November 27 - Sunday: We were planning on leaving our motel at 6:30am and arriving at Mason and Jenny's house at 8 - just in time for breakfast. We woke up early and decided to leave at 5:30. It was 46 degrees and very dark but dry. There was the smallest of a crescent moon which we like so well. The traffic on the other hand was not something we cared for. It was amazing the amount of traffic so early in the morning. We took yet another new route to Mason and Jenny's house - this time following the delta almost the entire way after leaving I5. It was interesting but wasn't able to enjoy it so much as it was still dark.
Arrived at their house at 7am. Jenny and Emma were the only ones up. We visited, helped make breakfast and drank coffee. The others - including Pat and Erika, who had spent the night - started getting up and more catching up. Good family time.
After breakfast Pat and Erika left to go home and the rest of the day was spent visiting. GrampaG was a big hit by reading to Emma and Molly. Was wonderful being with family. To bed early.
November 28 - Monday: Up and at 'em at 6:30. It was a big day. Emma was receiving her first award at school - perfect attendance for the first trimester of her first year of school. Leather house at 7:20, got Emma to class and then we went to the multi purpose room until the assembly started at 8:15.
Was nice. The principal seemed very in tuned with the students. The motto of Iron House School is: R. I. P. S. respect, integrity, perseverance and strength.
After the assembly we went to Jenny's. Jenny and Karen started on Thanksgiving dinner while GrampaG and Molly played. It was great. GrampaG was the "giant dog" and Molly's best friend.
After getting Emma from school at 11:45 we ate lunch. The girls and GramaG had quiet time while Jenny and GrampaG looked at pictures. They also rested some. Emma wanted to do something outside so she and GramaG took a walk while Jenny and Chuck straightened up a little. There is a levey by their house and it gives a great view of the western horizon. Emma and GramaG watched the sunset. Was fun time for everyone. Then it was finish dinner and enjoy turkey and all the trimmings. Great family time. Again off to bed early as their day starts early.
November 29 - Tuesday: We had checked the weather for Klamath and it said snow for Wednesday so we decided to come home. We had had enough snow. Left at 7:30 when Jenny left to take Emma to school. It was 42 degrees and clear.
The trip to Klamath was very uneventful and we were thankful. We were a little surprised at the amount of truck traffic on US97. We don't often travel on Tuesday around noon so maybe it is normal. We pulled into our driveway at 2:20pm. Trip over. It was good to be home.
CHALLENGE: TOTAL MILES DRIVEN - 9984. I though it would be over 10,000. CHICK was the closest with 9971.3 - and she was VERY close.
Thank you all for following. Hope it was enjoyable and informative. IT IS GOOD TO BE HOME!
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
201161130: Notes from the Navigator
Throughout the past couple of months Karen has written the notes of our daily experiences. I would occasionally add thoughts or clarifications, but Karen covered each day very well.
Even now as I sit here in my recliner at home I find it hard to believe that we actually did this. So often we talk about taking a trip, or even a drive over the mountains to Medford, a mere 80 miles away, and quickly talk ourselves out of it. But here we are – 9000+ miles and innumerable experiences later pondering so very much. We met many great people throughout the trip, from hotel employees, transit workers and riders, park rangers and guides, and other tourists.
Beyond the initial planning the trip seemed to be broken into three distinct parts: sightseeing, historical, and returning.
Sightseeing
Amtrak to Milwaukie was interesting, especially watching the transition from the mountainous Glacier National Park region of Montana to the flat eastern prairie. The Upper Penninsula of Michigan was great. Water falls, lighthouses, and the incredible Pictured Rocks of southern Lake Superior. Then onto Niagara Falls, and the northeast.
We hadn't actually planned the trip in attempts to view the fall colors, but we certainly did see much. Upstate New York around Lake Champlain nothing like what we saw a few weeks later around New York City. The Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire was as colorful as we could ever dream of.
The Canadian Maritime provinces were vast. We both agree that Nova Scotia was our favorite. We were taken back with each gas fillup in Canada. Since their gas pumps are not 'chip-enabled' we would just fillup, and then go into the convenience store and pay the cashier – a level of trust we just don't see often in the states.
Historical
We hear so much about the historical roots of the United States being centered in the east, and rightly so. But with three major wars – Revolutionary, 1812, and Civil – we often came away feeling perplexed. Now which time period was this? Williamsburg Virgina was tops here, with the portion of town set aside as a monument to the original colony.
Though interesting, the history in the Boston area was so hard to get a grasp of. Too much traffic, and modern high rise buildings surrounding the historical buildings. After seeing Gettysburg Pennsylvania and the battle site we have talked about seeing again the movie, Gettysburg, which we were told was fairly accurate.
The Return
Charlotte North Carolina was the pivot point for the last portion of the trip, the return. With that we drove longer days, and stopped less. With this leg of the trip we actually begain stopping at McDonalds for coffee, and an occasional lunch – something we had not done prior.
Early on we had discussed the return trip. Do we try to take Amtrak back home? What about flying (thank you TSA for making that decision for us). Or driving. We opted to drive.
Seeing the geographical transitions was interesting. From the mountainous eastern ranges, to the flat midwest, to the Rockies each had its own beauty, and challenges.
Nuts and Bolts
Karen often mentions that she just drives, but I know that is the hard part – staying alert for hours, dealing with traffic on all sides.
We are thankful for the GPS navigation provided by our smart phones. Without it many sights would have been missed, and we could have easily been lost in the endless mazes of freeway on and off ramps in some areas.
