Day 15 - Henderson, Nevada to Home

Well, all good trips must come to an end and the end of this trip started at 5:35. I'm beginning to think it's always dark at that hour. Anyway, there was an IHOP next door and since I have many Pancoins with which to buy Barb free pancakes, that was our first stop.

Staying in Henderson put us South of Las Vegas and that gave us pretty light traffic. The new Interstate 11 is a great drive. Currently only in Nevada, it will someday extend from Nogales, Arizona to the Canadian border. With environmental groups jumping in with lawsuits progress has slowed. Construction started in 2015 and 54 miles have been completed.

Most of the day was spent on Highway 93, with the first 25 or so miles being very scenic. After that, not so much. We were surprised to see an actual Starbucks at the Terrible's White Hills Roadhouse, in White Hills, Arizona. We passed and continued to Kingman, Arizona for Starbucks and a little walk around.

After a short drive on Interstate 40, continued on 93 to Wickenburg, Arizona. Hoping for the best, there are signs on this section of 93 announcing it will be part of Interstate 11. Wishful thinking say I.

At Wickenburg we contined on US 60 to Loop 303 and then out the Parkway to home, where we were greated with a 112 degree tempreture. Fortunetly, we had an App on our phone to crank up the AC after leaving Henderson.

All in all, it was a great two weeks. Barb's 60th reunion was a lot of fun and we got to visit with a few good friends in Redmond. The California and Oregon coasts treated us to seafood and we filled an ice chest with some Oregon treats.

270.7 miles today and 3446.7 miles for the trip.

Day 14 - Carson City, Nevada to Henderson, Nevada

Well, we were both very tired yesterday and headed for bed about 7:45. Strangely, we were up at 4:30, dressed and had loaded the car by 5:05. By the way, it's dark at that time. Stopped at Ron's place, Starbucks and Shell for fuel and headed East on Highway 50.

Initially, the drive was easy, in spite of the darkness. Apparently not a lot of people are up at that hour. A short ways down the highway the sun started to rise in the East. I had forgotton about that bit of nighttime vs daytime until cresting a hill and being blinded by a large yellow orb.

Today's warning signs included cattle, horses, angry bulls, big horn sheep, mules (maybe donkeys, I don't know the difference) all on or near the roadway. Travel today took us past three military instalations. Fallon Naval Air Station, home of Top Gun, the Navy's premier air combat training facility. Hawthrone Army Depot is a 147,000 acre ammunation storage facility. Creech Air Force base from where pilots remotely fly drones such as the MQ-9 Raaper.

Most of our time today saw spent on Highway 95, which is home to many small towns. There's not much that can be said about most. The Angel's Lady Brothel stands out on the North side of Beatty. Although closed in 2014, the sign remains prominent beside the highway. Goldfield hosts the International Car Forest, where 29 cars are planted vertically in the ground. We have not visited, nor do we intend to, so no photos of the forest. Amargosa Valley offers up the Area 51 Alien Center. I offer up this photo as proof of its existance.

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And now for today's excitment. About 3:30 in the afternoon, we were doing about 70 MPM (in a 70 MPH zone) on a good two lane highway, when i noticed an oncoming car in my lane. The car was trying to pass a semi, but had no chance of doing so before meeting the Jeep head-on. My inital reaction was hitting the brakes hard and beginning a move toward the right shoulder. Things got a bit dicey when the other car also headed toward the same shoulder. I quickly corrected and moved back into my lane and watched as the other passed by noisily on the gravel. The whole incident was captured on the dash cam. The dash cam is a little over a year old and has captured three incidents.

The rest of the drive was uneventful, except for the traffic in Las Vegas and Henderson. Tomorrow we haed home.

455.7 miles today.

Day 13 - Redmond, Oregon to Carson City, Nevada

Long day (for us) so we were up early and off to Ron's and Starbucks for fuel. This is exactly the stops we made in August, 2017, when we left Oregon for our new home in Arizona.

Once in town, we headed South on Highway 97 through Bend and down to just past La Pine, Oregon. The route taken by most would be Highway 97 to Klamath Falls, Oregon and then Susanville, California. We choose to take the road less traveled. Just past La Pine we took Highway 31 through Summer Lake and and Paisley to Highway 395 at Valley Falls. This has always been a great 120 mile drive to avoid traffic, especially trucks. Today I passed no one and was only passed four times. Two pickup trucks, a BMW and an Audi were the speeders.

