Greece Trip #30: Ferry Fiasco, Group Snub, Babbling Passenger

 One of the best things about the Greek island of Santorini in my opinion, was the amazing bakery next to our hotel. As we prepared to leave the island to take a 2 hour ferry to the island of Mykonos, we got lunch and delicious chocolate cookies at the bakery. That was the best part of the next 4 hours as we descended into a ferry fiasco,  got snubbed by our travel group and dealt with an obnoxious passenger. You'll also learn about what you need to board a Ferry and how long it takes to travel from Santorini to Mykonos. Here's the story:

BENEFITS OF TRAVEL GROUPS - One of the benefits of traveling with a tour group is that they arrange for transportation and the company we went with did an amazing job of that. They provided a van from the hotel to the ferry docks, and they bought the ferry tickets for everyone (17) in advance, so we didn't have to deal with that. We only needed our additional paperwork.

(Photo: Rob and Tom stop at the Santorini bakery to get lunch for the ferry ride) 

GROUP SNUB - From the previous blogs, you can get a sense that Tom and I didn't fit in with most others in the group (exception of Bill, Bill, Eric and the tour group leader- who was awesome). We were apparently too interested in history, not drinking 18 hours a day, or flaunting our sexuality in public to a disgusting degree. So, we were usually ignored (which was fine). 

When the group got to the Ferry dock, we were 1 hour early, so the Travel leader called everyone over to 2 large tables at an outside cafe. There were enough seats for everyone... except us. We were so disgusted that we walked around the docks for 1 hour seeking shade (because the Heat Index was already over 100F/37.7C in the blazing sun).  

(Photo: Tom, Shane- group leader, Rob)

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BOARD A FERRY TO A GREEK ISLAND? As of 13/09/2021,As Of Sept 13, 2021 all passengers on domestic routes to island destinations must meet one of the following requirements: 

1) Must be at least 14 days after last COVID vaccination and Provide a vaccination certificate 

 OR Have a Negative COVID Test using the PCR method within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled travel time 

2) Show a certificate of vaccination of the European Union (digital certificate COVID) as well as of third countries. 

3) AND a Pre-boarding health statement form (found on ferry websites) 

 4) AND Your Passport 

(Photo: What the inside of the massive Ferry looks like)

THE FERRY FIASCO - Boarding the mammoth ferries is a fiasco, especially trying to stay safe during a Pandemic (which we were in). When notified, there was a mad rush of 1,000 or so people to get through a crowded open terminal. Then we had to have 4 documents to show the ticket takers:  the vaccine card, passport, tickets and the ferry health certificate!  From there you're herded into the massive ramp to the ship where you have to find a luggage holder to put your suitcase (remember where it is!).  The Intense heat index didn't help, either! 

MADDENING PASSENGER BABBLE- One of the guys in the group took advantage of any audience to re-tell his stories about his various properties and military service and raising his voice to talk about intimate things done in relationships. GROSS.  After 30 minutes of standing in the aisle next to the row of seats in front of us, he realized no one wanted to hear it for the 10th time, so he walked away. SIGH.  

NEXT: MYKONOS AND THE TOWN OF CHORA

My Ghosts and Spirits blog has been locked for NO REASON.

 I'm Panicking. My Ghosts and Spirits blog has been locked for NO REASON.

UPDATE: As of 12/5/21 the Blog is still deactivated - Regardless- I created a new website hosted in a different place- and you can get to everything at www.robgutro.com or www.petspirits.com.

Just this vague message "On Nov 21, 2021 Blogger will re-evaluate the blog to verify it is not in violation of Community Guidelines."

I'm Panicking. My Ghosts and Spirits blog has been locked for NO REASON. on that blog. If you're looking for a readings email me at Rgutro@gmail.com

**I've lost 12 years of Interviews on videos, podcasts; and 12 YEARS of blogs... PLUS, I had 1 entire year of blogs pre-written awaiting publication. SO much work has been wiped out.

New Podcast: "As I Live and Grieve" features Messages from Pet Spirits w/ Rob Gutro

 New Podcast: "As I Live and Grieve podcast" features Messages from our Furry Friends, and more with Rob Gutro Listen on Apple Podcasts 

LISTEN: https://tinyurl.com/se7nm4bm  

Direct link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/messages-from-our-furry-friends-and-more-with-rob-gutro/id1541153132?i=1000541207112

Summary:

It can often seem more crushing to lose a beloved family pet than we would think. Rob Gutro helps us better understand why the loss of a furry child is so devastating - and, offers us a solution to touch base with them on the other side of what many call the Rainbow Bridge.

