William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 8

The 80th Division is finally on its way home but in the ‘hurry up and wait’ tradition, they must stop for six weeks on the way to the transit camp before heading for home. The diary ends with the arrival at Brest, a harbor city on the Atlantic coast. This was a major embarkation port for troops going home. As described at the end of this account of the 314th Field Artillery, some of the 80th Division had already left for the States when William arrived in Brest on May 17. The ship he took, when it left France and where it landed remained to be determined. The 80th Division was decommissioned at Fort Dix, NJ on June 9, 1919.


William Miller Diary, April 2-May 18, 1919.

Apr. 2 Quite nice day Rode all morning and arrived at Sun-Le-Loir at about 12 M. had dinner and hiked to Grand-Le-Luce [Le Grand-Luce] about 9-45 P.M. and were billed in little Chateau.

[Unable to determine what place was meant by ‘Sun-Le-Loir’. The ‘le-loir’ suffix and the location of the railroad would indicate that it was South of Le Grand-Luce in the direction of Tours. Le Grand-Luce is near Le Mans.]

[Perhaps this is the chateau he stayed in it being the only chateau in Le Grand-Luce.]


[This auto road test begins at Chateau Le Grand-Luce and describes it at the end of the review.]

Apr. 3 All slept late. Had no breakfast dinner at 12 M. All policed up in P.M. I was on water detail

Apr. 4 Nice day. All bathed and cleaned up equipment

Apr. 5 Nice day. Reg. Sat. Ins. And went for 1 hr. hike in morning.

Apr. 6 Sunday Was to 10 O’clock Mass and were paid in P.M. Very nice day.

Apr. 7 Drilled in A.M. Went on Guard in P.M. at 4-30. Nice day

Apr. 8 Quite nice day Was on Guard untill 4-30 P.M.

Apr. 9 Nice in A.M. rained some in P.M. Drilled in A.M. (inserted medical Ins.) had ball games in P.M. C. vs. D. and B. vs. A.

Apr. 10 Rainy. Co. B. bath day and had rifle instruction in P.M.

Apr. 11 Quite nice day Drilled in A.M. I went on detail painting Y.M.C.A.

Apr. 12 Rainy Regular Sat. Ins. On detail at Y.M.C.A.

Apr. 13 Palm Sunday. Quite nice day Was to 10 O’clock Mass. Were all inoculated in morning

Apr. 14 Rainy Was on detail at Y.M.C.A. in A.M.

Apr. 15 S.O.S. [Services of Supply?] Inspection on drill field at 8 A.M. were out most of A.M. spent afternoon cleaning up equipment

Apr. 16 Drilled in A.M. Rained some Had ball games and athletics in P.M.

Apr. 17 Quite nice day Drilled some in A.M. B. Co’s bath day. Athletics in P.M.

Apr. 18 Good Friday. Quite nice day Final S.O.S. Ins. B. Co. and Hdq. passed 100%. Had afternoon off except athletics

Apr. 19 Holy Sat. Had day off. no Reville. Nice day

Apr. 20 Easter Sunday. Beautifull day. Was to 10 O’clock Mass.

Apr. 21 Nice day Drilled in A.M. athletics in P.M.

Apr. 22 Rained some

Apr. 23 Nice day Drilled in A.M. I went on Guard duty at 4-30 P.M.

Apr. 24 On Guard untill 4-30 Quite nice day.

Apr. 25 Nice day Drilled in A.M. Athletics in P.M.

Apr. 26 Quite nice day rained little in P.M. Reg. Sat. Ins. Had final ball game of Schedule.

Apr. 27 Sunday. Nice day. Was to 10 O’Clock Mass.

Apr. 28 Rained and snowed quite hard in A.M. Drilled in A.M. untill 10. O’Clock.

Apr. 29 Rained most all day Drilled some in A.M. I was on police detail

Apr. 30 Nice day Cootie Ins. on field by S.O.S. Pay day

May 1 Drilled in A.M. Rained almost all day

May 2 Rained most all day Went for hike in A.M.

May 3 Regular Sat. Ins. Quite nice day.

May 4 Sunday. Nice day Was to 10 O’Clock Mass.

May 5 Nice day. Drilled in A.M.

May 6 Nice day Drilled in A.M. All bathed in P.M.

May 7 Nice day very warm Drilled in A.M.

May 8 Nice day. Drilled in A.M. Had General Review before Gen. Cronkite in P.M.

[Adelbert Cronkhite (with an ‘h’) was in charge of the 80th Division. And, yes, he was related to Walter Cronkite (without an ‘h’) as described here along with some Camp Lee/80th Division history.]

May 9 Nice day. Drilled in A.M.

May 10 Reg. Sat Ins. Nice day.

May 11 Sunday. Nice day Was to 10 O Clock Mass Mothers day

May 12 Quite nice day Had Final cootie Ins. in Field by S.O.S.

May 13 Nice day Drilled in A.M.

May 14 Very nice day. Exercises and competitive games in A.M. Bathed in P.M.

May 15 Rained in A.M. and some at night All policed up

May 16 Reville 5°-45’ A.M. Rooled packs and loaded them at 7-30 A.M. All policed up all forenoon dinner at 11 O’Clock Was very nice day. Left Le-Grand-Luce on trucks at about 1°45’ P.M. and arrived at Ecommay [Ecommoy] at 2°30’ P.M. Supper on train at 8 P.M. 65 men in box car. left about 8-30 P.M.

May 17 passed through Le-Mans through Melun and Rennes arrived at Brest at about 5 P.M. had supper and hiked to Camp Pontamazen about 4 K.M. arrived 7 P.M.

[Pontanezen doesn’t exist as a separate place but is a section of the city of Brest, (le quartier Pontanezen). ]

May 18 Nice day. Bunk Ins. in A.M. All went through Bathouse and Had medical Ins.at 3 P.M. also got new clothes

[The diary ends here but indicates that it is continued in another book. Unfortunately we do not have that book. Next time, a little more about the now almost forgotten Camp Pontanezen.]

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 8

This diary posting William begins in quarantine, experiences more rain, has a visit from General Pershing and ends on the move to a new camp. Grandpa Miller has gone from hauling ammunition to hauling hay, beef and water to now hauling show troops.

William Miller Diary, February 20-April 1, 1919.

Feb. 21 Very nice day Still staying at Y.M.C.A. Infirm.

Feb. 22 Rained some still at Infirmary.

Feb. 23 Sunday Rained quite hard I returned to Co.

Feb. 24 Nice day. I was on as Room Orderly day and at night.

Feb. 25 Quite nice day All took bath and cleaned up.

Feb. 26 Rained some All worked on road. 20 fellows went after trucks

Feb. 27 Quite nice but rained some All worked on road.

Feb. 28 Nice day. All worked on road.

Mar. 1 Very nice day All worked on road.

Mar. 2 Sunday Rained some Drilled most all day

Mar. 3 Quite nice but rained some in P.M. I was on Room Orderly all day and night.

Mar. 4 On Room Orderly untill 6 A.M. off duty during day. Rained quite hard most all day

Mar. 5 Rainy. Went on Guard duty at 3-20 P.M.

Mar. 6 Rained quite hard came of Guard at 3-20 P.M.

Mar. 7 Quite nice day Was on police duty all day.

Mar. 8 Nice day Inspection in A.M. with full packs I was on police detail finished at noon.

Mar. 9 Nice day Sunday Had big Inspection with full packs and laid out equipment on bunks. M’s drilled in P.M. quarentine lifted. I went on Guard at 3-20 P.M.

Mar. 10 Steady rain I was on Guard untill 3-20 P.M.

Mar. 11 Was on as Room Orderly all day and night man

Mar. 12 Quite nice day Was off Duty untill 2 P.M. Went out on G.M.C. truck ambulance with Duff. Took show troop to Laigner [Laignes] had 2 punctures



Mar. 13 Nice day. On truck detail.

Mar. 14 Quite nice day. On truck detail made trip to Les Forges, Sennevay(?) [Sennevoy] and Gigny for Sharpshooter Officers and took Them to Tonnere.

Mar. 15 Nice day. Made trip to Tonnere in P.M. to bring back participants of 1st Army Core Meet and took another load from Ancy-Le-Franc at 9 P.M. had two blowouts.

Mar. 16 Nice day On truck Detail

Mar. 17 Nice day. Made trip to Semur to 78th Div. Hqt. for 29th Div’s show brought them to Ancy-Le-Franc Then took 320th show to Argenteul

Mar. 18 Rainy. Took 320th band to Railhead, then made trip to Les Forges.

Mar. 19 Very Nice day. Truck in for repairs

Mar. 20 Rained some I quit truck detail and went on road work detail

Mar. 21 Rained hard almost all day Was out on road work detail

Mar. 22 Quite nice day. Reg. Sat. Ins. and with full packs Was on Road Detail all day.

Mar. 23 Sunday All went to Delouser at Chassignells Was quite nice day.

Mar. 24 Quite nice day but rainy in P.M. I went on Guard at 4-45 P.M.

Mar. 25 Nice day. Was on Guard

Mar. 26 Rained almost all day All hike to Pimeleu(?) [Pimelles] and were Inspected by Gen. Pershing left at 5-30 A.M. and returned at 4 30 P.M.

Mar. 27 Rained. Twenty men on detail unloading rock from boat.

Mar. 28 On detail tearing down stables and carrying lumber

Mar. 29 Rained hard most all day Cootie Ins. In A.M. I was on detail wrecking stable and carrying lumber

Mar. 30 Sunday. Very disagreeable day snowed and stormed Had Ins. With packs at 10-30. A.M.