After entering California at New Pine Creek (yes, that's a town), we stopped at the Java Doc in Alturas, California for more fuel and then took the Standish Cutoff, avoiding Susanville and saving time. From there it was Highway 395 through Reno, Nevada, to our overnight in Carson City, Nevada.

Only a few things to mention today:

From our turn after La Pine to the outskits of Reno there were cattle. Lots of cattle. Large herds and small herds. Cattle on the move and cattle at rest.

In the small town of Silver Lake, Oregon, is the Cowboy Dinner Tree restaurant. There are only two choices on the menu, both of which come with salad, rolls and cowboy beans. The two choices are a 30 ounce cowboy cut top sirloin or a whole roasted chicken. That's it. We made the two and a half hour drive from Redmond twice. You don't get a take out box here, you bring an ice chest.

Rest stops were few and far inbetween and only one was decent. Expecting the same tomorrow.

This was a quiet 455.7 miles day and we really needed a quite drive. Tomorrow we overnight in Henderson, Nevada.

Day 12 - Around Redmond, Oregon

Out and headed for breakfast at 7:20. Went to The Original Pancake House again for two reasons. First, a great breakfast, with the best extra crispy bacon. Yes Steve, this is the best you can find.

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Second, we wanted to say hi to Crystal, one of the servers we have known for many years. It was good to see her and her daughter, who is now working there.

Next we took one of our old time drives to Prineville, Oregon. A 26 mile drive, which was added to by taking back country roads. Beautiful farmland, with a lot of cattle, a few sheep and lots of hay. If we were younger, a lot younger, ten acres would be perfect.

Stopped for a Starbucks before heading up Highway 27, along the Crooked River. The Crooked is a tailwater fishery and I did most of my fly fishing there a few hundred yards below Bowman Dam. This is a very pretty drive, with the river in view most of the time. Some views are just better than others.

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This view is from the top of Bowman Dam. That little white dot is some guy fly fishing my spot.

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Leaving the Crooked River behind, we headed West and I was able to get this photo. This is Broken Top mountain, which I mentioned yesterday as being appropiately named. And yes it is.

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We continued to Bend to finish our grocery shopping. First up was Market Of Choice, where we picked up three packages of Carlton Farms sausage and some marionberry muffins for breakfast tomorrow. The sausages are very, very good and available only in Oregon, so we stockup when visiting. Next was Newport Market, where Barb scored a couple of jars of Marionberry Preserves. Like the sausage, Marionberries are an Oregon product, so they are also on our list.

We went around and around most of the day on where to have dinner. Many possibilities were put forward, reviewed, debated and discarded. By 3:30 we were faced with the possibility of starvation. In truth, we probably could have lasted a few days, but with a full day drive ahead Barb finally in desperation suggested Baldies BBQ. Having eaten at Baldies many times in a past life, it received a unanimous vote in favor and we were off. Two BBQ pork sandwitches (one with slaw the other with toast) later we were back in our room getting packed to head home.

225 miles today.

Day 11 - Around Redmond, Oregon

Slept in a little today, so didn't leave till about 7:44. Coffee and a split bagel for breakfast at the hotel and then a real coffee from Starbucks. Safeway gave us two more bottles of Portland Ketchup, one destined for a friend at home. There are still several food items on the grocery list that are only available in Oregon.

Taking a drive around Redmond, we were amazed at the growth. Population sign says over 38,000 hardy, which is 15,000 plus more then when we arrived in 2004. Downtown had added a number of new restaurants to feed the growing population.

At 10;00 we headed back to Eagel Crest for brunch with long time friends, who were neighbors for many years. Good time catching up since our last visit in 2023.

After lunch were took a drive out highway 126 to Sisters, Oregon, for a look around. The best I can remember is it's still a good tourist town. Back to Bend on Highway 20, I remembered a Mountain View Point and stopped to offer up the tollowing.

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These are the Three Sisters Mountains. They are named, from left to right, South Sister, Middle Sister and North Sister. At some point in time, creativity was lacking in those tasked with naming mountains. Nearby are Broken Top and Three Fingered Jack, mountains with appropriate names.

