Las Vegas last night/this morning - stayed at the Golden Nugget downtown (and that has become an upscale establishment and the best room we've had, especially for $45.00 - midweek). Oh the joys of being official old people (retired). We went out for the Fremont Experience - light and sound show held hourly. The 8:00 pm show was aimed at the 50's generation ("The Night the Music Died" - Buddy Holly era and enjoyable) and at 9:00 it was just 60's noise and colors (unfortunately, the music I grew up with really had died). Happily Don had brought our earplugs. We didn't attend any others. Next time Jean or Primm, NV - maybe less crowded. Everything looks like it's booming - lots of people in the popular places. But there was also plenty of room for more. There seemed to be a convention in town. Lots of Asians getting their pictures taken with showgirls.
The drive was uneventful, but we were definitely overdressed. It was hot in Vegas (80+F). We considered wearing our swimsuits home, but we didn't have enough sunscreen.
Our GPS said we'd get home at 4:19, and indeed, we backed into our driveway at 4:19. First, unload car (laundry tomorrow). Ineeda was there in the driveway to greet us, Sheba was curled up into the box in the kitchen we left for her (better than sitting on the computer/printer/monitor, leaving her excess fur behind). It took an hour but Sheba has now forgiven me and is happily warming my lap as I sit at the computer.
Our biggest surprise on returning home is the dead refrigerator/freezer. First clue - liquid in the ice cube holder.
Guess it's a good thing we saved money in Las Vegas.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Heading Back - Day 3
It was a beautiful morning in Nampa, Idaho. We got an early start(?) today because Nampa is on Mountain Time. The weather forecast suggested sun in the morning with possible showers after noon. Sure enough, at noon it started to rain.
We've certainly been fortunate with the weather - lots of short bursts and variety. We continue to enjoy the magnificent scenery - more rivers and farmland in Idaho and fabulous snow-covered mountains in Nevada as we drive through the wide valleys. The sky and clouds and sun and changing scenery make for a pleasant journey.
We are in Ely, Nevada for the third time and still really like the town. We came in from the north, crossing the original Pony Express trail. I can't imagine covering the distances on horseback - it's difficult enough to sit in a car between Starbucks (lots of them and competitors - all with drive-throughs and lines of cars). We went for a walk around downtown and into the residential area and noticed the ravaged streets, sidewalks, houses and yards. We also noticed we were the only ones out walking. By the time we got back to our motel, the rain was starting to come down and looked more like snow on our jackets.
Tomorrow we head for Las Vegas and have reservations at the Golden Nugget downtown. Weather.com says it will be in the 80's there. The only summer clothes we have along are our swimsuits. Could be interesting,
We've certainly been fortunate with the weather - lots of short bursts and variety. We continue to enjoy the magnificent scenery - more rivers and farmland in Idaho and fabulous snow-covered mountains in Nevada as we drive through the wide valleys. The sky and clouds and sun and changing scenery make for a pleasant journey.
We are in Ely, Nevada for the third time and still really like the town. We came in from the north, crossing the original Pony Express trail. I can't imagine covering the distances on horseback - it's difficult enough to sit in a car between Starbucks (lots of them and competitors - all with drive-throughs and lines of cars). We went for a walk around downtown and into the residential area and noticed the ravaged streets, sidewalks, houses and yards. We also noticed we were the only ones out walking. By the time we got back to our motel, the rain was starting to come down and looked more like snow on our jackets.
Tomorrow we head for Las Vegas and have reservations at the Golden Nugget downtown. Weather.com says it will be in the 80's there. The only summer clothes we have along are our swimsuits. Could be interesting,
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Heading Back - Day 2
This was a spectacular day - a day of beautiful rivers, mountains, forests, farmland, and sun. No rain or snow (although there still was snow in the hills but melting quickly and contributing to the beauty of the rushing rivers). We can recommend Highway 95 for getting between northern and southern Idaho. But don't be in a hurry.
