Day 13 - Henderson, Nevada to Home

It appears The Good, The Bad and The Ugly weren't through with us. You may remember I mentioned yesterday that Barb's dinner wasn't quite up to snuff. Well, during the night said dinner took its toll on her. One very sick Barbara. With time she managed to fight the dinner to a standstill and by mid-morning a draw was agreed upon.

My own troubles began about 1:30 am, when I lost contact with the mattress and ended up on the floor. Not just any floor mind you. This was a very solid first floor concrete floor, with very little in the way of carpet. I estimate between two and three sheets of paper between me and the concrete. Anyway, I landed on mostly on my head, shoulder and knee, all on the left side. Recovery was hindered by a small distance (18 inches max) between bed and wall. Barb was there in a flash and soon I was sitting on the bed, repeating "I want to go home." And we would have if it hadn't been O Dark Thirty. Neither of us were comfortable the rest of the night and so were up at 5:00 and driving away by 5:30. Once again Ron provided a breakfast sandwich and before long we were on our way home.

Not much traffic that time of the morning and soon we were on the new Interstate 11, which still took us over Hoover Dam but without having to go downtown Boulder City. That's a big plus. The next 204 miles were on US 93, taking us to Kingman, Arizona followed by Wickenburg, Arizona. I got to tell you that except for a brief moment in Kingman, this is one very lonely drive. The only challenge along the way is to see which of us will spot the first Saguaro cactus.

At Wickenburg we took US 60 to Surprise, Arizona and 16 miles later we were home.

Day 12 - Carson City, Nevada to Henderson, Nevada

Well, today was more or less a “The Good, Bad and the Ugly” kind of day. Wanting an early start, we picked the only breakfast establishment that opened at 6:00 am and that was the Cracker Box. Having eaten there before we knew the food was good and service fast.

Having tired of US 95 from Fallon South past Goldfield, we decided to take US 395 down to Big Pine and then State 168 and State 266 over to US 96. The Good for this decision was the scenic beauty of the lakes (Topaz and Mono) and the Sierra Mountains, some still with snow. The Bad was the four or five (who remembers how many) construction zones, all of which were one-lane, resulting in waits for pilot cars.

The Ugly was state routes 158 and 266. Starting as simple two-lane country, first 158 and later 266 turned into narrow, curvy rolling roads. Now, I don’t mind these kinds of roads one bit. In fact, I’ve always enjoyed that kind of driving. Barb, of the other hand hates narrow roads with curves, can’t see the bottom drop offs and big elevation changes.

Once on US 95, we had a good ride on a mix of two and four lane roads. In Beatty we paused at the Stage Coach Hotel & Casino for a much need rest break and managed to avoid the slots of the way out.

Down the road Barb relieved me at the wheel for about 20 minutes, which was Good as I was getting a little sleepy. During this part of the drive, we finalized our plan for dinner at Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, before checking into our motel. Plugged the address into the GPS and off we went through Las Vegas. The next 20 minutes was Ugly, with mid-afternoon traffic and missed turns. My Lady in The Dash (LITD) was kept busy getting me back on course.

The Bad sprang up again when the LITD deposited us at a checkered flag and announced we had reached our destination. It was now up to us to find the restaurant in a Mall Maze. The Good was we managed to find our dinner spot in spite of walking around in 111-degree heat.

And the last Ugly of the day was Barb’s dinner. What she ordered was a pulled pork sandwich. What she got was a pulled pork sandwich without a bun. When she asked “what gives” she was told she had ordered the lunch portion and the lunch portion doesn’t come with a bum. When she pointed out that sandwich usually means bun, they brought her one.

Had we thought about it earlier, we would probably have driven home tonight, but instead we are in another motel. I suspect we be up early tomorrow and be home by noon.

457 miles today

Day 11 - Bend, Oregon to Carson City, Nevada

Wanting to be first in line for breakfast at 7:00am, we set the alarm for 6:00. We were ready to leave at 6:19. We’ve been doing this for a long time and are just too fast in the morning.

So, we changed plans and headed South on US 97 to La Pine, Oregon and yet another of Ron’s establishments. Being semi-skilled at ordering at a kiosk we did so and dutifully fill in 101 as our table. Knowing your table number, they usually bring your meal to you. Not so in La Pine. Our table sat 7 feet from the take-out counter and that’s where our breakfast was left with a hearty “Table 101” shouted for all to hear. The clerk, who had seen her share of take-out, couldn’t be troubled to walk 7 feet.

