FALL TOUR 2003

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=110 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="040f0f21egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B><IMG SRC="041203c0.jpg" border=0 width="32" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#66334C" FACE="Arial" ><B>The Magic of Reading</B></FONT><B>      |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Magic of Reading"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="03ff2f02egerdp.jpg"> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">    <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">  <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14">    <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="14" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" WIDTH="14"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="1073bed0.gif" border=0 width="315" height="493" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=370 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="042f0f03.jpg"> <div> <I>FALL TOUR 2003</I></div> <div> WEEK ONE, SEPTEMBER 9-12, SOUTH CAROLINA</div> <bR> <div> Ben Franklin's school year began with a call from Marilyn Davis at Pinewood Prep School in Summerville, South Carolina.  Ms. Davis, a third grade teacher, had discovered “Ben” while browsing the internet.  She was surprised to find that Ben Franklin actually lived in Summerville.  When she checked his home address, she found that Ben lived in Irongate subdivision, which was practically in her back yard!</div> <bR> <div> Well, Ms. Davis emailed Ben and it was decided he would visit Pinewood Prep to help the students kick off their accelerated reading program.</div> <bR> <div> The first program of my school year was actually at Hanahan Elementary School on Sept 3.  The next day I visited Westview Primary School in Goose Creek.  Sept 5 was my visit to Pinewood Prep.  Each of these schools was about 10-15 miles from where I now live.  Oh, I had a fine time getting into a new school year at these schools.  The kids were great and Ben felt he was pretty good, too!  </div> <bR> <div> Tue, Sept 9, 2003</div> <bR> <div> NEWBERRY, SC     Ben Franklin broke a record by doing five school performances in one school day.  The Newberry Literacy Program thought that it would be nice for Ben to deliver his Magic of Reading message to Newberry County students.  So, I spoke to 4th and 5th graders at Whitmire Community School at 8:30 a.m., then it was a mad dash to Newberry Middle School where I spoke to a total of 600 kids in two programs.  After lunch, it was a memorable visit to Mid-Carolina Middle School in Prosperity.  </div> <bR> <div> You may ask, don't you ever get bored doing the same performance over and over?  No I don't!  Every audience is different.  Every program is different.  Speaking to hundreds of kids, trying to teach them something while entertaining and inspiring them:  well, that is pretty challenging.</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Sept 10, 2003</div> <bR> <div> SPARTANBURG, SC    I visited Wellford Elementary in Spartanburg County.  This was my third visit to Wellford Elementary, which automatically places them on my list of favorite schools.  Every time a school invites me to return to speak to their children, I am extremely complimented.  </div> <bR> <div> Thur, Sept 11, 2003</div> <bR> <div> SPARTANBURG, SC    Ben made new friends at Arcadia Elementary near Spartanburg in the morning, and down I-26 at Laurens Academy in the afternoon.  After the program at Laurens Academy a third grader asked if I had ever been to Granite Falls.  “Yes," I said.  "It's a little town on the other side of Hickory, North Carolina.”  Well, turned out she had gone to that school and seen my program two years ago.  No wonder she could answer all the questions!  </div> <div>   </div> <bR> <div> These were two very different schools, but I was well-received and had a great time at both places.  I remember fondly a little girl at one school (I won't say which) who every time I asked her a question she would cross her eyes and think real hard!  That's a new one.  I have seen kids look to the left or to the right or up or down when they were trying to remember something--but never cross their eyes!  I thought it was so cute I kept coming back to her.</div> <bR> <div> WEEK TWO, SEPTEMBER 15-19, GEORGIA</div> <bR> <div> Mon, Sept 15, 2003</div> <bR> <div> EUFAULA, AL    It is not easy to get from Summerville, SC to Eufaula, AL!  I drove five hours yesterday and spent the night in Valdosta, GA.  I drove three or four hours today and have settled into my old room at the Jameson Inn in Eufaula.  I was here last year and it seems like yesterday.</div> <bR> <div> When I stepped out of my motel room this morning in Valdosta, a mockingbird sang to me from atop a pretty green fire hydrant.  If you want something fun to do, study the song of a mockingbird.  I believe one of the great mysteries of the world is how a mockingbird can sing the way he does.</div> <bR> <div> Had a lot of fun at Odom Elementary School near Moultrie, GA.  Everyone was so nice to Ben Franklin I felt like a king . . . or maybe a movie star!  By the way, Moultrie is named for William Moultrie, the famous South Carolina Revolutionary hero.  