We made a pit stop in Winchester - the visitor center was not open but the library was. So, of course we had to check it out. They seem to be quite active. There's a weekly "knitting circle" - people bring their projects to work on and socialize and get help if needed (like I did on my lunch hours in the 70's and crocheted three tablecloths plus afghans and caps and...) and they've just started a quilting group. The Friends also sell donated books but offer other items too - t-shirts, cookbooks, and I bought a bean soup mix put together by one of the members. I must say there is something really good about small-town communities. Everyone we've run into has been so friendly and helpful.
Don has really enjoyed this day following the rivers - the Snake, the Clearwater, the Weiser (rhymes with geezer), the Salmon and especially the Little Salmon - perfect spots for kayaking and/or rafting. We only saw one boat on the water today - last weekend was the annual boat challenge at Riggins in Hell's Canyon. Jet boats try to beat each others' times going up a six-mile stretch of river (this year's record-breaker was under five minutes). There was only one disaster - one boat sank and couldn't be retrieved for two days. But the owner/driver and his navigator were rescued without incident. All say it was spectacular. We learned all this at lunch in Grangeville.
We made a pit stop in Winchester - the visitor center was not open but the library was. So, of course we had to check it out. They seem to be quite active. There's a weekly "knitting circle" - people bring their projects to work on and socialize and get help if needed (like I did on my lunch hours in the 70's and crocheted three tablecloths plus afghans and caps and...) and they've just started a quilting group. The Friends also sell donated books but offer other items too - t-shirts, cookbooks, and I bought a bean soup mix put together by one of the members. I must say there is something really good about small-town communities. Everyone we've run into has been so friendly and helpful.
Don has really enjoyed this day following the rivers - the Snake, the Clearwater, the Weiser (rhymes with geezer), the Salmon and especially the Little Salmon - perfect spots for kayaking and/or rafting. We only saw one boat on the water today - last weekend was the annual boat challenge at Riggins in Hell's Canyon. Jet boats try to beat each others' times going up a six-mile stretch of river (this year's record-breaker was under five minutes). There was only one disaster - one boat sank and couldn't be retrieved for two days. But the owner/driver and his navigator were rescued without incident. All say it was spectacular. We learned all this at lunch in Grangeville.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Heading Back - Day 1
We actually were packed up and out the door by 9:30 a.m. (mandatory checkout 10:00 a.m.). It was sad to leave the lake - it was so pleasant and quiet (except for the occasional honking geese and ducks). The only thing we left behind so far is the second night light we bought at the Dollar Store.
We headed up the road (20 miles) for breakfast at The Hoot Owl - cozy home-type cafe. Don had the 1+2+2 breakfast (1 huge fluffy pancake, 2 eggs and 2 sausages) and I had the Redneck Eggs Benedict (biscuit with sausage patty, scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and sausage gravy) - yum!
Gas was $3.639/gallon at the Fred Meyer in Coeur d'Alene. There was a Costco there too but we now have a Fred Meyer card. Have to use that.
We were much impressed with the scenery along Highway 95. We'd have forests then snow fields, then rolling farm fields followed by more snow on the ground (but not slippery roads) and more fields. We saw one small airplane being filled with what we assumed to be seed and other large tractors with dual wheels tilling(?) and getting ready for spring planting.
One stop in Moscow (Idah0) on the way south to walk around. Cute old town area that's been fixed up. Then on to Lewiston and the Snake River. We drove to the Nez Perce Park and Discovery Center as it was closing up. The Ranger suggested we drive across the river and down the road to see the Petroglyphs on the other side. Along the way we passed a fair with a lot of rides we no longer consider fun and some beautiful homes and some not so beautiful homes and horse and cow farms. The river is high and fast moving and the hills on both sides are beautiful in the sidelighting of afternoon. Never did find the Petroglyphs but the scenery was worth it.
At our motel we considered using the indoor pool and hot tub, but the young kids down the hall beat us to it. That's o.k. we still have several books each we need to read.
I guess I should think about our next destination on the way home.
We headed up the road (20 miles) for breakfast at The Hoot Owl - cozy home-type cafe. Don had the 1+2+2 breakfast (1 huge fluffy pancake, 2 eggs and 2 sausages) and I had the Redneck Eggs Benedict (biscuit with sausage patty, scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese and sausage gravy) - yum!
