Day 20 - Riverton, WY to Pocatello, ID

On the road at 7:50 without coffee. Bummer. Eight-eight miles later we were in Dubois, Wyoming at the Coffee Haus getting that much needed morning starter. Dubois is an old western town and bills itself as such. It comes with old buildings and wood sidewalks.

We were now on the Wyoming Centennial Scenic Highway and scenic it was. Playing tag with the Wind River took us through the colors of Fall and great mountain vistas. Towns were few and far between, however road construction continued to be ever present. Several sections of one lane slowed us down, but we managed to reach Jackson, Wyoming just in time for lunch.

For the last several days Barb has been on the lookout for buffalo, without a single sighting. Cows, horses, prairie dogs, sheep, a moose...yes. Buffalo...no. So we headed to the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill in Jackson for buffalo burger. Didn't work and we finished the day with a zero in the buffalo department.

After lunch we walked as much as Barb's toe would allow and managed to disappoint the Jackson economy by leaving without purchases.

Leaving Jackson we took the road less traveled, allowing ourselves a little slower drive over the Teton Scenic Byway. The climb up to just under 10,000 feet was a 10% grade. I have never seen anything more that 7%. And on the other side? A 10% downgrade. A scenic drive, but keeps your eyes on the road.

The rest of the drive into Pocatello was uneventful. Having eaten so much we decided to get a pizza and zap it at the motel. Barb's research led us to a highly rated, five star pizza parlor. I remembered our experience in Abilene when we found it closed. A near Pizza Hut filled in, Fred Meyer provided me with a beer and Barb is still working on the wine from last night. What? Say you didn't think we finished that bottle at the restaurant and then drove sixteen miles back to the motel.

We would like to sleep at home tomorrow, so looking at a long day. Probably ten plus hours of driving. We shall see. 338 miles today.

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Day 19 - Rapid City, SD to Riverton, WY

Kinda long drive today,so we were up at 5:45 and after a decent continental breakfast were headed West on Interstate 90. Our first stop was to be Devil's Tower in Wyoming, but Starbuck's in Spearfish, South Dakota won out. With mocha and latte in hand we pressed on.

Devil's Tower is this big rock that juts up out of the ground. A geologist would frown at such a description and might refer to it as an igneous intrusion or laccolith. There seems to be some confusion among the experts on how it was formed, so I feel comfortable calling it a big rock. And it is big. The tower rises 1,267 feet and the trail around the base is 1.3 miles. Due to Barb's toe issue we passed on the hiking trails. We were surprised to learn that in 1906 Theodore Roosevelt established Devil's Tower as the first United States National Monument.

Barb decided lunch would be in Buffalo so we were back on Interstate 90 heading West. Along the way we passed through Gillette and... well I guess it was just Gillette. Not many towns out there.

The Bread Board in Buffalo hides behind a tree, which makes it a little, no a lot, hard to find. We finally gave up, called for help and had to drive about 200 feet. It turned out to be a slightly upscale Subway, with a good sandwich and needed time away from the wheel.

After lunch we said goodby to the Interstate and headed generally southwest on Highway 16. This part of the drive took us through the Bighorn National Forrest and changed my opinion of Wyoming. I guess I was thinking most of the state was like Interstate 80 from Evanston to Laramie. It's not. A great drive that topped out at over 9,000 feet and was followed by the Wind River Canyon Scenic Byway south of Thermopolis.

In Riverton the Hampton Inn will be home for the night and a nice home it is. Years ago, probably 26 or so, I stayed in Riverton on a business trip. As we headed West all I could remember of the trip was a steak dinner somewhere nearby. Thanks to plentiful cell towers, Barb was able to locate a restaurant in nearby Hudson that fit the bill. Thirty plus years in business, excellent reviews and steak. We drove the sixteen miles and sure enough that was the place. The wine list was limited, but a bottle of 14 Hands Cab from Washington made us feel at home. Starters were an ante pasta plate with the usual suspects plus ravioli and stuffed cabbage rolls.We both had the senior portion of prime rib, which would be a full portion anywhere else. Add a baked potato and roll and it was an excellent meal. Oh, and the price? $50.86 including the bottle of wine.

So here we are back at the motel. Barb's in bed playing with her phone and watching Hannity of FOX, while I listen to bluegrass and try to remember what happened today. Tomorrow we head off to Pocatello, Idaho. 473 miles today.

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Day 18 - Mitchell, SD to Rapid City, SD

After a continental breakfast we were on the road about 8:00, however before leaving town we just had to visit the Corn Palace. Built in the Moorish Revival style, it serves as a multi-use facility for the community and region.

Traveling West on Interstate 90 we began to notice subtle changes in the landscape. Corn and beans no longer ruled the fields. Along with the usual suspects sorghum and sunflowers starting showing up. For some reason these newcomers seemed to favor the North side of the Interstate. Bales of hay also made an appearance, along with the cattle they would feed come winter.

As we drove West, South Dakota continued to provide an abundance of road kill for identification. Opossum, raccoon, skunk and deer all had recently departed life on this stretch of Interstate 90. Just before crossing the Missouri River near Chamberlain we stopped by the Lewis and Clark Keelboat Visitors Center. It was closed. While Barb's designer shoe wouldn't allow her to walk out to view the river, I pressed on until encountering the poisonous snakes sign. Shorts and sandals? No way.

Lady Bird Johnson, a lifelong advocate of beautifying America's highways, would not be a happy camper on this section of Interstate 90. Billboards, billboards and more billboards, all proclaiming a fantastic, exotic, wonderful something that must be seen by the entire family. Original 1880 Town, Al's Oasis, Wall Drug Store and Reptile Garden are but a few. Having extra time we opted for Wall Drug Store. Drug store? More like a shopping arcade with gift shop, restaurant and a store with more cowboy boots and hats than any place outside Texas. Oh, and yes there is a drug store.