I went to Moultrie High School!  Funny thing though, the folks in Georgia pronounce the name differently from the way we do in Charleston.  We say moo, they say mole.</div> <bR> <div> Got lost in Albany, GA and wasted half an hour driving round and round aimlessly.  This happens sometimes.</div> <bR> <div> As I drove across the broad bottom of Georgia, I asked myself for the one hundredth time why no one lives here.  I would rather live in Waycross any day than Fort Lauderdale.</div> <bR> <div> Tue, Sept 16, 2003</div> <bR> <div> AMERICUS, GA    Today I drove through Plains, Georgia headed to Americus.  History is all around this area.  Of course, a U.S. President and a Nobel Peace Prize winner (the same guy) was born in Plains.  Then, down the road is Andersonville.  I did not visit Andersonville, but this is a place American history buffs know well.  It's not famous, it's infamous.  Read up on Andersonville, Georgia.  </div> <div> I spoke at the library and Sumter County Primary School in Americus.  Had a great time.  Very friendly folks.  The Americus Literacy program sponsored my visits.  Ben was treated like a king, and that was nice!  Hats off to my literacy friends in Americus!</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Sept 7, 2003</div> <bR> <div> WARNER ROBINS, GA    Today I visited Feagin Mill Middle School in Warner Robins.   It was decided that I would speak to the sixth graders, and that was a great choice.  Feagin Mill is a big middle school, and the sixth graders took up most of the bleachers in the gym.  Conditions were perfect (it was cool inside!), and Ben had a great time.  </div> <bR> <div> Thur, Sept 18, 2003</div> <bR> <div> DECATUR, GA  This morning I spoke at Briarlake Elementary in Decatur, GA.  I could hardly have had more fun, or expended more energy, than I did at Briarlake.  So, this afternoon I am hanging around my room at the Comfort Suites, drinking coffee, watching reports of hurricane Isabel lashing the outer banks of North Carolina, and generally having a good old time.    </div> <bR> <div> WEEK THREE, SEPTEMBER 22-26, NORTH CAROLINA</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Sept 24, 2003</div> <bR> <div> ROCKINGHAM, NC    Up early, as always, and drove from Dunn, NC to Harrells.  I went through places like Spiveys Corners (Hog Calling Capital of the World) and Clinton (county seat of Sampson County).  I do not know for sure but I would bet Sampson County North Carolina is larger than Delaware.  I drove and drove across prime farming country today.  Apparently they produce mostly cotton, chickens, and hogs.</div> <bR> <div> Harrells Christian Academy was one of the first private schools I ever visited as Benjamin Franklin, possibly as far back as 1994.  I remember the day very well because I appeared first for the older kids as Albert Einstein, then I came back a while later for the little ones as Ben Franklin.  </div> <bR> <div> Oh, the 200 kids I saw today at Harrells Christian Academy were so good!  Everyone was so nice to me there--then it was time to drive back across Sampson County, through the cotton fields, by the dried up corn stalks, to South Harnett (County) Elementary.</div> <bR> <div> We had a large, lively audience at South Harnett.  Ben was at his very best.  Large audiences require considerably more work and attention than smaller ones.  Ideal size for school assembly programs would probably be less than 300.  I consider it a considerable challenge speaking to 500 or more.  In the last week I've spoken to at least three groups of 600 +.</div> <bR> <div> I wound my way down Hwy 210 toward Fayetteville.  Then I cut across on some tiny roads to Vass, NC.  Then I headed down Hwy 1 to Rockingham, which is where I found a Comfort Suites hotel too cozy-looking to pass up.</div> <bR> <div> Thur, Sept 25, 2003</div> <bR> <div> GASTONIA, NC    I was going to lounge around in my very comfortable Comfort Suites room all morning drinking coffee and sampling the super duper complimentary breakfast buffet.  But, by 8:30 I was ready to be on the road again, eager to get to my next destination some 90 difficult miles away.</div> <bR> <div> Hwy 74 straight across lower North Carolina is good, bad, and downright ugly in places.  You can zip along at 65 miles an hour for twenty or thirty minutes and think you are on an expressway, and then you are suddenly wading through Wadesboro or milling through Monroe.  Accelerate.  Stop at light.  Accelerate.  Stop at light.  What kind of way is that to travel?</div> <bR> <div> Then, suddenly, 11 miles west of Monroe, you come to the Charlotte bypass, Hwy I-495.  Troubles are over and now you are free to move at a civilized pace.</div> <bR> <div> Mount Holly is a little town smack dab between Gastonia and Charlotte.  I had an appointment with some nice second, fourth, and fifth graders at Ida Rankin Elementary.  I had fun, as always, and I think they did too.</div> <bR> <div> So now it's back in the lonely motel room.  Courtyard by Marriott.  Now this is a motel room!  Dinner at Waffle House (the waitress called me sweetie; I wondered if she was flirting until she called the next old guy that came in honey).  Then, a good book.  A clean, quiet, spacious motel room.  Not bad.