PENNSYLVANIA MEMORIAL TRIP
THURSDAY, JUNE 24
Baker City to Evanston, WY
514 miles
After a wild thunder and lightning storm around midnight last night (and thankfully, RAIN!) we are up early and out of the house by 7pm. Allens took the coffee I needed to drop off at the church last night when they stopped by, so one less stop to make this morning. Coffee and we are on the road!
Rick drives to the rest stop just east of Boise, and I take the wheel across Idaho until Burley, where we stop to get some cold drinks. Rick then drives what ends up being the rest of the way to Evanston!
We run into rain in northern Utah and can see storms all along the Wasatch front. A stop in Willard for gas and Subway sandwiches around 2:30. We make the ‘turn’ eastward just south of Ogden to connect with I-80. A few construction slow-downs along the way, but we arrive in Evanston around 4:30pm.
After check in, we take a good walk to stretch our legs and then chill in motel room while another thunderstorm rolls through Evanston!
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| Flowers surrounding hotel in Evanston |
FRIDAY, JUNE 25
Evanston, WY to Ogalalla, NB
525 miles
I can summarize today with one word….WET! And more wet!! With a few moments scattered in here and there of dry pavement, especially once we hit Nebraska. It was not always a FUN day on the road with the trucks spraying water all over! Plus at least 5 stretches of construction...a fact you can usually count on in the summertime on interstate freeways!
Interstate 80, as it traverses the bottom of Wyoming, winds up and down over broad plains, sagebrush, grass, and rocky bluffs. We opened out to a wind turbine plain, but with the clouds as low as they were, some of the tubine blades were lost in the white murk! Fascinating!
Rick logged about 400 miles today and I did a 124 mile section in the middle (with HEAVY rain!) We saw antelope, a bald eagle, and plenty of cows! (And a few buffalo just outside of Evanston!)
Into Ogallala around 3:45, delayed by construction and an accident just 12 miles outside of the town! Arg! Gas at Walmart for $2.63 a gallon – WOW! That can count as a highlight of the day!
We check into the Super 8 and then head out to find a place to eat. We end up at El Ranchito, a very colorful Mexican restaurant with good food! Back at hotel, I walk four laps around the building and lot before settling in for the night. (My goal is to log at least 8,000 steps a day while riding in the car for miles on end!)
SATURDAY, JUNE 26
Ogallala NE to Coralville, IA
570 miles
We are up bright and early this morning, thankful that the hotel starts serving breakfast at 6am. We have a time change to Central Time 20 miles after leaving, so it will instantly be later! A good breakfast with a VERY talkative and informative lady hosting the breakfast room. (Alttle too much!)
Around Omaha via an alternate loop (good to avoid downtown as the College World Series is taking place!) and into Iowa around 1pm. We stop just across the border in a light rain and eat some lunch in the car...breakfast was a long 7 hours ago! I drive again for about an hour, but before we approach DesMoines and another bypass around the city Rick takes the wheel again for the final 135 miles into Coralville (just south of Cedar Rapids)
Upon entering Iowa we found mile after mile of wind turbines – tall white pillars in a sea of green fields.
Our MainStay Suites is very nice with a full kitchenette, dishes, utensils, etc.! We discover a few ‘meals’ for sale in the lobby and opt for a cheap pizza and the chance to just chill in the room. Somewhere in the midst of the day when it wasn’t raining, we truly entered the land of humidity! VERY noticeable in getting out of the air conditioned car at the motel!
A vast array of cars parked in the hotel lot – Arizona, Arkansas, California, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Oregon (guess who??), and one from Prince Edward Island!
Second night in a row that I can’t get the hotel wifi to connect. :( Will try my phone as a hotspot….if I can remember how to do that! (SUCCESS!!)