Two reasons for taking Highway 20 back. First, a stop at Riverhouse Lodge for a Bloody Mary. This is a must for us every time in town. Super Bloody Mary and nice view overlooking the Deschutes River. Second, another must stop at Bargreen Ellingson Restaurant Supply for box of food grade gloves. Both were accomplished.

Back in Redmond we took an early dinner at Diego's Spirited Kitchen, a favorite while living in and after leaving Redmond. Coconut Prawns appetizer and followed by Chicken Fajitas made a great meal as usual. Diego's has always been a go to restaurant for us.

Last item on our to do list today was a visit with a very, very good friend Phyllis. Always fun to sit down with a wonderful lady.

Tomorrow we have a full day,including taking a favorite drive in the country and grocery shopping.

92.5 miles today.

Day 10 - Sandy, Oregon to Redmond, Oregon

Up and on our way at 7:11. First stop Safeway for a Starbucks and pastry. Second stop a closed weigh station for breakfast.

Three ways to get to Redmond: Continue on Highway 26, through Hood River and The Dalles or through Maupin. Hood has too much traffic, The Dalles is to out of the way, so we took the Wapinita Highway to Maupin and then Highway 197 to Madras.

Madres is a small town on the Deschutes River. It has a really great fly shop and there is a lot of rafting done on this part of the river.

Deschutes River from the bridge at Maupin

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First stop in redmond was the Original Pancake House for late breakfast/lunch combinatin. When living in Redmond, this was the breakfast place for us. They have by far the best bacon ever, which they say comes out of Montana. Next up was a trip out to the Terrebonne Pioneer Cemetery. We had hoped to see the grave of our very good friend Neil, who recently passed away, but both gates were locked and neither of us felt like climbing the fence.

Since it was close by, we drove over to Smith Rocks. This is a very rugged area for climbing and hiking. And it is not easy for either. These photos are the start of the hiking trail.

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Crooked River below Smith Rocks

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After a stop at Fred Meyer to pick up some much needed water we explored (sometimes called just driving around) old haunts in Redmond waiting for our room to be ready. Needing to lighten up a little on our eating, we split a good club sandwitch.

Tomorrow we have a pretty full day visiting friends and taking care of a little personal business.

218.7 miles today.

Day 9 - Around Sandy, Oregon

Sleeping much later than usual (and better), we had breakfast and then off to Fred Meyer to pick a bottle of wine for tonight. Took a drive West on Mount Hood Highway and then up McCabe Road to where Barb lived growing up. Her old home has been torn down and a new one built. Lots of change when you come back sixty years later. Then it was hanging out till the 1:00 start time of the gathering.

The reunion get together turned out great. Lots of pictures from days gone by and many people Barb didn't recognize. Great layout of food and lots of conversation. Fun time. Later after class photos were taken a number of us adjoured to the bar for a little liquid enjoyment and more old times.

Back at the motel, we are preparing for a little get togehter later on. Since I will probably not make it back in time to finish this entry, I will post it and that's all for today.

Tomorrow we head to Redmond, Oregon for a three day visit.

31.1 miles today.

Day 8 - Lake Oswego, Oregon to Sandy, Oregon

Up and on the road at 7:48. First stop about a hundred yards away at a one of the nicest Chick-Fil-A we have ever seen. A couple of great breakfast sandwiches and then a stop for gas. Still had ninety plus miles left, so only got 528.3 on this tank.

South on Interstate 5, then North on Interstate 205 to Foster Road. A right turn there took us to Willamette National Cemetery. We visited with Barb's folks and drove past were two uncles are buried. This is a very beautiful setting and if we still lived in Oregon this is were we would be buried, but we aready have reservation at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

We got to Sandy way too early, like about five hours too early. Stopped at Fred Meyer, walked the aisles to get some steps in and left with a bottle of Portland Ketchup (very, very good ketchup) and a pack of razors. Next up was Cliftside Cemetery to visit with a number of Barb's aunts, uncles and grandparents. One must remember Barb was raised in this part of Oregon (on a strawberry farm) and had lots of relatives around.

In an effort to waste more time we stopped at a Subway and split a six inch sub for lunch and then drove out to Mountain View Golf Course, where the reunion will be tomorrow. Back at the motel we still had a half hour, but what the heck we have nothing but time.

