New love of wind turbines

One thing this trip gave me is a new love of wind turbines. I love seeing them dot the landscape. It's useful art.



Washington



Iowa



Illinois

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Saturday and the end

Yesterday was a busy day of driving, and our only tourist stop. We traversed South Dakota making a stop at the Lakota Cultural Center.



We were treated to dinner in Minnesota by my friend, Diane. It was a nice visit with her.

We missed a turn in Iowa, and ended up taking a more scenic route, but there was a beauty to the farms there that was just different than OH.


Also, they have lots of windmills that break up the horizon.


We didn't get to our campsite until 11pm, and it was miserably hot until around 1am when a rainstorm rolled in. We were glad to be in the van instead of a tent!

Right now we are in IL. We should get to my house by dinner time!

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Horse friendly and hospitality

Today was 12 hours of driving. We started in Montana, drove across there, part of Wyoming, and ended in South Dakota.

In Wyoming, there are not only rings at rest stops in which to take out your horses to give them a break while on the road, but we saw a horse hotel, too.

We are at a campground near Sturgis, and bike week starts Monday. Our hosts at the campground bought Mark and I a drink at their bar on the campground and another couple bought us another drink when we shared our pizza that we had bought for dinner.

Met some nice people and listened to some music. No problem sleeping tonight!


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Continental Divide

Just crossed it.

Elevation: 6393




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Montana Morning

The Nugget RV Park was a lovely place to stay in St. Regis, MT. Nicest bathrooms of any campground I have ever been to.



Also doesn't hurt to wake up to this view.



We just passed Missoula and are dealing with a little rain, but it is so beautiful here.

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Camping in Montana

It's pretty hot here still. Camping in the van means either being cool with the windows open and moths all up in my face and computer screen, or being sticky and hot. There are four of them on us now.

Welcome to Idaho!

Just crossed the state border after a fine car dinner of Burger King. I can feel my arteries congeal in sweet, sweet bliss. Mark packed Tums, so we should be OK.

We are about 2 hours from our campsite.

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Touring Seattle

Yesterday afternoon, the brother and I rode bikes all around Seattle.



We first rode to The Other Coast Cafe for lunch. I had The Mantooth (how could I NOT order a sandwich called that?!). It was Capocollo, Smoked Gruyere, lettuce, tomato, cherry peppers, djion mustard, oil, vinegar.

From there we biked to the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (Ballard Locks) and saw some Coast Guard ships enter/raise/leave. We also saw the Salmon Ladder for the fish to get through the locks. It was fascinating to learn that the native tribes are allowed to fish the area of the locks still per their original agreement for the land.

I also enjoyed the surrounding park. There was Himalayan Chestnut that had small pink flowers that looked like little lilies.

From there we rode to the beach, which gave me a lovely view of the mountains.

When that was said and done, we rode back to the brother's and trade for his car to drive downtown again to take a ferry ride. Just because I felt it would be remiss if I didn't while in Seattle.



The day ended with mediocre sushi and grocery shopping for fresh fruit and Chex Mix ingredients, which we made before going to bed.

We also have our stops planned out for the road trip! St. Regis, MT, Sturgis, SD (we double checked to make sure we were not there during bike week...barely, it starts the 8th), and Tipton, IA.

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Pike's Place and the library

I am in live with Pike's Place! Especially the flower venders!





Also loved the Seattle library. So beautiful, and the map room was very cool.

The Emerald City

I have arrived, and 25 minutes early at that. Looking forward to exploring the city tomorrow!


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Vegas, baby!

I have arrived in Vegas! I have a two hour layover here. Starting off at Sammy's (Hagar) Beach Bar & Grill for some seafood bisque and pomegranate tea. Then some slots, I think.

Road Trip Prep

I washed the van... sort of. It still had a layer of bugs and road grime on it from the last trip. I didn't try that hard.

Hello, Denver!

This is more of a hello/good-bye. I'm just sitting while they swap passengers.

I had 3 unaccompanied minors (6,8,11) in front of me for this leg. Thank you adults who sent them with a grocery bag of candy to snack on for this 3 hour flight. ::birdflip::


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Fried chicken and boarding

I am in my seat on the plane next to a woman eating fried chicken.
I can't make stuff like this up.

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Waiting.

I will be at a total of 4 airports today. A personal record.


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Heading out to the airport soon!

Daniel will be here any minute now to take me to the airport. Hanging with Mr. O'Canada, Daryl in the meantime. We had leftover turducken for lunch.

Preparing for the trip - Beth

I am doing laundry and starting to pack my stuff. I head out to Seattle tomorrow. I'm very excited to be seeing my brother!