Gas was $3.639/gallon at the Fred Meyer in Coeur d'Alene. There was a Costco there too but we now have a Fred Meyer card. Have to use that.
We were much impressed with the scenery along Highway 95. We'd have forests then snow fields, then rolling farm fields followed by more snow on the ground (but not slippery roads) and more fields. We saw one small airplane being filled with what we assumed to be seed and other large tractors with dual wheels tilling(?) and getting ready for spring planting.
One stop in Moscow (Idah0) on the way south to walk around. Cute old town area that's been fixed up. Then on to Lewiston and the Snake River. We drove to the Nez Perce Park and Discovery Center as it was closing up. The Ranger suggested we drive across the river and down the road to see the Petroglyphs on the other side. Along the way we passed a fair with a lot of rides we no longer consider fun and some beautiful homes and some not so beautiful homes and horse and cow farms. The river is high and fast moving and the hills on both sides are beautiful in the sidelighting of afternoon. Never did find the Petroglyphs but the scenery was worth it.At our motel we considered using the indoor pool and hot tub, but the young kids down the hall beat us to it. That's o.k. we still have several books each we need to read.
I guess I should think about our next destination on the way home.
Idaho - Day 6 (last day)
a day to work, then play...
Snow this morning while I do laundry and start packing. Gone are the days of throw everything in the car and take off. Even the food is coming out even. We usually start with a rotisserie chicken and get four or five meals from it in varying forms - first dinner then sandwiches, tacos, salad, etc. We might run out of cream before coffee, though. I'm measuring carefully. Don may get his morning coffee black if he sleeps in.
Dinner at the Inn at Sand Creek - our splurge meal: curried carrot soup (more like a potage), arugula salad with herb crostini, and the Snake River Farms oven roasted pork loin was delicious, (I'll be checking the website http://www.innatsandcreek.com/bistro.html for the Spring Menu for more details) then...
The highlight - Carmen at the Panida (rhymes with Canada), the restored theatre in downtown Sandpoint. One of the founding members was manning the box office and her husband was running the wine concession (wine and good music - nice combination). There were about 40 of us (mostly grey hairs, as usual). It was wonderful. It had been filmed at the Opera Comique in Paris (its debut location in March 1875). The Don Jose (tenor) is American and was good but the Micaela was the best I've experienced. Her voice was exquisite. (Opera News review: http://www.operanews.com/operanews/templates/content.aspx?id=3137) The only distraction was the Escamillo (Toreador) - It looked like his wig wasn't quite right - very asymmetrical on his forehead - I had a suspicion he might be bald. Oh, well.
Then the 20-mile drive back in the moonlight by the lake. Nice evening.
Snow this morning while I do laundry and start packing. Gone are the days of throw everything in the car and take off. Even the food is coming out even. We usually start with a rotisserie chicken and get four or five meals from it in varying forms - first dinner then sandwiches, tacos, salad, etc. We might run out of cream before coffee, though. I'm measuring carefully. Don may get his morning coffee black if he sleeps in.
Dinner at the Inn at Sand Creek - our splurge meal: curried carrot soup (more like a potage), arugula salad with herb crostini, and the Snake River Farms oven roasted pork loin was delicious, (I'll be checking the website http://www.innatsandcreek.com/bistro.html for the Spring Menu for more details) then...
The highlight - Carmen at the Panida (rhymes with Canada), the restored theatre in downtown Sandpoint. One of the founding members was manning the box office and her husband was running the wine concession (wine and good music - nice combination). There were about 40 of us (mostly grey hairs, as usual). It was wonderful. It had been filmed at the Opera Comique in Paris (its debut location in March 1875). The Don Jose (tenor) is American and was good but the Micaela was the best I've experienced. Her voice was exquisite. (Opera News review: http://www.operanews.com/operanews/templates/content.aspx?id=3137) The only distraction was the Escamillo (Toreador) - It looked like his wig wasn't quite right - very asymmetrical on his forehead - I had a suspicion he might be bald. Oh, well.
Then the 20-mile drive back in the moonlight by the lake. Nice evening.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Idaho - Day 5
Wednesday
I have to keep reminding myself what day it is. We need to be out by 10:00 a.m Friday which means laundry and packing (and opera) on Thursday which means this is our last day to explore the area.