Been to a little gathering with a few of Barb's classmates. Too late at night and too much wine. To be continued.

Well, that was a fun evening. Started off having dinner with some of Barb's old high school friends and then the group moved to one of the participants room at the motel. Old friends Wine, Jack Daniels, Blue Label and others also joined in. For obvious reasons, nearly all the conversation centered on classmates. Many questions about the past were answered, while a few were left hanging. Since this was the 60th reunion, there was some talk of who was no longer with them. All in all a good time.

A short 29 miles today.

Day 7 - Florence, Oregon to Lake Oswego, Oregon

Up and on the road at XXX. Our plan was to have breakfast at the Old World Gingerbread Village in Mapleton, Oregon. Been there serveral times and good food. Barb checked their webpage and they would open at 7:00. Perfect. Made the 35 minute drive up the Siuslaw River to find "Closed" and "For Sale" signs. So we made the one hour plus drive through the small towns, and I do mean small, of Rainrock, Deadwood and Low Pass to Ron's in Junctiom City, Oregon. And to make matter worse, no Starbucks for nearly two hours.

Today must be plowing day in the Willamette Valley. Everywhere dust billowing high into the air as farmers prepared the land for the next crop. We did see quite a bit of corn growing and other green stuff we couldn't identify.

Once on Interstate 5 North, we found traffic has increased considerably since we left the West side of the mountains thirty years ago. We were too early to check in, so headed to Washington Square for a little window shopping and scored a box of peanut brittle from See's Candy for the drive home from Redmond.

Did manage to check in early. On the sixth floor of the Hilton Garden Inn and the view is nothing but green trees. Light green, dark green, pine trees, maple trees and no cactus. If it wasn't for the taxes, crime, politics and rain we could live here.

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I want to mention something a litle strange that happened a couple of days ago. I'm stopped looking at the giant Paul Bunyon when a guy pulls up beside where I'm parked. We staart talking and when he says he is traveling I asked from where. He says Arizona. I say that's where I live. He says Buckeye. I say me too and in Sun City Festival. He says me too. Turns out we live a couple of blocks apart. That in the middle of nowhere California.

Dinner was at John Barleycorns pub, which is one of many McMenamins pubs in Oregon and Washington. We had a great visit With our son Jeff and daughter-in-law Anita and finally had a no seafood meal.

Tomorrow we are off to Sandy, Oregon, for Barb's 60th high school reunion.

Day 6 - Around Florence, Oregon

Off to the Brown Hen for breakfast at 6:43 for what will probably be our only meal there. Then a quick stop at Safeway for some cold medicine (just in case) and a Starbucks.

When we travel there will be a houskeeping day every so often. A housekeeping day may be doing a load of wash, getting a haircut, an oil change for the car or shopping for something we forgot to pack. Today it was doing load of wash and the cold medicine. We opted for the 37th Street Coin Laundry & Shower, which had some pretty hefty equipmant.

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This guy is about five feet tall and takes in quarters like a slot machine. His big brother The Dryer consumes a quarter every four minutes. This is a hungry pair and there are about forty of them. While you clothes are being taken care of you can shower at the rate of four dollars for eight minutes. No charge for the towel.

Lunch was back at Driftwood Shores and for once wasn't seafood. A really good trukey wrap was a nice change, but I suspect we will be looking at fish and chip's for dinner. Right now, Barb is resting and I'm writing.

Well, it was back to Moe's, where we shared fish and chips. I added a cup of clam chowder and Black Butte Porter (thanks Jeff for reminding me of that oil spill.) After dinner Barb forced me to Dairy Queen so she could have a cone. Oh, and I had a Butterfinger Blizzard. Back at the hotel we did some packing for heading for an overnight in Lake Oswego, OR.

Sunset on the Oregon coast

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55.7 miles today.

Day 5 - Eureka, California to Florence, Oregon

On the road at 6:46, After a quick breakfast at the motel. Managed four blocks down Highwaay 101 before stopping at Starbucks to fuel up.

I checked CALTRANS last night for road work on 101 and found five projects. Worries were for naught, as delays were minimal. However, the two areas where it looked like the roadbed had fallen away may have been exciting for Southbound drivers.

Light fog or low clouds, I don't know which, hung around for a few hours and then mostly sunny for the rest of the day. Temperatures hung out in the 60's, with wind going from mild to screw your hat on.

