August 30, 2010 – Day 18 (321 Miles).
We are now in SeaTac, WA, a suburb of Seattle, for 3 days before flying to China. Again we traveled through several construction areas which didn’t slow us down much. There were some very cranes holding “screens” to prevent rocks from entering the highway (see pictures). On our trip we spotted, in 3 different locations, hundreds of energy windmills. There were 2 other locations earlier in the trip where there were several windmills, the first was in ND & the 2nd was near Shelby, MN. Once we were settled in went downtown to see what was there for a few hours and Jan got her Hard Rock Café guitar pin; she now has all the USA pins. Our camera went on the fritz again.

August 29, 2010 – Day 17 (7 Miles).
This was an uneventful day as we went to the exercise room after breakfast. Later we went to Gonzaga University and walked the Centennial Trail to the Riverfront Park area where we had a nice lunch. After the return walk to Gonzaga we went back to the motel & watched the Cubs lose again. Later we sat by the outdoor pool until sun went behind the clouds. It was an interesting, relaxing, and enjoyable day. Temperatures remain cool with high below 70.

August 28, 2010 – Day 16 (310 Miles).
It was 44 degrees as we started and reached a high of 67. Today we drove in 3 states (Montana, Idaho, and Washington) of 4 states we had not been in before this trip. After 10 days we left Montana behind. This leaves only Oregon to complete all fifty states. We have now been all 4 time zones on this trip. After settling in a Spokane, WA motel, we went to Riverside Park to eat & then to a Pow Wow in the park. Several different Indian groups perform their dances to their music. We walked while at the park taking in the area sites before returning to the motel to call it a day.

August 27, 2010 – Day 15 (187.5 Miles).
We sleep in late & got on the road late. You know the road signs for deer crossings; well, there was one for cattle crossing. And sure enough, up the road were cattle standing on & on the side of the road. This happen again and there were spots where they were grazing near the road. This was on 89 where some curves were 25 MPH before we got to Glacier Nat’l Park. The park is beautiful & well worth taking in the water falls, terrain, and other sites. We got stuck in delays for construction, but got out of car to take in the view & take pictures. We also did some hiking. The day was cold (maybe high of 70) and very windy. Our evening was spent in Kalispell, MT where shopping was done in a very new large Wal-mart and dinner, a footlong from Subway.

August 26, 2010 – Day 14 (251.4 Miles).
Today we drove from Helena to the Canadian province of Alberta where we had lunch. Then we drove back to Shelby, MT. Along the way Jan spotted moose along the road. I backed up on the highway to that spot and we took a couple pictures of the very real looking imitation. Between Alberta and Shelby were several oil rigs on both sides of the highway. Most were working but not all. There was also a field of oil rigs parts, like a junk yard. Jan completed the laundry today. In
Shelby at the visitor center was a helpful lady that very interesting as well as informative. We ate at Pizza Hut tonight. The prices for large pizza, Arby’s specials or Subway’s footlongs are necessary offered in other parts of the USA.
I tried to add pictures; let me know they came out!

First Pictures

August 25, 2010 – Day 13 (214.5 Miles).
We droved to Helena, MT & camped out. Along the way we saw deer, antelope, fields of horses, and cattle (mostly large herds of Angus). South of Butte, MT is Indiana Univ. Geological site.
In the afternoon we joined a tour of Montana’s State Capital. We were informed on the history of the construction of the capital and how Helena was chosen as the site. The tour included stories of the painting & statues. It is a beautiful building with lots of stained glass. Then we took the Last Chance Tour Train for about one hour tour of Helena, Mt. The driver in the locomotive gave us a running commentary pointed out the sites. They included many mansions with their history, other old buildings, and other points of interest. She was very informative and had a great personality. Both tours are very interesting. From the capital we walked a couple miles to and through the outside Walking Mall (fun), enjoyed an ice cream cone, and then walked back to the capital. We’ve seen so many interesting but different terrains while passing through the mountains the several days.
Because of the traveling and using different motel’s providers we’re locked out of facebook for awhile. Now I can’t update the blog because I can’t get in to blogger. Just another adventure!

