triumphgal

10-14-23 5912 Km to Home Sweet Home

October 14, 2023

Woke up fairly refreshed. Got showered and packed my stuff in the hotel room, said my goodbye’s to Sonia and went down to the parking lot to organize my car for the border crossing. I then headed back up to the Windbag to grab a road coffee and headed out.

The weather is off and on clear and a few moments of weather. I suspect I won’t notice the eclipse at all as I travel along. My first gas stop was interesting and I was running the lowest yet so also glad the price was low.

It was pretty smooth sailing except for a bit of construction along Salmon Lake and then an accident that had a fireman turning us around to go through Big Fork which didn’t add much time.

Last stop for gas was in Eureka and then it was a short hop to the border. If finished listening to The Palace Papers and began listening to “ A Promised Land” written and narrated by Barack Obama. I am not going to kid you, it is nice listening to both his story and his voice. The Palace Papers was an interesting take, summing up all of the things I have already read or watched and giving a good perspective and review. I do like Audible. It was fun to listen to my music while with Sonia. I set my music on alphabetical songs and we made it to the start of the C list on our time together. I only skipped Christmas and hard core gospel.

I had written down my expenses and was slightly over my allowable, as well as having a bit too much alcohol with me as I had the whiskeys from Oregon and the Growler from Nevada and the Moonshine from Vegas, and the Vodka from Sonia. The border guard was a lovely Canadian, fascinated that I had driven all that way and was interested in the trip more than anything, asking lots of fun questions and when I told him all the truth, he said have a safe rest of your way home and waved me on… Marnée magic 🙂

I stopped and visited with Rae-Anne and Ashlée, sharing my Growler of chocolate stout and catching up before they fly off on Wednesday to see Pink in Vancouver. I stopped at the office to pick up my parcels and cheques and came home to unload all, sort and do laundry, take my thank you gifts to Tracey and have my leftovers for dinner as I was starting to shake. Missy has been sticking fairly close I suspect she is relieved I came back. It must be confusing for animals when their person goes away.

I see that my maple turned to Fall while I was gone, and my tarp blew off my shed and I will have to rake leaves and replace the tarp. My carport was delivered and I will see about building it tomorrow.. potentially.

Some of the fun that I picked up last night.

A random thing that I just remembered was my horror yesterday when a commercial caught my attention for some kind of US election. I was so flabbergasted by what I was hearing that I didn’t catch the name, nor the level of government, but it was what we would consider hate speech here in Canada. He spoke as a military person who was tired of all this ‘woke’ behaviour, planned to stop giving gay rights etc. Just horrible.

Oh, and the distance I drove is almost the whole way across Canada

10-13-23 A fine Friday the 13th in Helena

October 13, 2023

Once again it was nice to look out in the morning and see where we were. I laughed that we have a doorbell on our room. I shall not be accepting visitors so…

I got ready and drove Sonia to the office that she had to work at for the day and then after a wee drive around, headed off to explore downtown which is right next door. It is a marvelous walking mall so I did just that, all the way down one side and back up the other. It is perfect t-shirt weather to me although I know many were finding it cold. The first stop was the first jewelry store I saw as I also saw some interesting art pieces. I do love functional art and had to buy a beautiful bowl while I was there. As I wandered I saw across the street a store called Sole Sisters. Sole Sister Ramblers is a group that I am in on Facebook. We are women all over the world that walk and share in photos and spirit. I shared photos of the store and we all had a good laugh about not knowing we had a headquarters.

The next shop I bought a few souvenirs in and a couple of adorable dresses was also the place that I was drawn to a beautiful set of pottery measuring cups only to discover they were made by a Heiltsuk artist! I laughed and told the shopkeeper that that was where I last lived and worked. A glimmering moment.

And then I fell in love with a couch, and it was on sale… sigh. He even said he would store it for me as long as necessary. If I could easily get it home, it would be mine. The store was fabulous and it is probably good that I don’t live closer

Next door was an associated store, full of wonderful seconds and more, I cruised looking for Fluevogs, ended up introducing the shop gals to the brand and buying two new nose rings.