</div> <bR> <div> WEEK FOUR, SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 3, ALABAMA</div> <bR> <div> Tue, Sept 30, 2003</div> <bR> <div> BIRMINGHAM, AL    Birmingham and Charlotte are my favorite big cities.  I like Birmingham because of the hills.  Mountains and rivers and lakes and oceans are things that make places special.  Today, Birmingham has big hills and blue sky and refreshing cool temperatures to offer.</div> <bR> <div> I drove the back way to Talladega yesterday from Birmingham.  I had an appointment at the Ritz theater downtown.  There was a perfect audience waiting for me at the Ritz, compliments of the Talladega library.  The best parents and teachers in town brought their children . . . and we had fun.</div> <bR> <div> I got lost numerous times trying to find my way back to Birmingham.  I wanted to avoid the rush hour traffic, and I managed to do that by stretching my one hour drive to two.  By the time I got back to my motel, every commuter in town had been home long enough to take a shower, walk the dog, and eat Chinese takeout.</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Oct 1, 2003  </div> <bR> <div> BIRMINGHAM, AL    Totally enjoyed my visits to Minor Community School and North Highlands Elementary School in the Birmingham area today.  Right at a climactic moment at Minor School a tornado siren sounded.  Now if it had been a thunderstorm warning, Ben Franklin would not have minded.  But a tornado?  </div> <bR> <div> Years and years ago I was at North Highlands in Bessemer.  Someone at that school remembered me, which was very nice.  The children at North Highlands made Ben feel just great with their response to his program.  I took a number of mental pictures which I expect to save for a day when things don't go so nicely.  I am so fond of the kids I meet.  I want them all to grow up to be stars.</div> <bR> <div> Not much to report about my travels.  I drove 12 miles today from one school to the next and back.  I look forward to tomorrow when I will get back on the highway, headed to Tennessee and Georgia.</div> <bR> <div> Sat, Oct 4, 2003  </div> <bR> <div> CHATANOOGA, TN    After a very busy week in Alabama and northern Georgia, Ben is rewarded with a nice motel room and endless hours of nothing pressing to do.  I was surprised to wake up at 7:00 a.m. and find it still dark outside.  I guess coming from central to eastern time gives you these little surprises.</div> <bR> <div> This morning I set out early to explore the place I would be spending the next 48 hours.  I decided yesterday that the Comfort Suites on Shallowford Road was located smack in the middle of the world's largest shopping mall.  Today I wanted to find what nice stores (and fast food restaurants) I could walk to, since I wasn't about to set foot in my van for two solid days.</div> <bR> <div> I delighted over the discovery of each store and restaurant (especially the Barnes and Nobles), and returned to my room with two egg biscuits and a tall cup of coffee.  Life is great.</div> <bR> <div> My day has consisted of lounging around the motel room, reading, watching baseball games, thinking about future travel plans, and generally healing.  Driving and public speaking are grueling activities and weekends away from home are great for recovery.</div> <bR> <div> I really had fun speaking yesterday to students at Chatsworth Elementary in Georgia and East Ridge Elementary in Chattanooga.  The very nice people at Chatsworth presented Ben Franklin with a baseball cap which I have been sporting all day.  Those kids (and there were a lot of them) were a super audience.  </div> <bR> <div> East Ridge Elementary has a unique little auditorium that provided Ben a chance to interact personally  with almost everyone in the audience.  I felt I made friends with many of the students . . . especially the boy who had recently moved to Chattanooga from Boston.</div> <bR> <div> Another highlight of last week were schools visited Thursday in Birmingham.  I was treated very kindly at Tarrant Elementary and enjoyed speaking in their large, nice gym.  I also enjoyed my visits to Whatley School and Christian Elementary.</div> <bR> <div> WEEK FIVE, OCTOBER 6-10, TENNESSEE</div> <bR> <div> Mon, Oct 6, 2003</div> <bR> <div> KIMBALL, TN    I crawled out of the sack before the alarm went off (as always) at 4:30 a.m.  Talk about early to rise!  I set out into the black night about 5:50 headed south back into Georgia.  I must say at that hour I expected a break on the highway, but truck traffic was heavy all the way to Rome.  I arrived in Floyd County, Georgia in record time, then lost the time I had gained by missing my highway.  Finally, I stopped and asked for directions (something I almost never do) and was rewarded by finding an intelligent person who actually knew where I needed to go.</div> <bR> <div> I arrived at Pepperell Elementary in Lindale, Georgia just in time to don my wig and enter the school.  Ben had an intimate audience of about a hundred fourth and fifth graders, the rest of the school being off on fall break.  It is a rare treat to have that size audience in a public school.  We had fun (such a friendly and well-mannered group!) then it was back into the van and retrace my tracks to Chattanooga.