August 24, 2010 – Day 12 (287.2 Miles).
There was frost on the windshield this morning. For the 3rd day we were in Yellowstone, this time traveling through to the Grand Teton Nat’l Park. Today we saw Canadian geese, swans, crows, and of course, more bisons. States we were in were Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho (the 3rd of the 5 states we hadn’t been to before). Stops we made were Colter Bay Visitor Center, several “Turnout” sites, Jenny Lake scenic trail, and the Jackson Lake Dam.

August 23, 2010 – Day 11 (170.6 Miles).
The morning newspaper stated the Yellowstone grizzlies are particularly hungry with more dangerous meeting with humans. On the 2nd day in Yellowstone we saw different areas. A wolf came along side of our car within a few feet, and then went across the road and into the woods (again no picture). Other animals we spotted were an Osprey, a Yellow-bellied marmot and more bison. We crossed the Continental Divide (which determines whether water runs to the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean) multiple times. We saw many Hot Springs in several areas, cascades (waterfalls), and the Old Faithful geyser and several others geysers. There is so much to see; the mountains, forests, and the other terrain seem to be forgotten as to their beauty.

August 22, 2010 – Day 10 (210.8 Miles).
We took a quick walk after breakfast and hit the road again. We decided to change our route & took Beartooth All-American Road, a more scenic route toward Yellowstone National Park. The 60 mile Beartooth Highway was a route Charles Kuralt took when he did the “On the Road” series. At the end of this route we spotted chipmunks (they were sitting on people laps who were feeding them sunflower seeds) at a rest stop high up in the mountains. Jan was disappointed they didn’t care for her bread. Once in Yellowstone Nat’l Park Jan spotted some antelopes (actually Pronghorn). A little farther we saw a large herd of bisons. Later more bisons were spotted in different locations. We saw mountain goats and a black bear though binoculars but not close enough for pictures. The landscape kept changing as we bounced between Montana (the 2nd of the 5 states we hadn’t been to before) & Wyoming (the 7th & 8th states of the trip).

August 21, 2010 – Day 9 (25.7 Miles).
It seems that when a restaurant or similar size business goes out business it is replaced by one of so many casinos in Montana.
After at enjoyable hot breakfast at the motel, we went for a short walk in the vicinity. The rest of the morning we spent at the All Euro car show. A lot of Porsches, Mercedes, Audis, VWs, Triumphs, Saabs, MGs, Austin Healeys, and DeLorens plus more were on display. We talked to the owners & we had a fun morning. On the back we did some shopping. Just a restful afternoon watching TV. We a good evening meal at Old Chicago Pizza and then walked a mall before settling for the night. Just a relaxing couple of days.

August 20, 2010 – Day 8 (162.4 Miles).
Last night we had authentic Mexico meals. Good enough that we didn’t eat all the chips even with two very tasty salsas. This morning the motel served a hot breakfast (best breakfast of the trip). We walked after our morning meal & discovered Montana Veteran Memorial Cemetery. This was followed by a swim before packing up and moving on down the road. Montana being known as the “Big Sky” is understandable. Montana also has so many different license plates designs. Once we arrived & checked the nicest motel this trip for two nights we went shopping (bought nothing but for a snack).

August 19, 2010 – Day 7 (185.8 Miles).
We began our experience at Theodore Roosevelt National Park about 7 A.M. Shortly into the park was a buffalo acting as crossing guard in the middle of the road while members of the herd crossed. A picture moment. In another short distant more pictures were taken, this time of deer.
A little farther we took pictures and enjoyed many prairie dogs. As we travel through the park we came across multiple groups of buffalo and prairie dogs. Toward the end of the nearly trip, wild horse were discovered (more pictures). At the end more deer were spotted (not close enough for pictures). After approximately 3 hours we stopped at the visitor center for post cards & were given a guided tour of Roosevelt’s cabin. We hiked a few times for short distances. The Theodore Roosevelt National Park is definitely worth going though (the landscape is unique to see).
Then off to our next stop. Both N. Dakota and Montana the speed posted is 75 MPH. Even in the construction the posted speeds are 35, 45, 55, and even 65 MPH.