The Golden Girls Antique Mall was really incredible. It was like being in a museum. I spent a long time there wandering the two floors. I didn’t buy anything but I sure had a good time.

This store wasn’t open when I went by, and I forgot to go back. It was intriguing

Holster Museum of Art was a lovely surprise, and free to wander! There were 4 current displays and a nice gift shop. I enjoyed it all.

And now I was on the right side of the block and at Sole Sisters. The ladies working there were absolutely lovely. I tried on a couple dresses but ultimately bought a pair of decadent shoes for half price.

I continued on my ramble and ended up at the Windbag Saloon for lunch where I had the kind Ida for a server. She was a little bit of a hippy chick and she said to try to sit in her section if I came back for dinner.

I had info arriving for payroll so I headed back to the room and unpacked my wares before getting to work

Sonia was done work at just the right time and I picked her up to go to both Walmart and Target as we both were interested in getting some Halloween and Christmas items and she needed a new adapter for her Aussie to North America plugs. We had fun and I picked up a few things including more Nicarette mints as they have worked well for me and I have had one cigarette since Oct 1st.

Next stop was a liquor store where she bought me some Huckleberry Vodka and some Chocolate vodka to bring home as thanks for chauffeur duties.

We then dropped things at the hotel and headed out for dinner. Thankfully her leg is doing better so she was able to walk up to the Saloon. She chose the fish and chips, I had the Montana Mac and Cheese which was basically chicken bacon ranch, and we both had Huckleberry Mules. Ida was our person again.

It is hard to believe that I am heading back home tomorrow. What an adventure we have had!

10-12-23 8 states, 11 days

October 13, 2023

And actually in and out of a few, so more than that! I APOLOGIZE IN ADVANCE IF I BOOT THROUGH THIS. I was having trouble with the internet and inadvertently deleted all that I had processed for the day.. sigh.

Recap

I was in awe of the dispensers and hope to find some for my bathroom. Breakfast was great but biscuits and gravy are over-rated IMHO.

First we leave Utah for Idaho where we stop for gas and Sonia purchases two sweet gifts for me, a sticker for my car of a yeet Unicorn and a button for my back of Darth Tater. I left them in the car so no current picture, but it was very sweet. All I noticed was the weapons case

Our first destination was the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot. I love the Peru connection, the super friendly owners and the delicious food as much as the displays. I bought a few fun things and then we were on our way

Next, slightly out of the way, but soooo worth it stop was the Collectibles Museum in Idaho Falls. Jim and Nida were the perfect hosts to an incredible collection of collections and I just wanted them to be my family. They have been married at least 60 years and Nida told me that when she met Jim she said, I come with stuff, and he said he did too. That is where it all began.

Now we headed towards Helena where Sonia is to work tomorrow. We had a couple of stops planned but the Dumas Brothel Museum is closed due to the owner having her third heart surgery! She left a beautiful message on her site and I wish her the very best, hoping to be back to see it some day. The next stop them became the Lady of the Rockies, overlooking Butte. It turns out it is a longer drive than we expected so we took pictures from below and headed for Helena. There was also a super fancy rest stop exactly when I needed it and a Tesla station seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

We finally made it to Helena where Sonia’s employer had booked a room as she is working here Friday and off to further work on Sunday morning. I presented Sonia with a flashing pumpkin necklace as a token of being my first Marnée Magic Tours client, knowing she is heading to NOLA after this. She promptly took me for a delicious fancy meal, served by the lovely Brandi.

I completely forgot that when we left, Jim gave us each our own Idaho Spud pin, such a lovely token from two truly lovely humans. I am so grateful to have met them.