Episode Notes:

Rob Gutro is an author, paranormal investigator and medium with Inspired Ghost Tracking of Maryland. He's become known as a pet medium though he communicates with both pets and people who have passed. Since he was a child he could receive messages from ghosts or spirits (who have crossed over). His latest book is ""Pets and the Afterlife 3: Dog Spirit Signs." As a scientist, he also provides some scientific explanations about how energy is the baseline for the afterlife and the medium that entities use to communicate.

 

Contact:

www.asiliveandgrieve.com

info@asiliveandgrieve.com

Facebook:  As I Live and Grieve

Instagram:  @asiliveandgrieve

Writer of "Schoolhouse Rock!" song "I'm Just a Bill" Passes (& Song video and Parody)

If you grew up in the 1970s and 80s, you're likely familiar with the short 60 second educational animations from "Schoolhouse Rock," like "I'm Just a Bill" which explains the process of how bills get voted on through Congress and get signed into law. This week, Dave Frishberg, a jazz pianist and songwriter known for "Schoolhouse Rock!" song "I'm Just a Bill," died at 88. It still remains so popular 50 years later, that Saturday Night Live did a parody of it.  Here is the story and the videos! 

Songwriter Dave Frishberg, of 'I'm Just a Bill' fame, dies at 88

BY RACHEL SCULLY - 11/18/21 08:06 AM EST The Hill.com

Singer and songwriter David Frishberg, who wrote the well-known "Schoolhouse Rock!" song "I'm Just a Bill," died Wednesday in Portland, Ore., at 88.

His wife, April Magnusson, confirmed his death, according to The New York Times.

Frishberg, born in St. Paul, Minn., moved to New York in 1957 to work at a radio station and later became a solo jazz pianist. He worked with several notable artists, including Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day and Judy Garland, the Times reported.

Frishberg began writing songs in the early 1960s and published his first tune, "Peel Me a Grape," in 1962. While it did not reach broad audiences, the Times noted that it launched Frishberg's career as a songwriter.

Frishberg continued to write music and wrote the song "I'm Hip," in 1967, next to fellow jazz songwriter Bob Dorough. He even started singing his compositions, which led him to release his own album, “Oklahoma Toad,” in 1970.

VIDEO: https://youtu.be/tyeJ55o3El0

The songwriter moved to Los Angeles in 1975 and began to write material for the NBC show “The Funny Side,” starring Gene Kelly. While the show lasted only nine episodes, Frishberg also began to perform his songs regularly in jazz clubs, according to the Times.

Frishberg was later invited to contribute to "Schoolhouse Rock!" Frishberg's first contribution, "I'm Just a Bill," premiered in the show's third season. The song, sung by jazz trumpeter and vocalist Jack Sheldon, explains the legislative process. It brought Frishberg unexpected praise, and he later acknowledged it to be his “most well-known song," according to the Times.

In 1982, Frishberg received a Grammy Award nomination for best male jazz vocal performance for “The Dave Frishberg Songbook, Volume No. 1.” The following year, “The Dave Frishberg Songbook, Volume No. 2”  was also nominated.

Frishberg later moved to Portland in 1986.

He is survived by his wife and two sons, Harry and Max.

BONUS: A Saturday Night Live Parody of "I'm Just a Bill" 

https://youtu.be/JUDSeb2zHQ0

Greece Trip #29: Sunset Walk Along Volcano's Rim, Accordionist, Greek God Jogger

We ended our stay on the Greek island of Santorini with a sunset walk along the rim of the dormant volcano after a quiet dinner in the nearby town.  In today's blog, you'll see nice views of the caldera (center) of the volcano from the rim of it (where all the towns are located). and meet a young Greek accordion player. 

(Photo: Tom and Rob at the Fanari restaurant, with the nice view in the background.Cr: RG) 

DINNER WITH A VIEW - When you travel with a large group of people, sometimes it's better to be alone, so we skipped a "sunset cruise" and had a much better time at a restaurant with a view. The Fanari Restaurant in the town of Fira, Santorini had a beautiful view of the volcanic caldera (flooded by the Aegean Sea). It was so nice to have a quiet dinner and watch the fuzzy sunset over the Caldera and the food was very good. We highly recommend the Fanari restaurant if you visit. 