August 18, 2010 – Day 6 (332.6 Miles).
While at the Univ. of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum yesterday Jan got picture of a chipmunk from within 6 feet. Also while traveling I saw a bald eagle circling in the distance. Earlier while traveling through Iowa we spotted a wild turkey.
North Dakota, though being the sixth state of this trip, is the first of the 5 states that we’re visiting for the first time.
We started our day walking at West Acres Mall and touring the Roger Maris museum (very enjoyable). The temperature was in the fifty’s when we left the motel and when we left Fargo we drove through heavy rain with near by lightening with almost immediate thunder. Midday we had interesting tour of the capital in Bismarck, ND. In the afternoon we saw several beautiful Sunflower fields and many lakes. Shortly before we got to Medora we saw a buffalo and wild horses. We stopped at a rest stop and as soon we turned north off 94 we saw the Badlands which we couldn’t see from 94. In Medora, ND we checked into the Badlands Motel and we walked around the tourist town before settling in.

August 17, 2010 – Day 5 (270.2 Miles).
We started our day by going to and walking through the Univ. of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The many visitors were greatly out number by the volunteers working & watering the many species of flowers, trees, and other plants. This place is well worthwhile to visit when in the general area. We drove to Fargo, ND stopping only for lunch & gas in Sauk Center. At Fargo, ND we picked our 3rd choice of motels because of the location. This turned out well as we got our evening food and had a couple beers on the motel. It’s the largest and nicest room so far this trip. Before we ate we walked to the visitor center for information about the area. Outside of the visitor center is a decorated buffalo statue. They are several of the decorated statues around the city. They are about the same size as the decorated bulls that Chicago had a few years ago. We’ve seen decorated pigs & dogs in other communities. We also walked around their walk of fame.

August 13, 2010 – Day 1 (300 Miles).
Starting on Friday the 13th is a good Oman, earlier in the week I petted 2 black cats (plus Dexter) for more good luck; therefore it should be a very good trip.

We hit road construction within 5 miles & another within 20 miles from home, another going around Chicago and the last one toward the end of the day in Illinois. None slowed us down much or spoiled our day. We are staying in Moline, IL tonight & Saturday night. There was a heck of storm (though brief) after we checked in. We later walked the South Park mall & went to pool & whirlpool. The night was topped off by popping popcorn w/a shared beer watching the Cubs be consistent.

August 16, 2010 – Day 4 (344.3 Miles).
Before leaving Dubuque we found a Wal-Mart to get a battery to fix my dead pedometer and some groceries. Checking out the pedometer we walked the Mississippi River walk. The Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Dubuque Museum of Art weren’t open yet. We didn’t go to the Diamond Jo Casino the only place opened. On the way to spend the night in Minneapolis, MN we stopped in Lacrosse, WI for a byte and an interesting visit to Granddad Bluff. It’s good to have a little cooler weather.

August 15, 2010 – Day 3 (113 Miles).
We drove to Albany, IL to visit with my brother Jerry & his wife Marlee. We had a very pleasant time including lunch. Later we drove to Jan’s home town Charlotte, IA but could only find her brother Joe & his family home. Joe showed us his farm including animals. Joe left for work, but kept visiting with his family and sharing a delicious special cake and pictures of Ireland & other European sites. We spent the evening in Dubuque, IA.

August 14, 2010 – Day 2 (87.7 Miles).
We met Jan’s classmates & spouses @ Wildcat Den State Park, near Fairport, IA where Gary & Karen acted as host. Gary conducted the tour & commentary about the nearly 2 centuries old grain mill with history & demonstration. They then led us to the Lighthouse restaurant where the food was good and too plentiful. From there they led us to Muscatine, IA to tour the Musser Art Museum. This a very unique museum of artwork of mechanical displays made from scrap and/or odds & ends. The museum is attached to an old mansion of grandeur. If you’re in the area it’s worth seeing. Next the class reunion group stopped at tea parlor for more social. Gift shops were here also. To cap off a wonderful day Gary led us all back to Moline, IL to more social, and another big and enjoyable meal while cruising on the Mississippi River on the Celebration Belle. All the classmates are living none were divorced but 3 weren’t able to attend. For me it was a very enjoyable and relaxing day. It was fun day I think for all, even the spouses as the time went by fast with a full day of activities, and good conversations.