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| Crossing the Missouri River |
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| Land of white open fields (and dark clouds presently!) |
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| Our classy 'suite' in Coralville, Iowa |
SUNDAY JUNE 27
Coralville IA to Richmond IN
470 miles
A quick 325 miles and a LONG 135 today! We cruised easily across the state of Illinois, enjoying some lush trees along the roadways, plenty more corn fields and soy beans, and quaint farms and fields. A light rain once, but mostly clear. Stopped at the Indiana border to switch driver and eat a light lunch at a rest stop.
Our planned route THROUGH Indianapolis was foiled by construction and road closures, then we hit crashes and delays on the bypass. It was a slow 25 miles to circle the city, and then I found a long section of construction on I-70 east of town. We saw signs to a detour on US 40 and took it. Fun to see the small towns of the non-freeway world, but in one of them we were deluged by the rain burst. Had to pull over under a tree for abit (had missed our turn anyway). Finally back on I-70 for the final 35 miles into Richmond.
An older Comfort Inn, but nice enough. We took advantage of the BobEvans restaurant next door and got some dinner. While eating, the rain hit again. Fortunately let up slightly as we dashed back to the hotel. It was a warm rain typical of the muggy humid East!
Conversation with Luke in the evening, and texts with Zach Allen to find out the results of our pastor candidate this morning in Baker City. Welcome Cyndi Wunder!
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| Another river to cross! |
Monday June 28
Richmond IN to Hurst Cabin, Bowerston, OH
to Kramer Cottage, Tippecanoe, OH!
235 + miles
We are truly back East. Hot and muggy today. And for the first time since leaving home, we have to put down the visors to block the rising sun as the sky is cloudless!
Drive through the Ohio countryside between the border and Columbus is the same – rolling, tree or corn covered hills, small farms and towns outside the cities. Even our bypass around Columbus seemed to skirt any real ‘city’ views. At Cambridge (hail to Sabra!) we turned north on I-77 for about 20 miles. Then began our backcountry wanderings!
I had plugged the Hurst cabin address into my phone, made some written notes as well, and we actually found the cabin without trouble, arriving 2 minutes after noon (pretty close to my ETA!) I had no wifi or cell service, but thank goodness the phone GPS just keeps working! We went through several tiny towns, dense forests, huge electric plants that are for the fracking that is taking place locally (much to the chagrin of residents) and finally down to Leesville Lake, one of about 9 that were created by dams in the 30’s for flood control purposes.
We are probably the Hursts last visitors to the cabin! After doing a little fixup, they are putting it up for sale, its purpose as a retreat from Cleveland and work finished. Both are now fully retired and have kids and grandkids in the DC area.
After a delicious lunch, we just talk for an hour or so before taking a walk with John
down the road to explore abit. I am again amazed at the prolific wild orange lilies that grow everywhere! But the afternoon is truly hot and humid. I am dripping when we return to the cabin.
Shortly after, we all head down to the lake with their float tubes! Rick and Marj opt to sit in the shade and talk and visit, while Eva, John, and I float on the lake, enjoying the coolness of the water!
Dinner on the deck of Italian pasta (with artichokes!) and a fine salad, then a berry torte for dessert. (Oh – not to mention a nice glass or two of wine!)
Earlier, it had been decided that we would head over to Marg’s cabin on a nearby lake to sleep, as she had air conditioning. So at 8 we said our goodbyes to the Hursts and followed Marj the half hour drive to Tappan Lake and their cottage (which they built after tearing down the original old one on the property) We enjoyed the cabin tour with all of Reg’s collections.
To bed around 10:15. An eventful day!
TUESDAY June 29
Tappan Lake to Glenshaw, PA
86 miles
A
lazy morning and very enjoyable as we sat on the deck of Marj’s
cabin, listening to the birds, drinking coffee, and visiting. Rick
and I didn’t hit the road until after 10:30!!
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| Morning spent relaxing on this porch! |
Once again thankful for Google Maps on my phone and directions to lead us through the Fort Pitt tunnel and all the turns to get to Rob and Karen’s in Glenshaw. We arrived around 12:30, a little earlier than they expected I think! Had been out working in the yard trying to finish up a project!