(Photo: The beautiful view of the Santorini Caldera from the Fanari restaurant. Cr: RG) 

(Photo: Rob meets a young accordion player on the street. Credit: TW)

STREET ACCORDIONS - It was surprising to see 2 different young boys playing accordions on the street for money. Apparently the economy is still challenging in Greece, so youngsters take their talents to the street to raise money for their families. We admired both boys' talents and determination to help their families (of course giving them some cash). I just didn't expect to see an accordionist on the streets in Greece. 

A FUN SIGN PHOTO  - Our friend Thaddeus is like family to us, and we were surprised to see a restaurant in Santorini with his surname. So, we took a goofy photo in front of the sign and sent it to him via social media. It was a nice reminder of home.

SUNSET WALK  - The walk from the town of Fira to our hotel was about 40 minutes, all along the rim of the volcano that looked down into the ocean-filled caldera. Despite the heat at sunset (around 8pm) when the heat index was still around 90F/32.2C, we made the walk to watch the sun set.   As you can see in our photo, the sunsets from Santorini were not clear- but fuzzy from all of the salt and aerosols in the air from the over-ocean winds. 

(Photo: Tom and Rob doing the Volcano Rim walk from Fira to the hotel. Cr: RG)

A LIVING GREEK GOD JOGGING - As we walked to the hotel from the town of Fira, a muscular, shirtless, black-haired, brown-eyed Greek man jogged toward us. He could have been a Greek god. Suddenly we didn't mind the oppressive heat index!  Then, he turned around, ran past us again, and then ran off on part of a hillside that jutted out and away from the sidewalk. As he came back toward us, I snapped a photo of his silhouette with the setting sun and orange sky. 

NEXT: Ferry Fiasco and a Group Snub

Greece Trip #28: Oia Highlights: a little special dog and Meaning of the "Blue Eye"

During our vacation to Greece, one of the islands we visited was the dormant volcanic island of Santorini. All of the towns are built on the volcano's rim, and the caldera (center of the volcano) is flooded by the Aegean Sea. Yesterday's blog explained about the houses, and today's blog will introduce you to a little dog that made our day, and the meaning of the Greek "Blue Eye" pendant.

A HOT TOUR - We walked through the town of Oia for 1 hour, and that was honestly enough. The heat index was again over 100 degrees Fahrenheit /37.7 degrees Celsius, and it was a sunny day - truly the "dog days of summer." The sun was intense, and everyone seemed to be seeking shade (there was little of it).  Within the hour in this tiny, tourist-packed town (there were 5 large buses of tourists dropped off by 5 diff cruise ships off the island), we managed to find 2 things of interest: a dog and a "blue eye." 

ANOTHER TYPE OF DOG DAY - Being dog dads, we really missed our 2 dogs at home, and had only seen a few dogs during our trip so far. Then we saw a little red, smooth, dachshund/mix laying in a comfy bed in the doorway of a dress shop. He also had a little stuffed lamb toy, just like our kids have. 

   Further, he resembled our dog Sprite (who passed in 2013), so  that told us that Sprite was with us on vacation!  You never know when a loved one is going to show up and lead you to someone that looks like them - That's one way spirits tell us they are with us.  

   As it turned out, the little dog sat there only a few minutes and went back inside because of the volume of tourists walking by. So, we walked by at the right time to get a good glimpse of him. That's not a coincidence. That was Sprite's doing! 

 Just seeing him in the midst of the tourist chaos made our day. 

(Photo: The Oia shop of the little cute dog. Credit: RG)

 
WHAT IS THE BLUE EYE? The Blue Eye or Matiasma means "evil eye" in Greek, and is often shortened to mati, or "eye." The word is used to describe the eye symbol itself, which looks something like a bull's-eye, with a dark center "pupil" surrounded by a circle of light blue, then sometimes white, then finally an outer circle of dark blue. 

(Photo: A collection of Blue Eye pendants for sale. Credit: RG)

WHAT DOES THE BLUE EYE DO? The Blue Eye charms are supposed to help ward off the “evil eye.” The term refers to negative energy caused by another's jealousy, which Greeks believe can cause minor troubles and even physical symptoms for the victim. 