</div> <bR> <div> The afternoon saw me back in central time at Whitwell Elementary, 30 miles west of Chattanooga.  There was a large, lively, and very friendly group waiting for me at Whitwell.  They have a lovely school and the children are as nice as they can be.</div> <bR> <div> After my performance at Whitwell, I drove to the Holiday Inn Express at Kimbell, TN.  It is now 3:30 p.m. central time, and Ben needs a nap. </div> <bR> <div> Tue, Oct 7, 2003   </div> <bR> <div> KIMBALL, TN    When I stepped out the motel door this morning, I startled a squirrel that was looking for his own version of the continental breakfast buffet.  In order to escape my fearsome presence, the squirrel took off straight up the three story face of the motel building.  I could hear his little claws racing up the stucco.  When the squirrel made it to the top of the building--way up there--his claws hit the metal edging and he lost his grip.  For two or three feet the squirrel went into a freefall, then, out of sheer force of will, the squirrel regained his footing and proceeded down the face of the building head first at a considerable speed.</div> <bR> <div> If Ben Franklin awarded beauty prizes for schools, South Pittsburg Elementary in Tennessee would get it.  I have been to fifteen or twenty <I>hundred </I>schools in 10 states, and I have never seen any school as nice as South Pittsburg.  Outside, the school is very attractive with nice landscaping and a clean, new look.  Inside, the school is decorated as if it were the fine home of rich, creative, arts-loving person.  I bet they have two or three hundred framed paintings in the school--Van Gogh, Renoir, you name it.  I saw <I>two</I> pianos on display, one of which had a volunteer play classical music during my visit.</div> <bR> <div> There was a suit of armor in the hall.  I doubt if most families with children would dare display myriad artworks in their home--but in this home for 500+ kids, works of art seemed a proud and protected species.  It was a rare pleasure just walking down the halls of South Pittsburg Elementary.  I found out later, classrooms are similarly attractively decorated.</div> <bR> <div> I had a lot of fun speaking to the well-behaved and enthusiastic kids at South Pittsburg; then, in the afternoon I went to Jasper Elementary, ten or fifteen miles up the road.  I must say, after speaking at four different schools in Marion County, Tennessee in the past year, the kids, the teachers, the principals, the schools rank with the very best I have seen anywhere.  This week I have spoken to over 500 children each time, but the kids are always super well-mannered and a joy to interact with. </div> <bR> <div> Jasper Elementary is a lovely new school, but I will remember most the people there.  I performed for the 600 or so kids at 1:00 p.m., then returned for a program for parents and kids at 5:30.  The afternoon program went very well.  The evening program was a special treat for me.  We had a nice-sized audience, and it just thrills my heart to see children actually look forward to and then enjoy the same program they had seen earlier in the day.  I cannot account for this, but I have found most kids actually enjoy my program <I>more</I> the second time.</div> <bR> <div> Thur, Oct 9, 2003</div> <bR> <div> JAMESTOWN, TN    Today I believe I spoke to most of the school kids in Fentress County, Tennessee.  First program was at 8:45 a.m. at Pine Haven Elementary.  Second program was at 10:00 a.m. at Allardt Elementary.  (I also spoke to York Elementary students who were bussed to Pine Haven and Allardt).  Third program was at 12:45 at Clark Range High School.  Fourth program was at 1:45 at South Fentress Elementary School.  Except for the high school, I spoke to grades 3-8.  It actually was a pretty wonderful day for me, looking back on it.  I spoke to older kids than I normally do, and they were a very pleasant surprise.  I had fun each program, and that is the measure I use for success or failure.  I rate the students in Fentress County very highly among all that I have seen.  Seldom have I had such fun speaking to teenagers.</div> <bR> <div> Yesterday, Wednesday, was a driving day.  I find Tennessee to be my favorite state geographically, and maybe otherwise.  I took the scenic route from Jasper to Jamestown, right up Hwy 127 through a long and very pretty valley.  Went through Dunlap (hang gliding capital of the east), Pikeville,  and then followed a truck hauling tires up the plateau to Crossville.  It was a lovely drive and when I got on top of the plateau, I found fall had arrived!  All the trees where dressed out in red, yellow, and orange, just for me!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> WEEK SIX, OCTOBER 20-23, VIRGINIA, ETC.</div> <bR> <div> Mon, Oct 20, 2003</div> <bR> <div> HENDERSON, NC  Rarely if ever do I get two stories from one program.  It happened this morning at Berkeley Manor Elementary School on Camp Lejeune Marine Base in Jacksonville, NC.  Everyone who attends my Magic of Reading show learns why reading is magic.  There are three reasons, the three E's.  Education, Explore and . . . I am sure you remember . . . Expert.  Well, I go to a great deal of trouble to make sure kids learn the three E's.  But one kindergartener this morning misheard what I was saying.  