Got bad news this morning once I got back into cell service that Luke’s flight had been cancelled and he was able to redirect until tomorrow! Arrival now at 7pm Wednesday night. Rats! But Jed is still scheduled to arrive at 5:15 tonight!
Afternoon visiting and Rob and Rick leave for the airport around 4:15 to pick up Jed. Rand’s crowd arrived this afternoon and were renting a minivan for the week. They will be over later this evening, as will Meg Kurt Matt and Kristen.
Jed’s plane is a half hour late, so Rob and Rick head into the airport bar and pass the time!
Between 6:45 and 7:15 it is chaos!! Karen and I had ordered pizzas. Meg Matt crew arrived around 6:45, then Kurt left with Karen to pick up the pizzas. As soon as they left Rob and Rick returned with Jed. Five minutes later, Rand’s crew arrived and then things got really wild as the two boys had had an exciting day and were pretty wound up! Basically a HOT humid evening inside or outside with lots of energy expended, especially by Kurt, Meg, and the boys!
By 9:30 all is quiet. Jed is sleeping downstairs tonight, Rick and I in guest room upstairs.
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| Over the Ohio River and into Pennsylvania!! |
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| Regan and Randy |
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| Meg and some tired, but excited boys! |
WEDNESDAY JUNE 30
SandCastle Water Park
With Luke’s absence, there is an extra ticket for the planned pre-purchased trip to the water park today. Jed asks, “Do you want to take Luke’s place? You like water!” So I am off around 10:30 today to play!
Otherwise up at 6:15 to take some quiet time to catch up. Shower and visiting while waiting for Jed to arise. We ate the last of our breakfast stuff from the trip! (Plus some muffins Karen had frozen in the freezer!
Jed and I leave for the waterpark around 10:20, Jed navigating for me. We arrive in the half hour and then end up waiting for nearly 25 minutes (with car running and AC on!) for the other half (with our tickets!) to arrive!
Sand Castle is set on a long strip of land between railroad tracks and the
Monongehala River. A nice blend of kiddie areas, tube slides, enclosed slides, chute slides, wave pool, lazy river, etc. Jaxon was raring to go when he realized he was tall enough for about everything! Patty set up camp with Weston at the splash pool and off we went! I haven’t been to a water park in years! I have no pictures because I left my phone in the locker for security purposes and then we got shut down before I got it out to play cameraman!
Well...we got about an hour and a half of good fun in before the siren sounded and everyone had to get out of the water. Then I could hear the thunder. I was at the complete opposite end of the park on the lazy river. By the time I walked back, met up with the group, and Jed and I walked back up to get something to eat, the lightning was overhead and thunder roaring. As we waited in a drink line, one bolt lit up the sky RIGHT above us – a little scary. Then moments later the skies opened and a torrential rain fell! Cold water! We huddled under the little overhang at the booth (who had closed!) Eventually Rachael found us and we got back to the others and all went to the Cabana under a large cover to wait. Skies seemed to begin to clear, but then more lightning in distance. Finally a security guy from the park came around and told everyone they were shutting park down, get your rainchecks!
The raincheck proved a long wait as a couple groups in front of us had failed to retain their ticket stub and the raincheck window was technically OUTSIDE the entry gate so proof was needed. Not the best system….
A wet drive home as another heavy rainfall fell. But safely back to the house by 2:30ish.
Afternoon quiet (after a good warm shower!) as only Matt is here with Rob and Karen. Rick had taken a walk. Get notice from Luke that plane is half hour late but he is on it! Rick and Jed leave around 6 to pick him up, Jed again the navigator! Karen orders Asian dinners for us all (Pad thai for me!) and Rob picks up Kristen when he gets our meal. Good dinner! Airport run complete around 8:30 and all the Rembolds are finally in Pittsburgh!
In bed by 10:30. Raining more. Flash flood warnings.