10-11-23 Oh the glorious Arches

October 12, 2023

Went to sleep listening to what I thought were coyotes and awoke to the sound of a horse braying for its breakfast. I worked on getting payroll finished, we got ready, including Sonia reading the instructions and finding out we were to do the dishes and take out the garbage! It was a very expensive room so that was a surprise. I did have a delicious coffee and my last donut. I laughed when I opened my laptop and the windows desktop was Bryce Canyon. Sure, remind me of the flirtation.

We headed towards Arches National Park outside of Moab, Utah, and meandered through the countryside on our way there, stopping at anything interesting that appealed to us. We met many interesting folks and saw some special places and formations.

First stop was just after I got a warning from my car to watch for ice, which horrified poor Sonia, who is not used to cold. We found Butch Cassidy’s Boyhood Home which continues to be restored and was quite a find out in the backroads

It is feeling a touch of fall and the colours are amazing. The wind is also very strong and takes some concentration, to stay on the road and to not let the doors fling when opened. Unfortunately, while we were stopped at Sand Beach View Area, Sonia felt a pop in her calf and has had trouble walking since. I have been trying to park or drive slow so she can take pics out the window and then I pop out and get other ones.

Spotted Wolf Canyon was breathtaking!

We ended up driving into the rain as we approached Moab, our site seeing destination for the day. We stopped at Wendy’s, hoping to grab a salad and plan the rest of the day. It turned out to be very understaffed and disgustingly dirty. We were there for 45 minutes and didn’t see a single thing get cleaned or cleared. So sad.

After the rain stopped pounding, we headed to the park gate. As it happens, you are supposed to reserve an entry time and we missed any for today, but at 4 you just pay and go in. I drove around the weird lineup by the highway and went up the long drive to the booth. I told the Ranger that I had driven a long way and that it had been 41 years since I was last there, so I didn’t book ahead. He said well, it’s 3:52, so you are a little early but go ahead and enjoy the park! I can’t begin to explain how emotional it was to go there. I was last there with Bill, before we were married! Much has changed but I jumped for joy when I saw the two seagulls fighting over food, the baby elephant, and the man walking by. OK, that’s what I saw back then, and recognized them instantly. Here they are first.

And then, the rest including amazing clouds, and a rainbow.

As the sun was setting, we were heading west and then north towards Salt Lake City. We wanted to get as far north of it as we could before stopping for the night so that tomorrow would hold enough time to see the few things we wanted to along the way and get Sonia to Helena in time to do laundry and prep for her presentation for work the next day. I drove through rain, construction, speeding semis, and snow! Sonia filmed it, saying it was like the millenium falcon. You have to know that I liked that reference. We finally stopped in Murray Utah for dinner at IHOP and the lovely server suggested we stay at the Holiday Inn Express just up the street as we were very tired and it was late. I booked it on a discount through Hotels.com, but when I went in to check in, there was no reservation. It took a very long time to get settled. The hotelier was awesome and gave me an even better rate for my troubles. The agent for Hotels.com said he would refund my CC but it would take 7-10 days. I screen shot the conversation to make sure I have back up. We were so tired that we forgot to take a pic of the very nice room before we messed it up.

Earlier in the day we saw a guy walk in to Wendy’s with a pistol in a holster strapped to his leg and at a gas stop I saw the oddest collection of collectibles. We are definitely not in Canada.

I have enjoyed interesting talks with Sonia, she feels I should transition to my new career of Marnée’s Magic Tours. My happy personality and genuine passion to see all the things and share them with others would make me a great guide, she says encouragingly. Little does she know I would abandon all in a heartbeat to do that. I have learned a few things this trip, or at least solidified them; I ought to nail down a 10 year plan, I can trust my gut and take calculated risks, like spending a week with a woman I met for a few days 12 years ago in the Great Bear Rainforest, and that I do not ever want to settle for anything less than what I felt yesterday talking to Rich.