So, off towards Priest Lake. This area is truly spectacular, especially in good weather - luckily all sun today. We stopped in Priest River to walk around and have lunch. Don was impressed by the fire hydrant and the tall pole attached to it. We assume it's for guiding the snow plow - how deep does the snow get? It's well above my head.
Then off towards the lake. There are some residential groupings around the lake and spaces for boats but no one in sight. This area has SEASONS!
We came upon a mountain
lodge being built (no one evident in residence). We see lots of stumps and sometimes wonder whether the trees are diseased or people here just go through a lot of firewood.
The locals here really are ready for spring. We hear it gets pretty flooded during the spring thaw. There are two dams on the lake and the lake is allowed to get low during the winter to allow for the overflow in the spring.
This evening we watched two DVDs on the area, "Sandpont at the North End of the Long Bridge" and "Bayview - The Early Years" - quite interesting. There's a lot of water activity in the summer and ski activity in the winter. I like it here now because it's not crowded.
I have to keep reminding myself what day it is. We need to be out by 10:00 a.m Friday which means laundry and packing (and opera) on Thursday which means this is our last day to explore the area.
So, off towards Priest Lake. This area is truly spectacular, especially in good weather - luckily all sun today. We stopped in Priest River to walk around and have lunch. Don was impressed by the fire hydrant and the tall pole attached to it. We assume it's for guiding the snow plow - how deep does the snow get? It's well above my head.Then off towards the lake. There are some residential groupings around the lake and spaces for boats but no one in sight. This area has SEASONS!
We came upon a mountain
lodge being built (no one evident in residence). We see lots of stumps and sometimes wonder whether the trees are diseased or people here just go through a lot of firewood.The locals here really are ready for spring. We hear it gets pretty flooded during the spring thaw. There are two dams on the lake and the lake is allowed to get low during the winter to allow for the overflow in the spring.
This evening we watched two DVDs on the area, "Sandpont at the North End of the Long Bridge" and "Bayview - The Early Years" - quite interesting. There's a lot of water activity in the summer and ski activity in the winter. I like it here now because it's not crowded.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Idaho - Day Four
Tuesday
Another day of clouds, sun, clouds, rain, sun, clouds...
We had a 2:30 appointment to get a new windshield (the cracks had grown) so after a leisurely breakfast we headed out to Ponderay. We stopped at the County Historical Museum and learned that we have a Northern Idaho Windshield. I guess it happens a lot here - a piece of gravel flies up and hits the windshield just right, then the freeze, then the sun.... The gal we talked to (retired here from Nebraska) gets a new windshield every year.
We were dropped off at the Coop Store while our windshield was replaced and wandered around in there - wood stoves, hardware, heavy-duty Carhartt clothing (insulated overalls, heavy jackets, jeans, etc.), animal supplies, getting ready for live chicks (for Easter, I guess).
Don's Observations: The variety of stuff pertaining to farming, ranching and just extreme out door working was immense. This was not your Target in San Diego. If you needed to fix your barbed wire fence, or electrify it, all the spreaders, pincers, and special pliers were there. Since winters are long and cold, an entire aisle of gloves, for different kinds of work dominated the heavy coveralls department. Seeds were available in bulk, must have been 20 choices. This was a coop store for hard working people that work in tough weather. I left glad I did not have a need of most items they were selling.
Driving home was a new experience. It was snowing, and this time it was sticking to the ground. It was still a beautiful landscape. By the time we got to our place, all was well.
Another day of clouds, sun, clouds, rain, sun, clouds...
We had a 2:30 appointment to get a new windshield (the cracks had grown) so after a leisurely breakfast we headed out to Ponderay. We stopped at the County Historical Museum and learned that we have a Northern Idaho Windshield. I guess it happens a lot here - a piece of gravel flies up and hits the windshield just right, then the freeze, then the sun.... The gal we talked to (retired here from Nebraska) gets a new windshield every year.
