The Best and Worst of...

The entire trip was wonderful but here are some particular highlights.

Best state for Rest Areas (clean and open) = Utah
Worst state = Arizona (too few, if any, open for business)

Best night's sleep = Seattle at my friend Elise's (Aero bed, down comforter, open windows with cool air)
Worst night's sleep = Winston, Oregon

Best road signage = Utah
Worst signage = Washington, especially the Seattle area

Best place I got lost = Montana (cute towns, good signage, easy to get back on track)
Most difficult place = Portland (could have had something to do with the directions I received?!?)

Best beaches = Oregon Coast
Best drink = Diane's Watermelon Cosmos
Best Shakespeare = Twelfth Night in Ashland -- Cedar City was also wonderful.
Best dinner = Carol's 12-hour slow-cooked pot roast in North Bend WA; Steve's ribs in San Jose
Best unplanned cultural experience = Getty Museum Los Angeles
Best spur of the moment = Water Taxi, Seattle Waterfront to Alki Beach (and going for the price of a senior)
Best beach view in Seattle = Three Tree Point but all beach views are spectacular



Most polite drivers = Washington (even in Seattle)
Worst drivers/driving experience = California (particularly LA area, but really the whole state)

Longest conversation in one place = Geri at Diva's Coffee in Phinney Ridge (Seattle) -- 5 hours
Shortest conversation in one place = Dragonfly Coffee with Alex in Portland -- 30 minutes (her lunch break)

Coldest weather = Oregon Coast but Montana Rockies come in a close second
Warmest weather (not in Arizona) = First days in Seattle
Nicest weather experience = Portland

Day 24 - Los Angeles to Phoenix

Another long driving day. Getting out of LA was just as bad as I remember it but at least the traffic was lighter than normal. Apparently, unemployment is so high, people are not driving as much. Although it was kind of cool when I left, it wasn't long before I had to stop to remove the sweatshirt. And then, it became increasingly hotter the closer I got to Phoenix. Word of advice...stop to pee BEFORE you get into the state!! There was exactly ONE rest area open between Palm Springs and Phoenix and that one was just outside of Buckeye.

Magic was VERY happy to see me and will not give me a moment's peace. Lost two plants, need to call Francisco (landscaper), get some food in the house, do the laundry, vacuum up the cat hair, and clean out the car.

Glad to be home.

Day 23 - Los Angeles

As many times as I have been here, this is the first time I have witnessed the culture. We went to the Getty Museum...WOW!! We were there for many hours but only saw a small portion of what it had to offer. The architecture, the gardens, the sculptures, all of it. The current exhibit, Gerome, was awe-inspiring. He was a controversial painter back in the 1800s, mostly for his too life-like representations. His use of color was so VIVID and unlike anything else I have seen from that period. I do wonder, however, if this has anything to do with his art not having been shown in over 40 years? They also had a photographic display...disturbing in many ways but beautiful at the same time. Most of the photos were part of a photo essay --- street kids in Seattle, war in many places around the world, young girls growing up too fast.  Stopped off for margaritas then 'home' for a very light dinner and a movie. I can honestly say this is the best time I have had in LA.

Day 22 - San Jose to Los Angeles

Still California driving...Arrived at my friend Lisa's just minutes before she arrived home from work. Nice wine, good conversation, and a light dinner. Another remodel but this one is complete and looks great. I am getting ideas...not to remodel, but....

All the driving the past couple of days has made for an early night.

Day 21 -- Northern California

Today was a long driving day AND I still hate California driving (sorry...I know some of you don't mind it). I pretty much drove straight through...no exciting stopovers until I met up with a former colleague, Joni, for coffee. She brought her sister Kay and we had a nice time catching up on all the latest. It was then off to my sister Colleen's in San Jose. They are in the midst of remodeling but everything still looked wonderful. They had dinner about ready; we ate outside (not too hot, Phoenicians). Their TV accepts SD cards so we were able to 'watch' the pictures I had taken. Overall a very nice day.