10-10-23 7th State, a bit of heaven

October 11, 2023

Woke up this morning after a good sleep in the bunk under a cool sky. It was wonderful to see the surroundings that we had missed coming in after dark. The showers were good, the neighbours were entertaining and we finally got away. We stopped at Dennys only to meet Tina and Brooklyn coming out complaining about how bad it was so we decided to just grab beverages and fruit at a truck stop and then head out.

The first real stop was on the edge of town at Glen Canyon Dam and then further along at a lookout where we met a couple from Missouri who really liked to talk, lol. I enjoyed the conversation about Belize, but we really needed to keep moving.

We next crossed into Utah and stopped for coffee, where a lovely older gent named Gregg was a treat to buy from. I got a blueberry coffee which was a fun novelty, some eggs that included salt and pepper, a sticker for my car, and ice for the cooler. I didn’t buy the skat or poop, just thought it amusing. I was really impressed with the wheeled collection behind a motor home we saw.

Moqui Cave wasn’t far away and although I had been there before I thought Sonia would enjoy it. I spoke to the guide, the owner and it was his grandfather who originally bought the cave and his father who had given me the tour in 2014. His Dad had died two years later and now he owns it and has done a lot of work to the exterior. It was fun to explore again.

Not too far away was Coral Pink Sand Dunes Conservation Area. This was a place I have also been before but it is so peaceful and unique..

Next stop would be to see the Buffalo on our way to Zion National Park.

There was so much beauty to see, the colours and visual textures were extraordinary. We did have to wait a long time to go through the long tunnel. I wish I could have filmed it but it was dark due to no artificial lights, I was driving and I was surprised it was single lane as it was actually double lane wide. I will have to research why the change.

At last we made it to the one I think the most breathtaking, Bryce Canyon. The drive in had natural structures that appear to be people and the canyon is just unbelievable.

We parked at Sunset Point Viewing Area and within 5 minutes I was deeply engaged in conversation with a charming (delicious) man named Rich from I think he said, Bishop California or somewhere near Mammoth. I fully admit that there was so much chemistry that I did not want to leave. I should have given my card, or my number or something but I didn’t and now I can’t get him off my mind. We were comparing our home towns and I said Cranbrook had the most hours of sunshine and he said, Oh that’s why you’re so happy to which I replied, Yep I get lots of D! I of course laughed and said, well that didn’t sound right. He did give me that gift though. I recognize that I have had many moments of absolute joy this trip and it has been a long time since I laughed until I cried.

I shall manifest that our paths cross again.

We drove into Panguitch and I pulled over to check Airbnb as I have my superhost coupon to use. I found us the Dragonfly Motor Hotel which is just perfect. My cousin Kelly would have loved it. We settled our stuff in and went food seeking. It seems there were only two places open and one was very busy to even get in, the other was just busy but the food was good and that was what counts. I had to come back and run a big payroll and then I planned our route for the rest of the trip. We head to Arches tomorrow!

10-09-23 Vegas to Page, State No. 6

October 10, 2023

The day started out ornery as I tried to get payroll done before we left the Venetian but had a hard time getting all the info and I held us up getting away. We were further aggravated by the contractors that we discovered working on ladders between my car and another in the lot. I tried to make small talk only to get rude looks and no response. As we headed to the elevator to get the last of our stuff, the female came up to us and very rudely told me that we had moved the barricade and parked where we shouldn’t have. I calmly said we had not, in fact moved anything and that I would not do that in a million years. She said, well, you did. I smile and said, Oh is that your way of asking me kindly to move my car? She said, yes. I did. But it added another 15 minutes to me getting up to the room to get to check out. I was pretty steamed by this point as her energy was very rude and unnecessary and now we had to walk further away to finish loading. We decided to go to the desk to check out rather than express to let them know our experience. Dianne was very kind and gave us one of the nights free for resort fees, saving $51 and gave us bottles of water for the road. I didn’t want the contractors to get into trouble but they need to know that they are part of the guest experience and that was a shoddy way to end our stay. We had a good laugh over the way I had reparked which clearly showed I was annoyed.