We were dropped off at the Coop Store while our windshield was replaced and wandered around in there - wood stoves, hardware, heavy-duty Carhartt clothing (insulated overalls, heavy jackets, jeans, etc.), animal supplies, getting ready for live chicks (for Easter, I guess).
Don's Observations: The variety of stuff pertaining to farming, ranching and just extreme out door working was immense. This was not your Target in San Diego. If you needed to fix your barbed wire fence, or electrify it, all the spreaders, pincers, and special pliers were there. Since winters are long and cold, an entire aisle of gloves, for different kinds of work dominated the heavy coveralls department. Seeds were available in bulk, must have been 20 choices. This was a coop store for hard working people that work in tough weather. I left glad I did not have a need of most items they were selling.Driving home was a new experience. It was snowing, and this time it was sticking to the ground. It was still a beautiful landscape. By the time we got to our place, all was well.
Idaho - Day Three
Monday
A very restful, quiet, catch-up day with a variety of weather - sun, rain, snow, sun, etc. Finally decided to use the fireplace - they provided one box of wood - but we had no matches. So Ruth trudged through the snow(flakes) - could have waited two minutes - to the convenience store to get some matches.
During some of the snow events, we couldn't see the mountains or the lake close to us - then quickly all was beautiful again.
We did go for a drive/walk to check things out around the lake to the south. There are quite a few cabins - small and large, some occupied but most seeming to wait for the summer occupants. There were quite a few deer roaming around (seemingly young and female) and also wild geese. Boy, do they make a racket when they take off.
Don remembered seeing a hamburger shack on the way back from town yesterday so we had to check it out for dinner (Paul Bunyan Famous Hamburgers). Little did we realize it was 17 miles from our place. We may get to know this road yet. Don had a Paul Bunyan Burger (two patties and cheese with special sauce) and I had the Blue Ox (one patty with ham and cheese) and we shared a large order of onion rings. so much for the good effects of exercise.
Driving back the lighting on the lake was spectacular - couldn't tell if it's a full moon because of all the clouds. At least there's not a lot of traffic.
A very restful, quiet, catch-up day with a variety of weather - sun, rain, snow, sun, etc. Finally decided to use the fireplace - they provided one box of wood - but we had no matches. So Ruth trudged through the snow(flakes) - could have waited two minutes - to the convenience store to get some matches.
During some of the snow events, we couldn't see the mountains or the lake close to us - then quickly all was beautiful again.
We did go for a drive/walk to check things out around the lake to the south. There are quite a few cabins - small and large, some occupied but most seeming to wait for the summer occupants. There were quite a few deer roaming around (seemingly young and female) and also wild geese. Boy, do they make a racket when they take off.
Don remembered seeing a hamburger shack on the way back from town yesterday so we had to check it out for dinner (Paul Bunyan Famous Hamburgers). Little did we realize it was 17 miles from our place. We may get to know this road yet. Don had a Paul Bunyan Burger (two patties and cheese with special sauce) and I had the Blue Ox (one patty with ham and cheese) and we shared a large order of onion rings. so much for the good effects of exercise.
Driving back the lighting on the lake was spectacular - couldn't tell if it's a full moon because of all the clouds. At least there's not a lot of traffic.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Idaho - Day Two
Sunday
Day to explore Sandpoint - largest close town to our location. We had sun, rain, hail and snow getting there. The weather here seems to be wait a few minutes and it will change.
Sandpoint is an Amtrak stop on the Empire Builder route. Unfortunately it goes through in the middle of the night so the beautiful lake and mountain scenery will be missed.
Don was impressed with the hail collected on the bench and planters. It melted pretty quickly. When we got back to the car we had a pretty deep crack in the windshield. Hopefully it won't get any worse before we get home. Unfortunately, it's on the driver's side.
We bought tickets to the Thursday night screening of Carmen from the Opera Comique of Paris. http://www.panida.org/carmen.html. I asked if they tended to sell out operas here (you never know) - she didn't know since they don't generally have it. So far she's sold four tickets (including ours). I like intimate opera.
Day to explore Sandpoint - largest close town to our location. We had sun, rain, hail and snow getting there. The weather here seems to be wait a few minutes and it will change.