Most times we opt for a left turn onto the Fremont Highway just South of La Pine and we did so today. Fewer cars and trucks and much more scenic makes it the best choice.

Near Silver Lake we passed near the Cowboy Dinner Tree, a restaurant we have visited a few times. It was a 2-hour drive for us, so it was only for special occasions. The Cowboy Dinner Tree has two items on its menu, a 30-ounce top sirloin steak and a whole roasted chicken. That’s it. Of course, salad, soup, a baked potato and dessert are included. So, bring an ice chest and take home-fixings for the next few nights.

Most of the drive was uneventful. Did have a deer run across the road ahead of us, but not close enough for concern. Still some snow on the Southern Cascades and to the West around Reno.

Barb’s only complaint today was no lunch. The route today included taking the Standish Cutoff, which meant we missed a Starbucks and lunch in Susanville, California. However, we did score a very good mocha at a little coffee hut in Lakeview.

The bugs along our route in California were not only large, with ample liquid content, but hit the windshield with a stunningly loud bang. So, our first stop in Carson City was to fill the tank and clean the windshield. Tank was easy, bugs not so much.

Next up was Olive Garden, before even checking in. Did I mention Barb was hungry and I wasn’t far behind. Anyway, once fed we checked in and are now wait for the last full day drive tomorrow to Henderson, Nevada.

422 miles today

Day 10 - Around Bend, Oregon

With a 9:00 am breakfast date, we slept in late and finally loaded the car about 8:00. First stop was Fred’s for gas and then The Original Pancake House to meet with Tom and Sharon. A good hour’s worth of chatter got us caught up and then we were off to do some shopping. Tom and Sharon were among our earliest friends when we retired to Redmond.

Our must buy list for Oregon included Andouille Sausage from Carlton Farms in Carlton, Oregon and Portland Ketchup, from where else but Portland, Oregon. Carlton Farms Andouille is the best ever and, barring an emergency, the only one we use. As for the Ketchup, it’s from Oregon, so organic of course and contains sugar, cloves, onion, allspice, cayenne and more. Good stuff.

So, our first stop was Newport Market, when we managed three packages of sausage and two bottles of Ketchup. Realizing we had a little extra room in the ice chest a second stop was made at Market Of Choice for one more package. Four packages, two bottles and shopping was done. On our way out there was Tom and Sharon with their bag of groceries. A short conversation later we headed out on a 38-mile drive to Prineville for a Starbucks.

With a mocha in hand and lots of time before we could check in, we decided on a drive up the Crooked River to Bowman Dam. The Crooked River was a favorite fly-fishing spot in my Oregon days. Beautiful river, easy to wade and fish to catch. Nothing better than standing in the river waving a stick.

I could easily put a fly in this water

For our third night in Bend, we decided on stay at McMenamins Old St. Francis School. McMenamins is a chain of pubs and hotels that the brothers built using old buildings, such as old schools, old hotels and even an old Elks Lodge. Where we are staying was once a Catholic school

They do an outstanding job of rehabbing these old buildings, always building in a lot of special features. For example, here at Old St. Francis School there are a number of different buildings, with guest rooms and bars. In one such building, we took an elevator to the third floor and found the broom closet. Inside there were brooms hanging on the walls of a small, narrow room. I starting pushing and pulling on the brooms and suddenly a part of the wall opened into a very small bar. Pretty neat. Dinner was at McMenamins and very good as unusual.

Tomorrow we start our return home with a drive to Carson City, Nevada.

109 miles today.

Day 9 - Around Bend, Oregon

Up very early (like 5:45) for no apparent reason other than very early to bed. This means a long wait to meet our friends for breakfast at the Moose Sisters at 9:00. Moose Sisters? Yes, we have had a few meals there and all have been very good.

Temperature in Bend today is projected to be 93, while at home in Surprise it will reach 113. No question where I went to be today. And it looks like there may be a monsoon at home, which will bring the humidity to an uncomfortable level.

With no great plans for the day except breakfast, we set out at 8:05. Today we would meet up Neal and Phyllis, two of our oldest friends from the Redmond days. It was really fun to sit down and catch up after six years apart. These two are truly the best of the Greatest Generation.