We kept information in an application called 'Evernote'. This had everything from lists of sights we had collected over the months prior to the trip, to our car rental agreement, powers of attorney, and even advanced directives.
Even with free WiFi in all the motels we stayed in we did not use it for any banking or anything financial, using cell data instead to minimize the chance hacking. Our cell provider had a new data plan come available just before we left, so we bumped up the data. The plan also included Canada, so we had service there just like here.
Again?
More than once we have been asked if we would do this again, or what would we change.
We began this adventure knowing that we would not see everything, and what we did see would be at a point in time. Maybe a bit less extensive. We covered a lot of ground, saw a lot of sights. As we are now able to sit back and digest the trip, looking through pictures and notes, we may actually have an answer to those two questions. But for now all I can say is, "Wow, we did a lot."
Thank y'all
We were so blessed to spend time with family and friends along the way.
John and Pat
Steve and Laura
Tom and Kari
Curt and Bev
Chance
Rick and Sue
Ruth Ann and family
Hannah
Mason, Jenny, Emma, and Molly
Pat and Erika
Thanks to all of you for you interest, encouragement, and prayers.
We love y'all.
Chuck
Saturday, November 26, 2016
20161126: Over the Mountains and Across the Salt to California
Our goal when we left Salt Lake City this morning at 6:30 was to drive to Verdi (just west of Reno) Nevada and then rest most of the afternoon. It was dark and 40 degrees when we started out.
We watched the sky lighten. We had not done any before dawn driving this trip. It was nice. We got some beautiful pictures of Salt Lake with mountains in the background.
Our trip was very uneventful. We stopped in Winnemucca NV and had lunch at a place Karen and Preston had eaten in September 2011 when they had gone to Colorado - bittersweet memories. While we in Winnemucca we checked the Reno weather and when we learned there was supposed to be snow this evening we changed our plans.
We drove to Verdi, canceled our reservation and make one in Roseville CA - 116 miles west of Verdi. It was 1:45 when we left Verdi and it should have been about a 2 1/2 hour drive. We were planning on being at our room at 4.
We crossed into California at 1:54pm. It was sunny and 46 degrees. We drove about 35 miles and it was snowing and 30 degrees. Navigation told us there would be a 20 minute delay. We started slowing down and soon we're stopped. People were pulling over and putting on chains. It was snowing hard. The trees were beautiful with the snow. We were stopped for about an hour. We moved ahead less than a quarter mile and saw a number of cars sliding and not able to go forward. We finally followed a car that was able to make it around the disabled vehicles. It was very slow going for about 15 miles but we were able to continue and not stop any more. Later we heard that Interstate 80 was closed because of the numerous stalled vehicles.
As we got to lower elevation the snow turned to pouring rain. We saw that the people headed east were experiencing the same thing we had earlier. There was at least 10 miles of backed up (stopped) cars.
We finished our trip in pouring rain, in the dark with heavy traffic. We arrived at our motel at 5:50. We ate in and rested.
THANKFUL: It is easy to be thankful when all is going well but the Bible teaches to always be thankful. We talked a little about this while stopped and waiting. We were where the Donner party lost their lives so many years ago. We had a warm car, snacks to last for at least 2 weeks. We also didn't have a certain place to be at a certain time. Our little car handled so well. There was much peace even though things certainly didn't go according to our plans.
Our entire trip has been full of events and circumstances where we could be thankful. We are thankful to God. We know that He is in control and we can trust and know that everything is known by Him. That brings peace in stressful situations. We are thankful.
Utah mountains and Reflections
We watched the sky lighten. We had not done any before dawn driving this trip. It was nice. We got some beautiful pictures of Salt Lake with mountains in the background.
Our trip was very uneventful. We stopped in Winnemucca NV and had lunch at a place Karen and Preston had eaten in September 2011 when they had gone to Colorado - bittersweet memories. While we in Winnemucca we checked the Reno weather and when we learned there was supposed to be snow this evening we changed our plans.
We drove to Verdi, canceled our reservation and make one in Roseville CA - 116 miles west of Verdi. It was 1:45 when we left Verdi and it should have been about a 2 1/2 hour drive. We were planning on being at our room at 4.
We crossed into California at 1:54pm. It was sunny and 46 degrees. We drove about 35 miles and it was snowing and 30 degrees. Navigation told us there would be a 20 minute delay. We started slowing down and soon we're stopped. People were pulling over and putting on chains. It was snowing hard. The trees were beautiful with the snow. We were stopped for about an hour. We moved ahead less than a quarter mile and saw a number of cars sliding and not able to go forward. We finally followed a car that was able to make it around the disabled vehicles. It was very slow going for about 15 miles but we were able to continue and not stop any more. Later we heard that Interstate 80 was closed because of the numerous stalled vehicles.
As we got to lower elevation the snow turned to pouring rain. We saw that the people headed east were experiencing the same thing we had earlier. There was at least 10 miles of backed up (stopped) cars.
We finished our trip in pouring rain, in the dark with heavy traffic. We arrived at our motel at 5:50. We ate in and rested.
THANKFUL: It is easy to be thankful when all is going well but the Bible teaches to always be thankful. We talked a little about this while stopped and waiting. We were where the Donner party lost their lives so many years ago. We had a warm car, snacks to last for at least 2 weeks. We also didn't have a certain place to be at a certain time. Our little car handled so well. There was much peace even though things certainly didn't go according to our plans.