Yesterday I was pretty bummed for missing a certain road with a very big Redwood tree. Thought I had another shot at it today, but it was truly missed. Anyway, we ended up dong a drive through Prairie Creek Redwood State Park and got to see some really large old trees. Not the largest tree, but at least big.

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And speaking of big things, how about this at the Trees of Mystery.

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Driving either North of South on Highway 101, we always plan to hit Port Orford at 11:45 to be first (or at least third) in iine for the 12:00 opening of The Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips. Some of the best ever. Alas, Crazy is closed on Tuesdays. While I drove, Barb worked Google and found the The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest in Bandon, Oregon. Today it became our new goto lunch stop on the coast. Barb had some of the best Fish & Chips (not armor plated like the other night), while I worked my through some pan fried oysters. We shared a bowl of good as Barb's clam chowder.

At the moment, while I'm writing the blog I'm also following the news on the possible tsunami. Usually this wouldn't be a concern, but this is the view from the deck where we will be staying to two days.

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Anyway, we made it to Florence and after checking in headed down to the waterfrot for a walkaround. A quick trip through Kitchen Klutter identified a few items for purchase tomorrow and then hit Moe's for a little dinner and with that our day ended.

Tomorrow we spend the day around Florence.

286.7b miles today.

Day 4 - Rohnert Park to Eureka, California

On the road at 6:43, for a short 10 minute drive to Santa Rosa. There we paid a visit to Ron's Place and Starbucks to fuel up for another day.

Continuing North on Highway 101 Vinyards once again dominated the landscape, some covering multiple acres while others were no larger than a home lot. Eventually necessary growing conditions must have given out and cattle took over. A dairy made us suspect there were more cattle than met the eye.

After living in Arizona for the last eight years, it was easy on the eyes to see trees. Big green trees and lots of them. Before reaching Garberville, we passed through the Richardson Grove of Redwood trees, which is the start of the really big trees. Later we left Highway 101 to drive the Avenue of the Giants. Big trees, very impressive.

Leaving early and a short drive got us to Eureka before noon. Way too early. Barb found a place for lunch, so we backtracked a few miles to Gills By The Bay, out on King Salmon Slough. The owner could be named Gill, but if the name was chosen because it's a seafood restaurant then I say well done! Barb had clam chowder, while I had to make do with some really good deep fried oysters.

Still early, we took a little drive and stopped for gas before heading for our over night stay. With several gallons left, did 571.6 miles since last filled, so happy with the mileage the Jeep is getting. And again $4.99 a gallon.

Dinner tonight was at Cafe Waterfront, where we have dined several times before. As in the past, transportation to and from was by limo, which comes with the Best Western, where we stay. Barb had a really great shrimp Louie, while I opted for a half dozens Kumamoto oysters on the half shell and shrimp scampi. All was excellent. Can't wait to get home and diet.

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Tomorrow we are off to Florence, Oregon for two days.

Day 3 - Paso Robles to Rohnert Park, California

Well, today started very, very early. Ask me sometime and I'll tell you about our stay in Paso Robles. Yesterday I forgot to mention filling up with gas in Paso Robles. Bad news $4.99 gallon. Good news we drove 611.8 miles on the first tank. Now to day 3.

We drove off shrouded in fog. Not enough to cause trouble driving, but enough to keep the wipers working. After liberatng a mocha from the freindly barista we headed North on highway 101. This is wine country, but what is visable is grapes. Vinyards stretch for miles and miles in all directions. Some are will tended, pruned and weed free. Others not so much. I'll take my wine from the first group.

Down the highway we passed Camp Roberts. Currently an Army reserve base, it was an Army training center during WW II. It was there that Barb's dad met Red Skelton, while they were being introduced to life "Army Style."

Further on vinyards gave way to conventional farming. Various shades of green spread out from both sides of the highway. Of the many crops, we think we were able to identify one. It was cabbage, maybe.

Those darn pump jacks showed up again, while every once in awhile a wind turbine or two appeared.

We did notice today quite a difference between the way some people live. In the vinyards and wineries, we saw mostly large beautiful homes, while in the farmland there were mostly small modest homes. I suppose that's like comparing a $30.00 bottle of Pinot and a $1.29 head of Bibb lettuce.