THURSDAY July 1
A relatively calm day!! Quiet morning. We did laundry. Planned out a service for Friday for Mom (Luke, Rick, and I) Sent service to Rob and Ran for review. Went to grocery store with Karen to purchase food for dinner. I was making lasagna (well, Mrs Stouffer was cooking), bread, and salad. Luke went with us to cash in his birthday lottery ticket from Rob ($500!!!) Kristen was here for awhile working on a wreath to place on the headstones. Walked down to school later in afternoon and joined the boys briefly who had been playing with Jed’s mini frisbee (VERY mini!) Cooked dinner and made salad.
The crew from Meg’s didn’t arrive until 6:30 and THEN things got lively!! We all sat around the dining table – food disappeared very quickly, but the laughter, banter, and general noise lasted much longer! Kurt is a hoot and can stir things up fast! Fun to watch Matt and Meg together.
After all left around 9 and kitchen cleaned up, we invited Karen to join us for a game of Spite and Malice. She picked it up quickly and three rounds later we stopped for the night with Karen in the lead!
It rained til late morning, and one burst again in the afternoon, but Rand’s gang managed to get a good day in at Kennywood Amusement Park with Patty’s side of the family!
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| Luke, Meg, and Matt |
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| Luke, Meg, Matt, Kristen, Kurt, Jed (half of him anyway!) |
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| Meg demonstrates how to finish a bag of chips |
FRIDAY, June 2
Mom’s Memorial Service
Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Jackson Center
As I write this morning, the day after, I rejoice in all that transpired yesterday. We all left Rob’s around 11:30 for the hour plus drive up to Jackson Center, Mom’s birthplace, and the location of the grave in little Pleasant Hill Cemetery, dotted with Robson and Clark gravesites. We passed through a couple of rain storms enroute, but after a very light rain as we arrived, the clouds parted, blue sky poked through between, and the sun even came through at times! THANK YOU GOD!
A group of twenty gathered – a highlight was to see Kyle drive in with his step-grandfather, Rod, the youngest Rembold brother. Denise and her husband Rich also came. We deliberately, partially because of Covid, kept the service small to immediate family. Mom’s sister Edwina and brother Tom and wife Betty did not make the trip due to health and age. So present in addition to Rod’s family, were Randy, Patty, Regan and the boys, and Rachael, Rob, Karen, Matt & Kristen, Megan & Kurt, and the four of us.
We began with a corporate saying of the 23rd Psalm, Matt said an opening prayer, Rob basically gave a brief obit and comments, then Rand and Rod. Then grandchildren, daughters-in-law all spoke. It was a time for a few tears plus a few giggles and laughter. Rick and Luke wrapped it up and we ended with the Lord’s Prayer.
Mom’s urn was a beautiful cobalt blue with an etched white rose. It seemed a shame to bury, but many turned a shovel of dirt into the hole to end the ceremony.
Then the half hour drive up to Greenville and the restaurant bar next door to Cianci’s Hotel, where Rob had made arrangements for a private buffet prior to their 4pm opening. It worked out perfectly! Chicken parmesan, meatballs, and pasta, plus rolls and a salad. Drinks from the bar. We gathered around 3 tables. Rick, Jed, and I enjoyed conversation with Denise and Rich. A few group photos at the end which were nearly impossible to negotiate!
On the drive back down to Pittsburgh, we stopped to purchase more groceries, arriving back at Randy’s around 5:45pm.
An evening of relaxation (?) playing frisbee bochie with the boys out back, watching Pirates on TV, and a few card games, including two more rounds of S&M. (I am ahead by 1 point tonight. Jed and Luke trail. Karen in second!)
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| The whole group together at Cianci's in Greenville Back: Luke, Ginger, Matt, Rich, Kyle, Denise, Regan, Patty, Rachael with Weston, Kurt, Randy, Kristen; Front: Rod, Rick, Jed, Jaxon, Megan, Karen, Rob |
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| The Grandkids and Great Grands |
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| The Rembold Brothers: Randy, Rod, Rick, Rob |
SATURDAY July 3
This should be a lively morning, as the ABQ gang is arriving around 9 to drop off the ‘boys’ while the gals meet with Patty’s family to go shopping at the outlet mall north of town. Rob and Karen went and got ‘kiddie’ snacks last night to be prepared, as well as making up a batch of scotcheroos. (How in the world did we celebrate Mom yesterday without her famous Krispee delights?)