After checking into our motel we headed for a full service car wash. They did a great job, removing several layers of South Dakota's finest from the front bumper and grill. I suppose they will reappear tomorrow, but for tonight Honda will sparkle in the moonlight.

Next up? Cabela's of course! Number four for trip and I think we may just be running out of things to buy. One small purchase and we headed to On The Border for Fajitas and Dos Equis. Back at the motel my flask is again running low as I try to bring you up to date on our doings

Tomorrow we will be leaving early for a drive to Riverton, Wyoming. Getting close now. Three days and we should be home.

In closing, a little South Dakota thing: When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty. 307 miles today.

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Day 17 - Humboldt, IA to Mitchell, SD

Even though this was to be a short driving day we were up at 6:05. At 6:40 is was still dark. I make no effort to try and understand this kind of behavior.

Since this was to be another day without lunch, we headed back to Miller's Landing for breakfast. Boy those sausages are good. After a quick stop for gas we were finally headed West toward home.

We gave some thought to staying in Rapid City, South Dakota tonight, but extending the driving day from four and a half to nine and a half hours lost out in the end.

With lots of extra time we headed for Sutherland, Iowa, where my grandmother was born and raised. We found the house she lived in and I had a short conversation with the guy that lives there now. With a population of only 645 hardy souls Sutherland is a small town, so it didn't take us long to drive the streets. Yes, the downtown is one block long. Parking is not only at the both curbs, but also down the middle of the street.

Traveling two lane roads from one small town to another and flanked by farms we encountered a flurry of activity and dust. According to the waitress at Miller's Landing (who's husband is a farmer) the time has come to get the corn and soybeans (around here simply known as beans) harvested. So, the activity was harvesting and the dust the result thereof.

Once again small towns announced themselves with water tower and grain elevator. Reaching the 151 mile mark we stopped for coffee at the Inwood, Iowa all-in-one gas station, cafe, grocery store. On the way out I asked the older guy behind the counter how to get to Minnesota. He mumbled something about around a curve, a paved road and Interstate 90. I decided to trust the lady in the dash and we ended up in Luverne, MN. From there it was a short drive into Mitchell.

Too early to check into our motel we headed for Cabela's. No second floor or mountain, but still a nice store. A lot of looking and only one purchase kept our financial future on an even keel.

While driving in Barb researched the internet for dining in Mitchell and came up with several options. We settled on Chef Louie's Steak House based on a near perfect Yelp rating. We both opted for the bacon wrapped filet and baked potato then finished with a shared creme brulee. Oh, and a really good merlot. If you are ever in Mitchell, go to this place.

A couple of observations. First, South Dakota has more road kill than any state we've been in. Even more than Texas. Second, in Iowa you best like Bud Lite, Coors Lite or Miller Lite or you will be thirsty. Third, the bugs in South Dakota are large and they leave really big white splotches on the windshield.

Tomorrow we have a fairly short drive to Rapid City, South Dakota. 297 miles today.

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Old barn
Humboldt, Iowa

Day 16 - In and around Humboldt, IA

Ok, a couple of housekeeping items. First, I have for several days forgotten to take note of the mileage. Current odometer reading is 881 and I think that goes back to Olathe. I'll try to do better. Second, I just posted yesterday's update. There's not much in the way of internet access here, but our new motel is WiFi friendly. Should be good the rest of the way home.

We shunned the continental breakfast and headed for Miller's Landing in Humboldt. Having eaten there several times on a past trip, we knew there was a meal waiting that would last till dinner. The sausage and bacon are the best.

Today was spent driving around Humboldt county in roughly a counter-clockwise direction. After breakfast we hit Renwick, Lu Verne, Livermore, Bode and Rutland. A quick car wash in Fort Dodge and then back to Humboldt for the night. All told we covered only 148 miles. Other than Fort Dodge and Humboldt these are small towns, with populations ranging from 145 in Rutland to 384 in Livermore. So how could we spend so much time in these towns? By driving up and down each and every street. I know it sounds a little strange, but there is so much to see in small town America.

It's easy to spot these small towns, just look for a water tower and grain elevator. Once there you can check out downtown. It's usually a block long, maybe two, but never three. But don't look for much there. Oh, there's a library, a bank, maybe a law office and a small grocery store. The real real life blood of the town is right next door to downtown. The grain elevator.

This time of the year is about harvesting and everywhere we went today it was in full swing. Just as a water tower means a town, a dust cloud means harvesting.

In Livermore we headed out to the Union Cemetery and located the grave of my great great grandfather George McCauley. In Bode I stopped at an elevator and got a lesson on sampling incoming grain and measuring water content. And every time I stopped to watch soybeans or corn being harvested there was probably a farmer wondering what rock I'd been living under. But I've learned just enough to have a bunch of questions for Neal when I get home. Phyllis, warn him now.

A lot of the roads here are gravel. And dusty. Very dusty. So back in Fort Dodge we did a quick car wash and I found a Starbucks. Checking into our motel in Humboldt I found the first WiFi of the day and updated the blog for yesterday. For dinner we were headed back to last night's spot, but found it open for a private party. Not having an invitation we opted for roast turkey at Miller's Landing.

Tomorrow we turn back to the West toward home. Be ready to read about South Dakota the next two days.