Our entire trip has been full of events and circumstances where we could be thankful. We are thankful to God. We know that He is in control and we can trust and know that everything is known by Him. That brings peace in stressful situations. We are thankful.
Utah mountains and Reflections
Friday, November 25, 2016
20161125: No Black Friday Here
Our day can be broken into 3 parts: before noon, afternoon, and evening.
Before noon was spent being prepared and organized travelers. We rearranged the car and our bags to make traveling and staying overnight a little more streamlined. It was a clear, crisp morning. The sun was so bright that it was nice to be out. We weren't avoiding Hannah but giving her time for her normal day-off routine.
We picked her up a little after noon and went to The Noodle Company to experience a new type of food. It was good. We had talked last night about seeing a movie. Well, that was an adventure that deserves a complete paragraph.
We decided to see a new release but had 2 others in mind in case the first one didn't work. We went to the theater, had to hunt for a parking place. We arrived 10 minutes before the movie was to start. First we noticed that tickets could be bought at a ATM-type machine outside the theater. We went in and saw that tickets could be purchased there also. We looked and saw that the next 2 showings in 2D were sold out. The showing 2 hours later, in 3D, was not sold out so we started to buy tickets. Well, the only seats available were in the first row. We decided this wasn't for us. The theater did smell good though - popcorn - ummm. We checked where the alternate movies were playing and they were too far away.
Hannah suggested looking at the Mormon Temple so we drove there and looked around. We had paid for 2 hours of parking. We saw that the state capital so googled how far it was - 13 minutes walking. So off we went. It is ALL up hill. Good exercise. We went to the visitor center which was OK but then walked, 41 steps - to get up to the capital building. After pictures we went into the building. It was magnificent. We said to Hannah that some people work here every day. She said she would take pictures every day because it is so beautiful. One of the displays told of the movies that had been filmed in Utah. There have been quite a few including The Sandlot. You may be asking why that is a big deal. Danny and Hannah love that movie.
We finished our self-guided tour, looked at a monument outside and walked back to the car - all down hill. When we got there we asked Hannah if there was anything else she wanted to do. She asked if we wanted to go on an adventure. Sure. She had googled Sandlot and where it was filmed was only 15 minutes away. Off we went. It was in a neighborhood where there were very modest houses. Google actually has the lot listed. Well it wasn't spectacular but it was real. Thankfully it wasn't commercialized.
After taking pictures we asked Hannah if there was some place she would like to eat. She googled Moochies Meatballs and More. This is a little hole in the wall that has been featured on Dives, Diners and Drive-Ins. Fun place and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich was quite good.
We then took Hannah back to the dorm. It was time to say goodbye and it was sad but we were very thankful for the fun and time we had shared the last 3 days.
Evening was pretty predictable. We do devotions, down load pictures and write this blog. Very blessed grandparents.
Inside Utah State Capital with Hannah
Before noon was spent being prepared and organized travelers. We rearranged the car and our bags to make traveling and staying overnight a little more streamlined. It was a clear, crisp morning. The sun was so bright that it was nice to be out. We weren't avoiding Hannah but giving her time for her normal day-off routine.
We picked her up a little after noon and went to The Noodle Company to experience a new type of food. It was good. We had talked last night about seeing a movie. Well, that was an adventure that deserves a complete paragraph.
We decided to see a new release but had 2 others in mind in case the first one didn't work. We went to the theater, had to hunt for a parking place. We arrived 10 minutes before the movie was to start. First we noticed that tickets could be bought at a ATM-type machine outside the theater. We went in and saw that tickets could be purchased there also. We looked and saw that the next 2 showings in 2D were sold out. The showing 2 hours later, in 3D, was not sold out so we started to buy tickets. Well, the only seats available were in the first row. We decided this wasn't for us. The theater did smell good though - popcorn - ummm. We checked where the alternate movies were playing and they were too far away.
Hannah suggested looking at the Mormon Temple so we drove there and looked around. We had paid for 2 hours of parking. We saw that the state capital so googled how far it was - 13 minutes walking. So off we went. It is ALL up hill. Good exercise. We went to the visitor center which was OK but then walked, 41 steps - to get up to the capital building. After pictures we went into the building. It was magnificent. We said to Hannah that some people work here every day. She said she would take pictures every day because it is so beautiful. One of the displays told of the movies that had been filmed in Utah. There have been quite a few including The Sandlot. You may be asking why that is a big deal. Danny and Hannah love that movie.
We finished our self-guided tour, looked at a monument outside and walked back to the car - all down hill. When we got there we asked Hannah if there was anything else she wanted to do. She asked if we wanted to go on an adventure. Sure. She had googled Sandlot and where it was filmed was only 15 minutes away. Off we went. It was in a neighborhood where there were very modest houses. Google actually has the lot listed. Well it wasn't spectacular but it was real. Thankfully it wasn't commercialized.
After taking pictures we asked Hannah if there was some place she would like to eat. She googled Moochies Meatballs and More. This is a little hole in the wall that has been featured on Dives, Diners and Drive-Ins. Fun place and the Philly cheesesteak sandwich was quite good.
We then took Hannah back to the dorm. It was time to say goodbye and it was sad but we were very thankful for the fun and time we had shared the last 3 days.
Evening was pretty predictable. We do devotions, down load pictures and write this blog. Very blessed grandparents.