Day 20 -- interstate 5 south

I didn't stay too far from I-5...apparently I COULD have driven just a little further and possibly found a nicer motel? Oh well...what's an adventure without a few missteps?

I stopped off at Wolf Creek...I was there a number of years ago but heard they change it up now and again...Grave Creek covered bridge and yes, they buried their dead at the creek because they ran out of wood to make coffins...Grants Pass downtown...Jacksonville...now I am in Ashland. Love this B&B!!!!! Walked around a little and will take a power nap before afternoon tea.

Met Mark and Caroline from Bend at tea. They are here for the music festival. Now it is time to get ready for the evening. Since my tickets are at 'will call' and because I am not sure about parking...better to be too early rather than late.

The play was fabulous and very funny. All the parts were played extremely well. Although I was advised to bring a sweater, it didn't really cool off. This was the first day in over a week that I didn't wear my sweatshirt for at least a portion of the day.

I love this B&B...tea and snacks at 4, snacks before bed...well, after the play, coffee at 7:30 and breakfast at 8. Anyone traveling this way, I highly recommend Anne Hathaway's.

Day 19 -- Oregon Coast

Lazy beginning to this day. Have finally stopped for breakfast in Florence. Have made numerous stops for photo ops -- hope at least some of them turn out. Will drive all day and possibly stay in Reedsport. Too soon...kept on driving. Was able to see this awesome seal family up close thanks to some people who had set up their personal telescopes om Simpson Reef. It was purely an accident that I arrived here...once again, I took a wrong turn. The Oregon Coast is beautiful but all those Tsunami Hazard Zone signs made me a little nervous...would hate to live with that thought! Was going to stay in Coos Bay but couldn't bring myself to pay $70 for a Motel 6!!!! Ended up in Winston ( wouldn't advise) but if I ever choose to write a story, the folks in this place would make excellent characters! The setting would have to be a poor community without much to offer. Will be back to the interstate in the morning on my way to Ashland.

Day 18 -- Portland and the Oregon Coast

Left Seattle pretty early. I was able to connect with my niece, Alex, in Portland but not without serving my time getting lost. We had a nice, but short, time getting caught up. I left her at her job and I was off to the Oregon Coast. I am staying in Depoe Bay where the wind is blowing and the air is COLD. I got a very nice room overlooking the ocean; the proprietors are very nice. I am currently in town having fish and chips and admiring the view.

Day 17 -- Seattle

Met with a former roommate in Phinney Ridge. We sat in Diva's for FIVE hours catching up on old and new times. Said goodbye to Geri and headed down the road to visit with a former colleague from my phone company days, Julie. We ate Chinese and sipped wine then it was to bed so she could get up and work the next day. My last day in Seattle was a fun time.

Day 16 -- Seattle area

Back to Issaquah. Long drive and, of course, I missed the turn off and tacked almost an hour onto my drive. Enjoyed a "family" dinner at Diane's then it was off to the park for a night of music. Diane makes a killer watermelon cosmo!

Day 15 - Seattle

After leaving West Seattle, I hit the inevitable traffic jam...it took 45 minutes to get through town...what should have been a 15 minute drive. Met up with my grade school friend, Melissa, for breakfast and catch-up time then it was off to the north to visit my friend, Jim. It was quite a drive!!!! Turns out he lives in the valley between two mountains in the Cascade range...it was COLD!!!!! All I can really say is that sometimes we find out that our friends are not who we remember them to be. Thankful that my plans have changed and I will only be staying one night instead of two.

Day 14 - Seattle

Slept VERY well last night...woke up at almost nine!!! The weather has been beautiful.
We began our day (after I had coffee) by stopping off at the Sunday Farmer's Market then met up with some of her friends at their usual stop -- a fabulous bakery where the line was out the door. This is also the weekend of the West Seattle Art Fair so we walked around a little. A woman that Elise knew from somewhere before had a booth and it just so happens that she lives in the same small town as a former friend of mine. It definitely is a very small world.