Mar. 31 Nice day. All worked all day policeing up and prepareing to break Camp.

Apr. 1 First call at 4-30 A.M. breakfast at 5-30 and policed up around barracks left Cusy at about 9 A.M. hiked to Railhead about 5 kilom’s had dinner at Casual barracks and left at 12-25 P.M. on box cars 37 men on each car.

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 7

After his journey to Germany, Grandpa Miller settles in with the 80th Division in towns around Ancy-le-Franc, has a nice Christmas dinner and hauls everything from bacon to hay. He also gets de-loused and possibly into some trouble. He was billeted in Cusy near the railroad.

In his diary, he listed many of the towns that he made deliveries to:


Those towns and others mentioned in the diary are marked on this map:
As usual, click to scroll and enlarge.

William Miller Diary, December 18, 1918-February 20, 1919.

Dec. 18 Rained All policed up around barracks and drained mud

Dec. 19 Rainy I went on detail with truck at Div. Headquarters

Dec. 20 Same as 19th.

Dec. 21 “ “ “ Rained

Dec. 22 “ “ “ “

Dec. 23 On detail in A.M. Truck broke down in P.M. Rained very hard.

Dec. 24 Rained hard most all day all took bath and cleaned up equipment I went to Confession in evening and to Mass at Midnight

Dec. 25 Christmas day Rained hard most all day. Had goose, pork, mashed potatoes, cheese, dressing, apple sauce apple pie etc had Retreat as usual but no Reville

Dec. 26 Rainy Drilled about 1 hr. in A.M.

Dec. 27 Regular Camp Routine

Dec. 28 Rained quite hard Was on Detail at Railhead with truck

Dec. 29 Rained all day On Detail with truck

Dec. 30 Rainy same as 29

Dec. 31

1919

Jan. 1 On detail at Railhead with truck untill noon had afternoon off went to Ancy-Le-France. Quite nice day did not rain

[This seems to be the first day it didn't rain since he arrived in Ancy-le-Franc]

Jan. 2 On detail at Railhead. Rained some

Jan. 3 Same as 2nd

Jan. 4 Same as 2nd

Jan. 5 Sunday Quite nice but rained some I hauled water with truck.

Jan. 6 Quite nice day I hauled water and wood for kitchens with truck

Jan. 7 Nice day. Was on detail at Railhead hauled 1 ld. potatoes and 1 load coal to 159 Bgd. dump at Verdonnet

Jan. 8 Nice day Was on Detail with two other B. Trucks at Railhead. Rest of Co. worked on road I made trip to Machine gun Dump at Gigny and one trip to Villers-Les-Haut for wood.

[The Standard B “Liberty” Truck was an improvement over the Quad. See what one looked here and read more here.]

Jan. 9 Quite nice day but rained a little Was on Detail at Railhead Made one trip to 320 Inf. at Villedu and towed Supply truck back

Jan. 10 Beautifull day. Made one trip to 314 Inf. at Lezinnes and trip to Sanitary train at Gland.

Jan. 11 Rained a little Big general Inspection so did not go out on truck in A.M. Made one trip to Sanitary Train at Pimelles in P.M. B. Co. got 5 trucks from Supply Co. F.

Jan. 12 Sunday. Very disagreeable day rained all day I made one trip to Divisional Troops at Ancy-Le-France and one to 159th Bgd. at Verdonnet with beef.

Jan. 13 Rained some quite cold Hauled some water and made one trip to 159th Brigade with beef. Overholser took My truck at 7 P.M.

Jan. 14 Truck did not get back so was with Co. all day. 46 men most of 1st, 2nd and 3rd Section went to Delouser at Fulvy. Quite nice day

Jan. 15 Rained some in A.M. Hauled one load water for Railhead in morning then made trip to 320. Inf. at Villedu with bacon

Jan. 16 Very nice day My truck in for repairs Went for dental-exams.

Jan. 17 Quite nice but rained some Made trip to Div. Troops and one to Pacy to Motor Supply in A.M. and hauled load of coal from Nuits to 314. F.A. at Lezinnes in P.M.

Jan. 18 Nice day. Made trip to Div Troops at AncyLeFranc and one to Pacy to 313 with hay and one trip to 320 Inf. at Villedu with hay in AM.

Jan. 19 Real nice day. Made trip to Div. Troops and one trip to 319. Inf. at Villon got in at 5 P.M. eat supper and Reported back at Railhead at 6. P.M. Hauled G. Co’s from there to Villers-De-Haut got back to Barracks at 2 A.M. of ___?__

Jan. 20 Wagoners and Assistants on duty Jan 19 relieved for day started new system of Relief every other day on trucks Cloudy and Quite cold today

Jan. 21 Very cold. I did not go to Railhead in A.M. but towed several other trucks to get them started had water line on pump repaired and hauled 1 load water for Railhead and made a trip to Machine-gun-Battalion at Gigny with coal.

Jan. 22 Nice but cold. Made two trips to Pacy three to Ancy-Le-Franc and one to Lezinnes

Jan. 23 Made 1 trip to Pacy one to Gigny and one to Villon

Jan. 24

Jan. 25 Very cold. Made trip to Pacy and one to Villon.

Jan. 26 Sunday. Quite cold was relieved for day Was up to 10 Oclock Mass. snowed hard in evening

Jan. 27 Cold and about 3” in. snow did not go to Railhead untill about noon Made one trip for water for Railhead and made one trip to Villon to 160 Brigade dump.

Jan. 28 Cold, snow still on. Did not go out as truck broke down.

Jan. 29 Cold, snow still lies. Co. B. took bath in A.M. Went out on truck in P.M. Made one trip to Ancy-Le-Franc and one to 160 Brigade at Villon

Jan. 30 Cold snowed little more. and went to Aisy to 315 Art. with coal from there to blank and delivered to different batteries

Jan. 31 Same as 30th hauled hay and bran to Div. Troops in A.M. Went after wood in P.M. in woods near Montreal got back to billets about 1 A.M. of

Feb. 1 Delivered wood and reported truck in for repairs at noon. went out on Smith’s truck in P.M. after wood. still cold.

Feb. 2 Sunday Little warmer was to 10 O’clock Mass.

Feb. 3 Still quite cold Reported to Railhead as usual

Feb. 4

Feb. 5 Cold day. Hauled grenades to 317 Inf. at La-Foile

Feb. 6 Little warmer rained some in A.M. Delivered amm to 318 Inf. at Cry. truck caught fire burnt off wires so had A. 19. haul me in changed wireing and reported to R.H. [Railhead] in P.M.

Feb. 7 Thawing up some Reported to R.H. as usual

Feb. 8 Quite cold today. Made trip to Pimelles in A.M. and one to Villon in P.M.

Feb. 9 Quite nice day Sunday. Made trip to Pimelles and one to Cruzy-La Shapell in P.M.

Feb. 10 Truck in for Rep. B. 18’s housing on rear broke.

Feb. 11 Nice day. Made trip to Gigny to M.G. in A.M. and hauled 75’s shrap. Amm. to dump at Sennevay-Le-Haut in P.M.

Feb. 12 Very nice day. Turned in F.W.D. trucks. Went out on road with Co. built road to stone quarry

[See an FWD truck, go here and here.]

Feb. 13 Very nice day Drilled most all day.

Feb. 14 Nice day. Drilled in A.M. Bath day in P.M.

Feb. 15 Regular Sat. Inspection Went on Guard in P.M. Rained some in evening

Feb. 16 Sunday. Rainy. Was on Guard untill 4 P.M.

Feb. 17 Rained. Drilled some

Feb. 18 Rained all day was very disagreeable and Cold. 35 men got in trouble about road work.

Feb. 19 All available men went on road work. Was very nice day.

Feb. 20 Nice day All got trial and sentence for deserting _ work before finished. I took quar. at Y. Inf.

[Apparently doing road work in the rain wasn’t too pleasant and a few soldiers decided to quit work early. Grandpa is not clear as whether he was one of the 35 men.]

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 6

Apologies for a day’s lapse in posting. The wealth of material available to sift through is overwhelming and, as interesting as this research is, there is much else to do each day.

In this diary posting, William moves to the November 11 Armistice Line in Stenay with the 90th Division, goes on a 500 mile jaunt into newly occupied Germany and finally re-joins his division, the 80th.

You can read the New York Times report of Stenay (PDF file) on November 11, 1918 that also refers to the ammunition William was hauling.

After two weeks of moving troops and material, William was taken with other drivers by train 240 miles south to Dijon. There, they picked up trucks, loaded them with material and drove 250 miles to Bitburg, Germany. Bitburg was in the American zone of occupation following the Armistice and presumably this was part of an effort move supplies into the area. I think the links provided within the diary will give you a good idea of just how difficult a drive this was.

Here is a map to follow the movements in the diary.


William Miller Diary, November 12-Deceber 17, 1918.

Nov. 12 Moved in afternoon from Villers to Stenay into old French Military academy

[The “military academy” may have been this school which was occupied by the German military.]

Nov. 13 All policed up barracks and begun having Reville at 6-30 A and Retreat at 4-30 P.M.

Nov. 14 On detail with truck moveing 314 F.A.’s cassions to Salvage.

Nov. 15 General Inspection by Colonel Fairfax in A.M. and general police in P.M.

Nov. 16 Began Drilling from 8-15 A.M. untill 11 A.M. and Police in P.M. I was on police duty all day

Nov. 17 Sunday. On Police detail most all day.