Inside Utah State Capital with Hannah
Thursday, November 24, 2016
20161124:Thanksgiving in Salt Lake City
What started out as a confusing morning ended in a peaceful, thankful evening. Because of the snow last night there were concerns about the results of road conditions at the college. The desk clerk at the motel said they would be icy.
The option appeared to be have Hannah take light rail to the bottom of the hill. We went into town early and were going to ride the light rail to see how the roads were. Well, light rail wasn't running. We got gas, found out where the restaurant was that we were going to have lunch and then we decided to just see how far up we could go. All our anxiety was for naught. The roads were fine. They had been plowed. There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground.
We were early to pick up Hannah so just pulled into a parking lot and listened to the last of an audio book. Hannah texted and asked us to meet her at a certain place. Well, we never could find it so Hannah had to do a little extra walking. We ended up getting to the restaurant just on time.
Thanksgiving dinner was in a different setting but the food was very good. They served family style. We had nice thick slices of turkey breast, fresh green beans, real mashed potatoes, gravey, and cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie for dessert. We didn't quite get the family style because we ordered terimisu (because Hannah hadn't tried it and Karen wanted some). We dessert came there were 3 pieces of pumpkin pie and a very large bowl of terimisu. We brought leftovers back to the room.
After eating we ran Hannah back to her room to get some clothes and then the 3 of us came back to our room. We played a card game called 3/13 and a dice game called Zilch. It was a lot of fun.
We had laundry to do (and the laundry room was right next door to our room). When we were next door doing laundry, Hannah was resting.
Hannah and Karen went and swam and sat in the hot tub while Chuck had a little quiet time. Then we made plans for tomorrow and took Hannah back to the dorm.
We looked for a place to have dinner on the way. It was dark and there were some very nice Christmas lights in downtown Salt Lake. We were getting close to the dorm and hadn't found anything open but then there was a Burger King. Ate and then took Hannah home. It was still very wintery at the college even though lower there was no sign of snow.
We came to our room and relaxed and got caught up on things.
What a wonderful day with our precious granddaughter. We were so blessed and thankful to be a part of Hannah's first Thanksgiving away from home, her first snow fall in SLC, a couple new restaurants, and just time to be together.
Christmas lights in downtown Salt Lake
The option appeared to be have Hannah take light rail to the bottom of the hill. We went into town early and were going to ride the light rail to see how the roads were. Well, light rail wasn't running. We got gas, found out where the restaurant was that we were going to have lunch and then we decided to just see how far up we could go. All our anxiety was for naught. The roads were fine. They had been plowed. There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground.
We were early to pick up Hannah so just pulled into a parking lot and listened to the last of an audio book. Hannah texted and asked us to meet her at a certain place. Well, we never could find it so Hannah had to do a little extra walking. We ended up getting to the restaurant just on time.
Thanksgiving dinner was in a different setting but the food was very good. They served family style. We had nice thick slices of turkey breast, fresh green beans, real mashed potatoes, gravey, and cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie for dessert. We didn't quite get the family style because we ordered terimisu (because Hannah hadn't tried it and Karen wanted some). We dessert came there were 3 pieces of pumpkin pie and a very large bowl of terimisu. We brought leftovers back to the room.
After eating we ran Hannah back to her room to get some clothes and then the 3 of us came back to our room. We played a card game called 3/13 and a dice game called Zilch. It was a lot of fun.
We had laundry to do (and the laundry room was right next door to our room). When we were next door doing laundry, Hannah was resting.
Hannah and Karen went and swam and sat in the hot tub while Chuck had a little quiet time. Then we made plans for tomorrow and took Hannah back to the dorm.
We looked for a place to have dinner on the way. It was dark and there were some very nice Christmas lights in downtown Salt Lake. We were getting close to the dorm and hadn't found anything open but then there was a Burger King. Ate and then took Hannah home. It was still very wintery at the college even though lower there was no sign of snow.
We came to our room and relaxed and got caught up on things.
What a wonderful day with our precious granddaughter. We were so blessed and thankful to be a part of Hannah's first Thanksgiving away from home, her first snow fall in SLC, a couple new restaurants, and just time to be together.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
20161123: To Salt Lake City and Hannah
Were on the road at 7:30. The goal was to be in Salt Lake City by noon and we were.
The drive was very uneventful - not terribly much traffic until we got on I15 about 50 miles south of Salt Lake. The sky was partially over cast so no sun issues. The scenery was extraordinary. The different types of mountains and hills. How could such differences be so close together? There certainly aren't many trees in this part of Utah; so it isn't like Oregon or Colorado.
Salt Lake isn't the worst city to get around in. We understood that the University of Utah was on the side of a mountain. We didn't know that it comingled with all huge medical community and an Army reserve base. So much in such a small area.
We accidentally found the student dining hall on campus, called Hannah and she came and found us. We walked to her dorm room, looked around and then went to one of her favorite Mexican restaurants - The Red Iguana. We had to wait for a table, outside, for about 15 minutes. It was clear, in the low 50s and breezy. The food really was very good.
We then drove to our motel, checked in, brought the bags in and talked over Thanksgiving plans. We looked for places that served Thanksgiving dinner and would you believe that they wanted us to make reservations. Klamath Falls people don't understand reservations! The first place we called told us they were already "at capacity". Can you imagine? It was a full 24 hours in advance. What more could you ask for? :) We finally got reservations at a nice Italian restaurant - for traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The only openings they had were 11am or 7pm. We will have an early dinner.