HOW FAR BACK DOES THE EYE DATE? The eye, as an apotropaic visual device, is known to have been a fixture in Greece dating back to at least the 6th century BC, when it commonly appeared on drinking vessels. 

(Photo: Tom in Oia, Santorini. Credit: RG)

NEXT:  A Sunset Walk Along a Volcano's Rim

Greece Trip #27: Santorini: Picturesque Oia Town, Cave Houses: Why White & Blue? Tourist Chaos

In today's blog, we visited the town of Oia on the island of Santorini. This is a small picturesque town that is known for it's white buildings with blue roofs. In today's blog, you'll read about the Santorini "Cave Houses," and why they are white and blue, plus some tourist chaos!   

(Photo: Houses and buildings in Oia, looking down to the Aegean Sea. Credit: RG)
(Photo: Tom peering around a wall to check for large tourist groups!)

WHAT IS OIA? Oia, pronounced Ia, is a coastal town on the northwestern tip of Santorini. The town has whitewashed houses carved into the rugged clifftops, and overlooks a vast caldera filled with water. In a 19th-century mansion, the Naval Maritime Museum has exhibits on local seafaring history, including old figureheads, sailors’ chests and models of old ships.

Note to travelers: It's also the most expensive town to stay in on the entire island. 

"FAMOUS SUNSETS?" - Search the Internet and you'll read that Oia is known for its buildings and "fantastic sunsets." We didn't see any in the 3 days we were on Santorini. 

WHY NO SPECTACULAR SUNSETS? The continual breezes over the ocean stir up the salt in the Aegean and make sunsets appear fuzzy. Honestly, we've seen better sunsets here in Maryland. 

WHAT ARE THE "CAVE HOUSES OF OIA?" Santorini Cave Houses or Yposkafa, which translates to “dug into a rock,” are underground buildings once used as homes, churches, canaves, and warehouses. They are famous both for their cubic form and their white color which reflects the light.

(Photo: Cave Houses of Oia. Credit: R.G.)

WHY ARE THE HOUSES WHITE? 

The white color reflects the biggest part of the dazzling light, preventing the houses from getting warm and that was a basic goal of the traditional architecture. 

WHY ARE CHURCH DOMES BLUE? Blue is a significant color for the Greek people as it reflects the color of the sea, sky and everyday life. The blue used in Greek island houses was made from a mixture of limestone and a cleaning product called “loulaki.” Loulaki was a kind of blue talcum powder most islanders had readily available at home. Therefore, blue paint was a very easy color for them to make.

CLEVER BOOKSTORE DESIGN - I love book stores, and there was one in the entire town. The outside of the store was cleverly painted to look like someone's living room wall with a book case.   (Photo: Bookstore with wall mural in Oia. Credit: RG)

TOURIST CHAOS - Since Oia is known to be the "prettiest town" on the entire island of Santorini, that's where all the tourists go. The day we were there, they did! In fact, we saw 5 massive cruise ships anchored off the island. The ships carried thousands of passengers, and they all tendered over to buses on the mainland that brought them to the town. Ship passengers quickly filled the narrow streets of Oia crowding the streets.  The massive crowds made walking through the town a slow process and it was a bit unnerving since we're in a pandemic. 

(Photo: Bougainvillea flowers draped over a wall in the town of Oia. Credit: RG) 

NEXT: Oia Highlights: A Special dog, Meaning of the "Blue Eye"

Greece Trip #26: Santorini: The Popular Donkeys

The Greek Island of Santorini is really a dormant volcano, and all of the towns are built around the rim of the high Caldera (which I explained in yesterday's blog).  Today we'll tell you about the donkeys because when you visit you'll see their images all over souvenirs. You'll also read how I slipped on their path.

DONKEYS - Because Santorini is a dormant volcano, locals still use donkeys to travel up and down the slope of it, especially in some of the towns along the rim. Donkeys and mules are used as taxis to carry tourists up and down more than 500 steps to the old town of Firá several times a day. Donkeys have been a reliable partner for transporting goods, as well as, the main means of personal transportation around the island for centuries. 

From the backside of our hotel, we could see a farm where donkeys were grazing. 