Returned to the house to drop off the produce and dog, then Gary (Elise's SO) drove us into downtown Seattle so we could spend some time looking around and shopping for a dress (or 6?) for her upcoming trip. We walked through the Pike Place Market, then to the store in search of appropriate clothing. Clothes purchased, we headed back down to the waterfront in search of the Water Taxi to bring us back. Before we got that far, we decided we needed to take break so had a quick bite at Elliots (Elise had to send her salad back twice: the first time because the plate was dirty; the second because they forgot half of the ingredients). Of course, she wasn't charged but she ended up taking hers to go because we had to catch the last water taxi back. We arrived just in the knick of time but the guy only took exact change which we didn't have. We ended up being granted Senior Citizen status (age 65) just so we could pay him. This was a first for both of us as we still have quite a few years to go before THAT would be official.

We are now home for the evening...Elise is re-trying on her clothes; Gary is walking the dog down on the beach; I am finally updating this blog. Tomorrow is yet another day on this glorious adventure.

Day 13 - Seattle, Tacoma, Seattle

Took off early this morning for my cousin Linda's in Tacoma to go through old trunks and correspondence of my grandmother's. This was a monumental task especially with the help of her three-year-old grandson. There were MANY pictures, mostly of people we could not identify. We stopped only for lunch and to replenish our coffee. Very late in the afternoon, I headed off for my friend Elise's in West Seattle. Traffic was a nightmare but I finally arrived with only one wrong turn. :)

Elise and I spent some time on the porch enjoying conversation and wine before heading down to the beach for a very long walk. The beach was crowded with people and it brought back memories of my youth. By the time we got back, it was pretty late so we checked our email then went to bed.

Day 12 - Seattle

Slept late -- Sun was shining and it was already getting hot when my day started. Laurel wanted to sit in the sun before we did anything else so while she 'bathed', I read. I guess the side yard wasn't good enough so it was off to the beach for a couple of hours. All that sun, water, and heat demanded a stop at the local Dairy Queen for ice cream (I had a banana split). Then it was off to the botanical gardens and Japanese gardens (Burien style). Back home to get ready for the movie -- MAN ON WIRE -- playing in this really cool place...the back of a bar!! It seats only 44 people and there were only seven of us there. They serve drinks to the patrons and collect the fees at the end of the movie. We then took a walk through the town area...the spray park (where mostly kids play in the water)...a stop at Berry's BBQ for a pulled pork sandwich and then back home and to bed. Lots of pictures and fun times. Tomorrow...

Day 11 - Seattle

I left my sister's in North Bend early this morning and stopped in Issaquah to visit a friend. This woman is working full-time as an Ebay seller of old Barbie dolls. We had a great time conversing over coffee. She has a really good friend she would like me to meet, so next Tuesday I will return to Issaquah's Music on the Green to meet Chuck. After arrangements had been made, I was off to visit my mother's youngest sister in Seattle. We had a wonderful time going through old correspondence of my grandmother's, had a nice lunch, and then it was off to meet a cousin at the opposite end of town.

Laurel wanted to see this band, Chasing Jane, play in the park so off we went. Some of her friends were there so after the concert (early 8:00), we went to Three Tree Point to Cindy's home there on the beach. It was a beautiful night to be outdoors. We returned to Laurel's, ate a late dinner and it was off to bed to be ready for day 2.

Day 10 - Spokane to North Bend WA - July 7

Left Spokane early headed west after a quick stop for gas. Sorry to say -- I-90 is a very boring drive!! Stopped off in Cle Elum to visit with a high school friend for a couple of hours. It was great to reminisce over old yearbooks and conversation. Next stop North Bend to stay with my sister. She made crock pot pot roast with all the trimmings. Great meal and nice day. Seattle FINALLY got their summer!!