Nov. 18 I was on Truck with water detail

Nov. 19 Nice I was on water Detail

Nov. 20 Regular Camp Routine

Nov. 21

Nov. 22 On detail to Muzay hauling rubbish with truck

Nov. 23 Regular Sat. Ins. in A.M. On detail moveing 367 Inf. from Muzay to blank about 30 K.M. from 12 P.M. untill 11 P.M.

Nov. 24 Sunday I left with 21 other Drivers and Sgt. Dotterer for Dijohn. Rode in trucks to Dun. then rode on boxcar ? 55 men.

Nov. 25 On road in Boxcar.

Nov. 26 Same as 25

Nov. 27 Arrived at Dijohn at about 7 P.M. Got sandwich, soup and coffee at Red Cross and went to Camp about 3 K.M. from town.

[A major American supply depot was located at Is-sur-Til near Dijon.]

Nov. 28 Thanksgiving Had breakfast in Camp Went to Truck yards and got trucks in shape had dinner in Camp and left with trucks I got a Nash Quad. Drove almost all night untill 3 A.M. very dissagreeable night rained steady.

[Go here to read what driving a Nash Quad was like. Then imagine driving one 250 miles on muddy roads in an open cab while it is raining.]

[More pictures of a Nash Quad]

Nov. 29 Arrived at Langre at 3 A.M. Gassed up and loaded trucks with Motorcycles, tires truck repair parts etc and parked for night about 5 K.M. outside town

Nov. 30 Got started about 11 A.M. arrived at Neaufchateau about 7 P.M. Breaker on Magneto spring on My Quad broke so left her at repair shop with about 10 others Parked about 3 K.M. out of town all night

Dec. 1 Left Neufchateau at 11 A.M. arrived in Toul about 6 P.M. Had supper and parked for night

Dec. 2 Left Toul about 9 A.M. arrived within about 5 K.M. of Metz and parked for night.

Dec. 3 Gassed up in Metz and left about 10 A.M. passed through Luxenburg about 3 P.M. run about 11 K.M. out of town and parked.

Dec. 4 Left 8 A.M. On wrong road so came back into Luxenburg. through Gonderfrance [Gonderange, Luxembourg] at 10 A.M. stopped in Idleburg over night

[Unable to locate town named Idleburg but Angelsburg, Luxembourg is a possibility.]

Dec. 5 Run about 40 K.M. into Bitburg arrived at about 2 P.M.

[The Allies and the American troops had zones of occupation in Germany up to the Rhine river. The American zone included Bitburg and Koblenz on the Rhine.]

[Read the New York Times report from Bitburg and the Occupation zone here.]

Dec. 6 Nice day still in Bitburg. Prepared to leave in evening

Dec. 7 Left Bitburg at about 11-30 A.M. on Liberty trucks passed through Treves (inserted:bunked in trucks) and arrived

[Treves is the French name for the German city, Treir.]

Dec. 8 at Longwy at 6 P.M. Had supper at Supply-train and bunked in Red Cross hospital.

Dec. 9 Still in Longwy

Dec. 10 Left Longwy on A. Co’s truck arrived in camp at Stenay at 12.M. and prepared to move

Dec. 11 All left Stenay at 8 A.M. arrived at Baleycourt about 6 P.M. staid in same barracks as were in and left Oct. 3

Dec. 12 Very rainy Left Baleycourt about 8 A.M. passed through Bar-Le-Duc and arrived at St. Dizier staid untill 11 A.M. of

Dec. 13 arrived at Bar-Sur-Seine about 6 P.M. slept in hay-mow. Rained.

Dec. 14 Left 8 A.M. traveled all day arrived at Bragelogne at about 3 P.M. and went into billets

Dec. 15 Sunday Nice day I went to Mass.

Dec. 16 Still at Bragelogne I was on detail with truck in A.M.

Dec. 17 Left Bragelogne at 8-30 A.M. arrived at Ancy-Le-France about 2-30 P.M. Were billeted in old flour-mill Rained very hard most all day

[The 80th Division headquarters were in Ancy-le-Franc. Perhaps it was here. William’s unit was stationed a few miles South in Cusy near the railroad.]

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 5

This portion of William Miller’s diary covers his time at the front before and during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive until Armistice Day. He was at and near the front for the duration of the war supplying ammunition to the field artillery units. His unit, the 305 Ammunition Train, remained with the 80th Division until October 14, 1918 when most of the Division was rotated out from the front. As was typical, the field artillery and supporting ammunition train units, of which there were insufficient units, were not relieved. William’s unit and the 155th Field Artillery Brigade remained at the front, apparently with the 90th Division.

This map provides an overview of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. William’s unit was part of the III Corps, First Army. A few of the places mentioned in the diary are marked.

See below for a more extensive listing of towns associated with his ammunition hauling.

William Miller Diary, September 17-November 11, 1918.

Sept. 17 Left with 5 trucks for other camp about blank K.M. arrived about

[Based on Oct 3 entry, this camp was at Baleycourt near Verdun]

Sept. 18 Loafed around camp untill about 4 P.M. Was then assigned a truck No. 410473 and went on Detail all night got back to Camp at 4 A.M. of 19th Rained some

Sept. 19 Rained quite hard all day I worked on truck Went on Tr. detail at about 5 (?) P.M. was out untill about 10 A.M. of 20 Rained hard all night

Sept. 20 Still raining. Went on Tr. Detail at about 4 P.M. arrived back in camp at 5-30 A.M. of 21st.

Sept. 21 Still raining Went on Detail Stand-by in Trucks at 7 P.M. Were not called out so returned to Camp at 6 A.M. of 22nd

Sept. 22 Sunday. All Drivers and helpers worked on trucks all day Rained hard. All available trucks (19) went on amm. Detail at about 5 P.M. and Hauled amm. all night

Sept. 23 Hauled amm. all day and untill about 10 P.M. I hauled first load right up to Batteries Huns tried hard to get us with shells and shrapnel

Sept. 24 Arrived back in Camp at about 1 A.M. Left 5 trucks at dump. Left Camp about 5 P.M. hauled 1 load each of powder fuses etc. to battery positions. Arrived in Camp about 1-30 A.M. of 25

Sept. 25 I worked all day on My truck so did not go out

Sept. 26 Left about 1 P.M. on amm. detail. hauled powder charges and fuses to artillery positions which started fierce cannonade at about 11 Oclock P.M. arrived in camp about 4 A.M. of 27th

[The Meuse-Argonne Offensive began on this date]

Sept. 27 Left at about noon Hauled shells up to artillery positions Rained hard very muddy I got stuck but

Sept. 28 delivered shells at about 7 P.M. of 28th. arrived in camp at 11 A.M. of 29th.

Sept. 29 Did not go out.

Sept. 30 I took My truck to M.O. shop at Homerville arrived at about 11-30 A.M.

[I could find no French town named Homerville. Probably an American pronunciation of Fromerville]

Oct. 1 Helped put in new bearing in truck at M.O. finished about 4-30 P.M. arrived back in Camp at 5 P.M. and went on Amm. Detail

Oct. 2 On amm. detail untill about 2 A.M. Did not go out again

Oct. 3 Moved from Camp Baleycourt at 6 A.M. Went in Camp near Esne. I went on detail at 12-30 P.M. on all night

Oct. 4 On some detail hauling amm. to 315 Art.

Oct. 5 Busy day and night hauling amm. 5th to 8th

Oct. 5th to 30 Liveing in dug-outs trenches etc also dug in shelter-halves rain every day very disagreeable Wagonors and helpers staying at Dumps Company in Camp further back. Dump and quarters shelled with high-explosive shells and gas almost every day
(following written in margin) Camp shelled Oct. 23, at 6 P.M. and Otto Shramm killed.

[The first few days of the offensive made relatively easy progress as the Germans withdrew to a secondary line of defense. After October 5, progress was more difficult and deadly. While one wishes for a detailed account, the absence of entries indicates how difficult a time this was. Family lore says that Grandpa Miller was asleep without a mask when a gas attack occurred. Presumably that occurred during this period.]

Oct. 30 Amm. Tr. moved up to new dump at Cunal Shelled by Jerry hard in afternoon and at night Our Artillery started big barrage at 3 A.M. of 31

Oct. 31 Con. Barr. Untill 6 P.M. Infantry advanced 8 K.M.

Nov. 1 Nice day but very cold at night. Infantry still advanceing

Nov. 2 Very wet, disagreeable day.

Nov. 3 Moved from Cunal to Villiars

Nov. 4 to 11 Busy every day and night hauling amm. Hostilities ceased at 11 O’clock of Nov. 11 I hauled last two loads to 314 and 315th on 11th and 12th

[A separate listing is given of the towns in his sector. These are marked on a modern map below.]

Click on map to enlarge

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 4

Grandpa Miller takes a 55 mile hike to a new camp and begins to do what he was trained for: moving things by truck. He probably didn’t realize that he would be hauling dead horses. Then he goes by railroad to Stainville to join the offensive that ends the war.

William Miller Diary, August 10-September 16, 1918.

Aug. 10 Nice day All got up at 5 A.M. Made pack, and policed up broke camp and left for Redon at 6-25 A.M. passed through Bestle [Besle] arrived at Redon at 12 O’Clock. M. a dista__ of about 21 Kilometers

[The place mentioned on this hike can be found here.]

Aug. 11 Sunday. Nice day. I went on guard at 1(?)A.M. I was on guard untill 1 P.M. Was on pass to town in P.M. – went to Benediction at 7-30 in evening.