(Photo: Rob took this pic of a Greek man leading a team of donkeys up the Fira town steps. Credit: RG)

DONKEY FACT - A male Donkey is called a Jack while a female is a Jenny.

DONKEYS ARE SUPER SMART- Donkeys are much more of an all-terrain animal than horses. Donkeys are in fact a highly intelligent animal despite popular misconception. A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size. Donkeys have an incredible memory – they can recognise areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago.

DONKEY SOUVENIRS -  In fact, there are many tee shirts and souvenirs with donkeys on them! 

ROB SLIPPED LIKE A DONKEY - We walked into the town with Bill and Bill in the 100F degree heat, and I was feeling pretty bad (because of my asthma) and a bit shaky. So, we stopped in a bar and got something cold (lots of water for me). After that we found a long stone path that goes along the outside of the city and on the rim of the caldera overlooking the steep drop into the flooded volcano. The rocks were slick, because they have been worn down... and I slipped and fell on my butt and my elbow (which hurt for a week afterward!). Right after I got up, local men were herding donkeys up the stone pathway!

(Images: Examples of some of the many donkey souvenirs in Santorini).

NEXT: Visiting Oia City

Greece Trip #25: Santorini Island Arrival, Best Bakery and Lost Atlantis

In today's blog, we're introducing you to the dormant volcanic island called Santorini, Greece.  Santorini is a caldera, filled with ocean waters. The intense heatwave continued during our entire stay on Santorini and there were no breezes to be had. The Heat Index was near or over 100F (37.7 C) every day - making it challenging with my asthma. Today's blog will tell you about Calderas, the scary ride to the top, and the Atlantis Legend.

FERRY RIDE - A couple of blogs ago, I shared our ferry experience, but as a reminder these ferries between the Greek islands are huge! They fit hundreds of people and are stories high and carry several vehicles and trucks in their belly All passenger seats are usually on levels 2 or 3. There's also long queues and everyone needed to show a vaccination card and passport. The ride took 2 hours from Milos to Santorini and it was pretty comfortable and spacious. It had a food vendor (very expensive so bring your own water and snacks) and bathrooms.

(Photo: The sidewalk along the rim of the caldera that looked waaaaaay down to the sea.Credit: RG)

(Photo: Looking at the Aegean Sea from the high rim of the Santorini Caldera.Credit: RG)

WHAT IS A CALDERA? A large volcanic crater, especially one formed by a major eruption leading to the collapse of the mouth of the volcano.

SCARY VAN RIDE /ISLAND SET UP - All ferries dock at the beach and people take vans up the very, very, very winding and steep roads to the rim of the former volcano. All of the towns are built on the rim, including our hotel... The ride took 20 hair-raising minutes, and I was really nervous that van was going to go over the edge of the road and fall hundreds of feet (Yeah, I don't like heights)>

(Photos: Bakery brownie and enjoying lunch at the bakery. Credit: R.G.)

HOTEL  - The hotel was nice, beautiful rooms, nice pool (but again, no flushing paper in the toilet- eeeww)- It was also located about a 30-40 minute walk along a long sidewalk on the rim of the volcano to get to the town. Some people took taxis, Tom and I just walked all the time.

HIGHLIGHT!  A GREAT BAKERY! - There was a bakery located right next to the hotel, and to me, that was a highlight of the entire island. I love bakeries and whenever we travel, we often go to them for breakfasts and lunches. That's exactly what we did. They had great sandwiches, and amazing chocolate cookies and brownies (see photo).  It's kind of funny that we traveled all the way to Greece and I found a bakery to be the highlight of Santorini. I took a photo of it because the name of it was in Greek (although the word "Bakery" was in English)...

WAS THE LOST CITY OF ATLANTIS NEAR SANTORINI? - Our friend Bill told us about the theory of the lost city of Atlantis considered once being part of Santorini. 

According to Santorini.com, "Santorini has often been connected with Atlantis, the legendary continent that plunged to the bottom of the sea while it was at its zenith. The mystery surrounding the destruction of the one, and the disappearance of the other has preoccupied scientists for generations. The starting points for the debate about Atlantis are the references to be found in Plato's dialogues 'Timaeus' (21E-25D) and 'Critias' (108E-121C). 