Posted from my iPad

Late afternoon harvest
Renwick, Iowa

Nothing runs like a Deere

Case and Corn

Day 15 - Waterloo, IA to Fort Dodge, IA

First decision of the day was where to have breakfast. We settled on Newton's Paradise Cafe after passing on IHOP and Perkins. Great decision. Located in a historic building in downtown Waterloo, it has the look of an old time diner and a friendly staff. After wandering around town, we happened upon The Five Sullivan's Convention Center. The five Sullivan brothers all perished when the USS Juneau was sunk during World War II. It was then that the navy wouldn't let brothers serve on the same ship. The convention center in their hometown was completed in 2008.

Then it was off to Dyersville, Iowa, home of the "Field of Dreams" ballpark. One of my favorite movies (like once a year favorite) and not something I was going to miss when so close. On the way we saw a highway sign for a Frank Lloyd Wright house near Quesqueton (I did not make that up), Iowa. Of course we wanted to see it, but like two years ago it wasn't to be. Apparently we are not allowed to see such things.

The "Field of Dreams" gets it's own paragraph. Wow, looks just like in the movie. The home, the field, the bleachers, the bases and even the corn field. Some folks were playing catch, some were pitching, some were hitting and some were just sitting in the bleachers. I took a video of Barb disappearing in among the corn stalks. She came back. I bought a shirt and off we went. Was it worth three hours out of the day? Absolutely. Remember, he built it so you would come.

After driving back to Waterloo we took backroads for most of the way into Fort Dodge. Checking into the motel I found no WiFi. What? How can that be? So I will get up early and try to find a hotspot to upload this. Second night here has been canceled and we will be staying at a WiFi friendly motel in Humboldt.

Dinner was at the Rustix in Humboldt. Highly recommended by friends back home, it lived up to it's hype. We both had prime rib, which is something I never, never do. Great call Phyllis.

Tomorrow will be in and around Humboldt. Tops on the list will be Renwick and Livermore. Why? Tell you next time.

Posted from my iPad2

Field of Dreams
Dyersville, Iowa

Day 14 - Olathe, KS to Waterloo, IA

A little strange waking up in a house belonging to someone else and not having them there. Missing that morning coffee with Mike and Julie already.

We were up at 6:15 to do a little housekeeping, feed the cats and pack the car. All that done we headed for a nearby Ihop for breakfast. Acting on Mike's advice we hit Interstate 35 about 9:00 and avoided the morning rush. About an hour later we found a Starbucks and our morning was complete.

Interstate 35 is basically a straight road with a gentle curve thrown in occasionally. Along the way we passed by the Jesse James (Kearney, KS) and John Wayne (Winterset, IA) birthplaces and then made a few purchases at the Amish store in Lamoni, IA.

At Des Moines the lady in the dash (GPS) took us off the well traveled roads and into the country we were really looking for. Iowa is corn and soybeans and by golly if we are going to drive in Iowa we want to see a lot of both. And the small towns. And farm houses. And barns. And silos. Melbourne is one of those small towns (population 830) and it was an "ok, let's go see it" turn off the highway. The big event every year in Melbourne is Mouse Hole Day. Yup. Really. Marshalltown is a big town. So big that it has a real drive through car wash, which quickly removed six states worth of bugs.

The last couple of hours driving Iowa back roads through small towns and farms was easily the best drive of the trip so far. Great thing is we have two more days of this.

Tomorrow we are off to a special baseball place. 372 miles today.

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Day 13 - Olathe, KS

Not a good day for any of us. Unexpectedly Mike and Julie had to leave late morning for Chicago. We will stay one more night and then leave for Iowa tomorrow.

Barb and I split a sandwich at Panera Bread and then headed to Cabela's. Very nice facility, second only to the original store in Sidney, NE. We got out cheep with a fleece blanket for Barb's mom, a bottle of chipolte salsa and a floatant holder for me. One does not usually escape from Cabela's under a hundred.

Back at the house Hagen (Hagen is a cat) eyed us as if wondering what had become of Mike and Julie. Shadow (the other cat), continues to be a shadow.

Barb washed clothes while I worked on the blog and now with everything folded and packed it's time to think about dinner. I'll continue once nourishment has been obtained.

Ok, feeling a little better. Barb and I split a burger for dinner and other than that there is nothing more to report. Tomorrow we are off to Waterloo, IA. We do live on the edge don't we.

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Day 12 - Olathe, KS

Yes, another day without driving!

After a late breakfast and a lot of talking we headed for Independence, MO and the Truman Library. Another uneventful drive, except for trying to program the GPS on the fly.

I will say the Truman Library runs a close second to the Reagan Library in California. We spent several hours there and I would need several more to feel that I had given it a good look. We started with a forty-five minute video, which told us a lot more about Truman than any of us ever knew. For example, we didn't know he never went to college. And that he failed in one business after another. Mining, oil and a joint-venture haberdashery in Kansas City never paid off. Following along with him from local politics to president on his own was an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Dinner at Cracker Barrel was as good as ever.

Barb just reminded me I have to tell you about her toe. A few days before we left she took a little spill and hurt a toe on her right foot. It quickly became black and blue, swollen and painful. When I suggested urgent care she said it would be ok with ice. After no improvement for over two weeks she finally went to urgent care in Olathe. Broken toe. She is now wearing a rather unattractive shoe. She said next time she will listen to me. I have my doubts.

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Harry S. Truman

Day 11 - Abilene, KS to Olathe, KS

Ok, as you probably expected I'm playing catch up.

We managed to sleep in late enough to catch the 9:00 opening of the Eisenhower gift shop. Made a couple of small purchases and then hit the road. Eighty-nine miles later in Topeka we found a Starbucks. The rest of the drive in was uneventful, except for highway construction every ten miles or so.

Our planned stay of three days with old friends Mike and Julie would give us plenty of time to catch up on the last seven years. Dinner that night was at Jack Stacks and if you want BBQ this is the place. I had the best burnt ends, brisket, baked beans and cole slaw ever. If you get to this area you won't be sorry for giving it a shot.