There sure is a lot of temporary building going on in advance of the races

We were nearing the Hoover Dam when I saw a motorcyclist on the side of the road, clearly trying to pick up his Harley. I got stopped a ways away and ran back up the hill. As I neared, I said, I know I look small but I am strong and ride and have experience picking up my own bike so I can help. He did look embarrassed but it took less than a minute to instruct and assist him and I said, hey you have a great story of a small Canadian woman who came to your rescue. He was sweating and breathing heavy and I knew he had been struggling for a while. He shook my hand and thanked me and we inspected for damage as it turned out it was a rental. There was some and I hope he chose insurance. I was grateful to have training to know how to properly stand a bike back up without hurting yourself…. And the instinct to pull over immediately as clearly many had passed him by.

We went to Hoover Dam which was ridiculously upgraded from last time I crossed it. The highway now bypasses it and you have to go through a checkpoint for Arms and Drones before going over. It really is beautiful and it is now a destination which doesn’t detract from trucks and travelers. We had good laughs over the number of times we crossed the state border and time zone change.

Lunch stop was in Kingman on Route 66. I have been here before in the Miata but it was also upgraded. I had a turkey burger to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving and the homemade root beer float was to die for.

It was a quick detour to Seligman where I bought a Route 66 sticker for my car and we saw the fun of this old town. I even saw a real live or not live sagebrush in the parking lot!

Now it was a race to beat the sunset and make it to the Grand Viewpoint so that Sonia could see the Grand Canyon which was the goal of the actual roadtrip. I feel bad that we didn’t get there sooner but I did get some great pics and hope she did as well. Honestly, I am just excited to show her all the things I have planned for tomorrow!

We made our way through the darkness, being cautious as the signs say Watch for Animals but we don’t know what kind or size and made it to our Airbnb in Page Arizona. It’s so cool! Literally, I guess, so I am glad I threw my weighted blanket in for Sonia to use in the king sized bed while I bunk down, lol. I am glad I booked this, and we did drive thru food which was delicious. People arrived next to us and couldn’t figure out how to access their space. Got talking, gave them a number to contact.. and… she grew up in Burnaby, making us practically neighbour’s back then and now lives in Birch Bay, and lived in Fernie, which is only an hour away from me now. How cool are those odds? Marnée magic…

I am typing this, listening to yips and howls in the distance, as I have finished my payroll from this morning, only one more to go for the week, once I receive the info, and then I can ignore work until Monday!!

10-05-23 4th Day, 5th State

October 6, 2023

I was awake pretty early this morning having slept well but my neck is pretty sore. That is typical of whiplash, that it has a delayed type of reaction. I got myself organized, ran a payroll and ROE for one of my clients who fired someone and then grabbed coffee and hit the road. It is another glorious day out and I am heading towards Reno as a first stop and meal break. I aimed for the Peppermill as I remember being there when Chris and I went back in 2004/5. I walked in, dropped a $100 bill in a machine, won a few bucks and then tried one other before popping what I had left in a machine, spinning down to less than 36 dollars and as I always bet max, I ended up with over $200 so I cashed out, treated myself to a nice lunch and then headed out.

I can’t say today was full of interesting scenery but there were moments and once I was past all the paving and construction stretches, it was great to stop and smell. It was if honeysuckle or lilac was on the air but i have no idea what it actually was. All I know is that Austen, Nevada smells amazing! I drove up to Stokes Castle and it was fascinating and sad, in the same breath. The view was stunning from there so I can only imagine that was why the placement, just not sure why at all, considering they didn’t stay for long. Shame it wasn’t maintained.

