Clay in My Boots: A Romp Through My Genealogical Past

I taught a one hour session and 1/2 hour discussion titled "Introduction to Jewish Genealogy" to the Brandeis National Committee, Middlesex Chapter, today, Thursday, May 20, 2021. I used the story of Rachel Ochs Gouline, the mother of 2 Baltimore Chapter Members to bring some color to the discussion.  The slide show is available at: https://bit.ly/BNCMCGen01

One of the most extensive list of website links for both General and Jewish Genealogy.  This is from the Museum of Family History.  https://www.museumoffamilyhistory.com/links.htm

We woke on our last day in the Canyon to partly cloudy skies, a nice break from the raining night that had just passed. In style we were served Eggs Benedict. As was expected by now the hollandaise was prepared perfectly and the eggs were cooked to order. Since we’d lost the camaraderie from the night before, folks seemed to gather around at breakfast.   The day went a little different as we no longer needed the dry bags as we prepared to be taken out of the canyon. Who couldn’t resist one last visit to the best seat in town with a wonderful river view, a solid #2 on the 7 days scale of locations, topped only by Deer Falls. [Sorry, I couldn’t resist ... both puns intended.] After loading the boats, they took some parting shots of the group.  What a nice group of people. On reflection during the trip and while scanning the group, I’m disappointed by the lack of diversity. Maybe next time. Our takeout location was 6 miles downstream, as usual I took my position on point.  We did enjoy a

Our call to Coffee and OJ, then breakfast of bagels, yogurt, and peaches; included a request to pre-pack sandwich for lunch to save time when we made our lunchtime stop. After a half-dozen rapids including Bedrock, Deubendorff, and Upset Rapids we arrived at our surprise destination. For our lunch break, we stopped at Habasu Canyon. After shimmying along a cliff face above the rapids (with life vests on), we headed back into the Chasm without vests, joking that the fall would kill us before we hit the water. Eventually we made it to shore level after passing a beautiful waterfall and were treated to the most gorgeous place on Earth. The oasis was too amazing to be real. It truly looked like a Theme Park set with aquamarine flowing water, tropical plants, orange boulders, and a lush grassy knoll. We crossed a stream and enjoyed our sandwiches.  Trent passed us by claiming we’d find bikini clad girls around the next bend, but we waited at our relaxation spot for reports upon his return.

The Ram’s horn called us to Coffee and OJ. I apologized to Lauren for their selection of camp locations, as I slept extremely well on this barren sandbar. Sleeping next to the river was very calming and our choice of locations made for no blowing sand for us. Breakfast was French-toast, Pork chops, and applesauce and real maple syrup.   We started with a short float through 2 small rapids and arrived at Blacktail Falls. This involved a short hike to the back of a small canyon where we found a delightful waterfall spilling into a small pool of water with little fish.   We all took turns standing in the waterfall for a refreshing shower and a picture moment. I was able track down a picture of me from one of my traveling partners (Clare McManus). For lunch we stopped on a pleasant little beach and had Tuna Wraps. After a dozen rapids including Bedrock, Deubendorff, and Upset Rapids we arrived at another chasm. The day ended early at Deer Creek Falls and we camped across the street. Deer C

The ram’s horn called us to Coffee and again to Breakfast Burritos as we packed up for Rapid Day. We were promised 53 rapids today, more than the prior 3 days put together. Our first rapid of the day was Hance (8 of 10) that I took in my usual spot out on the left side of the “rack.”   It was non-stop rock ‘n roll as we approached Phantom Ranch and the Kaibab Suspension Bridge. Folks above were taking pictures as we passed by. I called out asking if they’d share ... they seemed receptive until I called out my mobile number then the ignored me (nasty landlubbers.) We continued to enjoy rapids minute by minute including Rancid Tuna and the Gems. At Ruby Rapid (I have a dog named Ruby) I again lost my balance and this time was my legs through forward and I ended up on my back laughing hysterically ... no Lauren rescue, but I gave the audience a show.   Ruby Rapid:  https://youtu.be/70k_rcJWXOE 25 Min of Non-stop Action:  https://youtu.be/mRnKM2wlVFU  (updated) We stopped for a sandwich lu

Scoutmaster, Michael Snyder and Assistant Scoutmaster, Rich Celotto wave to Grand Canyon Earth-Cam!

Woke early to try and get some star shots. Couldn’t get star mode to work on my camera, I’ll give it another try at Scout Summer Camp. Moonlight all night for the rest of this trip. Decided since I was up, I’d go back up to above the tree line to grab some more river and canyon shots. Heard the Shofar call announcing hot coffee and orange juice and scurried back to camp just in time for blueberry pancakes, sausage and real maple syrup.   We packed up in preparation for the day, and rounded a few bends in the river and turned into a beach at the confluence of the Little Colorado River.   Words nor pictures can fully describe the turquoise-blue river, its white banks and its beautiful setting. We spent the entire morning frolicking along it’s banks, body rafting it’s little rapids and climbing it’s step-like canyon walls.  I swam the rapids 4 times, including a trip down the rocky side bumping my bum half way down to the exit pool. At 70° the water was a wonderful change of