171 miles today.

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Day 10 - Colorado Springs, CO to Abilene, KS

Right on schedule and with Starbucks in hand we were on the road at 6:59. It started out as one of those "get from one place to another" kind of days, but turned out a little different than planned.

Initially we were to overnight in Abilene and then hit the Eisenhower Library the next morning. As it turned out the drive took less time than I thought and we went directly there before checking in. This saved us waiting around for a 9:00 am opening the next day.

The facility was good. We toured his boyhood home, museum and burial site. While not quite the level of the Reagan Library, the museum had a lot of info on WWII, the Cold War and everything from his boyhood to death. The home was small (really small) and with parents, six sons and a grandfather space must have been tight.

On our drive across Kansas we discovered sorghum. Actually Barb discovered it through a little internet search while we drove past fields of the stuff. A little additional research showed it is used for food, biofuels, fodder, molasses and alcoholic beverages to name a few. All news to me. Adding height to the rather flat landscape were pumpjacks and wind turbines.

And now for dinner. Abilene is a small town. Real small. Not much in the way restaurants. After a little research on the internet we headed for our first choice. Closed on Mondays. Off to our second choice. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. A five mile drive out of town took us to our third choice. An empty field. Right address, but still an empty field. A pizza joint for spaghetti, meatballs and Coors Light won the day. Coors Light? I usually drink a stout or porter (if it looks like an oil spill, I'm good.) They had Coors Light and Bud Light. Bummer.

So basically a good day, with a little frustration at the end. Tomorrow we start a three night stay with some really good friends in Olathe, Kansas. Looking forward to that. I will try to update everyday, but I could just be having too much fun. 469 miles today.

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Day 9 - Colorado Springs, CO

Last day in The Springs and not much to report. Started with a continental breakfast, did a little car packing and then found our way to a nearby Starbucks.

Not having anything to do until 12:30, we took a drive out East toward the airport and got into a road paving traffic jam. Finally made our way over to the Broadmoor Hotel. Built in the early 20th century, it was known as the "Grand Dame of the Rockies" and evolved into a 5-star/5-diamond luxury hotel. When there have a "yard of ale" at the Golden Bee English Pub.

Best part of the day was meeting Marla at Old Chicago for pizza, beer and catching up on several years of news. After lunch I tried looking up old friend, but he wasn't home. Steve, if you found the card I left and make your way here - Hi, sorry I missed you.

After another short drive and a stop for gas we are back at the motel. With a 440 mile drive tomorrow we will try to be on the road (or at Starbucks) by about 7:00.

Posted from my iPad2

Day 8 - Colorado Springs, CO

After a not so bad continental breakfast we headed to nearby mall for a Starbucks and a little shopping. Barb did her regular thing while I sat and surfed the internet on my iPhone. She did a little damage, but we'll survive.

At one point she tried to text me and found her phone missing. She continued shopping, thinking it was in the car. Back at the car no phone. Oh well, it was probably at the motel. Now she begins to worry, which means we head back to find it. A thorough search of the room equals no phone. Finally I call her and lo there's a ringing. The phone turns up in her makeup bag. She asks that we not speak about this incident again.

Next is lunch at Marigold's, where I once again have what I consider the best ever French Onion soup. After lunch we took a drive through part of the burn area not too far from our old home. It is amazing. We see an empty foundation with untouched homes on either side. Or a group of a dozen or more empty foundations. No partially burned homes. Just foundations. Scary looking stuff.

Heading over to the Garden of the Gods we found ourselves in the middle of the Folk Art Festival traffic jam. A slow escape got us to Manitou Spring, which turned out to be another traffic jam. What luck. We finally made our way to downtown Colorado Springs and a little more shopping. No damage this time.

Later we shared a chicken fajita and Dos Equis dinner at On The Border to end the day. Tomorrow will be our last day in The Springs and then off to Abilene for a visit to the Eisenhower Library.

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Day 6 & 7 - South Fork, CO to Colorado Springs, CO

Ok, I missed a day. Get over it. Look at it this way, you get two days for the price of one.

So, day six was our last day in South Fork. Gonna miss this place. Especially Frank and his friends. Spent part of the morning trying to find a gremlin in Frank's iPod that kept inserting an incorrect email address. No success. It's still there, just a little less obvious.

Just before noon a large tank truck loaded with fingerling rainbow trout rolled up Frank's driveway. Twenty gallons of the small critters were dumped in the river right in front of his house. Good deal right? That's a lot of rainbows to be caught (and released) down the road. Wrong. The state worker (Steve I think) told us they were putting in 46,000 and 3% were expected to survive. Before you grab your calculator that's 1,380 alive, kicking and ready to be caught.

Later Royce and Elizabeth came for a BBQ and Frank stepped up to the plate with some great steaks. Lots of great wine, scotch, conversation and then the end of the day.

Thanks for the email Marilyn!

Now on to day seven. Getting up early we finished packing, loaded the car and then headed to the Coffee Shop for breakfast. Faced with the possibility of no lunch, I opted for the Huevos Rancheros. Excellent choice.

Sticking to back roads, we headed generally North through Del Norte and Seguache (pronounced sa-watch) to Poncha Springs. A good part of this drive put us just west of the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountain range. With nine peaks exceeding 14,000 feet, this was a pretty impressive sight.

Then it was East on US 50, following the Arkansas River (past a few spots I fished in a prior life) to Canon City. The area around Canon City and Florence is heavy with prisons, including the original Colorado Territorial Prison and the US Penitentiary, Florence ADX, better know as Supermax.

A short drive North got us to Colorado Springs. A little early for check-in, we took a drive around Peregrine and found the house we built in 1995 still standing after the recent fires. Based on the burned areas nearby, it looked like the fire got within about 400 yards of the house. Too close.