Austin is a pretty little town on Hwy 5, the Loneliest Road in America and I love their slogan, ‘Social Distancing Since 1862’

I finally made it to Tonopah, another quaint town full of history, home of the world famous Clown Motel, where I had a reservation. I was given room 216 and the ‘old’ smell instantly hit me. I would best describe the place as seedy, but kitschy. It is an experience, albeit, not one to be repeated. I feel like I paid too much for it, but, hey… it’s an experience, right? The facilities are sketchy and there were buggy things missed behind the bathroom door, but I was willing to stay and enjoy it. I asked the owner where to eat and he gave me several good suggestions. I of course took myself to the Tonopah Brewery. They had soooo many on tap! I had the half rack of ribs, baked beans and cornbread muffin and a flight of beer. The staff were amazing and I decided to ‘tip’ them with my two Crowlers from Encore. They promise to share with the Brewmaster when they return on Monday. I received in return a growler and the coolest slap koozie. I just paid to fill the growler. Craft beer community is so cool.

Once I got back, I started to get settled in with intention to watch a little TV before my ghost tour at 9. Turns out the TV in room 216 would only play the horror movie channel! I got the guy to come up and try to fix it and they finally offered to move me to a different room. I took him up on it and am now in 104 which is mostly renovated and at least cleaner than the last one. It is an interesting phenomenon to do a lipstick renovation on a hotel, It helps to not be smelly but is not totally up to date.

I met up with the group for the Ghost Tour and was pleasantly surprised to find a couple, Mike and Laura who are actual Ghost Hunters. I laughed when the first room we went to was my old room, 216! Apparently I was not supposed to stay there, all right! We went to the super creepy room and I just wouldn’t want to stay there, for sure. Our guide was… touristy and couldn’t answer questions. I had a strong experience at one point where I had a hard time breathing and got chills and massive goose bumps. Once we were back at the office, Mike, Laura and I headed back on our own and actually had what seemed to be a real experience connecting with Clarence David, the man whose daughters built the hotel in his honour after he died in 1942 in the Belmont Mine Fire. I know it seems hokey, but I felt all kinds of things and then the damn clown would go off again. Finally it was time to say goodnight, although I would have liked to have spent more time with Mike and Laura, we had so much in common!

Minutes 9:10 on are where it is really interesting argh the video won’t upload. I will try tomorrow as i need to sleep

I am going to try to get enough sleep and get out of here by 8:30 so I can gas up and then head to Vegas to pick up Sonia from her flight from Reno and kick off our weekend in Vegas, Baby! I seem to have bought a VIP ticket tomorrow night for AGT Allstars… lol.

10-03-23 Day 2 First injury

October 3, 2023

Up just after 6 argh… read my book and when Mike got up he made me good coffee. Colleen was studying for an exam at the university later today so once I was ready Mike took me down to the park where there meteor was found in the area that had actually come from far east and north of here, thought to have travelled by ice flow. The park smelled amazing, if the colour green had a smell, that was it. All my senses were so happy to be there.

We meandered back, and stopped to see an interesting house two doors down from the Halloween house.

Once Colleen was ready we drove into Portland to drop her at school then found a place to park and went to Powell’s Books for a little while. I was hoping to find a travel mug from there but they were out so I got a couple books and a puzzle.

Next we found a parking space near the Segway Tour company and Colleen walked down to meet us when she was done. Jared was our guide and after training and practice, off we followed like ducks in a row. About an hour in, a car ran through the crosswalk as we were all going to cross. Colleen was startled and stopped dead in front of me. I was following fairly close so as to not hold up traffic or get separated and I tried to swerve to miss her but crashed right in the middle of the road. I landed hard on my right elbow and then my head snapped back into the pavement. It must have looked really bad as a woman who had stopped to let us cross jumped out and asked if she should call an ambulance. I am not going to kid you, the pain was real and I was grateful for the helmet on my head and the ice pack for my elbow. I walked it off enough to be sure my head was clear and we headed off again. Jerod was very engaging and I learned a lot about downtown Portland. I was mostly impressed by the green spaces and stunned at how deserted it was. Crossing the bridges was lovely and I was glad to be so comfortable on the Segway that I could take photos and video as we went along.