Aug. 12 Reville first call at 4-15 A.M. Broke camp at 6 A.M. reached Besanne(?)[Béganne] at 10-30 a distance of about 18 K.M.

Aug. 13 Nice day. First call at 4-30 A.M. Broke camp at 6 A.M. Hiked to Muzille a distance of 16 K.M. arrived at 10-15 O’Clock. about 4 K.M. from Bay.

Aug. 14 Nice day Had Reville and broke camp at same time as 13th. Arrived at Theix a distance of 15 K.M. at 10 Oclock Went in truck for swim in bay about 2 K away in P.M.

Aug. 15 Nice day Reville and broke camp same as 13th Hiked to Vannes a dis. of 9½ Km. thence to Camp DeMeucon a dis. of about 12½ K.M. or about 22 K.M. Went on truck Detail in P.M.

Aug. 16 Nice day Was on Truck detail all day hauling amm. to Artillery 75’s and 155’s.

Aug. 17 Nice day. Same as 16’th

Aug. 18 Sunday. Drivers and Assistants stood by trucks from Reville untill Retreat.

Aug. 19 Was on Truck detail all day same as 16th.

Aug. 20 Nice day. Same as 16th James Culbert came up in evening

Aug. 21 Same as 16th

Aug. 22 “ “ “

Aug. 23 “ “ “ and took outpost guard in evening got back at 11-35 P.M.

Aug. 24 Same as 16th

Aug. 25 Sunday Drivers and ass. stood by Trucks from Rev. untill Retreat

Aug. 26 On detail with truck hauling provisions. untill noon then went on detail driving Mac at M.T.S.

Aug. 27 On truck at M.T.O. hauling amm. from arsenel at Vannes to dump at Meucon.

Aug. 28 Same as 27th.

Aug. 30 Same as 27th, but hauled frieght from Vannes to Meucon. moved water pump, etc.

Aug. 31 Hauled amm. all day same as 27th.

Sept. 1 Sunday. Quite nice day didn’t do mutch.

Sept. 2 Hauled dead horses all day

Sept. 3 Worked on Gov. farm hauling rye

Sept. 4 Same as 3rd finished up at M.T.S.

Sept. 5 Nice day Drilled some in A.M.; Co. B. turned in 6 F.W.D. trucks and one Quad. and got 10 Quad. trucks from 104th Amm. Train

Sept. 6 Rainy. I was in Kitchen

Sept. 7 Regular Sat. Ins.

Sept. 8 Sunday Very rainy and disagreeable day

Sept. 9 Rainy and quite cold Turned in barrack bags and prepared to break Camp. went to Confession

Sept. 10 Rainy, quite cold I went to Communion Lounged around and prepared to leave

Sept. 11 Rained hard in morning. Left Camp Meucon at 8 P.M. rode to Vannes in trucks
Loaded them and other equipment on cars Worked untill about 3 A.M. of

Sept. 12 Train left Vannes at about 5 A.M. passed through Redon, Bestle [Besle] and Rennes at 11-05 A.M. and through Lavell [Laval] at 2-15 P.M. where We were served coffee thense through Leman [Le Mans] at 7-15 P.M. Rode All night

Sept. 13 Passed through Villenuve St. Georges at 8 A.M. through Cesson at 8-50 A.M. through
Melun at 9-10 A.M. through Montereau at 10 A.M. through Sens at 12-5 A.M.
through Laroche at 1-40 P.M. Through Brienon (?) at 2-10 P.M. Through St. Florentin-
Vergigny at 2-30 P.M. Through Ervy 3-45 P.M. arrived at Longeville [Laneuville] at about 1 A.M. of

Sept. 14 Left station at 1-30 and hiked about 15 K.M. to Stainville. arrived at 7 A.M. were
billeted in old barns moved three times from one part of town to another. After dinner
All rerolled packs and moved in trucks, could not find billets so all put up shelter
halves.

Sept. 15 Sunday. Nice day, All struck tents at about 7-15 A.M. No passes issued Battallion left

Sept. 16 On guard over salvage material etc all day staid in camp all night

The places mentioned on the train journey are mapped here:

View Larger Map

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 3

Eight months after enlisting, William Miller boarded the USS Siboney and headed for France with the 80th Division. They landed in Bordeaux, France where they stayed at Camp Genecarte. I have not been able to locate where that Camp was and have found few references to it. Based on those, it seems to have been across the Garonne river from Bordeaux near Cenon. After resting for six days, they boarded a train and headed to Brittany where the Division remained for the summer drilling, getting equipped, hiking and preparing for gas attacks.

The locations mentioned in the diary during this period are marked on this map:
(Click to enlarge)


William Miller Diary, May 25-August 10, 1918.

May 25 All got up at 4-15 A.M. Breakfast at 4-30 then policed up barracks untill about 6-30 then lined up and marched to station left camp on train about 8 O Clock arrived at Norfolk 11-30 A.M. and went on board U.S.S. Siboney at abut 2 P.M.

May 26 Sunday. Nice day. Our ship left Norfolk at 10-45 A.M. All attended drills and lectures most all day. left at 5 P.M.

May 27 Nice day. At sea all day. I was a little sick so stayed in quarters

May 28 Dark and foggy sea quite rough I was on guard duty.

May 29 Windy and sea very rough everybody sea-sick

May 30 Sea very rough, All sea-sick.

May 31 Same as 30th.

June 1 Sea quite rough

Jun. 2 Sunday. Quite nice day. getting over sea sickness.

Jun. 3 Weather fair uneventful.

Jun. 4 Same as 3rd.

Jun. 5 “ “

Jun. 6 Sea quite rough.

Jun. 7 Same as 3rd.

Jun. 8 Nice day I was on guard on board. We sighted land about 4 P.M.

Jun. 9 Nice day Sunday I was on guard untill 9 A.M. We landed (at) near Bordeaux at about 10 O’clock A.M. Hiked about 3½ miles to Rest Camp, Camp Genecarte, and had dinner about 2 P.M.

Jun. 10 Rained in afternoon and evening

Jun. 11 Nice day. Drilled in A.M. and went for hike in P.M.

Jun. 12 About same as 11th. Non-com’s went to town in evening.

Jun. 13 Nice day. Drilled in A.M. Wagonors went to Bordeaux at about 4 P.M. We got back to Camp at 11 P.M.

Jun. 14 Drilled in A.M. had ball game in P.M.

Jun. 15 Nice day All left Camp at about 6 A.M. Hiked about 2 mi. to station and entrained about 7 O’clock. traveled North-East all day all night untill Sunday. passed through _____ at 3-30

Jun. 16 Arrived at Redon at about 6 A.M. Detrained and put up shelter tents. stayed here all night

Jun. 17 Nice day, Had inspection and broke camp about noon. left Redon at 4-40 Arrived at La Shapell about 17 miles dis. at 8 Oclock. Billeted in barn over cowshed.

Jun. 18 Rained most all day. moved, put up tents in field near town

Jun. 19 Rained all night but got nicer in P.M. Drilled most all day

Jun. 20 Nice day Drilled all day I was on guard

Jun. 21 Same as 20th.

Jun. 22 Nice day We broke camp at La Shapell at about 11 A.M. moved about 2 miles to Brain located near canal

Jun. 23 Sunday, Nice day. I went up to church but could not wait for Mass as had to be present for Roll Call.

Jun. 24 Nice day Drilled all day were issued our steel helmets and rifle sheaths

Jun. 25 Nice day Drilled all day

Jun. 26 “ “ “ “

Jun. 27 “ “ “ “

Jun. 28 “ “ “ “

Jun. 29 Inspection for muster and checking up of equipment. I was on police detail

Jun. 30 Sunday Nice day Had muster at 10 O’clock A.M. I was to 11 O’clock Mass. Were issued gas masks.

July 1 Drilled all day I went on guard at 5 P.M.

July 2 Was on guard untill 5-30 P.M.

July 3 Nice day Drilled in A.M. I was out on truck in P.M.

July 4 Nice day. Had boring wrestling and raceing matches in A.M. ball games in P.M.

July 5 Drilled The remainder of gas-masks were issued I got mine All went through gas house – tear gas. I went on guard at 5 P.M.

July 6 Nice day, was on guard untill 1-30 P.M.

July 7 Nice day. Was to 11 O’clock Mass.

July 8 Same as 7th.

July 9 Rainy drilled same as usual.

July 10 Rainy same as usual

July 11 Rainy I was on kitchen police

July 12 Rainy Drilled all day

July 13 Rainy Drilled some no Inspection was too wet.

July 14 Sunday Rained I was to 11 O’clock Mass. guard bound and gagged at about 11-40 P.M. Were all called out and rool called.
[Presumably this was a training exercise to instill the importance of remaining alert always.]

July 15 Rained most of day Hiked and drilled most all day.

July 16 Quite nice day. Drilled all day.

July 17 Nice day. Had 3 hrs. hike in A.M. wearing gas masks. I was on detail cleaning masks in P.M.

July 18 Nice day. I was on water detail.

July 19 Drilled most of day, nice day Co’s reported equipped at 11-50 P.M.

July 20 Sat. regular Inspection. quite windy and rained in P.M.

July 21 Sunday. Was to 11 Oclock Mass. Went on guard at 1 Oclock P.M.

July 22 Was on guard untill 1 P.M. Rainy in P.M.

July 23 Rainy All went out for target practice but old [all?] men didn’t shoot

July 24 Rainy All hiked and drilled all day

July 25 Nice day. I was in kitchen

July 26 Nice day All hiked in A.M. with gas masks 2 hrs

July 27 Nice day but rained early in morning. Regular Inspec

July 28 Sunday. Nice day. I was to Mass. Non. Coms. went on Joy ride in P.M.