Sandpoint is an Amtrak stop on the Empire Builder route. Unfortunately it goes through in the middle of the night so the beautiful lake and mountain scenery will be missed.
Don was impressed with the hail collected on the bench and planters. It melted pretty quickly. When we got back to the car we had a pretty deep crack in the windshield. Hopefully it won't get any worse before we get home. Unfortunately, it's on the driver's side.We bought tickets to the Thursday night screening of Carmen from the Opera Comique of Paris. http://www.panida.org/carmen.html. I asked if they tended to sell out operas here (you never know) - she didn't know since they don't generally have it. So far she's sold four tickets (including ours). I like intimate opera.
Idaho - Day One
Laundry Day - nice to have our own personal washer/dryer.Exploration to the south around the lake. Found a steel bridge to walk across and startled a large bird from its nest, then walked a bit farther and saw this nest.
Explored the towns of East Hope (population 79) and Hope - there are some pretty old places close in, farther out there are some pretty big ones - all with views of the lake.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Day 9 IDAHO - Lake Pend Oreille
At last! I can't believe it took us nine days to get here but it has been a most pleasant and unhurried time. It's been a mixture of sun, rain and snow but not difficult driving.The condo is comfortable and it's nice to have a heater that heats all the rooms. This is a view from our back porch.
It will be nice to settle in for a few days.
Day 8 Eastern Washington
The plan has worked quite well - no really long days of driving, getting to our planned destinations early enough to get a chance for a walk. The weather has been great, we're still speaking to each other... what more could we want.
It's a six-hour drive to Hope, Idaho from Renton, Washington. This will be our last night on the road until we get to our timeshare. The scenery along I-90 is spectacular through the mountains. All of a sudden we realized that the light rain had turned to snow and the white sides of the road were high snow banks - way over the car. We stopped at the summit and it was like driving into a walled snow cave. The rest stop was there, carved out of the at least 12-foot high snow bank.
We decided to spend the night in historic Ellensburg - cute buildings and no signals in town. Don especially enjoyed the Clymer art museum http://www.clymermuseum.com/visitor_info.html.
We also enjoyed the many posters for their Annual Ellensburg Rodeo, e.g., http://www.ellensburgrodeo.com/merchandise/Poster%202001.JPG
It's a six-hour drive to Hope, Idaho from Renton, Washington. This will be our last night on the road until we get to our timeshare. The scenery along I-90 is spectacular through the mountains. All of a sudden we realized that the light rain had turned to snow and the white sides of the road were high snow banks - way over the car. We stopped at the summit and it was like driving into a walled snow cave. The rest stop was there, carved out of the at least 12-foot high snow bank.We decided to spend the night in historic Ellensburg - cute buildings and no signals in town. Don especially enjoyed the Clymer art museum http://www.clymermuseum.com/visitor_info.html.
We also enjoyed the many posters for their Annual Ellensburg Rodeo, e.g., http://www.ellensburgrodeo.com/merchandise/Poster%202001.JPG
Day 7 Western Washington
The plan was to visit Juana Rudesill (Don's dad's youngest brother's widow) in Montesano and take her to lunch. We had visited our last trip through Washington and had a really nice visit with her and daughter Gigi. We were delighted this time that Gigi was able to come from Olympia to see us and Juana prepared a delicious lunch. We also enjoyed our guided tour around town and their collection of lovebirds, parakeets and cockatiels in a protected outdoor cage.
We then headed to Renton to see Ken and Carol (Myrtle's cousin) in their new (to them) beautiful and spacious home. They are on the edge of a wooded area and have a very large back yard. We arrived in time for Don to accompany Ken to a Ham Radio class to learn about hand held radios. Carol and I enjoyed our visit talking about food and crafts and piano and...
Day 6 Portland, OR
A Travel Day
There is no sales tax in Oregon - Don found a bunch of San Diego postcards for his collection (several from the fifties of the harbor and city views many for 25 cents each - unheard of in San Diego and ebay) and gasoline is less than in California (under $4.00/gallon).
We arrived in Portland in the afternoon and found a motel in town. We walked a few blocks to the free train to downtown and met a college student from Duluth, Minnesota. We got off at the end of the line (the university) and walked around enjoying the beautiful parks and sculptures. Getting back the free train was crowded with people going to the Trailblazers Basketball game - two stops before ours.
