all around Albuquerque. She
knew all the best places. The Petroglyphs were terrific; we all had smiles
on our faces.
“Tacos, enchiladas and tortillas, no one wanted to eat
light. Guacamole, salsa, sopapilla’s . . . Stop! Our jeans are getting too
tight!
“Old Town Albuquerque had lots to offer, including
jewelry of every style! All the “stuff” had balloons on them; that
really made us smile!
“That 50’s Diner was nifty, its décor simply sublime.
The service was great, the music so good . . . and the food was, oh, so
fine!
“The Turquoise Trail was colorful! Clay, our guide,
told stories full of aces, sprinkled with little bits of history, little
bits myth. He put wonder on our faces.
“Santa Fe was full of charm with art galleries and
places to shop. We did our best to see it all, but finally we had to stop!
“Escorts Sugar and Chris gave us a delightful surprise,
a fabulous ride on a tram! What followed was a wonderful view and a
sumptuous meal; we all thought it was a “grand slam”!
“Elmer, our driver, worked very hard to make this
vacation fun. We laughed and played a full week under the New Mexico sun!
“Then miles clicked down the road home. Goodbye to all
our new friends. Hope to see you sometime soon . . . with Rockport Tours
around the bend!"
Carlene Petty, October 2003
Washington DC in Bloom
"Another early start; looking for good times ahead. There are so many
places to see; We'll have a spinning head!
"We started seeing azaleas early and more as we
went along. Bellingrath Gardens had lots of color; We knew we couldn't
go wrong!
"Then we began to see dogwood; We saw it on each side.
When we reached Richmond, it was everywhere; We were glad for such a
good ride!
"Our
hotel in Richmond was quaint; The elevator only held four. But, our
rooms were really spacious; We couldn't have asked for more!
"Williamsburg was full of old charm; It made us
remember olden days. The authentic costumes and buildings reminded us of
other ways.
"And, then we arrive in Washington; We were
impressed with all the sights. Lots of stops along the way; We found the
traffic of the night!
"The cherry blossoms seemed to be everywhere;
There were lots of colorful trees. Kay and I loved the big purple one;
We were so glad they survived the freeze.
"There were so many memorials and monuments; We
were inspired by them one by one. It brought sadness to think of the
sacrifices by the best Nation under the sun!
"Amtrak was really terrific; We all enjoyed the
riding the train. Cozy rooms and tiny bunks, but we were glad to get out
of the rain.
"We all got together for breakfast to compare
notes on our overnight sleep. Our laughter could be heard far and wide;
We kept it light, not deep.
"Nick really managed the coach well, in and out
of tight places. John and Kay kept us on the move and brought smiles to
our faces.
"It's getting time to say good-bye to all new traveling
friends. We had lots of fun, lots of laughs and now it must come to an
end!"
Carlene Petty,
April 2003
Pigeon Forge Fling
"We left
on a lovely May morning, off early and on our way! Lots of friendly
new faces; it's going to be a nice day.
"Our Chattanooga hotel was the Choo Choo. It
really rang our bell! Symbols of trains were everywhere; they
certainly treated us well.
"Rain greeted us in Chattanooga, so we just
switched to 'plan B'. A Civil War museum, the Tennessee Aquarium! So
much we got to see!
"We're off and headed for Pigeon Forge; it rain
on us all the way. But after doing a 'non-rain dance', the sun came
out to balance the day!
"The Black Bear Jamboree gave us a dinner show so
full of talent. The performers were great, the food was fine; we are glad we
went!
"Christus Gardens was very interesting, the
life-size figures seemed so real. They told story of Jesus with dignity,
even though they were still!
"Cletus showed us the Smoky Mountains and had
such tales to tell. He told about the land and the Cherokees, they really
weren't treated well.
"Again, rain tried to dampen our spirits, but it
didn't have a chance. We kept eating and shopping, and watching kids sing
and dance.
"Salute to the 'Festival of Nations'! Hip! Hip!