After dinner I'm back here are the keyboard, once again bringing you up to date. The next two days will be in and around The Springs. 251 miles to The Springs.

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Stairs to nowhere

Near the home we built in 1995

Day 5 - South Fork, CO

Another day in South Fork, but unlike yesterday it was a rainy one. Woke up at 6:00 am to what sounded like a pipe had broken. Turns out it was just rain, something I hadn't heard for a while.

A good part of the morning was spent playing with our (Frank's and my) iToys, while Barb started copying receipts from a few cookbooks. Yup, we do have exciting vacations.

Then it was off to do a little visiting and shopping. The first stop was Home Reflections, from which Barb made a small purchase. I was pleased with the amount. Next up was another visit with Royce (from yesterday) to meet his wife. Both are from Texas and y'all can sure tell it when they talk. Really great people. Hope to see them again before we leave. Lastly it was the Rainbow Market to pick a a few items for dinner.

Now I sitting here trying to write while Frank is squeezing a couple dozen limes for tonights margaritas. It's still raining and some of the locals predict seeing snow on the mountain tops when the weather finally clears. Tomorrow is our last day in South Fork before heading off to Colorado Springs.

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Day 4 - South Fork, CO

Great night's sleep for both of us on an old familiar bed. Almost like being home.

This is a day I have been waiting for. Why? No driving. A little riding, but no driving. After breakfast we took a ride up to Creede for a little walk around town. It's a great little place to visit, especially the two fly shops. I managed to escape with just one shirt.

The hardware store was a gem. One of those small but got a little of everything kind of places. Well worth walking each and every aisle.

After lunch we were off again for a drive around the Rio Grande Club and a tour of the clubhouse. Nice digs and a great looking golf course.

The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the company of one of Frank's friends. Sitting outside under a canopy during a brief thunderstorm reminded us our days in Colorado. Thanks Royce for a pleasant afternoon. By the way, I should introduce our host. Meet Frank. Long time friend and really great guy.

Ok, so after a fun day we are now back at Frank's for happy hour. Chicken is on the BBQ and from where I'm sitting I can look out a window and see the Rio Grande. All is well with the world.

Posted from my iPad2

Day 3 - Grand Junction, CO to South Fork, CO

With a short drive ahead we slept in late and after breakfast at the Village Inn were on the road at 8:05. And without visiting one of the ten local Starbucks. How did that happen?

The first part of the drive was on Highway 50 through Delta, Olathe and Montrose. Ok, we stopped in Montrose for a Starbucks.A few miles before Gunnison we turned South on Highway 149, also known as the Silver Thread Highway. If you are looking to make time this is not the road for you. It's slow going, but this time of the year it is one beautiful drive. Fall in this part of Colorado is about bright yellows, reds and oranges mixed in with the evergreens. At high altitude Fall comes early and 11,600 feet above sea level qualifies as high altitude.

Not much in the way of towns on 149. Lake City was the first and it's a great jumping off place for an exciting 4-wheel drive through 14,000+ foot mountains. Then came the old silver mining town of Creede, which is the only incorporated town in all of Mineral County. With a population of 712, Mineral County has a lot of open space to pack in a lot of scenic stuff.

A short distance before our destination the highway follows alongside the Rio Grande, which has it's beginning in the nearby mountains. About 2:00 we rolled into South Fork for four nights with a old friend of nearly thirty-five years. Time does travel fast. 233 miles today.

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Autumn colors
Silver Thread Highway

Day 2 - Elko, NV to Grand Junction, CO

After a quick continental breakfast, 6:30 found us leaving the motel and headed for the casino. Nope, no early morning slots for us. Seems the only Starbucks in Elko is inside the casino. Grabbing a pair of early morning drinks we got out before those pesky slots could lure us in.

Back on Interstate 80 and at 75 MPH we headed for Utah and everything salt: flats, lake and city. Salt Lake City was a breeze on Sunday morning and we cut off at Provo for the shortcut through Price, Utah.

As noon approached, we pulled into the small (and I do mean small) town of Helper, Utah. The name comes from the extra engines that are attached to trains to "help" them over the mountains. We found a small park (and I do mean small) and put together a gourmet lunch of cherry tomatoes, string cheese, hard boiled egg and a few crackers. Weight Watchers would be proud.

Nearly turning west into the eastbound lanes of highway 6 (a divided highway) made for a fun way to restart the afternoon. Averting disaster, we continued on and joined up with Interstate 70 near Green Valley, Utah. This is a pretty nice drive, with lots of really great mountain views. But, there are no trees. None. And the sagebrush seldom exceeds two feet in height. But there are mountains.

Tonight is free at a new Marriott Courtyard and free is a very good price. Tomorrow we're off to South Fork, Colorado and a four night stay with an old friend. I'm not sure what the wifi situation will be so you may not hear from us for a few days. But, I will try very hard to be faithful and write a little something every day. And another long 536 miles today.

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Day 1 - Redmond, OR to Elko, NV

Talk about an early start. We were up at 4:45 and on the road at 5:30. By the way, it's dark then. Anyway, the first stop was Starbucks and then we were off on our next adventure.

The drive across central Oregon to Burns was pretty much old hat. Sagebrush, cattle and open space. The only attention getter was a large fox that caused a sudden 60 to 10 change in speed.

In Burns highway 95 was to take us to Interstate 80 and Elko. Ten miles down the road we slowed for a family conference and a decision to try a backroad. A u-turn took us to highway 205, headed for Frenchglen, Oregon. Now we've heard a thing or two about Frenchglen (all good), but I have to say we just didn't see the attraction. On the positive side this is a great drive. Traffic? There wasn't any. Truth is there were more cows (and one unlucky fox) on the road than cars.