When he shouted the three E's back to me he said--Education, Explore and Iceberg!</div> <bR> <div> That's the kind of thing I never forget.</div> <bR> <div> Later, on the other side of the room, a boy got real excited before he quite understood the question I asked.  His response to the question about what fell out of the man's pocket when Ben Franklin saved him from drowning was-- The first bath tub!</div> <bR> <div> I had two super audiences at Berkeley Manor Elementary, then drove to Dunn, NC for a very pleasant experience with the fourth and fifth graders at Wayne Avenue Elementary.   </div> <bR> <div> The kids at Wayne Avenue were on their best behavior for Ben Franklin, which he certainly appreciated.  Everyone had a good time, everyone learned.  Even Ben Franklin learned from a girl named Emma.  She said she read in a book where Ben Franklin was interested in the communication of ants.  That was news to me!</div> <bR> <div> I like to take mental pictures when I travel.  Here's one.  Guess who were the crossing guards at Berkeley Manor Elementary School--marine soldiers!  Here were these great big men with their close cut hair dressed up in their camoflaged fatigues and shiny boots, helping the little kids cross the street.  Turned out those were pretty good guys, too.  They showed me where to park and addressed me cheerfully as “Sir!”</div> <bR> <div> Tues, Oct 21, 2003</div> <bR> <div> HILLSVILLE, VA  Today I visited Vance Charter School in Henderson, NC and then high-tailed it up to Clays Mill Elementary in Halifax County, Virginia.</div> <bR> <div> Boy, I had special fun at Vance Charter School!  The school itself was unique because it was located in a shopping mall.  There was no flag pole.  No vestibule.  No staff and visitor parking.  No rows of school busses.  It was not like any school I had seen before, except for the line of SUV moms dropping off the little ones before buzzing off to work.</div> <bR> <div> Smaller audience size (around 150 per program, I'd guess) plus the fact that the kids had been anticipating Ben's arrival and were very knowledgeable seemed to make for great programs.  I was able to interact with many kids on a personal level.  All in all, a 100% satisfying experience for Ben at Vance Charter School. </div> <bR> <div> Last year I spoke at Clays Mill Elementary, so it was an honor when they asked me to return this year.  My big concern was finding the school, which I had had some trouble with last year.  This time, no problem!  Once again the folks at Clays Mill were very kind to Ben Franklin, and he enjoyed sharing a somewhat different program this time.</div> <bR> <div> I ended up in Hillsville, Virginia today, after driving hours along increasing hilly and beautiful Hwy 58 until I rose up over the mountain, crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway, and came down off the mountain in Hillsville.</div> <bR> <div> *I neglected to mention the three hours I spent today in Danville while Mazda technicians determined that the engine light that sent old Ben into a panic was caused by him not screwing on his gas cap tight enough! </div> <bR> <div> Wed, Oct 22, 2003</div> <bR> <div> POUND, VA  I saw a lot of mountains and fall foliage today!  I covered many miles, horizontal and vertical.  I had two afternoon programs booked at Riverside Elementary-Middle School in Grundy, Virginia.  Driving to Grundy was fun, speaking to two large audiences was challenging but fun, and driving from Grundy to Pound and then finding a motel--was not fun!  Now get this.  I had driven three or four hours in the morning.  Then I had spoken to a total of 1,000 kids.  Then, believing I just had 50 or 60 miles to go--I immediately set out in the wrong direction!  When I saw a sign saying five miles to West Virginia an alert light flashed in my brain.  Wrong way dummy!</div> <bR> <div> When you travel 15 miles in the wrong direction on mountain roads, you've just wasted an hour or more!  I was a tired and sorry fellow retracing my tracks back to Grundy.  Another surprise was waiting for me once I got on the right road.  Hwy 83 from Vansant to Haysi is one curvacious road!  Driving at my normal super highway speed, I soon found that I was knocking over people's mail boxes and scraping chunks of rock off the sides of mountain that protruded into the road.  I slowed down to 15 mph and was perfectly content to pick up some z's while resigning myself to the fact that there would probably not be a motel at Pound anyway.</div> <bR> <div> In a fit of desperation, I pulled off the road, wondering if I might find a four lane highway that I might have missed when I was planning the trip.  At that moment the phone rang.  “Where are you?” my wife's cheerful voice asked.  I guffawed.  I explained that I was somewhere between 15 and 25 thousand feet in elevation.  I did not know where I was, but I was between Grundy and Pound.  Our call didn't last long.</div> <bR> <div> Just when you think things can't get any worse, sometimes they change for the better.  Turned out I had arrived in Haysi, and the road from there to Pound was quite nice.  I found a quiet, scenic, rustic motel overlooking Hwy 23 (which I had once lived near in Asheville, NC).