Ran arrives with the boys around 9:15. Shortly after, Rick, Jed, Luke, and I take them on a walk down to the schools and the playgrounds there. Great climbing gear, but sadly, no swings. (I am wondering if swings are now too dangerous to have on school grounds?) Weston lasted an hour and extensive running and climbing, mostly with Rick as his guide! I took one lap of the track area, and then Jaxon, Jed, and Luke played a game of frisbee soccer, trading off as goalees to attempt to score with the frisbee! Jaxon has been listening pretty well to Luke’s coaching and his frisbee technique is improving!
Rick and Weston returned to the house, but we went in search of the ‘other’ playground at the new school. Wow! Padded area with tent shading. NICE! Jed began to devise ‘obstacle courses’ with the three of us competing. Needless to say, I did one and said that’s enough! Jaxon and Luke did three more! Mister clever Jed was pretty creative! We headed back to house around noon
Afternoon fairly chaotic...Matt and Kristen dropped by and the gals returned from their shopping trip to Grove City mall (disappointed in lack of sales!) Boys were wound up and attempting to wrestle with everyone!
But….around 4:30 or so the house emptied! Matt and Kristen are leaving in the morning (will be by to say goodbye) and Rand’s group off to find dinner before taking in the fireworks down near them. Rob and Karen out to dinner with just their kids! So….we stayed home! Ordered Chinese – Rick and Jed picked it up! We had thought we might drive down to join Rand’s, but our energy and motivation ebbed. Stayed home for some more fribochee and two rounds of 6Nmmtz (Jed’s crazy German game!) Nice evening!
SUNDAY JULY 4
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA! (and Dad!)
A relatively quiet celebration! Luke and Jed found a mini golf course nearby, so we all packed up as a family of four and headed over around 11. I commented it was probably the first time I had played mini golf on a Sunday morning! Luke was treating with his lottery winnings! The course was one of the higher ranked in the state – and worthy of the honor! Set along a creek with cliffs above that reminded me of Wisconsin Dells, you could take a tour of the world in its holes – farms, beaches, the Orient, deep woods, pirates, you name it! One fun hole with a roulette wheel – your score was wherever the ball fell! I had a 0 on that hole!
A stop for treats at Wendy’s (it had gotten VERY hot and humid golfing!) for treats and I ran into JoAnn’s to pick up more NP plastic canvas. Then Giant Eagle for corn and watermelon! We are BBQing tonight!
Back around 3 for a very lazy afternoon! Megan and Kurt arrive around 6 – and we dine on burgers, dogs, corn, baked beans, and watermelon! Fun time. Evening spent on back deck until dusk (and firework noise really picked up scaring Stella) just chatting. Luke and I spent a little time with the fireflies as they emerged at dusk. We opted to watch the fireworks displays on TV rather than fight the traffic!!
MONDAY JULY 5
Water Parks and Ball Games!
Things are winding down for our visit, but one last day to PLAY! Boys head back over to SandCastle Waterpark to join Rand’s family – using the rainchecks we got
last week! Luke gets to go this time!
Rick and I do a little planning, considerable chilling (hot humid day), and I take a walk at the nearby cemetery with Karen. Pretty place to get in a few steps.
But the highlight of the day was the Pirate ballgame. We splurged and got tickets in a special section that had air conditioning inside if you desired. We ate inside that area prior to the game! Padded seats, all wiped clean by the attendant as you arrived! Home plate positioned seats with a GREAT view of the cityscape behind the outfield. The Roberto Clemente bridge spans the Allegheny River in the background. Our seats were right next to a couple of gals (from California!) who have a goal to attend a game in EVERY major league park. Tonight was #28. Flying to Houston in the morning. (This has been spread out over several seasons!)