Hooray for Dollywood! Lots of fun, food, and music . . . Boy, everything was
so good!
"The Unclaimed Baggage Center was fun, lots of
bargains were to be had! There were oodles of choices to make, and prices
were really not bad!
"Our last stop was New Orleans; it really was
rather quiet. A time to reflect and remember our wonderful times and sights.
"Elmer showed off with his driving and guided us
right through all that rain. John was kept busy adjusting plans; it's a
wonder that they stayed sane.
"All our folks enjoyed the tour, everything we
did was fun! We know there will be more, 'cause Rockport Tours is the
best under the sun".
Carlene
Petty,
May 2003
Tournament of Roses Parade!
"It's
Christmas and we're headed west; a bus load of friends on their way out of
town. We're looking for exciting adventures. This bus is California bound!
"The motorcoach soon became our home. Each of us settled into
our nest. Down miles and miles of highway, we were always ready for a rest.
"We all enjoyed the Pioneer Village. It took us back to olden
days. And, after a really delicious lunch, we were ready to be on our way.
"Word's can't describe the performance of Siegfried, Roy and
the cast. Each act was more explosive. We really had a blast.
"The lions, tigers and elephant were super: their training so
precise. They disappeared with a flash of a curtain. We couldn't believe our
eyes.
"The Crystal Cathedral told the story, that we all love to
hear. Brilliantly done, it awakened our spirits.
On your cheek I saw a tear.
"Hollywood had its glitter. Las Vegas had its gold. We
enjoyed all our 'tourist' stops and wish we could put them on hold.
"We had heard about California traffic, and, boy was it
really bad! If we got lucky and took the right exit, we were, oh, so glad!
"But, we didn't let it deter us. We kept on our merry
way. Alicia, John and Kay worked hard to keep us going. Enough of that
endless delay!
"The goal of this tour was THE PARADE, and it was first
class all the way! The floats, the flowers, the beautiful girls; it
definitely made our day!
"We saw the Pre-Parade, The Parade, and
Post-Parade, and really marveled at their beauty. "Incredible" seemed to be
the word we used. They all rated an "A-Plus" cutie.
"The beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon was
truly a work of art. God's hand was present in all we viewed, guided by His
precious heart.
"We thought the train ride was special, as was
the bus ride around the rim. The stops provided wonderful views. Our cup
seemed full to the brim.
"I want to thank all of you who have been so kind
to me. Helped with my hair, coat and bag. A bunch of Angels is what I
see.
"All things must come to an end. This has been a
most memorable trip! Let us recover for a short while, and then we'll
be ready to rip!"
Carlene
Petty,
January 2003
Springtime in Michigan
"Our flight brought us to Detroit; what
wonders do wait? Off to Holland, land of tulips. We've heard it's truly
great.
"First on the list were the Osmonds; their voices
were simply fine! They really entertained us, and the building was
"Oh" so divine.
"Our guide, Mary, was simply super and kept us on
the go. She gave us lots of history, then the dancers put on quite a
show!
"Let's talk about the tulips, every color of the rainbow! They were a
beautiful sight to see, row after row after row!
"Then it literally 'rained on our parade'!
Why did it happen to us? Our ponchos and umbrellas helped, but we headed
finally for the bus!
"Oh, Grand Hotel we salute you;
you have so much to give. Magnificent rooms, big porch and rockers.
What a life we live!
"Mackinac! Mackinac! We love your quaint little
"city". Lots of shops, lots of horses and wonderful sights to see!
"John wanted a verse about fudge; they really did
have the most. Every color, flavor and size. Mackinac certainly has the
right to boast!
"Hello to historic Frankenmuth; best broasted
chicken in the state! We heard about it and tried it. It is really
first rate!
"Bronner's Christmas store was awesome!
Santa Claus was everywhere. Sparkling, shimmering, shiny sights! We're
glad that we were there.
"We had a 'baton moment' when they wouldn't let
us in to see Lionel trains. So we went on down to the Ford Museum and saw
cars and trains and planes!