</div> <bR> <div> Thur, Oct 23, 2003</div> <bR> <div> WHITESBURG, KY  This morning I visited Fleming Neon Elementary in Neon, KY, and this afternoon I drove to the opposite side of Letcher County and spoke at Kingdome Come Elementary School, in or near Linefork.</div> <bR> <div> I asked someone today how it feels when they leave the mountains and visit flatlands.  She said, “We feel like we will blow away!”  I can imagine.  For me, especially going through tunnels, I feel as if the mountains want to crush me.</div> <bR> <div> I stayed in the Super 8 in Whitesburg, a small town which I found had a Wendy's and all the other colorful and shiny fast food, pharmacy and other stores I rely on.  My two favorite stores are Family Dollar and Dollar General.  For a traveler, or anybody, these stores are great.  They have everything, you can get in and out quickly, they are everywhere, and the prices are dirt cheap!  Sometimes I am astounded when I check out of one of these stores the stuff I got for a few dollars. Every time I go to a name brand drug store I feel I have been robbed.     </div> <bR> <div> Fri, Oct 24, 2003</div> <bR> <div> PRINCETON, WV  This was a wonderful, exciting day!  It began with the eight mile drive from Whitesburg to Eolia, off of Hwy 119.  The problem is there is a mountain between Whitesburg and Eolia that is eight miles wide and eight miles high.  And, they are in the process of building a road over that mountain that they allow people to cross except during the hours of 9 and 2 daily.  Plus, they stop you several times along the way as they do things like put down pavement and set off dynamite.  </div> <bR> <div> The first time they stopped us was for 15 minutes.  The sun was still below the horizon.  We were clinging to the side of the mountain almost at the top.  My eyes and brain busily took mental snapshots of the small mountains and hills below us.  The fog streaming above each valley.  I wondered what the Indians must have thought about the natural phenomena we now can explain in boring, scientific terms.</div> <bR> <div> I had a super time at Arle Boggs Elementary in Eolia, then made my way back to Pound, then to Haysi, where I spoke at Sandlick Elementary School.  I have found that one of my challenges is to command the attention of eighth graders for 45 minutes.  This is just about equally challenging as speaking to an audience of 400 kindergarteners.  It takes skill and practice to do this, and I am proud of the results I generally get.  Speaking successfully to difficult groups is very satisfying.  The older students at Sandlick were receptive to my program, and Ben left the school feeling as if it had been a job well done! </div> <bR> <div> I concluded this week by checking into the new Sleep Inn at Princeton, West Virginia.  After an exciting week of many programs, awesome sights, and miles and miles of difficult travel, I was ready for 48 hours of non-stop sleep!</div> <bR> <div> WEEK SEVEN, OCTOBER 27-31, MARYLAND, ETC.</div> <bR> <div> Mon, Oct 27, 2003</div> <bR> <div> OAKLAND, MD  Adventures are my life!  Sunday I drove from Princeton, West Virginia to Oakland, Maryland.  I decided to take the I-77 to Hwy 19 to I-79 to Hwy 50 route.  Oh it was a beautiful drive and I had a fine time, until I found myself going across the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest arch bridge in the world.  About mid-way across the long bridge I looked down and saw a tiny winding river way down there.  Then I realized nothing was holding the bridge up!  There could not be supports holding us up because they would have to be half a mile tall.  Then, I saw a huge crack in the pavement up ahead.</div> <bR> <div> I will not go that way again!  </div> <bR> <div> I had a great time in Oakland, MD visiting Broad Ford Elementary in the morning and Yough Glades Elementary in the afternoon.  Everyone in the town was very nice to me, including the little old lady who ran the motel.  Turned out she was a retired school teacher, and she just loved the idea of Ben Franklin talking to children about the magic of reading.</div> <bR> <div> Tue, Oct 28, 2003</div> <bR> <div> CRESAPTOWN, MD  This morning it was a perfect fall day in Cresaptown.  The mountains and trees put on a show for Ben Franklin, and then he put on a show for the super kids of Cresaptown.  They have a really nice old school that has been redone inside.  It's a school with warmth and personality.  I enjoyed my visit greatly.  It felt really satisfying leaving that school in the clear, cool morning with the trees and mountains so beautiful, and Ben warm and satisfied after speaking to two perfect audiences.  My day's work was done at 11:00 a.m.</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Oct 29, 2003</div> <bR> <div> FULKS RUN, VA  Ben's day began at 4:30 a.m. in Frederick, Maryland and concluded at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Creek, Virginia.  First stop was PE Williams Elementary in Largo, MD.  The kids at PE Williams were enthusiastic, well-mannered, and I think everyone had fun and learned a lot.  Then, it was jump on the Washington belt-way and scoot around to I-66 and fly up toward old Stonewall's stomping grounds, the Shenandoah Valley.</div> <bR> <div> Fulks Run Elementary is a place anyone would love to visit.  