After a poor start (5 pitches into the game and two hits we were already behind 1-0) but our pitcher settled down and the Braves were shut out the rest of the night, with at least a dozen strikeouts. Three double plays to end innings with runners on base really helped the cause! And midway through the Pirate bats started banging out the homeruns and hits! It was exciting! Final score? 11-1 victory!! Just good proof you should not give up in the first inning!!
Home late….after 11pm.
TUESDAY, July 6
Packing up...Boys to airport
A VERY laid back day!! Hot and humid as we begin to make preparations for departures. Boys take off for school for an hour around noon to frisbee some kinks out before long flights. Karen makes up a great pasta salad for a 2pm dinner, prior to our 3pm departure for the Pittsburgh airport. Jed flies out on Alaska at 6:30 and Luke on Southwest at 6:55. We get texts from both they boarded on time – finally flights that go as scheduled! (Luke also got word from Southwest that he had a $200 voucher due to his cancellations on the flight to Pittsburgh).
Rick and I got the car all packed up ready for a quick get away in the morning. Said our goodbyes and gratitudes to Rob and Karen before going to bed. ...
Wednesday
July 7
Pittsburgh PA to Galesburg IL
645 miles
….and our getaway WAS early! Up around 5:50am and out of the house by 6:15 am. Quick stop at a 7-11 for coffee. We decided we were early enough to brave staying on the main freeway and going through downtown and the Fort Pitt Tunnel to get on I-79 South toward Washington PA and our rendezvous with I-70. (Other than Bypasses around major cities, we will follow I-70 to I-74 to I-80 to I-84 and HOME!)
Smoothly on our way and I realized that an hour into our travels we have been in three states already! PA, WV, and OH! Just two more to go for the day, but that will take us another 9 hours!
But all goes fairly smoothly. I drive for a couple of stretches, leaving Rick with the big city by-passes, especially Indianapolis. But while I am driving we are again detoured off I-70 east of Indianapolis, this time following Hwy 38 which is north of the freeway. We end up in the town of Pendleton and I stop at a Wendy’s, both for a bathroom break, a driver change, and what ends up dinner! Then a new route on the north side of the city! I’m not sure it was any shorter, but we missed some traffic and chaos!
Thankful for the time change today as we got to set the clock back an hour crossing the Indiana-Illinois border. Tomorrow we be ALL Central Time Zone.
We find (with a little trouble) our Quality Inn in Galesburg, get registered, and then hit the fitness room briefly. I walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes, Rick does some weights and then finds a pedal missing from the stationary bike. Typical of much of this CHOICE hotel – it is a little weary. Carpet very worn in hallway, just not top rate. But they are serving breakfast which is good.
A few drops of rain as we arrived, but overall the storm we saw to the west mostly moved north of us.
THURSDAY July 8
Galesburg IL to North Platte
637 miles
Another LONG day of driving, but with no time gain today! However, we are able to start out the day WITHOUT the AC on in the car – it was only 64 leaving Galesburg!
I-74 heads due north out of Galesburg toward Daveport IL and our crossing of the Mississippi River. Then it is nearly 300 miles across Iowa – lands of one corn field after another, scattered with a few soybean acres. We stop shortly after entering the state at a Pilot for gas and discover a fun car ornament for Zach and Jess and baby Harper (soon to arrive!)
Around noonish we cross the Missouri and into Nebraska. Another stop for gas and a quick bite from our stash as we head on down the highway. We realize as we cross Nebraska that it is 450 miles across. Won’t make all that today, but we did log over 600 again. We opted to push on for another 45 miles to North Platte. Will make it possible to reach Evanston tomorrow, and an ‘easy’ 500 mile day on Saturday.
