Today #365daysofkegelhd starts another series, printed in full by the Freeport Journal-Standard in 1961 where Julius made a trip around the world in 80 days!
#kegel365 #harleydavidson #kegelhd #worldsoldest
Circles World in 80 Days
J.A. Kegel Travels In Many Ways, Returns A Shuffleboard Champion
Every bit as enthusiastic as Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's famous novel, "Around the World in 80 Days," is Freeport's Julius A. Kegel, who has returned from a pleasure voyage which took him around the globe in 1,920 hours or 80 days.
When Verne's novel appeared, the journey Phileas Fogg made, of course, was purely fictional and no one ever imagined that such a trip cold ever be practical.
Mr. Kegel, a great motorcycle enthusiast who has traveled from coast to coast, left his cycle at home for the second time in his life as he traveled about the Bergensfjord on the Norwegian America Line - more comfortable than Fogg's way of going around the world.
Champion At Shuffleboard
He came home a champion in something other than motorcycling - shuffleboard. There are two silver loving cup trophies in his possession to prove it. He was runner-up in the Pacific tournament: but took first place - champion of champions - in the Atlantic tournament.
As the ship left New York, ready to visit 18 ports and 15 countries before returning to New York, 26,034 miles later, Mr. Kegel discovered his luggage was missing.
Thirteen days later, after going through the heat of the Panama Canal in a red flannel shirt, he picked up the suitcases in Los Angeles, before sailing for a visit in the 50th state, Hawaii.
Elderly Travelers
When the cruise ship had gatherings for residents of different states, Mr. Kegel met a woman from Rockford taking the same voyage. Later he met a woman who had visited in his home, a friend of his late wife.
The majority of the 383 passengers on the ship were over 60 years of age. (On an earlier Caribbean cruise the travelers were much younger, he recalls.) Mr. Kegel estimated that there were 30 that were in their 80s. Three died on board ship; one person 1 1/2 days out of New York. One body was shipped home from Tangiers and another was buried at sea. The youngest passenger was a boy 16, who spent many of his leisure hours studying.
One of the oldest passengers traveling, a gentleman of Hartford, Conn., celebrated his 85th year with a birthday party attended by Mr. Kegel and three other men.
Hawaii was toured by automobile. Mr. Kegel and his travelling companions covered the highlights and interesting scenery on the Island of Oahu: Lovely homes surrounded with luxuriant tropical plants, panoramic views from high vantage points and the landmark of Hawaii, Diamond Head.
Majestic Mt. Fujiyama
Mr. Kegel toured Japan by train for four days, taking a whirlwind trip around Yokohama, Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, Picturesque towns, farm country and mountain scenery - including a view of Mt. Fujiyama, the sacred and majestic peak of Japan - were highlights for Mr. Kegel. He saw the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building and attended a special Sukiyaki dinner with typical Geisha entertainment.
As other returning travelers, the Freeporter was impressed with Hong Kong, located on a magnificent harbor, which is a world in itself.
One automobile trip too them to the top of a famous peak, which afforded a panoramic view of the harbor. Morning coffee or tea was served at the Repulse Bay Hotel.