Beautiful scenery with mountains in the distance, but the driving was not like in Kentucky where you meet mountains up close and personal.  You don't have to watch the road every second, you can let your eyes wander to mountains that seem always just beyond your reach.   After my experiences last week, I think I prefer them that way.</div> <bR> <div> Teachers--if the pace is a bit hectic at your school you might want to apply to schools in some of the coves of the Shenandoah Valley.  Every school I have visited there has been my ideal school.</div> <bR> <div> Kids--ask your parents to plan a vacation to retrace the footsteps of Stonewall Jackson and other Civil War heroes.  Jackson was a good man and a very skilled general fighting for a cause that history has decided was not the best.  Few people even today speak poorly of Thomas Jackson or Robert E. Lee.  It is a thrill to study these men's lives and visit the places they walked.  It is also a thrill to do the same for U.S. Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and the union heroes. </div> <bR> <div> Thur, Oct 30, 2003</div> <bR> <div> AHOSKIE, NC  I thought I had been everywhere in North Carolina, but I have never been to Ahoskie before.  There has been a storm through this area because you can see debris and damage everywhere.  Even the main road from I-95 was closed.</div> <bR> <div> I met the very nice, well-mannered kids at Bearfield Primary today.  Bearfield is a large school, but the staff and kids are very friendly.  Some schools you feel at home soon as you enter the door--that's the way it is at Bearfield Primary.</div> <bR> <div> Having had maybe two meals I did not prepare myself in two weeks of traveling, I thought I would do lunch at the Golden Coral.  So what does Ben eat when he can choose anything on the buffet?  Fish, pears, peaches, cole slaw, buttered buns and a giant chunk of chocolate cake!  I was pretty much out of action the rest of the day.</div> <bR> <div> I know I have been remiss with providing learning tips.  In truth, Ben has been a bit under the weather for most of this last trip.  Well, try this tip for creating learning magic.  Make a decision.  Select something you want to learn about and decide to study it for one month.  Decide to learn more about the thing than anyone else.  I saw a special on the history channel about a man who knew more about Jack the Ripper than anyone else.  He loved learning about the famous bad guy.  He loved telling other people what he had learned.  Other people loved hearing the information he had.  He actually made a pretty good living writing about and speaking about Jack the Ripper.  What can you read about that would interest you and others to know?  Remember, everything happens because of a decision.</div> <bR> <div> WEEK Eight, NOVEMBER 10-14, ALABAMA, FLORIDA</div> <bR> <div> Tue, Nov 11, 2003</div> <bR> <div> DAPHNE, AL  Yesterday I drove a million miles from Summerville, SC to Daphne, AL.  Ben puttered along at 78 mph listening to 60s music on his new satellite radio system.  I must say my mouth dropped open when I got to Tallahassee and saw a sign saying:  Pensacola 190 miles.  </div> <bR> <div> Some days Ben is blessed--and today was one.  Kids at Bayside Academy in Daphne were marvelous--and that was about the prettiest setting I have ever seen for a school.  Right on Mobile Bay.  Before the show I was approached by a boy in a uniform who seemed to know me.  "Remember me, Ben.  Mill Springs Academy in Atlanta!"  I am always thrilled to meet again kids I have seen elsewhere.  I made sure Randall figured prominently in the Bayside program. * It appears that Randall is actually a member of Ben Franklin's fan club, an elite group I must say!  </div> <bR> <div> The afternoon saw me at Mobile Christian School for two shows.  I had an absolutely fabulous time there--had to work very little because I had such a super audience each time.</div> <bR> <div> In my travels today, I passed a lot of closed public schools.  Mobile county had today off--Veteran's Day.</div> <bR> <div> Wed, Nov 12, 2003</div> <bR> <div> PENSACOLA, FL    Today began with an early morning drive from Daphne to Orange Beach, AL.  Oh, I was feeling fine heading out . . . the windows fogged up with heavy due, and the sun just above the horizon in my eyes at every turn.</div> <bR> <div> Paid $2.00 to go over a strange little bridge into Orange Beach, a lovely resort town with ocean on one side and inlet on the other.  Tourist dollars have built many nice public things in Orange Beach, including a manicured waterfront park and Orange Beach Elementary School.</div> <bR> <div> I bragged to the people at Orange Beach Elementary how lucky they were to live in such a place; then I met their students and bragged again on what nice kids they had.  Boy I had a great time, an absolutely perfect time, in Orange Beach.  You'd think my day would be over . . . .</div> <bR> <div> I jumped into the van, paid another $2.00 to the very nice person who manned the toll booth, and high-tailed it up Hwy 59 to Robertsdale.  I spoke at Faith Presbyterian Christian School to a marvelous group of friendly, intelligent students.</div> <bR> <div> After Robertsdale, it was jump back into the van, eat two slices of bread for lunch, and boogie over to Foley, for a 1:00 p.m. date with Magnolia School.  