About 11:30 we pulled into the Post Office parking lot in Denio, Nevada and a few minutes later we had two egg salad sandwiches in hand. Never heard of Denio? With a population of less than 100 I would be surprised if you had.

Down the road we connected with highway 95 again and the much appreciated 70 MPH speed limit. It got better when we hit Interstate 80 at Winnemucca, Nevada. 75 MPH all the way to Elko.

After checking into the Holiday Inn Express (very nice) we each had a chicken salad and then headed to the casino. Now we aren't gamblers. For us it's penny machines and "Get Out Of Dodge" when you're a few bucks ahead. We started with $40 ($20 each), playing a penny on nine lines. Twenty minutes later we left with $53.03. With that kind of luck we should get a lottery ticket.

So now I'm back at the motel writing up the first day on my iPad and Logitech bluetooth keyboard without a desktop as backup. I was able to insert a little HTML code to get the font and alignment set.

Tomorrow is another 500+ mile day, so we will be off early. A long 539 miles today.

Posted from my iPad

Days 21 & 22 - San Luis Obispo, CA to Monterey, CA

After a quick continental breakfast we headed off to Monterey via a nearby Starbucks. Somehow I knew something was wrong as soon as we walked in. Barb finally told me we were in the Jamba Juice place. Starbucks was next door.

After passing through Morro Bay and Cambria we hit that stretch of Highway 1 with narrow twisty roads and absolutely great views. Much of the road has you hundreds of feet above the ocean with few guardrails in sight. I you leave the road there is absolutely nothing between you and the water. Going north at least put us a few extra feet from the edge.

It was almost noon when we arrived at out hotel and with a check-in time of 4:00 there was plenty of time to wander around Cannery Row. The canneries are long gone, replaced by upscale hotels, restaurants and the usual tee-shirt shops. You can’t walk ten feet without being reminded this is Steinbeck country, home of Doc, Dora Flood, Lee Chong and Mack. The Cannery Row movie with Nick Nolte/Debra Winger is one of my favorites. Lunch was a really good clam chowder and a pair of Anchor Steam at a local brewery.

Originally we had reservations at a motel not too far from Cannery Row, but while in San Diego Barb switched us over to a hotel on the bay. Good decision. The Monterey Bay Inn is great. But does it have a continental breakfast? Of course it does, delivered to your room at the time requested. And the bottle of Chardonnay brought to our room was nice.

Dinner was shrimp and scallops for Barb and a seafood fettuccini for me. With no Oregon or Washington wines offered, we settled for a California Merlot.

The next day...

With the door to the deck partially open, we went to sleep listening to the surf and woke up hearing seals. Our continental breakfast arrived at the requested time. No box of raisin bran here. Coffee, orange juice, fruit plate, sesame seed muffin and hardboiled egg.

About 9:00 we took off for a drive around the Monterey Peninsula. Along the way we drove by the Pacific Grove Golf Links where I remember walking along with my dad while he played. I think I must have been about ten at the time. A short time later I found what I think was where we lived on Seaview Avenue. Lots of houses to find when you move every two or three years. Then it was back into town for a Starbucks and short walk.

Back in the car we headed for the 17 Mile Drive and a drive along a coast under a high wave warning. Great beauty in those waves. The relentless sea and all that. Golf courses and million dollar homes are the rule on the 17 Mile Drive. Pebble Beach, Spyglass and Cypress Point are but a few that thread their way through sand and cypress. A wrought iron gate guarding your driveway must be a status symbol. I wonder if there is such a thing as a starter gate that one aspires to move up from.

Back to our hotel to clean up a little and then a fifteen minute walk over to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch. Crab Cocktail for Barb and a Shrimp Cocktail for me. We shared half way through. Oh, and a pair of Anchor Steam.

The afternoon was spent back at the hotel. At 6:00 another fifteen minute walk took us back to Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner. Barb had red snapper while I went with the clam linguini. Free appetizer of calamari and a pair of Anchor Steam, what more could we want.

A decision tonight at dinner will take us to Redding, California tomorrow instead than Eureka. Less driving time and less gas.

California Coast

Cannery Row

Day 20 - San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Another good day. We were up early and onto Interstate 5 by 7:05. With no continental breakfast available we headed over to US 1 to find something in one of the many coastal towns. No luck. All we saw were bicycles and runners. Finally in Oceanside we found a McDonald’s and Starbucks in the same parking lot. Ok, we each had a breakfast sandwich. The runners probably would have frowned on such a diet, but to them I simply say get over it. A latte and mocha later we were back on Interstate 5 headed toward Los Angeles.

Now I thought the freeways would be pretty empty early on Saturday. Wrong. Maybe not weekday busy, but too busy for me. Speed limit 65, I’m doing 70 and getting passed.

Since we had lots of time to get to San Luis Obispo, Barb suggested revisiting the Reagan Library. Good idea. Knowing absolutely nothing about how to get around LA explains why it took me highways 5, 73, 405, 605, 5, 405 and 118 (in that order) to get to Simi Valley.

Once there, it was as good as last year. If you have never been there, it’s well worth a visit. We ate lunch under the 707 that was Air Force One and once again had our photo taken boarding. Arriving at the library store Barb purchased an elephant pin and I picked up a shirt and small flag pin.

Back on the road we took Highway 101 all the way to our overnight. Weather? Rain. Lots of rain. And low flying clouds. Gas? $4.59 in Goleta.

Dinner was clam chowder and fish and chips, both shared. The chowder was easily in our all time top three. Oh, and a couple of Anchor Steam.

Tomorrow we should be in Monterey for two nights. I say should be because we’ve heard some talk of slides on Highway 1, so we will see.