"Kay and John and Michele; what a wonderful
wonderful team. They planned, she drove, things went smooth. It seems
like a remarkable team.
"With lots of memories and a happy heart it's
time to start for home. But give us a little while and we'll be ready again
to roam."
Carlene Petty, May 2002
Pacific Coasting
"Our Portland guide was Peter. He really knew his stuff. He was full
of
information, but sometimes we had to huff and puff.
"Then we headed for the Rose Gardens, our
expectations were running high. We finally reached our destination. Oh, my!
Oh, my! Oh, my!
"Bill showed us around Astoria. Lovely homes and also the fort. The flowers
were absolutely lovely. They really touched our heart
"The road to Crater Lake was scary, but we made
it okay. Views of the lake were incredible, until the smoke took them
away.
"Crater Lake Lodge was quite impressive, its
views amazed us all. No telephones, no TV's, but still we had a ball.
"Mt. Hood, Astoria, Crater Lake! What
wonders to behold. God's handiwork at it's finest, to us was more rewarding
than gold.
"Dovie came along with us. She's Michelle and
Robert's girl. Such a calm, refreshing beauty, when things around us were a
whirl.
"The boat ride was lots of fun, salmon fisher-men
all around. We saw sea lions and osprey, then went to find the town.
"Eureka had lots of Victorian homes; it was such
a quaint little town. Then we set out for the Cook Hose, and, boy did we
chow down!
"The redwoods were
really impressive, so wide, so strong and so tall. The paths let us
see them up close, and we loved it all.
"The coastal highway was fantastic, everything we
thought it would be. Big rocks and crashing waves, and still lots more to
see.
"San Francisco had so much to write about, really
so much to tell. We listed to Craig explain things. He really told it
well.
"San Francisco! San Francisco! You know
we've left our heart there. Steep hills, crooked streets, beautiful
bridges have become so dear.
"Michelle always ranks an 'A plus', but she
really outdid here self this time. Those mountain roads were a challenge.
Hey, she did just fine!
"It's time to head for Corpus Christi, our home
base we all adore. Beautiful scenery, beautiful friends. Who could ask for
anything more!
"Rockport Tours you've done it again!
Helped us have so much fun. Best leaders, best trips, best prices.
You'll always be "Number One".
"So, fly us back to Texas. We miss our beautiful
bay. But give us just a little while, and we'll be calling John and Kay!"
Carlene Petty, August 2002
Ode to
Autumn Colours
"The ferry
started our journey. We found it a little bit quirky. Sniffing
dogs, small small cabin, and more than a little jerky.
"John was our fearless leader.
Michelle gave us such a good drive. We loved the places they took us.
Let's give them both high fives!
"We love you, Gillian Baby. We think
you are the best. You showed us all lovely sights and really passed the
test.
"We're going to remember you,
Gillian. You were truly a breath of fresh air. We'll think of you and Canada
and wish that we were there!
"We were sorry Kay wasn't with us,
but we're glad she's coming soon. Things are brighter when she's around
'cause she sings a happy tune.
"Boston, Portland, Yarmouth, Cape
Breton, Baddack, Halifax! Such interesting sights, such wonderful
food. We enjoyed it to the max!"
"We came to see the colored leaves
and didn't have long to wait. They were everywhere we turned!
Man, this trip is great!
"The trees were, oh, so gorgeous.
Yellow, orange and red. We looked and looked and ooh-ed and ahhed.
They went straight to our head.
"Green Gables was our favorite. Anne
was perfectly swell. We still want to know what happened. Surely it turned
out well.
"We're glad we've had this chance to
learn, laugh and play. And, Canada, you're a wonderful place, But take us
back to the USA!
"As we approached the U.S. border.
Our hearts were filled with apprehension. The officer said "Depart the bus".
And, so we did with lots of tension.
"They went through our bags but left
them neat. After a short wait he said "Please go back to your seats".
"No one minded the stop. No one
minded the delay. They were concerned about our safety. That's the
American way!"
Carlene Petty, October 2001
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