Ben's hat goes off to the super kids at Magnolia School.  Today was an extraordinarily warm day for November, and the gym was rather hot <I>before</I> the 470 packed into the stands.  I can always tell what kind of kids a school has by heating 'em up and asking 'em to listen to Ben Franklin for 45 minutes.</div> <div> Magnolia kids are among the best!</div> <bR> <div> A day of three very satisfying programs.  When I left Magnolia School I had earned my daily bread.  I wish I could say I treated myself to a delux seafood platter at the finest restaurant on the Gulf Coast.  However, after a few hours of driving around aimlessly, I ended up at a $39.99 a night (with coupon) Sleep Inn in Pensacola--and dinner was Waffle House.  Ben!  You old cheap skate!</div> <bR> <div> Thur, Nov 13, 2003</div> <bR> <div> PENSACOLA, FL      This morning I drove to Episcopal Day School in downtown Pensacola.  I parked on the street in front of the school, looked in the mirror to be sure my frills were patted down and my hair was in place, opened the van door, stepped out . . . and my hat blew off down the street.</div> <bR> <div> The people at Episcopal Day School were so nice to me--the way folks at every school would be if the world were a perfect place.  Before, during, and after the program, Ben was treated like royalty.  And the 300 K-8th graders responded wonderfully to the king!</div> <bR> <div> I had a little extra time in the Pensacola area so I drove out to Perido Key.  They have a state park there, and I ate my McDonald's fish sandwich and yogart while parked on the blue Intracoastal Waterway.</div> <bR> <div> This afternoon I visited Elberta Elementary School in Baldwin County, AL.  First impression of the school:  super artwork everywhere!  Friendly and nice kids.  Helpful staff.  Ben had to work, however, to deliver his message to the large audience that attended the program.  Afterwards, several teachers made positive comments . . . and Ben left feeling satisfied.</div> <bR> <div> When I departed Elberta Elementary, I drove along Hwy 98 toward Fairhope and Daphne.  Hwy 98 is an old friend.  In Mississippi a long time ago, my wife and I lived very close to 98.  And she grew up in a house that was actually <I>on </I>Hwy 98 in the western part of Mississippi.  Every time I meet a highway far away from where I originally knew it, I feel a special little thrill.  It's like bumping into a childhood pal in another state after you've both grown up and moved away.</div> <bR> <div> WEEK NINE, NOVEMBER 17-21, FLORIDA</div> <bR> <div> Mon, Nov 17, 2003</div> <bR> <div> FORT WALTON BEACH, FL    I appeared after a string quartet at Elliott Point Elementary School in Fort Walton Beach, a Ben Franklin first!  After the program, a teacher leading her students away down the hall looked over her shoulder at me and said:  "You are a wonderful teacher!"  I told the teacher I was going to take a mental picture of her saying that, because it was about the nicest thing anyone had ever said to me.  I am writing these words almost a month after I took that picture, and it is still very clear in my mind.</div> <bR> <div> My afternoon show was <I>outdoors</I> at Ponce De Leon Elementary in Holmes County.  Outdoors is italicized because outdoor programs are a big deal to me.  Not only does Ben have to worry about the one million regular things that go into putting on a great show, but he has to contend with weather issues, wildlife, cars driving by, and his hat blowing off!  The program at Ponce De Leon Elementary went well.  Again, credit goes mostly to the super kids.</div> <bR> <div> Tue, Nov 18, 2003</div> <bR> <div> A travel day!  </div> <bR> <div> Wed, Nov 19, 2003</div> <bR> <div> Spoke at Kathleen Elementary near Lakeland and Genesis School in New Port Richey.  I drove around country that Jules Verne immortalized in his 1865 book <I>From the Earth to the Moon</I>.  According to Verne the Tampa area was site of the first manned space mission to the moon where the space craft was <I>shot</I> out of a 900 foot long cannon!</div> <div> What fascinates me is Verne's description of Tampa as a sleepy little village of some 3,000 inhabitants.</div> <bR> <div> Thur, Nov 20, 2003</div> <bR> <div> Visited three schools today, Mintz Elementary in Brandon, Dunedin Academy, and Calusa Elementary in New Port Richey.  Each school had its own charm; each program had its own special fun.  After one program the administrator asked if I could come again, "the kids seem to have liked you."  Now that's the kind of thing I like to hear!</div> <bR> <div> What was remarkable about this day?  For the first time Ben Franklin spoke under a grapefruit tree!  Fruit was in the tree and on the ground and I kept remarking about the wonderful orange tree until one of the kids picked up one of the fruits and said:  "Grapefruit."</div> <bR> <div> Fri, Nov 21, 2003</div> <bR> <div> Last stop of the Fall 2003 Tour, West Zepherhills Elementary, Zepherhills, FL.</div> <bR> <div> Two outdoor programs.  Super students.  Now all Ben has to do is find his way back home!</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" Bens Travel Journal "><U><B>  Ben's Travel Journal  </B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>