Next up we headed to Sisters, Oregon, to do a little poking around and play tourist. The drive was a short 19 miles West on US 20. Most of my experience on US 20 in Oregon and Idaho has been mostly a two lane, out in the country road. Little did I know until recently that US 20 stretches from Newport, Oregon to Boston, Massachusetts and at 3,365 miles is one of the longest highways in the US. Anyway, Sisters was a bust. To many cars, to many people and most of the stores we knew from the past had closed. A real bummer.

In short order we headed back, this time on State 126, so we could do a drive by on our old home in Eagle Crest. The house was still there and from the looks of it well cared for by the new owner. Across the street a lady was sitting on her front porch. Barb rolled down the window and waved and in no time we were sitting out on Mike and Susie’s back deck catching up again on six years. We met them in 2002 a couple of years before building our home. Great couple.

Finally found out what all the traffic was about in Redmond. Apparently, we ended up in the middle of a three day of music festival at the Deschutes County fairgrounds. While the 30 or so acts were probably all very good, the traffic was most likely the result of Willie Nelson appearing today. If I was still living in Redmond, I’d be there.

Barb, getting just a little tired of the traffic and crowds, suggested we head off to the River House and have one of their exceptional Bloody Marys. The words were barely out of her mouth and I was plugging the address in to GPS. Minutes later we had A) a window table, B) a view of the Deschutes River and, C) a really great Bloody Mary in hand. Suddenly all was right with the world.

Today we opted for an early dinner and that took us to Pisanos Woodfired Pizza in Tumalo, Oregon. For us, the Diavola pizza is the best pizza ever. Better than any other we have ever had.

When we travel for more than a week, we must have housekeeping days every 7 or 8 days. This usually means doing some laundry, but can also include a car wash, an oil change (really long trips), a haircut and shopping for necessities. Having done as much as 48 days on a trip, we have done all of these and more. Today it is laundry, so while I’m writing this up Barb is somewhen making friends with a washing machine and dryer. Always pays to bring a roll or two of quarters.

Tomorrow is breakfast with old friends from our Eagle Crest days. Other than that, no plans.

86 mile today

Day 8 - Florence, Oregon to Bend, Oregon

Up at 5:55 and on the road at 6:30. First stop was Ron’s place for a breakfast sandwich. We are really getting pretty good at ordering from the kiosk.

First part of the drive was on State 126, which is very scenic, heavily forested, two-lane road winding through the Coast Range mountains. Not a lot of traffic and when there was a passing lane would suddenly appear. Near Eugene, we took the Beltway to Interstate 5 and the end of scenic. On the plus side, all rest stops were open.

Later we were off on Interstate 205 and shortly thereafter at the Willamette National Cemetery. Why a cemetery on vacation? Barb’s parents are buried there, along with two uncles, and we came to pay a visit. With some recent additions, the cemetery covers nearly 308 acres and is currently home to over 188,000 veterans. Barb and I are pre-approved for burial in a National Cemetery and Willamette is a likely spot for us.

Barb's parents

After passing through the town of Boring, and yes, it is, we picked up US 26, which would take over the Cascade Mountains to Central Oregon. Along the way, Mt. Hood, the tallest in Oregon at 11,249 feet, still had snow. Photo was taken with an iPhone while the car was doing about 55 MPH.

A sudden slowdown in traffic had us wondering what was going on until we saw the vehicle off the roadway, upside down and below grade. Had to be some serious injuries there. It was a good 15 minutes before we encountered emergency vehicles headed their way.

The rest of the way into Bend was uneventful. We saw more snow on Mt. Jefferson, Three Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, all of the Three Sisters and Broken Top and the Alpaca ranch in Terrebonne had a number of young ones running around.

We were amazed at the amount of traffic going in Redmond and then between Redmond and Bend. Never saw traffic like the when we lived there.

We have three purchases that must be made before we return home. We checked off the first one on the list when we bought three boxes of food grade kitchen gloves at a really great commercial kitchen store.

Our hotel was at the Old Mill District, an area along the Deschutes River containing high end shops and restaurants. Our problem is that we are here on a Friday and Saturday and the crowds are out in force. Realizing we would never get into a nearby restaurant, we opted for old friend Jackson Corner, where Barb choose a salad and I ended up with a very good pasta dish.