July 29 Drilled and moved to another field.

July 30 Nice day Was on water detail 2 hrs gas drill

July 31 Nice day Drilled in A.M. Wagoners and 1st Class Pvts. went in P.M. for instruction

Aug. 1 Same as usual

Aug. 2 Rainy day. I went on guard duty at 1 P.M.

Aug. 3 Rained hard in early morning guard house flooded. I was on guard untill 1 P.M. We got our pay in P.M. Got to Confession in afternoon.

Aug. 4 Nice day. Was up to Communion at 8 O’clock Mass held especially for us.

Aug. 5 Nice day Drilled same as usual Had afternoon off because of excellent tour of guard duty

Aug. 6 Nice day. All went on hike for 2 hrs gas.

Aug. 7 Nice day. All went on hike with packs in A.M.

Aug. 8 Drilled in A.M. All went for bath in P.M. and to gas school.

Aug. 9 Drilled in A.M. Had Ins. with packs and went swimming in P.M.

Aug. 10 Nice day All got up at 5 A.M. Made pack, and policed up broke camp and left for Redon at 6-25 A.M

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 2

In Part 1, William began his Army service at Camp Lee, Virginia. We learned that bringing large numbers of people together ninety years ago resulted in repeated outbreaks of infectious diseases (measles, mumps and meningitis). And we saw that the rail (train and trolley) network was extensive enough then to travel from Southeastern Virginia to an obscure place in McKean County, Pennsylvania.

And those of us who heard the family stories, learned that they weren’t entirely true. We heard that Grandpa Miller didn’t know how to drive but was just given an Army ammunition truck and told to drive it. Well, he may not have known how to drive before going into the Army. And he certainly drove ammunition trucks. But as we saw in his diary, he did get training in camp before hauling ammunition around France.

In Part 2, William finally contracts one of those diseases and then prepares to go to France.

William Miller Diary, March 25-May 25, 1918.

Mar. 25 I came to B.H. [Base Hospital] with mumps, thence to Field Hos.

Mar. 26 At Field Hospital quarentined Nice but a little cool.

Mar. 27 Same as 26th. Pierce and Hamilton brought up My suitcase and mail.

Mar. 28 Same as 26th.

Mar. 29 Good-Friday Nice day.

Mar. 30 Same as 26th.

Mar. 31 Easter Sunday. Nice day, but am still quarentined in. Pierce and Allia (?) brought up My mail.

Apr. 1 Nice day, but rained a little in P.M.

Apr. 2 Nice day rained some Field Hosp. moved all into one barricks

Apr. 3 Rainy was on detail haling cots.

Apr. 4 Rained some was on detail hauling and moving cots bedding etc.

Apr. 5 Nice day but quite cool Received Pay. Corp. Strong brought it up to me.

Apr. 6 Nice day. worked on detail almost all day. Pierce brought my mail up.

Apr. 7 Sunday. Nice day. I evad quar. To get to 8 O’clock Mass in K. of C. [Knights of Columbus] No. 2. also went over and seen Pat Flaherty and John Rampo who came down on draft Thur. Apr. 4 or Friday 5.

Apr. 8 Nice in A.M. Rained in P.M. and almost all night. Pierce brought up mail.

Apr. 9 Rained hard all day. I was on kitchen police.

Apr. 10 Rainy I was on kitchen police.

Apr. 11 Rainy in A.M. Snowed hard almost all P.M., about 2 in deep. I was on kitchen police

Apr. 12 Rained

Apr. 13 Rained some in A.M. I left Convelesent Hospital in P.M.

Apr. 14 Sunday I was in charge of rears Nice day

Apr. 15 All worked hauling logs for Remount station with trucks. I went on guard

Apr. 16 Rainy I was on guard untill 4-50 P.M.

Apr. 17 On detail most of day. washed trucks after supper. was quite hot.

Apr. 18 Rained hard in P.M. big parade in Petersburg for Third Liberty loan. I was on kitchen police

Apr. 19 All worked around auto sheds and washed trucks

Apr. 20 Nice day. I was on detail in A.M. All went to Rifle range in P.M. I came back and went on guard at 4-40 O clock P.M.

Apr. 21 Rained all day I was on guard untill 1 P.M. went to Confession.

Apr. 22 Sunday. Went to Communion at 8 O clock Mass. Rained all day.

Apr. 23 Nice day. I was on room orderly

Apr. 24

Apr. 25 Nice day. I was on kitchen police (scratched through)

Apr. 26

Apr. 27 Rained most all day All went Rifle range in P.M.

Apr. 28 Nice day I was on kitchen police

Apr. 29 Sunday. Nice day Was to 8 and 10 O’clock Mass.

Apr. 30 Muster day All went to field pitched tents and had dinner in field. I went to dentist in P.M. had one tooth filled Rained hard in P.M.

May 1 Nice day. Drilled in A.M. Oiled floor worked around Garage etc in P.M.

May 2 Nice day Drilled in A.M. fatigue work in P.M.

May 3 Nice day same as 2nd. sent suit case home 32 men transferred out.

May 4 Nice day. I was in charge of rears. Had parade back of Off. quarters in honor of Lt. Col.Buchan, who was transferred.

May 5 Sunday. Nice day was to 8 O’Clock Mass and Benediction at night.

May 6 Nice day I was on room orderly.

May 7 Nice day but rained in P.M. I went on guard at 4-40 P.M.

May 8 Nice day, was on guard. 20 men and 4 trucks to Dutch Gap to haul amm. for the artillery

May 9 Nice day, Drilled in A.M. I was on kitchen police in one of new fellows place.

May 10 Nice day I was on kitchen police

May 11 Nice day. We had Regimental Inspection on drill grounds with tents, etc. worked at fatigue work in P.M.

May 12 Nice day Sunday I was to 8 O’clock Mass and Benediction at night

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18 Nice day I was on kitchen police was to Confession.

May 19 Sunday. quarentined at 12__ A.M. I was to 8 O’clock Mass and Communion I went with 21 other fellows of Company on exterior guard duty on South end of trussle about 1 mi from Petersburg

May 20 Nice day, but pretty hot on exterior guard. Had feast(?) at Power plant.

May 21 Nice day, were recalled to Camp at about 11-30 O’clock

May 22 Nice day all worked packing up, etc. weighing and marking goods.

May 23 Same as 22nd stayed up all night stenciling goods and being issued equipment

May 24 Nice day worked all day getting ready to move had inspections in P.M. and rool call at 10 P.M.

May 25 All got up at 4-15 A.M. Breakfast at 4-30 then policed up barracks untill about 6-30 then lined up and marched to station left camp on train about 8 O Clock arrived at Norfolk 11-30 A.M. and went on board U.S.S. Siboney at abut 2 P.M

William Miller's WWI Diary-Part 1

William A. Miller served as a Wagoner in the A.E.F. assigned to Company B, 305th Ammunition Train, 80th Division. His diary contains entries from October 2, 1917, when he left home to enlist, until May 18, 1919, when he was about to be shipped home from Brest, France. While in France, he was actively involved in the Meuse-Argonne offensive that was crucial to ending World War I. While no mention is made in the diary, family stories say that while asleep without his gas mask he was gassed during that offensive.

There are no lengthy or poetic passages. William wasn't John McCrae, Siegfried Sassoon or Wilfred Owen. The diary instead reads like a series of Twitter updates a century ahead of its time. One must read into his entries understanding he was just an ordinary man caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

In this post, entries from October 2, 1917 to March 25 cover his leaving Northern Pennsylvania to enlist until contracting mumps at Camp Lee near Petersburg, Virginia.


1917
Daily notes while in U.S.N.A.

Oct .2 Arlo Lent brought us to Smethport and I reported for duty at 11 A.M.

Oct. 3 Left Smethport for Camp-Lee Va. at 10’-10” O’clock. Reached Ridgeway at 11:30 A.M.,
dinner at Salburg house, left at 2:30 P.M. supper on train Passed through Harrisburg at about 6:30 P.M.

Oct. 4 thence through Washington D.C. and Richmond Va. then Petersburg and arrived at Camp-Lee about 11’-58” A.M. Examined physically passed received shot in back and was vaccinated.

Oct. 6 Mustered into service at 11’-45” A.M. in No. 305 Amn. train, No. 2 Truck Co.
Camp Lee, Va.

Oct. 7 Sunday. Measured for clothes in A.M. Carlson brought to camp was found at Baltimore, Md.

Oct. 8 Started to drill at 7’-30” till 11-30 in P.M. from 12-45 untill 3-00 then cleaned up around camp untill 5-00

Oct. 9 Rained all day so we did very little work.

Oct. 10 Detailed to haul provisions in A.M. all washed windows of Barracks in P.M.

Oct. 11 – Nov. – First part of Dec. close order drill, quarentined most of time for either measles or mumps.

Dec. 19 Twenty three of Our men transferred to Camp Greene S.C.

Dec. 24 Christmas eve on guard duty until 9 A.M. Christmas day

Dec. 29 Left Camp for guard duty at power plant. Very cold and stormy on duty from 4 untill 6 P.M.

Dec. 30 On guard duty from 2 untill 6 A.M. was about 12 below zero at 3 O’Clock about 9 below at 7 A.M.

Dec. 31 About same as 30. Zero weather.

1918

Jan. 1 About same as 30. Zero wea.