GPS said we would arrive for our overnight in Rohnert before noon, which is way too early. So, leaving the Lady in the Dash behind, we took Interstate 280 North and then West on State Route 92 to Half Moon Bay. Heading North on State Route 1, we were back in the fog again, but not enough to keep the Pacific Ocean from view.

Back on Interstate 280 and then State Route 1, we were slowed by stop and go traffic in San Francisco, before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. From there it was pretty much an easy drive into Rohnert Park. We were able to check in early and then had lunch at Sourdough & Company.

There was a question as to where to eat dinner tonight. Choices were the restaurant here at the hotel or XX. Hotel had a big advantage because we didn't have to drive and they had fish and chips. The XX had a big advantage because they had fish and chips and a bunch of other great choices, like oysters. Unfortunently the hotel won out. Barb had Caesar salad with chicken, while I had the fish and chips. My meal was horrible. The batter was a very dark brown and thick. Had to cut it with a knife. Barb's was ok, except the chicken was in big chunks instead of slices. When the watress asked how everything was, I told it was the worst fish and chips I had ever had. The fish should have a light coating of batter rather than armor. She apparently conferred with someone above her pay grade and our meal was no charge. I did leave her a good tip.

Good day for driving, only 277.8 miles. Tomorrow we are off to Eureka, California.

Day 2 - Barstow, California to Paso Robles, California

After a quick breakfast at the hotel, which was excellent for a change, we were on the road at 7:19. First stop was about two blocks down the road for a Starbucks, then it was onto Interstate 15 for a short time beforea taking State 58 West.

State 58 is a lonely highway, especialy since then new relocated highway skirts small towns like Boron and Kramer Junction. Lots of open space, with only an occasional dwelling showing up. I just can't understand how anyone can live out in the middle of the dessert with nothing around and miles from stores. But, then I've never had thoughts of becomming a hermit.

Nearing Mojave we began to see in the distance the start of California's triumphant Green Energy Save The World project. The first to show up were the wind turbins. Dozens, no hundreds of them crawling across the the Tehachapi Mountains. Some turning, some not turning (laggards) and some tuning at different speeds (which seemed odd.) Once down the west side of the mountains the solar farms started. Determined to surpass the turbins, they spread in all directions. Once past Bakersfield there was a forrest of pump jacks, which should be scorned and banned from the earth.

Interstate 5 took us North to Lost Hills, which apparently had been found because there it was. Continuing West, we reached our not quite final destination, which was Eberle Winery. We tasted a few, bought a few and met Matt, who normally ships wine, but today was in charge of BBQ. Barb talks with Matt several times a year when she wants to change our order. Matt is very acconmodating and does a great BBQ.

Our next stop was Sirena Vinetard and Resort, where we would spend the night. Of course we tasted wine, afterall it is a winery. And a rather good champagne required another purchase. The place we are staying resembles something your might find on a Greek isle.

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Later we headed downtown for diner at The Catch. I called two months ago for a reservation to be sure we sat at the counter and could watch the two cooks do their thing. What a a show. The calamari steak appetizer was excellent, as were both dinners.

Very good day today. Short drive, good wine and good food. Tomorrow is another fairly short drive to Rohnert Park, California, for another stay at a winery.

Day 1 - Home to Barstow, California

Out of the house and on the road at 9:07. That's a couple of hours later than usual, but we didn't want to arrive at our destination too early.

The first day for us is usually driving to somewhere to start of our trip. First days just are not that exciting and today was no exception.

The first two hours were to be spent driving West on Interstate 10 to Blythe, Ca;ifornia. Eleven miles of stop and go road construciton ran that out to about two and half hours. No problem, Starbucks was still there in Blythe and a mocha made things better.

Wanting to avoid anything near Las Angeles (for both traffic and politics), we dsregarded the lady in the dash and took US 95 North to Needles, California. US 95 is a two lane, roller coaster road that at times parallels the Colorado river. There must be significant floods in the area, as the highway had more dips for water to cross than I could count. At Needles we headed West on Interstate 40, which was a much better highway to drive then I10.

Our stay in Barstow, California was a repeat at the Hampton Inn. Nice room, nice location and near Chili's, where we shared some very good Fajitas for two.

Tomorrow we are off to Paso Robles to taste and possibly purchase wine.

377.5 miles today. About our limit anymore.