I did better once the shock wore off, but I was starting to hurt more. We went to a Lebanese restaurant for dinner and it was delicious but I really just needed to get home as I could feel the whiplash injury setting in and needed painkillers. My neck and elbow are very sore and I am very tired. Mike and Colleen are doing their thing upstairs on their computers so I think I am just going to tuck in as I will have a long day tomorrow. I do think it was a great day, and a wonderful way to see the city, would highly recommend it.

10-02-23 Road-trip 2023 Day 1

October 3, 2023

Was awake just before 8 but took my time getting ready, ran the dishwasher, had coffee and boiled eggs, finished packing, showered, took out garbage, etc.

And then it was time to hit the road!! 10:51 mst

The first challenge was at the border as I had an Asshat crossing guard. I pulled up to the stop sign and he stepped out and waved me forward not changing the red light further on. I stopped half way at the part where it shows hold up your card, and I did as I have a Nexus card and that is what I am used to at the Peace Arch crossing. I waited and he was just in his booth doing nothing. Then he stood in the door way with his right side towards me and did nothing. This standoff went on for a while until I called out the window, do you want me to come forward, to which he nodded and stepped back into the booth. When I got up there he made a point that I had stopped half way when he had waved me forward and that this was clearly not a Nexus crossing. I don’t understand why someone has to display power plays in the face of no adversity. He was just being a dick and I couldn’t address it or his power could win. Argh.

The first stop was for my grumbling stomach and gas tank. i saw a sign on the outskirts of Spokane for an Arby’s and thought that would be fun. The place was swanky compared to ours and I was hard pressed as to what to order. I decided on the fish strips despite Eugene, on till saying he didn’t know how they were as he tended to avoid fried foods, lol. The GM was the one who gave me permission to take all the photos I wanted and gave me his card, and thanked me when I was leaving.

Across the parking lot was a Krispy Kreme so of course I had to stop there for a coffee at the very least. The display case was sparse but there were fresh ones on the racks I was assured. The guy behind me was a regular and got his order in no time. He had a gift card with 6.28 left on it and after letting him go ahead, he told the cashier to use it against my order. I graciously thanked him and was stunned when my order was processed down to the amount on the card as it was nearing $20. that was a combo pay it forward kindness!

I asked a guy eating his lunch in his jeep parked in front of me where I could get gas at a decent price and he sent me on very clear directions to a station that would also make it easy for me to get back to the highway. I found it easily and had to go in to figure out how to make my Canadian, US$ MC work at the pumps. The guy working was so friendly and awesomely helpful…. He even told me the correct way to edit the parking lot to get in the right lane to go back to the highway. I asked him where I was as I may want to move here, given how friendly everyone was and he laughed and said I was in Spokane Valley.

It was a lovely drive, that I have done in the past. I have been listening to Spare on Audible. I admit to being conflicted about the whole Royal situation. The next place I needed to stop for a pee break, fill up on caffeine and fuel was Biggs Junction. A nice guy randomly helped get the beverage I wanted off the top shelf in the cooler. I really have met the nicest people this trip through all three states, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. It was the cheapest gas yet 4.299!

It poured rain and got darker as I went along, the challenge was maintaining the speed limit, not using cruise in case of hydroplane and keeping my eyes on the road and the mirror. I was a full hour later than expected and super tired when I finally arrived in West Linn at Mike and Colleens but it was so great to see them and catch up. Colleen broke out the neighbour’s gifts over the years and set me to taste testing. I am impressed with his still skills! Colleen made a delicious chili and she enjoyed the wines I brought from home. Mike liked his Smart Ass coffee beans and Colleen laughed at her ‘Not all wander are lost, some are looking for cool rocks’ t-shirt.

THE ABSOLUTELY FUNNIEST PART of the day was when I voice to text to WhatsApp to Colleen and she responded with a question that made me laugh until I cried as I drove.. every time I thought about it. OMG!!