Tomorrow we will have breakfast with friends and then poke around some of our old haunts.

351 miles today

Day 7 - Around Florence, Oregon

Not having a new destination today, we elected for some much-needed sleep and didn’t get up till 8:00. Felt good.

First stop of the day was at Ron’s place for a breakfast sandwich. Not exactly up to Black Bear standards, but we have plans for later in the day.

Walking around the waterfront we were surprised to see most shops didn’t open till 11:00. So, it’s prime tourist time on the Oregon coast and I guess the shops have made enough money to open late. Well, at least River Roasters, our favorite coffee shop in town, was open and ready to give us that day starting shot of caffeine.

By the time we had walked to end of the waterfront and back Kitchen Klutter, our favorite kitchen store, was open. A single, very inexpensive purchase did nothing for the local economy but made Barb happy and making Barb happy is important.

As 11:30 approached we headed to Mo’s Seafood & Chowder. We never miss lunch at Mo’s when in town. We both had a cup of what is the best clam chowder on the coast and split a shrimp appetizer. I can say that both went well with a Bloody Mary.

Back out at the hotel I spent an hour and a half on our deck in a cheap, plastic, poor imitation of an Adirondack chair watching the Pacific Ocean roll onto the beautiful Oregon coast.

Dinner was at the Waterfront Depot and it was excellent. Barb had crab encrusted cod, while I opted for the pasta jambalaya. We would both go back there in heartbeat. After dinner we did what my parents did in the evenings when they lived in Florence and stopped by BJ’s Ice Cream for a waffle cone to go.

Tomorrow we leave the coast and head to Central Oregon.

32 miles today

Day 6 - Eureka, California to Florence, Oregon

A quick continential breakfast at the hotel and 6:53 found us on our way. Well, almost on our way. Six blocks later we had our morning mocha and then were off. Timing was pretty critical today and we were on the road a little earlier than anticipated.

A short drive-up US 101 took us to the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, which is a fancy way of saying “A Drive Through the Redwoods.” We have made this drive several times before, but are always amazed by the size of these giant trees. While only about 10 miles in length, we could spend the better part of a day exploring the various trails if only we had the time.

Coast Redwoods can exceed 300 feet in height and 15 feet or more in circumference. They are the tallest trees in the world. Harvested for lumber the remaining giants are found in small groves in California and Oregon. They are truly stunning when seen up close.

Timing was critical today as we had to arrive at The Crazy Norwegian’s Fish & Chips in Port Orford very close to 11:35. You see, they open at 12:00 and there will be a large group vying for one of the seven tables. We arrived early as planned and were number three in line. We stop here every trip on the coast. The Crazy Norwegian has absolutely the best fish and chips ever. Hands down, no contest the best ever.

Just prior to crossing into Oregon we passed up All Star Liquors, which was a first for us. As I recall, the last time I scored a fine single malt. No worries, I’ll be this way again.

The rest of the drive was uneventful. We did discover Oregon, like California, lacks rest stops. Coos Bay offered up a much-needed rest break as well as some additional traffic.

Our room for the next two nights is adequate, which is exactly what we expected. On the plus side, it is the only place with excellent views of the ocean. Dinner was kind of a bummer. Our favorite place on the coast fell from favor and it was a long fall. I don’t think we will be going back. New place tomorrow night.

Tomorrow we spend the day in Florence. There’s a coffee shop and kitchen store waiting for us, as well as a cup of clam chowder at Moe’s.

285 miles today

Day 5 - Monterey, California to Eureka, California

The plan was to leave Monterey at 8:00 am, but as is usual with us we were up, packed and driving away at 7:00. I don’t know why we always have to get early starts. It’s just in our DNA. Today, however, the early start paid off.

With nothing to eat since yesterday’s lunch, our first priority was finding a decent spot for breakfast and Barb came up with a winner. Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the world, was kind enough to provide us with a Black Bear Diner, which is in our all-time Best Five for Breakfast. The senior menu offered just enough nourishment to last till the anticipated seafood dinner.

The first five or so hours of today’s trip were not good. First, there was numerous stop and go traffic on US 101 from San Jose to Burlingame. During this time, I did have the opportunity to note the vehicle with the greatest propensity to dart from lane to lane was the Tesla.