Next stop Washington.
There is no sales tax in Oregon - Don found a bunch of San Diego postcards for his collection (several from the fifties of the harbor and city views many for 25 cents each - unheard of in San Diego and ebay) and gasoline is less than in California (under $4.00/gallon).
We arrived in Portland in the afternoon and found a motel in town. We walked a few blocks to the free train to downtown and met a college student from Duluth, Minnesota. We got off at the end of the line (the university) and walked around enjoying the beautiful parks and sculptures. Getting back the free train was crowded with people going to the Trailblazers Basketball game - two stops before ours.
Next stop Washington.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 5 Grant's Pass, OR
We had a pleasant, leisurely morning. Dale made his "pancake" for us for breakfast with apples, blueberries and walnuts. It was very good and kept us full for most of the day. Gas at Costco this morning in Chico was $3.99/gallon - the lowest we've seen for awhile.
We headed back to the Interstate for another day of driving. This time with more lanes and straighter pavement. There is some spectacular scenery - through the Lake Shasta area especially.
We are now in Grant's Pass and found a convenient motel near downtown. We enjoyed walking around their restored historic area and found a trattoria for dinner - we enjoyed their dinner for two: an appetizer (artichoke dip with crostini), soup or salad (I had artichoke veloute soup/Don had Italian wedding soup), entree (sausage ragout with penne pasta for Don, chicken with fresh basil and walnuts in creamy garlic sauce for me) and a shared dessert (lemon biscotti cheesecake). We brought half our entrees home for breakfast and/or dinner tomorrow). And no sales tax on dinner.
Onward tomorrow.
We headed back to the Interstate for another day of driving. This time with more lanes and straighter pavement. There is some spectacular scenery - through the Lake Shasta area especially.
We are now in Grant's Pass and found a convenient motel near downtown. We enjoyed walking around their restored historic area and found a trattoria for dinner - we enjoyed their dinner for two: an appetizer (artichoke dip with crostini), soup or salad (I had artichoke veloute soup/Don had Italian wedding soup), entree (sausage ragout with penne pasta for Don, chicken with fresh basil and walnuts in creamy garlic sauce for me) and a shared dessert (lemon biscotti cheesecake). We brought half our entrees home for breakfast and/or dinner tomorrow). And no sales tax on dinner.
Onward tomorrow.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Day 4 Chico, CA
Leaving Caspar Beach, we took Highway 20 inland. Don thought 128 coming to Caspar had a lot of curves, Highway 20 leaving was no better, windy all the way back to Interstate 5. But the weather has been wonderful.
We made it to Kathy and Dale's around 3:00 and were ready to walk and explore with th
em. We toured Kathy's property, which is currently very green from the rains, and then walked to Little Butte Creek (across the road) to see their summer swimming hole. The water is still high and swirling pretty actively. Kathy's mother, Pat, is currently staying with her and is busy knitting pet blankets for the local Humane Society. (for cats, use garter stitch on 40 stitches on size 11 needles with a double strand of yard until appropriate length - in case I get around to taking up knitting again)
We had another lovely enjoyable dinner with good company. Kathy had been busy making a delicious thick vegetable soup, rice, beans and Dale's favorite fruit creation for dessert.
We made it to Kathy and Dale's around 3:00 and were ready to walk and explore with th
em. We toured Kathy's property, which is currently very green from the rains, and then walked to Little Butte Creek (across the road) to see their summer swimming hole. The water is still high and swirling pretty actively. Kathy's mother, Pat, is currently staying with her and is busy knitting pet blankets for the local Humane Society. (for cats, use garter stitch on 40 stitches on size 11 needles with a double strand of yard until appropriate length - in case I get around to taking up knitting again)We had another lovely enjoyable dinner with good company. Kathy had been busy making a delicious thick vegetable soup, rice, beans and Dale's favorite fruit creation for dessert.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 3 Caspar Beach, CA
We continued our northward journey around San Francisco then over the Golden Gate Bridge and onward. We traveled to the coast on Highway 128 through wine country and were amazed at all the new small wineries sprouting up. It's beautiful countryside and wonderful forest land. Don was happy when we finally left the winding, narrow two-lane road.