Day 19 - San Diego, CA

Today was a great day. We left the motel at 8:05 and headed over the bridge to Coronado. Coronado is special for me. My family lived there three different times when my dad was stationed in San Diego and I have to tell you going to high school and living two blocks from the beach is pretty darn nice. After finding the last home I lived in we happened upon a Starbucks for a drink and breakfast sandwich. Took a drive by the Hotel Del Coronado and then headed down the Strand to Imperial Beach and back to San Diego.

Then we took a short drive out Point Loma for a visit to the Cabrillo National Monument, which because of haze did not offer great views. However, the Golden Age card got us in for free. Next up was a drive around Balboa Park and finally back to the motel. Not needing a rest, we walked around Old Town San Diego for a couple of hours. Ok we did need a rest, which was a pair of Dos Equis Amber, chips and salsa.

Back at the motel, which by the way is a Marriott Courtyard and free for the two nights, we took a little rest and then headed out for dinner. Chicken Fajitas and the required Dos Equis filled the bill.

Gas in Coronado was $4.89 for regular.

Day 16 to 18 - Casa Grande, AZ to San DIego, CA

We spent a few more days in Casa Grande before heading to San Diego this morning. Before leaving we had to suffer through several Happy Hours, but I’m working hard to accept this challenge. Dinners prepared by our hosts were excellent and included a best ever shrimp scampi.

Two days ago I attempted to play pickle with our hostess. Don’t know what pickle ball is? The court is one fourth the size for a tennis court, paddles are smaller than a tennis racket and larger than a ping pong paddle, the ball is a wiffle ball a little larger than a baseball and scoring is similar to tennis. At 7-3 in the second game I charged to net to get a drop shot. Being slightly off balance gravity took over and I crashed the net. Both knees and two fingers scrapped and a nice cut on my forehead. A day later a large bruise appeared on the right side of my chest. Today I noticed my thighs are a little sore. NO MORE PICKLE BALL.

The drive over today was pretty easy. Get on Interstate 8 and stay there. Along the way we passed through Dateland, Arizona, a town neither of us had heard of. Turns out General Patton had two desert training camps there during WW2 and it was also the location of a POW camp for Italians. Lunch was Burgers and Beer in El Centro, gas was $4.39 for regular and San Diego was cold.

After checking in we walked around Old Town San Diego and finished off the day with a Mexican dinner. 355 miles today.

Day 11 to 15 - Phoenix, AZ to Casa Grande, AZ

Yup, missed a few days.

We spent more time looking around the Phoenix area and have a difference of opinion. Barb likes Sun City Grand and I’m going with Pebble Creek in Goodyear. Went through about two dozen model homes, which means we saw a lot that were nicely decorated with extensive upgrades.

The last day in Phoenix area we took a drive up to Carefree for a little window shopping and lunch near Ho Hum and Easy Streets. That evening we had dinner with longtime friends.

Since the next day was my birthday, 70 to be exact, I refused the box of cereal at the motel and had a real breakfast. Really should do that more often. After a quick stop at Starbucks it was off to visit friends at Palm Creek Golf and RV Resort in Casa Grande. That night was a nice gathering to celebrate two birthdays with a BBQ and cake. Oh, and a little 18 year old Glenfiddich I had been saving for just this occasion.

I like Palm Creek. Happy Hour begins at four. Nuff said about that. This is the land of Snow Birds. They migrate here in huge numbers from places like Washington, Oregon, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Colorado and other places where a daytime temperature of 30 degrees is the norm. Some arrive in motor homes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some are more modest. But they all have fun in the sun. This is our second year here and if our friends are here next year we will be back.

Yesterday it was church in the morning and then a drive up to Globe, Arizona for what has to be one of the largest swap meets ever. In the evening it was These Three Tenors, one of the many excellent shows brought in by Palm Creek. Not sure what the next few days will bring. Today is Monday and we will be heading out to San Diego on Thursday. See you later.

Day 5 to 10 - Tehachapi, CA to Phoenix, AZ

Ok, I have a few days to make up. After leaving Tehachapi we headed for the outlet stores in Barstow, so Barb could pick up some socks. If you have ever been to Barstow you know it’s in the middle of nowhere. So I was a little surprised to see two tour buses dropping of tourists for a little shopping. Why? Are outlet stores in Barstow the best we have for visitors from another country.

Then on to La Quinta and a five night visit with neighbors from home. And I have to say there is no better place to visit. The morning starts with coffee and an oatmeal cookie. Next up is one very good Bloody Mary followed by a fruit plate. Scrambled eggs and toast or an omelet out might be next. Happy hour starts around five. Tough days.

Saturday night we went to the Palm Springs Follies, which is one of the most amazing shows I’ve even seen. Check out www.psfollies.com for the full scoop on this great show. If you are ever in the area don’t miss this one.

We also took a look at some model homes at a Sun City Indio, none of which impressed. After a few purchases at a kitchen store we picked up some dates at Shields Date Garden. Founded in 1924, Shields has every kind of date you can think of and the date shake is much better than it sounds.

Snow at home and 75 degrees in La Quinta. I think we just may be back next year.

Today it was a four hour drive to the Phoenix area. After lunch we spent some time driving around Sun City West, where we might spend some time next winter. More checking on that tomorrow.

So that’s the last few days.

La Quinta Sunset

Day 4 Sacramento, CA to Tehachapi, CA

A good start today. Breakfast at Embassy Suites is anything continental. We both had made to order omelets, which sure beats Raisin Bran in a box.

After a quick stop at a bank we did a 45 minute walk around the Arden Way Mall, waiting for Nordstrom to open. Just as promised, Wendy had the replacement jacket ready and after a few calls to accounting figured out how not to charge me sales tax. Excellent service as always.