We then went back to the campus and parked the car at her dorm house. We then walked some of the campus. It is a huge campus and getting there from the dorm is all down hill. Hannah walks very fast. We saw where her classes are, and President's circle. Then went into the Bookstore. We bought a couple of souvenirs. When we came out the wind was blowing hard and it was beginning to rain. We walked UP to the student union to get a bite to eat but everything was closed. We caught a campus shuttle that took us to the student dining hall and we walked to our car - about 2 blocks. It was now blowing a rain/snow mix. Drove to a really good pizza place and ate. When we got to the car there was about 2 inches of snow on the car and it was snowing hard and blowing. We made it back to Hannah's dorm although there were a couple of times we slid. There were at least 3 inches of snow.
Our room was about 20 minutes away. We drove very slowly because it was slick and visibility was very poor. We had to drive down the hill first and it was a challenge. It was amazing though that by the time we got into town it wasn't snowing nearly as hard. It was still difficult to see the lanes in the road. It took us 40 minutes to get to our room.
Winding down.
CHALLENGE UPDATE: 2 men have given milage estimates. Come on ladies get your guess in.
Utah scenery
The drive was very uneventful - not terribly much traffic until we got on I15 about 50 miles south of Salt Lake. The sky was partially over cast so no sun issues. The scenery was extraordinary. The different types of mountains and hills. How could such differences be so close together? There certainly aren't many trees in this part of Utah; so it isn't like Oregon or Colorado.
Salt Lake isn't the worst city to get around in. We understood that the University of Utah was on the side of a mountain. We didn't know that it comingled with all huge medical community and an Army reserve base. So much in such a small area.
We accidentally found the student dining hall on campus, called Hannah and she came and found us. We walked to her dorm room, looked around and then went to one of her favorite Mexican restaurants - The Red Iguana. We had to wait for a table, outside, for about 15 minutes. It was clear, in the low 50s and breezy. The food really was very good.
We then drove to our motel, checked in, brought the bags in and talked over Thanksgiving plans. We looked for places that served Thanksgiving dinner and would you believe that they wanted us to make reservations. Klamath Falls people don't understand reservations! The first place we called told us they were already "at capacity". Can you imagine? It was a full 24 hours in advance. What more could you ask for? :) We finally got reservations at a nice Italian restaurant - for traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The only openings they had were 11am or 7pm. We will have an early dinner.
We then went back to the campus and parked the car at her dorm house. We then walked some of the campus. It is a huge campus and getting there from the dorm is all down hill. Hannah walks very fast. We saw where her classes are, and President's circle. Then went into the Bookstore. We bought a couple of souvenirs. When we came out the wind was blowing hard and it was beginning to rain. We walked UP to the student union to get a bite to eat but everything was closed. We caught a campus shuttle that took us to the student dining hall and we walked to our car - about 2 blocks. It was now blowing a rain/snow mix. Drove to a really good pizza place and ate. When we got to the car there was about 2 inches of snow on the car and it was snowing hard and blowing. We made it back to Hannah's dorm although there were a couple of times we slid. There were at least 3 inches of snow.
Our room was about 20 minutes away. We drove very slowly because it was slick and visibility was very poor. We had to drive down the hill first and it was a challenge. It was amazing though that by the time we got into town it wasn't snowing nearly as hard. It was still difficult to see the lanes in the road. It took us 40 minutes to get to our room.
Winding down.
CHALLENGE UPDATE: 2 men have given milage estimates. Come on ladies get your guess in.
Utah scenery
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
20161122: Across Colorado
Worst weather day so far this trip. Was hoping we wouldn't have snow any part of the trip but as of today we can't say that.
Will back up to yesterday afternoon to paint a picture. Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado were very flat. For miles to the north and south there were either fields that had been harvested or grazing land with cattle roaming. There were small groves of barren trees here and there. When the sun set it looked like it was unreachable, it was so far away. There was always a gusty wind. We were so glad to be able to witness such a wonderful sight.
This morning we woke to heavy overcast and strong wind and 36 degrees. We were on the road a little after 7. It started raining very soon after we left and it began pouring soon after. The temperature was between 31 and 34. We were not able to see very far off the road and the windshield wipers were going steady. No beautiful view.
We had checked web cams and weather for a route that took us through Colorado Springs and Salida and a route that kept us on I70 through Denver. We had to drive to Limon (which was about 70 miles from Burlington) before making the decision as to which way to go. We got to Limon and chose I70.
We had only gone about 5 miles and it started snowing. By 10 miles the road was covered and it was still snowing and it was 30 degrees. The speed limit on this section of road is 75 mpr. There was a fair amount of traffic and most of it was doing about 55. Then we caught up to a snow plow and followed it - going about 40 - for about 10 miles. It then turned off. Traffic then began going about 55. It had quit snowing and the pavement was snowy. The roads continued to get better; with less snow and just wet. A number of big trucks passed us and momentarily blinded us with the spray from the road.
By the time we got to Denver it was raining and 31. Denver traffic was fairly heavy and it took over 30 minutes to drive through. Then it was beautiful mountains everywhere. We were a little nervous as the speed signs (which are changed according to the road conditions) said 65 was a safe speed but the temperature was only 24. We drove slower for awhile but noticed that there was spray coming from the cars passing us. The weather became clearer and clearer until the roads were dry. We had about 2 hours of normal driving. Even though the roads were great for driving, the scenery was undiscribable. Words like majesty, awesome, beautiful and gorgeous can be used, words aren't enough. Once we cleared the mountains we drove through a deep canyon with the Colorado River and a railroad line. The interstate actually was in two layers. West traffic was on top and east traffic on the bottom. Very interesting.