We stayed at the Pine Beach Inn up the road just a bit from Jughandle. We had a great visit with Michael and Monica and had dinner at the Thai Restaurant at our motel. I haven't been a fan of Thai food ever since tasting the "Jungle Curry" in Bangkok (I think it's the lemongrass that doesn't agree with me). Anyway, we had four different dishes and they were ALL delicious. I think there's hope for me and Thai food.
Monica's fabulous dessert recipe: frozen berries (any kind) heated on stove until syrupy. Serve over ice cream. Delicious.
We stayed at the Pine Beach Inn up the road just a bit from Jughandle. We had a great visit with Michael and Monica and had dinner at the Thai Restaurant at our motel. I haven't been a fan of Thai food ever since tasting the "Jungle Curry" in Bangkok (I think it's the lemongrass that doesn't agree with me). Anyway, we had four different dishes and they were ALL delicious. I think there's hope for me and Thai food.
Monica's fabulous dessert recipe: frozen berries (any kind) heated on stove until syrupy. Serve over ice cream. Delicious.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Day 2 - San Francisco Area
Our journey in the car was pleasant until the freeway closure on Hwy 99 (we never did find the cause). After being stopped for quite awhile six miles from the Kingsburg exit, we followed several others off the freeway down the on-ramp, then took side roads through the many fertile fields trying to decide what was being grown. At each potential freeway entrance there was still quite a lineup so we continued the detour. The GPS never let us get lost. We were eventually delayed only one hour.
Our visit with Betsie and Claire was most enjoyable. Betsie's brother Greg and fiancee Annie, plus Claire's daughter Anna and husband John joined us for dinner. It's sometimes amazing how little kids grow up to be interesting adults.
Our visit with Betsie and Claire was most enjoyable. Betsie's brother Greg and fiancee Annie, plus Claire's daughter Anna and husband John joined us for dinner. It's sometimes amazing how little kids grow up to be interesting adults.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Hope, Idaho Trip - Day 1
We are finally off! It's worse than when we were working - now it takes us two weeks to get ready. Being a volunteer does have it's drawbacks - getting signs ready for the annual Mission Hills Garden Club Walk and Treasurer Reports for the Library monthly meeting, plus Ruth (Don) taking on the shipping of Amazon sales, plus tax returns, plus...
Anyway, we got done and packed and loaded and helped to get an escaped dog back to its home and...
we're in Tulare. Traffic wasn't too bad (except through LA as usual) and we did have some rain. At one point it was raining so hard we had to turn off our audio book because we couldn't hear it. But it did let up.
We stopped at the Pyramid Lake information center for the first time (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_Lake_(California) and enjoyed their displays (and rest rooms). I hope they've fixed their water fountains by the next time we come through.
Gasoline prices - pretty much over $4.00/gallon (mostly $4.15-4.25 for regular unleaded, cash price) and we found a place for $3.97 with a 50 cent charge for credit card. Sounded good. But we're still not used to paying $50.00+ for a fill-up.
Dinner: http://blackbeardiner.com/ good food but plentiful - we shared a meal and were satisfied.
Onwards to Foster City tomorrow.
Anyway, we got done and packed and loaded and helped to get an escaped dog back to its home and...
we're in Tulare. Traffic wasn't too bad (except through LA as usual) and we did have some rain. At one point it was raining so hard we had to turn off our audio book because we couldn't hear it. But it did let up.
We stopped at the Pyramid Lake information center for the first time (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramid_Lake_(California) and enjoyed their displays (and rest rooms). I hope they've fixed their water fountains by the next time we come through.
Gasoline prices - pretty much over $4.00/gallon (mostly $4.15-4.25 for regular unleaded, cash price) and we found a place for $3.97 with a 50 cent charge for credit card. Sounded good. But we're still not used to paying $50.00+ for a fill-up.
Dinner: http://blackbeardiner.com/ good food but plentiful - we shared a meal and were satisfied.
Onwards to Foster City tomorrow.
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