Rodeway Inn at Exit 177 for the night and a meal at Applebee’s! I had thoughts of visiting the Buffalo Bill Cody Trading Post after dinner and walking back to the hotel, but it was still 98 degrees outside with a stiff wind blowing – the combination made it feel like we were in a blast furnace. AC in the room felt good.
Friday July 9
North Platte NE to Evanston WY
577 miles
Another day, another 600 miles (almost!) We are up again at 5:45am and on the road shortly after 6:30, breakfast eaten at the hotel. And, within about 30 miles, we turn the clock back an hour!! Suddenly it is 5:45am! I did try taking a sunrise picture through the side mirror!
Rick drove all the way to just past Laramie WY...mostly because we didn’t like the gas prices we found in eastern Wyoming. We had stopped shortly after leaving North Platte to fill up, but planned to get more in Laramie. We now realize prices soared about 30 cents while we have been gone! Ouch! I had a cheap station located in Laramie, but when we got there the line was massive! (It was selling at $2.83!) So Rick pulled over at the side of the freeway in a truck parking area and we switched drivers...he had been at the wheel for 285 miles! We eventually found a Walmart with gas in Rawlins and filled up there for a respectable $3.37 (good, considering the others were all in the $3.60 range!) When you only have a 10 gallon tank and get nearly 50 miles to the gallon, it doesn’t matter quite as much!
Countryside eventually changed from prairie to grasslands to rocky bluffs. LOTS (thousands?) of wind turbines in eastern Wyoming, some still on hillsides with the grasshoppers oil drills still working.
Finally into Evanston by 2:45pm – we made good time, altho the hour change helped! Discovered upon arrival that I had mistakenly reserved a room for LAST night. We’d been charged as a no-show to the tune of $95. OUCH!! I was chastizing myself, but the manager finally gave us a discount at least for tonight’s room. Will end up being a $55-60 mistake. But...we did get a room! And the hotel is running full.
We walked across the highway to the Flying J/Subway and bought our anniversary dinner to go! Splurge! But, I tried the ‘bowl’ for a change (basically the sandwich without the bread) and really liked it.
Quiet evening. We will continue our 5:45 rising tomorrow, stop at Winco enroute home, and delight in HOME for awhile!
PS. Evanston is also in the 90’s with a 20-30 mph wind blowing! (But looking ahead, so is Baker City!) Thank God for AC!!
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| A view out the side mirror as the sun rises |
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| Leaving Nebraska - Entering Wyoming - Wind Turbines! |
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| Rock formations between Cheyenne and Laramie |
Saturday July 10
Evanston WY to HOME!!!
315 miles
We are both ready to be home! Up once again at 5:45, and on the road by 6:45. It is delightfully cool (car registers 46 when we get in) this morning. Quick gas up at the Flying J – ignoring the $3.65 price. It isn’t going to get much better! And this way we don’t have to stop in the Salt Lake City congestion. We could ALMOST make it home on one tank, but that would be pushing it past the gas light!
The rising sun is pretty on the rocks and formations as we drop down into Ogden. I have Rick’s camera out so can actually take a few quick photos.
We CRUISED today! Encountered considerable smoke in the skies crossing Idaho, but for once it was almost a tailwind instead of the usual head wind. There are fires burning throughout the west (along with the record heat wave) and the smoke blocks all views of the Idaho mountains.
We pull into Waremart, Ontario, around 1pm – just 6 plus hours for the 440 miles! Divide and conquer in the store and 45 minutes later we walk out (and $190 poorer!)
My usual welcome home photo of the Baker Valley from the top of Pleasant Hill is a smoke filled haze. You can BARELY make out the outline shadow of the Elkhorns. Home at 2:16pm (happily having crossed one more time zone to set the clock back for the last time!) Shortly after, I get the text from Zach that baby Harper arrived at 2:18….she indeed waited until we were home to make her appearance!
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| Above 3 photos: All taken between Evanston and Ogden |
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| Look closely...the mountain shadow is hard to see in the smoke filled skies! |
THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!
Total miles for trip: 5194
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