Jan. 2 “ “ “ “

Jan. 3 “ “ “ “

Jan. 4 “ “ “ “

Jan. 5 Returned to Camp warmer. At noon in motor tr___

Jan. 6 Sunday, much warmer today rained in P.M. barricks quarentined while We were on guard. Still quarentined Cebro-spinal meningitis.

Jan. 7 Back to drilling again went for 8 mile hike in P.M. very muddy.

Jan. 8 About same as 7th, cold but no snow.

Jan. 9 Drilled in A.M. cut firewood in P.M.

Jan. 10 Drilled some

Jan. 11 “ “

Jan. 12 Rained and blew fierce from 12 midnight untill morning customary(?) Sat. Ins.

Jan. 13 Sun. Did nothing but lay around barricks, excepting went to _____ .

Jan. 14 Drilled in A.M. There was general review of all 4 truck Co. in P.M. by Commanding Officer Lieu. Col. Bucan and Captain Hagget.

Jan. 15 Rained hard last night. quarentine taken off and furloughs started again. three fellows left at 3 P.M.

Jan. 16 Little colder today I was in charge or(?) rears three more fellows left in P.M.

Jan. 17 Quite nice today I started going to Auto School. three fellows left on furloughs.

Jan. 18 Went to Auto School

Jan. 19 Inspection no Auto School.

Jan. 20 Sunday. Was to Mass.

Jan. 21 Went to Auto School.

Jan. 22 Left for Home on a 5 day pass. at about 12 M. Took trolley to Petersburg, Left there at 1-45 P.M. got into Washington at about 10-30 Left there about 11-25

Jan. 23 got into Baltimore at about 2 A.M. Left there at about 4-15 A.M. got into Harrisburg at about 8-30 A.M. Went up to State Capitol and museum, etc. Left Harrisburg at 11-35A.M. on Pennsylvania R.R. got into Olean at 7-30 P.M. Left Olean on Trolley for Bradford arrived at Bradford about 10 P.M. got ride in caboose of Erie freight from there to Crawford

Jan. 24 arrived Home at 2 A.M. Spent the day at Home.

Jan. 25 Spent day at Home

Jan. 26 Spent day at Home and Arthur took me to catch the night train at Bingham at 5-36.

Jan. 27 Lost pocketbook and $15. somewhere between Richmond and Camp. Arrived in Camp at 6:30 P.M.

Jan. 28 Went on guard duty at 4-10 untill blank

Jan. 29 Same time 29th.

Jan. 30-31 Regular Routine

Feb. 1 Was on Duty as night-fireman from 9 P.M. untill 6 A.M. of Feb 2. Were issued new
Rifles Lee Engfield 1917 model made by Winchester manufacturing Co.

Feb. 2 Regular Sat. inspection

Feb. 3 Sunday. Mission ended after 1 week session in K. of C. Hall in Camp

Feb. 4 Regular Routine

Feb. 5 “ “

Feb. 6 Was on duty as Room orderly.

Feb. 7 Weather fair a little snow on ground in places but mostly mud got suitcase at Ex Off

Feb. 8 Warm snow all gone. Regular Routine John Bisset Our First Sergent, left on 5 day
furlough

Feb. 9 Regular Sat. Inspection Warm with occasional showers

Feb. 10 Sunday. Very nice day first like spring. Was no(?) snow.

Feb. 11 Nice day. Went on hike to Hopewell in A.M. about 12 mi. and all worked policeing up
in P.M.

Feb. 12 Payday. Drilled in A.M. all worked gradeing around barricks in P.M.

Feb. 13 Was on duty from 9 O’clock of 12th till 6 A.M. of 13th very nice day. all worked
building roads.

Feb. 14 All worked on roads very nice day

Feb. 15 Was on detail. Policed at Canteen in A.M. and built gravel walk in P.M. Very nice day 70°/warm

Feb. 16 Regular Saturday Ins. I went on guard duty at 12-50 P.M. was on until 9:30 A.M. of 17th nice day

Feb. 17 Sunday. Nice day Was to 10 O’clock Mass.

Feb. 18 Nice day.

Feb. 19 Nice day.

Feb. 20 Nice day.

Feb. 21 Nice day. Was in charge of rears all day.

Feb. 22 Went on guard duty at 12-50 P.M. on untill 1 P.M. of 23rd was holiday no drill. Much colder with a little snow.

Feb. 23 On guard untill 1 P.M. I went to Petersburg in P.M. Nice day, but a little cold

Feb. 24 Sunday. To Comm. and 8 O’clock Mass was nice day.

Feb. 25 Nice day

Feb. 26

Feb. 27 Nice day I went to truck school.

Feb. 28 Nice day. Muster and signing of Pay roll.

Mar. 1 Was on guard duty. Very hot day rained a little in P.M.

Mar. 2 Regular Sat. inspection Was to Petersburg in P.M.

Mar. 3 Sunday. Was in ch. of rears, nice day. Went to 9 O Clock Mass.

Mar. 4 Nice day I went to Truck Sch.

Mar. 5 Nice day I went to Truck school in A.M. on guard duty in P.M.

Mar. 6 On Guard, Nice day.

Mar. 7 Rained I went to Truck school

Mar. 8 Nice day I “ “ “

Mar. 9 Regular Ins. I was room Orderly. Nice day.

Mar. 10 Sunday. Nice but terribly windy I was to 9 O clock Mass

Mar. 11 Nice day got Our pay in A.M. I went on Guard in P.M.

Mar. 12 Quite stormy rained almost all P.M. I was on Guard duty.

Mar. 13 Rained almost all day I went to Truck school to Artill range

Mar. 14 Fairly nice day I went to Truck school

Mar. 15 Nice day I went to truck school. I was Night fireman from 9 P.M. till 6 A.M.

Mar. 16 Inspection by Maj Gen Cronkihite and staff.

Mar. 17 Sunday. Rained most all day I went on Guard at 8-50 A.M. on all day and night

Mar. 18 Nice day I was on Guard duty

Mar. 19 Nice day. Drilled and gas mask school in A.M. All worked on garage in P.M. ten Nash trucks arrived three for Our Company.

Mar. 20 Nice day I was on special detail hauling hay, etc

Mar. 21 Rainy. All hauled gravel on new trucks

Mar. 22 Rainy in A.M. Hauled gravel supplies etc I was on detail on Russian Run in P.M.

Mar. 23 Regular Sat. Inspection. fixed target range in P.M. I went to Petersburg.

Mar. 24 Sunday. I went on Guard duty at 8-30 A.M. Rained hard in evening

Mar. 25 I came to B.H. with mumps, thence to Field Hos.

Bike related posts coming but for now....

A new series of posts discussing cyclists' rights to the road and the issues with facilities such as bike lanes and trails is coming in a few weeks. These will be based on almost forty years of abuse and neglect while simply responsibly operating a vehicle where one is legally entitled to do so. Being pulled over by a DC Police Officer a few weeks ago and told to get off the road and onto a nearby trail finally pushed me to discuss these issues.

In the meantime, visit my nephew Scott's blog and read his excellent series on a bicycling sub-culture, cyclocross racing.

Being provided a copy of my Grandfather Miller's World War One diary has lead to the consumption of large amount of time searching the web, reading books and studying maps. After hurriedly putting together the annotated Google map for Veterans' day, my intention was to do the same for the rest of his diary. But my cousin Tom advised that with only a 24Kbps dial-up Internet connection available in his rural area, he couldn't access the blog or the map. So I've been putting together maps and other material that can be burned to a CD and mailed to him. An on-line version with Grandpa's complete diary will be posted here over the next few days.

Veterans Day, 2008

Ninety years ago today, my grandfather William Andrew Miller was delivering ammunition near Villers devant Dun, France. His diary entry for November 12, 1918:

Busy every day and night hauling amm(unition). Hostilities ceased at 11 O’clock of Nov. 11. I hauled last two loads to 314 and 315th on 11th and 12th

He signed up to serve the country he was born in to fight against the country his parents were born in.

This, I am told, caused conflicts with his father. He never talked about his war experiences but again, I am told, that he suffered nightmares about being near the front and being gassed for the rest of his life.

Just this weekend, a transcription of his diary was provided to me. Thanks to my cousin Mike Miller for his efforts. This diary covers the time from his enlistment on October 2, 1917 until his arrival in Brest on May 18, 1919. The map below records his movements around France from September 17, 1918 until December 31, 1918. Enlarge the map and then click on the place markers to read his diary entries.


View Larger Map

America the Beautiful

To celebrate yesterday's affirmation of the American dream and the renewed hope for all Americans and the world, the Dancing Chain made a special stop on this morning's ride:



There is too much suffering in America and around the world. Let us all work together to make the world a better place.

More pictures - finally.

The rest of the pictures are finally posted on Picasa. The trip and the following visit to my hometown wore me down and resulted in a cold. Pictures from the first part of the trip are here. I'll get captions on those pictures soon.

The pictures cover the ride up L'Alpe d'Huez, the balcony road ride and a whirlwind tour of Paris. The Paris pictures include the Viaduct of Arts, Promenade Plantee, Palais de la Porte Doree, Bois de Vincennes, Parc de Belleville, Montmartre & Sacre Couer Basilica and a few from the traditional Siene river sites. I say this after every trip but I really do need to slow down, stop and take more pictures.

Hope you enjoy them!

Velib bikes

With the name ‘Dancing Chain’ it’s time to get back to writing about bicycles. The bicycles in this case are the shared bicycles that took me around Paris for one frantic day of touring.