Just after leaving Denver we noticed several popping sounds. It confused us for a while but finally figured out that the quick rise in altitude had caused some of our snack bags to burst. We had a large bag of chips and after the popping stopped, we picked it up. Chips went everywhere. We had picked it up from the top but the bottom had burst. Will see when we get home if anything we had packed in the back burst.
Arrived in Grand Junction just before 2pm. Washed the car and checked into the room.
Side note: Burlington is only 13 miles inside the Colorado BORDER from Kansas. Grand Junction CO is about 30 miles from the Utah border.
CHALLENGE: So, you all know how Karen likes numbers and challenges. Here is one for all you blog readers. As of today, November 22, the rental car has 8476 miles. We will be going from here to Salt Lake City to Oakley CA to home. How many miles do you think will be on the car when we pull into the driveway at home? Text your number to Karen. She will post the number of miles and winner when we get home.
Beautiful Colorado Rockies
Will back up to yesterday afternoon to paint a picture. Western Kansas and Eastern Colorado were very flat. For miles to the north and south there were either fields that had been harvested or grazing land with cattle roaming. There were small groves of barren trees here and there. When the sun set it looked like it was unreachable, it was so far away. There was always a gusty wind. We were so glad to be able to witness such a wonderful sight.
This morning we woke to heavy overcast and strong wind and 36 degrees. We were on the road a little after 7. It started raining very soon after we left and it began pouring soon after. The temperature was between 31 and 34. We were not able to see very far off the road and the windshield wipers were going steady. No beautiful view.
We had checked web cams and weather for a route that took us through Colorado Springs and Salida and a route that kept us on I70 through Denver. We had to drive to Limon (which was about 70 miles from Burlington) before making the decision as to which way to go. We got to Limon and chose I70.
We had only gone about 5 miles and it started snowing. By 10 miles the road was covered and it was still snowing and it was 30 degrees. The speed limit on this section of road is 75 mpr. There was a fair amount of traffic and most of it was doing about 55. Then we caught up to a snow plow and followed it - going about 40 - for about 10 miles. It then turned off. Traffic then began going about 55. It had quit snowing and the pavement was snowy. The roads continued to get better; with less snow and just wet. A number of big trucks passed us and momentarily blinded us with the spray from the road.
By the time we got to Denver it was raining and 31. Denver traffic was fairly heavy and it took over 30 minutes to drive through. Then it was beautiful mountains everywhere. We were a little nervous as the speed signs (which are changed according to the road conditions) said 65 was a safe speed but the temperature was only 24. We drove slower for awhile but noticed that there was spray coming from the cars passing us. The weather became clearer and clearer until the roads were dry. We had about 2 hours of normal driving. Even though the roads were great for driving, the scenery was undiscribable. Words like majesty, awesome, beautiful and gorgeous can be used, words aren't enough. Once we cleared the mountains we drove through a deep canyon with the Colorado River and a railroad line. The interstate actually was in two layers. West traffic was on top and east traffic on the bottom. Very interesting.
Just after leaving Denver we noticed several popping sounds. It confused us for a while but finally figured out that the quick rise in altitude had caused some of our snack bags to burst. We had a large bag of chips and after the popping stopped, we picked it up. Chips went everywhere. We had picked it up from the top but the bottom had burst. Will see when we get home if anything we had packed in the back burst.
Arrived in Grand Junction just before 2pm. Washed the car and checked into the room.
Side note: Burlington is only 13 miles inside the Colorado BORDER from Kansas. Grand Junction CO is about 30 miles from the Utah border.
CHALLENGE: So, you all know how Karen likes numbers and challenges. Here is one for all you blog readers. As of today, November 22, the rental car has 8476 miles. We will be going from here to Salt Lake City to Oakley CA to home. How many miles do you think will be on the car when we pull into the driveway at home? Text your number to Karen. She will post the number of miles and winner when we get home.
Monday, November 21, 2016
20162021: Emporia KS to Burlington CO
Wanted to make the 6 hour trip and get to the motel around 1pm so we could just have some downtime. God knows everything and He has blessed us so much and did again today.
We did leave Emporia just a little a little after 7; which should have put us in Burlington at 1. All went well. The weather was overcast so didn't have to deal with sun glare. The speed limit was 75 most of the time.
We got about an hour from the motel (noon) and stopped for gas - it was $1.899/gallon in Kansas and $2.159/gallon in Colorado. When we started driving again the car clock said 11am. Mountain Time. YEAH! Another hour to rest. A few miles later a warning showed in the dashboard of the car - oil will need to be changed soon. We have only driven a little over 8000 miles.
Chuck made a call to the rental agent. They at first wanted us to trade cars which would have meant going to Denver - we did not want to do that. The other reason we didn't want to trade cars is the amount of stuff we have in every nook and cranny of the car. It will take us 2 days to unpack and check the hidden areas.
The agency agreed that we could have the oil changed. Chuck found that Burlington - population 4300 - had a Ford dealership. We arrived at noon Mountain Time. A gal named Connie said come back at 2 and she could fit us in. She even told us about a museum just a few blocks away.
We went to the museum which was a collection of buildings that represented businesses of Burlington in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were a lot of antiques and it was interesting.
We grabbed a burger and got to the dealership at 2. Well, we didn't get out of there until 4 but we were thankful for the extra hour, that there was a dealership, and that we hadn't over booked our day.