With a Starbucks in hand we headed South on Interstate 5. This is the third year in a row we have taken the same route and whatever appeal it once had is gone. Except for Anderson Split Pea Soup about two hours out of Sacramento in Santa Nella (not Buellton as I said yesterday.) As always, we stopped for a bowl of their best and a little walkabout.

Yesterday I set a goal to pay less than $4.50 a gallon for gas. It was close, but I did find $4.49.

Once into Bakersfield we headed East on Highway 58 towards Tehachapi. Along the way is the famous Tehachapi Loop, a railroad engineering marvel. Completed in 1876, the track passes over itself to lessen the grade over the mountains. After passing through a tunnel, a train will circle passing over the tunnel and gaining altitude. Any train over 4,000 feet long will pass over itself. Today for the first time we saw a train approaching the loop and a short drive off the freeway took us to a spot where we could watch the train do its thing.

Dinner was Mexican and not all that good. Tomorrow we are off to La Quinta to visit Redmond friends for a few days. 362 miles today.

Day 3 - Eureka, CA to Sacramento, CA

I’m sure that given some time this trip will start getting a little better.

Siri, that amazing lady who lives in my iPhone, woke us promptly at 6:00 am and once again we managed a continental breakfast and were on the road before daybreak. Thirty minutes later we found a Starbucks in Fortuna.

The first part of the day was South on Highway 101. This took us through the redwood forests and on a warm and sunny day would have been great drive. The trees are huge and a few have been turned into tourist attractions, such as the one you can drive a car through. If you are into roadside attractions, there is a five legged cow just off Interstate 70 in Kansas. Alas, today was cold and rainy with low clouds, so the redwoods were not at their best. We will try again on our way home.

The middle part of the drive was from Calpella to Williams on Highway 20. Boring. But then there was the drive along Clear Lake. One little burg after another and all of them in serious need of a HGTV makeover. Then there was the CHP officer holding up traffic so a large fiberglass swimming pool could take up the whole road. Williams was a quick stop at Subway to split a sandwich and fill up with $4.29 gas.

The last part was a 59 minute drive into Sacramento. Freeway. 70 MPH. More rain.

Since our room wasn’t ready we headed to Old Town and spent a $1.25 worth of parking meter time walking around in the rain. I was still wearing sandals. After nearly missing several puddles I changed to tennis shoes. The socks are still drying out.

Today was one of those splurge days. Embassy Suites kind of splurge days. You know the kind of day with $25 valet parking and $9.95 WiFi. Oh well, the happy hour and really great breakfast takes some of the sting out.

While at Nordstrom the first day out I bought a new casual wear jacket. After deciding on a deep blue Tommy Bahama I told the clerk to hold it and I would be back shortly. Simple. What could I possibly learn from this. How about always check to make sure the clerk didn’t get things mixed up, cause what I now have is black and two sizes too big. Called the local Nordstrom, spoke with one of their super employees named Wendy and will be picking up a replacement from her at 10 pm tomorrow.

Happy hour behind us, we headed over to the Crab Shack in Old Town for dinner. After getting a text that our table was ready we returned to an absolute mad house of noise, singing and a conga line of adults and children. We left and ended up at Fat City, a place I was familiar with in a prior life. For a few bucks more we got the quiet of a funeral parlor, a waiter who looked and acted like a waiter, cloth napkins and very good food.

A quick walk back and here I am. Tomorrow will be exciting. After a quick stop at Nordstrom we will head down Interstate 5 and then East to Tehachapi, stopping only for lunch at Anderson Split Pea Soup in Buellton. My goal for the day will be to pay less than $4.50 for a gallon of gas. 299 miles today.

Day 2 - Portland, OR to Eureka, CA

Too many miles, too many hours. A quick check of the TV weather showed snow everywhere. Snow in Portland and further South in the valley is not unusual, but eight inches at Tillamook on the Oregon coast? What’s that about?

After a quick continental breakfast we were off, not even stopping for a Starbucks. Unheard of. Although it snowed off and on from Portland to Roseburg, about 178 miles, the roads were mostly just wet. The only problem was passing trucks, which sent up rooster tails of spray leaving me in a fog. We did manage a stop in Salem for a pair of Starbuck’s best.

Roseburg turned out to be decision time. After checking ODOT, CalTrans and the Oregon phone line (511), we decided trying Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Mountains and down through Mount Shasta would be inviting disaster. Instead we headed for Bandon on the Oregon coast. It was only when we began seeing trees lying across the road did we remember the weather reports of 80 MPH winds. Chain saws were busy opening one lane around trees for all us crazy people on the road that morning.

Bandon was a much needed rest and walk about, while the Bandon Fish Market provided a great lunch of clam chowder and beers. The rest of the drive to Eureka was a breeze and the Oregon coast, even on a gray overcast day, was a very nice drive.

After checking into our motel we headed to Marie Callenders to split a sandwich, bowl of French onion soup and a couple of beers. 490 miles today.

Day 1 - Redmond, OR to Portland, OR

Started out early on our drive to the desert for a little time in the sun. After two quick stops for breakfast (McDonalds) and coffee (Starbucks), we headed out as it was just getting light. We opted for the slower route through The Dalles, rather than take on the new snow over Mount Hood. As usual, the drive was uneventful.

A visit with in-laws for conversation and lunch was followed by a trip to the nearby Mall and a small donation at Nordstrom.

Next up was the usual fun filled dinner with Don and Loretta at the Brush Prairie Tavern. Just can’t go to Portland without meeting them for burgers and beer.

The rest of the night was spent trying to figure out just how bad the snow was going to be the next day. Alternative routes were a must for the Honda with summer tires. 235 miles today.