Paris has a shared and (almost) free bike transit system called Velib for picking up and dropping off bikes throughout the city. There are hundreds of stations throughout Paris with most no more than 300 yards apart. You pickup a bike, ride to your destination and drop it off. When you’re ready to move on, you pick up another bike and go on to your next destination.

I used Velib bikes to cover over 20 miles in one stupidly ambitious day of sightseeing. Using the Velib bikes is recommended; doing 20 miles in a day isn’t.

My folding bike was available but I chose not to use it. For one thing, it was all packed up and ready for the flight back the next day. And the Velib bikes gave me the freedom to drop off a bike one place, walk around and then just pick up another. With my bike I would have had to lock it and worry about it. And I would have had to return to it. With the Velib system, I simply found the nearest station and grabbed another bike.

How does the system work? For the tourist, you purchase a 1 or 7 day pass at any of the kiosks for about $1.50 or $7.50. The first half-hour of use of a bike is free so $1.50 is all I paid to get around Paris all day. There is an English language option on the terminals although I didn’t notice or use it at first. Sign up was quick and easy. After you agree to the terms and swipe your card, you select a PIN and are then given a print out with an account number. To get a bike, enter the account number and PIN, choose your bike and remove it from the rack. To drop off, just place your bike into a rack and be sure to wait until the blinking light turns green to confirm the return.

For US tourists, an American Express card seems to be the only one that works with the system. Mastercard and Visa do not. I requested an Amex Blue card that has a RFID chip just to try these bikes and had no issues. By swiping the card, the system can charge you if you keep a bike for more than ½ hour as well as hold you responsible if you fail to return the bike ($150).

Having users sign-up makes this bike sharing system different from the free shared bicycle programs tried in various cities (Amsterdam, Portland, Cambridge). Vandalism and theft were issues with such programs. Programs similar to Velib have been started in Washington, Barcelona, Lyon and other cities.

What about the bicycles? These aren’t sub-20 pound racing bikes.

They are sturdy and fat tired with a basket, lights, a little bell and a broad seat. A quick release permits adjustment of the seat height. My guess is they weigh about 50 pounds. You won’t be climbing Alpe d’Huez on one of these. But, if anyone would like to generously fund the attempt, I’d give it go!

They have a grip-shifter with three speeds. The top gear is good for rolling along on the level and used most of the time. The middle gear was about as low as the gearing I used to climb L’Alpe. It was good for getting those 50lbs rolling. I didn’t use the lowest gear that seemed more appropriate for stump pulling. All in all, they were quite practical and well-suited to their purpose.

How was riding in Paris traffic? No problems for me and quite enjoyable. But asking someone who has cycled in Washington, DC rush hour traffic for decades means my answer may not be applicable to you. Certainly, it was better than at home. Within the first two miles of riding on my return to the DC area, someone failed to yield the right of way to me. Nothing similar happened all day in Paris. Oh, and don’t be looking at the sites as you ride.

The on-street accommodations were also better in Paris. When there was a bike lane, it was physically separated from other lanes. This contrasts with the silly, if they weren’t dangerous, painted lines in the DC area that endanger cyclists by putting them next to parked cars and reinforce motorists ignorance of cyclists right to the road. When there wasn’t a bike lane, the bus lane was designated for bicycle use.

All the major traffic circles seemed to have designated bike lanes around them although they tended to put you with pedestrians. Being me, I usually just mixed it up with the traffic at the circles. I wouldn’t recommend that unless you’re experienced and fearless.

Were there any problems? Wear and tear is showing on some bikes, e.g. a broken shifter, soft tire, bent wheel. If the bike had a problem, I stopped at the next station and swapped for another bike. Check out the bike you are going to use before choosing and removing. Calling and reporting problems is the right thing to do but my French was not good enough to so.

While there are many stations, you still should take a map of them with you. If not, you’ll walk or ride around a bit to find one since they aren’t all on the main streets. I didn’t have one and used the map of nearby locations at each station. When leaving a bike to walk around, I’d note the location of nearby stations. On the bike, going from station to station checking the maps got me to where I was going and to a drop-off station. Inefficient but effective.

There was a station kiosk with a display that didn’t work. I could not get a bike although I had returned one there earlier. With lots of stations, I used the map and went to one nearby.

Bike distribution could be an issue although it wasn't for me. One station only had one bike left when I got there. At another, someone who wanted to return a bike had to wait until I came and removed one. I did see a truck moving bikes to a station with very few bikes so they have planned for this.

Overall, it was a great way to get around Paris and see new parts of the city. If you are touring various places in Paris and the weather is nice, give it try instead of the subway. I think you’ll enjoy it.

French

A potential benefit from this trip was some improvement in my French. In past trips, Deborah has been there, when my basic French skills faltered, to carry on the conversation. She speaks French quite well having spent time as a student in France and French speaking Switzerland. I was looking forward to being forced to survive without her language skills and improve a little. Performing technical support in French, as was to happen, wasn’t on the list of things to master.

Standard things like buying tickets, getting a meal, asking directions and so on went fairly well. There were a few awkward moments as expected. What to me was perfectly clear French was met with uncomprehending looks. But with repetition, gestures and pointing, those moments were easily overcome.

In general, the formality of the French in public, which some mistake for coldness or unfriendliness, works to the tourist’s advantage. The dialogs you learn in the language classes actually work: you greet, they greet and ask what you want, you say what you want, they acknowledge and ask if there is anything else, you say no thank you, they tell you how much, you pay, then you both say good-bye. Works like a charm until there are complications and you don’t know the words and phrases. But still, if you have made the effort in French and don’t bring an attitude, everyone I’ve met has been helpful.

While otherwise very nice, the Ecrins Mountain Lodge was not ideal for learning French as it is run by an English couple. That the other eight guests were from England meant that French language practice wasn’t a lodge activity at all. Although I became more confident in blurting out what seemed to me to be French, my language skills weren’t any better after the first five days in France.

I knew from email correspondence that my B&B host in Paris did not speak English very well. Her English was in fact comparable to my French. This meant that anything other than standard dialogs was going to be a challenge. Imagine then, if you will, the scene as we tried to debug the WiFi connection problems. I made feeble attempts to translate the technical questions I had into French. But her computer knowledge not surprisingly was non-existent. And gestures and pointing aren’t effective ways to communicate technically.

She presented their laptop and I tried to view its configuration. Although I’ve never used Microsoft Vista, let alone in French, I did find my way to the wireless network configuration. But telling her that someone with administrative rights needed to sign in for the configuration to be seen was futile. And so it was every other technical question that was in perfect English in my head. Near I as could tell, my laptop wasn’t getting a DHCP address. She kindly lent me her laptop and while it was working I was able to do the one post and send email to Deborah. But, by the time I left, their laptop’s DHCP address had apparently expired, wasn’t renewed and no connection could be made.

Had my French been better, maybe I could have traded technical consulting work for free lodging. Perhaps that should be my motivation for being more diligent in my French language lessons.

Never fly United

Did I mention that I never intended to fly United airlines to Europe? United has among other things lost my luggage for a week on a flight that I never took. But that is another story.

When searching for tickets for this trip, other airlines took priority and I was pleased when the lowest fare found was with Lufthansa. This was not due to wonderful past experience with Lufthansa. It was just that, having never flown Lufthansa, they have never had the opportunity to provide bad service to me. They still don’t.

Only after purchasing the tickets did it become clear that my flights weren’t just code-shares with United but were, in fact, operated by United. To their credit, the fine United personnel at Dulles managed to overcome the computer system flaws and actually get me into the seat section I had paid for on the trip to Paris. The United staff in Paris not only couldn’t overcome those flaws; they had no particular desire to do so. The check-in agent said there was no other option but said she would ask the gate agent to find a better seat if possible.

The flight was boarding by the time customs and security were cleared. There was just a moment to politely ask the gate agent if she was able to find a better seat while mentioning the mix-up with the upgrade. Much to my surprise she said there were plenty of upgraded seats available if only I had bothered to buy one and began to berate and blame me for the problems. She continued to do so as I walked down the ramp to the plane. Her behavior is still stunning and incomprehensible to me.

And so it was that I spent the return flight in the middle seat in a row of five. I’m not a vindictive man and certainly do not wish the designers and approvers of five-across seating eternal damnation. No, I only wish upon them a lifetime of sitting in that middle seat and with the seat in front fully reclined. Oh, and maybe the strong urge to go to the restroom while trapped there.

There was a short period of small hope. One of the seats next to me appeared to be unoccupied. But then the man sitting on the aisle generously traded seats so that an avoirdupois couple could sit next to each other. And next to me. But I must say in fairness that my four seat mates were good traveling companions as we all endured our cramped spaces. And I must also say that the passengers in the next section, having raised the armrests in the unoccupied seats, were sleeping quite well.

The flight eventually ended with the usual get in a line, wait, then get in the next line and wait. It was good to be home and wonderful to be with Deborah again. There was one piece of unfinished business. As Deborah says, “Don’t these people understand that you’re retired and have the time to act on complaints?” The letter to Glenn Tilton, CEO of United, is already in the mail. There is a tiny chance he’ll provide some United employees with more reasons to dislike him. Effective or not, it always feels good to write and send off an oh-so-polite and reasonable complaint letter. And with the letter sent and this blog posted, it’s now time to move on.

Bus? What bus?

There was more drama in last Wednesday's trip to the airport in Paris than desired. An early, leisurely start became a mad dash. Approaching the shuttle bus stop more than five hours before departure, I was pleased to see the Air France shuttle bus already there. Air France runs buses every half hour from the airport to downtown at a price that is more reasonable that a taxi and more comfortable than the RER.

