Road Trip!! Part the First

Rockies in the Rearview

The Road Trip Experience:

Saturday, Jan 9, 2010: Left Corvallis around 8, a couple of stops on the way out of town, and on the road. Stopped in Troutdale for gas, then through the Gorge. It was beautiful. Going up the river in the winter is an entirely different experience. I don't have any pictures - I was too busy with driving and the wind. Oh, the wind. It let up around Hood River. Stopped in The Dalles for my last Burgerville Black Bean Gardenburger. MMMM mmmm Good. Onward to Umatilla, over the river, through the Tri-Cities, and picked up I-90 after stopping for gas in Ritzville. On to Post Falls, ID - missed the Cabela's store by 15 minutes! Finished the day at Coeur D'Alene, ID.

Fourth of July Pass, ID

Sunday, Jan 10: Left Coeur D'Alene around 8AM, headed for Belgrade (=Bozeman), MT. It was a fine day for driving. The east side of the passes had some slush, but nothing major. Got into Belgrade around 4. Took Becky, Bruce, Kodi and Shane out to dinner. It was a real blessing to see all of them. I stopped in St. Regis, MT for gas. This is the exit we take when we are headed for the Westcott's cabin on Flathead Lake. I was mightily tempted to head north for a few days at the cabin! I do love it there.

Daybreak, Big Timber, MT

Monday, Jan 11: Didn't sleep much Sunday night, so I just got up and got going. Left Belgrade around 6:15, headed for Rapid City, SD. Still on I-90. Saw my first "Wall Drug" sign just outside Bozeman. Watched the sun rise outside of Big Timber, Montana.  It was a beautiful day on the high plains. Sunny, blue skies, and you could see forever. It brought back memories of Colorado winter road trips out on the plains. I made the halfway point (1275 mi) at a rest area outside Moorcroft, Wyoming. It was a non-event, except for the mob of wild turkeys that surrounded me when I stopped the car! I tried to get onto the Team Telecon for the ship, but the call wouldn't stay connected through the basin and range country. It was truly an amazing day, and brought back so many memories of my time in Colorado.  Of Note: The guy who checked me into the hotel in Rapid City was a dead ringer for John Candy.  Imagine John Candy cast as the hyper-efficient and over-helpful front desk clerk.  That was this guy.  It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud.  Truly, it was hilarious.

Wall Drug, Wall, SD

Tuesday, Jan 12: Left Rapid City around 7:30, headed for Austin, Minn. I blasted along, making potty stops when needed. Stopped at Wall Drug ("Wall Drug, 5c coffee"  "Wall Drug, Exit NOW"). in Wall, SD - left with the picture, that's it. Stopped for lunch in Mitchell, SD. Caught the Corn Palace and the Cabela's store. Both worthy. Gassed up in Mitchell, then blew through to Austin, Minn, (260 mi) in one jump. Once I crossed the Minnesota line, the wind really started to pick up. It was near ground-blizzard conditions for part of the time. It wasn't snowing, but the snow on the ground was blowing across the road. The crosswind was fierce from the Minn. line all the way to Austin - Got in around 6PM. Checked in and got some food. Tomorrow, my last day on I-90.  To follow: Road Trip - The Final Chapter.

Blowing Snow, Southern Minnesota