Then there was driving in San Francisco. US 101 turns into Van Ness and while not exactly downtown, it was something new for me to be in so much traffic, in narrow lanes and with large busses ever so close. We were both surprised by so many Boy Scouts camping out on the sidewalks. The colorful tents and other camping paraphernalia took me back to my own days of scouting.

Lastly, there was the hunt for a Starbucks. This saga began immediately after crossing the San Francisco Bay Bridge. The hunt started in the town of Sausalito and ended in Cloverdale. We searched Sausalito, San Rafael, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg without success. Mind you each of these towns had multiple Starbucks, we just couldn’t find any of them. Not with the car GPS or with the Starbucks App. We were going in circles and I have no doubt that at times we were with 30 feet of our quarry. In Cloverdale our quest came to an end when we found a Sinclair gas station in the same parking lot as a Starbucks. The rest of the drive was, thankfully, uneventful.

When in Eureka we always stay at the same motel for two reasons. First, it’s a nice place and second, they provide a stretch limousine to take us to dinner. Tonight it was The Sea Grill. I like oysters on the half shell and tonight it was Asian Kumamoto, raw, on the half shell, topped with Tobiko caviar, ponzu, lime and siracha. I would definitely do that one again. Barb had scampi and I had scallops. Both were very good. A quick call and the limousine was there to whisk us back.

403 miles today. Oh, by the way, we didn’t really didn't think they were Boy Scouts.

Day 4 - Monterey, California

Started the day much as I remember from my grade school days in Monterey. Dense fog. I’d say it was low tide, but can’t see for sure. Going to be 61° here today, while home is looking to reach a warm 114°. Glad to be where I am.

Last night we requested muffins, mini chocolate croissants, orange juice and coffee, which was delivered promptly as requested at 7:45 am. Did I mention we like staying at the Monterey Bay Inn?

Our first stop was to take a look at the house I lived in some 73 years ago. Still there on Seaview Avenue, but with a little different look as someone has added a partial second floor. Then down David Avenue (where I once waited for the school bus) to take Ocean View Boulevard from bay to ocean. With the fog, most of the drive consisted of assuming there was a view of the ocean. We did pass the Pacific Grove Golf Links, where in a past life I would tag along with my dad as he played.

I thought a drive over to Carmel would be fun. Encountering a heavy dose of traffic and narrow streets we headed back, planning to spend some time at Fisherman’s Wharf. With $15 parking we decided to head back to the hotel and take the free Trolly to the wharf.

Once the Trolly delivered us, we walked the wharf checking out the all the shops, finding more trinkets and t-shirts and looking over the posted restaurant menus. Although many looked good, we decided on the one at the very end of the wharf, where we had lunched years ago. Excellent clam chowder, very good fish and chips and so-so shrimp cocktail. The Monterey Wheat beer was perfectly cloudy and very good.

Back at the hotel we rested up a little and decided to pass on dinner tonight. This is only day four and I’m already fearing the return to diet status upon returning home.

Later we took one last walk-up Cannery Row, stopping at Tidal Coffee for a small Flat White and Mocha. Both were excellent. While enjoying our drinks and the warmth of a sunny afternoon, a group of medics passed by going to a lower patio. Curious, we snuck a look and saw that they were working on someone. It appeared they were taking out the paddles, which is never a good sign. As we walked back to the hotel an ambulance complete with lights and siren was headed to the scene.

All in all, another fun and relaxing day. Tomorrow we are off to Eureka, California.

23 miles today

Day 3 - Paso Robles, California to Monterey, California

Started the day with breakfast at the motel and it was actually pretty good. After loading the car, we had to stop at a Walmart to replace a worn phone charging cable. Then it was a Starbucks mocha to share and North on US 101.

Only a 2+ hour drive today, but what a nice short drive it was. For the first hour it was nothing but miles and miles of vineyards rolling over hill and dale. Later we moved on to cabbage, pimento, lettuce and a bunch of stuff we couldn’t identify. There was even one small field of corn.

A 10-minute stop at a grocery market in Salinas provided a quick walk about and a much need rest stop. California’s budget woes must be responsible for all the rest areas being closed. Bummer if you start the day with a coffee drink.

Salinas to Monterey is a short drive with a lot of traffic, especially on Sunday. With the short drive we were way too early to check in, like 5 hours too early. Our hotel is right on Cannery Row, so after pre-registration it was off to explore and find lunch.