Day 9 - Spokane - July 6

Geneology Day -- Packed up the car and headed off to "family ville" in Idaho. First stop Moscow, home of my great-grandparents. The old house still exists but it has been converted to 4 apartments and slightly remodeled. The old park across the street, where my father and his siblings used to play, was the setting for our picnic. We stopped off at the cemetary and found the plots. From there we headed off to Fix Ridge, the original homesite of my great-grandparents. They lived very high up on the ridge and although many parts of the original house were still there, some of it had been modified. From there, it was off to Kendrick, the place my father was born (and his siblings). The population was somewhere around 305; the original house is no longer there and the school has been torn down except for the gym, which is now a VFW hall. My grandfather hired my great uncle to build that. We spent some time at the local hardware store talking to the clerk who †ook my information for the historical society who is putting together a book on the area. It was homeward bound after this. A short stop off at the Spanish Tapas bar with cousin and aunt concluded the afternoon. Cousin and I went to Walgreens to print off some photos and then it was back to my aunt's for me.

Day 8 - Spokane July 5

Another day and another adventure -- In the morning, we took an excursion to Costco. After we unloaded the car, we went to Manito Park and walked around the rose garden, greenhouse, perennial garden, and viewed the English garden. It began to rain just as we got back into the car. Returned to my aunt's apartment and read for awhile. Later this evening we all went to a holiday party at the "condo" (uncle, aunt, aunt all live here) and had a nice dinner. It was a fairly early evening.

Day 7 - Spokane

Happy 4th of July.

We got the balcony all arranged and it turned out well. I guess I do pretty well arranging flower pots. :) Concern over what was really in the storage locker caused another search for missing keys -- they were not to be found but my uncle had an extra set. We got that all situated and it was time for another 'short' walk. Today we went to the John Finch Aboretum and even though the weather has not been perfect, the walk among all those trees was very nice. This walk was only a mile and a half!!

It was dinnertime for my aunt, so my cousin and I went in search of a restaurant that would be open on the 4th. We ended up at Huckelberrys (think Whole Foods grocery) and had a nice meal and a glass of wine. She dropped me off at my aunt's and the two of us watched the Capitol Fourth on TV which she thoroughly enjoyed -- around 10:00 here the local fireworks began. The gun noises kind of spooked my aunt so I had her get up and we were able to watch the 'show' from her living room.

Day 6 - Spokane

When my cousin is around, there is never a dull day. We started out by going shopping for plants for my aunt's balcony. She doesn't quite remember to water them so we purchased silk varieties that I will arrange later. A stop at the grocery store and a discount store (to purchase a new coffee maker -- my aunt has been making her coffee on the stove and that was pretty scary to me). We then were off to my uncle's and another aunt's and from there we were off on a 'simple' walk around Centennial Trail and Gonzaga. This 'simple' walk was easily three miles!! We dropped off the aunts and went in search of a place to get a key made because my aunt had lost the one that opened the main door to her apartment building. We stopped for a bite to eat at a Spanish Tapas place in Brown's Addition (an historical section of Spokane) -- banana leaf tamales (yum).

Early evening.

Day 5 -- Montana to Spokane

The day began with a change in my route. I headed to where I was 'supposed' to go but the road was 10 miles of construction -- since I was heading west anyway, I followed Highway 20 (instead of 191) and drove backroads for quite awhile. It reminded me of a book I had read years ago, BLUE HIGHWAYS. The scenery was spectacular!!

One of the small towns, Ennis, was VERY cute although I did not stop because parking was a bit of an issue. The name reminded me of a neighbor boy when I was growing up. I wonder whatever happened to him? Once I hit I-90, the drive became mind-numbing and I had to stop at EVERY rest area to take a break. The drive WAS beautiful, especially through the Rockies. My first Rest Area required me to add my sweatshirt (hear THAT Arizona). A few miles later, I was able to try out my windshield wipers! At another stop west of Missoula, I spent some time talking with some locals who were offering coffee and snacks to weary travelers. They were a wealth of local information. Three cups of coffee later, I was back on the road. Just before the Washington border, I called to get directions to my Aunt's place. My cousin met me there and we went out to get me something to eat and a glass of wine. It was an early-to-bed night and although it took me awhile to get to sleep, I slept well.