    (Photos of the Aegean Sea filling the inside of the Volcano's caldera of Santorini. Credit: RG)

According to the account given in the former, Athenian lawyer Solon visited Egypt (590 BC) where he was told the story of Atlantis by a priest at Sais: "a great and wonderful state which ruled over the other islands" which owed its power to the civilization that had evolved there. The kingdom consisted of two islands, the 'larger' and the 'smaller', and there were ten cities. Of these only two were mentioned specifically, the 'Metropolis' and the 'Royal City'. The people of Atlantis launched an attack on Athens 900 years before Solon had talked to the priest. But the Athenians defeated them and liberated all the lands that Atlantis had conquered. Later Atlantis suffered a terrible earthquake and a flood, sinking in its entirety into the sea. Finds from the excavations at Akrotiri have led scholars to conclude that the lost Atlantis was none other than Santorini. However over the centuries, as myth was retold, experts beg to differ."

NEXT: Town Visit, Donkeys and Oia City

America First Viking settlement in North America dated to exactly 1000 years ago

 Vikings can claim to make the first Atlantic crossing to North America that far precedes Columbus and 1492. The latest findings confirm they arrived hundreds of years before then. Here's the story from Science Magazine!

(Photo: The L’Anse aux Meadows site in Newfoundland, which researchers have now dated to 1021 C.E., contains a reconstruction of the seaside Viking settlement.GLENN NAGEL PHOTOGRAPHY) 

First Viking settlement in North America dated to exactly 1000 years ago 

 SCIENCE Magazine, Oct. 21, 2021

The first permanent settlement of Vikings in North America—a seaside outpost in Newfoundland known as L’Anse aux Meadows—has tantalized archaeologists for more than 60 years. Now, scientists at last have a precise date for the site: Tree rings show a Viking ax felled trees on the North American continent exactly 1000 years ago, in 1021 C.E. The result is a star example of a relatively new dating method using a spike in solar radiation that left its mark in tree rings around the world.

(Photo: A handsome, hot Viking to keep you reading...)

“The precision is astounding,” says Rachel Wood, a radiocarbon scientist at the Australian National University who wasn’t involved in the new study. “The idea to use these short-term sharp fluctuations in radiocarbon … has been around for a few years, but it is great to see it actually being used to date an important archaeological site.”

The Vinland sagas, a pair of Icelandic texts written in the 13th century, describe the Norse explorer Leif Erikson’s expeditions to a land referred to as Vinland. Although the texts contain their fair share of embellishment, most historians agree the sagas show Vikings sailed southwest from Greenland and reached the North American continent sometime at the turn of the millennium. The discovery of a Viking-era archaeological site in 1960 featuring the remains of distinctive Norse-style buildings, a bronze cloak pin, iron nails, and other Viking artifacts bolstered such evidence.

Scientists have previously dated bits of wood from the site using radiocarbon dating, which measures the decay of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 in organic material and often gives dates within a couple hundred years. Early radiocarbon-dating efforts at L’Anse aux Meadows dated the artifacts to between 793 and 1066 C.E.—not much help to historians looking for an accurate timeline of the Vikings’ arrival in North America.

SOLVING THE MYSTERY THANKS TO A SOLAR FLARE - A breakthrough in 2012 promised to refine those dates with the help of abnormally strong cosmic ray bursts. In the year 993 C.E., a large cosmic burst—probably a solar flare—caused a pulse in the production of carbon-14 in Earth’s atmosphere, which was taken up by plants around the world through photosynthesis. Every tree that was alive in 993 C.E. has a telltale ring with higher than usual carbon-14 content. By counting out from that ring, researchers can arrive at the precise year a tree died. A similar cosmic burst in 775 C.E. has already helped scientists precisely date the construction of a chapel in Switzerland and a volcanic eruption on the Chinese–North Korean border.

In the new study, researchers led by radiocarbon scientist Michael Dee at the University of Groningen applied this technique to a collection of wooden chunks that had been excavated from L’Anse aux Meadows through the 1960s and ’70s. Based on cut marks in the wood, archaeologists know they were chopped by metal axes, suggesting Vikings, rather than Indigenous people of North America, were responsible. For decades, those chunks were kept in a freezer by co-author Birgitta Wallace, an archaeologist with Parks Canada who has spent her career at site.

“[The artifacts] are not some beautiful objects or Viking artwork or anything like that,” Dee says. “They are really just the offcuts or refuse of Viking activity. … It’s a real tribute to [Wallace] that she had the foresight to do such a thing.”