In its heyday, Cannery Row was known for the canning of sardines and Monterey was made famous by several John Steinbeck novels, including Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday. Alas, while having several fine hotels and restaurants, Cannery Row has become the land of trinkets and t-shirts.

We decided on a lunch of a cup of clam chowder and sharing fish and chips, which we both rated as very good. Plus, we had a great window table with a fine view of the bay. The rest of the walkabout was a bust, with us finally returning to the car and resting until our room was ready. Resting for me was an afternoon nap.

We have stayed at the Monterey Bay Inn before, but this time was a little different with a bottle of 2020 Merlot waiting to help celebrate our anniversary. Dinner was at Schooners Monterey and it was a great experience. Very good food and a very good dessert and champagne courtesy of the restaurant for our anniversary.

124 miles today

Day 2 - Barstow, CA to Paso Robles, CA

Breakfast at Black Bear Diner and on the road at 8:06 for an easy drive westbound on State Highway 85. Along the way we passed Boron, California, where over one million tons of refined borates are produced every year. You may not know it, but borates are used in many products around the home.

Further on we passed Edwards Air Force Base and the Tehachapi Loop, where trains pass over themselves while climbing up over the mountains. We also encountered at least 1,000 or more wind turbines, of which a dozen or so were turning. Guess it’s time to start up the coal fueled plants.

It seems that almost every time I buy a new Apple product, they have changed connectors, which means the unit I use to download photos from camera to iPad no longer works. Took a chance in Bakersfield and checked Best Buy. Lucky me, they had the part. Now maybe I’ll be able to add photos now and then.

Rest of the drive to Paso Robles was pretty easy, except for some traffic near the end. Since it was too early to check in, we decided to visit Eberle Winery. Tasted eight wines and decided to join their wine club. Six bottles will be sent twice a year and we have a bunch of nice perks on our annual visit. Made a nice anniversary present for Barb.

The nice lady we worked with at the winery told us about the best restaurant in town and went to far as to call the owner and get us reservations to sit at the bar for dinner. What a great meal. Had to been in our all-time top three. And sitting at the bar gave us a prime view of the three chefs. A real treat.

We started the trip with a full tank of gas and 639 miles later I filled up in Paso Robles. Maybe that large gas tank is why it costs so much to fill up.

The day started hot and only got hotter. We are really looking forward to cooler weather in Monterey.

280 miles today

Day 1 - Home to Barstow, California

Well, after years of only being able to take a few days at a time to travel, we are finally on the road again. This time we are headed for Monterey, California to celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. We will follow that up with a drive up the California and Oregon coast. After living in Arizona for the last six years, we intend to feast on seafood along the way. Then it's over to Bend, Oregon for a few days before heading home.

With a short travel day ahead of us, we didn't leave the house till 7:53 (that's a late start for us.) Our first problem of the day was our direction of travel took us was away from all local Starbucks. Bummer. But we headed West on Interstate 10 dodging trucks and the usual would be race car drivers. 132.5 miles later we found the often-visited Starbucks in Blythe, California. Sharing a Grande Mocha and all was right with the world.

Taking US 95 North out of Blythe was great for about 35 miles, with peak-a-boo views of the Colorado River trying to offset a lot of mostly dead palm trees. After that we ran into a lot of truck traffic, which on a two-lane road slowed us down considerably. Ok, we weren't in a hurry today.

Lunch was to be at a Subway in Needles, But I decided I didn't like the looks of the place and accidently ended up on Westbound Interstate 40. Five miles later we were able to reverse course and ended up having lunch at the Wagon Wheel restaurant. Great place. Outstanding club sandwich and onion rings. Leaving Needles on Interstate 40 was again something like a truck parking lot. And it was hot. 116 degrees hot. By the time we got to our overnight stop in Barstow temps were down around 110. A real cooling trend.

Along the way we found that the Historic Route 66 has been renamed, at least in California, to the National Trails Highway. Think I'll stick with Route 66.

A good deal of the afternoon conversation centered around where to have dinner. After the lunch we had it was decided to have something lite, like maybe soup or a bowl of chili. When we checked into the motel, they gave us some Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies and two bottles of water. Those added to the two hard-boiled eggs we brought along made a dinner of sorts. The decision has already been made for Black Bear Dinner tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow we are off to Paso Robles, which means wine country and one step closer to the coast.

402 miles today