What I learned: Following the road less traveled IS the better way!

Day 4 -- Salt Lake to West Yellowstone

I am still not sleeping well so I was up and ready to leave by seven. I am still directionally challenged and had to stop off at the Marriott to ask directions back to I-15 North. At my first rest stop, I met a solo travelling woman from Nebraska who wished me godspeed. Once out of Salt Lake, it was a day of slooooow driving. Speed limits averaged 45 mph for most of the day. The drive travelled over the Oregon Trail with many historical markers and towns where populations did not exceed 500 (most were in the 100s). Cool places included Bear Lake (not sure what state I was in at this point...Utah or Idaho?) Also, the really cool small town of Paris. I am pretty sure Paris is in Idaho but then again...

Add to my bucket list: A rafting trip down the Snake River. Jackson, Wyoming is a cool town...way too many people (tourists) so I didn't stop to walk around.

Grand Teton National Park: Loved it!!!! Spent many hours here. At one stop I got out to look at an original ferry across the Snake and the small buildings that are still being used for their original purposes. At the General Store was a woman who is a High School Science teacher in Cedar City and works here during the summers. The place is maintained by the Historical Society of which her mother-in-law is a member. I met a young family from Queen Creek, AZ who drove the five mile, 20 mile per hour trip to the summit behind me. The father offered to take a picture of me at the top. Nice people.

At the end of the Tetons is the beginning of Yellowstone: The park is not as I remember (of course, I was about seven or eight at the time). Yellowstone is a total contrast to Teton. At the Continental Divide a woman from New Jersey offered to take my photo. Just missed Old Faithful show its stuff and didn't want to wait around for another so...back on the road to West Yellowstone MT. On the very slow drive out of the park (and about 50 miles of that), there were a number of accidents serious enough to stop traffic and have the EMT vehicles in attendance. People...slow down!!!

Arrived in West Yellowstone...very nice hotel AND the wi-fi actually works!!! It's been a long day...about eleven hours on the road...I have had dinner and now it's time for bed.

What I learned today: From the Dr. Oz radio show...obese people have smaller brains (true study but didn't write down the source...I was driving you know). The hippocampus will actually get larger if I exercise three times a week for thirty minutes. A larger hippocampus 'may' prevent memory-related diseases in later life.

Day 3 -- Cedar City to Salt Lake City

Left Cedar City for Cedar Breaks Monument. As luck would have it, I arrived before they began charging for entrance (only by about five minutes) so I didn't have to pay. This was one of the few times in my recent memory that I was glad someone works by their time clock. This place is beautiful!!! When I left, people were lined up to pay their fees. There was also a group of people there who were attending an orientation to be guides. On now to Bryce Canyon.

WOW -- this is a must see for all. Even before arriving at the park, the canyons are breathtaking. I stopped off at MANY places but because of all the stops/starts, the gas gauge was going down faster than it should. So...out of the canyon and onto Salt Lake.

I originally planned to arrive around three. A lot of driving through small towns cuts down travel time significantly. By the time I found the hotel...actually an apartment complex that rents its studios for nightly fees...and got checked in, it was seven. I was too tired to find my way to the Temple so this will have to wait for another visit.

What I learned today: Satellite service does not work in the canyons and those driving LARGE RVs should not park in spaces for cars. This RV crunched a truck that was parked behind it. Not happy campers.