Working with three chunks of wood with recognizable edges, the researchers radiocarbon dated the rings in each piece, looking for a telltale spike in carbon-14. In all three pieces, they found it in the 29th ring from the edge, indicating the trees had stopped growing 28 years after the 993 C.E. solar flare, or the year 1021 C.E., the researchers report today in Nature. Of course, that just confirms the Vikings were present in North America by that year, Dee notes, and it’s possible they arrived even earlier. 

 SOURCE:

A Fun Halloween Lecture at the Strathmore Mansion

 On October 27, I returned to the historic Strathmore Mansion in Bethesda, Maryland to give my annual Halloween lecture. This is my fourth year, and every year I come up with a different paranormal topic. As a medium, author of 8 books, and a paranormal investigator, there's a lot to talk about. 

(Photo: Rob Gutro's books displayed in the mansion for the event. Credit: RG)

The Strathmore has a wonderful English tea with small sandwiches and desserts and is staffed by wonderful volunteers. The event opens with music by local artists. This year, there was a flutist and a pianist and they played many spooky favorites, including the theme from the Addams Family Television show and films. I highly recommend their English Tea events!

 This year, I cited stories from my new book, Ghosts and Spirits: Explained. I told the story of how after my dad passed away, he helped me prove to my mom and brothers that his spirit was at his own services!  I also told the story of when I wound up living in a haunted house in the 1990s... 

(Photo: A peek into the event room at the Strathmore! Credit: RG)

The room was filled and there were a lot of great questions. In addition to the interactions with the crowd, some highlights included my friends Lynn and Janet in attendance and seeing my friend Mary who manages the Strathmore. 

**************************************

To Order Rob's Books or Ebooks on Amazon, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Rob-Gutro/e/B003UNTASW

Greece Trip #24: A Handsome Skipper, Special Tattoo, Mystery of Fig Tree Cave

In today's blog, I'll tell you about what I consider one of the true highlights of the trip... Meeting and talking with Andreas, the skipper of the sailboat the group rented out for a day. I'll also explain the Mystery of Fig Tree Cave. Honestly, I really did not want to go out on a sailboat for 10 hours, but sometimes when you do something you don't want to, it turns out well. That's what happened to me. In the case of meeting Andreas, the Skipper for the boat,  he made my week.   

(Photo: Skipper Andreas and Rob chating and Tom and the First mate chatting for over 3 hours!) 

MEET ANDREAS - Since I was sitting at the back of the boat (the Stern) where the wheel was located, that's where the captain was situated. Andreas is the captain of the ship called Nemesis. In addition to being a great tour guide and wonderful skipper, he has a great personality, appreciation for life, adventure and people. He's only 23, too. I wound up talking with him for over 3 1/2 hours! We talked about life, adventures and really bonded when he told me his family dog named Jordan, had passed earlier in the year, and he was devastated. Since I communicate with pets from the other side (and have written three books about how they do it), I tried to bring some healing.  Jordan was a Jack Russell Terrier who passed at 14 years old. 

A SPECIAL TATTOO - One thing that really struck me was when Andreas showed me the tattoo on his right forearm. It was a tattoo of Jordan's favorite stuffed animal shark toy. I immediately had to sketch his tattoo so I would always remember that loving tribute to the dog that captured Andreas' heart. 

A NICE FAREWELL - Andreas told me someone he met on one of his tours promised they would come back the next day, and he said he was so touched when that happened. Well, I promised to give him a copy of one of my books that I had packed, so the next morning, Tom and I left the hotel early, drove to the docks and found him. We gave him the book and he gave us the biggest hug. Meeting him was something I will never forget. 

WHAT IS SYKIA OR FIG TREE CAVE?  - Sykia is the Greek word for Fig. Andreas stopped the boat in a grotto and 8 guys at a time boarded a rubber raft. Andreas guided the raft through a small cave, that opened into the ocean and then we turned into another cave that opened into a huge grotto. There was lava rock all around, and the top of the cave opened to a huge dome. In the center of the dome was an opening to the sky. The legend says that there was a giant fig tree that grew on the top of the dome and the roof collapsed, sending the tree into the grotto waters below. 

NEXT: OFF TO SANTORINI