We checked into our room and went to dinner at a nice enough place and the food was good but the service was the worst we have had the entire trip.
Back to the room to enjoy the evening.
Law office at Burlington Old Town Museum
We did leave Emporia just a little a little after 7; which should have put us in Burlington at 1. All went well. The weather was overcast so didn't have to deal with sun glare. The speed limit was 75 most of the time.
We got about an hour from the motel (noon) and stopped for gas - it was $1.899/gallon in Kansas and $2.159/gallon in Colorado. When we started driving again the car clock said 11am. Mountain Time. YEAH! Another hour to rest. A few miles later a warning showed in the dashboard of the car - oil will need to be changed soon. We have only driven a little over 8000 miles.
Chuck made a call to the rental agent. They at first wanted us to trade cars which would have meant going to Denver - we did not want to do that. The other reason we didn't want to trade cars is the amount of stuff we have in every nook and cranny of the car. It will take us 2 days to unpack and check the hidden areas.
The agency agreed that we could have the oil changed. Chuck found that Burlington - population 4300 - had a Ford dealership. We arrived at noon Mountain Time. A gal named Connie said come back at 2 and she could fit us in. She even told us about a museum just a few blocks away.
We went to the museum which was a collection of buildings that represented businesses of Burlington in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were a lot of antiques and it was interesting.
We grabbed a burger and got to the dealership at 2. Well, we didn't get out of there until 4 but we were thankful for the extra hour, that there was a dealership, and that we hadn't over booked our day.
We checked into our room and went to dinner at a nice enough place and the food was good but the service was the worst we have had the entire trip.
Back to the room to enjoy the evening.
20162021: Emporia KS to Burlington CO
Wanted to make the 6 hour trip and get to the motel around 1pm so we could just have some downtime. God knows everything and He has blessed us so much and did again today.
We did leave Emporia just a little a little after 7; which should have put us in Burlington at 1. All went well. The weather was overcast so didn't have to deal with sun glare. The speed limit was 75 most of the time.
We got about an hour from the motel (noon) and stopped for gas - it was $1.899/gallon in Kansas and $2.159/gallon in Colorado. When we started driving again the car clock said 11am. Mountain Time. YEAH! Another hour to rest. A few miles later a warning showed in the dashboard of the car - oil will need to be changed soon. We have only driven a little over 8000 miles.
Chuck made a call to the rental agent. They at first wanted us to trade cars which would have meant going to Denver - we did not want to do that. The other reason we didn't want to trade cars is the amount of stuff we have in every nook and cranny of the car. It will take us 2 days to unpack and check the hidden areas.
The agency agreed that we could have the oil changed. Chuck found that Burlington - population 4300 - had a Ford dealership. We arrived at noon Mountain Time. A gal named Connie said come back at 2 and she could fit us in. She even told us about a museum just a few blocks away.
We went to the museum which was a collection of buildings that represented businesses of Burlington in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were a lot of antiques and it was interesting.
We grabbed a burger and got to the dealership at 2. Well, we didn't get out of there until 4 but we were thankful for the extra hour, that there was a dealership, and that we hadn't over booked our day.
We checked into our room and went to dinner at a nice enough place and the food was good but the service was the worst we have had the entire trip.
Back to the room to enjoy the evening.
Law office at Burlington Old Town Museum
We did leave Emporia just a little a little after 7; which should have put us in Burlington at 1. All went well. The weather was overcast so didn't have to deal with sun glare. The speed limit was 75 most of the time.
We got about an hour from the motel (noon) and stopped for gas - it was $1.899/gallon in Kansas and $2.159/gallon in Colorado. When we started driving again the car clock said 11am. Mountain Time. YEAH! Another hour to rest. A few miles later a warning showed in the dashboard of the car - oil will need to be changed soon. We have only driven a little over 8000 miles.
Chuck made a call to the rental agent. They at first wanted us to trade cars which would have meant going to Denver - we did not want to do that. The other reason we didn't want to trade cars is the amount of stuff we have in every nook and cranny of the car. It will take us 2 days to unpack and check the hidden areas.
The agency agreed that we could have the oil changed. Chuck found that Burlington - population 4300 - had a Ford dealership. We arrived at noon Mountain Time. A gal named Connie said come back at 2 and she could fit us in. She even told us about a museum just a few blocks away.
We went to the museum which was a collection of buildings that represented businesses of Burlington in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There were a lot of antiques and it was interesting.
We grabbed a burger and got to the dealership at 2. Well, we didn't get out of there until 4 but we were thankful for the extra hour, that there was a dealership, and that we hadn't over booked our day.
We checked into our room and went to dinner at a nice enough place and the food was good but the service was the worst we have had the entire trip.
Back to the room to enjoy the evening.
20161120: Kansas Family
Another adventure of a different kind. Visiting with people who don't know each other at all or very little - and we are related.
We are staying in an apartment above Karen's aunt/cousin (will tell that story later when there is a lot of time) Ruth Ann. She owns the apartment house and it was a blessing for us. We slept in a little and went down to Ruth Ann's apartment about 9. We were having a brunch at 11. Those invited and came were: Grant (Ruth Ann's son), Maure and Jerry (Ruth Ann's daughter and her friend), Joyce Ruth Ann and Karen's cousin.
Karen had lived with Ruth Ann for a few months when she was 10 - Grant was 2 and Maure hadn't been born. Karen visited Ruth Ann and Maure in 1975 - Grant was away. Ruth Ann and kids came to Oregon in 1979 and Ruth Ann came to Oregon by herself in 1990.