Day 2 - Visit to Zion National Park

Since I was staying in Cedar City for another night/another play, I drove back to Zion because I missed it yesterday.I stopped first at Kolob Canyon and bought an Annual Park Pass. (I have until the end of June 2011 to visit any other park in the nation without paying an entrance fee. Good investment.) The spot was beautiful but I ended up returning to the entrance after spending more than a few miles on a gravel road without turnouts. Who knows, I could have been taking myself somewhere I didn't really want to go. I decided to enter the park in another location further down the Interstate. On the way I passed a number of small towns, most notably the towns of Browse and Virgin. So...do the residents call themselves Browsers and Virgins? I love small towns EXCEPT when the speed limit drops too fast. Now, in full disclosure I will say that when I drive for long periods, I sometimes trance out. I keep fully aware of the road, mind you, but not so much the speed I am driving. I am on one of these roads; have left the interstate where I was driving 75 (actual speed limit). The first speed sign I see is 25 (about a mile later); I spot the sign at the same precise moment I see the police car waiting for someone like me. Yup...I had slowed down but not quite quickly enough...I see the flashing lights. Being the good citizen I am, I have my license and insurance card ready for him. He had never heard of Surprise (but he knew about Browse and Virgin?). Registration handed over...he goes back to his car...after a REALLY LONG time he returns with my documents and a very nice goldenrod paper. I am thinking CRAP (although I probably thought some word a little more descriptive)...he returns my documents...then the paper that says WARNING. Thank you!!! Needless to say I will now be using my cruise control for ALL speed limits.

Okay, back on the road again. Arrive at another entrance to Zion, stop by the Visitors Center (they have nice bathrooms), and decide to drive myself around. There were MANY people and although they had a shuttle, I didn't want to be confined to someone else's time schedule. At Zion, not my smartest decision...only shuttles can go to the coolest places...cars have their own path. It was nice though and I will put this location down for another visit at another time.

Back to Cedar City and preparations for MERCHANT OF VENICE. I decided to drive tonight since my feet still hurt a little from the walk last night. I arrived to the Orientation and the Green Show (tonight was Scottish night) and then the play. NO kids tonight...the audience was older and more familiar with Shakespeare. The play was AWESOME. Some of the actors looked familiar (from last night familiar) and sure enough, checking the Playbill, many of these actors are playing parts in more than one of the plays. I am thinking...how do they keep the lines straight and memorize so much. Obviously not a career choice for moi.

What I learned today: Watch your speed while driving, especially in small towns. Today was a bonus day...I also learned about mosquitos and why they bite some people more than others. According to the gentleman sitting behind me at the play (and he says there is an actual study out of England) they bite those who are less stressed. Less stressed? Me? I thought it was all about the sweet blood...he says the blood is sweeter for those who carry less stress. I may look up this study...or maybe not.

Day 1 - Surprise AZ to Cedar City UT via Wickenburg AZ

I didn't end up leaving as early as I originally planned but I WAS on the road by 7:15. It had been ages since I travelled anywhere outside my own neighborhood so everything was interesting. I stopped briefly at Hoover Dam, took a few pictures, and it was back on the road. It was a long drive and I didn't realize that I was actually going to be driving through downtown Las Vegas. Fairly easy to make it through. Arrived in a very hot Cedar City around 4pm. I seriously thought about taking a nap but couldn't sleep. Hit the pavement (after asking for directions) and true to form, got lost along the way. Now, how is it possible to get lost by walking to the light, taking a left, walking three blocks and it would be on my left? Well, it wasn't on my left. I eventually found it by following the group of people in front of me. The return trip was actually twice as long...I guess I should have walked to two lights...they even had signs! My feet really hurt and I didn't like that it was dark and too quiet. I decided to drive tomorrow night.

The show this evening was MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. The University has the Governor's Honors Camp (incoming high school seniors). There were MANY of them there; some even fell asleep! There was a lot of sighing and I came to the conclusion that high school students are the same everywhere. One girl told her teacher that she didn't understand anything...hey, they even gave a synopsis in the Playbill AND they do 15 minute orientations before the show. Hmmm.
People, in general, were very nice and they were HAPPY. (that was meant to be funny but also true). Also, before the play was the Green Show -- held on the green outside the theatre. That show tonight was the Irish show and all the songs, stories, and dances were Irish themed. Very fun.

It was a very long day and I was anxious to check email and all...wi-fi would not connect in my room. The room was clean and had all the amenities just no usuable internet connection.

One new thing I learned today: There is a Joshua Forest Parkway of Arizona on the road from Wickenburg to Kingman.