After loading our bags and getting in line, four others and I were told there was no room. We were left with our bags to await the next bus. With buses scheduled every half hour, plenty of time until departure and complete ignorance of the future, this minor set back wasn’t of any concern.

Time passed quickly as we chatted about our trips and made small talk. More and more people gathered for the next bus. Soon over an hour had passed and no other buses had come. We took some comfort in seeing that several flight attendants were waiting with us and that they seemed unconcerned. But an hour became an hour and a half and then two. The flight attendants abandoned the line and flagged down a taxi. For those of us paying attention, this was our signal to panic.

First, two of my four original companions flagged down a taxi. Then the two others did and kindly invited me to join them. With the trunk of the taxi filled, my large bike case took the front seat, and the three of us squeezed uncomfortably into the back seat with along with a few remaining small bags. There was now less than two hours until take-off and at least a forty minute ride to the airport. As the taxi alternately raced along and sat in traffic jams, two thoughts were on my mind: Was I going to make my flight? And, having failed to ask before jumping into the taxi, how much was this going to cost me?

While pondering these, I learned that the couple were Chinese living in Finland; that they had gone to Lourdes to pray for the wife’s health; that the taxi driver was from Vietnam with a brother in Houston and many other fascinating tidbits. They were nice people and interesting to talk with. Uncomfortably pressed against the door with luggage in my lap and concerned about making the flight I confess my mind wasn’t really on the conversation.

With no idea what time it was, we arrived at the terminal and the answer to the first question was provided: $64. Unless you add the cost of the unused bus return ticket that makes it $18 more. In keeping with the spirit of the day, the taxi dropped me off as far as possible from the United counters. The long line of passengers awaiting my flight was eventually found after a mad dash. With less than an hour until take-off, it was comforting to know many others were just as late.

But comfort wasn’t part of this day’s theme. As we’ll see in the next post, with no knowledge of the future, how could I know that the taxi ride had simply been practice for the rest of my journey?

Catching up

The Internet connections problems in Paris interrupted posting there. Then on my return I immediately left to visit my aging parents and see my somewhat less aging high school classmates. So over the next few days, I'll be wrapping up the account of this adventure with additional posts.

Last Post from Paris

It has been a very busy day with lots of walking and biking. I really tried to do too much and should have just stayed in one area. I spend most of the day biking from one place to another on the Velib bikes which can be picked up and dropped off all over the city.

Briefly, I went to Port Doree to see the bas-relief on the Palais du Port Doree, then past Pere-Lachaise to the Parc de Belleville which has a overview of Paris (unfortunately, it was cloudy). Next was the Canal St. Martin with shops and cafes beside an old canal. Then it was off to Montmartre to see the church there. It was an absolute madhouse of tourists and touts. By then I was running late for the walking tour at 3 and had just a few minutes back at the B&B to freshen up and pickup some camera supplies. It was back on the bike to the Ile St. Louis to meet the World War 2 walking tour with minutes to spare. The walking tour was disappointing as it was mostly walking from Notre Dame to the Arc du Triomphe will a few stops for talking. Then it took me a long walk to find another Velib bike and then a long ride back home.

So I'm beat and plan to nap and then get an early dinner. I am really ready to be home.

Pictures and a few more tour descriptions will have to wait until I am home. Oh, did I mention that it is off to my 40th high school reunion two days after returning from France?

Thanks again for reading.

Electronics

Loyal reader Rob has asked about the electronic stuff that I have with me, especially the laptop used for this blog and email.

If such things do not interest you, you may skip reading this post.

As I prepared for this trip, I realized that there was going to be lots of extra stuff to haul around in addition to the bicycle. It is good that my clothing needs are simple and that I'm not too particular about making fashion statements. Otherwise, I would have needed a third suitcase.

Here is a picture of the electronic paraphernalia I have. It does not include the small digital camera that was used to take the picture:

You'll see two cell phones. One works in the US; the other in Europe. The European phone cost $49 with no monthly fees and includes a UK number. The per-minute charges are of course quite high but it is essentially for emergency use and infrequent calls (such as confirming the pick-up time and place with the lodge owner). The SIM card for the phone is from Mobal but now that I have the phone, I could purchase a SIM card with better rates or different coverage if my needs change or there is a better deal.

There are lots of chargers: camera, cell phone, laptop, iPOD. Standardizing these so that only one was needed would be a great advance for civilization.

The camera is a Panasonic DMC-FZ8 with a 12x zoom and 7+ MP. It isn't an SLR which makes it lighter and more compact but it has alll the manual features and settings that one could want. The other camera is a Nikon Coolpix S50c point and shoot. It takes good pictures but doesn't have lots of features nor shoot in RAW mode. if you know what that is you'll understand why it is important to me. If not, ask me sometime or read about it on the web. I brought the Nikon along just in case there were problems with the Panasonic.

A variety of SD memory cards from 1-8GB were brought along as well as an USB SD adapter just for good measure. An 8GB USB memory stick was brought along just for backing up pictures. On our trip to Portugal several years ago, half the pictures were lost when the memory card was re-formated accidentally. You wouldn't think that would happen with the camera buttons randomly being hit as the camera bumped against me but the 'Format Successful' message and complete absence of pictures confirmed that it did. I still mourn the loss of those pictures.

The iPOD has been with me for years as you can probably see. It's a first generation one and the battery has been replaced three times. The battery died early in the train trip to Paris. Maybe I should just break down and buy a new iPOD.

Two plug adapters are included to connect this stuff to the local outlets.

Finally, there is the laptop, an Acer AspireOne.

It is has a solid state drive, meaning no spinning hard disk, that is like a memory stick. It weights less than 2 pounds, starts up fast (15 seconds) and costs less than $400. It runs Linux and has lots of open source programs to do whatever I and most people need to do. Installation of other programs (like a full featured photo editor that I wanted) is easy. The *nix command line is there for those comfortable with it like I am. It is about the size of a National Geographic magazine but a little thicker. The keyboard is useable for touch typing (another of my requirements) and the screen is more than good enough. I highly recommend this computer for travel.

I took a mouse along which didn't make it into the picture as it is much more comfortable for me especially when dealing with pictures and moving stuff around.

Finally, there are the Bose noise-cancellation headphones. These are great for listening to music but their real value is blocking noise on the plane that makes the trip much more restful. The reduction in engine noise, not just noise made by other passengers, that is the benefit here. Also highly recommended.

And that for those of you still reading is my digital travel world.

WiFi Issues

I,am typing this on a French keyboard on a borrowed computer so forgive qny strqnge typing. WiFi qccess at the B&B in Paris just won;t work. It may be a while until the next post.

I do have something prepared on my digital & electronic stuff and will try to post it.

'Rest' day

The day after the climb of L'Alpe d'Huez was naturally planned as an easy day. One possibility was a so-called balcony road. Look closely at this picture and you'll see a road running along the side of the mountain:

There are several of these roads nearby offering a relatively flat ride and spectacular views. There is one slight complication. You have to get up to the balcony road to enjoy it. In this case, that meant doing the first five turns of the Alpe d'Huez climb. If you recall, that is the most difficult part of the climb. But I was feeling surprisingly good this morning and at least knew what I was in for. The legs felt good on the warm-up ride. It was only a little ways so it wouldn't be a problem, I thought. And then I started up L'Alpe d'Huez again.

By the time I reached the first turn, my heart was racing, the legs were screaming and my breathing sounded like a run-away steam engine. But was I going to let a few things like that spoil my plans? Of course not. After a brief rest, I composed myself and settled into a nice easy rhythm and in what seemed like no time, I was ready to turn off onto the balcony road. If the first picture didn't give you the idea of what this road is like, then maybe this one will:

The legs were telling me this was going to be a short day but I had done the hard work and now could roll along and enjoy the views:


Instead of doing the longer loop that was originally planned, I eventually turned around, knowing that it was downhill to go home. That included the steep section at the bottom of L'Alpe where I reluctantly used the brakes to stay behind this sloooow car.

And so ended what has been a wonderful and satisfying time riding in the Alps.

The bike is now packed, some clothes washed and tomorrow morning the trip back to Paris begins with a bus ride to Grenoble. The next post should be from Paris and I'll try to get more pictures uploaded then.

Thanks for all your comments and encouraging emails. They have meant a lot.

To the top!

This post is supposed to be a story of struggle and suffering, heroic effort, and eventual triumph. Well, there was the triumph at reaching the finish at the top but, to be honest, it wasn't a struggle at all. I'm exhalerated to have finally accomplished this. I'm not saying it was easy or that my legs aren't a little tired but, all in all, not bad.

Up to the first five (of 21) turns, the climb was, as expected, quite steep. If it continued that way, it would have been a struggle later in the climb. But it became less steep and my lowest gear was just right. Even at my advanced age, I was going faster than some people who didn't have the right gearing. They may have been younger and stronger but, with the wrong gearing, those advantages mean little. I also had the wisdom to stop to take in the view, snap some pictures, and chat with a few people along the way.

At one point, a man was so intrigued by my Bike Friday that he asked to take a picture of it going around one of the turns. So I went back a ways down the hill and came back up, riding around the corner again so he could get his picture. I had someone take my picture crossing the Tour de France finish line and then it off for a celebratory beer with lunch.

I didn't intend to stop on the descent but the light had changed and the mountains looked even more spectacular.

Going down was great fun but I did take the turns slowly - no vehicles passed on the way down just as Deborah would like it.

The English cyclists who are staying at the lodge also did the Alpe climb today. Everyone is feeling good about the day and I believe an outing to a nearby bar is about to happen.