Chuck and Karen visited Ruth Ann, Maure and Jerry in 2002, and Preston and Karen visited Ruth Ann in 2011.
Joyce and her family came from Greece to Germany to visit Karen in 1974.
It appeared that Grant Maure and Jerry had not ever met Joyce.
There was many stories and connections were made. Very nice time. Then we took pictures for future reference.
Maure lives about 16 miles from her mother. She had prepared a wonder brunch and brought it. There was quiche, a German noodle dish, raspberry muffins, and Ruth Ann made a fruit salad. So yummy.
As we ate we discussed a 100 year reunion that will take place September 2017. The Shaw family - Karen's maiden name was Shaw - has property that has been in the family since 1917. It was brought by Ruth Ann, Joyce and Karen's grandfather, then it was passed to Joyce's parents and now Joyce's brother lives on it.
Some of the details were worked out, questions were raised that need to be addressed and just fun conversations happened. Nice time.
The company left and we rested some. Then we looked at some old pictures another cousin had sent. Went to Walgreens and put some pictures on disk, ate dinner, visited and went to bed.
Jerry, Maure, Ruth Ann, Karen, Joyce, Grant, Chuck
We are staying in an apartment above Karen's aunt/cousin (will tell that story later when there is a lot of time) Ruth Ann. She owns the apartment house and it was a blessing for us. We slept in a little and went down to Ruth Ann's apartment about 9. We were having a brunch at 11. Those invited and came were: Grant (Ruth Ann's son), Maure and Jerry (Ruth Ann's daughter and her friend), Joyce Ruth Ann and Karen's cousin.
Karen had lived with Ruth Ann for a few months when she was 10 - Grant was 2 and Maure hadn't been born. Karen visited Ruth Ann and Maure in 1975 - Grant was away. Ruth Ann and kids came to Oregon in 1979 and Ruth Ann came to Oregon by herself in 1990.
Chuck and Karen visited Ruth Ann, Maure and Jerry in 2002, and Preston and Karen visited Ruth Ann in 2011.
Joyce and her family came from Greece to Germany to visit Karen in 1974.
It appeared that Grant Maure and Jerry had not ever met Joyce.
There was many stories and connections were made. Very nice time. Then we took pictures for future reference.
Maure lives about 16 miles from her mother. She had prepared a wonder brunch and brought it. There was quiche, a German noodle dish, raspberry muffins, and Ruth Ann made a fruit salad. So yummy.
As we ate we discussed a 100 year reunion that will take place September 2017. The Shaw family - Karen's maiden name was Shaw - has property that has been in the family since 1917. It was brought by Ruth Ann, Joyce and Karen's grandfather, then it was passed to Joyce's parents and now Joyce's brother lives on it.
Some of the details were worked out, questions were raised that need to be addressed and just fun conversations happened. Nice time.
The company left and we rested some. Then we looked at some old pictures another cousin had sent. Went to Walgreens and put some pictures on disk, ate dinner, visited and went to bed.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
20161119: St Louis to Emporia Kansas
The goal today was to get the Emporia fairlyearly so would have time to visit with Karen's Aunt Ruth Ann. Left the hotel at 7am under very clear skys, 34 degrees and windy. We were on Interstate 70 for most of the way. The landscape was fairly flat with fields, groves of trees that had lost their leaves and bright blue sky. The temperature did not reach 40 until just after 11am.
In keeping with the theme of something that stands out in each state, Missouri's predominant billboard along the interstate was advertising "adult stores". We thought it sad and thought of Psalm 12:8. Evil struts around on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of man. There was even a very large pink building with 3 X's on it along side the road. We are sad that this is what stood out.
Something else noticibly changed in western Missouri. We have navigation on the rental car. Usually there are a number of roads showing on the screen: around cities there is hardly any background with all the interchanges and roads. A number of places in western Missouri and eastern Kansas the only mark on the screen was the road we were on. A lot of open range.
Speaking of open range, there were quite a number of dead animals on the road. It was interesting that at the sites where the animal died there was a trail of blood going down the highway - strange. We saw 2 deer running across the high way about 100 yards in front of us. The good thing is that there aren't trees close to the road so visibility is good.
Arrived at Emporia right at noon, ate lunch and went to Aunt Ruth Ann's. Had a great visit just catching up and enjoying some memories. Went to bed early.
Friday, November 18, 2016
20161118: St Charles
Two words to the wise: 1) the weatherman isn't always right, 2) God is always right - it is just up to us to trust that.
We knew from the weather report that we wouldn't have a beautiful day like yesterday. It was supposed to be rainy in the morning and clear and in the low 60s this afternoon. With that information our day was planned with laundry and resting in the morning. That happened.
The morning started about 60 degrees and dry - while we were in. We left about noon to go to a Brazilian restaurant we heard about yesterday. Just before we left it started raining. The lunch was good and different. As we were finishing it started pouring. We actually sat in the restaurant just waiting until the rain subsided some. It is now 54 degrees and windy.
We were going to old town St Charles that borders the Missouri River. There is a nice park with a walking path plus an 8 block of brick streets (not the best to drive on), cute shops and historic buildings. It started pouring again. We did drive some but no venturing out of the car. It is now 52 and very windy.
We went and got a few groceries and went back to the room. We had a nice afternoon of reading and resting. Not what we planned but we adapted. We are happy and well.
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